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[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/153,139, entitled “Delivery of Compounds for the Treatment of Parkinsons Through an Inhalation Route,” filed May 20, 2002, Rabinowitz and Zaffaroni; which claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/294,203 entitled “Thermal Vapor Delivery of Drugs,” filed May 24, 2001, Rabinowitz and Zaffaroni, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. This application further claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/317,479 entitled “Aerosol Drug Delivery,” filed Sep. 5, 2001, Rabinowitz and Zaffaroni, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the delivery of compounds for the treatment of Parkinsons through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing antiparkinsons drugs that are used in inhalation therapy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are a number of compositions currently marketed for the treatment of Parkinsons. The compositions contain at least one active ingredient that provides for observed therapeutic effects. Among the active ingredients given in such antiparkinsons compositions are benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine and deprenyl.
[0004] It is desirable to provide a new route of administration for antiparkinsons drugs that rapidly produces peak plasma concentrations of the compounds. The provision of such a route is an object of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates to the delivery of compounds for the treatment of Parkinsons through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing antiparkinsons drugs that are used in inhalation therapy.
[0006] In a composition aspect of the present invention, the aerosol comprises particles comprising at least 5 percent by weight of an antiparkinsons drug. Preferably, the particles comprise at least 10 percent by weight of an antiparkinsons drug. More preferably, the particles comprise at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of an antiparkinson drug.
[0007] Typically, the aerosol has a mass of at least 10 μg. Preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 100 μg. More preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 0.200 μg.
[0008] Typically, the particles comprise less than 10 percent by weight of antiparkinson drug degradation products. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 5 percent by weight of antiparkinson drug degradation products. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 2.5, 1, 0.5, 0.1 or 0.03 percent by weight of antiparkinson drug degradation products.
[0009] Typically, the particles comprise less than 90 percent by weight of water. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 80 percent by weight of water. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 70 percent, 60 percent, 50 percent, 40 percent, 30 percent, 20 percent, 10 percent, or 5 percent by weight of water.
[0010] Typically, at least 50 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form, wherein crystalline forms make up less than 50 percent by weight of the total aerosol weight, regardless of the nature of individual particles. Preferably, at least 75 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form. More preferably, at least 90 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form.
[0011] Typically, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10 6 particles/mL. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10 7 particles/mL or 10 8 particles/mL.
[0012] Typically, the aerosol particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 5 microns. Preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 3 microns. More preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 2 or 1 micron(s).
[0013] Typically, the geometric standard deviation around the mass median aerodynamic diameter of the aerosol particles is less than 3.0. Preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.5. More preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.3.
[0014] Typically, the aerosol is formed by heating a composition containing an antiparkinson drug to form a vapor and subsequently allowing the vapor to condense into an aerosol.
[0015] In another composition aspect of the present invention, the aerosol comprises particles comprising at least 5 percent by weight of benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl. Preferably, the particles comprise at least 10 percent by weight of benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl. More preferably, the particles comprise at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl.
[0016] Typically, the aerosol has a mass of at least 10 μg. Preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 100 μg. More preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 200 μg.
[0017] Typically, the particles comprise less than 10 percent by weight of benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl degradation products. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 5 percent by weight of benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl degradation products. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 2.5, 1, 0.5, 0.1 or 0.03 percent by weight of benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl degradation products.
[0018] Typically, the particles comprise less than 90 percent by weight of water. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 80 percent by weight of water. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 70 percent, 60 percent, 50 percent, 40 percent, 30 percent, 20 percent, 10 percent, or 5 percent by weight of water.
[0019] Typically, at least 50 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form, wherein crystalline forms make up less than 50 percent by weight of the total aerosol weight, regardless of the nature of individual particles. Preferably, at least 75 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form. More preferably, at least 90 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form.
[0020] Typically, where the aerosol comprises benzotropine, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.1 mg/L and 4 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.2 mg/L and 3 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.3 mg/L and 2 mg/L.
[0021] Typically, where the aerosol comprises pergolide, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.01 mg/L and 2.5 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.02 mg/L and 1 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.05 mg/L and 0.5 mg/L.
[0022] Typically, where the aerosol comprises ropinerole, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.02 mg/L and 4 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.04 mg/L and 2 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.10 mg/L and 1.0 mg/L.
[0023] Typically, where the aerosol comprises amantadine, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 5 mg/L and 500 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 10 mg/L and 200 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 20 mg/L and 150 mg/L.
[0024] Typically, where the aerosol comprises deprenyl, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.5 mg/L and 12.5 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 1 mg/L and 10 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 2 mg/L and 7.5 mg/L.
[0025] Typically, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 106 particles/mL. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 107 particles/mL or 108 particles/mL.
[0026] Typically, the aerosol particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 5 microns. Preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 3 microns. More preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 2 or 1 micron(s).
[0027] Typically, the geometric standard deviation around the mass median aerodynamic diameter of the aerosol particles is less than 3.0. Preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.5. More preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.3.
[0028] Typically, the aerosol is formed by heating a composition containing benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl to form a vapor and subsequently allowing the vapor to condense into an aerosol.
[0029] In a method aspect of the present invention, an antiparkinson drug is delivered to a mammal through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises at least 5 percent by weight of an antiparkinson drug, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles, which is inhaled by the mammal. Preferably, the composition that is heated comprises at least 10 percent by weight of an antiparkinson drug. More preferably, the composition comprises at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of an antiparkinson drug.
[0030] Typically, the particles comprise at least 5 percent by weight of an antiparkinson drug. Preferably, the particles comprise at least 10 percent by weight of an antiparkinson drug. More preferably, the particles comprise at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of an antiparkinson drug.
[0031] Typically, the condensation aerosol has a mass of at least 10 μg. Preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 100 μg. More preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 200 μ.
[0032] Typically, the particles comprise less than 10 percent by weight of antiparkinson drug degradation products. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 5 percent by weight of antiparkinson drug degradation products. More preferably, the particles comprise 2.5, 1, 0.5, 0.1 or 0.03 percent by weight of antiparkinson drug degradation products.
[0033] Typically, the particles comprise less than 90 percent by weight of water. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 80 percent by weight of water. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 70 percent, 60 percent, 50 percent, 40 percent, 30 percent, 20 percent, 10 percent, or 5 percent by weight of water.
[0034] Typically, at least 50 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form, wherein crystalline forms make up less than 50 percent by weight of the total aerosol weight, regardless of the nature of individual particles. Preferably, at least 75 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form. More preferably, at least 90 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form.
[0035] Typically, the particles of the delivered condensation aerosol have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 5 microns. Preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 3 microns. More preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 2 or 1 micron(s).
[0036] Typically, the geometric standard deviation around the mass median aerodynamic diameter of the aerosol particles is less than 3.0. Preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.5. More preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.3.
[0037] Typically, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10 6 particles/mL. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10 7 particles/mL or 10 8 particles/mL.
[0038] Typically, the rate of inhalable aerosol particle formation of the delivered condensation aerosol is greater than 10 8 particles per second. Preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 10 9 inhalable particles per second. More preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 10 10 inhalable particles per second.
[0039] Typically, the delivered condensation aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 0.5 mg/second. Preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 0.75 mg/second. More preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 1 mg/second, 1.5 mg/second or 2 mg/second.
[0040] Typically, the delivered condensation aerosol results in a peak plasma concentration of an antiparkinson drug in the mammal in less than 1 h. Preferably, the peak plasma concentration is reached in less than 0.5 h. More preferably, the peak plasma concentration is reached in less than 0.2, 0.1, 0.05, 0.02, 0.01, or 0.005 h (arterial measurement).
[0041] In another method aspect of the present invention, one of benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl is delivered to a mammal through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises at least 5 percent by weight of benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles, which is inhaled by the mammal. Preferably, the composition that is heated comprises at least 10 percent by weight of benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl. More preferably, the composition comprises at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl.
[0042] Typically the particles comprise at least 5 percent by weight of benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl. Preferably, the particles comprise at least 10 percent by weight of benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl. More preferably, the particles comprise at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl.
[0043] Typically, the condensation aerosol has a mass of at least 10 μg. Preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 100 μg. More preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 200 μg.
[0044] Typically, the particles comprise less than 10 percent by weight of benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl degradation products. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 5 percent by weight of benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl degradation products. More preferably, the particles comprise 2.5, 1, 0.5, 0.1 or 0.03 percent by weight of benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl degradation products.
[0045] Typically, the particles comprise less than 90 percent by weight of water. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 80 percent by weight of water. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 70 percent, 60 percent, 50 percent, 40 percent, 30 percent, 20 percent, 10 percent, or 5 percent by weight of water.
[0046] Typically, at least 50 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form, wherein crystalline forms make up less than 50 percent by weight of the total aerosol weight, regardless of the nature of individual particles. Preferably, at least 75 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form. More preferably, at least 90 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form.
[0047] Typically, the particles of the delivered condensation aerosol have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 5 microns. Preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 3 microns. More preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 2 or 1 micron(s).
[0048] Typically, the geometric standard deviation around the mass median aerodynamic diameter of the aerosol particles is less than 3.0. Preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.5. More preferably, the geometric standard deviation is less than 2.3.
[0049] Typically, where the aerosol comprises benzotropine, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.1 mg/L and 4 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.2 mg/L and 3 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.3 mg/L and 2 mg/L.
[0050] Typically, where the aerosol comprises pergolide, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.01 mg/L and 2.5 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.02 mg/L and 1 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.05 mg/L and 0.5 mg/L.
[0051] Typically, where the aerosol comprises ropinerole, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.02 mg/L and 4 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.04 mg/L and 2 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.10 mg/L and 1.0 mg/L.
[0052] Typically, where the aerosol comprises amantadine, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 5 mg/L and 500 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 10 mg/L and 200 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 20 mg/L and 150 mg/L.
[0053] Typically, where the aerosol comprises deprenyl, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.5 mg/L and 12.5 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 1 mg/L and 10 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 2 mg/L and 7.5 mg/L.
[0054] Typically, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10 6 particles/mL. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10 7 particles/mL or 10 8 particles/mL.
[0055] Typically, the rate of inhalable aerosol particle formation of the delivered condensation aerosol is greater than 10 8 particles per second. Preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 10 9 inhalable particles per second. More preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 10 10 inhalable particles per second.
[0056] Typically, the delivered condensation aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 0.5 mg/second. Preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 0.75 mg/second. More preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 1 mg/second, 1.5 mg/second or 2 mg/second.
[0057] Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises benzotropine, between 0.1 mg and 4 mg of benzotropine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 0.2 mg and 3 mg of benzotropine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 0.3 mg and 2 mg of benzotropine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration.
[0058] Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises pergolide, between 0.01 mg and 2.5 mg of pergolide are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 0.02 mg and 1 mg of pergolide are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 0.05 mg and 0.5 mg of pergolide are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration.
[0059] Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises ropinerole, between 0.02 mg and 4 mg of ropinerole are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 0.04 mg and 2 mg of ropinerole are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 0.1 mg and 1.0 mg of ropinerole are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration.
[0060] Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises amantadine, between 5 mg and 500 mg of amantadine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 10 mg and 200 mg of amantadine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 20 mg and 150 mg of amantadine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration.
[0061] Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises deprenyl, between 0.5 mg and 12.5 mg of deprenyl are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 1 mg and 10 mg of deprenyl are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 2 mg and 7.5 mg of deprenyl are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration.
[0062] Typically, the delivered condensation aerosol results in a peak plasma concentration of benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl in the mammal in less than 1 h. Preferably, the peak plasma concentration is reached in less than 0.5 h. More preferably, the peak plasma concentration is reached in less than 0.2, 0.1, 0.05, 0.02, 0.01, or 0.005 h (arterial measurement).
[0063] In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering an antiparkinson through an inhalation route to a mammal is provided which comprises: a) a composition comprising at least 5 percent by weight of an antiparkinson drug; and, b) a device that forms an antiparkinson drug aerosol from the composition, for inhalation by the mammal. Preferably, the composition comprises at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of an antiparkinson drug.
[0064] Typically, the device contained in the kit comprises: a) an element for heating the antiparkinson drug composition to form a vapor; b) an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol; and, c) an element permitting the mammal to inhale the aerosol.
[0065] In another kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl through an inhalation route to a mammal is provided which comprises: a) a composition comprising at least 5 percent by weight of benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl; and, b) a device that forms a benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl aerosol from the composition, for inhalation by the mammal. Preferably, the composition comprises at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl.
[0066] Typically, the device contained in the kit comprises: a) an element for heating the benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl composition to form a vapor; b) an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol; and, c) an element permitting the mammal to inhale the aerosol.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE
[0067] [0067]FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a device used to deliver antiparkinson drug aerosols to a mammal through an inhalation route.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0068] Definitions
[0069] “Aerodynamic diameter” of a given particle refers to the diameter of a spherical droplet with a density of 1 g/mL (the density of water) that has the same settling velocity as the given particle.
[0070] “Aerosol” refers to a suspension of solid or liquid particles in a gas.
[0071] “Aerosol drug mass density” refers to the mass of an antiparkinson drug per unit volume of aerosol.
[0072] “Aerosol mass density” refers to the mass of particulate matter per unit volume of aerosol.
[0073] “Aerosol particle density” refers to the number of particles per unit volume of aerosol.
[0074] “Amantadine” refers to tricylo[3.3.1.1 3,7 ]decan- 1 -amine.
[0075] “Amantadine degradation product” refers to a compound resulting from a chemical modification of amantadine. The modification, for example, can be the result of a thermally or photochemically induced reaction. Such reactions include, without limitation, oxidation and hydrolysis. An example of a degradation product is nitroso-adamantane.
[0076] “Amorphous particle” refers to a particle that does not contain more than 50 percent by weight of a crystalline form. Preferably, the particle does not contain more than 25 percent by weight of a crystalline form. More preferably, the particle does not contain more than 10 percent by weight of a crystalline form.
[0077] “Antiparkinson drug degradation product” refers to a compound resulting from a chemical modification of an antiparkinson drug. The modification, for example, can be the result of a thermally or photochemically induced reaction. Such reactions include, without limitation, oxidation and hydrolysis.
[0078] “Benzotropine” refers to 3-(diphenylmethoxy)-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]-octane.
[0079] “Benzotropine degradation product” refers to a compound resulting from a chemical modification of benzotropine. The modification, for example, can be the result of a thermally or photochemically induced reaction. Such reactions include, without limitation, oxidation and hydrolysis.
[0080] “Condensation aerosol” refers to an aerosol formed by vaporization of a substance followed by condensation of the substance into an aerosol.
[0081] “Deprenyl” refers to ®-(−)-N,2-dimethyl-N-2-propynylphenethylamine.
[0082] “Deprenyl degradation product” refers to a compound resulting from a chemical modification of deprenyl. The modification, for example, can be the result of a thermally or photochemically induced reaction. Such reactions include, without limitation, oxidation and hydrolysis.
[0083] “Inhalable aerosol drug mass density” refers to the aerosol drug mass density produced by an inhalation device and delivered into a typical patient tidal volume.
[0084] “Inhalable aerosol mass density” refers to the aerosol mass density produced by an inhalation device and delivered into a typical patient tidal volume.
[0085] “Inhalable aerosol particle density” refers to the aerosol particle density of particles of size between 100 nm and 5 microns produced by an inhalation device and delivered into a typical patient tidal volume.
[0086] “Mass median aerodynamic diameter” or “MMAD” of an aerosol refers to the aerodynamic diameter for which half the particulate mass of the aerosol is contributed by particles with an aerodynamic diameter larger than the MMAD and half by particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than the MMAD.
[0087] “Pergolide” refers to 8-[(methylthio)methyl]-6-propylergoline.
[0088] “Pergolide degradation product” refers to a compound resulting from a chemical modification of pergolide. The modification, for example, can be the result of a thermally or photochemically induced reaction. Such reactions include, without limitation, oxidation and hydrolysis. An example of a degradation product is 3-nitrophthalic acid.
[0089] “Rate of aerosol formation” refers to the mass of aerosolized particulate matter produced by an inhalation device per unit time.
[0090] “Rate of inhalable aerosol particle formation” refers to the number of particles of size between 100 nm and 5 microns produced by an inhalation device per unit time.
[0091] “Rate of drug aerosol formation” refers to the mass of aerosolized antiparkinson drug produced by an inhalation device per unit time.
[0092] “Ropinerole” refers to 4-[2-(dipropylamino)-ethyl]-1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one.
[0093] “Ropinerole degradation product” refers to a compound resulting from a chemical modification of ropinerole. The modification, for example, can be the result of a thermally or photochemically induced reaction. Such reactions include, without limitation, oxidation and hydrolysis.
[0094] “Settling velocity” refers to the terminal velocity of an aerosol particle undergoing gravitational settling in air.
[0095] “Typical patient tidal volume” refers to 1 L for an adult patient and 15 mL/kg for a pediatric patient.
[0096] “Vapor” refers to a gas, and “vapor phase” refers to a gas phase. The term “thermal vapor” refers to a vapor phase, aerosol, or mixture of aerosol-vapor phases, formed preferably by heating.
Formation of Antiparkinson Drug Containing Aerosols
[0097] Any suitable method is used to form the aerosols of the present invention. A preferred method, however, involves heating a composition comprising an antiparkinson drug to form a vapor, followed by cooling of the vapor such that it condenses to provide an antiparkinson drug comprising aerosol (condensation aerosol). The composition is heated in one of four forms: as pure active compound (e.g., pure benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl); as a mixture of active compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient; as a salt form of the pure active compound; and, as a mixture of active compound salt form and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
[0098] Salt forms of antiparkinson drugs (e.g., benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine or deprenyl) are either commercially available or are obtained from the corresponding free base using well known methods in the art. A variety of pharmaceutically acceptable salts are suitable for aerosolization. Such salts include, without limitation, the following: hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, acetic acid, maleic acid, formic acid, and fumaric acid salts.
[0099] Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients may be volatile or nonvolatile. Volatile excipients, when heated, are concurrently volatilized, aerosolized and inhaled with the antiparkinson drug. Classes of such excipients are known in the art and include, without limitation, gaseous, supercritical fluid, liquid and solid solvents. The following is a list of exemplary carriers within the classes: water; terpenes, such as menthol; alcohols, such as ethanol, propylene glycol, glycerol and other similar alcohols; dimethylformamide; dimethylacetamide; wax; supercritical carbon dioxide; dry ice; and mixtures thereof.
[0100] Solid supports on which the composition is heated are of a variety of shapes. Examples of such shapes include, without limitation, cylinders of less than 1.0 mm in diameter, boxes of less than 1.0 mm thickness and virtually any shape permeated by small (e.g., less than 1.0 mm-sized) pores. Preferably, solid supports provide a large surface to volume ratio (e.g., greater than 100 per meter) and a large surface to mass ratio (e.g., greater than 1 cm 2 per gram).
[0101] A solid support of one shape can also be transformed into another shape with different properties. For example, a flat sheet of 0.25 mm thickness has a surface to volume ratio of approximately 8,000 per meter. Rolling the sheet into a hollow cylinder of 1 cm diameter produces a support that retains the high surface to mass ratio of the original sheet but has a lower surface to volume ratio (about 400 per meter).
[0102] A number of different materials are used to construct the solid supports. Classes of such materials include, without limitation, metals, inorganic materials, carbonaceous materials and polymers. The following are examples of the material classes: aluminum, silver, gold, stainless steel, copper and tungsten; silica, glass, silicon and alumina; graphite, porous carbons, carbon yams and carbon felts; polytetrafluoroethylene and polyethylene glycol. Combinations of materials and coated variants of materials are used as well.
[0103] Where aluminum is used as a solid support, aluminum foil is a suitable material. Examples of silica, alumina and silicon based materials include amphorous silica S-5631 (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.), BCR171 (an alumina of defined surface area greater than 2 m 2 /g from Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.) and a silicon wafer as used in the semiconductor industry. Carbon yams and felts are available from American Kynol, Inc., New York, N.Y. Chromatography resins such as octadecycl silane chemically bonded to porous silica are exemplary coated variants of silica.
[0104] The heating of the antiparkinson drug compositions is performed using any suitable method. Examples of methods by which heat can be generated include the following: passage of current through an electrical resistance element; absorption of electromagnetic radiation, such as microwave or laser light; and, exothermic chemical reactions, such as exothermic solvation, hydration of pyrophoric materials and oxidation of combustible materials.
Delivery of Antiparkinson Drug Containing Aerosols
[0105] Antiparkinson drug containing aerosols of the present invention are delivered to a mammal using an inhalation device. Where the aerosol is a condensation aerosol, the device has at least three elements: an element for heating an antiparkinson drug containing composition to form a vapor; an element allowing the vapor to cool, thereby providing a condensation aerosol; and, an element permitting the mammal to inhale the aerosol. Various suitable heating methods are described above. The element that allows cooling is, in it simplest form, an inert passageway linking the heating means to the inhalation means. The element permitting inhalation is an aerosol exit portal that forms a connection between the cooling element and the mammal's respiratory system.
[0106] One device used to deliver the antiparkinson drug containing aerosol is described in reference to FIG. 1. Delivery device 100 has a proximal end 102 and a distal end 104 , a heating module 106 , a power source 108 , and a mouthpiece 110 . An antiparkinson drug composition is deposited on a surface 112 of heating module 106 . Upon activation of a user activated switch 114 , power source 108 initiates heating of heating module 106 (e.g, through ignition of combustible fuel or passage of current through a resistive heating element). The antiparkinson drug composition volatilizes due to the heating of heating module 106 and condenses to form a condensation aerosol prior to reaching the mouthpiece 110 at the proximal end of the device 102 . Air flow traveling from the device distal end 104 to the mouthpiece 110 carries the condensation aerosol to the mouthpiece 110 , where it is inhaled by the mammal.
[0107] Devices, if desired, contain a variety of components to facilitate the delivery of antiparkinson containing aerosols. For instance, the device may include any component known in the art to control the timing of drug aerosolization relative to inhalation (e.g., breath-actuation), to provide feedback to patients on the rate and/or volume of inhalation, to prevent excessive use (i.e., “lock-out” feature), to prevent use by unauthorized individuals, and/or to record dosing histories.
Dosage of Antiparkinson Drug Containing Aerosols
[0108] The dosage amount of antiparkinson drugs in aerosol form is generally no greater than twice the standard dose of the drug given orally. For instance, benzotropine, pergolide, ropinerole, amantadine and deprenyl are given orally at strengths of 0 . 5 mg to 2 mg, 0.05 mg to 1.0 mg, 0.25 mg to 4 mg, 50 mg to 100 mg, and 5 mg respectively for the treatment of Parkinsons. As aerosols, 0.1 mg to 4 mg of benztropine, 0.01 mg to 2.5 mg of pergolide, 0.02 mg to 4 mg of ropinerole, 5 mg to 250 mg of amantadine, and 0.5 mg to 12.5 mg of deprenyl are generally provided per inspiration for the same indication. A typical dosage of an antiparkinson drug aerosol is either administered as a single inhalation or as a series of inhalations taken within an hour or less (dosage equals sum of inhaled amounts). Where the drug is administered as a series of inhalations, a different amount may be delivered in each inhalation.
[0109] One can determine the appropriate dose of antiparkinson drug containing aerosols to treat a particular condition using methods such as animal experiments and a dose-finding (Phase I/II) clinical trial. One animal experiment involves measuring plasma concentrations of drug in an animal after its exposure to the aerosol. Mammals such as dogs or primates are typically used in such studies, since their respiratory systems are similar to that of a human. Initial dose levels for testing in humans is generally less than or equal to the dose in the mammal model that resulted in plasma drug levels associated with a therapeutic effect in humans. Dose escalation in humans is then performed, until either an optimal therapeutic response is obtained or a dose-limiting toxicity is encountered.
Analysis of Antiparkinson Drug Containing Aerosols
[0110] Purity of an antiparkinson drug containing aerosol is determined using a number of methods, examples of which are described in Sekine et al., Journal of Forensic Science 32:1271-1280 (1987) and Martin et al., Journal of Analytic Toxicology 13:158-162 (1989). One method involves forming the aerosol in a device through which a gas flow (e.g., air flow) is maintained, generally at a rate between 0.4 and 60 L/min. The gas flow carries the aerosol into one or more traps. After isolation from the trap, the aerosol is subjected to an analytical technique, such as gas or liquid chromatography, that permits a determination of composition purity.
[0111] A variety of different traps are used for aerosol collection. The following list contains examples of such traps: filters; glass wool; impingers; solvent traps, such as dry ice-cooled ethanol, methanol, acetone and dichloromethane traps at various pH values; syringes that sample the aerosol; empty, low-pressure (e.g., vacuum) containers into which the aerosol is drawn; and, empty containers that fully surround and enclose the aerosol generating device. Where a solid such as glass wool is used, it is typically extracted with a solvent such as ethanol. The solvent extract is subjected to analysis rather than the solid (i.e., glass wool) itself. Where a syringe or container is used, the container is similarly extracted with a solvent.
[0112] The gas or liquid chromatograph discussed above contains a detection system (i.e., detector). Such detection systems are well known in the art and include, for example, flame ionization, photon absorption and mass spectrometry detectors. An advantage of a mass spectrometry detector is that it can be used to determine the structure of antiparkinson drug degradation products.
[0113] Particle size distribution of an antiparkinson drug containing aerosol is determined using any suitable method in the art (e.g., cascade impaction). An Andersen Eight Stage Non-viable Cascade Impactor (Andersen Instruments, Smyrna, GA) linked to a furnace tube by a mock throat (USP throat, Andersen Instruments, Smyrna, Ga.) is one system used for cascade impaction studies.
[0114] Inhalable aerosol mass density is determined, for example, by delivering a drug-containing aerosol into a confined chamber via an inhalation device and measuring the mass collected in the chamber. Typically, the aerosol is drawn into the chamber by having a pressure gradient between the device and the chamber, wherein the chamber is at lower pressure than the device. The volume of the chamber should approximate the tidal volume of an inhaling patient.
[0115] Inhalable aerosol drug mass density is determined, for example, by delivering a drug-containing aerosol into a confined chamber via an inhalation device and measuring the amount of active drug compound collected in the chamber. Typically, the aerosol is drawn into the chamber by having a pressure gradient between the device and the chamber, wherein the chamber is at lower pressure than the device. The volume of the chamber should approximate the tidal volume of an inhaling patient. The amount of active drug compound collected in the chamber is determined by extracting the chamber, conducting chromatographic analysis of the extract and comparing the results of the chromatographic analysis to those of a standard containing known amounts of drug.
[0116] Inhalable aerosol particle density is determined, for example, by delivering aerosol phase drug into a confined chamber via an inhalation device and measuring the number of particles of given size collected in the chamber. The number of particles of a given size may be directly measured based on the light-scattering properties of the particles. Alternatively, the number of particles of a given size is determined by measuring the mass of particles within the given size range and calculating the number of particles based on the mass as follows: Total number of particles=Sum (from size range 1 to size range N) of number of particles in each size range. Number of particles in a given size range=Mass in the size range/Mass of a typical particle in the size range. Mass of a typical particle in a given size range=π*D 3 *φ/6, where D is a typical particle diameter in the size range (generally, the mean boundary MMADs defining the size range) in microns, φis the particle density (in g/mL) and mass is given in units of picograms (g −12).
[0117] Rate of inhalable aerosol particle formation is determined, for example, by delivering aerosol phase drug into a confined chamber via an inhalation device. The delivery is for a set period of time (e.g., 3 s), and the number of particles of a given size collected in the chamber is determined as outlined above. The rate of particle formation is equal to the number of 100 nm to 5 micron particles collected divided by the duration of the collection time.
[0118] Rate of aerosol formation is determined, for example, by delivering aerosol phase drug into a confined chamber via an inhalation device. The delivery is for a set period of time (e.g., 3 s), and the mass of particulate matter collected is determined by weighing the confined chamber before and after the delivery of the particulate matter. The rate of aerosol formation is equal to the increase in mass in the chamber divided by the duration of the collection time. Alternatively, where a change in mass of the delivery device or component thereof can only occur through release of the aerosol phase particulate matter, the mass of particulate matter may be equated with the mass lost from the device or component during the delivery of the aerosol. In this case, the rate of aerosol formation is equal to the decrease in mass of the device or component during the delivery event divided by the duration of the delivery event.
[0119] Rate of drug aerosol formation is determined, for example, by delivering an antiparkinson drug containing aerosol into a confined chamber via an inhalation device over a set period of time (e.g., 3 s). Where the aerosol is pure antiparkinson drug, the amount of drug collected in the chamber is measured as described above. The rate of drug aerosol formation is equal to the amount of antiparkinson drug collected in the chamber divided by the duration of the collection time. Where the antiparkinson drug containing aerosol comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, multiplying the rate of aerosol formation by the percentage of antiparkinson drug in the aerosol provides the rate of drug aerosol formation.
Utility of Antiparkinson Drug Containing Aerosols
[0120] The antiparkinson drug containing aerosols of the present invention are typically used for the treatment of Parkinsons.
[0121] The following examples are meant to illustrate, rather than limit, the present invention.
[0122] Benztropine mesylate, pergolide mesylate and amantadine were purchased from Sigma (www.sigma-aldrich.com). Deprenyl hydrochloride was purchased from Sigma RBI (www.sigma-aldrich.com). Ropinerole hydrochloride was purchased as REQUIP® tablets from a pharmacy. Other antiparkinson drugs can be similarly obtained.
EXAMPLE 1
General Procedure for Obtaining Free Base for a Compound Salt
[0123] Approximately 1 g of salt (e.g., mono hydrochloride) is dissolved in deionized water (˜30 mL). Three equivalents of sodium hydroxide (1 N NaOH aq ) is added dropwise to the solution, and the pH is checked to ensure it is basic. The aqueous solution is extracted four times with dichloromethane (˜50 mL), and the extracts are combined, dried (Na 2 SO 4 ) and filtered. The filtered organic solution is concentrated using a rotary evaporator to provide the desired free base. If necessary, purification of the free base is performed using standard methods such as chromatography or recrystallization.
EXAMPLE 2
General Procedure for Volatilzing Compounds from Halogen Bulb
[0124] A solution of drug in approximately 120 μL dichloromethane is coated on a 3.5 cm×7.5 cm piece of aluminum foil (precleaned with acetone). The dichloromethane is allowed to evaporate. The coated foil is wrapped around a 300 watt halogen tube (Feit Electric Company, Pico Rivera, Calif.), which is inserted into a glass tube sealed at one end with a rubber stopper. Running 90 V of alternating current (driven by line power controlled by a variac) through the bulb for 3.5 s (drug coating of 0.01 mg to 8 mg) or for 5 s (drug coating >8 mg) affords thermal vapor (including aerosol), which is collected on the glass tube walls. Reverse-phase HPLC analysis with detection by absorption of 225 nm light is used to determine the purity of the aerosol. (When desired, the system is flushed through with argon prior to volatilization.) To obtain higher purity aerosols, one can coat a lesser amount of drug, yielding a thinner film to heat. A linear decrease in film thickness is associated with a linear decrease in impurities.
[0125] Table 1, which follows, provides data from drugs volatilized using the above-recited general procedure.
TABLE 1 Compound Aerosol Purity Argon Used Benztropine 98.3% No 99.5% Yes Pergolide 98% No 98% Yes Ropinerole >90% Yes Amantadine 100% No 100% Yes Deprenyl 100% No 97% Yes
EXAMPLE 3
Particle Size, Particle Density, and Rate of Inhalable Particle Formation of Pergolide Aerosol
[0126] A solution of 1.3 mg pergolide in 100 μL dichloromethane was spread out in a thin layer on the central portion of a 3.5 cm×7 cm sheet of aluminum foil. The dichloromethane was allowed to evaporate. The aluminum foil was wrapped around a 300 watt halogen tube, which was inserted into a T-shaped glass tube. Both of the openings of the tube were left open and the third opening was connected to a 1 liter, 3-neck glass flask. The glass flask was further connected to a large piston capable of drawing 1.1 liters of air through the flask. Alternating current was run through the halogen bulb by application of 90 V using a variac connected to 110 V line power. Within 1 s, an aerosol appeared and was drawn into the 1 L flask by use of the piston, with collection of the aerosol terminated after 6 s. The aerosol was analyzed by connecting the 1 L flask to an eight-stage Andersen non-viable cascade impactor. Results are shown in table 1. MMAD of the collected aerosol was 1.8 microns with a geometric standard deviation of 2.2. Also shown in table 1 is the number of particles collected on the various stages of the cascade impactor, given by the mass collected on the stage divided by the mass of a typical particle trapped on that stage. The mass of a single particle of diameter D is given by the volume of the particle, πD 3 /6, multiplied by the density of the drug (taken to be 1 g/cm 3 ). The inhalable aerosol particle density is the sum of the numbers of particles collected on impactor stages 3 to 8 divided by the collection volume of 1 L, giving an inhalable aerosol particle density of 6.7×10 6 particles/mL. The rate of inhalable aerosol particle formation is the sum of the numbers of particles collected on impactor stages 3 through 8 divided by the formation time of 6 s, giving a rate of inhalable aerosol particle formation of 1.1×10 9 particles/second.
TABLE 1 Determination of the characteristics of a pergolide condensation aerosol by cascade impaction using an Andersen 8-stage non-viable cascade impactor run at 1 cubic foot per minute air flow. Mass Particle size Average particle collected Number of Stage range (microns) size (microns) (mg) particles 0 9.0-10.0 9.5 0.01 1.3 × 10 4 1 5.8-9.0 7.4 0.02 7.5 × 10 4 2 4.7-5.8 5.25 0.03 3.6 × 10 5 3 3.3-4.7 4.0 0.06 1.9 × 10 6 4 2.1-3.3 2.7 0.10 9.8 × 10 6 5 1.1-2.1 1.6 0.19 8.8 × 10 7 6 0.7-1.1 0.9 0.09 2.5 × 10 8 7 0.4-0.7 0.55 0.04 4.0 × 10 8 8 0-0.4 0.2 0.03 6.0 × 10 9
EXAMPLE 4
Drug Mass Density and Rate of Drug Aerosol Formation of Pergolide Aerosol
[0127] A solution of 1.0 mg pergolide in 100 μL dichloromethane was spread out in a thin layer on the central portion of a 3.5 cm×7 cm sheet of aluminum foil. The dichloromethane was allowed to evaporate. The aluminum foil was wrapped around a 300 watt halogen tube, which was inserted into a T-shaped glass tube. Both of the openings of the tube were left open and the third opening was connected to a 1 liter, 3-neck glass flask. The glass flask was further connected to a large piston capable of drawing 1.1 liters of air through the flask. Alternating current was run through the halogen bulb by application of 90 V using a variac connected to 110 V line power. Within seconds, an aerosol appeared and was drawn into the 1 L flask by use of the piston, with formation of the aerosol terminated after 6 s. The aerosol was allowed to sediment onto the walls of the 1 L flask for approximately 30 minutes. The flask was then extracted with acetonitrile and the extract analyzed by HPLC with detection by light absorption at 225 nm. Comparison with standards containing known amounts of pergolide revealed that 0.3 mg of >99% pure pergolide had been collected in the flask, resulting in an aerosol drug mass density of 0.3 mg/L. The aluminum foil upon which the pergolide had previously been coated was weighed following the experiment. Of the 1.0 mg originally coated on the aluminum, 1.0 mg of the material was found to have aerosolized in the 6 s time period, implying a rate of drug aerosol formation of 0.2 mg/s. | The present invention relates to the delivery of antiparkinsons drugs through an inhalation route. In a method aspect of the present invention, an antiparkinsons drug is administered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a thin layer of an antiparkinsons drug on a solid support to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% drug degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering an antiparkinsons drug through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a thin coating of a an antiparkinsons drug composition; and, b) a device for dispending said thin coating as a condensation aerosol. | 53,593 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an arrangement and method whereby, in a communications system, resources are allocated to a number of competing resource consumers having preferably different assignment priorities. This is done without requiring a deterministic operating system, such as a real-time operating system, or a defined communications protocol in the form of a handshake protocol. In particular, services of a switching device are assigned via a CTI interface to service features or applications in a decentralized device of the communications system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various interfaces between switching devices and external control computers are known. By way of example, the CSTA, TAPI or JTAPI protocol can be used on a CTI connection (Computer Telephony Integration).
This involves CTI protocols from different manufacturers. The specific meanings of the abbreviations are as follows:
CSTA: Computer Supported Telephony Application. A protocol specified by the ECMA (European Computer Manufacturers Association).
TSAPI: Telephony Services Application Programming Interface, an adaptation of CSTA by Novell.
TAPI: Telephony Application Programming Interface, an interface from Microsoft.
JTAPI: Java Telephony Application Programming Interface. A protocol specified by the ECTF (Enterprise Computer Telephony Forum).
At present, in the case of CTI applications, actions are triggered by event messages on the part of the switching device. The event messages are multiplexed and made available to the relevant applications. These applications either react with services to the event messages or else behave passively. A conflict occurs if a number of mutually competing applications wish to react differently to an event message. In the case of a number of applications running in parallel, with different response times governed by the operating system, principally the following two problems arise:
1. It is not certain that the first application which receives the event message x is also the first application which responds thereto.
2. It cannot be determined in advance when all of the applications have concluded their actions in respect of the event message x, since no acknowledgement mechanism is provided as standard via the CTI interface.
These problems have not been avoided hitherto with the currently known protocols CSTA, TAPI or JTAPI. As a rule, the assignment of resources and resource consumers has been effected deterministically. There are essentially three solution variants that are considered for such deterministic assignment.
First, by using a real-time operating system, it can be ensured that event messages sent first are actually answered first. Prioritizable processing by the resource requesters can be ensured here by the event messages first being delivered to higher-priority resource requestors. In this case, a resource requestor having the lowest priority is the last to receive a corresponding event message.
Prioritizable assignment likewise can be ensured by a handshaking mechanism. In this case, it is assumed that each received event message must be acknowledged by a corresponding potential resource requester. This acknowledgement can be effected either by outputting a resource request or by outputting a simple confirmation of reception. In a solution of this type, a central assignment device collects the acknowledgements. By access to a priority list which is present for the potential resource requestors, a respective resource is then made available to that resource requestor which has the highest priority.
Likewise, it is possible to agree to a fixed time period in which all potential resource requestors have to respond to an event message. After this time period has elapsed, a central resource assignment device can then assume that all resource requests from the individual resource requestors must have arrived. Using a priority list, the resource is then assigned to that resource requestor which has the highest priority. Resource requestors of this type may be, for example, applications or service features.
The above-described alternatives have various disadvantages, however. Temporal sequential processing of event messages and resource requests across process boundaries is not ensured by a standard operating system, for which reason a proprietary solution would have to be chosen. A proprietary solution would likewise have to be used if the intention were for a handshaking mechanism to ensure the prioritization, because no CTI specification contains the requirement that received event messages have to be acknowledged. Adherence to a defined time period as waiting time produces unnecessarily long delays and, moreover, is prone to errors.
The present invention is therefore directed to a method and a arrangement which enable prioritizable assignment of resources requested by competing resource requesters and which do not have the disadvantages described above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the method of to the present invention advantageously affords the security of a handshake method without exhibiting the disadvantages of the numerous messages of a handshake protocol, because after a resource request it is only necessary to interrogate those potential resource requestors which have a higher priority than that resource requestor which has currently output its request. As such, depending on the number of allocated priorities and the number of potential resource requests, a corresponding number of acknowledgement messages are saved.
In another embodiment of the method, a resource request is sent directly to an assignment device because the latter can undertake the comparison of the priorities, (the sending of the interrogations to be acknowledged and the evaluation of the responses). The CTI connection to the switching device is being burdened by the control command for the resource assignment which has been determined by the assignment device as a consequence of its evaluation.
In a further embodiment of the method the message traffic with respect to the individual potential resource requests is controlled by the assignment device and event messages which arrive via the CTI connection from the switching device are duplicated and sent to the individual potential resource requestors. In this way, a defined and resource-sparing message traffic is ensured, without this necessitating additional devices.
In an advantageous manner, the potential resource requesters process the event messages one after the other, for example in a manner effected by a message queue, because this ensures in the system interconnection that, in connection with a response to be acknowledged, a resource request of a higher priority potential resource requestor is output to the assignment device prior to the acknowledgement of the inquiry to be acknowledged.
In another embodiment of the method the resources of a switching system are assigned to service features via a CTI connection because a service-feature server for customary switching devices can be provided in a simple manner, which server permits prioritized processing of service features.
A system having the ability to carry out the method according to the present invention is particularly advantageous because a switching device with a service-feature server is provided in this way, which server permits fast, optimal processing of resource requests without necessitating a real-time operating system or a complete handshake mechanism for its control.
In an embodiment of the system described, a decentralized device is connected to a switching device via a CTI connection, service-feature processes which require resources of the switching device running in the decentralized device. A development of this type enables prioritized service-feature control in a switching device without resulting in an increased message volume via the CTI connection.
In a further embodiment of the system described, individual resource requestors have memories for storing event messages which allow successive processing of these messages by the corresponding processes. This ensures that potential resource requesters, after receiving an inquiry to be acknowledged from the assignment device, output a resource request before they acknowledge the corresponding message.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments and the Drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a message sequence as is shown in the prior art;
FIGS. 2 through 4 show message sequences according to the method of the present invention, in which resources are requested by resource requestors having a different assignment rank level; and
FIG. 5 shows an example of the system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 shows, in a schematic illustration, a switching device PBX, an assignment device LM and individual potential resource requestors PRA 1 to PRA 3 . The assignment device LM contains, for example, one or 5 more priority lists which specify assignment ranks, i.e. priorities of the individual potential resource requesters, in order for messages to be sent first to higher-priority potential resource requestors. By way of example, the switching device PBX and the assignment device LM are connected to one another via a CTI interface and a corresponding connecting line.
A message sequence according to the handshaking method is shown in this example. Such a concept corresponds to the prior art but is not possible with currently available CTI protocols.
As can be discerned, the switching device PBX initially outputs an event message Event x to the resource assignment device LM. The latter sends this message in accordance with the allocated priorities for the potential resource requestors first to PRA 1 , then to PRA 2 and last to PRA 3 , because PRA 3 has the lowest priority. As a reaction to receiving this event message, PRA 3 outputs an assignment request Service 3 Request to the resource assignment device LM. Afterward, PRA 1 acknowledges reception of the event message by Event x received. The reception of this acknowledgement message is interpreted in the resource assignment device LM to the effect that PRA 1 does not require any resources at the moment. After the acknowledgement message just described, a resource request Service 2 Request is issued by the device PRA 2 . Since PRA 1 having the highest priority does not request any resources and PRA 2 having the second-highest priority does require resources, the resource request from PRA 2 and not that from PRA 3 is forwarded by the resource assignment device to the switching device, whereupon the switching device PBX confirms the assignment by Service 2 Ack to the assignment device, which forwards this message to the potential resource requestor PRA 2 . Consequently, the request from PRA 3 is turned down with Service 3 Ack (negative).
FIG. 2 shows an example of resource assignment in accordance with the present invention, and of the associated message traffic. The designations of the messages and of the individual devices should understood to be analogous to FIG. 1 . As a reaction to the event message Event x, PRA 3 requests resources of the switching device PBX with Service 3 Request via the assignment device LM. Subsequently, in evaluation of a priority list which is accessible to the assignment device LM and contains the rank order of PRA 1 to PRA 3 with regard to the assignment of resources of the switching device, an inquiry to be acknowledged, Forced Reply Request, is issued first to PRA 1 having the highest assignment priority. The potential resource requester PRA 1 acknowledges Event x with a resource request Service 1 Request and the inquiry Forced Reply Request with the acknowledgement Forced Reply Ack. The message pair Forced Reply Request and Forced Reply Ack is used by the resource assignment device LM to ascertain whether PRA 1 has sent a resource request Service 1 Request in respect of the Event x. This is not the only possible reaction. Since PRA 1 processes all messages one after the other, the message Service 1 Request must necessarily arrive before the message Forced Reply Ack. LM can thus derive the following conclusions.
If a Service 1 Request arrives before Forced Reply Ack, then PRA 1 is interested in resource allocation.
If no Service 1 Request arrives before Forced Reply Ack, then PRA 1 is not interested in resource allocation.
The resource can, thus, be assigned as required to PRA 2 or PRA 3 .
The resource assignment device LM forwards the resource assignment Service 1 Request to the switching device, which confirms reception of this message with Service 1 Ack to the resource assignment device LM, whereupon the latter once again outputs a message Service 1 Ack to PRA 1 . Since PRA 1 has a higher assignment priority of resources than PRA 3 , in a further step the resource assignment device LM outputs a message Service 3 Ack (negative) to PRA 3 . It can be discerned in this message sequence that, in connection with message traffic of this type, message queues within the potential resource requesters PRA 1 to PRA 3 are advantageous. The following is ensured by the inquiry to be acknowledged (inquiry: Forced Reply Request, acknowledgement: Forced Reply Ack):
If a Service 1 Request arrives before Forced Reply Ack, then PRA 1 is interested in resource allocation.
If no Service 1 Request arrives before Forced Reply Ack, then PRA 1 is not interested in resource allocation.
The resource can, thus, be assigned as required to PRA 2 or PRA 3 .
FIG. 3 shows, in an analogous manner to FIG. 2, the message traffic in a method according to the present invention in the case where the potential resource requester PRA 1 does not require any resources, the potential resource requester PRA 2 likewise not requiring any resources in this case. The higher-priority potential resource requesters PRA 1 and PRA 2 in this case output the acknowledgement messages to the resource assignment device LM. No resource request is made. In this example, the resource request of the low-priority resource requestor PRA 3 can be satisfied by the assignment of resources of the switching device. In general, it should be noted that the response to a message Event x will be ServiceX Request if there is interest in resource assignment. The acknowledgement Forced Reply Ack is always issued in respect of the inquiry Forced Reply Request.
FIG. 4 shows a message traffic in which the potential resource requester PRA 2 responds with a resource assignment inquiry Service 2 Request as a reaction to the event message Event x from the resource assignment device LM. For this reason, a resource request made first by PRA 3 is likewise turned down negatively.
In this case, a message traffic is shown in which PRA 3 , the potential resource requestor having the lowest priority, is the first to register its requirement at LM with Service 3 Request.
However, LM sent the event message to PRA 1 and PRA 2 as well. The latter have not yet answered; for example, for propagation time reasons. LM therefore sends Forced Reply Request first to PRA 1 having the highest priority, and receives only the acknowledgement Forced Reply Ack from PRA 1 as a response. From this LM infers that PRA 1 has not requested a service as a reaction to Event x. LM therefore sends Forced Reply Request to PRA 2 having the second-highest priority and receives Service 2 Request from PRA 2 as a reaction to Event x as a response. LM receives the acknowledgement Forced Reply Ack from PRA 2 . From this LM infers that PRA 2 requested a resource as a reaction to Event x. LM forwards the resource request Service 2 Request from PRA 2 to PBX. LM receives a positive acknowledgement from the switching device PBX and passes this on to PRA 2 LM then acknowledges the resource request Service 3 Request from PRA 3 negatively with Service Ack (negative), since the resource has been allocated to PRA 2 .
In principle, it does not matter what inquiries to be acknowledged are sent from the resource assignment device LM to the potential resource requestors in the case where a resource request is present. What is important with regard to these messages is that a standard-conforming inquiry and response pair is selected for them. In the case of a CSTA application, such an inquiry/response pair would be, for example, “System Status”. Message checks and message sending and also access to assignment rank lists are advantageously provided in customary fashion in switching devices, or in service-feature servers or in combinations thereof.
As shown in FIG. 5, a system with prioritizable resource assignment includes a switching device PBX. The latter is connected to a resource assignment device LM via a CTI interface CTI. Potential resource requestors PRA 1 , PRA 2 and PRA 3 communicate with this resource assignment device LM via lines 10 , 20 and 30 . Although it is shown here that the potential resource requesters are arranged separately as individual computers and connected to LM via a network, in other configurations they may be situated in the same computer as LM and be processed there as different processes. PRA 1 to PRA 3 must ensure that the messages are processed one after the other, for example in a manner effected by message queues for which queue memories M 1 , M 2 and M 3 are present in the potential resource requesters PRA 1 , PRA 2 and PRA 3 . The message exchange explained above takes place in the arrangement shown.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those of skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the hereafter appended claims. | A system and method with which competing resource requests can be processed in accordance with a predefined priority list of the different requesting processes, without necessitating a real-time operating system or a complete handshake protocol mechanism for processing the messages between an assignment device and requesting devices or processes. The methods and systems can be used in service-feature servers of switching devices which are preferably connected via a CTI interface to the switching device. | 18,407 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is related to two commonly-assigned patent applications filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on the same day as this application, the first such application being entitled "Improved Surgical Suture Package with Peekable Foil Heat Seal" Ser. No. 08/623,874 filed Mar. 29, 1996, and the second such application being entitled "Method for Making Sterile Suture Packages" Ser No. 08/624,971 filed Mar. 29, 1996, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,623,810, the disclosures of each of such applications being incorporated herein by reference.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is related to two commonly-assigned patent applications filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on the same day as this application, the first such application being entitled "Improved Surgical Suture Package with Peekable Foil Heat Seal" Ser. No. 08/623,874 filed Mar. 29, 1996, and the second such application being entitled "Method for Making Sterile Suture Packages" Ser No. 08/624,971 filed Mar. 29, 1996, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,623,810, the disclosures of each of such applications being incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the manufacture of sealed sterile packages and more particularly to method and apparatus for making sealed sterile packages for surgical sutures.
The foil stock for making sterile packages or containers for surgical sutures is provided on large rolls which are unwound during the feeding of the foil into the leading edge of the package making equipment. This foil stock becomes the bottom foil of the container. After cavities are formed in the bottom foil and the suture products placed therein, sheets of top foil are placed atop the bottom foil and the foils are subsequently sealed around the cavities. The facing surfaces of the foils are each coated with a thin polymeric film known as a seal coating, which facilitates sealing between the bottom foil and top foil. In the sealing operation, the seal coating melts to provide a seal between adjacent sheets of foil which are pressed together in selected areas by high temperature sealing dies.
As the foil stock or "web" comes off the source roll and is fed into the leading edge of a packaging machine, the traveling web has a tendency to "walk" in either transverse direction from the center of its longitudinal flow path through the machine. It is critical, however, that the web of foil be accurately aligned as it passes through the packaging equipment because lateral movement of the web relative to the centerline of the machine will reduce the seal margins resulting in suture packages with defective seals. This, in turn, results in significant "down time" as the process is halted to reposition the web. There is, accordingly, a need for an apparatus for maintaining alignment of the web of foil at the leading end of the packaging machine to ensure that the web is accurately positioned with respect to the centerline of the machine to increase the yield of usable foil, reduce downtime and increase product quality.
Discontinuities or voids in the polymeric seal coating on the foil occasionally occur due to imperfections in the foil manufacturing process. The presence of a discontinuity in the seal coating prevents effective sealing of the suture package, which results in product rejection. Since it is impractical to inspect the foil stock while it is on the roll, imperfectly sealed packages must be visually detected and removed following the manufacturing process, or the process must be halted whenever an imperfectly sealed package is detected so that such defective packages can be removed from the production line. This interferes with processing time and results in unnecessary processing of defective packages that must eventually be scrapped. There is, therefore, a need for an apparatus for continuously detecting seal coating imperfections in the foil stock during processing such that defective sections of the foil will not be used in the final product.
Production of sealed sterile packages for surgical sutures also requires rigorous inspection and quality control throughout the packaging process. Because of the possibility of various defects in the packaging process, and the significant cost of processing unfinished, defective products that will eventually have to be scrapped, detection of defects throughout the process is desirable to automatically identify defective products as the defects occur, and to diagnose and correct process conditions to minimize future defects. While the most significant of these inspections have heretofore been done by people, use of human operators to perform these tasks is costly and unreliable because such operators are highly susceptible to boredom and fatigue. Accordingly, there is a need for an optical inspection system which will detect defects as they occur in process and which will automatically alert the equipment operator upon detection of a particular defect so that remedial action can be taken.
The packaging equipment pulls the web of foil stock off the source roll and feeds it through a series of stations using what is known as a web advancement system. Heretofore, the web advancement system has been cam driven. The cam driven web advancement system advances the web of foil at a speed that is limited by the slow return stroke of the cam mechanism. The web advancement system moves the web from station to station and must repeatedly start and stop the web as it moves down line. Attempts to increase the speed of the cam mechanism, with resulting increased acceleration of the web, have caused web registration problems, which can result in sealing defects. Accordingly, there is a need for a web advancement system in which the overall process flow speed can be increased under controlled acceleration so that web registration problems can be minimized or eliminated.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a web alignment system is provided for ensuring that the web of foil is accurately positioned with resect to the centerline of its travel through the packaging machine. The roll of foil stock is mounted on a moveable carriage which is capable of transverse movement in relation to the centerline of the machine. A stepper motor, connected to a screw shaft, engages the mechanical carriage to move the roll of foil to the right or left of the centerline of the machine. A pair of optical sensors are located at the left and right edges of the web of foil as it enters the leading edge of the packaging machine. If the web "walks" too far to the right, the optical sensor on the right hand side sends a signal to a programmable logic controller which causes the stepper motor to move the carriage to the left. The optical sensor on the left hand side sends a signal to controller when the web has moved too far to the left, causing the stepper motor to move the carriage to the right. The controller controls the voltage sent to the stepper motor to cause the motor to rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise depending on whether a right or left misalignment condition is detected.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a skip detector is provided at the leading end of the packaging machine to automatically identify discontinuities in the polymeric seal coating to prevent a defective section of the foil from being used in the final product. The skip detector includes a plurality of spaced metal fingers which brush the surface of the web of foil as it is fed through the packaging machine. Adjacent fingers are connected to voltages of opposite polarity through a sensing circuit such that conduction of current through any two adjacent fingers occurs when adjacent fingers make contact with a metal foil surface where the seal coating is absent. When a coating discontinuity is detected, a sensing circuit sends a signal to the operator or to a frame unload station located downstream of the skip detector causing the defective section of product to be rejected and later separated from the flow of good products.
In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, an automated optical inspection system or "vision system" is provided for detecting defects in the product at certain points in the packaging process. Video cameras are directed at selected areas of the product to be inspected at various locations in the process. At each inspection point, a camera generates a real time image of the area to be inspected which is compared with the parameters of an expected image of a defect free product. An optical processor under the control of a programmable logic controller detects a fault condition whenever the real time image differs from a standard to a predetermined degree indicating that a defect has been detected. The programmable logic controller also sends a signal downstream to the frame unload station at the trailing end of the machine to cause the defective product to be separated from the flow of good products.
In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, a servo drive advancement system is provided for increased speed and lower acceleration of product as it is advanced resulting in reduction of registration problems and fewer sealing defects. A moveable carriage capable of reciprocal movement in the direction of travel of the web between the upstream end of the advancement system and the downstream end thereof is slidably supported on a pair of guide rails. The carriage includes a clamp for releasably gripping the web in response to action of pneumatically actuated cylinders. The carriage engages a screw shaft connected to a servomotor such that rotation of the screw shaft and servomotor in one direction causes the carriage to advance downstream in the direction of travel of the web and rotation of the shaft and servomotor in the opposite direction causes the carriage to return upstream to complete a cycle of movement. A programmable logic controller causes the servomotor to be selectively energized and controls the pneumatically actuated cylinders to precisely control the timing, speed and direction of travel of the carriage and the release and engagement of the web by the clamp.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A is a plan view in accordance with the present invention of a frame of eight packages containing surgical suture packets with a top foil partially broken away to expose one such packet;
FIG. 1B is a plan view of a prior art frame of ten packages containing surgical suture packets with a top foil broken away to expose one such packet;
FIG. 2 is a side schematic view of a prior art packaging machine used in the production of sterile packages for surgical sutures;
FIG. 3 is a plan schematic view of a prior art packaging machine used in the production of sterile packages for surgical sutures;
FIG. 4 is a side schematic view of a modified packaging machine incorporating the features of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a plan schematic view of a modified packaging machine incorporating the features of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the web alignment system of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the drive mechanism of the web alignment system shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the optical sensors employed in the web alignment system shown in FIG. 7 illustrating the interaction of the sensors and the web;
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the control circuit of the web alignment system illustrated in FIG. 6;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the skip detection system of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the circuitry of the skip detection system shown in FIG. 10 and illustrating the manner in which a discontinuity in the foil coating is detected;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a first stage of the vision system of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second stage of the vision system of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the control system associated with the vision system of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the vision system monitor at the operator's station;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the operator interface of the packaging machine of the present invention;
FIG. 17 is a schematic side view of the servo drive web advancement system of the present invention; and
FIG. 18 is a schematic end view of the servo drive web advancement system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIG. 1A, eight sealed sterile packages, two of which are designated by reference letter A, are provided in two rows of four per row in a common frame, which is indicated generally by the reference letter B. The frame B is shown at a stage in the manufacturing process following sterilization and sealing. The subsequent steps including a blanking operation, in which the individual packages (indicated in dashed outline) are separated from the frame, followed by final package inspection and boxing in cartons for shipment to the customer. The procedure described hereafter relates to the initial frame-forming steps which precede sterilization.
In the initial framing procedure, each package position receives an unsterilized surgical suture packet C, which is dropped into one of eight cavities D formed in a bottom foil E. The bottom foil E includes a vinyl or polymer-type coating on its top surface, which is heat sealed to a polymer coating on the bottom surface of a top foil F. The sealing method is described more completely in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,623,810 filed Mar. 29, 1996, entitled "Method for Making Sterile Suture Packages" now U.S. Pat. No. 5,623,810.
Each surgical suture packet C comprises a plastic oval-shaped tray G for retaining a needle-suture assembly therein. The needle-suture assembly consists of a surgical needle H and a suture I, which is retained in a coiled-arrangement in the tray G. The blunt end of needle H is attached to the suture I in a well known manner, such as by insertion of the end of the suture into an opening or channel in the end of the needle and then crimping or swaging the end of the needle to tightly secure the suture thereto.
Bottom foil E is dimensioned to be slightly wider than top foil F so as to form an outer flange J along each of the sides thereof in which a series of ribs K may be formed as hereafter described to facilitate opening of the package during surgery. A pair of locating holes P is also provided in the scrap area between adjacent packages A to facilitate registration of the frame at operational stations in the packaging equipment. The locating holes P are aligned in the center of the frame B along the axis of travel through the packaging machine.
The apparatus and procedures of the present invention are adapted to making a variety of sterile packages including a preferred package described more fully in the aforementioned co-pending application Ser. No. 08/623,874 filed Mar. 29, 1996, entitled "Improved Surgical Suture Package with Peekable Foil Heat Seal." During the initial framing procedure described hereafter, a primary seal M is formed in a U-shape part way around each package A. Following sterilization, a secondary seal N is formed in a U-shape part way around each package A and overlapping the primary seal M to assure that the needle-suture assembly contained in each package remains in a sterile condition for use in surgery. The locations of the generally U-shaped primary and secondary seals are shown a cross-hatched areas surrounding the upper left cavity in FIG. 1A, the area of double cross-hatching labeled 0 indicating where the seals overlap. A bar code Q may also be provided in the scrap area of the frame B for product and lot identification.
Referring to FIG. 1B, a frame B' of prior art packages or containers A' is illustrated in top plan view. A suture packet C' is seen in the portion partially broken away lying in one of ten similar cavities D' formed in a bottom foil E'. A top foil F' covers the bottom foil E' and is sealed thereto around each cavity using identical polymeric heat seal coatings on the facing surfaces of the two foils. Flanges J' are provided as portions of the bottom foil E' extending beyond the edges of the top foil F' at the longitudinal ends of the frame B'. These flanges J' result from the gap between adjacent top foil sheets which facilitates placing top foil sheets on the bottom foil stock or "web" without interference between adjacent top foil sheets. The flanges J' are cut off as part of the foil scrap during the blanking operation which follows sterilization and separates the individual foil containers A' from the frame B'. Locating holes P' facilitate registration of the frame B' at successive stations as it moves through the packaging equipment. A bar code Q' may also be provided in the scrap area of the frame B' for product and lot identification.
A primary heat seal is formed prior to sterilization between and partially around the individual cavities but leaving the left edge L' and right edge R' unsealed. A secondary sealing operation following sterilization seals the left and right edges L' and R' of each frame B'. The frame B' has no unsealed side portions unlike the frame B of FIG. 1A. In use in surgery, the prior art packages A' are torn open whereas the packages A made in accordance with the present invention are peeled open by pulling apart unsealed flaps. This feature is explained more fully in the aforementioned co-pending application entitled "Improved Surgical Suture Package with Peelable Foil Heat Seal."
FIGS. 2-3 illustrate in schematic side and plan views, respectively, a prior art packaging machine 1 formerly used in the initial steps of making prior art frames of the type shown in FIG. 1B. The manufacturer of the principal components of the machine is Harro Hofliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH of Allmersbach im Tal, Germany (hereinafter "Hofliger"). The machine 1 feeds foil stock through a series of stations, including a foil feeding station 10, a cavity forming station 20, a microvoid detection station 30, slave web index station 40, packet loading station 50, top foil loading station 60, sealing station 70, hole punch and chilling station 80, vision system station 90, master web index station 100, cutting station 110 and a frame unload station 120. Advancement of the web and operation of the above stations are controlled by a programmable logic controller ("PLC") 140 mounted in a main control cabinet 150.
In foil feeding station 10, foil stock 11 is provided on large rolls 12 which are unwound during the feeding of the foil stock into the leading end of packaging machine 1. The foil stock 11 is commonly referred to as the "web" after it has been unrolled from roll 12. Foil stock 11 consists of aluminum foil coated with a polymer coating, which is used to form a heat seal as described below. Foil stock 11 forms the bottom foil E' of the frame B'.
Foil stock or web 11 passes over rollers into the leading edge of machine 1 onto a splicing table 14. Splicing table 14 is used to splice together consecutive rolls of foil stock to maintain the continuity of the web fed into the machine so that the process does not have to be interrupted for an extended duration each time a roll of foil stock is depleted and new roll is provided.
A roll unwind station 15 is provided for feeding the web of foil off of the roll. The roll unwind station 15 employs a tensioning system containing a series of tension rollers which interact with foil feeding station 10 to ensure that the web, as it is advanced through the machine, is not pulled directly off roll 12.
A splice detector 17 optically detects the presence of a splice formed between consecutive rolls of stock. When a "splice" is detected, a signal is sent to the PLC 140 indicative that a "splice" is present at a particular location of the advancing web. The location is stored in the PLC 140, which subsequently causes the frame containing the splice to be "rejected" from the product flow downstream at the frame unload station 120.
At the next step of the process, the web of foil 11 is advanced to cavity forming station 20, where the web is clamped, then subjected to compressed air and impact from a forming die 22 to form cavities in the web, which later becomes the bottom foil E' containing cavities such as cavity D'. The web next advances to microvoid detection station 30 which contains a pinhole detector to detect the presence of "pinholes" in the preformed cavities. The pinhole detector (not shown) includes an infrared light source and an infrared light detector on opposite sides of the web. If a pinhole is detected, a signal is sent to the PLC 140 which stores the location of the defect in the web so that the frame containing the pinhole can be subsequently separated from the good product flow at the frame unload station 120.
In the prior art Hofliger machine shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a slave web index system 40 was included, but with poor results. It was intended to facilitate the indexing or advancement of web material in response to and under the control of the master web index system 100 located downstream thereof. However, the slave web index system was not perfected and was not employed beyond an experimental stage, because it was found to add too much inertia to the system.
When the web reaches packet loading station 50, individual suture packets C' (FIG. 1B) are loaded into the cavities D' by a pick and place mechanism, schematically illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and designated by reference number 52. Vacuum pickup heads (not shown) pick up ten suture packets C' and place them into the preformed cavities in a 2×5 array in frame B' as shown in FIG. 1B. The packets are conveyed in pairs perpendicular to the web flow on cogged conveyor belts 53a and 53b and loaded into magazines at a feeder station 54 where they are then conveyed in groups to the pick and place mechanism 52. The web next advances to packet detector 56 which checks for the presence of a packet in each cavity D'.
A top foil load station 60 overlays a sheet of top foil F' on a section of bottom foil containing ten cavities. This step is repeated during each pause in the advancement of the web down line. The top foil F' has preprinted printed label indicia on its top surface. Small spots at corners of the top foil F' are heated to locally fuse the seal coatings on the facing surfaces of the two foils. This "tacking" operation keeps the top foil F' in proper position relative to the underlying web as they move together down line.
An operator interface 62 is provided adjacent to the top foil load station 60 to allow the operator to communicate with the PLC 140, which controls the timing and operation of each of the stations. The operator interface 62 allows the operator to start and stop the machine as well as to enter other functions. Label check station 68 employs a photoelectric system to check for the presence of a distinctive color on the product indicative of the presence of a top foil. If no "label" is detected, check station 68 sends a signal to the PLC 140 to stop the machine, since the continuation of operations under such conditions would result in significant waste of product.
At sealing station 70, the top foil F' is selectively heat sealed to a section of the web (which later becomes the bottom foil E') by sealing dies (not shown) along the leading edge, inside edge and trailing edge of each package position. This causes the heat seal coatings on the two foils to fuse together to form a "primary" seal surrounding each cavity D' on three sides. The side of each cavity at the left and right edges L' and R' (FIG. 1B) remains unsealed until after a subsequent sterilization procedure when a "secondary" seal is formed to entirely seal each cavity.
The web is then advanced to hole punch and chilling station 80, where locating holes P' (FIG. 1 B) are provided in the sealed foils in the center scrap area for subsequent registration of the secondary sealing, blanking and cartoning operations, which follow sterilization. Chilled water runs through a metal manifold (not shown) over which the web is advanced to remove some of the heat retained from the heat sealing process performed in the preceding step.
At station 90, a vision system employing three video cameras performs inspections of the bottom surface of the web and determines whether the registration holes P' are properly located, whether any cavities have been crushed, and checks for seal integrity.
In the prior art Hofliger machine 1, master web index system 100 employs a cam driven mechanism (not shown) that moves a reciprocating mechanism 102 to advance the web. At the beginning of a cycle, the mechanism 102 clamps the web at the upstream end of the station 100. The mechanism 102 is then advanced along a pair of guide rails 104 and 106 to the downstream end of the station 100, where the web is released and the mechanism 102 is returned to the upstream end of the station to begin the next cycle.
At cutting station 110, the web is cut into frames containing two rows of five packets A' via a scissors cutter mechanism (not shown). The frame unload station 120 sorts the good and rejected frames in accordance with signals stored and sent from the PLC 140. A guide rail 122, moveable under the control of the PLC 140, pushes acceptable product to one side where a vacuum pickup 124 picks up the good frames and places them onto a loading station 130. Carriers (not shown) are moved into the loading station 130 on a feed line 132. Once loaded, the carriers are stacked on a vehicle (not shown) for transportation to a sterilization area within the manufacturing facility. Rejected frames are dropped off the end of the conveyor onto a reject chute 134 and then into a reject bin (not shown).
Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a schematic representation of a modified Hofliger machine 2 is shown incorporating the improvements of the present invention, like numerals designating the same or similar parts previously described. The cavity forming station 20 is similar to the corresponding station in the prior art Hofliger machine except that the forming die 22 is modified to produce a larger cavity D as well as the stiffness-adding ribs K in the side flanges J of frame B (FIG. 1A). The preferred shape of the cavity and the orientation and number of ribs are described in the aforementioned co-pending application entitled "Improved Surgical Suture Package with Peelable Foil Heat Seal."
Suture packet conveyors 53a and 53b as well as packet magazine station 54 and the loading station 52 comprise a feeder system similar to that used in the prior art machine previously described. A second such feeder system 55 (shown partially in phantom) may also be used to supply a different packet to the main foil line to facilitate the conversion of the line from packaging one type of packet to another.
A web alignment system 200 is positioned between the roll 12 of foil stock and the splicing station 14. As described in greater detail below, web alignment system 200 is designed to maintain accurate alignment of the foil stock as it is introduced into packaging machine 2.
A skip detection system 300 is provided between the roll unwind station 15 and splice detector 17. The skip detection system, as hereafter described, detects imperfections in the foil stock during processing so that the process can be halted and the defective sections of the web of foil removed or the entire roll 12 of foil stock replaced.
A vision system 400 is provided for automatically inspecting the packaging process and product for certain likely defects. Vision system 400 includes a first set of cameras at station 410, which replaces packet detector 56 (FIGS. 2-3), and a second set of cameras at station 450 immediately downstream of the hole punch and chilling station 80. Due to the added complexity of the dual-station vision system 400 of the modified Hofliger machine 2 of FIGS. 4 and 5 compared to the prior art machine, a more sophisticated computer control system 150 with associated optical processor and PLC elements is employed, as will be appreciated from the detailed description provided below.
In the modified Hofliger machine, the cam-driven web advancement system 100 of the prior art machine has been removed and replaced by a servo drive system at station 500 as hereafter described in connection with FIGS. 17 and 18. As the web of foil travels through modified packaging machine 2, servo drive system 500 controls the advancement of the web through the machine in a way that enables faster product flow.
Web Alignment System
FIGS. 6-9 illustrate the web alignment system 200 of the present invention which comprises a pair of U-shaped optical sensors 210L (left) and 210R (right) electrically connected to controller 220 in a control circuit 230, which, in turn, controls the application of voltage to a stepper motor 240. As shown in FIG. 6, a roll 12 of foil stock is rotatably mounted on a slidable shaft 250, which is supported by and capable of limited axial movement within a journaled housing 256. A corresponding housing (not shown) is provided on the opposite side of roll 12 for supporting shaft 250. Housing 256 is mounted to and supported by a chassis 260, which is movable in the axial direction to provide precise transverse adjustment of the web relative to its direction of travel down line.
As best seen in FIG. 7, shaft 245 of stepper motor 240 is connected to a screw shaft 270, which, in turn, passes through and threadedly engages the underside of moveable chassis 260. The chassis 260 is slidably supported on each side by a pair of guide rods 265 extending through the bottom of the chassis on opposite sides of screw shaft 270. Chassis 260 moves to the right or to the left relative to the centerline of the machine depending on whether the stepper motor 240 is powered in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The motor 240 may be any suitable stepper motor, such as the type S-57-102 manufactured by Compumotor of Robert Park, Calif.
As the foil stock comes off the roll and is fed into the machine, the web of foil is fed between two rotating feeder rollers 272 and 274 (FIG. 6). As best seen in FIG. 8, the web 11 is threaded between the flanges of two U-shape optical sensors mounted adjacent the left and right hand sides of the web (only optical sensor 210R being visible in FIG. 8). In the preferred embodiment, U-shaped sensors 210L and 210R are infra red photoelectric switches such as type E35-GS384 manufactured by Omron Corporation of Schaumburg, Ill. Sensors 210L and 210R are mounted on a moveable platform 215 which facilitates precise positioning of the sensors relative to the edges of the web 11 by calibrated adjustment screws such as screw 217. Each optical sensor employs a through beam infra red photo sensor comprising an infra red source 219 and a photoelectric cell 221 (FIG. 8). If the web "walks" sufficiently far to the left or to the right to block the beam, the photoelectric cell 221 will not see the light source and will no longer generate a current.
FIG. 9 schematically illustrates the control circuit 230 of the web alignment system. When the controller 220 detects a "no current" condition from either sensor 210L or 210R, it will switch a voltage of appropriate polarity to stepper motor 240, causing chassis 260 to be advanced so that the edge of the web will move inwardly toward the centerline of the machine. When the web is in perfect alignment, the sources 219 will each be seen by the respective cells 221. If the web should move out of alignment to the right, for example, the right edge of the web will block the beam in right sensor 210R, and the stepper motor will be powered to move the chassis 260 to the left until the right edge of the web no longer blocks the source in sensor 210R, and vice versa. Controller 220 can also be programmed to detect a "fault" condition which occurs when both sensors 210L and 210R detect a "blocked field of view" condition causing a signal to be sent to the operator interface 62 indicative of a sensor failure. Controller 220 may be any solid state controller, such as, for example, part SX6 manufactured by Compumotor.
The foregoing web alignment system enables precise positioning of the web relative to the leading edge of the machine, resulting in a higher percentage of products placed properly in the cavities formed in the web and properly positioned top foils, eliminating waste and improving process yield.
Skip Detection System
Referring now to FIG. 10, a skip detection system 300 is shown positioned between the roll unwind station 15 and the splice detector 17 in the modified Hofliger machine 2. Skip detection system 300 includes a spine member 302 connected to a series of parallel channel members 304 for retaining a plurality of flexible metal fingers 306. Channel members 304 are oriented relative to the web 11 such that the metal fingers 306 extending therefrom brush the surface of the web as the web advances from the roll unwind station 15 to the splice detector 17. Fingers 306 are biased to make mechanical contact with the web at all times and to make electrical contact with the metal foil whenever voids occur in the polymer coating. Metal fingers 306 are preferably formed of a flexible metal material, such as spring steel. In the preferred embodiment, 50 fingers, approximately 0.25 inch wide and spaced apart approximately 0.0625 inch provide the ability to detect discontinuities or voids in the seal coating on the web down to a size of about 0.50 inch in diameter. The resolution of the skip detector can be increased by appropriately adjusting the placement, thickness and number of fingers 306 to detect voids of smaller diameters.
FIG. 11 illustrates the circuitry of the skip detection system 300 and the manner in which fingers 306 detect discontinuities in the web seal coating. A circuit 310 is provided for detecting the presence of a void and for generating a signal indicating that a discontinuity or void has been detected. Adjacent fingers 306 are alternately connected to cables 312 and 314, respectively. Cables 312 and 314 are contained within a sleeve 316 (FIG. 10) leading from spine member 302 to circuit 310. Circuit 310 contains a power source 320, connected to cable 312 and a current detector 324 connected to cable 314. A cable or line 326 electrically connects the power source 320 and current detector 324 as shown. A suitable current detector for this application is a current limiting and safety device such as type number MLT3000 manufactured by Measurement Technology, Inc.
When adjacent fingers 306 brush against and make contact with the metal foil at a discontinuity X in the web seal coating, a closed loop is completed in circuit 310 and a current produced by power source 320 is detected by current detector 324. Upon detection of a current, detector 324 sends a signal indicating that a discontinuity has been detected to the PLC 140, which is programmed to stop the machine so that the damaged segment of foil can be removed. Alternatively, the signal sent to the PLC 140 can be processed and stored to reject product formed from that segment as it comes off the end of the machine at frame unload station 120 (FIGS. 4 and 5). In this case, PLC 140 will send a reject signal to frame unload station 120 at the appropriate time.
Vision System
The vision system 400 in the modified Hofliger machine 2 is used to automatically monitor the packaging process and to inspect the packages for a variety of defects at two locations on the Hofliger machine. Depending on the defect, the vision system will either signal the PLC 140 for package rejection or machine realignment. The system performs a number of checks, including inspections for (1) presence of tray G; (2) presence of a paper lid on the tray; (3) the presence of foreign matter in the secondary seal area; (4) the presence of foreign matter in the primary seal area; (5) proper positioning of locating holes P; (6) cavity crush; (7) presence of printing or labelling on the top foil; (8) printing of the bar code Q in the scrap area; (9) bent corners on the top foils; and (10) travel of the web perpendicular to the centerline of the machine.
Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 12-16, the vision system 400 is deployed at two stations 410 and 450. The prior art packet detector 56 (FIG. 2) is removed from the Hofliger machine and replaced by the first station 410 of the vision system. The second station of the vision system of the present invention is at the same location on the modified Hofliger machine as on the prior art machine (i.e., station 90 in FIG. 2), but is more sophisticated and checks for more potential defects. The second station 450 is positioned between chilling station 80 and servo web mechanism 500. Each station comprises a set of video cameras for real time inspection of the product passing therethrough. A suitable video camera is the Sony Model No. XC-77RR camera. The stations preferably have a total of eight such video cameras 430-437, each of which is connected to an optical processor 440 (FIG. 14), which, in turn, communicates with the PLC 140 through a converter module 441. The processor 440 receives video signals from each camera and interprets them to generate signals for communication to the PLC 140.
The inspections occur in the first station 410 of the system on the fly, while the web is advancing after the packet has been placed in the cavity but before top foil loading. At station 410 the vision inspection system detects: (1) the presence of tray G; (2) the presence of a paper lid on tray G; (3) the presence of foreign matter in the secondary seal area; and (4) the presence of foreign matter in the primary seal area.
As best seen in FIG. 12, the first station 410 of the system contains a pair of video cameras 430 and 431 (only camera 430 being visible in FIG. 12), which are mounted vertically above and looking down on the advancing web 11 (shown schematically). The video cameras are positioned on opposite sides of the centerline of the machine, such that one camera will image advancing cavities in the near lane and the other camera will image advancing cavities in the far lane. A rheostat controlled light source 442, such as a Fostec 8370 or other suitable light source, illuminates the web. A fiber optic sensor 444 (FIG. 14), such as Keyence FS2-60 switch, manufactured by Keyence Corporation, signals cameras 430 and 431 to record an image of the cavity when a pair of advancing cavities D in the web triggers the sensor. Images from cameras 430 and 431 are processed by optical processor 440, as hereafter described, to determine if any of the above defects have been detected. If a tray, paper lid, needle, suture or any other matter in the secondary or primary seal areas is detected, a fault signal is sent to the PLC 140. If any such foreign matter is detected, a SUTURE IN THE SEAL fault signal is generated indicating the specific lane (near side, far side) in which the fault is detected. Similarly, if a packet tray is not detected or a properly positioned paper lid is not detected, a TRAY NOT PRESENT fault signal or PAPER COVER MISSING fault signal, respectively, is generated for the specific lane in which the defect occurs. If, for some reason, an inspection cannot be performed, a TRIGGER NAK (trigger not acknowledged) signal will be generated. PLC 140 may be programmed to send a message to the operator interface 62 indicating that a problem has been detected in the process.
The second station 450 of the vision system has six cameras 432-437 (three top-down looking cameras and three bottom-up looking cameras), which are employed to check for various defects in the product or manufacturing process after primary seal formation. The three bottom-up cameras 432-434 check for (1) the presence of suture product in the seal area around the primary seal after sealing; (2) locating hole registration; and (3) cavity crush caused by improper registration between the sealing and forming stations. These three product inspections are essentially the same as those performed by the vision system of the prior art Hofliger machine 1 at station 90 (FIGS. 2 and 3).
Two of the three top-down cameras 435 and 436 (FIG. 5) are positioned in parallel but offset from the centerline of the machine 2 over the near and far lanes to determine if the corners of the top foil sheets are folded back. Each camera 435, 436 simultaneously images the trailing edge corner of a passing top foil and the leading edge corner of the next advancing top foil to determine if the corners of the foil sheets are folded back. The third top-down camera 437 at station 450 is positioned over the centerline of the machine to check if the bar code Q (printed on the top foil) is in the center of the foil sheet (i.e. in the scrap area), and if the top foil itself is present, which is confirmed if a bar code Q can be detected.
FIG. 13 illustrates the second station 450 of the vision system. Bottom-up cameras 432-434 (only camera 432 being visible) are positioned in the center and on opposite sides of the centerline of the machine in a staggered relationship. A controlled light source 448 is also provided to illuminate the bottom side of the web for each of the cameras. The light is reflected off the bottom surface of the web and is "seen" by the camera as shades of gray, the flat surfaces in the plane of travel appearing near white and the contours of the cavities appearing dark gray. Thus, an irregularity in a flat surface such as the seal area will appear darker than expected and can thus be detected. For example, a needle trapped in a seal will appear as a dark line (due to the shadow effect) in what should appear as a uniformly light area.
As the cavity D breaks the fiber optic beam sensor 444 (FIG. 14), a trigger from the PLC 140 causes camera 432 to record the image of the foil cavity. If foreign matter is detected in the area around the primary seal, a MASTER FAULT signal will be sent to the PLC 140. If the vision system does not have time to perform the inspection, a TRIGGER NAK signal will be sent to PLC 140. In either case, the PLC will cause the corresponding package to be rejected downstream by sending a "reject" signal to the frame unload station at the appropriate time. A second bottom-up looking camera 433 (not shown) performs a similar inspection of the seal area on the other side of the centerline. These seal integrity inspections are done on the fly as the web is being advanced.
The third bottom-up camera 434 (not shown) checks for cavity crush and inspects for hole registration during the dwell between advancement cycles. PLC 140 generates a trigger during dwell that causes camera 434 to capture an image of the locating holes P in the frame. Theoretically, the center of the locating holes should coincide with the centerline of the space between the cavities. If the hole location is more than ±0.040 inches from the nominal, the package will be rejected. Each cavity is formed with a nominal width of 1.719 inches. Cavity crush occurs if there is a negative variation in cavity width of more than 0.040 inches. Cavity crush occurs when the forming dies 22 in foil forming station 20 are not in proper registration with the sealing dies 72 in sealing station 70. Cavity crush is detected if the distance between two cavities increases. When this occurs, a CAVITY CRUSH fault signal is generated. If the cavity crush measurement is more than ±0.040 inches, the package will be rejected.
Referring again to FIG. 13, three top-down video cameras 435-437 (only camera 437 being visible) are provided for performing top foil inspection, bent corner inspection and web alignment inspection. Top foil inspection is handled by camera 437 (FIG. 5) which is positioned over the centerline of the web following the sealing operation. Inspection occurs during the dwell between web advancement cycles and is triggered by PLC 140. The inspection generates two fault signals: PRINT MISSING, if the bar code print is missing, and BAR CODE OUTSIDE OF SCRAP AREA, if the bar code Q is not properly located in the scrap area. A TRIGGER NAK fault is also generated when the inspection is not performed. If either the PRINT MISSING or BAR CODE OUTSIDE OF SCRAP AREA signal is generated, the corresponding frame of packages will be rejected.
Camera 435 and camera 436 conduct the bent corner inspection. This inspection checks all four corners of the top foil for a bent corner. The inspection is also done during the dwell and is triggered by the PLC 140. A bent corner will generate either a BENTPK1 or BENTPK2 signal and the PLC 140 will cause the corresponding frame to be rejected. A BENTPK1 fault signal indicates that the top foil is too far downstream, while BENTPK2 fault signal indicates that the top foil is too far upstream.
FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of vision system which depicts one video camera of the set of video cameras 430-437, connected to optical processor 440, which is preferably an Allen Bradley Model 5370 CVIM optical processor. The optical processor 440 communicates with the PLC 140 through an OPTO-22 converter module 441, which adjusts signal voltage levels in a well known manner. Fiber optic sensors 444, each of which comprises a fiber optic light source and photoelectric cell, communicate signals indicative of product position to the PLC 140. A sensor 444 also communicates timing signals to the optical processor 440 via OPTO-22 converter module 445.
A sensor 444 is activated whenever the beam between the light source and the photoelectric cell is interrupted. When a sensor 444 detects the location of a cavity D in the web, a signal is sent to PLC 140 which in turn sends a signal to trigger operation of a corresponding one of the cameras 430-437. When the cavity D breaks the fiber optic beam, a signal is sent to PLC 140, as described above, which sends a trigger pulse to optical processor 440, which activates the appropriate camera. The image is then received by optical processor 440 where it is compared with stored data representing the parameters of the expected image, such parameters being indicative of a "no fault" condition.
Optical processor 440 compares the real time image data and stored parameters by comparing the data on a pixel-by-pixel basis. When the real time pixel data fails to match the expected parameters within an acceptable range of variation, a fault condition is detected by the optical processor 440 and the results sent to the PLC 140. PLC 140 then acts in accordance with its programmed instructions to electronically "tag" product for downstream rejection, display a warning signal to the operator, halt the process, or display an image to the operator on vision system monitor 460 (FIG. 15) and wait to receive information input from the operator to adjust process conditions.
FIG. 15 illustrates the vision system monitor 460 located at the operator interface 62. Monitor 460 contains a CRT screen 462 with conventional controls 464 that permit the operator to view certain images seen by the cameras or stored by optical processor 440. For example, the vision system monitor may display images of a package with reference lines indicative of the proper position for hole registration or images showing the spacing between adjacent cavities. By viewing these images on the screen, the operator can make appropriate time, temperature and speed adjustments to the processes by entering information to the PLC 140 using controls at the operator interface 62.
FIG. 16 illustrates the operator interface 62 for PLC 140. The interface 62 for PLC 140 comprises an LED display 65, a keypad 66 and a set of function keys 67 for entering information into PLC 140. The operator interface 62 allows the operator to monitor process conditions in response to fault signals received from vision system 400. The operator can also use the interface 62 to adjust parameters, such as times and temperatures, as conditions require.
Servomotor Drive System
As the web of foil stock travels through the packaging machine, an improved servo drive system controls advancement of the web. This new system, illustrated in detail in FIGS. 17 and 18, replaces the cam-driven web advancement system described above in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3 with a servo drive system 500, which includes a reciprocating carriage 510 for clamping the web 11 and pulling it down line. The carriage 510 is slidably mounted on a frame 533, which also supports a servo motor assembly 540 and associated servomotor 542.
The servo drive system 500 permits more precise control of speed and acceleration in both the advancing and return strokes of the carriage 510, resulting in reduced acceleration of product as it is advanced, which, in turn, minimizes the amount of product shift during advancement and thus minimizes possible sealing defects associated therewith. At the same time, the system permits the speed of the return stroke to be increased, reducing overall cycle time and increasing machine processing speed.
FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate the servo drive system 500 employed in the modified Hofliger machine 2. The web 11 is fed to servo drive system 500 at station 502 where the web is clamped by the reciprocating carriage 510, which advances the web forward to station 504 (FIG. 17). When the carriage reaches position 504 at the end of the advancing stroke, it releases the web and returns to position 502 under the control of the servomotor assembly 540. Servomotor 542 may be a suitable servomotor, such as AREG Posi D Digital Servo Drive BG 63-100 manufactured by Carlo Gavazzi GmbH.
The carriage 510 includes a table 512 below the web 11 and a clamping bar 520 above the web 11. The bar 520 is suspended from above by pneumatically actuated cylinders 528L and 528R. The cylinders are mounted on the underside of a canopy 514, which in turn is secured to the transverse edges of the table 512 as schematically depicted in FIG. 18. Clamping bar 520 has downwardly extending feet 522L and 522R, which are positioned so as to clamp the web at two points, preferably overlapping the leading and trailing edges of adjacent top foils, which at this stage have already been secured to the web by the primary sealing operation. Contact by the feet is preferably made in the primary seal areas formed between the top foils and the underlying web. Clamping bar 520 is forced downwardly against the top foils during the advancement stroke by pneumatically actuated cylinders 528L and 528R under the control of PLC 140 so as to clamp the web (with attached top foils) to the table 512. The clamping action occurs with the carriage 510 at position 502 (FIG. 17). The carriage then pulls the web forward to position 504 in response to the action of the servomotor assembly 540.
As shown in FIG. 18, the carriage 510 rides on a pair of sliders 530L and 530R mounted on the underside of the table 512. The sliders 530L and 530R reciprocally slide on a pair of guide rails 532L and 532R that are mounted on the machine frame 533 by means of supports 537L and 537R. Guide rails 532L and 532R permit reciprocating movement of carriage 510 in the advancing and retracting directions while accurately maintaining the transverse alignment of the web.
A socket 534 engages the underside of the table 512 and is adapted to receive and engage the grooves of a ball lead screw 536 to permit reciprocation of the entire carriage 510 from point 502 to point 504 and back as ball lead screw is rotated first in one direction then the other. Ball lead screw 536 is actuated by the servomotor assembly 540, which is mounted on the machine frame 533. The assembly 540 includes the servomotor 542, a pair of pulleys 546 and 548 and a timing belt 550. The servomotor 542 has a shaft 544 connected to pulley 546. One end of ball lead screw 536 is mechanically connected to pulley 548 which is rotatably mounted adjacent location 504.
Servomotor 542 is energized under the control of the PLC 140, which causes rotational movement of ball lead screw 536 in a direction causing carriage 510 to advance from point 502 to point 504. When carriage 510 pulls the web to location 504, the air cylinders 528L and 528R are retracted, the polarity of the voltage is reversed and the servomotor, under the direction of the PLC 140, causes the carriage 510 to return back to position 502 where the cycle is completed.
When the web 11 is not being advanced by the carriage 510, it preferably is held in place to prevent dislocation of the web when the machine 2 is idle for any reason. The web 11 is also preferably held in place between advancement cycles to maintain optimum transverse alignment and longitudinal registration. The web is preferably held in place during idle time and between advancement cycles by a clamping assembly 560, shown partially in phantom in FIGS. 17 and 18. The clamping assembly 560 has a pneumatically operated cylinder 562, which selectively extends and retracts a foot 564 to alternatively clamp and release the web 11 between the foot 564 and a base 566. The clamping assembly 560 and base 566 are secured to the frame 533 in a suitable manner, such as by side frame extensions 568L and 568R (FIG. 18).
Under the control of servomotor 542, the speed and rotation of the ball lead screw 536 can be precisely controlled, minimizing acceleration of the web as it is advanced from point 502 to point 504, while simultaneously increasing the speed of the return cycle. This not only speeds up the processing cycle, but eliminates undesirable acceleration of the product, thus minimizing displacement of the packets within the cavities. For example, the prior art cam-driven web advancement system can optimally operate at about 17 cycles per minute and experience rejection rates as high as 25 percent. In the modified Hofliger machine 2 incorporating the present invention, processing speed can be increased to 22 cycles per minute with a reduction in rejection rates to a much lower average level in which the peak rejection rate experienced is about 15 percent.
It will be understood that various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present invention herein disclosed without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting the invention, but merely as examples of preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. | Automated packaging of surgical needle-suture assemblies includes a framing operation in which adjacent sheets of polymer coated aluminum foils are conveyed through a sequence of steps in an apparatus which produces frames containing plastic packets of needle-suture assemblies. The apparatus pulls a web of foil off a large diameter feed roll and maintains web alignment as it travels down line through the apparatus by a system that optically detects transverse movement of the web as it is fed into the apparatus and adjusts the position of the feed roll relative to the centerline of travel using a hi-directional stepper motor. Discontinuities in the polymer coating on the top surface of the web of foil are automatically detected so that remedial steps can be taken to avoid processing defective sections of the web. A vision system having video cameras connected to a specially adapted computer enables monitoring the product travelling through the apparatus to detect various defects in the product formation. Upon detection of a defect, the computer system can either identify and separate rejected product from good product or shut down the apparatus. A servo drive system enables rapid and controllable advancement of the web down line in the apparatus. | 56,079 |
The present application claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/473,674 filed on May 17, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/587,199 filed on Oct. 2, 2009, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/811,264 filed on Jun. 8, 2007, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/812,541 filed on Jun. 9, 2006.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to photopolymerizable & photocleavable resin monomers and resin composite compositions, which feature by its unique balanced overall performance including very low polymerization shrinkage and very low shrinkage stress as well. The photoreactive moiety incorporated into such new resin's main frame enable to make the resin and/or the cured resin networks that are based upon such resin photocleavable. Thus the polymerization rate of free radical reaction for (meth)acrylate-based resin systems should be substantially reduced since it alter the network formation process and consequently allow the shrinkage stress getting relief significantly. In addition, it is expected that radically polymerizable resin systems containing such P&P resin would find wide range application in microelectronic, special coating and restorative dentistry where the dimensional stability and contraction stress within cured materials are critical to the total performance. The invention also relates to relates to compositions that have exceptionally low curing stress, which are comparable to conventional low stress composite, and have substantial flowability, which is comparable to conventional flowable composite. The dental materials from such compositions with such unique property is for use in the dental arts in the treatment of teeth.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Highly cross-linked polymers have been studied widely as matrices for composites, foamed structures, structural adhesives, insulators for electronic packaging, etc. The densely cross-linked structures are the basis of superior mechanical properties such as high modulus, high fracture strength, and solvent resistance. However, these materials are irreversibly damaged by high stresses due to the formation and propagation of cracks. Polymerization stress is originated from polymerization shrinkage in combination with the limited chain mobility. Which eventually leads to contraction stress concentration and gradually such a trapped stress would released and caused microscopically the damage in certain weak zone like interfacial areas. Macroscopically it was reflected as debonding, cracking, et al. Similarly, The origin of contraction stress in current adhesive restorations is also attributed to the restrained shrinkage while a resin composite is curing, which is also highly dependent on the configuration of the restoration. Furthermore, non-homogeneous deformations during functional loading can damage the interface as well as the coherence of the material. Various approaches have been exploring by limiting the overall stress generation either from the restorative materials, or by minimizing a direct stress concentration at the restored interface. It included, for example, new resin, new resin chemistry, new filler, new curing process, new bonding agent, and even new procedure.
There have been tremendous attention paid on new resin matrix development that could offer low polymerization shrinkage and shrinkage stress. For example, various structure and geometry derivatives of (meth)acrylate-based resin systems; non-(meth)acrylates resin systems, non-radical-based resin system. In addition, for light curable, low shrink dental composites, not only new resin systems and new photoinitiators, new filler and filter's surface modification have also been extensively explored, such as filler with various particle size and size distribution, from nanometer to micrometer, different shape, irregular as milled or spherical as-made. It can also be different in composition like inorganic, organic, hybrid. Although an incremental improvement has been achieved with each approach and/or their mutual contribution, polymerization stress is still the biggest challenge in cured network systems.
According to one aspect of the invention, a new kind of resin composition is provided. However, unlike conventional resin system, a new concept is involved in designing such a new resin composition, which would render the polymerization stress in post-gel stage to a subsequent, selective network cleavage in order to have the stress partially released. As mentioned above, all of previous arts towards low shrink and low stress are based on the limitation on the shrink and stress formation in general. However, the shrinkage and stress development in cured network system should have two different stages: a pre-gel phase and a post-gel phase. Actually, most efforts of current arts are focussed on the pre-gel stage and some of them were proved to be effective. Unfortunately, these approaches become ineffective in terms to control the stress development in post-gel stage, where the shrinkage is not as much as in the pre-gel stage but the stress turns to much more sensitive to any polymerization extend. It is the immobility nature of the increasing cross-link density within the curing system that leads to the increasing stress concentration within the curing system, period. Even worse, the problem does not stop here and the trapped stress would eventually get relief from slow relaxation, which can create additional damage on a restored system. Therefore, our approach is based on such a concept that in the post-gel stage if some of “closed net” of any cross-linked system can be selectively broken to promote an extended stress relief period, the total stress concentration would be substantially reduced. To fulfil such a task, a photopolymerizable and photocleavable resin is proposed and a general molecular constitution is designed. It was expected that such a resin monomer can be polymerized like any other resin monomer but its mainframe is able to be triggered to break upon additional light source such as near UV is blended. This is a typical photocleavable process, but it is its capability to be photopolymerized and embedded into a cross-linked system make it unique. In addition, it also makes possible to avoid regenerating any leachable species through such secondary breakage.
Photocleavage is nothing new in solid synthesis of peptides, from which new peptides was directed on certain template in designed sequence, then it was cleaved from its template via a subsequent light exposure. There is no chemical contamination with such a process. On the other hand, photoacid and photobase could be viewed as extended applications for photocleavage. Acidic or basic component is temporally latent to avoid any unwanted interaction with others in the system and they can be released on demand such as light exposure to trigger the regeneration of the acid or base, which then act as normal acidic or basic catalyst for next step reactions. Recently, thermally removable or photo-chemically reversible materials are developed in order to make polymer or polymeric network depolymerizable or degradable for applications such as easily removing of fill-in polymer in MEMS, thermally labile adhesives, thermaspray coatings and removable encapsulation et al. Most recently, photocleavable dentrimers are explored in order to improve the efficiency for drug delivery. Based on our knowledge, there is no prior art involved photocleavable segment in cured network for contract stress control. However, all of those related arts could be used as a practical base to justify this investigation.
Dental composite is formulated by using organic or hybrid resin matrix, inorganic or hybrid fillers, and some other ingredients such as initiator, stabilizer, pigments et al so as to provide with the necessary esthetic, physical and mechanical property for tooth restoration. It is well known that polymerization shrinkage from cured dental composite is one of dental clinicians' main concerns when placing direct, posterior, resin-based composite restorations. Although there are evolving improvements associated with resin-based composite materials, dental adhesives, filling techniques and light curing have improved their predictability, the shrinkage problems remain. In fact, it is the stress associated to polymerization shrinkage that threaten marginal integrity and lead to marginal gap formation and microleakage, which may contribute to marginal staining, post-operative sensitivity, secondary caries, and pulpal pathology.
A common approach to redue the polymerization shrinkage of dental composite is to increase the filler loading, especially for posterior restoration. However, the higher viscosity of these highly filled composites may not adapt as well to cavity preparations. 1-2 It has been demonstrated that to initially place a flowable composites which, with less filler content, have greater flexibility, could reduce microleakage than direct application of microhybrid and packable composite restorations, 3-4 but this benefit may be offset by the increasing polymerization shrinkage for the flowable composite itself. 5 Therefore, it is also highly desirable to develop low shrinkage, especially low curing stress flowable composite, in order to really reduce microleakage as mentioned above.
The challenge in developing any dental composite is to balance the overall performance, including esthetic appearance, handling character as well, in addition to low curing stress and necessary mechanical strength. Unfortunately, superior mechanical strength usually is a result of increasing cross-linking density, from which an unwanted polymerization shrinkage and shrinkage stress always accompanied. There is increasing effort to develop new resin systems in the attempt to minimize such a shrinkage and stress accordingly. For example, reducing the polymerizable proups in the resin matrix by designing resin monomer with different size and shape indeed work well to some extent in this regard. However, it is usually resulted in decreasing mechanical strength and losing certain handling characteristic because of the limited molecular chain mobility and the limited polymerization conversion. In addition the shrinkage can also be reduced by using special filters which allow an increase in filler loading without compromising too much in handling property. Even so, the curing stress from most of flowable composites remains substantially high. Obviously, it is highly desirable to develop flowable dental composition with low curing stress.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Theoretically speaking, if any kind of environmentally sensitive moiety, such as a thermally cleavable or photo-labile linkage were incorporated into polymerizable resin monomers, such resin or its resulting polymeric material would become command-responsive, more specifically such a resin would be responsive to being thermo-cleavable or photo-cleavable upon exposure to thermal energy or light energy. The chemistry of some classical photo-initiators could be adopted as the base for designing such photopolymerizable and photocleavable resin monomers. However, none of them were really incorporated into polymer chain or polymeric network to make the polymeric chain or network breakable one way or another.
It is the another objective of this investigation to develop a new resin system for next generation low shrink and low stress restorative materials by incorporating a photocleavable or thermally liable moiety as part of a photopolymerizable resin monomer. It was expected that such an unusual approach would enable a polymerized network to be selectively cleaved, thus dispersing the stress from postpolymerization and furthermore to result in a self stress-relief, ultimately to minimize the overall stress concentration.
In order to make a polymerized network cleavable-on-command by light or photocleavable, a light responsive moiety should be stable towards standard light exposure process such as visible light curing until additional exposure to specific light with distinguished energy level. In particular, such energy source can be anything other than the standard visible blue light. Near UV light would be one of typical examples among the many possible choices. Furthermore, it was expected that compounds derivated from ortho-nitrobenzyl segment or from .alpha.-hydroxyalkylphenone should be ideal candidates for this new class resin monomers that be photopolymerized by visible light and be triggered to be breakable by extra UV light if needed.
Its feasibility of this approach allows a rapid exploration on its versatility for a new class of resin. Accordingly, a variety of such polymerizable and photocleavable resin monomers were successfully prepared with wide range of viscosity as illustrated in Scheme II.
Furthermore, such new resin monomer was formulated with other conventional resin monomers like BisGMA, TEGDMA, UDMA or experimental resin monomer like macrocyclic resin in a variety ratio in order to have overall performance got balanced for the resulting composites. As showed in the following examples, remarkable low shrinkage, low stress and excellent mechanical property plus the good handling characteristics were demonstrated by those composites based on such new class P&P resin monomers.
TABLE I
Polymerization Shrinkage and Stress for Various Activated Resin Mix
Shrinkage (%)
by Helium
Stress (MPa)
Pycnometer
by Tensometer
Denfortex Resin
10.2
4.1
TPH Resin/999446
6.8
4.5
TPH Resin/999447
7.3
4.3
Harpoon Resin/xj5-12
5.5
3.1
Harpoon Resin/xj5-26
5.8
3.2
LB5-158-1
5.2
1.4
LB5-158-2
5.7
2.0
LB5-167-2
6.5
1.9
LB5-167-3
6.2
1.5
LB5-167-4
6.9
1.5
TABLE II
Polymerization Shrinkage, Stress and Microstrain for Vaarious Composites
Shrinkage (%)
by Helium
Microstrain (ue)
Stress (MPa)
Pycnometer
by Strain Gage
by Tensometer
TPH/A2
3.10
1600
2.9
EsthetX/A2
2.92
1995
2.5
SureFil/A
2.09
1840
2.7
Supreme/A2B
2.65
1720
N/A
Supreme/YT
2.39
2005
N/A
Harpoon/A2
1.34
1000
1.7
Harpoon/A3.5
1.70
N/A
1.8
Harpoon/B1
1.31
N/A
1.5
Harpoon/B2
1.61
N/A
1.9
Harpoon/CE
1.70
N/A
1.9
LB5-156
0.87
N/A
1.5
LB5-153
0.93
N/A
1.4
LB5-160
0.36
N/A
1.4
According to the present invention there is provided a composition of matter that can be polymerized via an energy source, containing portions within the new composition of matter that are reactive to a second energy source. The invention also provides a composition of matter that can be polymerized via an energy source, containing portions within the new composition of matter that are reactive to a second energy source and that upon activation of the second source of energy, de-polymerize and/or degrade. A composition of matter is also provided that can be polymerized via a first energy source, containing portions within the new composition of matter that are reactive to a second energy source and that upon activation of the second source of energy, de-polymerize and/or degrade without substantially effecting the structural properties of the material polymerized by the first energy source. A further composition of matter is provided that can be polymerized via a first energy source, containing portions within the new composition of matter that are reactive to a second energy source and that upon activation of the second source of energy, de-polymerize and/or degrade to elevate stress created during the polymerization of the composition of matter created via the first energy source without substantially effecting the structural properties of the material polymerized by the first energy source. According to another aspect of the invention, a composition of matter is provided that comprises monomers, prepolymers and/or polymers that can be polymerized via an energy source (thermal, photochemical, chemical, ultrasonic, microwave, etc.), containing portions within the new composition of matter that are reactive to a second energy source (thermal, photochemical, chemical, ultrasonic, microwave, etc.).
Thus, certain limitations of the heretofore known art have been overcome. Polymer networks with cross-linking are desired for strength properties, but lead to higher degree of shrinkage and stress. This invention allows formation of cross-linking, while at the same time, providing a mechanism (the second form of energy application) that relieves the stress created while maintaining the structural integrity of the polymer network created. Relief of stress during polymerization has been desired and typically approached through attempt to relieve the stress during the “pre-gel” state of polymerization, prior to the “post-gel” state, wherein the polymer network has now been established, cross-linked set up and, due to the more rigid state, stress is created. The invention substantially eliminates the stress during this “post-gel” state. There are prior known systems for materials that are reversible—that is, once polymerized, some form of post-polymerization energy is applied to fully decompose or degrade the polymer network to a state that renders the material unusable. In the present invention, there is provided only partially, in a controllable manner, degrading or decomposing a portion of the polymer network and maintaining the integrity of the polymer network.
As discussed above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a photopolymerizable and photocleavable resin monomer (hereinafter referred to as the “P&P” resin) offers unique combination of low curing stress and good mechanical strength. The inventive P&P resin features by incorporating a photoresponsive moiety within the resin monomer and is a (meth)acrylate based resin and capable of being polymerized as any other conventional (meth)acrylate monomers. However, the presence of such a photoresponsive moiety enables P&P resin to polymerize in a way different from those conventional (meth)acrylate monomers. More specifically P&P resin polymerize with a unique curing kinetic, which allow stress relief through the relatively slow curing process without compromising the overall mechanical strength. Consequently substantially low polymerization shrinkage stress results from P&P resin and P&P resin based composite, as compared to those conventional resin like BisGMA/TEGDMA or EBPADMA, and other conventional composites. Typical posterior composites based on the inventive P&P resin and loaded 80-82% (wt/wt) of inorganic fillers offer shrinkage stress of 1.3-1.7 Mpa. They can also demonstrate good mechanical strength. The present invention is extended application of P&P resin. It was unexpectedly discovered that an exceptionally low curing stress remained even with lowering filler loading, which paved a way to low stress flowable composite. The filler level varies from 1% to 70%, wt/wt, preferably, 10-60%, wt/wt, and more preferable 50-60%, wt/wt. The conventional resin monomers can also be incorporated by up to 40-50%, wt/wt with P&P resin, depending upon the nature of such conventional resin monomer and the end use. The filler composition can be adjusted as well.
As shown in Table I through II, an exceptionally low shrinkage stress was revealed from these new flowable compositions. Similar flowable pastes were also formulated by using TPH resin (999446 and available from DENTSPLY International) with the same filler loading and composition as a control. As expected a much higher shrinkage stress resulted, 3.6 MPa vs. 0.9-1.3 MPa. A comparison between the typical experimental flowable composites (LB6-109, 110, 111 and XJ5-196) and some of commercially available flowable materials, such as Dyractflow (DENTSPLY International), AdmiraFlow (VOCO, Germany), Flow It (Jeneric/Pentron, Inc.), EsthetXflow (DENTSPLY International), Revolution (KERR CORPORATION), and Tetric Flow (IVOCLAR VIVADENT, INC.) was performed. There is up to 60-80% (percent) stress reduction achieved by the experimental flowable composite as compared with EstheXflow and Dyractflow. In addition, the new flowable material still offers moderate mechanical strength, which is comparable to most flowable products. It is expected that the mechanical strength can be further improved by refining the filler compositions.
The low stress nature demonstrated by P&P resin and its composites is attributed to the unique curing kinetic as discussed above. PDC study further confirmed this unique, moderately slow polymerization rate as compared to TPH resin or its composite. TetricFlow also demonstrated a slow polymerization rate (under same curing condition) due to the presence of a stable radical compound. TetricFlow has a relatively lower stress than other commercially available flowable materials (3.3-4.6 MPa), but it still generates a much higher shrinkage stress (2.4-3.2 MPa) than the experimental flowable composites based on P&P resin (1.0-1.4 MPa).
The present invention provides flowable composites with an exceptionally low polymerization stress of 0.9-1.3 MPa, which is about 60-70% less than that of typical EsthetXflow (3.4 MPa) or Dyractflow (4.6 MPa). More importantly, the new flowable material can still offer moderate mechanical property. This unique property combination regarding low curing stress and handling character enable to be used as dental restoratives like liners, sealants, et al and other application field where curing stress and flowability is critically concerned.
TABLE I
General Physical Property for Activated Neat P&P Resin Systems
100% P&P Resin
100% P&P Resin
100% TPH Resin
(LB6-71)
(EBR6983)
100% TPH Resin
(999452)
(w/TEGDMA)
(w/TEGDMA)
(999446)
0.15% CQ
0.15% CQ
0.15% CQ
0.165% CQ
0.20% EDAB
0.20% EDAB
0.20% EDAB
0.30% EDAB
0.02% BHT
0.02% BHT
0.02% BHT
0.025% BHT
Lot #
LB5-187-1
LB6-106-1
LB6-114
030804
Viscosity at 20° C.,
150
500
1020
150
poise
Uncured density,
1.1206
1.1129
1.1162
1.1210
g/cm 3
Cured density,
1.2077
1.1888
1.1867
1.2099
g/cm 3
Shrinkage @
7.2
6.4
5.9
7.4
24 hrs., %
Stress @ 60 min.,
4.5
1.8
1.4
4.7
MPa
ΔH 1 in N2 @
110
mode 1
t o , seconds
15
t max , seconds
31
ΔH 1 in N2 @
138
120
107
133
mode 2
t o , seconds
13
17
17
10
t max , seconds
31
35
36
29
TABLE II
Properties of New P&P Resin-Based Flowable Composites
Pastes
LB6-110
XJ5-196
LB6-116
XJ5-190
Resin Composition
LB6-106-1
LB6-106-1
LB6-114
TPH Resin
(40%)
(40%)
(40%)
(40%)
Filler Composition
LB6-91-3
LB6-91-3
LB6-91-3
LB6-91-3
(60%)
(60%)
(60%)
(60%)
Viscosity at 20° C.,
8000
4300
9300
2000
poise
PZN Enthalpy ΔH
(Vis/UV)
(Vis/UV)
(Vis/UV)
(Vis/UV)
(J/g) by PDC in N2
46/
48/
45/51
54/
Induction Time Δt ini
17/
14/
14/13
11/
(seconds) by PDC N2
Peak Time Δt max
34/
32/
31/29
22/
(seconds) by PDC in
N2
Uncured density
1.7201
1.7179
1.7228
1.7294
(g/cm3)
Cured density
1.7875
1.7829
1.7860
1.8049
(g/cm3)
Shrinkage (%) by
3.8
3.6
3.5
4.2
pycnometer @ 20 hrs
later
Shrinkage Stress
1.1
0.9
0.9
3.6
(MPa) by tensometer
Flexural Strength
101 +/− 5
109 +/− 6
109 +/− 5
111 +/− 9
(MPa)
Modulus (MPa)
4000 +/− 130
4700 +/− 190
4600 +/− 110
5250 +/− 200
Compressive Strength
286 +/− 8
277 +/− 13
283 +/− 3
383 +/− 11
(MPa)
Modulus (MPa)
5000 +/− 150
4900 +/− 450
5260 +/− 330
4500 +/− 250
Thus, it should be evident that the invention as disclosed herein carries out one or more of the objects of the present invention set forth above and otherwise constitutes an advantageous contribution to the art. As will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of the invention herein being limited solely by the scope of the attached claims. | A photopolymerizable and photocleavable (P&P) resin monomer is derived from a reactive photoresponsible moiety via various linkages to form photopolymerizable monomers and/or oligomers. | 34,962 |
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to the new use of Phencynonate Hydrochloride in the manufacture of medicament for treating or alleviating Parkinson's disease or Parkinson's syndrome.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The structure of Phencynonate Hydrochloride, 2-phenyl-2-cyclopentyl-2-hydroxyacetic acid-3-methyl-3-azabicyclo(3, 3, 1) nonane-9 a-ester hydrochloride as the systematic name, is as follows:
[0003] Chinese Patent applications No. 97125424.9 and No. 9311949491.1 disclosed the preparation method and its use as anti-motion sickness (such as car sickness, seasickness and airsickness, etc.).
[0004] Parkinson's disease is most commonly seen among elders, and the pathogenesis of this disease is still not clear. But evidences showed that degeneration of dopamine neuron in the patients' substantia nigra and striatum may result in hypofunction of dopamine system of the brain, as well as hyperfunction of cholinergic systern. Parkinson's disease is characterized by a series of symptoms of disturbance of extrapyramidal system, such as tremor, rigidity, akinesia, loss of postural reflex and the like. Once one catches the disease, he or she will suffer from its lifelong. Anticholinergic agents have been used for treating Parkinson's disease for 100 years. It was the only drug for Parkinson's disease treatment before 1970s. Presently, Benzhexol, Benzyltropine, Kemadrin, etc are commonly used anticholinergic agents in clinical practice in treating Parkinson's disease. They can effectively control the mild to moderate level symptoms during the early stage of Parkinson's disease. Though they are not stronger in potency than dopamine-agonists developed later, they do posses the advantages of less side effects in long term administration and good tolerance by patients. In recent years, more and more neurologists take central anticholinergics as their first choice on Parkinson's disease treatment during the early period, thus they can put off the prescription of dopamines, reduce the dosage of dopamines, consequently the intolerable side-effects of long term administration of dopamines are greatly alleviated and postponed. Parkinson's syndrome is resulted from hypofuntion of dopamine system and hyperfunction of cholinergic system in the brain, which are frequently caused by pharmaceutical, environmental factors or other nervous system diseases. It is also characterized by a series of signs of disturbance of extrapyramidal system as Parkinson's disease. If the cause is eliminated, then the disease can be cured. Tranquilizers administered by schizophrenia patients such as Phenothiazines (eg. Chlorpromazine), Thioxanthenes (eg. Chlorpyrifos) or Butyrophenones (eg. Haloperidol) which posses anti-dopamine action are the most important drugs among them.
[0005] Through competitive binding to DA-receptors in the striatum, these drugs can exert their therapeutic effects on patients with schizophrenia. However, at the same time, these drugs inevitably result in hyperfunction of cholinergic system and finally lead to a series of symptoms of disturbance of extrapyramidal system. It is much alike the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. In order to preserve these drugs' therapeutic effects and control their side effects at the same time, the only choice is to further administer CNS anticholinergic agents. These drugs are equal to those treating Parkinson's disease, such as Benzhexol, Benzyltropine and Kemadrin. When side effects of disturbance of extrapyramidal system due to administration of tranquilizers occur, combination with these drugs can control said side effects.
OBJECT OF INVENTION
[0006] One object of this invention is to provide a medicament for treating or alleviating Parkinson's disease.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0007] The inventors found that Phencynonate Hydrochloride can effectively alleviate the signs of Parkinson's disease or Parkinson's syndrome. It has lower ED 50 than known drugs that have been used in treating Parkinson's disease.
[0008] Therefore, this invention relates to the new use of Phencynonate Hydrochloride in the manufacture of medicament for treating or alleviating Parkinson's disease or Parkinson's syndrome.
[0009] This invention is also directed to a method of treating or alleviating Parkinson's disease or Parkinson's syndrome comprising administering effective amount of Phencynonate Hydrochloride to patient in need.
[0010] This invention also involves a pharmaceutical composition for treating or alleviating Parkinson's disease or Parkinson's syndrome comprising Phencynonate Hydrochloride and pharmaceutical vehicle and excipient.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The following examples were intended to illustrate the invention in detail without limiting the scope of the present invention in any way.
EXAMPLE 1
Antagonistic Action of Phencynonate Hydrochloride on Mice Rigor Model Induced by Haloperidol.
[0012] Haloperidol is a drug useful for schizophrenia treatment by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, meanwhile, it can also cause disturbance of extrapyramidal system. This model is one of the accepted animal moedels for studies of Parkinson's disease and Parkinson's syndrome in the art.
[0013] Two hundred male mice, weighed 20-26 g, were used One hundred and twenty minutes after i.p. injection of haloperidol (5 mg/ml, diluted to 3.0 mg/kg/10 ml with 0.9% NaCl, available from HAI PU Pharmaceutical company, Shanghai), the forelimbs of a mouse was put on a stick of 0.9 cm in diameter, 100 cm in length and 3 cm in height. The researcher begin to time when the mouse lied in rigidity on the stick, and when both of the forelimbs of the mouse left the stick or the hindlimbs moved onto the stick, it was considered disappearance of rigidity and stopped timing. Thus the duration was considered as time of rigidity. Mice in the treatment group were administered Phencynonate Hydrochloride (5 dose levels: 1.0, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0 and 20.0 mg/kg/10 ml) intragastrically or positive control drug immediately after the administration of haloperidol.
[0014] Benzhexol (3 dose levels: 10.0, 20.0 and 30.0 mg/kg/10 ml) was administered intragastrically. As stated above, the forelimbs of the mouse were put on sticks, the time of rigidity is determined. Taking the average rigidity time of haloperidol model group as 100%, calculated the percentages of rigidity time of the two drugs at different dosage levels, as well as the dosage of the two drugs were calculated when rigidity time was shortened by 50%, i.e. ED 50 values (See Table 1).
[0015] From table 1, it can be seen that Phencynonate Hydrochloride has significant antagonistic action on this model, its ED 50 value is much lower than that of Benzhexol. Statistical analysis showed that the difference was significant (P<0.01).
TABLE 1 Phencynonate Hydrochloride's Antagonistic Action on Rigidity Model of Mouse Induced By Haloperidol Dose Number Rigidity ED 50 + L 95 (mg/kg, oral) of Animal Incidence(%) (mg/kg, oral) Model of Control 20 100 Haloperidol Phencynonate 1.0 21 100 11.29 ± 1.75* Hydrochloride 5.0 10 65.06 10.0 19 54.16 15.0 8 30.97 20.0 18 28.29 Benzhexol 10.0 19 94.03 19.56 ± 1.44 20.0 22 47.96 30.0 22 16.05
Example 2
Antagonistic Action of Phencynonate Hydrochloride on Tremor Model of Mice Induced by Agonist of Cholinergic M-Receptor: Arecaline.
[0016] Tremor, as one of the main signs of Parkinson's disease and Parkinson's syndrome, may be induced by agonists of cholinergic M-receptor. It is also a recognized model of Parkinson's disease/Parkinson's syndrome in the art. 190 male mice, weighed 18-26 g, were injected with arecaline subcutaneously in dorsal area (Sigma, 8.0 mg/kg/10 ml). Count the number of mice developing tremor within 10 minutes after injection. Mice in the treatment group were given Phencynonate Hydrochloride (1.0, 1.8, 2.4, 3.0 mg/kg/10 ml) intragastrically or benzhexol (Sigma, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5 mg/kg/10 ml) intragastrically as positive control 45 minutes before administration of arecaline. Similarly, the number of mice developing tremor were counted Within 10 minutes after administration of arecaline, and the dose that decreased the incidence of tremor by 50%, i.e. ED 50 value was calcalated (See Table 2).
TABLE 2 Antagonistic Action of Phencynonate Hydrochloride on Quiver Model of Mouse Induced by Arecaline Non-quiver Dose number/Total ED 50 + L 95 (mg/kg, oral) number (mg/kg, oral) Arecaline Control 0/10 Phencynonate 1.0 3/20 2.05 ± 0.31* Hydrochloride 1.8 6/20 2.4 13/20 3.0 16/20 Benzhexol 2.5 0/20 8.82 ± 0.83 5.0 1/20 7.5 4/20 10.0 13/20 12.5 14/20
[0017] From table 2, it can be seen that Phencynonate Hydrochloride bad significant antagonistic action on this tremor model of mouse, its ED 50 value is much lower than that of benzhexol, statistical analysis showed significant difference, P<0.01.
[0018] The above two mice models proved that this invention had obvious effects of anti-Parkinson's disease and Parkinson's syndrome. | This invention relates to the new use of Phencynonate Hydrochloride in pharmaceutical field, especially its use for treating or alleviating Parkinson's disease or Parkinson's syndrome. | 10,178 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to the cooling of multiple, separated components of an electronic device. More particularly, the invention provides an integrated thermal system capable of cooling multiple, separated components simultaneously.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The problem of cooling multiple, separated components on a motherboard of an electronic device (e.g. a desktop workstation server—a tower system) has heretofore been solved using multiple, separated cooling components, e.g. heat sinks, fan sinks, etc. Dedicated air moving devices and/or multiple heat sinks are typically used to cool multiple, separated heat generating components of the motherboard, such as voltage regulation components, memory controller hubs, and the central processing unit (CPU). Thus, a combination of thermal solutions are employed to provide cooling to multiple components, each of the components having at least one dedicated cooling component (e.g. heat sink and/or fan) providing at least one thermal solution (e.g. conductive cooling, airflow). Thus, the cooling of multiple, separated components currently involves a high cost, as each heat generating component requires a dedicated cooling solution.
[0003] Accordingly, a need has arisen to provide for cooling of multiple, separated components in a more efficient and cost effective manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] At least one presently preferred embodiment of the invention broadly contemplates an integrated thermal system that is capable of simultaneously cooling multiple, separated heat generating components of an electronic device. According to at least one embodiment, the integrated thermal system takes the form of a CPU heat sink designed to intelligently maximize available airflow, utilizing multidirectional airflow to simultaneously cool a plurality of heat generating components on the motherboard. The heat sink is designed such that it captures additional airflow provided by a single fan and directs the additional airflow to nearby/adjacent components, thus cooling these components. The additional airflow may be taken from a lower portion of the fan because use of this airflow is not maximized in conventional heat sink arrangements. The invention thus provides an integrated cooling solution and removes the need for multiple cooling systems/solutions (e.g. no need for multiple fans).
[0005] In summary, an aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus comprising: at least one central processing unit; and an integrated thermal device operatively coupled to the at least one central processing unit and configured to channel airflow from an airflow source to a plurality of separate heat generating components.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus comprising: a heat sink base disposed on a heat generating component; at least one deflector; and a heat sink component; wherein the heat sink component, the heat sink base and the at least one deflector form at least one airflow channel configured to channel airflow to at least one other heat generating component.
[0007] A further aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and a heat sink base of a first heat generating component, the heat sink base having at least one airflow channel therein; and a fan arrangement operatively couple to said at least one processor and configured to provide airflow to the at least one airflow channel; wherein the at least one airflow channel is configured to provide airflow for at least one other heat generating component.
[0008] For a better understanding of the present invention, together with other and further features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a computer system.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an integrated thermal system according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates an integrated thermal system according to an embodiment of the invention with certain components removed to better view an exemplary airflow.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an integrated thermal system according to one embodiment of the invention with certain components removed to better view an exemplary airflow.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates an integrated thermal system according to one embodiment of the invention with select components included to better view exemplary airflow.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations in addition to the described presently preferred embodiments. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of selected presently preferred embodiments of the invention.
[0015] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” (or the like) means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or the like in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0016] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
[0017] The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected presently preferred embodiments that are consistent with the invention as claimed herein.
[0018] The following description begins with a general overview of the instant invention. The description will then turn to a more detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an integrated thermal system, which comprises a dedicated heat sink arrangement for cooling the CPU, maximizes the use of extra or additional airflow by using it to cool multiple components. The integrated thermal system enables this extra airflow to be collected and channeled/dispersed to nearby components that require cooling. Airflow is captured from the inefficient portion of the conventional fan/heat sink arrangement (i.e. where the heat pipes are bent and the fins cannot be effectively attached). This airflow is normally wasted because, at best, it provides only minimal cooling to the CPU (i.e. minimal cooling to a heat generating component). Often heat sink arrangements are configured to have thick bases (e.g. aluminum blocks), and the airflow from the bottom of the fan (e.g. bottom 20% of the fan) is blocked off. Thus, only the top 80% or so of the fan is utilized for cooling airflow to the CPU heat sink fins. Alternatively, the fan is positioned higher up and wholly directed through the fins (servicing only one component—e.g. the CPU). The integrated thermal system makes a more beneficial use of airflow for cooling multiple components simultaneously.
[0020] Accordingly, the integrated thermal system's heat sink arrangement is designed to redirect or channel the airflow not only through the CPU heat sink fins, but also to cool multiple, separate components on the motherboard, using a single fan. The heat sink base of the integrated thermal system is provided with deflectors. The features used to direct airflow (deflectors) are also heat exchanger features, because they can be coupled to the base to add as surface area of the main heat sink. These deflectors are positioned such that a portion of the airflow form the fan, normally directed to an area of the heat sink where it is difficult to provide fins, is channeled/deflected to the left, the right, and/or the back (opposite the fan) of the heat sink arrangement. The airflow is thus channeled appropriately to cool separate heat generating components, i.e. those located to the left, right, and back side of the motherboard relative to the location of the CPU.
[0021] Referring now to the figures, at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1 , there is depicted a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a computer system 100 . The illustrative embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 may be a notebook computer system, such as one of the ThinkPad® series of personal computers sold by Lenovo (US) Inc. of Morrisville, N.C. or a workstation computer, such as the Thinkstation®, which is also sold by Lenovo (US) Inc. of Morrisville, N.C. As is apparent from the description, however, the present invention is applicable any data processing system or other electronic device, as described herein.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 1 , computer system 100 includes at least one system processor 42 , which is coupled to a Read-Only Memory (ROM) 40 and a system memory 46 by a processor bus 44 . System processor 42 , which may comprise one of the processors produced by Intel Corporation, is a general-purpose processor that executes boot code 41 stored within ROM 40 at power-on and thereafter processes data under the control of operating system and application software stored in system memory 46 . System processor 42 is coupled via processor bus 44 and host bridge 48 to Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) local bus 50 .
[0024] PCI local bus 50 supports the attachment of a number of devices, including adapters and bridges. Among these devices is network adapter 66 , which interfaces computer system 100 to LAN 10 , and graphics adapter 68 , which interfaces computer system 100 to display 69 . Communication on PCI local bus 50 is governed by local PCI controller 52 , which is in turn coupled to non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) 56 via memory bus 54 . Local PCI controller 52 can be coupled to additional buses and devices via a second host bridge 60 .
[0025] Computer system 100 further includes Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus 62 , which is coupled to PCI local bus 50 by ISA bridge 64 . Coupled to ISA bus 62 is an input/output (I/O) controller 70 , which controls communication between computer system 100 and attached peripheral devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and a disk drive. In addition, I/O controller 70 supports external communication by computer system 100 via serial and parallel ports (e.g. to a keyboard as herein described, the keyboard being operatively coupled to the components of the system to enable a user to execute the functionality of the system). The USB Bus and USB Controller (not shown) are part of the Local PCI controller ( 52 ).
[0026] FIG. 2 shows the integrated thermal system ( 200 ). The integrated thermal system ( 200 ) comprises a heat sink base ( 201 ), a fan ( 202 ) arranged to direct airflow ( 205 ) in the direction of fins ( 203 ) of the heat sink, extending up from the base ( 201 ) to provide cooling for the CPU (not shown) (the CPU being disposed on the motherboard and underneath the integrated thermal system). It should be noted that the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 is a parallel airflow system (airflow ( 205 ) emanating from the fan is parallel to the motherboard) as opposed to an impingement airflow system. A parallel airflow system is presently preferred because typically there is more surface area for cooling, the heat exchanger can be a bit larger and the pressure drop through the fins is a bit less, because the airflow is not impinging right into the motherboard, increasing the static pressure.
[0027] The integrated thermal system ( 200 ) is connected to the motherboard via suitable attachments, as by screw(s) ( 204 a , 204 b , 204 c ) as shown in FIG. 2 . The integrated thermal system ( 200 ) airflow ( 205 ) is captured from the inefficient portion. Generally, this is near the heat sink base ( 201 ) in a parallel airflow arrangement (where the heat pipes are bent and fins cannot be effectively attached). In other words, airflow is captured and channeled from a portion of the fan that is not providing maximum cooling to the heat sink arrangement (e.g. the “lower” 20% of the fan as depicted in FIG. 1 ). The heat sink base ( 201 ) can be reduced in thickness, creating additional room for airflow channels (described below). The airflow is thus channeled to areas for more beneficial use, as further described below.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a first example of redirected airflow from fan ( 202 ) through the integrated thermal system ( 300 ). In FIG. 2 , the upper portion of the integrated thermal system ( 300 ) has been removed (including the fan ( 202 ), the fins ( 203 ) and the heat pipes), such that an unobstructed view of the airflow through the components of the remaining integrated thermal system ( 300 ) can be had. Illustrated in FIG. 3 is one of the features that is used to redirect some of the additional airflow ( 305 a ) from the lower portion of the fan ( 202 ), redirecting the airflow ( 305 a ) ultimately out to the left side of the heat sink base ( 301 ). This redirected airflow thus becomes a leftward-directed airflow ( 305 b ), channeled to a component (not shown) that rests on motherboard to the left side of the CPU (which is located below the heat sink base ( 301 )).
[0029] Thus, a left airflow channel ( 307 ) is formed by a first deflector ( 306 ), bounded at the bottom by the heat sink base ( 301 ) and bounded at the top by a component (e.g. an plate as shown and described below). The first deflector ( 306 ) is suitably shaped to capture airflow ( 305 a ) from a portion of the fan ( 202 ) and direct it to the left of the heat sink base ( 301 ) to a component on the motherboard to the left of the CPU. The first deflector ( 306 ) has two major shape features, a first element ( 308 ) that initially conducts airflow ( 305 a ) slightly to the left of the heat sink base ( 301 ), and a second element ( 309 ) that conducts the airflow more directly out to the left of the heat sink base ( 301 ). The first element ( 308 ) is positioned near the center of the heat sink base ( 301 ) and conducts airflow ( 305 a ) towards the back-left of the heat sink base ( 301 ). The second element ( 309 ), positioned to terminate at the back of the heat sink base ( 301 ) (near screw ( 304 b )), more abruptly redirects airflow ( 305 a ) to produce a leftward airflow ( 305 b ). The first deflector ( 306 ) can be suitably arranged to produce airflow ( 305 b ), however, the first deflector ( 306 ) shown in FIG. 3 , as a non-limiting example, is a single metal piece (comprising both the first and second elements) shaped (e.g. stamped) to conduct the airflow as described.
[0030] Thus, the airflow ( 305 a ) becomes leftward-directed airflow ( 305 b ), i.e. an airflow ( 305 b ) provided to a separate component located on the motherboard to the left of the CPU. As can be appreciated, normally the airflow ( 305 a ) would proceed underneath the heat fins ( 203 ) (i.e. out the back of the heat sink) and effect the cooling of the CPU only very minimally. Alternatively, if the heat sink base ( 301 ) were thicker, airflow from the lower portion of the fan may be blocked off entirely. The integrated thermal system thus captures this airflow and makes a more beneficial use of it, i.e. to cool additional heat generating components.
[0031] Airflow ( 305 b ) out the left side of the heat sink is used for, but not limited to, cooling the I/O Hub, which requires dedicated airflow in order to meet thermal requirements. Using existing airflow, instead of attaching an additional air-moving device, saves cost and acoustic propagation (i.e. reduces noise).
[0032] FIG. 4 is a left-side view of the remaining integrated thermal system ( 400 ), as shown in FIG. 3 ( 300 ), with the first deflector ( 406 ) remaining but with the top components again removed, so that a view of additional airflow ( 405 b ) through the integrated thermal system ( 400 ) may be had. FIG. 4 shows that airflow ( 405 a ) that is not captured by the first deflector ( 406 ) (e.g. airflow from fan ( 202 ) that is to the right side of first element ( 308 )) is deflected down by a second deflector ( 409 ), positioned at the back side of the heat sink ( 401 ). Airflow ( 405 b ) is thus created, directed downward towards the motherboard at the back of the heat sink base ( 401 ), to cool other, separate components. Thus, a back-most airflow channel ( 407 ) is formed from a component (e.g. a plate as shown and described below), the heat sink base ( 401 ), the first ( 406 ) and the second deflectors ( 409 ). Airflow ( 405 b ) out the right side of the heat sink ( 401 ) is used for, but not limited to, cooling of the CPU voltage regulation.
[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates the remaining integrated thermal system ( 500 ), as shown in FIG. 3 ( 300 ), with additional components and again with the upper most components removed for an unobstructed view. As described, airflow ( 505 a ) from the fan ( 202 ) that is not captured by the first deflector ( 306 ), may proceed to the back of the heat sink base ( 501 ), i.e. through the back-most airflow channel ( 407 ). A portion of this airflow ( 505 a ) will proceed naturally to the right side of the heat sink base ( 501 ), until encountered by a third deflector ( 510 ), formed from a heat sink component ( 511 ), such as a plate as shown in FIG. 4 . The third deflector ( 510 ) extends downward from the heat sink component ( 511 ) and is positioned to the right side of the heat sink base ( 501 ). Accordingly, airflow ( 505 a ) that is not channeled through the left airflow channel ( 307 ) or the back-most airflow channel ( 407 ) will be deflected by the third deflector ( 510 ) towards the right side of the heat sink base ( 501 ). This airflow ( 505 b ) spills air down to the right side of the heat sink base ( 501 ) for cooling an additional, separate heat-generating component (not shown) on the motherboard.
[0034] Thus, the third deflector ( 510 ), the heat sink base ( 501 ) and a portion of the heat sink component ( 511 ) form a right airflow channel ( 507 ), such that airflow is spilled off the right side of the heat sink base ( 501 ) to an additional component. This airflow ( 505 b ) is pushed down towards the motherboard by the third deflector ( 510 ), cooling component(s) positioned on the right side of the heat sink base ( 501 ).
[0035] A heat sink component ( 511 ) (e.g. a aluminum plate as depicted in FIG. 5 ) forms the top bound of the airflow channels ( 307 , 407 , 507 ), as heretofore described. The dedicated heat sink component ( 511 ), such as that shown in FIG. 5 , can be used, or alternatively other component(s) could be used, so long as the desired airflow channel(s) result. As described, the heat sink component ( 511 ) provides additional downward direction to airflow ( 505 b ) by providing the third deflector ( 510 ) that forces airflow ( 505 b ) down towards the motherboard as it exits heat sink base ( 501 ). Also shown in heat sink component ( 511 ) are holes ( 513 ) that allow the heat pipes (not shown) to pass through, extending from holes ( 512 ) in heat sink base ( 501 ). Airflow ( 505 b ) out the right side of the heat sink base ( 501 ) is used for, but not limited to, cooling of the CPU voltage regulation arrangement.
[0036] In brief recapitulation, an integrated thermal system for an electronic device has been shown and described that provides multidirectional airflow cooling for heat generating components (e.g. I/O components) of electronic devices utilizing a single fan and multiple airflow channels. The integrated thermal system provides additional airflow, taken from the bottom portion of the fan, to various sides (e.g. a left, right and/or back side) of a heat sink (e.g. a main CPU heat sink). The integrated thermal system directs airflow by way of an appropriate amount of deflectors and/or components, strategically placed to capture additional airflow from a cooling fan. The additional airflow, thus captured and channeled, although conventionally wasted (in essence) as it provides only minimal cooling to the CPU (heat generating component) by virtue of its location, is put to maximum use. Accordingly, the integrated thermal system provides a more efficient use of airflow, providing cooling to multiple, separated heat generating components on the motherboard without requiring additional dedicated cooling components/systems.
[0037] This disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain principles and practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
[0038] In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention and, although specific terms are used, the description thus given uses terminology in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
[0039] If not otherwise stated herein, it is to be assumed that all patents, patent applications, patent publications and other publications (including web-based publications) mentioned and cited herein are hereby fully incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in their entirety. | The invention broadly contemplates an integrated thermal system that is capable of simultaneously cooling multiple, separate heat generating components of an electronic device. The integrated thermal system according to one embodiment of the invention takes the form of a CPU heat sink designed to intelligently maximize available airflow, utilizing multidirectional airflow cooling of a plurality of heat generating components on the motherboard. The heat sink is designed such that airflow provided by a single fan is captured and directed to nearby/adjacent components, thus cooling these components. The invention thus provides an integrated cooling solution and removes the need for multiple cooling systems/solutions. | 23,257 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to personal escaping equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to a personal escaping device for allowing persons to escape skyscrapers in emergency cases.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As population grows all over the world, land has become more and more expensive, especially when it comes to a land under the jurisdiction of major cities. In order to allow relatively large population to occupy a given area, while maintaining reasonable costs, building tall buildings in general and sky scrappers in particular has become a necessity, and therefore, a common practice. Accordingly, tall buildings, including sky scrapers, are most typical to modern cities all over the world. However, tall buildings pose a special problem, which is related to their being high; i.e., escaping high buildings in; e.g., a case of fire, is problematic. The problem is related to several facts: (1) most aerial ladder trucks have standard collapsible fire ladders, or tower ladders, that are incapable of coping with the loftiness of high buildings. That is, a standard collapsible fire ladder may reach only limited number of floors of a tall building; (2) Even in cities where the fire brigade has very long ladders, it is most likely that the ladder truck would get stuck in a traffic jam, which is most common phenomena in modern cities. Any delay in reaching a building where a long ladder is required, might jeopardize the lives of the building residents; (3) Even if a sufficiently long ladder is brought to the site on time, the ladder could support, at a given time, only a few people because the longer the ladder, the more it tends to swing, thereby risking the lives of the people that it supports; (4) Due to the physical strength that is required when descending a long ladder, it is usually very difficult for fat or sick people to utilize such tall ladders, if at all; (5) The environmental circumstances may be so, that there might be a chance that even though long ladders are available, it would be very difficult, if at all, to handle the turntable mounting of the aerial ladder truck and put the ladder in the right place and/or on time.
Currently, there are several solutions for coping with the problem of people being required, or compelled, to timely evacuate tall buildings.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,576 discloses a rescue system for rescuing occupants from high floors in tall buildings. However, the rescue system of U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,576 has the drawback that each one of the rescued persons would have to use a personal cable cartridge. The problem is that the weight of a replaceable cable cartridge depends on the cable housing and also on the overall length of the cable, which, in some cases, must match the maximum height of the building. Therefore, a heavy replaceable cable cartridge would be rather difficult to handle by; e.g., old, sick and, in general, weak people.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,575 discloses a rescue system that is based on a spiral-tube. However, the spiral-tube has to be lowered from the roof of a building using crane equipment that is mounted on top of the roof of the building.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,575 discloses a controlled descent device that is based on rotatable drum that is coupled to a centrifugal brake mechanism.
All of the above-mentioned solutions have not provided a satisfactory solution to the problem of ensuring that residents of a tall building are able to timely and conveniently escape the tall building.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an escape kit for ensuring that residents of a tall building would be able to escape the building timely and independently of external rescue services.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive escape kit that is very easy to operate by unskilled, or inexperienced, persons.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a personal escaping device for allowing persons escaping high buildings in emergency cases.
The escape device of the present invention comprises a sliding box that is worn by the escaping person and which is combined with an escape cable.
The sliding box comprises:
a) a supporting structure; b) a driven wheel, supported in said structure, for rotation, the driven wheel being adapted to be in engagement with the escape cable and to be driven thereby into rotation with a rotary speed corresponding to the speed of the motion of the sliding box relative to the escape cable, and therefore corresponding to the speed of descent of the escaping person; c) means for measuring said rotary speed of said driven wheel and, therefore, said speed of descent of the escaping person; and d) Brake means for slowing the rotation of said driven wheel, and therefore the speed of descent of the escaping person, whenever required to maintain said speed of descent within predetermined limits.
The sliding box preferably comprises engaging means for maintaining the engagement of the driven wheel with the escape cable. The engaging means are preferably one or more wheels.
A harness permitting a person to carry said sliding box is also a part of the escape device of the invention.
At least one escape cable is attached to the building from which escape is provided, at or above the level from which the escape of persons may occur. Preferably, a number of escape cables are provided, to permit the concurrent escape of several persons, and each cable is kept in a wound-up condition, preferably in a container fixed to the building, from which condition it may be unwound when desired by an escaping person. For example, each cable may be wound on a wheel, from which it may be unwound by exerting a moderate pull on its free end.
The driven wheel is preferably a toothed wheel and the escape cable is preferably formed by elements shaped so as to engage the teeth of said wheel and pivoted to one another or strung on a central cable.
The sliding box is preferably provided with a control which receives the measurement of the speed of descent of the escaping person, compares it with a predetermined desired speed, and if it is greater than said desired speed, actuates the aforesaid brake means to reduce it to said desired speed. While said speed of descent is automatically controlled by said control device, emergency brake means are preferably provided, to be actuate by the escaping person, if required.
The engaging means are preferably one or more wheels. According to an aspect of the invention, the engaging means is an option.
Preferably, the elements of the escape cable are made of fire proof and heat-resisting materials, such as ceramic materials, or metal (e.g., light weight aluminum alloy), or a combination thereof, with or without plastic components.
According to an aspect of the invention, some of the elements of the escape cable are anchor elements, each of which is rigidly affixed to the escape cable for preventing excess load on the lower elements, and the spacing between each two anchor elements is predetermined according to preferred distance or preferred number of elements.
The most preferred structures of the escape device, and particularly of the sliding box, will now be described.
According to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control is implemented by a hydraulic system.
According to a first aspect of the first preferred embodiment, the relative motion is controlled by utilizing a counteracting force that is generated for limiting the rotational speed of an oil pump that is mechanically coupled to the driven wheel.
Preferably, the hydraulic system comprises:
1) Oil pump—the rotation axis of which is mechanically coupled to the rotation axis of the driven wheel, for transferring rotational motion, caused by the relative motion, from the driven wheel to the oil pump, and for providing a counteracting force, which is generated by the oil pump in response to the rotational motion, to the driven wheel, for regulating the relative motion. The oil pump includes oil inlet and oil outlet. If the oil outlet is blocked, for some reason, the axis of the oil pump immediately slows down to a speed that depends on the mechanical gap(s), which normally exists between the rotating elements inside the oil pump and the housing of these elements, through which there exists some minimum flow of oil; and 2) Hydraulic control unit—the control unit includes:
oil inlet that is connected to the oil outlet of the oil pump and to an oil passage inside the control unit; regulating valve, for closing/opening the oil inlet of the hydraulic control unit, for regulating the flow rate of the oil passing through the oil inlet of the control unit, and thereby, the pressure in the oil passage. The regulating valve comprises a piston that is connected to a rod movable through a sealed opening. The piston is movable inside a cylindrical housing, and its position inside the cylindrical housing is determined according to the pressure exerted by a spring on one of its sides, and a pressure exerted on its other side by oil that is contained within the cylinder, through which the piston is movable, and has a free access to the oil passage; valve, for determining the amount and rate of oil that enters the cylindrical housing of the regulating valve; accumulator, which comprises a piston that is connected to a rod movable through a sealed opening. The piston is movable inside a cylindrical oil reservoir, which is connected to the oil passage, and its position in the cylinder is determined according to the pressure exerted by a spring on one of its sides, and a pressure exerted on its other side by the oil contained within the oil reservoir. The rods of the accumulator and regulating valve are mechanically coupled to one another in a way that whenever the rod of the regulating valve moves to close the oil inlet of the control unit, the rod (and therefore the piston) of the accumulator is moved in a way that oil from the cylindrical oil reservoir is pushed, via the oil passage, to fill the additional volume that is created by the movement of the rod of the regulating valve. The oil reservoir allows changes in the oil passage while a relative motion is being regulated; oil outlet that is connected to the oil inlet of the oil pump; and adjustable valve, for allowing changing the flow rate threshold of oil that returns to the oil pump through the oil outlet of the control unit.
According to a second aspect of the first preferred embodiment, the relative motion is controlled by utilizing a brake force that is employed directly on the driven wheel by a hydraulic braking piston, and the oil pressure release (i.e., which causes the brake force to decrease) is implemented by utilization of hydraulic needle valve.
Preferably, the hydraulic system comprises, according to the second aspect:
1) Oil pump—the rotation axis of which is mechanically coupled to the rotation axis of the driven wheel, for transferring rotational motion caused by the relative motion from the driven wheel to the oil pump. The oil pump includes oil inlet and oil outlet; 2) Hydraulic control unit—the control unit includes:
oil inlet that is connected to the oil outlet of the oil pump and to an oil passage inside the hydraulic control unit; and Oil outlet that is connected to the oil inlet of the oil pump and to an oil reservoir inside the hydraulic unit; hydraulic needle valve, for closing/opening the oil passage inside the hydraulic control unit, for regulating the flow rate of the oil passing between the oil inlet and the oil outlet of the control unit, and thereby, the pressure in the oil passage. The hydraulic needle valve comprises a piston that is connected to a needle-like rod that is movable through a sealed opening. The piston is movable inside a cylindrical housing of the hydraulic needle valve, and its position inside the cylindrical housing is determined according to the pressure exerted by a spring on one of its sides, and a pressure exerted on its other side by oil that is contained within the cylinder, through which the piston is movable, and has a free access to the oil passage; Braking cylinder, which comprises a piston that is connected to a rod movable through a sealed opening. The position of the piston is determined according to a first force exerted on one side of the piston by a spring, and a second force that counteracts the first force and is exerted on the other side of the piston by the oil pressure existing in the oil passage. One end of the movable rod is connected to the piston, and the other end of the rod is connected to a rubbing strip. The piston of the braking cylinder is pushed outwards (i.e., with respect to the hydraulic control unit) whenever the pressure in the oil passage increases as a result of an increase in the relative motion, thereby pushing said rubbing strip against the driven wheel, for providing counteracting, or braking, force that will limit the increase in the relative motion. The pressure increase in the oil passage pushes outwards also the piston of the hydraulic needle valve, thereby causing the oil passage between the oil inlet and oil outlet to open, for allowing reducing the relatively high pressure in the oil passage, after which the braking force, which is employed on the driven wheel by the rubbing strip, is reduced, or weakened; and Accumulator, which comprises a piston that is connected to a rod movable through a sealed opening. The piston is movable inside a cylindrical oil reservoir, which is connected to the oil outlet end of the hydraulic control unit, and its position in the cylinder is determined according to the pressure exerted by a spring on one of its sides, and a pressure exerted on its other side by the oil contained within the oil reservoir.
According to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control is implemented by an electrical system, in which the relative motion is regulated by a counteracting force that is generated by use of electrical motor.
Preferably, the electrical system comprises:
1) Speed sensor, for monitoring the rotational speed of the driven wheel, and thereby, the descend speed. The speed sensor is capable of generating an electrical signal that represents the rotational speed (i.e., rpm) of the driven wheel; 2) Electric motor, on the rotation axis of which is coupled the driven wheel, and in which a first magnetic field is induced by the rotation of the driven wheel. The aforesaid rotation and induced current represent the descend speed; 3) Electronic control unit, for accepting the electrical signals and outputting a corresponding electrical signal to the electric motor in a way that the latter corresponding signal generates in the electric motor a second magnetic field that essentially counteracts the first magnetic field, thereby providing the required counteracting force; and 4) Battery pack, for powering the speed sensor, electric control unit, and for providing the electrical signal required for generation of the second magnetic field.
According to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, the counteracting force generating system is an electromechanical system, in which the relative motion is controlled by utilizing a brake force that is employed directly on the driven wheel by a hydraulic braking piston, and the oil pressure release (i.e., which causes the brake force to decrease), is implemented by utilization of electro-mechanical needle valve.
Preferably, the electromechanical brake system comprises:
1) Speed sensor, for monitoring the rotational speed of the driven wheel, and thereby, the descend speed. The speed sensor is capable of generating a electrical signal that represents the rotational speed (i.e., rpm) of the driven wheel; 2) Oil pump—the rotation axis of which is mechanically coupled to the rotation axis of the driven wheel, for transferring rotational motion caused by the relative motion from the driven wheel to the oil pump. The oil pump includes oil inlet and oil outlet; 3) Hydraulic control unit—the hydraulic control unit includes:
oil inlet that is connected to the oil outlet of the oil pump and to an oil passage inside the hydraulic control unit; Oil outlet that is connected to the oil inlet of the oil pump and to an oil reservoir inside the hydraulic unit; Electro-mechanical needle valve, for closing/opening the oil passage inside the hydraulic control unit, for regulating the flow rate of the oil passing between the oil inlet and the oil outlet of the hydraulic control unit, and thereby, the pressure in the oil passage. The electromechanical needle valve comprises an electrical portion capable of translating electric signals into physical positioning of a needle-like rod that is movable through a sealed opening; Braking cylinder, which comprises a piston that is connected to a rod movable through a sealed opening. The position of the piston is determined according to a first force exerted on one side of the piston by a spring, and a second force that (opposes the first force and) is exerted on the other side of the piston by the oil pressure existing in the oil passage. One end of the movable rod is connected to the piston, and the other end of the rod is connected to a rubbing strip. The piston of the braking cylinder is pushed outwards (i.e., with respect to the hydraulic control unit) whenever the pressure in the oil passage increases as a result of an increase in the relative motion, for providing counteracting force that will limit the increase in the relative motion. Whenever required, the passage between the oil inlet and oil outlet is opened, by retracting the electromechanical needle valve, for allowing reducing relatively high pressure in the oil passage, after which the braking force, which is employed on the driven wheel by the rubbing strip, will ease, or cease; Accumulator, which comprises a piston that is connected to a rod movable through a sealed opening. The piston is movable inside a cylindrical oil reservoir, which is connected to the oil outlet end of the hydraulic control unit, and its position in the cylinder is determined according to the pressure exerted by a spring on one of its sides, and a pressure exerted on its other side by the oil contained within the oil reservoir. The oil reservoir allows changes in the oil passage while a relative motion is being regulated;
4) Electronic control unit, for accepting the electrical signals and outputting a corresponding signal to the electromechanical needle valve, for regulating the braking force employed on the driven wheel; and 5) Battery pack, for powering the speed sensor, electronic control unit and the electromechanical needle valve.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the rubbing strip is further connected to a mechanical emergency braking arrangement, which comprises a screw-like rod, handle, nut, bearing, lever, pivot and mechanical arrangement that keeps the screw-like rod in a fixed longitudinal position with respect to the sliding box. Screw-like rod is screwable through the nut, to which a bearing is mechanically affixed. The screw-like rod is intended to be rotated by a person utilizing the sliding box for descending, by operating the handle. When the screw-like rod is rotated in the corresponding direction, nut, and therefore bearing that is affixed thereto, advance, along the screw-like rod, such that the bearing slides on the lever. Since the right end of the lever (i.e., according to this example) is rotatable around the fixed pivot, the movement of the bearing to the left-hand side direction causes the rubbing strip, which is affixed to the distal end of the lever, to push one side of the driven wheel, and, thereby, to provide a brake force for slowing the driven wheel, or, if so required, for slowing the driven wheel until the driven wheel, and therefore, the sliding box, is completely stopped.
Optionally, moving bearing to the extreme left-hand side of lever results in sustaining some predetermined minimal down-motion of the sliding box with respect to the escape cable.
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided means for connecting a descending person to an escape cable, and the sliding boxes is rigidly affixed to strategic place, for example, to an outer side of a wall of a building, and the escape cable is allowed to slide down along the wall of the building.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limitative detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a person wearing a flexible harness, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 2 a to 2 c schematically illustrate the basic steps of escaping a building, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 shows the transmission section of the sliding box, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show sketches of the cable and its dimensions, according to an aspect of the present invention;
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b show the sliding box in its “open” and “close” state, respectively, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 c shows an external view of the sliding box, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show in separate the control unit of the sliding box and a side view thereof, respectively, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 6 c schematically illustrates the inner components of the control unit, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 7 a and 7 b show mechanical emergency brake system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 8 a and 8 b show in more details the internal structure of the mechanical speed control unit 71 shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b;
FIGS. 9 a and 9 b show a manually-operable mechanical emergency braking arrangement, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 10 a to 10 c show a sliding box, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 11 a to 11 c show an electromechanical sliding box, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 12 a and 12 b show in more details the internal structure of the electromechanical speed control unit shown in FIG. 11 ; and
FIG. 13 shows the proportion between a person's hand palm and an exemplary sliding box and escape cable, according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a person wearing an escape kit that comprises a flexible harness and a sliding box, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The escape kit comprises harness 11 , which person 10 is wearing, and sliding box 12 , which is firmly affixed to harness 11 . Optionally, the escape kit may comprise helmet 13 , which may, or may not, carry a spotlight/flashlight. Harness 11 , which is constructed from several belts is capable of supporting at least 250 Kgs. Sliding box 12 includes, on its external face, several rounded wheels 12 / 1 to 12 / 4 , for allowing sliding box 12 to slide down along a wall (e.g., of a building).
FIGS. 2 a to 2 c schematically illustrate the basic steps of escaping a building, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Escape cable 21 is normally (i.e., when not in use) winded over winch drum ( 22 ), ready to be used in cases of emergencies. A first end of escape cable 21 is firmly affixed to winch 22 , and the second end of winch 22 is a throwing end that is intended to be thrown by a person outside an escaping window or hatch. Winch ( 22 ), together with the escape cable 21 winded there upon, could be hidden inside some sort of a closet (generally indicated by reference numeral 22 / 1 ), for aesthetic purpose, and its location could be predetermined according to preferred strategy. For example, the location of winch 22 could be chosen in a way that escape cable 21 would pass as close to as many windows of the building as possible (that is, on its way down). Of course, any aesthetic arrangement of winch 22 must allow easy access to, and convenient operation of, escape cable ( 21 ). Several winches, such as winch 22 , and several escape cables such as cable 21 might be located in several strategic locations with respect to a building, for ensuring, in cases of emergencies, safe and fast rescue of the building residents.
Referring to FIG. 2 a , after the escaping person 10 wears its escape kit, which comprise at least harness 11 and sliding box 12 , escaping person 10 approaches closet 22 / 1 , opens the closet, grabs the throwing end of escape cable 21 , and starts unwinding escape cable 21 from winch 22 . Then, person 10 approaches the escape window, or hatch, and continues to unwind escape cable 21 through the escape window/hatch, until escape cable 21 is completely unwounded. Next (see FIG. 2 b ), person 10 opens sliding box 12 , inserts escape cable 21 into sliding box 12 , locks and secures sliding box 12 with the escape cable inside, and moves his body beyond the threshold of the escape window/hatch. Then, person 10 turns around so that his face is against the escape window and starts sliding down (see FIG. 2 c ). Of course, additional persons might utilize escape cable 21 for escaping. For example, woman 10 / 1 could fetch her escape kit from closet 14 , and perform the required escaping procedure, except that in the cases of other escaping persons, there would be no need to uncoil escape cable 21 , as this cable was previously uncoiled by the first escaping person. One or more closets, such as closet 14 , could be deployed in every floor of a building. Escape cable 21 could be coiled again, if desired, by operating winch 22 , provided, of course, that the emergency case no longer exists and the conditions (i.e., of the building, escape cable, winch, etc.) allow it.
FIG. 3 depicts one cross section of the sliding box, according to one preferred embodiment of the invention. Sliding box 12 comprises, in general, two sections. One section, which is shown in FIG. 3 , includes engaging means for keeping escape cable 21 in a velocity-controlling route within sliding box 12 , for allowing sensing the relative velocity of sliding box 12 with respect to escape cable 21 (i.e., sensing the descending rate of sliding box 12 ). The function of guiding elements 34 / 1 and 34 / 2 is to allow safe/smooth entry and exit of cable 21 into/from sliding box 12 , respectively. The function of main pulley 31 , which is, according to this example, the driven wheel, is sensing the relative velocity between sliding box 12 and cable 21 , for allowing a second section of sliding box 12 (not shown) to generate a counter pressure, or momentum, in response to the sensed velocity difference, for controlling the velocity of sliding box 12 while descending along cable 21 . Pulley 31 is a toothed wheel that includes a plurality of ‘teeth’ that form a contour line that essentially counter matches the unique shape/design of the elements of escape cable 21 shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b . The dimensions of the teeth and the spacing therebetween provide adequate coupling between pulley 31 and escape cable 21 even in cases where the distance between adjacent connecting elements 40 might slightly change for any reason, for example when a heavy person slides down along escape cable 21 exerting considerable force on the connecting elements. The function of pulleys 32 and 33 is to assure engagement of escape cable 21 to main pulley 31 . Preferably, there are two secondary pulleys ( 32 and 33 ). However, any suitable number of secondary pulleys, or some other engaging arrangement (i.e., between escape cable 21 and the driven wheel, in this case main pulley 31 ), might be utilized instead. According to an aspect of the present invention, the secondary pulleys are optional.
Referring to FIG. 4 a , cable 21 (only a portion of it is shown) comprises a plurality of elements, such as element 40 , and flexible cable 44 . Each one of the elements has a central cylindrical bore hole through which flexible cable 44 passes. Each one of the elements includes a first cylinder 42 and a second cylinder 41 which has essentially the shape of a disc. First and second cylinders 41 and 42 have a common longitudinal axis 44 / 1 . Cylinder 41 has a diameter larger than that of the cylinder 42 , and is located essentially in the central portion of the perimeter of cylinder 42 . One end of cylinder 42 has essentially the shape of a convex 45 , and the opposite end of cylinder 42 has essentially the shape of a concave 43 . The convex of each one of a elements is brought in contact with the concave of the next element, and so on, and the concave and convex portions of the elements allow utilizing the flexibility of escape cable 21 , which might be helpful also in cases where an escaping person whishes to bypass obstacles while descending from a high building The function of cylinders 41 is to prevent any sliding between the sliding box 12 and the escape cable 21 , and relay the descending velocity to toothed wheel 31 and wheels 32 and 33 (see FIG. 3 ), thereby allowing sliding box 12 to control its descend rate along escape cable 21 .
Whenever escape cable 21 is essentially in vertical position (i.e., as it would be normally the case when utilized for escaping from tall places), each one of elements 40 exerts pressure on the elements below it. The resulting pressure on specific element 40 will be, therefore, a function of the accumulative mass of the elements 40 above that specific element, and of the weight of the sliding box and sliding person. Consequently, the lowermost elements of the escape cable will be under high pressure, which might result in rupturing the escape cable.
In order to avoid exerting too much pressure on the lowermost elements of escape cable 21 , an element 46 (herein “anchor element”) will be firmly affixed to the flexible cable 44 ( FIG. 4 a ) each predefined distance or number of elements. For example, one element could be firmly affixed to the cable each five meters, or each 30 elements. This way, the maximum pressure that would be exerted on an element just above an anchor element will be limited to the pressure exerted by the remaining elements existing between the corresponding anchor elements, plus the weight of the sliding box and person. Referring to the example shown in FIG. 4 c , an anchor element 46 is affixed to flexible cable 44 each three ‘ordinary’ elements 40 . The elements 40 allow rolling the escape cable on a roller, or cylindrical drum, the diameter of which could be, e.g., 0.6 meter, for allowing convenient and aesthetic storage of the escape cable inside a closet whenever the escape cable is not in use, and fast deployment, or unwinding, of the escape cable in cases of emergencies. The closet could be conveniently installed at a desirable location on the preferred floor.
Referring to FIGS. 4 b and 13 , an exemplary dimensions of the connecting elements are 1=18 millimeters (‘l’—length of individual element), and d=15 millimeters (‘d’—the diameter of the larger cylinder 41 ). These dimensions can change from one type of a sliding box to another.
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b schematically illustrate sliding box 12 in “open” and “closed” positions, respectively. In FIG. 5 a , sliding box 12 is opened in a way that main pulley 31 (i.e., the driven wheel) is separated from secondary pulleys 32 and 33 (pulley 33 not shown) for making room for cable 21 , which is arranged therebetween as shown in FIG. 3 . After placing cable 21 between the pulleys 31 and 32 / 33 , sliding box 12 is then closed, thereby securing the passage of cable 21 therein; i.e., by pressing cable 21 against main pulley 31 by secondary pulleys 32 and 33 ( FIG. 5 b ). Reference numeral 56 denotes a pivot axis around which sliding box 12 is opened/closed. Reference numeral 57 denotes the supporting structure to which the driven wheel (i.e., according to this example main pulley 31 ), the engaging means (i.e., according to this example secondary pulleys 32 and 33 ), and the means for measuring the rotary speed of the driven wheel and providing the required brake force for slowing the rotation of the driven wheel (i.e., according to this example oil pump 52 and hydraulic control unit 54 ) are rigidly affixed.
Referring to FIGS. 5 b and 5 c , whenever sliding box 12 descends along cable 21 , pulleys 31 to 33 rotate at an angular velocity corresponding to the descending rate. Pulley 31 is mechanically coupled to oil pump 52 (i.e., by means of driveshaft 51 ) that is part of the hydraulic system that is contained within sliding box 12 . Therefore, the rotational movement of pulley 31 is transferred to the axis of a “toothed wheel” type oil pump 52 . The rate of the angular velocity of the oil pump, and therefore, the angular velocity of main pulley 31 (and also the descend rate), is controlled by (“weight/velocity”) hydraulic control unit 54 , which regulates the oil circulation in the hydraulic system. Hydraulic control unit 54 includes oil inlet 55 / 4 , which is connected by means of pipe 53 / 1 to the oil outlet of oil pump 52 , and oil outlet 55 / 5 , which is connected by means of pipe 53 / 2 to the oil inlet of oil pump 52 .
The rate of oil flow, which enters control unit 54 through oil inlet 55 / 4 , is adjusted by a regulating valve that is implemented by an oil piston arrangement, in a way that is described herein below in connection with FIG. 6 c . Likewise, the oil flow rate that returns to oil pump 52 (i.e., from outlet 55 / 5 ) is controlled by an adjustable needle valve 55 / 2 . Reference numeral 55 / 1 denotes an oil accumulator, the task of which is to compensate for variations in the oil pressure within the (closed) hydraulic system; the pressure variations being caused by changes in the angular momentum that is exerted on the axis of oil pump 52 as a result of the descending sliding box 12 . Control unit 54 includes additional needle valve 55 / 3 for regulating the extent of the aforesaid compensation (i.e., of oil pressure).
FIG. 6 a shows a general and isolated view of the control unit shown in FIG. 5 b , and FIG. 6 b shows a side view of control unit 54 .
FIG. 6 c is an A-A cross-section of FIG. 6 b . Oil accumulator 55 / 1 comprises piston 66 to which piston rod 64 is connected, member 64 / 1 , through which piston rode 64 is freely slidable, spring 65 and oil reservoir 67 . The position of piston 66 (i.e., within the cylinder in which it is moveable), at any given time, depends on the mechanical characteristics of spring 65 , on the area of piston 66 and on the instantaneous oil pressure residing within the oil reservoir ( 67 ). Put otherwise, the final position of piston 66 will be such that equilibrium will exist between the force exerted by spring 65 on one side of piston 66 and the force exerted by the oil pressure on the other side of piston 66 .
Likewise, regulating valve 61 comprises piston 63 to which piston rod 68 is connected, member 68 / 1 , through which piston rod 68 is freely moveable, spring 65 / 2 and oil reservoir 67 / 2 . The position of piston 63 (i.e., within the cylinder in which it is moveable), at any given time, depends on the mechanical characteristics of spring 65 / 2 , on the area of piston 63 and on the instantaneous oil pressure residing within the oil reservoir ( 67 / 2 ). Put otherwise, the final position of piston 63 will be such that an equilibrium will exist between the force exerted by spring 65 / 2 on one side of piston 63 and the force exerted by the oil pressure on the other side of piston 63 .
The task of springs 65 and 65 / 2 is to keep pistons 66 and 63 , respectively, at some initial position whenever there is no pressure in oil passage 62 (i.e., oil pump 52 is inactive).
The way of controlling the descending rate will be described immediately below. While sliding box 12 is at rest (i.e., no rotational moment is applied to pulley 31 ), there is no oil circulation in the system (i.e., oil pump 52 is at rest) and no oil pressure is built in oil passage 62 inside control unit 54 . However, as a person wearing a sliding box such as sliding box 12 starts descending along cable 21 , pulley 31 starts rotating and the rotational moment is transferred to oil pump 52 ( FIG. 5 b or 5 c ), which, in turn, starts pushing oil into control unit 54 through inlet 55 / 4 of control unit 54 . Needle valve 55 / 2 is adjusted such that a the oil flow rate through inlet valve 55 / 4 is higher than the oil flow rate through outlet valve 55 / 5 . Consequently, the pressure in oil passage 62 increases, causing piston 63 to move towards inlet 55 / 4 , for reducing the oil flow rate through inlet 55 / 4 . Since the hydraulic system is a closed system (i.e., there is a fixed amount of oil in the hydraulic system), enlarging volume 67 / 2 is allowed because the additional oil in volume 67 / 2 comes from volume 67 . The latter feature is possible, because rods 64 and 68 are mechanically coupled to one another in a way that each “up” movement of piston 63 is followed by a counter “down” movement of piston 66 , and vice versa. This way, every increase in volume 67 / 2 is followed by a corresponding decrease in the volume 67 , and vice versa, meaning that oil is exchanged between volume 67 to volume 67 / 2 .
At the same time the increased oil pressure in passage 62 causes piston 63 to move towards inlet 55 / 4 for reducing the flow rate of oil coming from oil pump 52 , oil pump 52 continues sucking oil through outlet 55 / 5 , and, therefore, the pressure in oil passage 62 decreases, thereby causing piston 63 to open inlet 55 / 4 (i.e., by use of spring 65 / 2 ) and oil pump 52 to inject oil there through at an increased flow rate, which results in an increase in the pressure in oil passage 62 . As long as force is exerted on oil pump 52 by pulley 31 , piston 63 will repetitively close and open inlet 55 / 4 , in a cyclic manner, wherein each cycle includes one “open” (or “closed”) state (i.e., of inlet 55 / 4 ) that is followed by one “close” (or “open”) state.
The heavier the descending person, the more frequent inlet 55 / 4 will open and close, because the force exerted on oil pump 52 will be greater, causing a rapid increase in the oil pressure in oil passage 62 , which will cause, in turn, inlet 55 / 4 to rapidly close. The moment inlet 55 / 4 closes, there will be a rapid decrease in the oil pressure in oil passage 62 , which will cause inlet 55 / 4 to rapidly open, and so on. The changes in the increase and decrease rates in the pressure in oil passage 62 (i.e., in response to changes in the descending person) allow, therefore, maintaining essentially the same descending velocity, regardless of the weight of the descending person. Put otherwise, load changes on pulley 31 will be translated into corresponding changes in the frequency of the “open” and “close” states of inlet 55 / 4 .
Of course, the descending velocity may be set as desired (e.g., 2 meter/second), by adjusting needle valves 55 / 2 and 55 / 3 , as well as by using springs 65 and 65 / 2 with different mechanical characteristics, and/or by changing the absolute diameter of pistons 63 and 66 or the ratio therebetween. Valves 55 / 2 and 55 / 3 are utilized only for testing and calibration purposes, after which they are permanently set.
Of course, for some cases sliding box 12 could be fixed to a point of a building, or elsewhere, and the cable sliding therein, though the above described embodiment would be preferable.
FIGS. 7 a and 7 b schematically illustrate a sliding box with automatic hydraulic brake system, according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Whenever pulley 31 rotates, oil pump 52 pushes oil to oil inlet 55 / 4 of speed control unit 71 (i.e., via pipe 71 / 1 ). Oil returns from outlet 55 / 5 of speed control unit 71 to oil pump 52 (i.e., via pipe 71 / 2 ).
FIGS. 8 a and 8 b show in more details the internal structure of the mechanical speed control unit 71 shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b . Oil is pushed by oil pump 52 ( FIG. 7 a , for example) through inlet 55 / 4 . Needle valve 81 closes oil outlet 55 / 5 , in which case a pressure is formed, by the oil that is pushed through inlet 55 / 4 , which causes piston 84 to move upwards, thereby moving also a rod, the end 83 of which exerts braking force on pulley 31 (i.e., by applying friction to pulley 31 ) for slowing down the rotational speed of pulley 31 . With the increasing pressure inside oil passage 82 , and after piston 85 applies friction to pulley 31 , there is a pressure threshold above which the oil pressure inside oil passage 82 overcomes the force exerted on piston 86 / 2 by spring 86 / 1 . Therefore, piston 86 / 2 starts moving downwards, thereby opening outlet 55 / 5 and releasing some of the oil pressure locked inside oil passage 82 . As a result of the decreasing pressure in oil passage 82 , friction end 83 retracts, and the braking friction applied on pulley 31 is removed. The oil pressure decreases in the oil passage 82 until it gets lower than the force exerted on piston 86 / 2 by spring 86 / 1 , in which case springs 86 / 1 overcomes the aforesaid oil pressure and moves, once again, piston 86 / 2 upwards, so that needle valve 81 closes again oil outlet 55 / 5 , after which the oil pressure in oil passage 82 increases again, thereby causing friction end 83 to apply, again, a friction against pulley 31 , and so on. In other words, pressure is built up in oil passage 82 as a result of an increase in the rotational speed (RPM) of the oil pump, caused by increased relative motion between the escape cable ( 21 ) and the sliding box ( 12 ), and the built up oil pressure generates a braking moment that is exerted on the main pulley ( 31 ) for reducing the aforesaid relative motion, after which the oil pressure in oil passage 82 decreases. The decrease in the oil pressure in oil passage 82 causes releasing of at least some of the aforesaid braking moment, causing, thereby, to the relative motion to increase again, and so on. Oil accumulator 87 provides oil for the oil passage 88 in order to prevent oil passage 88 from being in a state of vacuum.
FIGS. 9 a and 9 b schematically illustrate a sliding box with manually-operable mechanical emergency brakes, according to an aspect of the present invention. Under normal operating conditions (i.e., a person descends at a regulated velocity), the regulated velocity is automatically maintained by pushing friction strip 96 towards one face of pulley 31 , and causing friction strip 96 to retreat from pulley 31 , at intervals. Friction strip 96 is pushed and retreated by utilizing a mechanical arrangement such as the one shown in FIG. 8 a (i.e., rod 83 ). However, an external intervening means is provided in the sliding box, which allows to manually bypass the automatic mode of operation of the sliding box in emergency cases, or whenever a descending person wishes to slow down his descend. The intervening means operates in the following way: screw-like rod 92 is screwable through nut 93 , to which bearing 94 is mechanically affixed. Screw-like rod 92 is rotatable by a person wearing the harness and sliding box 12 for descending, by operating handle 91 . When screw-like rod 92 is rotated in one direction, screw 93 and bearing 94 , which is affixed thereto, advance along the screw-like rod 92 , in a way that bearing 94 slides on lever 95 . Since the right end of lever 95 (i.e., according to this example) is rotatable around fixed pivot 97 , the movement of bearing 94 to the left-hand side direction (as seen in the drawing) causes friction strip 96 , which is affixed to the distal end of lever 95 , to be pushed against one face of pulley 31 , and, thereby, providing braking moment for slowing down pulley 31 , and maintaining a preferred descending velocity of; e.g., 1 meter per second.
FIGS. 10 a to 10 c show a sliding box, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Sliding box 12 includes velocity sensor 101 , the function of which is to measure the rotational speed of pulley 31 , by generating an electrical signal that represents the rotational speed. Velocity sensor 101 could be, for example, a magnetic pickup sensor, such as any of the magnetic pickup sensors from the NJ series manufactured by Pepperl & Fuchs (P&F), which generates a train of pulses having a frequency that linearly depends on the rotational speed of pulley 31 . The train of pulses can be forwarded to control unit 104 , which includes electronic circuitry for translating the train of pulses back into rotational speed. Another function of the electronic circuitry contained within electrical control unit 104 is to output electrical control signal to electric motor 102 for generating a magnetic moment that counteracts the mechanical moment exerted on pulley 31 by the descending sliding box 12 . The rotational speed, as measured by speed sensor 101 , is compared to a (“set-point”) rotational speed that corresponds to a wanted (i.e., preferred) descending rate of sliding box 12 . The higher the measured rotational speed, with respect to the preferred (i.e., set-point) rotational speed, the stronger is the generated moment, and therefore, the braking force. This way, it is possible to obtain essentially an accurate and uniform sliding rate irrespective of the weight of the descending person.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the control unit includes setting means for allowing a descending person to change the preferred descending rate, by changing the set-point rotational speed of pulley 31 . According to an aspect of the present invention, the setting means includes a scale that is calibrated to descending rate (e.g., 0.5, 1.0 and 3.0 meters/second).
Battery pack 103 provides the electric power required by the electronic circuitry inside control unit 104 and by electric motor 102 . Utilizing an electric motor for controlling the descend rate allows obtaining a more accurate and stable/fixed descending speed, comparing to the above-mentioned hydraulic solutions.
FIGS. 11 a to 11 c show an electromechanical sliding box, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, the mechanical portion of sliding box 12 resembles to the mechanical portion of sliding box 12 shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b , and FIGS. 8 a and 8 b , as it includes oil pump 52 , hydraulic control unit 115 and related oil pipes (i.e., 71 / 1 and 71 / 2 ). In addition, according to this embodiment, the electrical portion of sliding box 12 resembles to the electrical portion of sliding box 12 shown in FIG. 10 , as it also includes speed sensor 101 and electronic control unit 104 . However, unlike in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 , according to this embodiment the electronic control unit (i.e., electronic control unit 101 ) receives the picked-up train of pulses, which corresponds to the descend speed, and outputs a corresponding controlling electric signal that is forwarded to the hydraulic portion for regulating the descend speed.
FIGS. 12 a and 12 b show in more details the internal structure of the electromechanical speed control unit shown in FIG. 11 . The functionality of speed control unit 115 is essentially the same as the functionality of speed control unit 71 (see, for example, FIG. 8 a ), except that in speed control unit 115 , the needle valve 81 is operated electrically (i.e., by electromechanical means 121 ) rather than by hydraulic piston that is movable in accordance with an oil pressure.
The controlling electric signal, which is outputted by electronic control unit 114 ( FIG. 11 ), moves the hydraulic needle valve 81 so as to open/close the oil passage between inlet 55 / 4 and outlet 55 / 5 . When the descending speed is zero, oil pump 52 ( FIG. 11 ) does not circulate oil in the hydraulic system, needle valve 81 is in “retracted” position and a free passage of oil is allowed between oil inlet 55 / 4 and outlet 55 / 5 . As the descend speed starts to increase, oil pump 52 starts circulating oil; i.e., oil is pushed by the oil pump through inlet 55 / 4 and oil returns to the oil pump through outlet 55 / 5 . However, along side with the increase of the descend speed, electronic control unit 114 ( FIG. 11 ) outputs an electric signal to electromechanical means 121 , which moves needle valve 81 so as to partially close the oil passage between inlet 55 / 4 and outlet 55 / 5 . As a result of the partial closure of the aforesaid oil passage, the oil pressure in oil passage 82 increases, and piston 84 moves upwards, so as to cause friction end 83 to be pushed against pulley 31 , for employing a counteracting force there against, in order to prevent pulley 31 from further increasing its rotational speed. The more the descend speed tends to increase (i.e., due to gravitational force and a descending person having heavier weight), the more the needle valve ( 81 ) will close the oil passage between inlet 55 / 4 and outlet 55 / 5 , and the higher pressure will be built in oil passage 82 , which will result in a stronger counteracting (i.e., braking) force that is employed on pulley 31 .
FIG. 13 shows the proportion between an exemplary sliding box and cable and a person's hand, according to the present invention. Hand 131 is shown gripping escape cable 21 (i.e., only for illustrating purpose), which is shown after having been inserted into sliding box 12 . Sliding box 12 includes projecting “eyes” 133 (only three are shown), which are intended to be connected to a harness that the person has to wear (see harness 11 in, e.g., FIG. 11 ). In order to insert escape cable 21 into sliding box 12 , the person opened sliding box 12 around pivot axis 56 (see also, for example, FIG. 5 a ). Reference numerals 134 and 135 denote securing elements, the function of which is securing sliding box 12 in its close position, for preventing unintentional escaping of escape cable 21 from sliding box 12 . When a person utilizes sliding box 12 to descend, securing elements 134 and 135 face the wall of the building (i.e., away from the descending person), in order to ensure that the descending person does not accidentally (e.g., out of panic) opens sliding box 12 . Wheels 136 prevent friction between the external side of the wall of the building and the sliding box. Wheels 136 can be of any suitable size. Wheels 136 can be replaced by any other friction-preventing, or friction-protecting, means. For example, a friction-protecting means can be an arcuated plate, which could be made of metal, plastics, etc.
The sliding box shown in FIG. 13 is only a prototype, and the commercial sliding box is intended to be as small as half the size of the prototype sliding box.
While some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention can be carried into practice with many modifications, variations and adaptations, and with the use of numerous equivalents or alternative solutions that are within the scope of persons skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope of the claims. | Escape device that comprises a sliding box worn by each escaping person, such that the escape device is combined with an escape cable. The sliding box comprises a supporting structure; a driven wheel supported in the structure for rotation, and adapted to be in engagement with the escape cable and to be driven thereby into rotation. The rotary speed correspond to the speed of the motion of the sliding box relative to the escape cable, and therefore, corresponds to the speed of descent of the escaping person; means for measuring the rotary speed of the driven wheel and therefore, the speed of descent of the escaping person; and braking means, for slowing the rotation of the driven wheel, and therefore the speed of descent of the escaping person, whenever it is required to maintain the speed of descent within predetermined limits. | 53,324 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is related to co-pending and commonly-assigned patent application Ser. No. 09/494,325, filed on Jan. 28, 2000, by Cynthia M. Saracco, entitled “TECHNIQUE FOR DETECTING A SHARED TEMPORAL RELATIONSHIP OF VALID TIME DATA IN A RELATIONAL DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM,” which application is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to relational database management systems, and, in particular, to a technique for detecting a subsuming temporal relationship of valid time data in a relational database management system.
2. Description of Related Art
Databases are computerized information storage and retrieval systems. A Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) is a database management system (DBMS) which uses relational techniques for storing and retrieving data. Relational databases are organized into tables which consist of rows and columns of data. The rows are formally called tuples. A database will typically have many tables and each table will typically have multiple tuples and multiple columns. The tables are typically stored on random access storage devices (RASD) such as magnetic or optical disk drives for semi-permanent storage.
RDBMS software using a Structured Query Language (SQL) interface is well known in the art. The SQL interface has evolved into a standard language for RDBMS software and has been adopted as such by both the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Standards Organization (ISO). The SQL interface allows users to formulate relational operations on the tables either interactively, in batch files, or embedded in host languages, such as C and COBOL. SQL allows the user to manipulate the data.
A data warehouse is a combination of many different databases across an entire enterprise. Data warehouses contain a wide variety of data that presents a coherent picture of business conditions at a single point in time. As a result, many companies use data warehouses to support management decision making. A data mart is similar to a data warehouse. The only difference between the data mart and the data warehouse is that data marts are usually smaller than data warehouses, and data marts focus on a particular subject or departments. Both the data warehouse and the data mart use the RDBMS for storing and retrieving information.
Companies frequently use data warehouses and data marts to create billions of bytes of data about all aspects of a company, including facts about their customers, products, operations, and personal. Many companies use this data to evaluate their past performance and to plan for the future. To assist the companies in analyzing this data, some data warehousing and decision support professionals write applications and generate reports that seek to shed light on a company's recent business history.
Several common forms of data analysis involve evaluating time-related data, such as examining customer buying behaviors, assessing the effectiveness of marketing campaigns or determining the impact of organizational changes on sales during a selected time period. The relevance of time-related data to a variety of business applications has caused some DBMS professionals to reexamine the need for temporal data analysis.
Temporal data is often used to track the period of time at which certain business conditions are valid. To illustrate, a company may sell product X for: $50 during a first period of time; $45 during a second period of time; and $52 during a third period of time. The company may even know that this same product will sell for $54 during some future period of time. When the company's database contains information about the valid times for each of these price points, the pricing points are referred to as temporal data. Common techniques for recording valid time information in a RDBMS involve including a DATE column in a table that tracks business conditions, such as a START_DATE and an END_DATE column in a table that tracks pricing information for products.
Analyzing temporal data involves understanding the manner in which different business conditions relate to one another over time. Returning to the previous example, each product has a retail price for a given period of time, and each product also has a wholesale cost. Retail prices can fluctuate independently of the product's wholesale cost, and vice versa. To determine efficiencies (or inefficiencies) in a product's pricing scheme, a retailer may wish to understand the relationship between a product's retail price and a product's wholesale cost over time. More specifically, a retailer may wish to evaluate: whether products are being placed on sale at inopportune times (e.g., before the retailer is eligible to receive a reduction in wholesale price) or whether the retailer has failed to pass on cost savings to customers (e.g., failing to place products on sale during the period in which their wholesale cost is reduced).
These questions involve temporal analysis because the questions involve tracking the period of time at which certain business conditions were in effect. These questions can be challenging to express in SQL, and many users are incapable of correctly formatting such SQL queries. Further, mistakes in the SQL query are common and difficult to detect.
Thus, there is a need in the art for a technique of creating a simplified SQL query to analyze the temporal relationships of various business conditions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To overcome the limitations in the prior art described above, and to overcome other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention discloses a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for detecting subsuming temporal relationships in a relational database.
In accordance with the present invention, an invocation of a within operation that specifies a first event and a second event is received. In response to the invocation, a combination of temporal relationships between the first event and the second event is evaluated to determine (1) whether the second event starts at the same time as the first event or whether the second event starts before the first event and (2) whether the second event ends at the same time as the first event or whether the second event ends after the first event.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a hardware environment of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates seven temporal relationship operators; and
FIGS. 3A-3B are flow charts that illustrate the steps performed by the single function operator system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the following description of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized as structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Hardware Environment
FIG. 1 illustrates a computer hardware environment that could be used in accordance with the present invention. In the exemplary environment, a computer system 102 is comprised of one or more processors connected to one or more data storage devices 104 and 106 that store one or more relational databases, such as a fixed or hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a CDROM drive, a tape drive, or other device.
Operators of the computer system 102 use a standard operator interface 108 , such as IMS/DB/DC®, CICS®, TSO®, OS/390®, ODBC® or other similar interface, to transmit electrical signals to and from the computer system 102 that represent commands for performing various search and retrieval functions, termed queries, against the databases. In the present invention, these queries conform to the Structured Query Language (SQL) standard, and invoke functions performed by Relational DataBase Management System (RDBMS) software.
The SQL interface has evolved into a standard language for RDBMS software and has been adopted as such by both the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Standards Organization (ISO). The SQL interface allows users to formulate relational operations on the tables either interactively, in batch files, or embedded in host languages, such as C and COBOL. SQL allows the user to manipulate the data.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the RDBMS software comprises the DB2® UDB V5.2 product offered by IBM for the Windows NT 4.0 operating systems. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the present invention has application program to any RDBMS software, whether or not the RDBMS software uses SQL.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the DB2® UDB V5.2 system for the Windows NT 4.0 operating system includes three major components: the Internal Resource Lock Manager (IRLM) 110 , the Systems Services module 112 , and the Database Services module 114 . The IRLM 110 handles locking services for the DB2® UDB V5.2 system, which treats data as a shared resource, thereby allowing any number of users to access the same data simultaneously. Thus concurrency control is required to isolate users and to maintain data integrity. The Systems Services module 112 controls the overall DB2® UDB V5.2 execution environment, including managing log data sets 106 , gathering statistics, handling startup and shutdown, and providing management support.
At the center of the DB2® UDB V5.2 system is the Database Services module 114 . The Database Services module 114 contains several submodules, including the Relational Database System (RDS) 116 , the Data Manager 118 , the Buffer Manager 120 , the Rebalancing System 124 , and other components 122 such as an SQL compiler/interpreter. These submodules support the functions of the SQL language, i.e. definition, access control, interpretation, compilation, database retrieval, and update of user and system data. The Single Function Operator System 124 works in conjunction with the other submodules to provide a single function operator that simplifies the process of detecting and tracking subsuming temporal relationships.
The present invention is generally implemented using SQL statements executed under the control of the Database Services module 114 . The Database Services module 114 retrieves or receives the SQL statements, wherein the SQL statements are generally stored in a text file on the data storage devices 104 and 106 or are interactively entered into the computer system 102 by an operator sitting at a monitor 126 via operator interface 108 . The Database Services module 114 then derives or synthesizes instructions from the SQL statements for execution by the computer system 102 .
Generally, the RDBMS software, the SQL statements, and the instructions derived therefrom, are all tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium, e.g. one or more of the data storage devices 104 and 106 . Moreover, the RDBMS software, the SQL statements, and the instructions derived therefrom, are all comprised of instructions which, when read and executed by the computer system 102 , causes the computer system 102 to perform the steps necessary to implement and/or use the present invention. Under control of an operating system, the RDBMS software, the SQL statements, and the instructions derived therefrom, may be loaded from the data storage devices 104 and 106 into a memory of the computer system 102 for use during actual operations.
Thus, the present invention may be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. The term “article of manufacture” (or alternatively, “computer program product”) as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the exemplary environment illustrated in FIG. 1 is not intended to limit the present invention. Indeed, those skilled in the art will recognize that other alternative hardware environments may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Single Function Operator System
The growing interest in advanced data analysis techniques—prompted, in part, by increased use of data warehouses, data marts, and other decision support environments—has led some DBMS professionals to revisit the need for temporal data analysis. Such analysis attempts to discern the manner in which the states of things (e.g., product content, product pricing, product promotions, product management, etc.) vary over time and the manner in which these different states may be inter-related.
For example, a product may sell at its standard retail price for certain periods of time, while at other times it may sell at various discounted rates. Furthermore, this same product may cost the retailer different prices at different periods of time (perhaps due to a manufacturer's rebate offer). Understanding the relationship between the product's various states of pricing can be important when determining the effectiveness of the product's pricing strategy and assessing profits on the product's sales.
The examples discussed herein involve retail-oriented databases with a star schema architecture. The retail industry is used because of its commercial significance in the data warehousing and decision support fields and because members of the retail industry tend to be interested in temporal analysis. However, the single function operator system 124 is applicable to other industries.
Some forms of temporal analysis are challenging to express using current commercial technology. Researchers have argued that these commercial limitations may place an undue burden on DBMS users in the future, as data warehouses are likely to store greater quantities of historical data.
Temporal data tracks state-related information. This often translates into recording the time period for which a given condition was (or is or will be) valid. An example of temporal data is shown below in Table 1 and Table 2. Specifically, Table 1 and Table 2 contain information about Grace Theophila's salary and job titles over time. Grace Theophila is a fictional employee. Date information is shown in the MM/DD/YYYY format.
TABLE 1
ID
NAME
SALARY
START_DATE
END_DATE
123
Grace Theophila
45,000
Feb. 01, 1997
Apr. 20, 1998
123
Grace Theophila
48,000
Apr. 20, 1998
Oct. 30, 1998
123
Grace Theophila
49,500
Oct. 30, 1998
Apr. 04, 1999
...
...
...
...
...
TABLE 2
START —
ID
NAME
TITLE
DATE
END_DATE
123
Grace Theophila
Asst
Feb. 01, 1997
Dec. 01, 1997
Manager
123
Grace Theophila
Manager
Feb. 01, 1997
Apr. 04, 1999
...
...
...
...
...
Both Table 1 and Table 2 track valid time information about different business conditions. Table 1 records salary information for employees throughout various periods of time, and Table 2 records employees'job titles throughout various periods of time. The “period” nature is a characteristic of temporal data and temporal analysis.
Traditional databases (i.e., databases which focus on currently valid data) rarely model employee salary and job title information in two separate tables, as shown in Table 1 and Table 2. However, for simplicity, a “temporal” database (i.e., one which attempts to track historical information and, possibly, current and future information as well) may model data in separate tables. An employee's salaries and job titles can vary over time, independently of one another. Storing both pieces of information in a single temporal table forces the DBMS professional to design the database in the following manner either: (1) retain only one start/end date pair to record the valid time for all the row's content; or (2) include multiple start/end date pairs, each recording the valid time for a single part of the row's content. Each of these design options increases the complexity of the temporal analysis. Therefore, in the interest of simplicity and clarity, the single function operator system 124 will be described herein with respect to separate tables for each type of data. However, if desired, the single function operator system 124 can be used with other database designs, e.g., single table designs.
Both Table 1 and Table 2 use dates as their level of temporal granularity, because presumably, an employee's salary or job title remains constant for a single day. However, temporal data can be recorded at coarser or finer levels of granularity. The START_DATE represents the first day on which the condition became true, and the END_DATE represents the first day thereafter in which the condition failed to remain true. For example, beginning Feb. 1, 1997, Grace had a salary of $45,000 per year. Grace continued to earn this salary until—but not including—Apr. 20, 1998. This technique of modeling temporal data is sometimes referred to as a “closed-open” representation in research literature. Of course, other representations of the data are possible without exceeding the scope of the single function operator system 124 .
Many of the underlying principles for a preferred embodiment of the single function operator system 124 are based on the theoretical work of J. F. Allen, who identified a set of operators (commonly referred to as Allen's operators) that can be used to assess temporal relationships. Allen's operators can be expressed in a variety of languages, including SQL.
Allen's operators are shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. 2 has an OPERATOR column 200 , a RELATIONSHIP column 202 , and a GRAPHIC EXAMPLE column 204 . The OPERATOR column 200 contains seven of Allen's operators, including BEFORE 206 , MEETS 208 , OVERLAPS 210 , DURING 212 , STARTS 214 , FINISHES 216 , and EQUAL 218 . These operators 206 , 208 , 210 , 212 , 214 , 216 , and 218 perform a comparison operation. The result of each comparison operation yields a TRUE or FALSE value. The RELATIONSHIP column 202 shows the relationship between a time period X 220 and a time period Y 222 . The GRAPHIC EXAMPLE column 204 displays a graphical representation of the relationship between the time period X 220 and the time period Y 222 . Other of Allen's operators include MET BY, OVERLAPPED BY, STARTED BY, and FINISHED BY. The results of these operators also produce a TRUE or FALSE value.
The preferred embodiment of the single function operator system 124 combines some of the operators 206 , 208 , 210 , 212 , 214 , 216 , and 218 into a single function. Combining some of the operators 206 , 208 , 210 , 212 , 214 , 216 , and 218 simplifies certain queries and helps reduce the number of lines of SQL code. More specifically, an embodiment of the single function operator system 124 provides a WITHIN operator that combines the EQUAL 218 , DURING 212 , STARTS 214 , and FINISHES 216 operators into a single function operator. The WITHIN operator returns a TRUE value when the time period X 220 is wholly or partly contained (or subsumed) within the time period Y 222 .
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a SHARES operator. The SHARES operator is similar to the WITHIN operator. Like the WITHIN operator, the SHARES operator combines the EQUAL 218 , DURING 212 , STARTS 214 , and FINISHES 216 operators into a single function operator. The difference between the WITHIN operator and the SHARES operator is that the SHARES operator adds the following operators to the combination: OVERLAPS 210 , OVERLAPPED BY, CONTAINS, STARTED BY, and FINISHED BY. The SHARES operator returns a TRUE value when time period X 220 shares any time in common with time period Y 222 .
To illustrate the benefits of the SHARES operator, the SHARES operator is used to extract data from Table 3 and Table 4 . Table 3 represents a Store database. The Store database records data about stores and the districts to which each store reports. Table 3 contains five columns, a SID column, a STORE_NAME column, a DID column, a ORG_START column, and ORG_END column.
The SID column contains a store identifier. The STORE_NAME column contains the name of store. The DID column contains the district identifier of the district that the store reports to. The ORG_START column contains the start date of the store-to-district reporting structure, and the ORG_END column contains the end date of the store-to-district reporting structure.
TABLE 3
SID
STORE_NAME
DID
ORG_START
ORG_END
0
Acme 0
7
May 06, 1998
July 20, 1998
0
Acme 0
6
Jan. 01, 1998
May 06, 1998
1
Acme 1
7
Apr. 20, 1998
May 05, 1998
2
Acme 2
6
Jan. 01, 1998
Sep. 30, 1998
2
Acme 2
7
Sep. 30, 1998
Dec. 30, 1998
3
Acme 3
5
Jan. 10, 1998
Dec. 30, 1998
4
Acme 4
5
Sep. 01, 1998
Dec. 30, 1998
...
...
...
...
...
Table 4 represents a District database. The District database records data about the districts and about the districts associated trading area. Table 4 contains five columns: a DID column that contains a district identifier; a D_NAME column that contains a district name; a TID column that contains an identifier of the trading area that the districts reports to; an ORG_START column that contains a start date of the reporting structure, and an ORG_END column that contains an end date of the reporting structure.
TABLE 4
DID
D_NAME
TID
ORG_START
ORG_END
5
Valley District
11
Jan. 01, 1998
July 30, 1998
6
Springs District
11
May 30, 1998
Dec. 30, 1998
6
Lakes District
12
Jan. 01, 1998
May 30, 1998
7
Mountain District
12
Feb. 04, 1998
Nov. 30, 1998
5
Willows District
12
July 30, 1998
Aug. 30, 1998
6
Waterfront District
9
Jan. 01, 1997
Dec. 30, 1997
...
...
...
...
...
As an example, assume that a query seeks to report the names of stores and the districts which the stores are associated with over time. This type of query is sometimes referred to as a “temporal sequenced join”. Such a query might produce a report that cites the name of each store, the name of the district into which the store reported, and the dates for which this store-to-district reporting information is valid. Table 5 represents a sample result.
TABLE 5
STORE_NAME
D_NAME
ORG_START
ORG_END
Acme 0
Lakes District
Jan. 01, 1998
May 06, 1998
Acme 0
Mountain District
May 06, 1998
July 20, 1998
Acme 1
Mountain District
Apr. 20, 1998
May 05, 1998
Acme 2
Lakes District
Jan. 01, 1998
Sep. 30, 1998
Acme 2
Springs District
Jan. 01, 1998
Sep. 30, 1998
Acme 2
Mountain District
Sep. 30, 1998
Dec. 30, 1998
Acme 3
Valley District
Jan. 10, 1998
Dec. 30, 1998
Acme 3
Willows District
Jan. 10, 1998
Dec. 30, 1998
Some conventional techniques for drafting a query that produces the results contained in Table 5 require four SELECT statements, three UNION statements, and a total of eleven data comparison operations. Each SELECT statement tests for some relationship between the time period of validity for the store-to-district reporting structure. The data comparison operators, which implement Allen's operators, test for various temporal relationships. After testing for the temporal relationships, the query then unions the results together. A sample conventional query is shown below:
SELECT store_name, d_name, store.org_start, store.org_end
FROM store, district
WHERE store.did=district.did
and district.org_start<=store.org_start
and store.org_end<=district.org_end
UNION
SELECT store_name, d_name, store.org_start, store.org_end
FROM store, district
WHERE store.did=district.did
and store.org_start>district.org_start
and district.org_end<store.org_end
and store.org_start<district.org_end
UNION
SELECT store_name, d_name, store.org_start, store.org_end
FROM store, district
WHERE store.did=district.did
and district.org_start>store.org_start
and store.org_end<district.org_end
and district.org_tart<store.org_end
UNION
SELECT store_name, d_name, store.org_start, store.org_end
FROM store, district
WHERE store.did=district.did
and district.org_start>=store.org_start
and district.org_end<=store.org_end
ORDER BY store_name
The above query contains four query blocks. Each section of the query that begins with a SELECT statement is a query block. Each query block contains a standard join clause based on the district identification number (i.e., the DID column of the STORE and DISTRICT tables). Each query block also includes a temporal join clause.
To simplify the discussion of the temporal join clauses, assume “P 1 ” denotes the time period specified by the ORG_START and ORG_END dates of the STORE table shown in Table 3, and assume “P 2 ” denotes the time period specified by the ORG_START and ORG_END dates of the DISTRICT table shown in Table 4. Thus, the four query blocks test for the following temporal conditions:
Query Block 1 : P 1 DURING P 2 or P 1 EQUAL P 2 or P 1 STARTS P 2
Query Block 2 : P 2 OVERLAPS P 1
Query Block 3 : P 1 OVERLAPS P 2
Query Block 4 : P 2 DURING P 1 or P 2 EQUAL P 1 or P 2 FINISHES P 1
While this query produces the intended result set shown in Table 5, many users would experience difficulty formulating this query. In particular, few users are capable of developing the logic and correctly coding the syntax (particularly all the date comparison operators) in a timely manner. Assuming that users store their temporal data in a relational or object/relational DBMS, a user must perform the following steps to formulate the above query: (1) understand the logic of each of the relevant temporal conditions; (2) correctly translate the logic into SQL date comparison operators; (3) formulate appropriate query blocks; and (4) UNION these query blocks together. Such query logic can be difficult to debug, as an error in one date comparison operator will yield incorrect results. However, that same error will fail to produce an error warning message from the database. In addition to the difficulty in formulating and debugging the SQL query, the execution of the SQL query can cause a database management system to scan the table(s) referenced in the query multiple time (one time for each query block). Such scanning may result in considerable input and output processing and poor performance (e.g., delays in receiving query results).
Fortunately, the single function operator system 124 provides the SHARES operator. The SHARES operator simplifies the above query. More specifically, the SHARES operator eliminates three of the four SELECT statements, all of the UNION statements, and ten of the eleven date comparisons. Using the SHARES operator, the above query can be revised as follows:
SELECT store_name, store.did, d_name, store.org_start, store.org_end
FROM store, district
WHERE store.did=district.did
and shares(store.org_start, store.org_end, district.org_start,
district.org_end)=1
ORDER BY store_name, store.did
In addition to greatly simplifying the traditional query, the revised query adds a the district identifier (the DID column of Table 4) to the result shown in Table 6.
TABLE 6
STORE —
NAME
DID
D_NAME
ORG_START
ORG_END
Acme 0
6
Lakes District
Jan. 01, 1998
May 05, 1998
Acme 0
7
Mountain District
May 06, 1998
July 20, 1998
Acme 1
7
Mountain District
Apr. 20, 1998
May 05, 1998
Acme 2
6
Springs District
Jan. 01, 1998
Sep. 30, 1998
Acme 2
6
Lakes District
Jan. 01, 1998
Sep. 30, 1998
Acme 2
7
Mountain District
Sep. 30, 1998
Dec. 30, 1998
Acme 3
5
Valley District
Jan. 10, 1998
Dec. 30, 1998
Acme 3
5
Willows District
Jan. 10, 1998
Dec. 30, 1998
In the revised query, the operator that eliminates the most code is the SHARES OPERATOR:
shares(store.org_start, store.org_end, district.org_start, district.org_end)=1
The SHARES function combines several temporal tests into one. A temporal relationship exists when either time period is equal to the other time period, or overlaps with the other time period, or occurred during the other time period, or starts during the other time period, or finishes during the other time period. That is, the two periods share some time in common.
The SHARES operator expects to receive four DATE values as input (each pair containing the start/end points of each time period). The SHARES operator returns a “1” if the test evaluates as TRUE or a “0” if the test evaluates as FALSE.
The WITHIN operator also eliminates the amount of code used in a traditional query. To illustrate the benefit of using the WITHIN operator, the WITHIN operator is used to extract data from Table 7 and Table 8 below.
Table 7 represents a Discount database. The discount database records the retail price discount offered by store for products. Table 7 contains five columns: a PID column, a SID column, a PERCENT_OFF column, a D_START column, and a D_END column. The PID column contains a product identifier. The SID column contains a store identifier. The PERCENT_OFF column contains a discount rate. The D_START column contains a start time for a discount on product. The D_END columns contains the end time for a discount on product.
TABLE 7
PID
SID
PERCENT_OFF
D_START
D_END
100
3
5
May 01, 1998
May 30, 1998
200
1
7
Apr. 30, 1998
May 10, 1998
200
2
7
Apr. 30, 1998
May 10, 1998
600
2
5
Nov. 30, 1998
Dec. 05, 1998
500
0
10
Feb. 01, 1998
Feb. 10, 1998
...
...
...
...
...
Table 8 represents a Manu_Special database. The Manu_Special database records a manufacturer's discount offered to retailers. Table 8 contains four columns, a PID column, a PERCENT_OFF column, a S_START column, and a S_END column. The PID column contains the product identifier. The PERCENT_OFF column contains manufacturer's discount rate. The S_START column contains the start date of manufacturer's special pricing. The S_END column contains the end date of manufacturer's special pricing.
TABLE 8
PID
PERCENT_OFF
S_START
S_END
100
2
Apr. 30, 1998
May 15, 1998
100
5
July 30, 1998
Aug. 15, 1998
400
10
July 30, 1998
Aug. 30, 1998
600
5
Dec. 10, 1998
Dec. 30, 1998
500
15
Jan. 01, 1998
Feb. 15, 1998
...
...
...
...
A sample query is shown below. The query seeks to determine which products were put on sale during a time period X 220 , wherein the time period X 220 occurs outside of the time period Y 222 . The time period Y 222 represents the time period in which the store was eligible to receive a manufacturer's rebate. In other words, the query seeks to determine if any portion of a product's retail discount period fell outside the manufacturer's rebate period.
SELECT discount.pid, sid, d_start as disc_start,
d_end as disc_end,
s_start as rebate_start,
s_end as rebate_end
FROM discount, manu_special
WHERE discount.pid=manu_special.pid
and ((d_start<s_start) or (d_end>s_end))
The query contains one query block. The query block contains a standard join clause based on the product identification number (i.e., the PID column of the Discount and Manu_Special tables). The query block also includes a temporal join clause. Formulating this temporal join clause is difficult because correct date comparison operations must be specified. In this example, the goal is to produce a result that contains discounted products that fell outside the manufacturer's rebate period—that is, any discounts occurring before or after the rebate period. To simplify the discussion of the temporal join clauses, assume “P 1 ” denotes the time period specified by the D_START and D_END dates of the Discount table shown in Table 7, and assume “P 2 ” denotes the time period specified by the S_START and S_END dates of the Manu Special table shown in Table 8.
While this query produces the intended result set, many people would experience difficulty formulating this query. In particular, few people are capable of developing the logic and correctly coding the syntax (particularly the date comparison operators) in a timely manner. The WITHIN operator simplifies the above query. Using the WITHIN operator, the above query can be revised as follows:
SELECT discount.pid, sid, d_start as disc_start,
d_end as disc_end,
s_start as rebate_start,
s_end as rebate_end
FROM discount, manu_special
WHERE discount.pid=manu_ 1 special.pid
and within(d_start, d_end, s_start, s_end)=0
In the revised query, formulating the temporal portion of the query is simple. Namely, the revised query returns those rows that lack the WITHIN condition. Specifying that the query return a “0” or FALSE value produces rows that lack the WITHIN condition.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are flow charts illustrating the steps performed by the present invention 124 in accordance with an embodiment of the single function operator system 124 . In particular FIG. 3A illustrates the steps performed by the present invention to create a WITHIN operator and FIG. 3B illustrates the steps performed by the present invention to create a SHARES operator.
In FIG. 3A, block 300 represents the single function operator system 124 receiving a WITHIN operator. Block 302 represents the single function operator system 124 logically combining the EQUAL, DURING, STARTS, and FINISHES operators into a single function operation represented by the WITHIN operator.
In FIG. 3B, block 304 represents the single function operator system receiving a SHARES operator. Block 306 represents the single function operator system 124 logically combining the OVERLAP, OVERLAPPED BY, DURING, CONTAINS, STARTS, STARTED BY, FINISHES, FINISHED BY, and EQUALS operators into a single operation represented by the SHARES operator.
CONCLUSION
This concludes the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention. The following describes some alternative embodiments for accomplishing the present invention. For example, any type of computer, such as a mainframe, minicomputer, or personal computer, or computer configuration, such as a timesharing mainframe, local area network, or standalone personal computer, could be used with the present invention.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. | A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for detecting subsuming temporal relationships in a relational database. In accordance with the present invention, an invocation of a within operation that specifies a first event and a second event is received. In response to the invocation, a combination of temporal relationships between the first event and the second event is evaluated to determine (1) whether the second event starts at the same time as the first event or whether the second event starts before the first event and (2) whether the second event ends at the same time as the first event or whether the second event ends after the first event. | 46,974 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an audio processing apparatus that plays back multichannel audio data including an upper left audio signal, an upper right audio signal, an outer left audio signal, and an outer right audio signal.
2. Description of the Related Art
An audio playback system including a BD player, an AV amplifier, and a display apparatus has been used. Audio data transmitted from the BD player to the AV amplifier is obtained by encoding multichannel audio data. For example, the multichannel audio data includes, as shown in FIG. 3 , a left audio signal L, a right audio signal R, a center audio signal C, a low-frequency audio signal SW, a surround left audio signal SL, a surround right audio signal SR, a surround back left audio signal SBL, and a surround back right audio signal SBR. Recently, HD (High Definition) related audio formats such as Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS-HD have appeared. In these formats, an upper left audio signal LH, an upper right audio signal RH, an outer left audio signal LW, and an outer right audio signal RW are further added.
However, when amplifiers associated with audio signals of all these channels are provided to the AV amplifier, amplifiers for 11.1 channels in total are to be provided, resulting in very high cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an audio processing apparatus capable of amplifying audio signals, such as an upper left audio signal LH, an upper right audio signal RH, an outer left audio signal LW, and an outer right audio signal RW, and outputting the amplified audio signals from speaker terminals associated with these channels, without the need to provide amplifiers of the same number as all channels.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an audio processing apparatus comprising: first amplification section for amplifying an outer left audio signal or an upper left audio signal; second amplification section for amplifying an outer right audio signal or an upper right audio signal; a first speaker terminal that outputs the outer left audio signal; a second speaker terminal that outputs the outer right audio signal; a third speaker terminal that outputs the upper left audio signal; a fourth speaker terminal that outputs the upper right audio signal; channel determination section for determining which one of a combination of the outer left audio signal and the outer right audio signal and a combination of the upper left audio signal and the upper right audio signal is included in multichannel audio data; and switching section for causing the first amplification section to amplify the outer left audio signal and supply the amplified outer left audio signal to the first speaker terminal and causing the second amplification section to amplify the outer right audio signal and supply the amplified outer right audio signal to the second speaker terminal when the combination of the outer left audio signal and the outer right audio signal is determined to be included; and causing the first amplification section to amplify the upper left audio signal and supply the amplified upper left audio signal to the third speaker terminal and causing the second amplification section to amplify the upper right audio signal and supply the amplified upper right audio signal to the fourth speaker terminal when the combination of the upper left audio signal and the upper right audio signal is determined to be included.
A determination as to which channel combination is included in multichannel audio data is made and the included channel combination is amplified by the first amplification section and the second amplification section. By this, only by providing two amplification section, a combination of an outer left audio signal and an outer right audio signal or a combination of an upper left audio signal and an upper right audio signal can be amplified and the amplified audio signals can be outputted to speaker terminals associated with channels of the audio signals.
Preferably, the audio processing apparatus further comprising: a fifth speaker terminal that outputs a surround back left audio signal; and a sixth speaker terminal that outputs a surround back right audio signal, wherein the channel determination section determines which one of a combination of the outer left audio signal and the outer right audio signal, a combination of the upper left audio signal and the upper right audio signal, and a combination of the surround back left audio signal and the surround back right audio signal is included in multichannel audio data, and when the combination of the outer left audio signal and the outer right audio signal is determined to be included, the switching section causes the first amplification section to amplify the outer left audio signal and supply the amplified outer left audio signal to the first speaker terminal and causes the second amplification section to amplify the outer right audio signal and supply the amplified outer right audio signal to the second speaker terminal; when the combination of the upper left audio signal and the upper right audio signal is determined to be included, the switching section causes the first amplification section to amplify the upper left audio signal and supply the amplified upper left audio signal to the third speaker terminal and causes the second amplification section to amplify the upper right audio signal and supply the amplified upper right audio signal to the fourth speaker terminal; and when the combination of the surround back left audio signal and the surround back right audio signal is determined to be included, the switching section causes the first amplification section to amplify the surround back left audio signal and supply the amplified surround back left audio signal to the fifth speaker terminal and causes the second amplification section to amplify the surround back right audio signal and supply the amplified surround back right audio signal to the sixth speaker terminal.
A determination as to which channel combination is included in multichannel audio data is made and the included channel combination is amplified by the first amplification section and the second amplification section. By this, only by providing two amplification section, a combination of an outer left audio signal and an outer right audio signal, a combination of an upper left audio signal and an upper right audio signal, or a combination of a surround back left audio signal and a surround back right audio signal can be amplified and the amplified audio signals can be outputted to speaker terminals associated with channels of the audio signals.
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an audio processing apparatus comprising: first amplification section for amplifying a first left audio signal or a second left audio signal; second amplification section for amplifying a first right audio signal or a second right audio signal; a first speaker terminal that outputs the first left audio signal; a second speaker terminal that outputs the first right audio signal; a third speaker terminal that outputs the second left audio signal; a fourth speaker terminal that outputs the second right audio signal; channel determination section for determining which one of a combination of the first left audio signal and the first right audio signal and a combination of the second left audio signal and the second right audio signal is included in multichannel audio data; and switching section for causing the first amplification section to amplify the first left audio signal and supply the amplified first left audio signal to the first speaker terminal and causing the second amplification section to amplify the first right audio signal and supply the amplified first right audio signal to the second speaker terminal when the combination of the first left audio signal and the first right audio signal is determined to be included; and causing the first amplification section to amplify the second left audio signal and supply the amplified second left audio signal to the third speaker terminal and causing the second amplification section to amplify the second right audio signal and supply the amplified second right audio signal to the fourth speaker terminal when the combination of the second left audio signal and the second right audio signal is determined to be included.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an arrangement of an AV amplifier 1 and speakers;
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an audio playback system;
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing channels of audio signals;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an audio processing unit 5 ;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process performed by a control unit 2 ;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an audio processing unit 5 B;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the control unit 2 ;
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an audio processing unit 5 C; and
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an audio processing unit 5 D.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Audio playback systems including a disc playback apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as the BD player), an audio processing apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as the AV amplifier), and a display apparatus, according to preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings but the present invention is not limited thereto.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement of an AV amplifier 1 and speakers. To the AV amplifier 1 are connected a left speaker SL, a right speaker SR, a center speaker SC, a low-frequency speaker SSW, a surround left speaker SSL, a surround right speaker SSR, a surround back left speaker SSBL, a surround back right speaker SSBR, an upper left speaker SLH, an upper right speaker SRH, an outer left speaker SLW, and an outer right speaker SRW.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an audio playback system. A BD player 100 , an AV amplifier 1 , and a display apparatus 200 conform to the HDMI standard, for example, and are connected to each other via HDMI cables. The BD player 100 transmits HDMI data including multichannel audio data and video data to the AV amplifier 1 . The AV amplifier 1 amplifies the multichannel audio data included in the HDMI data received from the BD player 100 and outputs the amplified multichannel audio data to speakers. Also, the AV amplifier 1 transmits the HDMI data including video data to the display apparatus 200 . The display apparatus 200 displays the video data included in the HDMI data received from the AV amplifier 1 .
The AV amplifier 1 has a control unit 2 , an HDMI receiving unit 3 , an HDMI transmitting unit 4 , an audio processing unit 5 , an operation unit 6 , a display unit 7 , and HDMI terminals 8 and 9 . To the AV amplifier 1 are connected speakers 300 (corresponding to the speakers in FIG. 1 ).
The HDMI receiving unit 3 receives HDMI data transmitted from the BD player 100 , generates original video data from the received HDMI data, and supplies the video data to the HDMI transmitting unit 4 . Also, the HDMI receiving unit 3 generates original multichannel audio data from the received HDMI data and supplies the multichannel audio data to the audio processing unit 5 .
The audio processing unit 5 decodes the multichannel audio data supplied from the HDMI receiving unit 3 , performs processes including an acoustic process, a D/A conversion process, a volume control process, an amplification process, and the like, on the decoded multichannel audio data, and supplies audio signals of various channels to the speakers 300 .
Multichannel audio data to be supplied to the audio processing unit 5 will be described. In HD (High Definition) related audio formats such as Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS-HD, as shown in FIG. 3 , there are, for example, a left audio signal L (front left audio signal), a right audio signal R (front right audio signal), a center audio signal C, a low-frequency audio signal SW, a surround left audio signal SL, a surround right audio signal SR, a surround back left audio signal SBL, a surround back right audio signal SBR, an outer left audio signal LW (first left audio signal), an outer right audio signal RW (first right audio signal), an upper left audio signal LH (second left audio signal), an upper right audio signal RH (second right audio signal), and the like.
The upper left audio signal LH is an audio signal played back from a position on the upper side of the left audio signal L (i.e., the front upper left side of a user). The upper right audio signal RH is an audio signal played back from a position on the upper side of the right audio signal R (i.e., the front upper right side of the user). The outer left audio signal LW is an audio signal played back from a position on the outer side (left side) of the left audio signal L (i.e., the front outer left side of the user). The outer right audio signal RW is an audio signal played back from a position on the outer side (right side) of the right audio signal R (i.e., the front outer right of the user).
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main part of the audio processing unit 5 . The audio processing unit 5 has a pre-out unit 11 , power amplifiers 12 , an SP (speaker) relay 13 , and SP (speaker) terminals 14 . In FIG. 4 , circuits for basic 5.1 channels (a left audio signal L, a right audio signal R, a center audio signal C, a low-frequency audio signal SW, a surround left audio signal SL, and a surround right audio signal SR) are the same as those in conventional art and thus are not shown. A DSP and the like provided in a previous stage to the pre-out unit 11 are not shown, either.
The DSP decodes and D/A converts multichannel audio data supplied from the HDMI receiving unit 3 and thereby generates audio signals of various channels. The generated audio signals are supplied to the pre-out unit 11 .
The pre-out unit 11 includes switches S 11 a to S 11 f . The switch S 11 a switches whether to output a surround back left audio signal SBL to an amplifier 12 a . The switch S 11 b switches whether to output an upper left audio signal LH to the amplifier 12 a . The switch S 11 c switches whether to output an outer left audio signal LW to the amplifier 12 a . Any one of the switches S 11 a to S 11 c is brought into an on state and any one of the surround back left audio signal SBL, the upper left audio signal LH, and the outer left audio signal LW is supplied to the amplifier 12 a.
The switch S 11 d switches whether to output a surround back right audio signal SBR to an amplifier 12 b . The switch S 11 e switches whether to output an upper right audio signal RH to the amplifier 12 b . The switch S 11 f switches whether to output an outer right audio signal RW to the amplifier 12 b . Any one of the switches S 11 d to S 11 f is brought into an on state and any one of the surround back right audio signal SBR, the upper right audio signal RH, and the outer right audio signal RW is supplied to the amplifier 12 b.
The power amplifiers 12 include the amplifiers 12 a and 12 b . The amplifier 12 a amplifies the surround back left audio signal SBL, the upper left audio signal LH, or the outer left audio signal LW inputted thereto and supplies the amplified audio signal to the SP relay 13 (a switch S 13 a , S 13 c , or S 13 e ). The amplifier 12 b amplifies the surround back right audio signal SBR, the upper right audio signal RH, or the outer right audio signal RW inputted thereto and supplies the amplified audio signal to the SP relay 13 (a switch S 13 b , S 13 d , or S 13 f ).
The SP relay 13 has the relay switches (hereinafter, referred to as the switches) S 13 a to S 13 f . The switch S 13 a switches whether to supply the surround back left audio signal SBL inputted from the amplifier 12 a , to a surround back left SP terminal 14 a . The switch S 13 a is brought into an on state when the switch S 11 a is in an on state. The switch S 13 c switches whether to supply the upper left audio signal LH inputted from the amplifier 12 a , to an upper left SP terminal 14 c . The switch S 13 c is brought into an on state when the switch S 11 b is in an on state. The switch S 13 e switches whether to supply the outer left audio signal LW inputted from the amplifier 12 a , to an outer left SP terminal 14 e . The switch S 13 e is brought into an on state when the switch S 11 c is in an on state.
The switch S 13 b switches whether to supply the surround back right audio signal SBR inputted from the amplifier 12 b , to a surround back right SP terminal 14 b . The switch S 13 b is brought into an on state when the switch S 11 d is in an on state. The switch S 13 d switches whether to supply the outer right audio signal RH inputted from the amplifier 12 b , to an upper right SP terminal 14 d . The switch S 13 d is brought into an on state when the switch S 11 e is in an on state. The switch S 13 f switches whether to supply the outer right audio signal RW inputted from the amplifier 12 b , to an outer right SP terminal 14 f . The switch S 13 f is brought into an on state when the switch S 11 f is in an on state.
The SP terminals 14 include the SP terminals 14 a to 14 f . The surround back left speaker SSBL is connected to the surround back left SP terminal 14 a , the surround back right speaker SSBR is connected to the surround back right SP terminal 14 b , the upper left speaker SLH is connected to the upper left SP terminal 14 c , the upper right speaker SRH is connected to the upper right SP terminal 14 d , the outer left speaker SLW is connected to the outer left SP terminal 14 e , and the outer right speaker SRW is connected to the outer right SP terminal 14 f.
Returning to FIG. 2 , the HDMI transmitting unit 4 converts the video data supplied from the HDMI receiving unit 3 to HDMI data and transmits the HDMI data to the display apparatus 200 .
The control unit 2 controls each unit based on an operating program of the AV amplifier 1 stored in a memory (not shown) built therein or connected thereto. The control unit 2 is, for example, a microcomputer or CPU.
The control unit 2 performs control to switch between the switches S 11 a to S 11 f and S 13 a to S 13 f (a detail of which will be described later).
The display unit 7 displays images showing the SP terminals 14 a to 14 f and the channels and functions of audio signals assigned to the SP terminals 14 a to 14 f (a detail of which will be described later).
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the control unit 2 . The HDMI receiving unit 3 generates original multichannel audio data from HDMI data and supplies the multichannel audio data to the audio processing unit 5 . The audio processing unit 5 decodes the multichannel audio data, reads channel information included in an information area of the multichannel audio data, and supplies the channel information to the control unit 2 .
The control unit 2 determines whether a determination as to whether which one of a combination of the surround back left audio signal SBL and the surround back right audio signal SBR, a combination of the upper left audio signal LH and the upper right audio signal RH, and a combination of the outer left audio signal LW and the outer right audio signal RW is supplied to corresponding SP terminals is uniquely made by a listening mode selected by a user operation (S 1 ). If the determination is uniquely made (YES in S 1 ), then the control unit 2 controls the switches S 11 a to S 11 f and S 13 a to S 13 f to supply a combination to be determined to corresponding SP terminals (S 2 ).
If the determination is not uniquely made (NO in S 1 ), then the control unit 2 determines whether in the listening mode selected by the user operation a channel combination to be supplied to SP terminals is determined by a user operation (S 3 ). If a channel combination is thus determined (YES in S 3 ), then the control unit 2 controls the switches S 11 a to S 11 f and S 13 a to S 13 f to supply a channel combination to be determined to corresponding SP terminals (S 4 , S 5 , and S 8 to S 10 ).
If a channel combination is not thus determined (NO in S 3 ), then the control unit 2 determines which one of a combination of the surround back left audio signal SBL and the surround back right audio signal SBR, a combination of the upper left audio signal LH and the upper right audio signal RH, and a combination of the outer left audio signal LW and the outer right audio signal RW is included, based on the channel information of input signals included in the multichannel audio data supplied from the audio processing unit 5 (S 6 , S 7 , and S 11 ).
If a combination of the outer left audio signal LW and the outer right audio signal RW is included in the multichannel audio data (YES in S 6 ), then the control unit 2 controls the switches to supply the outer left audio signal LW to the outer left SP terminal 14 e and supply the outer right audio signal RW to the outer right SP terminal 14 f (S 8 ). Specifically, the control unit 2 controls the switches S 11 c , S 11 f , S 13 e , and S 13 f to be an on state and other switches to be an off state.
If a combination of the upper left audio signal LH and the upper right audio signal RH is included in the multichannel audio data (NO in S 6 and YES in S 7 ), then the control unit 2 controls the switches to supply the upper left audio signal LH to the upper left SP terminal 14 c and supply the upper right audio signal RH to the upper right SP terminal 14 d (S 9 ). Specifically, the control unit 2 controls the switches S 11 b , S 11 e , S 13 c , and S 13 d to be an on state and other switches to be an off state.
If a combination of the surround back left audio signal SBL and the surround back right audio signal SBR is included in the multichannel audio data (NO in S 6 , NO in S 7 , and YES in S 11 ), then the control unit 2 controls the switches to supply the surround back left audio signal SBL to the surround back left SP terminal 14 a and supply the surround back right audio signal SBR to the surround back right SP terminal 14 b (S 10 ). Specifically, the control unit 2 controls the switches S 11 a , S 11 d , S 13 a , and S 13 b to be an on state and other switches to be an off state.
If none of a combination of the outer left audio signal LW and the outer right audio signal RW, a combination of the upper left audio signal LH and the upper right audio signal RH, and a combination of the surround back left audio signal SBL and the surround back right audio signal SBR is included in the multichannel audio data (NO in S 11 ), then the control unit 2 controls the switches not to supply audio signals of all these channels to the SP terminals (S 12 ). Specifically, the control unit 2 controls all the switches to be an off state.
As described above, only with the provision of the two amplifiers 12 a and 12 b , by determining channel information included in multichannel audio data to be inputted and switching between the switches, any one of a combination of the surround back left audio signal SBL and the surround back right audio signal SBR, a combination of the outer left audio signal LW and the outer right audio signal RW, and a combination of the upper left audio signal LH and the upper right audio signal RH can be amplified and the amplified signals can be supplied to corresponding SP terminals.
Next, an audio processing unit 5 B of an AV amplifier according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6 . A pre-out unit 21 includes switches S 21 a to S 21 d . The switch S 21 a switches whether to output an upper left audio signal LH to an amplifier 22 c . The switch S 21 b switches whether to output an outer left audio signal LW to the amplifier 22 c . The switch S 21 c switches whether to output an upper right audio signal RH to an amplifier 22 d . The switch S 21 d switches whether to output an outer right audio signal RW to the amplifier 22 d.
Power amplifiers 22 include amplifiers 22 a to 22 d . The amplifier 22 a amplifies a surround back left audio signal SBL inputted thereto and supplies the amplified surround back left audio signal SBL to a switch S 23 a . The amplifier 22 b amplifies a surround back right audio signal SBR inputted thereto and supplies the amplified surround back right audio signal SBR to a switch S 23 b . The amplifier 22 c amplifies the upper left audio signal LH or the outer left audio signal LW inputted thereto and supplies the amplified audio signal to a switch S 23 c or S 23 e . The amplifier 22 d amplifies the upper right audio signal RH or the outer right audio signal RW inputted thereto and supplies the amplified audio signal to a switch S 23 d or S 23 f.
An SP relay 23 includes the switches S 23 a to S 23 f . The switch S 23 a switches whether to supply the surround back left audio signal SBL inputted from the amplifier 22 a , to a surround back left SP terminal 24 a . The switch S 23 c switches whether to supply the upper left audio signal LH inputted from the amplifier 22 c , to an upper left SP terminal 24 c . The switch S 23 c is brought into an on state when the switch S 21 a is in an on state. The switch S 23 e switches whether to supply the outer left audio signal LW inputted from the amplifier 22 c , to an outer left SP terminal 24 e . The switch S 23 e is brought into an on state when the switch S 21 b is in an on state.
The switch S 23 b switches whether to supply the surround back right audio signal SBR inputted from the amplifier 22 b , to a surround back right SP terminal 24 b . The switch S 23 d switches whether to supply the upper right audio signal RH inputted from the amplifier 22 d , to an upper right SP terminal 24 d . The switch S 23 d is brought into an on state when the switch S 21 c is in an on state. The switch S 23 f switches whether to supply the outer right audio signal RW inputted from the amplifier 22 d , to an outer right SP terminal 24 f . The switch S 23 f is brought into an on state when the switch S 21 d is in an on state.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process performed by a control unit 2 according to the present example. S 11 to S 14 are the same as S 1 to S 5 in FIG. 5 and thus description thereof is omitted.
The control unit 2 determines whether a combination of the outer left audio signal LW and the outer right audio signal RW is included in multichannel audio data (S 15 ). If included (YES in S 15 ), then the control unit 2 controls the switches to supply the outer left audio signal LW to the outer left SP terminal 24 e and supply the outer right audio signal RW to the outer right SP terminal 24 f (S 16 ). Specifically, the control unit 2 controls the switches S 21 b , S 21 d , S 23 e , and S 23 f to be an on state and the switches S 21 a , S 21 c , S 23 c , and S 23 d to be an off state.
If determined to be NO in S 15 , then the control unit 2 determines whether a combination of the upper left audio signal LH and the upper right audio signal RH is included in the multichannel audio data (S 18 ). If included (YES in S 18 ), then the control unit 2 controls the switches to supply the upper left audio signal LH to the upper left SP terminal 24 c and supply the upper right audio signal RH to the upper right SP terminal 24 d (S 17 ). Specifically, the control unit 2 controls the switches S 21 a , S 21 c , S 23 c , and S 23 d to be an on state and the switches S 21 b , S 21 d , S 23 e , and S 23 f to be an off state.
If determined to be NO in S 18 , then the control unit 2 controls the switches not to supply a combination of the outer left audio signal LW and the outer right audio signal RW and a combination of the upper left audio signal LH and the upper right audio signal RH to corresponding SP terminals (S 19 ). Specifically, the control unit 2 controls the switches S 21 a to S 21 d and S 23 c to S 23 f to be an off state.
Next, an audio processing unit 5 C of an AV amplifier according to still another preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8 . The audio processing unit 5 C is a variant of the audio processing unit 5 in FIG. 4 and is configured to be able to use Zone2 and Bi-Amp functions.
A pre-out unit 31 includes switches S 31 a to S 31 f . The switch S 31 a switches whether to output any one of a surround back left audio signal SBL, an upper left audio signal LH, and an outer left audio signal LW inputted from a DSP, to an amplifier 32 a . Specifically, by an instruction from a control unit 2 , in the DSP, as a channel to be supplied to the switch S 31 a , any one of the surround back left audio signal SBL, the upper left audio signal LH, and the outer left audio signal LW is selected. The switch S 31 b switches whether to output a Zone2 left audio signal Z 2 L inputted from the DSP, to the amplifier 32 a . The switch S 31 c switches whether to output a left audio signal L (for Bi-Amp) inputted from the DSP, to the amplifier 32 a . Any one of the switches S 31 a to S 31 c is brought into an on state depending on whether to use the Zone2 or Bi-Amp function.
The switch S 31 d switches whether to output any one of a surround back right audio signal SBR, an upper right audio signal RH, and an outer right audio signal RW inputted from the DSP, to an amplifier 32 b . Specifically, by an instruction from the control unit 2 , in the DSP, as a channel to be supplied to the switch S 31 d , any one of the surround back right audio signal SBR, the upper right audio signal RH, and the outer right audio signal RW is selected. The switch S 31 e switches whether to output a Zone2 right audio signal Z 2 R inputted from the DSP, to the amplifier 32 b . The switch S 31 f switches whether to output a right audio signal R (for Bi-Amp) inputted from the DSP, to the amplifier 32 b . Any one of the switches S 31 d to S 31 f is brought into an on state depending on whether to use the Zone2 or Bi-Amp function.
Power amplifiers 32 include the amplifiers 32 a and 32 b . The amplifier 32 a amplifies the surround back left audio signal SBL, the upper left audio signal LH, the outer left audio signal LW, the Zone2 left audio signal Z 2 L, or the left audio signal L (for Bi-Amp) inputted thereto and supplies the amplified audio signal to a corresponding one of switches S 33 a , S 33 c , and S 33 e . The amplifier 32 b amplifies the surround back right audio signal SBR, the upper right audio signal RH, the outer right audio signal RW, the Zone2 right audio signal Z 2 R, or the right audio signal R (for Bi-Amp) inputted thereto and supplies the amplified audio signal to a corresponding one of switches S 33 b , S 33 d , and S 33 f.
An SP relay 33 includes the switches S 33 a to S 33 f . The switch S 33 a switches whether to supply the surround back left audio signal SBL, the Zone2 left audio signal Z 2 L, or the left audio signal L (for Bi-Amp) inputted from the amplifier 32 a , to a surround back left SP terminal 34 a . The switch S 33 a is brought into an on state when the switch S 31 a is in an on state and the surround back left audio signal SBL is supplied to the switch S 31 a , when the switch S 31 b is in an on state, or when the switch S 31 c is in an on state. The switch S 33 c switches whether to supply the upper left audio signal LH inputted from the amplifier 32 a , to an upper left SP terminal 34 c . The switch S 33 c is brought into an on state when the switch S 31 a is in an on state and the upper left audio signal LH is supplied to the switch S 31 a . The switch S 33 e switches whether to supply the outer left audio signal LW inputted from the amplifier 32 a , to an outer left SP terminal 34 e . The switch S 33 e is brought into an on state when the switch S 31 a is in an on state and the outer left signal LW is supplied to the switch S 31 a.
The switch S 33 b switches whether to supply the surround back right audio signal SBR, the Zone2 right audio signal Z 2 R, or the right audio signal R (for Bi-Amp) inputted from the amplifier 32 b , to a surround back right SP terminal 34 b . The switch S 33 b is brought into an on state when the switch S 31 d is in an on state and the surround back right audio signal SBR is supplied to the switch S 31 d , when the switch S 31 e is in an on state, or when the switch S 31 f is in an on state. The switch S 33 d switches whether to supply the upper right audio signal RH inputted from the amplifier 32 b , to an upper right SP terminal 34 d . The switch S 33 d is brought into an on state when the switch S 31 d is in an on state and the upper right audio signal RH is supplied to the switch S 31 d . The switch S 33 f switches whether to supply the outer right audio signal RW inputted from the amplifier 32 b , to an outer right SP terminal 34 f . The switch S 33 f is brought into an on state when the switch S 31 d is in an on state and the outer right audio signal RW is supplied to the switch S 31 d.
SP terminals 34 include the SP terminals 34 a to 34 f . When the functions are not used, the same speakers as those described above are connected to the SP terminals. When the Zone2 function is used, a Zone2 left speaker SZ 2 L is connected to the surround back left SP terminal 34 a and a Zone2 right speaker SZ 2 R is connected to the surround back right SP terminal 34 b . When the Bi-Amp function is used, a Bi-Amp terminal of a left speaker SL is connected to the surround back left SP terminal 34 a and a Bi-Amp terminal of a right speaker SR is connected to the surround back right SP terminal 34 b.
Next, operations in the present example will be described.
(1) When the Bi-Amp Function is Used
The control unit 2 controls the DSP and the switches to supply the left audio signal L (for Bi-Amp) to the surround back left SP terminal 34 a and supply the right audio signal R (for Bi-Amp) to the surround back right SP terminal 34 b . Specifically, the control unit 2 causes the DSP to supply the left audio signal L (for Bi-Amp) to the switch S 31 c and supply the right audio signal R (for Bi-Amp) to the switch S 31 f . The control unit 2 controls the switches S 31 c , S 31 f , S 33 a , and S 33 b to be an on state and other switches to be an off state.
(2) When the Zone2 Function is Used
The control unit 2 controls the DSP and the switches to supply the Zone2 left audio signal Z 2 L to the surround back left SP terminal 34 a and supply the Zone2 right audio signal Z 2 R to the surround back right SP terminal 34 b . Specifically, the control unit 2 causes the DSP to supply the Zone2 left audio signal Z 2 L to the switch S 31 b and supply the Zone2 right audio signal Z 2 R to the switch S 31 e . The control unit 2 controls the switches S 31 b , S 31 e , S 33 a , and S 33 b to be an on state and other switches to be an off state.
(3) When a Combination of the Outer Left Audio Signal LW and the Outer Right Audio Signal RW is Included
The control unit 2 controls the DSP and the switches to supply the outer left audio signal LW to the outer left SP terminal 34 e and supply the outer right audio signal RW to the outer right SP terminal 34 f . Specifically, the control unit 2 causes the DSP to supply the outer left audio signal LW to the switch S 31 a and supply the outer right audio signal RW to the switch S 31 d . The control unit 2 controls the switches S 31 a , S 31 d , S 33 e , and S 33 f to be an on state and other switches to be an off state.
(4) When a Combination of the Upper Left Audio Signal LH and the Upper Right Audio Signal RH is Included
The control unit 2 controls the DSP and the switches to supply the upper left audio signal LH to the upper left SP terminal 34 c and supply the upper right audio signal RH to the upper right SP terminal 34 d . Specifically, the control unit 2 causes the DSP to supply the upper left audio signal LH to the switch S 31 a and supply the upper right audio signal RH to the switch S 31 d . The control unit 2 controls the switches S 31 a , S 31 d , S 33 c , and S 33 d to be an on state and other switches to be an off state.
(5) A Combination of the Surround Back Left Audio Signal SBL and the Surround Back Right Audio Signal SBR is Included
The control unit 2 controls the DSP and the switches to supply the surround back left audio signal SBL to the surround back left SP terminal 34 a and supply the surround back right audio signal SBR to the surround back right SP terminal 34 b . Specifically, the control unit 2 causes the DSP to supply the surround back left audio signal SBL to the switch S 31 a and supply the surround back right audio signal SBR to the switch S 31 d . The control unit 2 controls the switches S 31 a , S 31 d , S 33 a , and S 33 b to be an on state and other switches to be an off state.
Next, an audio processing unit 5 D of an AV amplifier according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9 . The audio processing unit 5 D is a variant of the audio processing unit 5 B in FIG. 6 and is configured to allow Zone2, Zone3, Bi-Amp, BTL, speaker B, and passive sub-woofer output functions to be applicable thereto.
A pre-out unit 41 includes switches S 41 a to S 41 n . The switch S 41 a switches whether to output a surround back left audio signal SBL inputted from a DSP, to an amplifier 42 a . The switch S 41 b switches whether to output a Zone3 left audio signal Z 3 L inputted from the DSP, to the amplifier 42 a . The switch S 41 c switches whether to output a left audio signal L (for Bi-Amp) inputted from the DSP, to the amplifier 42 a . The switch S 41 d switches whether to output a BTL left audio signal L− to the amplifier 42 a . Any one of the switches S 41 a to S 41 d is brought into an on state depending on whether to use the functions.
The switch S 41 e switches whether to output a surround back right audio signal SBR inputted from the DSP, to an amplifier 42 b . The switch S 41 f switches whether to output a Zone3 right audio signal Z 3 R inputted from the DSP, to the amplifier 42 b . The switch S 41 g switches whether to output a right audio signal R (for Bi-Amp) inputted from the DSP, to the amplifier 42 b . The switch S 41 h switches whether to output a BTL right audio signal R− to the amplifier 42 b . Any one of the switches S 41 e to S 41 h is brought into an on state depending on whether to use the functions.
The switch S 41 i switches whether to output an upper left audio signal LH or an outer left audio signal LW inputted from the DSP, to an amplifier 42 c . Specifically, in the DSP, as a channel to be supplied to the switch S 41 i , one of the upper left audio signal LH and the outer left audio signal LW is selected. The switch S 41 j switches whether to output a low-frequency audio signal SW inputted from the DSP, to the amplifier 42 c . The switch S 41 k switches whether to output a Zone2 left audio signal Z 2 L inputted from the DSP, to the amplifier 42 c . Any one of the switches S 41 i to S 41 k is brought into an on state depending on whether to use the functions.
The switch S 41 l switches whether to output an upper right audio signal RH or an outer right audio signal RW inputted from the DSP, to an amplifier 42 d . Specifically, in the DSP, as a channel to be supplied to the S 41 l , one of the upper right audio signal RH and the outer right audio signal RW is selected. The switch S 41 m switches whether to output a low-frequency audio signal SW inputted from the DSP, to the amplifier 42 d . The switch S 41 n switches whether to output a Zone2 right audio signal Z 2 R inputted from the DSP, to the amplifier 42 d . Any one of the switches S 41 l to 41 n is brought into an on state depending on whether to use the functions.
Power amplifiers 42 include the amplifiers 42 a to 42 d . The amplifier 42 a amplifies the surround back left audio signal SBL, the Zone3 left audio signal Z 3 L, the left audio signal L (for Bi-Amp), or the BTL left audio signal L− inputted thereto and supplies the amplified audio signal to a switch S 43 a . The amplifier 42 b amplifies the surround back right audio signal SBR, the Zone3 right audio signal Z 3 R, the right audio signal R (for Bi-Amp), or the BTL right audio signal R− inputted thereto and supplies the amplified audio signal to a switch S 43 b . The amplifier 42 c amplifies the upper left audio signal LH, the outer left audio signal LW, the low-frequency audio signal SW, or the Zone2 left audio signal Z 2 L inputted thereto and supplies the amplified audio signal to a switch S 43 c . The amplifier 42 d amplifies the upper right audio signal RH, the outer right audio signal RW, the low-frequency audio signal SW, or the Zone2 right audio signal Z 2 R inputted thereto and supplies the amplified audio signal to a switch S 43 d . An amplifier 42 e is an amplifier for a left audio signal L, amplifies the left audio signal L supplied from the DSP, and supplies the amplified left audio signal L to a switch S 43 f . An amplifier 42 f is an amplifier for a right audio signal R, amplifies the right audio signal R supplied from the DSP, and supplies the amplified right audio signal R to a switch S 43 h.
An SP relay 43 includes the switches S 43 a to S 43 h . The switch S 43 a switches whether to supply the surround back left audio signal SBL, the Zone3 left audio signal Z 3 L, the left audio signal L (for Bi-Amp), or the BTL left audio signal L− inputted from the amplifier 42 a , to a surround back left SP terminal 44 a . The switch S 43 a goes to an on state when any one of the switches S 41 a to S 41 d is in an on state. The switch S 43 b switches whether to supply the surround back right audio signal SBR, the Zone3 right audio signal Z 3 R, the right audio signal R (for Bi-Amp), or the BTL right audio signal R− inputted from the amplifier 42 b , to a surround back right SP terminal 44 b . The switch S 43 b goes to an on state when any one of the switches S 41 e to S 41 h is in an on state.
The switch S 43 c switches whether to supply the upper left audio signal LH or the low-frequency audio signal SW inputted from the amplifier 42 c , to an upper left SP terminal 44 c . The switch S 43 c is brought into an on state when the switch S 41 i is in an on state and the upper left audio signal LH is supplied to the switch S 41 i or when the switch S 41 j is in an on state. The switch S 43 d switches whether to supply the upper right audio signal RH or the low-frequency audio signal SW inputted from the amplifier 42 d , to an upper right SP terminal 44 d . The switch S 43 d is brought into an on state when the switch S 41 l is in an on state and the upper right audio signal RH is supplied to the switch S 41 l or when the switch S 41 m is in an on state.
A switch S 43 e switches whether to supply the outer left audio signal LW or the Zone2 left audio signal Z 2 L inputted from the amplifier 42 c , to an outer left SP terminal 44 e . The switch S 43 e is brought into an on state when the switch S 41 i is in an on state and the outer left audio signal LW is supplied to the switch S 41 i or when the switch S 41 k is in an on state. A switch S 43 g switches whether to supply the outer right audio signal RW or the Zone2 right audio signal Z 2 R inputted from the amplifier 42 d , to an outer right SP terminal 44 f . The switch S 43 g is brought into an on state when the switch S 41 l is in an on state and the outer right audio signal RW is supplied to the switch S 41 l or when the switch S 41 n is in an on state.
The switch S 43 f switches whether to supply the left audio signal L (for speaker B) inputted from the amplifier 42 e , to the outer left SP terminal 44 e . The switch S 43 h switches whether to supply the right audio signal R (for speaker B) inputted from the amplifier 42 f , to the outer right SP terminal 44 f.
SP terminals 44 include the SP terminals 44 a to 44 f . When the functions are not used, the same speakers as those described above are connected to the SP terminals. When the Zone3 function is used, a Zone3 left speaker SZ 3 L is connected to the surround back left SP terminal 44 a and a Zone3 right speaker SZ 3 R is connected to the surround back right SP terminal 44 b . When the Bi-Amp function is used, a Bi-Amp terminal of a left speaker SL is connected to the surround back left SP terminal 44 a and a Bi-Amp terminal of a right speaker SR is connected to the surround back right SP terminal 44 b . When the BTL function is used, a − side of the left speaker SL is connected to the surround back left SP terminal 44 a and a − side of the right speaker SR is connected to the surround back right SP terminal 44 b . When the passive sub-woofer output function is used, a passive sub-woofer (a speaker dedicated to low frequencies, which is not built in the amplifier) is connected to the upper left SP terminal 44 c and the upper right SP terminal 44 d . When the Zone2 function is used, a Zone2 left speaker SZ 2 L is connected to the outer left SP terminal 44 e and a Zone2 right speaker SZ 2 R is connected to the outer right SP terminal 44 f . When the speaker B function is used, a speaker B left speaker SLB is connected to the outer left SP terminal 44 e and a speaker B right speaker SRB is connected to the outer right SP terminal 44 f.
Next, operations in the present example will be described.
(1) When the Bi-Amp Function is Used
A control unit 2 controls the DSP and the switches to supply the left audio signal L (for Bi-Amp) to the surround back left SP terminal 44 a and supply the right audio signal R (for Bi-Amp) to the surround back right SP terminal 44 b . Specifically, the control unit 2 causes the DSP to supply the left audio signal L (for Bi-Amp) to the switch S 41 c and supply the right audio signal R (for Bi-Amp) to the switch S 41 g . The control unit 2 controls the switches S 41 c , S 41 g , S 43 a , and S 43 b to be an on state and the switches S 41 a , S 41 b , S 41 d , S 41 e , S 41 f , and S 41 h to be an off state.
(2) When the BTL Function is Used The control unit 2 controls the DSP and the switches to supply the BTL left audio signal L− to the surround back left SP terminal 44 a and supply the BTL right audio signal R− to the surround back right SP terminal 44 b . Specifically, the control unit 2 causes the DSP to supply the BTL left audio signal L− to the switch S 41 d and supply the BTL right audio signal R− to the switch S 41 h . The control unit 2 controls the switches S 41 d , S 41 h , S 43 a , and S 43 b to be an on state and the switches S 41 a , S 41 b , S 41 c , S 41 e , S 41 f , and S 41 g to be an off state.
(3) When the Speaker B Function is Used
The control unit 2 controls the DSP and the switches to supply the left audio signal L to the outer left SP terminal 44 e and supply the right audio signal R to the outer right SP terminal 44 f . Specifically, the control unit 2 controls the switches S 43 f and S 43 h to be an on state and the switches S 41 i to S 41 n , S 43 c , S 43 d , S 43 e , and S 43 g to be an off state.
(4) When the Passive Sub-Woofer Output Function is Used
The control unit 2 controls the DSP and the switches to supply the low-frequency audio signal SW to the upper left SP terminal 44 c and the upper right SP terminal 44 d . Specifically, the control unit 2 causes the DSP to supply the low-frequency audio signal SW to the switches S 41 j and S 41 m . The control unit 2 controls the switches S 41 j , S 41 m , S 43 c , and S 43 d to be an on state and the switches S 41 i , S 41 k , S 41 l , S 41 n , S 43 e , S 43 f , S 43 g , and S 43 h to be an off state.
(5) When the Zone2 Function is Used
The control unit 2 controls the DSP and the switches to supply the Zone2 left audio signal Z 2 L to the outer left SP terminal 44 e and supply the Zone2 right audio signal Z 2 R to the outer right SP terminal 44 f . Specifically, the control unit 2 causes the DSP to supply the Zone2 left audio signal Z 2 L to the switch S 41 k and supply the Zone2 right audio signal Z 2 R to the switch S 41 n . The control unit 2 controls the switches S 41 k , S 41 n , S 43 e , and S 43 g to be an on state and the switches S 41 i , S 41 j , S 41 l , S 41 m , S 43 c , S 43 d , S 43 f , and S 43 g to be an off state.
(6) When the Zone3 Function is Used
The control unit 2 controls the DSP and the switches to supply the Zone3 left audio signal Z 3 L to the surround back left SP terminal 44 a and supply the Zone3 right audio signal Z 3 R to the surround back right SP terminal 44 b . Specifically, the control unit 2 causes the DSP to supply the Zone3 left audio signal Z 3 L to the switch S 41 b and supply the Zone3 right audio signal Z 3 R to the switch S 41 f . The control unit 2 controls the switches S 41 b , S 41 f , S 43 a , and S 43 b to be an on state and the switches S 41 a , S 41 c , S 41 d , S 41 e , S 41 g , and S 41 h to be an off state.
(7) When a Combination of the Outer Left Audio Signal LW and the Outer Right Audio Signal RW is Included
The control unit 2 controls the DSP and the switches to supply the outer left audio signal LW to the outer left SP terminal 44 e and supply the outer right audio signal RW to the outer right SP terminal 44 f . Specifically, the control unit 2 causes the DSP to supply the outer left audio signal LW to the switch S 41 i and supply the outer right audio signal RW to the switch S 41 l . The control unit 2 controls the switches S 41 i , S 41 l , S 43 e , and S 43 g to be an on state and the switches S 41 j , S 41 k , S 41 m , S 41 n , S 43 c , S 43 d , S 43 f , and S 43 h to be an off state.
(8) When a Combination of the Upper Left Audio Signal LH and the Upper Right Audio Signal RH is Included
The control unit 2 controls the DSP and the switches to supply the upper left audio signal LH to the upper left SP terminal 44 c and supply the upper right audio signal RH to the upper right SP terminal 44 d . Specifically, the control unit 2 causes the DSP to supply the upper left audio signal LH to the switch S 41 i and supply the upper right audio signal RH to the switch S 41 l . The control unit 2 controls the switches S 41 i , S 41 l , S 43 c , and S 43 d to be an on state and the switches S 41 j , S 41 k , S 41 m , S 41 n , S 43 e , S 43 f , S 43 g , and S 43 h to be an off state.
(9) When a Combination of the Surround Back Left Audio Signal SBL and the Surround Back Right Audio Signal SBR is Included
The control unit 2 controls the DSP and the switches to supply the surround back left audio signal SBL to the surround back left SP terminal 44 a and supply the surround back right audio signal SBR to the surround back right SP terminal 44 b . Specifically, the control unit 2 causes the DSP to supply the surround back left audio signal SBL to the switch S 41 a and supply the surround back right audio signal SBR to the switch S 41 e . The control unit 2 controls the switches S 41 a , S 41 e , S 43 a , and S 43 b to be an on state and the switches S 41 b , S 41 c , S 41 d , S 41 f , S 41 g , and S 41 h to be an off state.
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. Instead of an upper left audio signal and an upper right audio signal, a center left audio signal (a signal between a left audio signal and a center audio signal) and a center right audio signal (a signal between a right audio signal and the center audio signal) may be applied. The present invention may also be provided in the form of a program that causes a computer to perform the above-described operations of an AV amplifier, and a recording medium recording the program. | An audio processing apparatus comprising: channel determination section for determining which one of a combination of the first left audio signal and the first right audio signal and a combination of the second left audio signal and the second right audio signal is included in multichannel audio data; and switching section for causing the first amplification section to amplify the first left audio signal and supply the amplified first left audio signal to the first speaker terminal and causing the second amplification section to amplify the first right audio signal and supply the amplified first right audio signal to the second speaker terminal when the combination of the first left audio signal and the first right audio signal is determined to be included; and causing the first amplification section to amplify the second left audio signal and supply the amplified second left audio signal to the third speaker terminal and causing the second amplification section to amplify the second right audio signal and supply the amplified second right audio signal to the fourth speaker terminal when the combination of the second left audio signal and the second right audio signal is determined to be included. | 54,445 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate to computer work stations and to systems for voice messaging that otherwise serve as computer work station input devices.
2. Background of the Invention
As an introduction to problems solved by the present invention, consider the conventional computer work station operated by a skilled operator. The user operates such a work station by orienting his or her hand in relation to an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, touch pad, or digitizing pad. The user's gaze is directed toward a computer monitor that displays text and graphics for guiding the user further. While the user is concentrating on what is shown on the display, the user maintains his or her hand poised and positioned for further input without the inconvenience of having to direct his or her gaze toward his or her hand to reorient it. During concentration, the flow of ideas occurring to the user may be interrupted by an idea unrelated to operation of the computer system.
Conventional computer operating systems provide means for entering a typed note of the idea for further reference at another time. However, prior to entry of such a typed note, the computer monitor display is necessarily changed to show a context in which the typed note is entered and edited. Such a change in the display upsets the visual context that supported the original work prior to interruption. Returning to the original work display image may leave the user without memory of the position or content of the display which was the subject of prior concentration. Consequently, there is a loss of productivity associated with typing a note.
Other manual ways of recording the idea result in physical as well as visual disorientation for the user. Use of a nearby pencil and paper will require movement of the user's hand away from a home position on the keyboard, mouse, touch pad, or digitizing pad. A home position is a position of the user's hand relative to a home surface that provides tactile feedback. Keyboards with tactile feedback are conventionally arranged with keys for "F" and "J" identified, for example, by a different sculpture or a raised bump. Such features distinguish these keys from other keys and so identify a home position for the user's index fingers. Other input devices have home surfaces, too. Operation of a keyboard, as well as other input devices, usually requires directing the gaze toward the input device as the user's hand is placed to recognize the home surface. Thus, time is required to overcome the physical disorientation that precedes returning to a home position. Once in position, returning to the memory of the original work will consume additional time.
Time spent away from the original work raises the cost of the work. Beyond a mere lack of convenience is the risk that an analysis associated with the original work may be incomplete or forgotten. And, if the idea that is to be noted is not noted promptly, this idea may be lost as well.
In view of the problems described above and related problems that consequently become apparent to those skilled in the applicable arts, the need remains in computer work stations for messaging systems that avoid visual interruption and physical disorientation while recording ideas possibly unrelated to computer system operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a work station in one embodiment of the present invention includes a computer system and an input system. The input system controls operation of the computer system. The input system has a home surface that provides tactile feedback to the user who, in response to the feedback, maintains her hand near the home surface during operation of the input system by her hand. The input system includes a recorder that records speech by the user and a switch that starts the recorder. The switch is operated by the user's hand while the user maintains orientation of the user's hand near the home surface.
According to a first aspect of the operation of such a work station, the user avoids visual interruption and physical disorientation while recording speech possibly unrelated to computer system operation.
According to another aspect, recording an idea using speech does not require departing from the visual and physiological context of the work on screen. The act of returning to the original work is less likely to result in loss of the original analysis or train of thought. Consequently, productivity improves.
These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description of the invention and referenced drawings or by practice of the invention. The aspects, advantages, and features of the invention are realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities, procedures, and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a work station that illustrates a few embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a top view of the mouse pad shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a top view of the wrist rest shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the keyboard shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the mouse shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a work station that illustrates several embodiments of the present invention. Work station 10 includes computer 12, voice messaging keyboard 20, voice messaging wrist rest 22, voice messaging mouse 24, voice messaging mouse pad 26, and table 28. Ordinarily one work station component having voice messaging capability would be sufficient; however, work station 10 is illustrated with four such components (20, 22, 24, and 26) for ease of description.
Computer 12 and table 28 are of conventional construction and function. Computer 12 provides display 14 by operation of its conventional operating system and repertoire of conventional application programs. Such programs conventionally provide overlapping display regions in which the context of data entry and control is identified to one particular task. Several tasks may be controllable by user input as indicated by the conventional background dialog box 16 and the conventional foreground dialog box 18. Dialog boxes 16 and 18 represent generally the visually sophisticated computing environment in which the ordinary user works.
A user would ordinarily sit in front of table 28 and place his/her right hand in a conventional manner either on keyboard 20, resting the base of the hand on wrist rest 22, or place the right hand on mouse 24. The left hand would be placed in a conventional manner on keyboard 20, resting the base of it on wrist rest 22. Prior to operation the user would find the home surface under each hand and throughout use, attempt to maintain each hand near the respective home surface either touching on it, hovering over it, or stretching within a vicinity of the home surface that permits quick and accurate return to the home surface without visual guidance toward, or confirmation of, its location.
According to a method of the present invention, the user, while operating computer system 12 for producing a work product, and having at least one hand near a home surface, realizes an idea possibly unrelated to the control of computer system 12. To assure that the idea receives attention in due course, the user records a voice message by (1) operating a switch that is located within reach from the home surface and (2) speaking a description of the idea so that the description is recorded. With the image of the work product unchanged on computer display 14 and the orientation of his or her hand near the home surface, the user quickly returns to productive work without substantial loss of train of thought or time or both.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes the steps of (1) observing a display indicating that a message has been recorded, and (2) operating a switch that is located within reach from the respective home surface to initiate audible play back of the message.
FIG. 2 is a top view of the mouse pad shown in FIG. 1. Voice messaging mouse pad 26 includes home surfaces 27 and 29, base 33, and battery powered module 30. Base 33 is of conventional foam laminate construction having a top surface for operating the rolling ball of a conventional mouse. Home surfaces 27 and 29 provide tactile orientation for quick identification of switches 32, 34, and 36 on module 30. Display 38 in the illustrated embodiment is a light emitting diode that indicates that a message has been recorded. Electret microphone 40 receives the user's speech and provides a corresponding electrical signal to an integrated circuit for recording. The integrated circuit provides a drive signal to speaker 40 so that the recorded message is audible during play back.
Module 30 is embedded by conventional techniques in a void in base 33. The top surface of the pad is made uniform so that movement of a conventional mouse over module 30 does not interfere with operation of the mouse or activate module 30. By locating module 30 in a void, the thickness of voice messaging mouse pad 26 does not exceed conventional mouse pad thickness. Access to a battery, not shown, that supplies power to module 30 is provided on the back face of pad 26 in a conventional manner.
Module 30 is an electronic subassembly of the type described in "Data Book--Voice Recording & Playback ICs" 1996, by Information Storage Devices, Inc., of San Jose, Calif., U.S.A., incorporated in full herein by this reference. The ISD1100 integrated circuit is used in a preferred embodiment. The integrated circuit (not shown), switch 32 (PLAYL), switch 34 (PLAYE), switch 36 (REC), microphone 42, speaker 40, LED (RECLED) 38, and battery (not shown) form a circuit of the type described by the schematic diagram at page 1-35. The circuit is conventionally assembled on a circuit board, according to layout design practices described on pages 3-75 through 3-80. Preferred component values are described on the schematic, on page 3-21, and pages 3-83 through 3-87. Functionally similar components, known by those of ordinary skill in the art, and component values selected for various conventional specific applications are used in equivalent embodiments. For example, an alternate and equivalent module embodiment includes a circuit of the type described in "MSM6688/6688L ADPCM Solid-State Recorder IC Datasheet" by OKI Semiconductor, Inc., of Sunnyvale, Calif., U.S.A., incorporated herein by this reference.
FIG. 3 is a top view of the wrist rest shown in FIG. 1. Voice messaging wrist rest 22 includes base 23, home surface 31, and battery powered module 130. Base 23 is of the conventional type of wrist rest formed of fabric covered foam. Module 130 is structurally and functionally similar to module 30 in FIG. 2. Module 130 is embedded by conventional technique in a void in base 23. Features of module 130 correspond to features of module 30, numbered less one hundred. The switches 132, 134, and 136 on module 130 are accurately located without visual guidance or confirmation and operated, for example, by the user's thumb while the user's index finger remains near home key "J" having home surface 21 on keyboard 20. Home surface 31, where the base of the user's hand or wrist rests during operation of keyboard 20, serves as an alternate home surface for reference during operation of switches 132, 134, and 136.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the keyboard shown in FIG. 1. Voice messaging keyboard 20 includes keyboard assembly 35 and battery powered module 230. Module 230 is structurally and functionally identical to module 30 in FIG. 2. Features of module 230 correspond to features of module 30, numbered less two hundred. Keyboard assembly 35 is of the conventional type used with a conventional personal computer. Module 230 is embedded by conventional technique in a void in keyboard assembly 35. Signals responsive to keyboard keys pressed by the user are coupled to computer system 12 by cable 39. Module 230 is located to be within reach of the index finger of the user's right hand without losing orientation with the home key 21 and home surface thereon.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the mouse shown in FIG. 1. Voice messaging mouse 24 includes mouse assembly 37, home surface 23, and battery powered module 50. Mouse assembly 37 is of the conventional type used with a conventional personal computer. An internal ball (not shown) protrudes from the underside of mouse assembly 37 to roll against a conventional mouse pad or equivalent surface. Signals responsive to movement of the ball are coupled to computer system 12 by cable 25. The construction and function of module 50 is identical to battery powered module 30 except that LED 52 and appropriate wiring is substituted for LED 38. By locating LED 52 away from module 50, LED 52 is made more noticeable by the user.
The foregoing description discusses preferred embodiments of the present invention, which may be changed or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, those skilled in the art will understand that in alternate module embodiments power for the module (similar to module 230 or 50) is supplied by power conducted to the work station component wherein the module is located. For example, in an alternate embodiment of voice messaging keyboard 20, the module is powered by signals received from computer 12 on cable 39. In an alternate embodiment of voice messaging mouse 24, the module is powered by signals received from computer 12 on cable 25.
Further, those skilled in the art will understand that in alternate embodiments, the location of switches, microphone, speaker, battery, and indicators varies by design choice. Some or all of these components are recessed in various embodiments to reduce the possibility of unintentional activation of module functions or interference with conventional operations and movements. More sophisticated embodiments include additional similar switches for additional functions including, for example, erasing one or more previously recorded messages, activating one or more messages for periodic playback, recording additional messages with or without replacing previously recorded messages, playing back only part of a message, selecting any of several messages for immediate playback, skipping the remainder of a message after playback of that message has begun. Additional further embodiments include additional similar indicators for additional display functions including, for example, modes of operation, status of recorded messages, and the remaining capacity of battery and voice storage memory.
These and other changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.
While for the sake of clarity and ease of description, several specific embodiments of the invention have been described; the scope of the invention is intended to be measured by the claims as set forth below. The description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the form disclosed. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent in light of the disclosure to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention applies.
The words and phrases used in the claims are intended to be broadly construed. A "system" refers generally to electrical apparatus and includes but is not limited to electromechanical components in combination with a packaged integrated circuit, an unpackaged integrated circuit, a combination of packaged or unpackaged integrated circuits or both, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a memory, a register, a flip-flop, a charge-coupled device, combinations thereof, and equivalents.
The conventional mouse, joy stick, track ball, touch pad, digitizing tablet, and pen input tablet are but a few examples of equivalent pointing systems. Equivalent pointing systems of the present invention include any of these conventional devices and their functional equivalents combined with battery powered module 30, battery powered module 50, or an equivalent module powered by computer system 12 as discussed above.
An input system in a first embodiment includes a pointing system as discussed above. Alternate and equivalent input systems include a conventional keyboard and other conventional switching apparatus designed with varying arrangement of keys for lower operator fatigue and higher accuracy. Equivalent input systems of the present invention include any of these conventional devices and their functional equivalents combined with battery powered module 30, battery powered module 50, or an equivalent module powered by computer system 12 as discussed above.
Although this invention has been described above with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed particulars, but extends instead to all equivalents within the scope of the following claims. | A computer work station provides voice recording and playback without interruption of the user's working conditions, such as the appearance of the monitor screen, location of the user's hands over home positions, or direction of the user's gaze. A first work station embodiment includes a voice messaging mouse pad having a battery operated voice message module for record and playback using a microphone and speaker within the module. A second work station embodiment includes a voice messaging wrist rest that includes a similar battery operated voice messaging module. A third work station embodiment includes a voice messaging mouse that includes a similar battery powered voice messaging module. | 17,615 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a musical tone generating apparatus used for generating musical tones in an electronic musical instrument, electronic music box or similar apparatus.
Hitherto, a large number of electronic musical instruments utilizing digital technologies to reproduce musical tones have been proposed. Conventionally, such instruments generate a waveform amplitude value at each sample point of a musical tone waveform by various means. The amplitude waveform values are generated or read at a rate corresponding to a pitch frequency of the desired tone to be reproduced and applied to a DAC driving an audio transducer.
One of the simplest methods employed is one which stores an amplitude value at each sample point for a whole waveform of a musical tone, from the beginning to the end, in a waveform memory and generates a musical tone waveform by sequentially reading out the amplitude values. Such a method is discussed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 52-121313. The merit of the method is that sound of a natural musical instrument can be reproduced by sampling at an adequate bit rate.
Another known method stores only a fundamental waveform for parts of the whole musical tone waveform where there is little change in timbre. The values of the fundamental waveform are then repeatedly read to reproduce the desired tone. This method reduces a capacity of the waveform memory required by repeatedly reading out the stored values. Such a method is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-30599.
A drawback of the first method is that the required memory capacity for storing the waveform data becomes enormous, presenting a significant obstacle to miniaturizing the apparatus and lowering the cost thereof. The second method has a drawback in that it requires a large memory capacity to reproduce a so-called attack section where the change of the waveform is intense, similarly presenting an obstacle to miniaturizing the apparatus and lowering the cost thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a musical tone generating apparatus capable of generating natural musical tones using a waveform memory having a relatively small capacity.
Briefly stated, the present invention provides a musical tone generating apparatus capable of reproducing natural musical tones while having waveform memories of a nominal capacity. The apparatus comprises a first waveform memory 1a for storing first waveform data of one period of a stationary first waveform existing after an elapse of a certain period from the beginning of generation of a musical tone and a second waveform memory 1b for storing second waveform data of one period of a second waveform representing differential spectral components derived from spectral differences between a fundamental wave component and harmonic components of the non-stationary waveform determined immediately after the beginning of generation of the musical tone and a fundamental wave component and harmonic components of the first waveform. A first multiplier generates first multiplication data by multiplying the first waveform data with a first level coefficient which varies as a function of time and a second multiplier generates second multiplication data by multiplying the second waveform data with a second level coefficient which varies as a function of time. A level coefficient generator provides the first level coefficient and the second level coefficient while an adder sums the first multiplication data and the second multiplication data.
The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a graph of musical tone waveforms;
FIG. 3. is a graph of a spectrum related to musical tone waveforms;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a graph of musical tone waveforms;
FIG. 6 is a graph of other musical tone waveforms; and
FIG. 7 is a graph of still other musical tone waveforms.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3 the principle of a first embodiment of the present invention is presented as follows. A waveform "a" in FIG. 2A illustrates a level change of a waveform of a musical tone from an audible beginning until an attenuated ending thereof. FIG. 2B shows a waveform of one period of the musical waveform after an elapse of a sufficient time (at time t2) from the beginning of the musical waveform. FIG. 2C shows one period of a waveform starting at a beginning of the musical waveform (at time t1). While an initial portion of the musical waveform of a natural musical instrument having an attenuation, or decaying system characteristic, such as that of a music box, is complicated, containing a number of harmonic components, the harmonic components eventually decay and the waveform transforms to a monotonous waveform having a waveform shape close to that of a sine wave at the desired pitch as time elapses. Further, although a degree of change of the waveform is large immediately after the sounding, the degree of change of the waveform becomes small and the waveform itself becomes stable as time elapses. In other words, the waveform is non-stationary, or changing, immediately after the beginning of the musical tone and becomes stationary, or constant in shape, as a certain period elapses from the beginning of the musical tone.
Referring to FIG. 3A, an average (stationary) spectrum at time t2 of the waveform of FIG. 2A is shown (illustrated by solid lines; hereinafter called "fundamental spectrum" for convenience) and a characteristic (non-stationary) spectrum at time t1 of the waveform of FIG. 2A is shown ( illustrated by dotted lines; hereinafter called "initial spectrum" for convenience). When the level change characteristic "a" of FIG. 2A is given to the waveform having the above-mentioned fundamental spectrum, differences d1, d2, d3, . . . etc. are produced at t1 with respect to the initial spectrum as shown in FIG. 3A. the difference d1 is a difference in level of the fundamental frequency component, or the fundamental wave f1, and dn is a difference in level of the frequency component at an nth order harmonic fn of the fundamental frequency. A relative difference between the differences d2, d3, . . . in each harmonic and the difference d1 in the fundamental wave is designated Dn, where Dn=dn-d1, and relative differential spectrum shown in FIG. 3B is obtained.
A desired musical tone, produced by a music box, for example, is generated from stored waveform data of one period having the above-mentioned fundamental spectrum and waveform data of one period having the above-mentioned relative differential spectrum. The musical tone is generated by reading the data repeatedly and applying the level change characteristic "a", shown in FIG. 2A, to the former waveform data and the level change characteristic "b", also shown in FIG. 2A, to the latter waveform data, and adding them to each other.
Referring to FIG. 1A, the first embodiment of the present invention has a waveform memory 1a into which is stored one period of waveform data having the above-mentioned fundamental spectrum (solid lines in FIG. 3A) and a waveform memory 1b into which is stored one period of waveform data having the above-mentioned relative differential spectrum Dn of FIG. 3B. Address counters 2a and 2b generate addresses for reading the waveform data out of the waveform memories 1a and 1b at a fixed rate corresponding to the frequency pitch.
A level coefficient generating means 3a generates level coefficient data corresponding to level characteristic "a" in FIG. 2A for the waveform data read out of the waveform memory 1a. A level coefficient generating means 3b generates level coefficient data corresponding to level characteristic "b" in FIG. 2A for the waveform data readout of the waveform memory 1b. A multiplier 4a multiplies the waveform data from the waveform memory 1a with the level coefficient data from the level coefficient generating means 3a. A multiplier 4b multiplies the waveform data from the waveform memory 1b with the level coefficient data from the level coefficient generating means 3b. An adder 5 adds the multiplication data produced by the multipliers 4a and 4b. A D/A converter 6 converts the digital data from the adder 5 into analog data.
Operation of the first embodiment of FIG. 1 entails storing musical tone data corresponding to desired musical tone needs in the waveform memories 1a and 1b as well as in the level coefficient generating means 3a and 3b prior to operating. The storage of the musical tone data requires execution of the following a method for forming the waveform data to be stored in the waveform memories 1a and 1b. Generally, the waveform data is formed based on the principle of Fourier transformation and inverse Fourier transformation. Initially, spectrum analysis is carried out on a certain section of waveform immediately after the beginning of the musical tone and on a certain section of waveform after an elapse of a predetermined time period from the beginning of the musical tone to find the fundamental wave components and the harmonic components for each portion of the waveform. The fundamental spectrum indicated by the solid lines in FIG. 3A and the initial spectrum indicated by the dotted lines in FIG. 3A are thus determined. Then, the relative differential spectrum shown in FIG. 3B is determined from the fundamental spectrum and the initial spectrum. When the fundamental wave component and each harmonic wave component are represented as Cn (where n is an integer 1 or more than 1) corresponding to the order thereof, the waveform data of one period Dm is represented as follows: ##EQU1## Where, q is a coefficient for optimizing an amplitude value, n is an order of the fundamental wave and each harmonic, N is the highest order, S is a number of data in the waveform memory, m is an integer from 0 to S-1 and φ n is a phase of the fundamental wave and nth order harmonic. Waveform data of one period corresponding respectively to the fundamental spectrum and the relative differential spectrum is thus found and is stored in the waveform memories 1a and 1b. Level coefficient data corresponding to characteristic "a" in FIG. 2A is stored in the level coefficient generating means 3a and level coefficient data corresponding to characteristic "b" in FIG. 2A is stored in the level coefficient generating means 3b, respectively, prior to musical tone generation.
Generation of a musical tone begins with the waveform data stored in the waveform memories 1a and 1b being read at the fixed rate corresponding to the pitch frequency f by use of address signals from the address counters 2a and 2b. The reading rate is defined by a clock signal φ, where φ=f·S, which drives the address counters 2a and 2b.
The multiplier 4a multiplies the waveform data form the waveform memory 1a by the level coefficient data (data corresponding to "a" in FIG. 2A) from the level coefficient generating means 3a and the multiplier 4b multiplies the waveform data from the waveform memory 1b by the level coefficient data (data corresponding to "b" in FIG. 2A) from the level coefficient generating means 3b. The adder 5 adds the multiplication data obtained by the multipliers 4a and 4b. The sum data from the adder 5 is then converted from digital to analog by the D/A converter 6. Thus, the desired musical tone output is produced.
Note that although the above explanation has been made assuming the musical tone of the attenuation system such as the music box, it is of course possible to obtain not only the musical tone of the attenuation system but also various musical tones of trumpet, organ or the like.
Further, it is also possible to store multiple types of data respectively in the waveform memories 1a and 1b and the level coefficient generation means 3a and 3b. Thereby, multiple types of musical tones are producible such as that of a piano, trumpet and pipe organ. Furthermore, if one type of waveform data is stored in the waveform memories 1a and 1b (e.g. piano data) and multiple types of data are stored in the level coefficient generating means 3a and 3b, sounds of pianos having a plurality of different tonal qualities are optionally generated.
Referring to FIGS. 5A-5E, another method of the present invention uses various characteristics of a waveform of a musical tone from the beginning of sounding musical tones of a music box, or similar device, until the waveform attenuates. FIG. 5B shows one period of the waveform after an elapse of sufficient time from the beginning of the musical tone while FIG. 5C shows another single period of the waveform immediately after the beginning of the musical tone. While the initial waveform of the natural musical instrument of an attenuation system, such as a music box, is complicated, containing a number of harmonic components, the harmonic components attenuate and the waveform transforms to a monotonous waveform close in shape to a sine wave as time elapses. Further, although a degree of change of the waveform is large immediately after the sounding of the musical tone, the degree of change of the waveform becomes small and the waveform itself becomes stable as time elapses. That is, the waveform is non-stationary immediately after the beginning of the musical tone and becomes stationary as a certain period elapses since the beginning of generation of the musical tone.
A desired musical tone, of a music box for example, is generated by storing waveform data representing the waveform periods of FIGS. 5B and 5C in advance, and then by reading the waveform data repeatedly, multiplying the waveform data represented in FIG. 5B by data representing the characteristic 1-k(t) in FIG. 5D, multiply the waveform data represented in FIG. 5C by data representing the characteristic k(t) in FIG. 6, and by multiplying a value, obtained by adding the both the above multiplication results, by data representing an envelope E(t) shown in FIG. 5E.
Referring to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the present invention has a waveform memory 1a for storing the waveform data in FIG. 5B, data representing one period of the waveform data when the certain time has elapsed since the beginning of the sounding of the musical tone and a waveform memory 1b stores the waveform data in FIG. 5C, data representing the other single period of the waveform data immediately after the beginning of the sounding of the musical tone. Address counters 2a and 2b generate addresses for reading the waveform data out of the waveform memories 1a and 1b with a fixed rate corresponding to a pitch frequency.
Level coefficient generating means 3 generates level coefficient data (data corresponding to the characteristics 1-k(t) and k(t) in FIG. 5D) for changing a synthesizing ratio of the waveform data read out of the waveform memories 1a and 1b. A multiplier 4a multiplies the waveform data from the waveform memory 1a with the level coefficient data (data corresponding to k(t) in FIG. 5D) from the level coefficient generating means 3. An adder 5 adds the multiplication data obtained by the multipliers 4a and 4b.
Envelope generating means 6 generates the envelope data (data corresponding to E(t) in FIG. 5E) for providing a time-wise change of sound volume to the addition data obtained by the adder 5. A multiplier 7 multiplies the addition data from the adder 5 with the envelope data from the envelope generating means 6. A D/A converter 8 converts the digital data from the multiplier 7 into analog data.
Prior to operation, data corresponding to a desired musical tone is stored in the waveform memories 1a and 1b as well as in the level coefficient generating means 3. A method for forming the waveform data (data corresponding to FIGS. 5B and 5C) to be stored in the waveform memories 1a ad 1b generally involves the use of Fourier transformations and inverse Fourier transformations. At first, spectrum analysis is carried out on the period of the waveform occurring immediately after the beginning of the sounding and on the other period of the waveform occurring after an elapse of the sufficient period since the beginning of the sounding of the musical tone to find fundamental wave components and harmonic components thereof for each. When the fundamental wave component and each of the harmonic components are represented as Cn (where n is an integer 1 or more than 1) corresponding to the order thereof, the waveform data of one period Dm is represented as follows: ##EQU2## where, q is a coefficient for optimizing an amplitude value, n is an order of the fundamental wave and each harmonic, N is the highest order, S is a number of data in the waveform memory, m is an integer from 0 to S-1 and φ n is a phase of the fundamental wave and nth order harmonic. Waveform data of one period corresponding respectively to FIGS. 5B and 5C is thus found and stored in the waveform memories 1a and 1b in advance. Level coefficient data (data corresponding to 1-k(t) and k(t) in FIG. 5D) is stored in the level coefficient generating means 3 in advance.
The waveform data stored in the waveform memories 1a and 1b is read at the fixed rate corresponding to the pitch frequency f based on address signals from the address counters 2a and 2b. The reading rate is defined by a clock signal φ, where φ=f·S, which is input to the address counters 2a and 2b.
The multiplier 4a multiplies the waveform data from the waveform memory 1a by the level coefficient data (data corresponding to 1-k(t) in FIG. 5D) from the level coefficient generating means 3 and the multiplier 4b multiplies the waveform data from the waveform memory 1b by the level coefficient data (data corresponding to k(t) in FIG. 5D) from the level coefficient generating means 3. The adder 5 adds the multiplication data obtained by the multipliers 4a and 4b. When the waveform data read out of the waveform memories 1a and 1b are da (φ, t) and db(φ,t), the addition data d output from the adder 5 is represented as follows:
d=da(φ, t)·{1-k(t)}+db(φ, t)·k(t)
where, k(t) is in the range 0 <k(t)<1.
The multiplier 7 multiplies the addition data d from the adder 5 with the envelope data (data corresponding to E(t) in FIG. 5E) from the envelope generating means 6. The multiplication data d' output from the multiplier 7 is represented as follows:
d'= da(φ, t)·{1-k(t)}+db(φ, t)·k(t)·E(t)
The multiplication data d' is converted from digital to analog by the D/A converter 8.
The desired musical tone output is obtained by the above method and apparatus. Note that although the above explanation has been made assuming mainly the musical tone of the attenuation system such as the music box, it is of course possible to obtain not only the musical tone of the attenuation system but also various musical tones such as those of a trumpet, an organ or other instruments. FIGS. 6A through 6E show waveforms of a trumpet and FIGS. 7A through 7E show waveforms of a pipe organ in correspondence with FIGS. 5A and 5E, respectively.
Further, it is also possible to store multiple types of data respectively in the waveform memories 1a and 1b and in the level coefficient generating means 3. For example, if the waveform data corresponding respectively to FIG. 5B, FIG. 6B and FIG. 7B is stored in the waveform memory 1a, the waveform data corresponding respectively to FIG. 5C, FIG. 6C and FIG. 7C is stored in the waveform memory 1b, and the data corresponding respectively to FIG. 5D, FIG. 6D and FIG. 7D is stored in the level coefficient generating means 3 and the corresponding envelope is generated from the envelope generating means 6, three types of musical tones are optionally generated. Furthermore, if one type of waveform data is stored in the waveform memories 1a and 1b (e.g. "piano" data) and multiple types of data is stored in the level coefficient generating means 3, a sound of piano having a plurality of different tones, for example, are optionally generated.
According to the present invention, it is possible to generate natural musical tones using waveform memories having a small capacity relative to those of other prior systems. As a result, the simple structure of the present invention can effectively simulate tones of a natural musical instrument.
Having described preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. | A musical tone generating apparatus is capable of reproducing natural musical tones while waveform memories of a nominal capacity. The apparatus comprises a first waveform memory 1a for storing first waveform data of one period of a stationary first waveform existing after an elapse of a certain period from the beginning of generation of a musical tone and a second waveform memory 1b for storing second waveform data of one period of a second waveform representing differential spectral components derived from spectral differences between a fundamental wave component and harmonic components of the non-stationary waveform determined immediately after the beginning of generation of the musical tone and a fundamental wave component and harmonic components of the first waveform. A first multiplier generates first multiplication data by multiplying the first waveform data with a first level coefficient which varies as a function of time and a second multiplier generates second multiplication data by multiplying the second waveform data with a second level coefficient which varies as a function of time. A level coefficient generator provides the first level coefficient and the second level coefficient while an adder sums the first multiplication data and the second multiplication data. | 21,464 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for driving a non rigid exploration device into wellbores where its progression by gravity is difficult.
In a general way, the system according to the invention is suitable each time the friction forces are sufficient to prevent the progression of an exploration device along a borehole. This may happen because of a restriction of the section of a well and/or because of its substantial inclination in relation to the vertical.
The system according to the invention can for example be used for driving up to horizontal areas of a well an emission-reception device for acoustic, electric, electromagnetic signals, etc, of any type.
In the field of acoustic waves for example, the design of an emission-reception system is different depending on whether a more or less long-range exploration of the land areas crossed by a well by means of low frequency acoustic waves is favoured, in order to study the limits of a possible reservoir, or a more localized study of the formations around such a well.
It is well-known that the most interesting results, when low frequency acoustic waves are used, are obtained by substantially moving away the emitters and the receivers. This can be achieved by arranging a seismic source at the surface and by displacing a reception set in a deflected well zone at a given depth under the surface.
French Patent 2,609,105 corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,987, describes a method for carrying out measurings in a well zone that is strongly inclined in relation to the vertical by means of a sonde for wells containing appropriate sensors and fitted with one or several retractable arms whose opening allows to press it against the walls. The sonde is fastened to the end of a tubing and linked to the latter by retractable locking means. It is taken down and pushed up to the area of action by a tubular column progressively formed by the successive interconnecting to the first one of a series of additional tubing sections. The sonde is linked with a surface installation by a multifunction cable. Interconnecting the cable with the sonde is preferably achieved when the latter has reached a certain depth. The cable, fitted with a socket connector that can be plugged in in a liquid medium, is introduced into the column through a lateral window in a special connection sub (side-entry sub). The connector is pushed until it plugs into a contact plug fastened to the locking means and linked to the sonde by a linking cable. When the sonde has been pushed up to the intervention area, the opening of the locking means which fasten it to the bottom of the column and the opening of its fastening arms are remote controlled through the cable. The sonde can then be detached from the column by moving the latter back and the waves emitted at the surface can then be received.
Emission-reception systems where the emission means are also taken down into a wellbore are well-known. The emission means and the reception means can be contained in the same well tool or in different tools hanging one under another.
A sizeable space between the emitters and the receivers can be obtained quite easily in the wells or in portions of vertical wells by lengthening the cables linking the sonde or the main tool with the satellites hanging below. A system suitable for substantially vertical wells is for example described in French Patent 2,616,230.
Nevertheless, such a device emitting and receiving acoustic waves with multiple, very spaced out sondes, becomes totally ineffective in cases where the progression by gravity cannot be achieved normally because of excessive friction forces, as it happens in well zones with a limited section or too much inclined in relation to the vertical.
French Patent EN. 89/04,554 corresponding to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 505,902, filed Apr. 6, 1990 describes a seismic prospecting method in deflected wells by means of an emission-reception set of acoustic waves displaceable in relation to the lower back end of a tubular column taken down in a well. The emission-reception set comprises a receiving sonde with retractable fastening arms arranged at the bottom of the column and linked to a moving element displaceable within the latter. It also comprises an acoustic source inserted on the column. The source can be fixed in relation to the column or displaceable in relation to the latter by means of the moving element. The wall of the column is fitted with lateral openings allowing the emission of acoustic waves towards the formations around the well. A multifunction cable fitted with a socket plug that can be plugged in in a liquid medium allows a delayed connection of the emission-reception set with a surface control and recording installation. The system is operating by fastening the sonde and by drawing it apart from the lower end of the column.
This prior system is suitable for prospecting operations utilizing sources that can be seated within the relatively narrow tubular columns which are generally used in wellbores. Sparkers can for example be utilized as sources.
Besides, the source being inserted on the tubular column, it emits its energy through slits in the wall. Part of the emitted energy tends to be transmitted along the column. Absorbing means must therefore be interposed in the portion of the tube between the source and the receiving sonde, in order to avoid direct transmissions towards the pickups.
It is also well-known that, in the field of acoustic or seismic wave prospecting, there are numerous treatment methods allowing to make the subsoil cross-sections obtained from the picked up and recorded signals more legible, by combining recordings of signals picked up in several different reception locations spaced out from one another along the well. This is not possible with the systems utilizing only one receiving sonde that are currently used, because of operating difficulties in the deflected wells.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The guiding system according to the invention avoids the drawbacks mentioned above. It allows to easily drive and operate, in wells where its progression by gravity is hampered, and notably in deflected wells, a non rigid exploration device of sizeable length including means for emitting signals in the formations around the well and means for receiving signals. The guiding system comprises a tubular column, a moving set displaceable in relation to the tubular column, a fastening part element for immobilizing the moving set in the well, and linking means for connecting the moving set with a control and recording laboratory. It is characterized in that the moving set comprises at least one supple part linked to the anchoring means, the moving set being displaceable between a recess (or backward) position where at least said supple part is totally contained in the back end of the tubular column and a withdrawal position where the moving element is totally outside the tubular column.
According to a first embodiment procedure, the moving set comprises a first sonde provided with anchoring means for coupling the sonde against the wall of a well and at least one second sonde linked to the first sonde by a portion of a multifunction cable.
According to a second embodiment procedure, the moving set comprises an extended supple element (supple sheath for example) linked to the linking means at a first end and to the fastening element at the opposite end thereof.
According to a first variant of the first embodiment procedure, the section of the first sonde is wider than that of the tubular column which is adapted for serving as a support for the first sonde, in said recess position of the set of sondes.
According to a second variant, the section of the first sonde and of at least one second sonde is wider than that of the tubular column.
The system according to the invention can comprise a moving set adapted for totally entering the tubular column in the recess position thereof.
According to an embodiment example, the signal emitting means is arranged in the sonde with a wider section.
The system can comprise for example a protective housing mounted on the lower end of the tubular column which can contain said sonde with a wider section.
According to another embodiment example, the tubular column comprises for example a string of hollow tubing sections and a tubular element fastened on the end of the string of pipes.
A tubular element and a housing which are long enough to contain the total moving element in its recess position are for example selected.
In an embodiment procedure of the system, the set of sondes can be directly linked to the surface control and recording laboratory by a multifunction cable and fitted with a support, the tubular column being fitted with a side-entry sub for the passage of said cable and with a section narrowing serving as a thrust for said support, in order to hold the moving element in a withdrawal position.
According to another embodiment procedure, the system comprises a guiding set displaceable within the tubular column and linked by the multifunction cable to the moving set, as well as means for locking the guiding element in order to immobilize the guiding element in relation to the tubular column in a recess position of the moving set.
The system can be fitted with means for the delayed connection of the moving set to the multifunction cable.
According to another embodiment procedure, the system comprises several sondes spaced out along the multifunction cable and containing the signal reception means.
The emitting means, in the first embodiment procedure, are for example arranged at the top of the moving set.
According to another embodiment procedure, the multifunction cable ends in a socket connector that can be plugged in a liquid medium in a contact connector borne by the guiding element, and electrically linked to the moving element.
According to another embodiment procedure, the exploration device guided by the system according to the invention comprises a multiplicity of well sondes containing the signal reception means and the signal emitting means is arranged at the surface.
The exploration device guided by the system according to the invention can also comprise emitting means arranged at the same time at the surface and in the moving set.
The emission and/or reception means of the exploration device guided by the system according to the invention can be acoustic, electric, electromagnetic, etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other features and advantages of the system according to the invention will be clear from reading the description hereafter of the embodiment procedures described by way of non limitative examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 shows a first variant of the first embodiment procedure of the guiding system where the moving set is within a tubular column used for directing it towards an intervention zone at the bottom of a deflected well;
FIG. 2 shows the emission-reception system of FIG. 1 where the moving set is led, in a recess position, towards an operation zone in a well;
FIG. 3 is a view identical to FIG. 2 which shows the setting of the device for the delayed electric connection of the displaceable set of the emission-reception system with a surface control and recording laboratory;
FIG. 4 shows the emission-reception system of FIG. 1 where the moving set is at the beginning of its withdrawal stage, outside the routing tubular column;
FIG. 5 shows the end stage of the withdrawal of the moving set of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 shows a second variant of the first embodiment procedure of the guiding system where the moving set is totally contained, in a recess position, in a tubular element with a section wider than that of the tubular column and fastened to the end of the latter;
FIG. 7 shows the previous embodiment variant with the moving set in an withdrawal position, outside the attached tubular element;
FIG. 8 shows another variant of the first embodiment procedure of the guiding system where the displaceable set is adapted for being pumped up to the end of the tubular column;
FIG. 9 shows the same embodiment variant in the withdrawal position of the moving set; and
FIG. 10 shows another embodiment procedure of the system where the supple part of the moving set is an extended sheath containing transducers.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The guiding system shown in FIG. 1 is suitable for driving into a well a multisonde exploration device. It comprises a guiding tubular column 2 consisting for example of a string of interconnected drill pipes 3. The system comprises a moving set (displaceable set) which can be moved in relation to the tubular column 2 between a recess or backward position shown in FIG. 1 and a withdrawal (or forward) position shown for example in FIG. 5. This displaceable set comprises a first sonde 4 with a section wider than the inner section of the pipes 3 of column 2. In order to protect this first sonde during the running-in operations, a housing 5 that can house the first sonde is fastened at the lower end of the tubular column. The first sonde 4 is fitted with fastening or anchoring arms 6 which can rotate between a folded up position along the body (FIG. 1) and a fastening position against the walls of the well (FIG. 4 or 5). The arms 6 are driven by electrohydraulic control means of the type described for example in French Patent 2,501,380 corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,428,422. The first sonde 4 can for example contain a well source of a known type such as a vibratory source or a pulse source. The first sonde can also contain, depending on the cases, acoustic or seimic wave sensors.
The first sonde 4 is linked by an electric-carrying cable 7 to at least one second sonde 8 with a section narrower than that of pipes 3 of the tubular column 2, which can slide freely within the latter. The displaceable set preferably comprises a string of sondes consisting of a series of narrower sondes 8 arranged at a distance from one another along electric-carrying cable 7, ending in the biggest sonde 4 which is located at the lower end of the tubular column, in the attached housing 5.
The string of sondes (8, 4) is linked to a guide block 9 analogous to those which have already been described in French Patent Applications 2,609,105 or EN. 89/04,554. This block 9 is inserted between two tubing sections 3 of column 2 and comprises a tubular body 10 with an inner section substantially equal to that of pipes 3 and a displaceable guide element 11. Locking means that can be remote controlled lock guide element 11 in a recess position of the string of sondes. They can for example be formed by electric or electrohydraulic-controlled locks 12 which can fit into grooves 13 of the tubular body 10. An element of an electric-carrying cable 14 links the guide element 11 to the first sonde 8 which is narrower. Opposite to the latter, the guide element 11 comprises a multipin contact plug 15 positioned following the axis of body 10 and a tubular extension 11A with a section smaller than that of body 10 and extended by a collar 16. An inner shoulder 17 of the body serves as a thrust for collar 16 and limits the recess of the displaceable set within the tubular column. Collar 16 and the tubular extension 11A are used for guiding a socket plug 18 towards the contact plug 15. Plug 18 is topped by a tubular weighting bar 19 with a substantially equal section. It is electrically connected with a multiconductor cable 20 which links it to a surface control and recording laboratory 21 (FIG. 2). Blocking means analogous to locks 12, which are not shown, allow to block the contact plug 15 in a fitting-in position. Examples of multicontact electric connectors are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,155. Openings (not shown) in collar 16 and across guide element 11 allow to establish a propelling fluid current all along tubular column 2 up to the end housing 5. The inner section of the latter is selected in such a way that a drilling fluid current can push out the sonde 4, whatever the deflection of the well where the set of sondes is taken down may be.
The system comprises means for the delayed connection of plug 18 to plug 15, already described in French Patent 2,547,861 corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,664,189. Cable 20, unwound from a reel 22 (FIG. 3 for example), is introduced within tubular column 2 by a special sub fitted with a lateral window 23 (side-entry sub). By means of a fluid current, plug 18 is propelled until it fits onto contact plug 15.
At the end part of its connection with tubular column 2, housing 5 comprises a shoulder 24 with a section smaller than that of guide element 11, to which a magnetized ring 25 is added (FIG. 1). An electromagnetic sensor connected with multiconductor cables 7, 14, 20, which are not shown, is arranged in the head 4A of sonde 4 and allows an operator to detect the latter's coming out of the sonde 4 from the housing 5 (higher position of the moving set). Another sensor can also be included in guide element 11 for detecting the withdrawal position or lower position of the moving set, as we shall see in the following description of the setting of the system.
The guiding system is set up as follows:
The emission-reception device (4, 8) is taken down into the well, hanging on cable 7. Housing 5 is then introduced and guide element 11 is fastened to cable 7. The guide element resting on the lower shoulder 24, the lower part where the moving set is to take its recess position is completed by adding pipes and guide block 9.
Through successive connections of new tubing sections 3, the displaceable set is brought to the deflected well zone where prospecting operations are to be carried out (FIG. 2).
A special side-entry sub 23 (FIG. 3) is added to the column formed thereby. The multiconductor cable 20 unwound from reel 22 is introduced into column 2 that is then connected with pumping means (not shown) that can set up a fluid current and push weighting bar 19 and plug 18 up to plug 15 of the guide element 11 and lock the latter in its fitting-in position (FIG. 3).
When the electric connection is set up, the cable is pulled on from the surface in order to displace the moving set towards its recess position where guide element 11 enters block 9 and where it can be locked.
Column 2 is then pushed to the starting position where recordings are to be performed.
The tubular column is again connected by pumping in order to push the first sonde 4 out of its protective housing 5 and to release the fastening arms (FIG. 4). The electromagnetic sensor included in head 4A of the sonde 4 detects its coming out.
The opening of arms 6 that are fastened onto the walls of well 1 (FIG. 4) and immobilize sonde 4 is remote controlled from the surface.
The sonde 4 being fastened, a traction is exerted on tubular column 2 from the surface installation in order to make its lower end go backwards and thereby totally withdraw the set of sondes (FIG. 5). The collar of guide element 11 then rests against shoulder 24 at the lower end of tubular column 2. The electromagnetic sensor included in the guide element detects the magnetized ring 25 (FIG. 1).
Signal emission-reception cycles can then be performed.
According to a first service procedure, the first sonde 4, because of its relatively sizeable section, can contain a bigger seismic well source. A vibrator of any type can for example be installed there, notably a vibrator made from piezoelectric or magnetostrictive transducers, or else possibly a pulse source. A well source emitting within the 1-2 KHz frequency range and controlled to emit vibrations of a sliding frequency can for example be selected. The secondary sondes 8 contain adapted sensors. Since the system is adapted for working in well portions that are little inclined on the horizontal, secondary sondes 8 rest on the wall of the well, which ensures a certain mechanical connection with the surrounding formations.
In order to improve the coupling with the walls of the well, it is possible to use secondary sondes 8 also fitted with a anchoring arm and appropriate motor means which can also be remote controlled from the surface. At least one steerable triaxial sensor (accelerometer or geophone or both) combined with an orientation detector, analogous to those described in the previously cited Patent Application EN. 89/04,554, and possibly a hydrophone are for example arranged in each secondary sonde. With such an equipment, it is for example possible to carry out a local study of the grounds within a radius of several meters to several hundred meters around a well, according to the emission frequency, in order to locate the position of reflectors, that of the top or the basis of a reservoir crossed by a well, geologic anomalies, etc.
The set of sondes being in a withdrawal position, it can be displaced from it starting position to the well portion to be studied, and emission, reception and recording cycles can be carried out. The displacing can be continuous or discontinuous. It is achieved by exerting a joined traction on column 2 and on multifunction cable 20. When the displacements are discontinuous, the traction on the column is slightly loosened in order to make it go down and thereby release the portions of cable (7, 14) linking the different sondes together. The direct propagation of acoustic energy along the cables towards the receivers is thus avoided.
Another possible service procedure consists in achieving seismic prospecting operations by means of a seismic source arranged at the surface and of receivers arranged in the different sondes 4, 8.
It is also possible to combine the two procedures by arranging a source in the moving set and another one at the surface, in order to achieve two different recording sets during the same pull-out.
According to a second variant of the first embodiment procedure (FIG. 6), the displaceable set comprises a set or string of sondes, all or at least two of them having a section larger than that of the pipes of the tubular column 2. One of them is the first sonde 4. The other sonde, 26, is arranged for example at the other end of the string of sondes and contains a source of acoustic or seismic waves. A protective housing 27 with a section and a length sufficient to contain the set of sondes 4, 26 and the sondes 8 inserted in a recess position of the moving set is fastened at the lower end of tubular column 2. The length of this protective housing is about several ten meters for example. In some cases, its section can be intermediate between that of housing 5 and that of the tubular column (FIG. 6) or equal to that of housing 5.
According to a preferred service procedure, the acoustic or seismic source can be housed in the first sonde 4. In this way, by bringing the set of sondes back to its recess position in relation to the tubular column stationary in the well, it is possible to carry out emission-reception cycles until the coming in, which happens last, of sonde 4 containing the source, into the protective housing 27. The source is preferably arranged in the first sonde 4, towards the end of the latter which is furthest from the other sondes, which facilitates its radiation. In the second embodiment variant also, the set of sondes is combined with a guide element 11 fitted with delayed connection means for a multifunction cable 20 fitted with plug 18. As in the previous embodiment procedure, this one also lends itself well to seismic prospecting operations with a surface source, sondes 4 to 26 only containing wave receivers.
According to another embodiment variant (FIG. 8, 9), a string of sondes with substantially identical sections is used, which can all be displaced within a tubular column (a drilling string for example). The first to be introduced into the column is a sonde 28 equipped with at least one retractable fastening arm. A wave emitter of any type likely to be taken down into the column, for example a sparker, is added into sonde 29 at the other end of the set of sondes. All the sondes are connected with the same multifunction cable 30 which links them to a control and recording laboratory 31. Cable 30 enters the column through a side-entry sub 32. After sonde 29, a stopping element 33 is installed on the cable. Column 2 is fitted at its deepest end with a thrust 34 tightened around the cable, against which element 33 is blocked in a withdrawal position of the set of sondes.
As in the previous embodiment variants, the system comprises a magnetized ring included in thrust 34 and electromagnetic sensors (not shown) are included in the head of sonde 27 and of sonde 29, in order to detect the coming out of one and the contacting of the other one against thrust 34 at the end of the withdrawal stroke of the string of sondes.
According to the cases, a piezoelectric, a magnetostrictive source or a sparker that can emit waves in the frequency range between 1 and 2 KHz are used, and the receivers (geophones or accelerometers) are contacted with geologic formations by applying receiving sondes against the wall under the effect of their own weight in the horizontal well portions or possibly by the opening of retractable arms analogous to those of sonde 27 for example.
This system works as follows:
By adding tubing sections, a column part that is long enough to reach the upper limit Cs of the zone to be prospected is formed and taken down into the well (FIG. 8).
The set of sondes is introduced into the column part constituted thereby with its cable 30. It passes outside column 2 through side-entry sub 32. The column is extended until its lower end reaches the lower limit Ci of the recording zone (FIG. 9).
A fluid current is then established in column 2 in order to propel the set of sondes to the bottom and to make the front sonde 28 come outside.
The sonde 28 being fastened in the well through the opening of its fastening arms (FIG. 9), a traction is exerted on the tubing string from the surface installation, so that the string of sondes is pulled out of column 2, and the stopping element 33 is led to rest against thrust 34. The fastening arms are then closed again.
The column and the cable are taken up to the surface at the same speed by exerting a constant mechanical stress. According to the type of receivers that are utilized, loggings can be made continuously on all the successive well portions depending on the height of the surface operating mast, or discontinuously within time intervals corresponding to progression stops. Seismic emission-reception cycles can also be performed during successive pulling stops.
In the previous embodiment variants, the withdrawal position of the moving set is characterized by a lower shoulder at the lower end of the tubular column. It would nevertheless remain within the scope of the invention to suppress this lower thrust, in order to be able, after the delayed connection of the multiconductor cable, to make the moving set come out of the tubular column and to take the latter up after fastening the sonde 4 until the side-entry sub 23 comes close to the surface again. In this case, it is for example possible to achieve continuous loggings over a very great well length, after closing the fastening arms 27, by exerting a traction on the cable without displacing the tubular column 4.
According to another embodiment procedure of the system (FIG. 10), the supple part of the moving set consists in a deformable extended sheath 35 comprising sensors. At a first end, this sheath is connected with multiconductor cable 30, either directly, or through a delayed connection device such as device (11, 15) described above. At its opposite end, sheath 35 is linked to a fastening part such as a sonde 36 fitted with a moving arm, analogous to the previous sonde 4.
The system according to the invention has been described in relation to an exploration device with acoustic or seismic signals. It is nevertheless obvious that it might as well be utilized for driving an exploration device of any type, electric, electromagnetic, nuclear, etc, along a well. | A guiding system for driving a non rigid exploration device in wells where progression by gravity is difficult includes a tubular column for guiding the displacement of the device which includes a plurality or set of sondes joined together by non-rigid connecting means into a deflected well zone. A first sonde of the set is at least fitted with anchoring arms and its cross-section and possibly that of all the remaining sondes of the set can be larger than the cross-section of the tubular column. In this case, a more or less long protective housing is provided at the end of the column. A delayed electric connection device for the set of sondes linked to a surface laboratory is utilized. The first sonde is pushed out of the column by a fluid pressure and anchoring arms of the first sonde are opened. The tubular column is pulled backward and upward in order to make the plurality of sondes to come out of the column and to be positioned in the well and, thereafter, measuring cycles are carried out. | 28,763 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for controlling a steering force in a power steering apparatus provided with a hydraulic pressure reaction mechanism, and more specifically to a steering force control device for controlling the function of a power steering apparatus in response to the speed and steering angle of a vehicle.
It has been widely known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,825 entitled POWER ASSISTED VEHICLE STEERING issued on July 12, 1977 to Frederick John Adams, that a rotational torque from a steering wheel is increased by a power steering apparatus provided with a resilient torsion bar and then transmitted to a travelling wheel. In this patent, the operation of the power steering apparatus is controlled according to the speed of an automobile. More specifically, the aforesaid patent discloses that at the time of high speed drive, the operation of the power steering apparatus is weakened whereas at the time of low speed drive, the operation thereof is intensified. In the power steering apparatus as described above, for example, the rotation of the rotating shaft of the engine is transmitted to an oil pump by a pulley and an endless belt passed over the pulley, and oil within an oil tank is supplied by the oil pump to the power steering apparatus to strengthen the steering force. Furthermore, the rotation of a countershaft of a transmission of the vehicle is transmitted to a separate auxiliary oil pump, and oil from the oil tank is sucked into the auxiliary oil pump. A throttle valve is provided on a discharge port of the auxiliary oil pump. Oil having passed through the throttle valve is again returned to the oil tank, and pressurized oil is introduced from a middle portion between the discharge port of the auxiliary oil pump and the throttle valve into a hydraulic pressure reaction chamber for controlling the torsion of the torsion bar to control the operation of the power steering apparatus. More specifically, the auxiliary pump is driven to increase the number of revolutions thereof proportional to the vehicle speed as the countershaft of the transmission of the vehicle rotates rapidly, and the amount of discharge of the pump increases. Accordingly, at the time of high speed drive, high oil pressure is applied to the throttle valve, which results in application of the high pressure to the hydraulic pressure reaction chamber to weaken the operation of the power steering apparatus to render the operation of a steering wheel heavy. However, the dependence to the countershaft leads to a drawback that the amount of discharge of the auxiliary pump is too small to obtain a great hydraulic pressure reaction.
With respect to the characteristics of vehicle speed (V)--steering force (T), it has been assured from experiments that as shown in FIG. 7, at the low speed travelling of the vehicle, the steering force does not change so much; at the time of medium speed travelling of the vehicle, the force abruptly changes; at the high speed travelling of the vehicle, the force does not again change so much, which are preferable. It is not possible for a simple combination of a vehicle speed responsive pump and a fixed throttle valve as in the prior art to suitably obtain the desirable characteristic of vehicle speed (V)--steering force (T). Namely, it is impossible to suitably realize the characteristics of vehicle speed (V)--steering force (T) of various forms as shown in A, B and C of FIG. 9.
It has been further assured from experiments that even if the vehicle speed is the same, the value of the steering output (P) is varied according to a variation in steering angle as shown in the characteristic of steering angle (α)--steering force (T) of FIG. 8, whereby the safety and maneuverability of the vehicle may be further enhanced. FIG. 8(a) shows the ideal characteristic assured by the experiments and FIG. 8(b) shows the prior art characteristic. However, such an ideal characteristic cannot be expected as far as the well-known hydrualic pressure control is used.
Moreover, in the auxiliary oil pump driven by the transmission of the vehicle, at the time of low speed rotation, namely, at the time of low speed travel of the vehicle, there exists a problem that the amount of discharage of the oil pump is insufficient, and pulsation and pressure variation occur.
Furthermore, in the control of the prior art structure, the condition of the road surface cannot be fed back as information to the control of steering force, and therefore even if there is less friction in road surface such as snow roads, road surfaces at rainy days, etc., variation in steering force as required is not transmitted to the operator, and in addition, even if the road surface is uneven, it is not transmitted as variation in steering force to the operator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a steering force control device in a power steering apparatus for a vehicle in which pressurized oil supplied to a hydraulic pressure reaction chamber within a main valve of the steering force control device according to vehicle speed information and steering angle information obtained by detecting a speed (V) of a travelling vehicle and a steering angle (α) of a steering wheel may be suitably controlled to always obtain an adequate steering force.
The present invention is intended to overcome the aforementioned technical problem by the provision of a stepping valve subjected to numerical control in accordance with information of a vehicle speed (V) and information of a steering angle (α) and a pressure responsive valve adapted to be actuated under analog control by introducing therein hydraulic pressure which always transmits a variation of a frictional force between the road surface and the driving wheel as a variation of a reaction from the road surface to a hydraulic pressure cylinder of a power steering apparatus the pressure responsive valve being disposed, in a hydraulic circuit in communication with the hydraulic pressure reaction chamber.
For achieving the aforesaid object, according to the present invention, there is provided a power steering apparatus having a hydraulic pressure reaction chamber for controlling by hydraulic pressure a relative torsional angle between an input shaft and an output shaft, characterized in that there are provided a main pump and a sub-pump driven by the engine, pressurized oil from the main pump is introduced into a hydraulic cylinder of a power steering apparatus via a main valve, and another pressurized oil from the sub-pump is supplied to the hydraulic pressure reaction chamber. In an oil passage between the sub-pump and the hydraulic pressure reaction chamber a first throttle means is disposed and actuated by a pressure of a circuit from the main pump to the main valve and a second throttle means actuated by a stepping motor to form a construction in which oil is recirculated into a tank. The stepping motor is rotated and displaced by a pulse signal output from a controller having data arranged in a matrix form by a combination of a range of vehicle speed and a range of steering angle preset by use of signals of a vehicle speed sensor and a steering angle sensor, whereby an opening of the second throttle means is controlled and in the case where no vehicle speed signal is produced by the vehicle speed sensor despite the fact that the signal of revolutions of the engine indicates that the revolutions in excess of a predetermined value continues for more than a predetermined period of time, a preset pulse signal at the time of travelling at a high speed is generated; when a variation in signal of the steering angle is not produced by the steering angle sensor for a predetermined time, control according to the steering angle is not carried out or a pulse signal at the time of travelling at a preset high speed is generated in a similar manner as that described above; and when wiring of electric circuits is broken or control of the controller does not work properly, a current to the stepping motor is cut off so as to close the opening of the second throttle means thereby controlling the pressure acting on the reaction chamber.
The above and other objects and features of the present invention will be more understood from the reading of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings which illustrate one embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates constructions of various parts and an oil passage system with essential parts sectioned in one embodiment according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a main valve of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III--III of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken on line IV--IV of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 illustrates the operation showing the failsafe function of the controller;
FIG. 6 is a memory map inputted in the controller;
FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relation between the vehicle speed (V) and the steering force (T);
FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relation between the steering output (P) and the steering angle (α);
FIG. 9 is a graph showing various characteristics of the vehicle speed (V) and steering force (T); and
FIG. 10 is a showing the characteristics of the steering output (P) (reaction pressure) and the steering torque (M) obtained from the embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6, the embodiment shown therein will be described in detail. In these figures, a reference character A designates a main valve, B a power steering apparatus, C a two-throw pump operated by the engine, G a front axle and H a king pin. A reference numeral 1 designates an input shaft connected to a steering wheel 2, 3 a rack connected to and driven by the steering wheel, 4 a pinion meshed with the rack 3, and 5 a pinion shaft of the pinion 4, the pinion shaft being an output shaft (See FIGS. 1 and 2) connected to the power steering apparatus B. The pinion shaft 5 is formed with a hydraulic pressure reaction chamber 9 sealed from the inner surface of a housing 6 by O rings 7 and 8. Plungers 11 are respectively slidably fitted within four throughholes 10 bored radially from the central portion of the output shaft 5. A raised portion 11a at the end of the plunger 11 is pressed by pressurized oil supplied to the hydraulic pressure reaction chamber 9 against a V-groove 1a formed in the outer peripheral surface of the input shaft 1.
The reference character C designates the two-throw pump actuated by the engine 13, in which a main pump 14 and sub-pump 15 are formed so as to have a common rotational shaft 16. The discharge amount of the sub-pump 15 is set to be smaller than that of the main pump 14. A reference numeral 17 designates a tank for the two-throw pump C. The first pressurized fluid or oil from a discharge opening 18 of the main pump 14 is supplied through a first oil passage 201 to a port 20 of the main valve A, and thereafter supplied from ports 21 or 22 of the main valve A to left and right cylinder chambers E, F of a hydraulic cylinder 23 of the power steering apparatus B via a second oil passage 211 or a third oil passage 221 to actuate a piston (not shown) of the power steering apparatus B so as to assist in the steering. The first oil discharged from the cylinder chamber E or F is circulated to the port 22 or 21 of the main valve A via the third or second oil passage 221 or 211, and thereafter returned from a port 24 of the main valve to the tank 17 through a fourth oil passage 241. The second pressurized fluid or oil from a discharge opening 25 of the sub-pump 15 is supplied to the hydraulic pressure reaction chamber 9 via a fifth oil passage 26. The fifth oil passage 26 has two branch points halfway thereof. A first branch oil passage 27 is connected to one of the branch points to return the second oil to the tank 17 through a first control or throttle valve 28 controlled by a circuit pressure transmitted by a third branch oil passage 37 connected between the port 18 of the main pump 14 and the first control valve 28. A second oil passage 29 is connected to the other branch point to return the second oil to the tank 17 through a second control or throttle valve 35 whose throttle opening is varied according to a rotational angle of a stepping motor 34 which is actuated by a controller 33 provided with a microcomputer (hereinafter merely referred to as CPU) which, upon receiving signals from a vehicle speed sensor 30, a steering angle sensor 31 and an engine revolution sensor 32, selects a desired element among a group of elements arranged in a matrix-like form in which each element is shown as a square having an area Δv×Δα in FIG. 6 according to the content of the aforesaid signals and releases a pulse signal based on a data distributed in advance to the aforesaid element. Besides, the controller 33 is provided with fail-safe means.
In FIG. 6, Δv and Δα are discrete amounts representative of the preset change in the vehicle speed and the set change in steering angle, respectively, which vary according to the magnitude of the speed v of the vehicle and the magnitude of the steering angle α and are not constant. The Δv and Δα are determined corresponding to a certain range of the vehicle speed and a certain range of the steering angle to form a matrix of Δv×Δα and the numeral to be indicated by every element of the matrix is predetermined. The signal of the vehicle speed enters as numeral information (for example, 4 pulse/r.p.m "7.07 hertz/10 km" from a lead switch mounted on the axle) into the controller 33. On the other hand, since information of the steering angle (α) is produced as the analog amount, it is converted into numeral information by an A/D convertor within the controller 33. One element of the Δv×Δα matrix is selected according to the input information of the input signal of the vehicle speed (V) and the steering angle (α) to apply a numeral signal determined in accordance with that selected element to the stepping motor to program control the same, and a control system thereof comprises an open loop.
A spool 36 is disposed in a internal pass age of the first control valve 28, the spool 36 having one end face being communicated with the third branch passage 37 from the discharge opening 18 of the main pump 14, and the circuit pressure from the main pump 14 is transmitted to the end face of the spool 36. The other end face of the spool 36 is pressed by means of a spring 38. The spool 36 is displaced till the circuit pressure and the spring force of the spring 38 are balanced due to the rise in the circuit pressure to vary an open area of the passage of the control valve 28, which serves as a throttle valve.
A rotary shaft 39 is arranged in the internal passage of the second control valve 35, and the open area thereof is varied by rotation of the stepping motor 34. The return function of the spiral spring is incorporated in the upper surface of the stepping motor 34 so that at the time of trouble of the controller 33, and trouble in wiring of the stepping motor 34, the opening of the second control valve 35 is automatically shifted to the opening in the state of the high speed travelling.
The fail-safe function of the controller 33 is such that when the vehicle speed sensor 30 is in trouble and fails to provide the vehicle speed signal despite the fact that there exists a signal indicative of the revolution of the engine in excess of a predetermined number of revolutions of the engine, CPU gives the judgement of abnormality to apply the number of pulses indicative of the high speed travelling to the stepping motor 34 whereby the stepping motor 34 is shifted to the rotational angular position in the high speed travelling state. Also, in the case where the steering angle sensor 31 is in trouble and the signal than the sensor 31 is not changed for more than a given time, CPU gives the judgement of abnormality to effect similar control to the stepping motor. Alternatively, the control according to the steering angle can be stopped and instead the control according to only the vehicle speed can be effected.
In the case of abnormality of CPU of the controller 33 and trouble such as burn-out of the stepping motor 34, a current flowing through the stepping motor 34 is cut off, and the motor shaft is driven by the force of a spring provided on the stepping motor 34 to cause the motor to shift to the rotational angular position in the high speed travelling state.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the aforementioned fail-safe control logic.
Symbols used in FIG. 5 are as follows:
Q: Is vehicle speed sensor wrong?
R: Is steering angle sensor wrong?
S: Is wiring of the stepping motor wrong?
U: Is CPU wrong?
W: Shift the step motor to the high speed travelling state.
Z: Disconnect a power supply to the step motor.
By the fail-safe operation, the presence of abnormal condition of the CPU is checked when the controller 33 is turned ON, and if it has something wrong, a power supply to the stepping motor 34 is cut off. If no abnormal condition is present, burn-out check is made, and if there is something wrong, a power supply to the stepping motor 34 is likewise cut off. P The vehicle speed sensor 30 and the steering angle sensor 31 are checked after the actual travelling of the vehicle has been carried out, and if there is something wrong, the stepping motor 34 is shifted to the rotational angular position in the high speed travelling state, and the successive checks are conducted.
Next, the operation of the device will be described. FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the steering output (P) (reaction pressure) and the steering torque (M) according to the present invention.
State where the vehicle speed is 0 or at an extremely low speed:
Since a signal from the vehicle speed sensor 30 is very small, a data signal from the controller 33 is also small, and the rotational angle of the stepping motor 34 is 0 or extremely small. Therefore, the second control valve 35 has a sufficient open area, and no throttle pressure is generated in the hydraulic pressure circuit. Accordingly, no pressure rise occurs in the hydraulic pressure reaction chamber 9, and the V-groove 1a of the input shaft 1 is in light sliding contact with the end of the raised portion 11a of the plunger 11 incorporated in the output shaft 5 and relative displacement between the input and output shafts is not restricted. Therefore, the power steering apparatus may exhibit a sufficient power assist force similar to the prior art structure.
Under that state when, the steering wheel is operated, the signal of the steering angle sensor 31 is transmitted to the controller 33. In this case, however, as can be understood from FIG. 6, when the vehicle speed is 0 km/sec. or extremely low, the output signal from the steering angle sensor 31 is ignored and the data signal is not fed from the controller 33. Thus, even if the steering angle is varied, the relative displacement between the V-groove 1a and the end of the raised portion 11a of the plunger 11 is not restricted. On the other hand, the hydraulic circuit pressure is increased by the operation of the power steering apparatus, and the first control valve 28 keeps the balance with the spring 38 and starts linear throttling.
Accordingly, under this condition, the hydraulic pressure acting on the hydraulic pressure reaction chamber 9 also rises as the hydraulic circuit pressure rises. However, the second control valve 35 is set to have a large throttle opening as compared with that of the first control valve 28 to ensure the state wherein even if the first control valve 28 is operated to be closed, the throttle pressure is not risen.
Therefore, even if the hydraulic circuit pressure is risen, the hydraulic pressure acting on the hydraulic pressure reaction chamber 9 is not risen and a sufficient power assist force is obtained similar to the prior art structure, thus rendering possible steering with a light steering torque.
State where the vehicle is travelling at medium speed:
The stepping motor 34 is further rotated than the state as previously mentioned through the controller 33 by the signal from the vehicle speed sensor 30 to reduce an open area of the second control valve 35. Because of this, the throttle pressure somewhat rises and the larger hydraulic pressure acts on the hydraulic reaction chamber 9. This hydraulic pressure produces engaging pressure to act on the V-groove 1a and the plunger 11 when the vehicle travels straight on whereby the rigid feeling in the vicinity of neutral of the steering wheel is enhanced, and the resistance or reaction torque increases when the steering wheel begins to be operated, resulting in a heavier steering torque than that of the steering wheel operation at a fixed state.
Under this state when the steering wheel is turned, the stepping motor 34 is further rotated to the angular position corresponding to the rotational angle of the steering wheel by the signal from the steering angle sensor 31. Thereby, the throttle pressure gradually increases according to the rotational angle of the steering wheel, and the heavier steering torque may be obtained as the steering wheel is turned. When the power assisting force is increased by the road resistance to increase the hydraulic circuit pressure, the first control valve 28 works. At that time, the open area of the second control valve 35 is smaller than that of the steering wheel operation at a neutral state, and therefore the throttle effect of the first control valve 28 is provided to obtain a response feeling or reaction torque according to the load. Namely, the response feeling of the steering wheel operation is sufficiently controlled by both of the throttle means 28 and 35 according to the steering angle and load, and the condition of the road surface may also be detected as a response feeling.
State where the vehicle is travelling at high speeds
When the stepping motor 34 is further rotated by the controller 33 according to the signal from the vehicle speed sensor 30, the open area of the control valve 35 is further reduced. Therefore, the throttle pressure further rises to increase the engaging pressure between the V-groove 1a and the plunger 11 and to reduce the relative torsional displacement between the input shaft 1 and the output shaft 5 to the minimum level to strongly couple the input and output shafts with each other, thus increasing the rigid feeling of the steering wheel when the vehicle travels straight on.
Under this condition, when the steering wheel is operated, the stepping motor is further rotated according to the signal from the steering angle sensor 31 to reduce the relative torsional displacement between the input shaft 1 and the output shaft 5, thus increasing the steering torque and lowering the power assisting force.
The power assisting force is rarely generated during the high speed travelling but the first control valve 28 is operated under the state where the second control valvue 35 is extremely throttled. Therefore, the function and effect of the control valve 28 increases so that a sufficient response feeling may be obtained in response to even a slight variation in the road resistance. Further, a discharge amount of the sub-pump 15 at the time of high speed travel can be small in order to increase the throttle pressure as described above.
The controller 33 has the function as shown in FIG. 5. When an abnormal condition occurs such as absence of detection signal due to the trouble of the vehicle speed sensor 30 and trouble of the steering angle sensor 31, the controller 33 judges the state of the vehicle travelling and shifts the second control valve 35 to the high speed travelling state, and at the time of abnormal conditions such as burn-out and short-circuit of wiring, wave trouble in CPU, etc., a power supply to the stepping motor 34 is cut off, and the stepping motor is automatically rotated to the rotational position in the high speed travelling state by the force of a spring set in the stepping motor. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the fail-safe program. For judgement of the vehicle travelling state, the number of revolutions of the engine is input in the controller 33. The data of the vehicle speed (V) and steering angle (α) is input to and stored in the controller 33 so that, as shown in FIG. 6, the aforementioned matrix is divided in the map-like form and a single specific numeral is allotted to each domain or area of the matrix indicated by the variation of set speed (ΔV)×the variation of set steering angle (Δα). Necessary data is selected from these data according to the input signal from the vehicle speed sensor 30 and the input signal from the steering angle sensor 31, and the data is released by which the rotation of the stepping motor 34 is controlled.
The power steering apparatus according to the present invention has a hydraulic pressure reaction chamber for controlling in response to hydraulic pressure a relative torsional angle between an input shaft and an output shaft, wherein there are provided a main pump and a sub-pump driven by the engine. A pressurized oil from the main pump is introduced into a hydraulic cylinder of a power steering apparatus via a main valve, and another pressurized oil from the sub-pump is supplied to the hydraulic pressure reaction chamber. In an oil passage between the sub-pump and the hydraulic pressure reaction chamber, a first throttle means is provided and actuated by a pressure of a circuit from the main pump to the main valve and a second throttle means is also provided and actuated by a stepping motor to form a construction in which the oil is recicirculated into a tank, said stepping motor being rotated and displaced by a pulse signal output from a controller having data arranged in a matrix form by a combination of a preset range of the vehicle speed and a preset range of the steering angle upon receiving signals of a vehicle speed sensor and a steering angle sensor, whereby an opening of the second throttle means is a controlled. In case where no vehicle speed signal is present despite the fact that the signal of revolutions of the engine indicates that the revolutions of the engine in excess of a predetermined value continues for more than a predetermined period of time, a pulse signal at the time of travelling at a preset high speed is produced by the controller; when a variation in the signal of the steering angle is not present for a predetermined time, the control of the second control valve according to the steering angle is not carried out or a pulse signal at the time of travelling at a preset high speed is generated by the controller in a similar manner as that described above; when wiring of the stepping motor is broken or the control of the controller is not properly carried out, a current to the stepping motor is cut off so as to close the opening of the second control valve and the pressure acting on the reaction chamber is controlled. Therefore, the steering characteristic may be freely varied, a response feeling in response to even a minor road resistance may be obtained, the basic discharge amount of the sub-pump may be reduced to save energy, and the vehicle may be travelled safely even at the time of trouble in the steering angle sensor and the vehicle speed sensor, trouble in wiring, and abnormal CPU.
While the present invention has been described and illustrated by way of specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the subject matter and scope thereof. | An apparatus for controlling a steering force of a vehicle which uses a power steering apparatus in which a driving shaft for a sub-pump for feeding pressure oil into a hydraulic pressure reaction chamber provided internally of a main valve and a main pump for supplying pressure oil for the power steering apparatus is made common to both said pumps to increase an discharge amount and hydraulic pressure of the sub-pump. When speed information and steering angle information of the vehicle are obtained, the hydraulic pressure fed to the hydraulic pressure reaction chamber is controlled by a throttle means subjected to numerical control by output signal of the controller which is provided with predetermined data according to the travelling state of the vehicle and the other throttle means by way of analog control wherein a variation of road resistance is sensitively transmitted as a variation of hydraulic pressure to vary an opening in response thereto, thus always obtaining a proper steering force. The controller further processes an engine revolution information in addition to the foregoing informations to thereby provide a failsafe function for the steering force control device according to the present invention. | 28,198 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to magnetic recording apparatus and particularly to apparatus for recording on magnetic disks.
It has previously been common practice to record only on one side of a flexible magnetic disk at a time. Such recording, of course, limits the capacity of the apparatus with respect to the total amount of information that may be recorded and the speed with which the information may be recorded.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide improved recording apparatus by means of which two-sided recording may be accomplished on a moving magnetic medium and particularly on a flexible magnetic disk for thereby providing increased capacity and speed of recording. In this connection, it is an object of the invention to provide a pair of magnetic transducers effective on the opposite sides of a magnetic disk and means for holdiing the transducers in simultaneous contact with the disk so that simultaneous data transfer may take place on the two sides of the disk.
It is a further object of the invention to provide improved means for carrying such a pair of transducers so that the two transducers are moved simultaneously into recording engagement with the opposite sides of a magnetic disk and are moved simultaneously out of contact with the disk when it is desired to remove the disk from between the transducers.
More specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide a pair of arms on which the two transducers are mounted and to interconnect the arms so that the movement of one arm automatically causes the other arm to move, so that the two transducers are simultaneously moved with respect to the disk. In this connection, it is an object of the invention to provide power mechanism operative on one of the arms to thereby simultaneously move both of the arms and their magnetic transducers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partially schematic, of magnetic disk recording apparatus including a pair of magnetic transducers positioned on opposite sides of a magnetic disk by means of a pair of swing arms carrying the transducers;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale taken on line 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of another form of the invention;
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIGS. 1 and 4 of still another form of the invention including a pair of transducer carrying swing arms that are connected by means of a flexure integrally molded with the swing arms; and
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view in side elevation of the two swing arms of the FIG. 5 form of the invention, with the swing arms being in different positions than those shown in FIG. 5 and being swung outwardly to disengage the magnetic transducers carried thereby with respect to the associated magnetic disk.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1 in particular, the magnetic head load mechanism shown therein may be seen to comprise a pair of arms 10 and 12 on opposite sides of a magnetic disk 14. The magnetic disk 14 at its center is fixed on a rotatable drive shaft 16 and may be of a thin flexible material, such as polyethylene terephthalate of about .003 inch thickness, for example. The disk 14 is coated on both sides with a magnetic material, such as iron oxide.
The arms 10 and 12 are respectively mounted on a carriage 18 by means of cantilever leaf springs 20 and 22. The carriage 18 is slideably disposed on fixed guide rods 23 extending through the carriage 18. The springs 20 and 22 may have their upper ends embedded in the arms 10 and 12, and the lower ends of the springs 20 and 22 may be fixed with respect to the carriage 18 by means of screws 24. A pair of loading leaf springs 26 and 28 are fixed with respect to the carriage 18 by means of the screws 24 and bear respectively on rounded protrusions 30 and 32 on the arms 10 and 12. The arm 10 is provided with a slider portion 34 which underlies a slider portion 36 of the arm 12 whereby the portion 34 may cause a swinging movement of the portion 36 and thereby of the arm 12 as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
The springs 26 and 28 urge the arms 10 and 12 toward each other, and the carriage 18 carries a pair of stops 38 and 40 for limiting the motion of the arms 10 and 12 toward each other. The arms 10 and 12 respectively carry magnetic transducers 42 and 44 of similar construction. The transducer 42 is shown in section in FIG. 3, and it will be observed that the transducer 42 is hollow and fits over a head guide 46 integral with the arm 10. A spring 48 is disposed between the head guide 46 and an opposite internal surface of the transducer 42 and urges a magnetic head 50 on the end of the transducer 42 into forceful engagement with the disk 14. A plurality of headed studs 52 extend through the arm 10 and into the transducer 42 for the purpose of limiting the movement of the transducer 42 under the action of the spring 48 under the conditions in which the transducer 42 is separated from the disk 14 as will be described.
The carriage 18 is carried by and is fixed with respect to a flexible belt 54 that extends around spaced pulleys 56 and 58. The pulley 56 is rotatably mounted on an axle 60 having a spring 62 effective on the axle. The pulley 58 is fixed on the output shaft 64 of a motor 66 which is preferably of the electrical stepping type. The belt 54 is fixed by any suitable means with respect to the pulley 58.
An electric solenoid 68 (see FIG. 2) is mounted on a stationary part 70 and is effective on an armature portion 72 of a lever 74. The lever 74 pivots about an edge 70a of the stationary part 70. A spring 76 is effective between the lever 74 and the stationary part 70, and the part 70 has an abutment edge 70b which limits the pivoting movement of the lever 74 about the edge 70a under the action of the spring 76. The arm 10 carries a hook 78 that encompasses the lever end 74a. The lever end 74a has an increased width with respect to the rest of the lever 74 to function as a lost motion connection between lever 74 and arm 10 and allow for a substantial movement of the carriage 18 along the stationary guide rods 23.
In operation, the transducers 42 and 44 are normally held in contact with opposite sides of the flexible disk 14 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the disk 14 is rotated by means of its drive shaft 16 on which the disk 14 is mounted. The arms 10 and 12 are held against the stops 38 and 40 by means of the springs 26 and 28, and the springs 48 maintain the transducers 42 and 44 in engagement with the disk 14 under a pressure as determined by the springs 48. The transducers 42 and 44 may thus be used for reading and writing magnetically on the surfaces of the disk 14 by means of the magnetic heads 50 in the transducers 42 and 44 which describe circular tracks or paths on the opposite sides of the disk 14 as it rotates. The carriage 18 is moved along the guide rods 23 by means of the motor 66, so that the transducers 42 and 44 move to different concentric tracks on the surfaces of the disk 14. The motor 66 drives the belt 54 about the pulleys 56 and 58; and, since the carriage 18 is fixed with respect to the belt 54, the carriage 18 and the transducers 42 and 44 likewise move, this movement being in a direction toward or away from the center of the drive shaft 16 for the disk 14.
When it is desired to disengage the transducers 42 and 44 from the disk 14, such as for the purpose of releasing the disk 14 for replacement by another similar disk having different information on it, the electromagnet 68 is de-energized. The lever 78 is thus swung about the pivot edge 70a by the action of the spring 76, and the lever 74 in this swinging movement likewise moves the arm 10 against the action of the spring 26. The spring 20 acts as a flexure joint and allows this movement of the arm 10, which is counterclockwise as seen in FIG. 1 about the spring 20 acting as a joint. The slider portion 34 of the arm 10 underlies the slider portion 36 of the arm 12, and the slider portion 34 in pivoting with the rest of the arm 10 acts on the slider portion 36 of the arm 12 and causes a similar pivoting action of the arm 12. The arm 12 pivots about the spring 22, which functions also as a flexure joint similarly to the spring 20 for the arm 10; and the arm 12 pivots in a clockwise direction as seen in FIG. 1 about the spring 22 acting as a flexure joint. The transducers 42 and 44 move along with the arms 10 and 12 and thus respectively pivot in the counterclockwise and clockwise directions to separate from the disk 14. The disk 14 may then be replaced as desired. The electromagnet 68 is energized to swing the lever 74 about the pivot edge 70a back into its FIG. 2 position in order to allow the spring 26 and 28 to return the arms 10 and 12 and the transducers 42 and 44 back into their positions of FIGS. 1 and 2 in which the transducers 42 and 44 engage the disk 14.
The form of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4 is basically the same as that illustrated in the preceding figures, but the arms 10a and 12a corresponding to the arms 10 and 12 are pivotally mounted on the carriage 18a corresponding to the carriage 18 instead of being mounted by means of cantilever leaf springs. More specifically, the arms 10a and 12a are pivotally mounted on the carriage 18a by means of pivot shafts 80 and 82. Torsion springs 84 and 86 extend around the shafts 80 and 82 and bear against the arms 10a and 12a for the purpose of forcing the arms 10a and 12a together. The torsion springs 84 and 86 are used in lieu of the leaf springs 26 and 28 in the first embodiment.
The embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is basically the same as that shown in FIGS. 1-3, the principal difference between the FIGS. 5 and 6 embodiment and the first described embodiment being that a thin section flexure 90 is substituted for the slider portions 34 and 36. The arms 10b and 12b corresponding to the arms 10 and 12 in the first described embodiment are molded along with the flexure 90 in one piece, being of a plastic which at least in thin sections is quite flexible. It will be noted that the flexure 90 as seen in FIG. 5 simply constitutes a relatively thin upwardly bowed portion which is integral with the arms 10b and 12b and connects with these arms at points 90a and 90b. The carriage 18b which is slideably mounted on the guide rods 23 and which corresponds with the carriage 18 in the first described embodiment has a pair of upstanding rails 92 and 94 molded on it, and the arms 10b and 12b have grooves 96 and 97 molded into them which fit on the rails 92 and 94. The rails 92 and 94 and the grooves 96 and 97 are semicircular in cross sectional shape so that the arms 10b and 12b may easily swing on the rails 92 and 94. The centers of these rails and grooves are substantially equidistant from the attachment points 90a and 90b. The arms 10b and 12b may together be slid onto the rails 92 and 94 in assembling the FIG. 5 form of the invention, and the arms 10b and 12b may be held by any suitable means, such as "C" clips (not shown), from sliding off of the rails 92 and 94. A pair of leaf springs 98 and 100 are fixed with respect to the carriage 18b and bear on the arms 10b and 12b for the purpose of holding the arms 10b and 12b against the stops 38 and 40 so that the transducers 42 and 44 bear with pressure on the disk 14.
The embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 operates basically the same as the first described embodiment. The springs 98 and 100 hold the transducers 42 and 44 against the surfaces of the disk 14 for a magnetic reading or writing action. When the electromagnet 68 is de-energized, the lever 74 pulls the arm 10b so as to rotate the arm 10b in the counterclockwise direction as seen in FIG. 5 about the rail 92, moving the transducer 42 away from the disk 14. The flexure 90 transmits a force in the upward direction as the parts are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 from the arm 10b to the arm 12b, causing the arm 12b to rotate in the clockwise direction and moving the transducer 44 away from the disk 14 at the same time as the transducer 42 is moved away from the disk 14. The arms 10b and 12b are shown fragmentarily in FIG. 6 in their positions in which the transducers 42 and 44 are separated from the disk 14, and it will be observed that under these conditions the flexure 90 not only transmits an upward force to the arm 12b at the attachment point 90b; but the flexure 90 has also elongated in order to compensate for the increased dimension A measured between the attachment points 90a and 90b.
The various forms of the invention above described provide two-sided recording on the magnetic disk 14 for increased capacity. They load both of the transducers 42 and 44 on the disk 14 at the same time so that both of the transducers 42 and 44 may be simultaneously effective for reading or writing magnetically on the disk 14. In all forms of the invention, the two arms, the arms 10 and 12 in the first described form and the corresponding arms in the other forms of the invention, move simultaneously due to the connection from one arm to the other arm; and, therefore, only the single electromagnet 68 is necessary in order to cause movement of the two arms in each form of the invention. All forms of the invention are relatively simple and may be manufactured at relatively low cost. No particular pivots are needed for the arms 10 and 12 in the first described embodiment, since the cantilever leaf spring flexures 20 and 22 provide all of the pivoting action needed. The form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 is considered particularly economical of manufacture, since the arms 10b and 12b along with the flexure 90 are integral parts--only one molding operation is thus necessary for producing the three parts 10b, 12b and 90. | Magnetic disk recording apparatus including a pair of magnetic transducers contacting the opposite sides of a magnetic disk and each carried by a swingable arm. The arms are interconnected together so that the swinging movement of one of the arms is transmitted to the other arm to cause an opposite swinging movement of the other arm for simultaneously moving the transducers away from the magnetic disk. An electromagnet actuates one of the arms so as to thereby also move the other arm. | 14,109 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an autonomous navigation system for a mobile robot or manipulator.
REVIEW OF THE RELATED TECHNOLOGY
Mobile robots are used as automated transport, cleaning and service systems, mainly to relieve people of work which is hazardous to health or dangerous. Robots are intended for important work in connection with space travel, for example in the course of autonomous exploration of planetary surfaces or as manipulators in connection with the construction and servicing of space stations.
An autonomous navigation system is intended to guide a mobile robot or manipulator to a preselected target point in a workspace by means of a reference route. The reference route to the target point is planned by global path planning on the basis of global information regarding the workspace of the robot and all objects and obstacles present therein. The disadvantages in global path planning are the restrictive requirements on the quality of the information regarding the topology of the workspace and on keeping to the preplanned route, as well as the high complexity of processing voluminous global information. Since the high computing outlay connected therewith is hard to realize in real time, the reference route is generally planned ahead of time.
A strategy for global path planning by means of virtual harmonic potential fields in workspaces with a known topology and exclusively known obstacles is described by J. Guldner and V. Utkin in "Sliding Mode Control for an Obstacle Avoidance Strategy Based on a Harmonic Potential Fields" in Proceeding of the 32nd IEEE Conference on Decision and Control, San Antonio, Tex., USA, December 1993, pp. 424 to 429. A method for the motion control of robots is also described there, which is based on the theory of sliding mode control. A control device in particular is described there which allows the exact following of the gradients of a virtual harmonic potential field by a robot.
Since a mobile robot or manipulator follows a previously globally planned reference route to the target point "blindly", so to speak, sensor systems and contact switches are used which stop the robot when an obstacle has been detected dangerously close to the reference route. For example, the use of ultrasonic sensors is known to prevent collisions between a mobile robot and unknown obstacles (see J. Borenstein and Y. Koren: "Obstacle Avoidance with Ultrasonic Sensors" in IEEE Journal of Robotics and "Automation", vol. 4, No. 2, Apr. 2, 1988, pp. 213 to 218). However, a simple "trial and error" strategy is proposed there, wherein the robot continues to attempt to pass laterally by an obstacle, because of which an even movement is not possible.
To prevent collisions between mobile robots and obstacles, the use of a local navigation level which reacts to local information regarding the workspace or the close vicinity of the robot and underlies the global path planning level is more advantageous. The local information can be obtained by sensors, for example video cameras, ultrasonic sensors or radar.
Thus, since global path planning can hardly be accomplished or not at all in real time because of its large requirements for computing time on one hand and, on the other hand, local reactive navigation cannot assure reaching the target point for reasons of the generally limited knowledge of the workspace, a combination of global path planning with a local reactive navigation system is advantageous.
Such an autonomous navigation system for a mobile robot or manipulator was introduced by Bruce H. Krogh and Charles E. Thorpe in "Integrated Path Planning and Dynamic Steering Control for Autonomous Vehicles" at the IEEE Conference on Robotics and Automation in San Francisco in 1986 and published in the Conference Proceedings on pages 1664 to 1669. An integrated path planning and dynamic steering control for a mobile robot is proposed there, which combines global path planning with local navigation on two hierarchical levels into a navigation system with a real-time feedback for autonomous vehicles in only insufficiently known work spaces. The path planning detects so-called critical points along a global reference route from predetermined information and measuring data of a sensor system not described in detail. The hierarchically underlying local navigation level reacts to new data of the sensor system and takes over local movement direction to prevent collisions with obstacles. The respectively next critical point among the critical points to be approached in sequence is selected as an intermediate target point when the robot nears the previous critical point. If the next critical point is not "visible" from the momentary position, in particular because an obstacle lies between them, a corner or an edge of the obstacle which lies closest to the desired critical point is selected as the next temporary intermediate target point.
To guide the robot around obstacles on a collision-free path, a computing method is employed which is based on the generalized potential field approach. An attractive potential is calculated for the intermediate or the temporary intermediate target point and a repulsive potential for the obstacle. The attractive and repulsive potentials result in a potential field whose gradient is given to the motion control level as the desired trajectory. Appropriate calculations are then performed in a fixed workspace coordinate system.
The integrated path planning and dynamic steering control for a mobile robot proposed by Krogh and Thorpe, and in particular the local navigation level based on the "Theory of Generalized Potential Fields" described there has a number of disadvantages:
When forming the generalized potential field, it is possible that the repulsive potential of the obstacle and the attractive potential of the intermediate target point cancel each other out. Although the robot does not come to a halt, since the traveling speed of the robot is taken into consideration in the calculation of the generalized potential field, limit cycles can occur when the robot moves directly toward a corner or edge of the obstacle. In this case the repulsive potential at first overcomes the attractive potential and the robot moves away from the corner or edge selected as the temporary intermediate target point. After some time the robot has moved far enough away from the obstacle for the attraction to overcome the repulsion again and the robot moves toward the corner or edge of the obstacle, but only until the repulsion again becomes greater than the attraction and the cycle starts anew. In the end the robot only moves back and forth and it is necessary to provide an overriding strategy to end such a limit cycle.
In narrow thoroughfares with lateral boundaries, for example in narrow corridors, it is possible for oscillations based on the generalized potential field to occur in the course of the dynamic steering control. If the robot slightly deviates from the globally planned reference route in the center between the lateral boundaries, the repulsive potential of the closer boundary is greater and the robot moves in the direction of the boundary which is farther away. Because of it mechanical inertia, however, it passes through the center between the lateral boundaries and now encounters repulsion from the other boundary. These oscillations around the ideal reference route in the center between the lateral boundaries can build up into complete instability.
Although the consideration of measured data of a sensor system are generally mentioned in the previously mentioned article by Bruce H. Krogh and Charles E. Thorpe, it is not explained in detail how these measured data are employed for collision avoidance. The described simulations only refer to the avoidance of collision with convex obstacles. How the known navigation system reacts to concave obstacles is not described.
Since in principle a repulsive potential is calculated for each obstacle, a large computing effort is generated and the already described danger of limit cycles and oscillations is increased.
All calculations are performed in a workspace coordinate system. Since the required conversions, in particular of measured data of the sensor system from robot coordinates into workspace coordinates, contain errors, uncertainties are created in the collision avoidance.
The disadvantages of the potential field method have been extensively explained in an article by Y. Koren and J. Borenstein, entitled "Potential Field Methods and Their Inherent Limitations for Mobile Robot Navigation", which was published on pages 1398 to 1404 of the Proceedings of the 1991 IEEE International, Conference on Robotics and Automation in Sacramento. The authors come to the conclusion that the potential field method has considerable and probably unsolvable disadvantages which appear to make it unusable in an autonomous navigation system for a mobile robot or manipulator.
An autonomous navigation system for a mobile robot which moves in a workspace from a starting point to a predetermined target point is known from European Patent Publication EP 0 358 628 A2. The robot has a sensor system which monitors the vicinity of the robot or the workspace and provides measured data regarding the position of obstacles within its range. An area of the work space in which an obstacle was detected is marked as an occupied area, wherein a safety zone is placed over the obstacle in such a way that at least the part of the obstacle detected by the sensor system is covered.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is the object of the invention to develop a navigation system of the type mentioned at the outset, by means of which the robot or manipulator is guided through the workspace to a predetermined target point in spite of little or even incomplete information without colliding with known and unknown obstacles, wherein limit cycles, oscillatory movements and restless movement behavior in particular, such as can occur with the known methods, are prevented.
This objective is attained in an autonomous navigation system for a mobile robot or manipulator.
The autonomous navigation system in accordance with the invention utilizes a hierarchical system architecture with a global path planning level and an underlying navigation level. In accordance with one of the known methods, the path planning level determines a global reference route to the target point. Collisions with obstacles are prevented by the local navigation level and the robot is safely guided to the target point. A sensor system monitors the workspace or the vicinity of the robot. Although the entire size of the obstacle cannot be detected because of the limited range of the sensor system, the measured data of the sensor system of the navigation level make it possible to react locally and to avoid unknown obstacles in particular. The navigation level continuously calculates a virtual harmonic potential field whose gradient determines the motion vector of the robot. The control commands for the drive and steering systems of the mobile robot are derived from this.
The measurements of the sensor system take place in the robot coordinate system. The virtual harmonic potential field used for local navigation is also calculated in the local robot coordinate system. By means of this the local navigation becomes independent of the position of the robot in the workspace coordinate system. In a navigation system like, for example, the previously mentioned integrated path planning and dynamic steering control for mobile robots proposed by Krogh and Thorpe, which performs all calculations in the global work room coordinate system, the quality always depends on the exactness of the available information regarding the topology of the workspace and known obstacles and regarding the momentary position of the robot. In comparison with this, a considerably greater reliability in the avoidance of collisions is achieved with the navigation system of the invention, and relatively inexact information regarding the topology of the workspace, known obstacles and the momentary position of the robot can be used. A sufficiently exact determination of absolute positions in incompletely known work spaces is one of the most difficult problems in the navigation of autonomous mobile robots. Besides known obstacles, it is possible to evade unknown obstacles without collisions with the help of the navigation system of the invention.
In contrast to the known navigation system proposed by Krogh and Thorpe, the invention does not use a generalized potential field, but a harmonic potential field for local navigation. Harmonic potential fields meet Laplace's equation and are divergence-free. No extrema away from the singular points occur. Because of this, a stop of the robot in local minima is dependably prevented. A further difference from generalized potential fields is that in the calculation of a harmonic potential field only the position of the robot, but not its speed is taken into consideration. By means of this it is assured that the trajectories are independent of the movement of the robot.
The calculation of the virtual harmonic potential field corresponds to the strategy for global path planning by means of virtual harmonic potential fields in workspaces of known topology and known obstacles, described in the already mentioned article by J. Guldner and V. Utkin. However, the required calculations of the virtual harmonic potential field are performed in the robot coordinate system. By means of this the robot has direct feedback regarding its vicinity via the sensor system and an extraordinarily great reliability regarding collision avoidance is assured.
The basic principle of the navigation of robots by means of virtual harmonic potential fields is the achievement of an attraction to the target point by a global minimum in the target point and repulsion by local maxima in the obstacles. The robot is guided collision-free to the target point following the negative gradient. Accordingly, the virtual harmonic potential field must be selected in such a way that all gradient lines intersect the safety zones of the obstacles only from the inside to the outside.
Furthermore, only one global minimum may be present in the target point in which all gradient lines terminate. Additional local minima away from the target point would lead to an undesired early abort of the operation and would have to be left by means of heuristic driving maneuvers.
With harmonic potential fields, extremes only occur in the charges themselves. If the negative point charge in the target point is greater than the sum of the positive charges in the obstacles, all gradient lines terminate in the global minimum as the target point.
Depending on whether one or several obstacles are detected by the sensor system in the vicinity of the robot, with the autonomous navigation system of the invention, the local navigation level executes the calculation of a virtual harmonic potential field on the basis of operations which are based on a common principle. This common principle provides that all operations are performed on the local navigation level in the robot coordinate system, that occupied and unoccupied areas of the work room are appropriately marked, that detected obstacles are covered by safety zones, that an intermediate target point is defined in an unoccupied area of the workspace and that a virtual harmonic potential field is calculated. If an obstacle is detected, a virtual harmonic potential field is calculated whose gradients the robot follows. If several obstacles are detected, either only one virtual harmonic potential field for the closest obstacle is also calculated or a resultant virtual harmonic potential field for the two closest obstacles is calculated whose gradients the robot again follows.
When detecting a single obstacle in the detection range of the sensor system, the following operations are performed:
First, the area of the workspace wherein the obstacles was detected is marked as an occupied area. Then, a safety zone is placed over the obstacle in such a way that at least the part of the obstacle detected by the sensor is covered. By means of this, a safe and collision free trip is assured in connection with a simple sensor system which only provides measuring data regarding the distance and the approximate position of obstacles. An intermediate target point in an unoccupied area of the workspace outside of the safety zone is now calculated. A virtual harmonic potential field is calculated for determining the control commands for the drive and steering system of the robot, whose gradient inside the safety zone has a component directed away from the obstacle and outside the safety zone a component directed to the intermediate target point. The robot follows the gradient of the virtual harmonic potential field. The gradient should have a finite curvature so that the robot can follow the gradient with finite adjustment effort and while taking its dynamics into consideration. In this way the robot following the gradient always moves toward the intermediate target point and not into the safety zone. The robot moves safely around the obstacle. Since outside the safety zone the gradient always has a component directed toward the intermediate target point, the robot always moves in the direction toward the intermediate target point and never moves away from the intermediate target point. Thus, no limit cycles occur.
The following operations are performed when several obstacles in the detection range of the sensor system are found:
First, the areas of the workspace in which the obstacles are located are marked as occupied areas. Then a safety zone is placed over the respective obstacles in such a way that at least the portion of the respective obstacle which was detected by the sensor system is covered. To find the most advantageous route between the obstacles, that unoccupied area between the obstacles or the safety zones is selected which is closest to global reference route and which is of sufficient size to allow the passage of the robot. It is now possible to define an intermediate target point in the selected unoccupied area of the workspace outside of the safety zones.
In view of a small computing outlay, it is essential that in the course of the subsequent operations only the two safety zones are taken into consideration which are immediately adjacent to the selected unoccupied area. In this way the computing effort is independent of the number of obstacles. A center line which is equidistant from these two selected safety zones and has a center zone on both sides whose width is less than the least distance between the selected obstacles or the associated safety zones is defined as the optimum passage. To determine the motion vector of the robot, a virtual harmonic potential field is calculated, taking into consideration the position of the robot in relation to the center zone, whose gradient has a component inside the safety zone which is directed away from the obstacle and outside of the safety zone is directed toward the intermediate target point, so that the robot following the gradient always moves toward the intermediate target point and not into the safety zones.
The consideration of the position of the robot relative to the center zone can take place in accordance with two variants which differ because of the computing operations for determining the resultant virtual harmonic potential field.
In the first variant, when the robot is in an area outside the center zone, only one virtual harmonic potential field for the respectively closest obstacle or the closest safety zone is calculated separately, making reference to the intermediate target point and taking into consideration the respective safety zone. To determine the motion vector of the robot a resultant virtual harmonic potential field is calculated by means of weighted linear superposition of the two said potential fields.
In the second variant, respectively one virtual harmonic potential field is continuously calculated for the two closest obstacles, making reference to the intermediate target point and taking into consideration the respective safety zone. To determine the motion vector of the robot, the two virtual harmonic potential fields are weighted and linearly superimposed to form a resultant harmonic potential field, wherein the sum of the weights is one.
If the robot is in an area outside of the center zone, the potential field for the closest obstacle is marked with the weight one and the potential field for the obstacle located farther away with the weight zero.
If the robot is in the center zone, the two weights are selected to be not equal to "zero". The two weights are preferably selected proportionally to the distance of the robot from the center line, wherein their sum is one.
By the weighted superposition of the virtual harmonic potential fields when the robot stays in the center zone it is achieved that in this case the effect of the repulsive potentials of the boundaries approximately cancel each other out and the effect of the attractive potential of the intermediate target point is dominant. Because of this an extremely smooth motion behavior which is free of oscillations is achieved even in narrow passages.
Because of the selection of the weights in connection with the superposition of the two virtual harmonic potential fields proportionally to the instantaneous distance of the robot from the centerline, wherein the sum results in one, it follows that each potential field is given the weight 0.5 when the robot is on the center line. In that case the gradient of the resultant virtual harmonic potential field points exactly along the center line. Because of this, oscillations are prevented and the greatest possible reliability in the avoidance of collisions and an optimal use of the available unoccupied space are achieved.
It is possible, for example, to use a division into a grid-like structure to monitor the vicinity of the robot or the workspace, such as is used in the previously mentioned integrated path plan and dynamic steering of a mobile robot proposed by Krogh and Thorpe.
A sensor system is preferably used in connection with the invention which divides the vicinity of the robot or the workspace into sectors and monitors it sector by sector, wherein the navigation level marks a sector containing an obstacle as being occupied and defines the intermediate target point in an unoccupied sector. Suitable sensor systems are known, for example ultrasonic systems, and are therefore easy to implement.
Such a sensor system can have a number of sensors which monitor the vicinity of the robot or the workspace of the robot sector by sector and transmit measured data regarding the position and/or the movement of obstacles in the individual sectors to the navigation level. The edges of the sensors can overlap to improve collision safety and to compensate for inaccuracies of the sensor system. Such a system can also have only one sensor which scans the sectors sequentially, for example a rotating sensor or a phase array.
The sensor system is preferably placed on the robot when operating in a large, partially unknown or changing workspace. With a robot or in particular a manipulator operating in a work space which is limited and easy to survey, the sensor system can also be mounted in a position in the workspace.
The intermediate target point can be selected in accordance with various principles. The intermediate target point is preferably defined in an unoccupied sector which is adjacent to the occupied sector(s) through which the global reference route was determined. The intermediate target point is preferably located approximately at the end of the range of the sensor system, i.e. approximately at the edge of the "visual range" of the sensor system.
However, it is also possible to define the intermediate target point in such a way that it is located in the area of the reference route, outside of the safety zones and outside of the range of the sensor system. Although it can occur in connection with such a definition of the intermediate target point that it is placed on an unknown obstacle, there is no danger of a collision, since the safety zones cover the entire area of the obstacles in the vicinity of the robot which is monitored by the sensor system.
With the autonomous navigation system of the invention the safety zones are preferably designed as safety ellipses which are easy to adapt to various shapes of the obstacles and can also cover concave obstacles. The calculation of the virtual harmonic potential fields is greatly simplified when safety ellipses are used.
The collision safety can be further improved and the motion can be made more even if the safety zones are surrounded by expanded safety zones which are determined by taking into account the traveling speed and dynamics of the robot, so that evasion is still possible, even if a robot enters an expanded safety zone, without the actual safety zone being violated.
The control commands for the drive and steering systems must take place in the configuration space coordinate system of the robot, i.e. for example in the form of the steering angle and speed of the steering wheel or in the form of the two speeds of the parallel drive wheels or chains. Different ways to accomplish this are possible:
With the first option, the measured data of the sensor system is collected in the robot coordinate system specific to the robot and the navigation level calculates the virtual harmonic potential field in the Cartesian space of the robot coordinate system, and transforms it into control commands in the configuration space of the robot for the drive and steering systems.
In a second option the measured data of the sensor system is collected in the robot coordinate system specific to the robot and transformed into the configuration space of the robot coordinate system; the navigation level calculates the virtual harmonic potential field in the configuration space of the robot coordinate system and in this way directly defines the control commands for the drive and steering systems.
In a third option the measured data of the sensor system is collected in the workspace coordinate system and transformed in the Cartesian space of the robot coordinate system; the navigation level calculates the virtual harmonic potential field in the Cartesian space of the robot coordinate system and transforms it into control commands for the drive and steering systems in the configuration space of the robot coordinate system.
In a fourth option the measured data of the sensor system is collected in the workspace coordinate system and transformed in the configuration space of the robot coordinate system; the navigation level calculates the virtual harmonic potential field in the configuration space of the robot coordinate system and in this way directly defines the control commands for the drive and steering systems.
The non-holonomic kinematics and the size of the robot are preferably taken into consideration in the configuration space of a mobile robot. The coordinates of the joints and the size of the links of the manipulator are preferably taken into consideration in the configuration space of a manipulator. In the course of transferring the introduced principles for the autonomous navigation of mobile robots on a flat surface to the n- dimensional configuration space of a manipulator with n degrees of freedom, care must be taken that, for example, safety ellipses change into safety hyper-ellipsoids and the calculation of the virtual harmonic potential field must be adapted to the dimensions of the respective room, as described in detail in the already mentioned article by Guldner and Utkin.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
The invention will be explained in detail below by means of an exemplary embodiment, making reference to the attached drawings, including:
FIG. 1, a schematic structural view of the navigation system of the invention for a mobile robot;
FIG. 2, a schematic representation of the relationship between a robot coordinate system and a fixed workspace coordinate system;
FIG. 3, a schematic representation of the measured data collected by the sensor system;
FIG. 4, a sensor system in which the vicinity of the robot or the workspace is divided into sectors and are monitored sector by sector;
FIG. 5, schematically the determination of an intermediate target point and a safety zone in the course of detecting an obstacle;
FIG. 6, schematically the determination of the intermediate target point and a safety zone in the course of detecting two obstacles;
FIG. 7, a detailed schematic representation of the construction of a safety ellipse for the visible portion of an obstacle;
FIG. 8, a detailed schematic representation of the construction of two safety ellipses for the visible portion of two detected obstacles;
FIG. 9, schematically the gradient of a virtual harmonic potential field;
FIG. 10, schematically the center line with a center zone on both sides between two safety ellipses;
FIG. 11, the gradient of a resultant virtual harmonic potential field in the transformed space for two safety ellipses, and
FIGS. 12a and 12b, two embodiments of a mobile robot with thricycle kinematics.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A structural representation in FIG. 1 shows a schematic overview of the tasks and interactions of system components of the navigation system of the invention for a mobile robot.
A global path planning level GPP plans a reference route RR from a starting point STA to a target point TAR from a priori known data regarding the topology of a workspace and known obstacles filed in a memory MAP as well as measured data ODO regarding an already traveled path. The data for the starting point STA and the target point TAR are input via an input device (not shown) and stored. The measured data ODO is determined by appropriate measuring devices of a robot ROB and relate in particular to the distance covered by each individual wheel on the already traveled path. The length and orientation of the traveled distance segments can be determined from this. The instantaneous position of the robot ROB in relation to a fixed workspace coordinate system is also determined from the measured data ODO and the data of the starting point STA.
The determination of the reference route on the global path planning level GPP can take place in accordance with known methods for global path planning, such as the previously mentioned integrated path planning and dynamic steering control for a mobile robot proposed by Krogh and Thorpe.
Information regarding the planned reference route RR are transferred to a local navigation level LNC, which continuously calculates the most advantageous trajectory for the motion of the robot from the instantaneous position of the robot ROB and the locally measured data of a sensor system SEN, taking into consideration the obstacles detected by the sensor system, and determines from this control commands for the drive and steering systems of the robot. The data determined in the local navigation level LNC can be transmitted back to a path planning level GPP and used, for example, to complete the information regarding the topology of the workspace and the obstacles contained therein.
A motion control level RMC executes the control commands to the drive and steering systems of the robot and forwards corresponding adjustment orders to the drive control or the drives, customarily controlled electric motors. Here, and in the following claims, "robot" includes a manipulator.
In the actual execution, the global path planning level GPP, the local navigation level LNC and the motion control level RMC are respectively microcomputers or parts of a computer or of a computer program. The path planning level GPP is hierarchically located above the navigation level LNC.
The areas of the autonomous navigation system in which calculations are performed in a fixed global workspace coordinate system are located to the left of a dotted line in FIG. 1. On the right side of the dotted line are the areas of the autonomous navigation system in which calculations are performed in a local robot coordinate system related to the robot.
The relationship between the robot coordinate system related to the robot ROB with the Cartesian coordinate axes x R , y R , and the workspace coordinate system related to the workspace with the Cartesian coordinate axes x W , y W is represented in FIG. 2. The robot ROB can have a thricycle configuration, which is shown in detail in FIG. 12. The absolute position of the robot ROB in the workspace is denoted by x,y, the absolute orientation by the angle φ.
In FIG. 3 a sensor system for a mobile robot, represented as a mass point, in the plane is shown, which monitors the work space within its range R SEN and provides measured data regarding the distance d and position of the obstacle OBS in the workspace to the local navigation level LNC. The basic functions of the sensor system or its measured data are the following:
a. The sensor system has a defined range R SEN and an angle of beam of 180° in the direction of the motion vector v(t) of the robot ROB.
b. The shortest distance d between the robot ROB and the obstacle OBS is measured and the width δ of the obstacle visible within the range R SEN of the sensor system is determined.
c. The measured data of the sensor system are periodically scanned and forwarded to the navigation level LNC. The scanning intervals have been selected such that new control commands for the drive and steering systems of the robot can be transmitted in each cycle.
The measured data of the sensor system are needed on the local navigation level LNC for calculating safety zones for the obstacle(s), to define an intermediate target point and to calculate a virtual harmonic potential field whose gradient the robot follows.
Measured data from all sensors are available in each scanning time interval, which are periodically processed to determine control commands for the drive and steering systems of the mobile robot. To assure continuous transitions, the gradient of the virtual potential field is smoothed by means of a low-pass filter. At high speeds of travel of the robot and with large time intervals it is advantageous that the measured data of the sensors are corrected prior to or during the determination of the intermediate target point, the safety zone and the virtual harmonic potential field in accordance with the distance traveled in the meantime. The respective instantaneous position of moving obstacles in relation to the robot is determined in an analogous manner when the said calculations are performed.
FIG. 4 shows the details of a sensor system SEN having a number of sensors, in the illustrated example sixteen ultrasonic sensors which are symmetrically arranged in a ring around the robot. It is achieved by means of the symmetrical distribution of the sensors over the circumference of the robot that there are no limitations of the direction of travel. It is therefore also possible to move backward without having to change the calculating method.
The sensor system SEN monitors the vicinity or the work space of the robot by sectors and transmits measured data regarding the position and/or movement of obstacles in the individual sectors to the local navigation level LNC. Each sensor covers a sector with its ultrasonic cone. The sectors slightly overlap in the edge areas for increasing the reliability.
For example, an individual ultrasonic sensor has an integrated transmitter and receiver. To detect obstacles, short ultrasonic signals are transmitted and their return time is measured, from which the distance from the obstacle is calculated. The corresponding area of the sector is then considered to be occupied. If no reflected ultrasonic signal is received within a prescribed return time, the corresponding sector is considered to be unoccupied. The range R SEN of the sensor is defined by the prescribed return time. The position, shape and extent of an obstacle can only be determined inaccurately with a sensor system of such simple construction. It is therefore essential for the navigation system in accordance with the invention that it is possible to assure safe avoidance of collisions in the workspace in spite of the inaccurate measured data of the sensor system. In particular, the safe motion around obstacles which have a concave contour, viewed from the position of the sensor system of the robot is possible.
However, the sensor system can also have only one sensor which sequentially scans the sectors, for example a rotating sensor or a "phased array", as is known from radar technology.
FIG. 5 shows the principle of determining the safety zone SA and the intermediate target point ITP in the course of detecting an obstacle OBS in the direction of the reference route RR of the robot ROB represented in the form of a mass point. The area of the workspace in which the obstacle was detected is marked as occupied and a safety zone SA for the detected obstacle OBS is determined. In the simplest case safety zones can be safety circles covering the entire possible area of the obstacle.
The safety zone SA in FIG. 5 is designed as a safety ellipse, because ellipses can be better matched to the shape of an obstacle and in this way unnecessary travel of the robot is avoided. In the illustrated example the large major axis of the safety ellipse is determined by the two intersection points of the obstacle OBS with the range R SEN of the sensor system. The short minor axis of safety ellipse is determined by the shortest distance of the robot ROB from the obstacle OBS. A safety ellipse SA can be constructed by means of these three points. The intermediate target point ITP is placed into an adjacent unoccupied area at the edge of the range R SEN of the sensor system.
FIG. 6 shows the principle of determining safety zones SA1 and SA2 and the intermediate target point ITP in the course of detecting two obstacles OBS1 and OBS2, of which the obstacle OBS1 is located on the reference route RR of the robot ROB. In FIG. 6 the unoccupied area between the two obstacles is large enough for the passage of the robot ROB. The intermediate target point ITP is therefore placed in the unoccupied area between the two obstacles at the edge of the range R SEN of the sensor system. The safety zones SA1 and SA2 are again constructed in the form of safety ellipses around the respectively visible part of the two obstacles OBS1 and OBS2 and are constructed in a similar manner as in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 shows the determination of the intermediate target point ITP and the safety zone SA in the course of detecting an individual obstacle OBS by the sensor system which monitors the vicinity of the robot by sectors. The robot follows the dotted, globally planned reference route RR leading through the sector "7". An obstacle OBS within the range R SEN of the sensors is detected in sectors "6" and "7". The sectors "6" and "7" are therefore considered to be occupied. The adjacent sectors "5" and "8" are considered to be unoccupied. The intermediate target point ITP is placed into one of the adjoining unoccupied sectors at a distance from the robot ROB corresponding to the range R SEN of the sensors. Optimization of the travel time is achieved in that the sector "8" instead of the sector "5" is selected as the unoccupied sector, because it adjoins the occupied sector "7" in which the reference route RR intersects the range R SEN of the sensors.
The safety ellipse SA around the obstacle OBS is constructed in such a way that it covers the entire possible area of the obstacle in sectors "6" and "7". Three points are considered for this, namely the two intersecting points A and B of the range R SEN of the sensors with the boundary lines of the occupied sectors which face away from the respective obstacle, and the point C at the edge of the occupied sector having the shortest measured distance from the obstacle.
FIG. 8 shows the practical determination of the intermediate target point ITP and the safety zones SA1 and SA2 in the course of detecting two obstacles by a sensor system monitoring the vicinity of the robot by sectors. The dotted, globally planned reference route RR leads through the sectors "1", "2" and "3". In these sectors an obstacle OBS1 is detected within the range R SEN of the sensors. The sectors "1", "2" and "3" are therefore considered to be occupied. The adjoining sectors "16" and "4" are considered to be unoccupied.
The intermediate target point ITP is placed into one of the adjoining unoccupied sectors at a distance from the robot ROB corresponding to the range R SEN of the sensors. Optimization of the travel time is achieved in that the sector "4" instead of the sector "16" is selected as the unoccupied sector, because it adjoins the occupied sector "3" in which the reference route RR intersects the range R SEN of the sensors.
As can be seen, shape and size of the obstacle are of no consequence. For example, the same intermediate target point would have been also selected if there had been three small obstacles in each of the sectors "1", "2" and "3".
It can furthermore be seen that the sensor system also detects a second obstacle OBS2. Although the second obstacle OBS2 is located off the reference route RR, since the reference route RR was abandoned because of the first obstacle OBS1, it is necessary to determine whether the robot can pass between the two obstacles.
In the course of determining the safety ellipses around the two obstacles closest to the intermediate target point ITP, a search for occupied sectors, i.e. sectors in which obstacles had been detected, is performed in both directions, starting with the unoccupied sector "4". In FIG. 8 these are the sectors "1", "2," "3", as well as "6" and "7". The safety ellipses are constructed in a manner analogous to FIG. 7 in such a way that they each cover the entire possible area of the obstacles.
The gradient field of a virtual harmonic potential field HPF for the safety circle SA ext , shown in dashed lines, with the extended radius R ext in the transformed space is illustrated in FIG. 9. For this purpose a mathematical coordinate transformation is performed in such a way that the safety ellipse is mapped into a circle of unit radius. To compensate for the motion of the robot towards the obstacle, the circle of unit radius is extended to the radius R ext , taking into consideration the speed component of the robot in the direction of the center of the circle of unit radius and the maximum acceleration of the robot.
To calculate the virtual harmonic potential field HPF, the intermediate target point ITP in the mathematically transformed space is assigned a virtual unit charge, negative in the example. The center of the said extended safety circle with the radius R ext is assigned a virtual charge, in the example a positive charge q, which is calculated in accordance with the equation ##EQU1## where D is the distance between the two charges in the mathematically transformed space.
The harmonic potential field HPF obtained in this way has the property that its gradient intersects the extended safety circle SA ext only from the inside to the outside. Outside of the extended safety circle SA ext the gradient furthermore has a component which is always directed to the intermediate target point. The gradient of the calculated harmonic potential field HPF is mathematically transformed back into the original space, in the course of which the above mentioned properties of the gradient are maintained intact.
In FIG. 10 a center line ML is represented in the transformed space, which is equidistant to the extended safety circles SA1 ext and SA2 ext and has a center zone MA on both sides and whose total width is less than the smallest distance between the extended safety circles SA1 ext and SA2 ext .
In the course of determining the resultant virtual harmonic potential field HPFR, the position of the robot in relation to the center zone MA in the transformed space is taken into consideration. If the robot is in an area outside the center zone MA, only the virtual harmonic potential field HPF for respectively the extended safety zone SA1 ext or SA2 ext of the closest obstacle OBS1 or OBS2 in respect to the intermediate target point ITP is calculated. If the robot is in the center zone MA, respectively one virtual harmonic potential field HPF1 and HPF2 is calculated for the two extended safety circles SA1 ext and SA2 ext in respect to the intermediate target point ITP. The resultant virtual harmonic potential field HPFR is determined by means of a weighted linear superposition of the two separately calculated virtual harmonic potential fields HPF1 and HPF2. In the process the respective weights are selected proportionally to the distance between the robot and the center line ML in such a way that their sum always is one.
FIG. 11 shows the resultant virtual harmonic potential field HPFR for two safety circles SA1 ext and SA2 ext . As can be seen, the gradient always has a finite curvature, which can be followed by the robot with finite adjustment effort. The robot is guided straight through the narrow passage between the safety zones without a possibility of oscillations occurring.
If the calculation of the virtual harmonic potential field is performed in a Cartesian coordinate system, the gradient determines the motion vector of the robot ROB. The gradient is converted into the configuration space of the robot, taking into consideration the kinematic properties and size of the robot and used for determining the control commands for the drive and steering systems of the mobile robot.
If the calculations for determining the gradient have already been performed in the configuration space coordinates of the robot, the said control commands can be directly derived from the gradient.
Most prototypes of mobile robots are equipped with thricycle kinematics and there are two kinematically equivalent thricycle configurations.
FIG. 12(a) shows a thricycle configuration with a steered and driven front wheel and two non-driven rear wheels with a fixed parallel orientation. In this thricycle configuration the driving speed v and the steering angle θ of the front wheel are to be commanded.
FIG. 12(b) shows a second thricycle configuration with two independently driven rear wheels of fixed orientation and a freely movable front wheel. In this thricycle configuration the two driving speeds v R and v L for the right and left rear wheel are to be commanded. The two configurations can be converted into each other by appropriate algebraic relationships.
Assuming a slip-free rolling of the wheels on the ground, the motion of such a three-wheeled robot for constant steering angles θ is described by circles which are shown by dotted lines in FIG. 12. The center M of such a circle is located on the y R axis of the robot coordinate system which is defined by the rear axle of the robot. The front wheel is placed at right angles on the connecting line with the circle center M. In FIG. 12 the circle radius of the traveled circle is indicated by K, the distance of the front wheel from the rear axle by L and half the wheelbase of the robot by W. The geometric relationships between the steering angle θ and the distance covered along the arc of the circle define the configuration space of the robot. | In an autonomous navigation system for a mobile robot or a manipulator which is intended to guide the robot through the workspace to a predetermined target point in spite of incomplete information without colliding with known or unknown obstacles. All operations are performed on the local navigation level in the robot coordinate system. In the course of this, occupied and unoccupied areas of the workspace are appropriately marked and detected obstacles are covered by safety zones. An intermediate target point is defined in an unoccupied area of the workspace and a virtual harmonic potential field is calculated, whose gradient is followed by the robot. Mobile robots with such an autonomous navigation system can be used as automated transport, cleaning and service systems. | 48,912 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a phase-locked loop circuit.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] From past to now, a phase-locked loop circuit (hereinafter referred to as a PLL circuit), which generates an output clock synchronized with an input clock, has widely been known.
[0005] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-94420 discloses a PLL circuit that comprises a selector for selecting one input clock from a plurality of clocks.
[0006] Above-mentioned PLL circuit disclosed in the Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-94420 is shown in FIG. 8 . As shown in FIG. 8 , the PLL circuit 100 includes a selector 101 , a 1/M divider (1/M DIV) 102 , a phase detector (PD) 103 , a loop filter (LF) 104 , a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 105 , a 1/M divider (1/M DIV) 106 , a 1/L fixed divider (1/L DIV) 107 , and a control circuit 108 .
[0007] Based on a system-change signal input via a port 3 (P 3 ), the selector 101 selects a clock f 1 or clock f 2 as an input clock, then the selector 101 outputs the selected clock to the 1/M divider 102 . Incidentally, the clock f 1 is input to the selector 101 via a port 1 (P 1 ) and the clock f 2 is input to the selector 101 via a port 2 (P 2 ).
[0008] The input clock is divided in frequency by the 1/M divider 102 , and then input to the PD 103 . An output clock divided in frequency by each of the 1/L divider 107 and 1/M divider 106 is also input to the PD 103 . The PD 103 compares the two clocks and detects a phase difference between the two clocks. Then a phase difference signal is output from the PD 103 to the LF 104 . Alternating component included in the phase difference signal is removed by the LF 104 . Then the phase difference signal is input to the VCO 105 . A frequency of the output clock output from VCO 105 is determined based on the voltage level of the phase difference signal input to the VCO 105 .
[0009] As shown in FIG. 8 , the system-change signal input via a port 3 is transferred to the control circuit 108 in addition to the selector 101 when a system of the PLL circuit 100 is to be changed. The control circuit 108 sets division ratios of the 1/M dividers 102 and 106 to be smaller than a predetermined division ratio immediately after the selector 101 changes the input clock based on the system-change signal. After that, 1/M dividers 102 , 106 , and 1/L divider 107 are reset and the division ratios of the 1/M dividers 102 and 106 are changed to other values.
[0010] In this way, it is possible to synchronize the output clock with a new input clock within a relatively short period of time, when the selector 101 changes the input clock.
[0011] However, the voltage input to the VCO 105 from the LF 104 is not controllable at the time the input clock is changed by the selector 101 in the Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-94420. More specifically, a phase difference between the two clocks input to the PD 103 is unknown at the time the input clock is changed by the selector 101 . A voltage over a tolerance range could be input to the VCO 105 , and a waveform of the output clock from the VCO 105 could be disturbed and a functioning of a circuit connected to the VCO 105 could also be disturbed.
[0012] As explained above, it was difficult to suppress the disturbance of the output clock effectively at the time of changing the input clock.
SUMMARY
[0013] In one embodiment, a phase-locked loop circuit includes a phase detector detecting a phase difference between a first clock and a second clock; a voltage controlled oscillator outputting the second clock based on an input voltage that fluctuates corresponding to the phase difference detected by the phase detector; and a selector selecting the first clock from a plurality of clocks based on a clock change signal that is transmitted to the selector while the input voltage is set substantially constant.
[0014] In another embodiment, a phase-locked loop circuit includes a selector selecting a first clock from a plurality of clocks based on a clock change signal; a first divider dividing the first clock in frequency; a second divider dividing a second clock in frequency; a phase detector detecting a phase difference between a clock output from the first divider and a clock output from the second divider; a voltage controlled oscillator outputting the second clock based on an input voltage that fluctuates corresponding to the phase difference detected by the phase detector; and a control circuit setting the input voltage substantially constant and outputting the clock change signal while the input voltage is set substantially constant.
[0015] In still another embodiment, a phase-locked loop circuit includes a phase detector detecting a phase difference between a first clock and a second clock; a voltage controlled oscillator outputting the second clock based on an input voltage that fluctuates corresponding to the phase difference detected by the phase detector; a selector selecting the first clock from a plurality of clocks based on a clock change signal; and means for setting the input voltage substantially constant and for outputting the clock change signal while the input voltage is set substantially constant.
[0016] According to this invention, it is possible to suppress the disturbance in the waveform of the output clock effectively at the time of changing the clock by the selector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram to describe a configuration of a PLL circuit according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a chart to explain an operation of a charge pump circuit according to the first embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a timing chart to describe an operation of the PLL circuit according to the first embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic circuit diagram to describe a configuration of a PLL circuit according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a timing chart to describe an operation of the PLL circuit according to the second embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram to describe a configuration of a PLL circuit according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a timing chart to describe an operation of the PLL circuit according to the third embodiment; and
[0025] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram to describe a configuration of a conventional PLL circuit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] The invention will be now described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many alternative embodiments can be accomplished using the teachings of the present invention and that the invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated for explanatory purposes.
First Embodiment
[0027] FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a phase-locked loop circuit (PLL circuit) 1 . A control circuit 2 is also shown in FIG. 1 .
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1 , the PLL circuit 1 includes a selector 3 , a 1/m divider (1/m DIV) 4 (note that m is nonnegative integer), a 1/n divider (1/n DIV) 5 (note that n is nonnegative integer), switch circuits 6 a and 6 b, a phase detector (PD) 7 , a low-pass filter circuit (LPF) 8 , and a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 9 . The PD 7 includes a timing detection circuit (TDC) 10 and a charge pump circuit (charge pump) 11 .
[0029] The PLL circuit 1 operates based on control signals (CCS (Clock Change Signal), DIVreset, Set(m), Set (n), Mask) from the control circuit 2 . The control circuit 2 generates the control signals (CCS, DIVreset, Set(m), Set(n), Mask) based on a system-change signal (SC-signal) input via a control terminal 15 . The control signals (CCS, DIVreset, Set(m), Set(n), Mask) are transmitted to the PLL circuit 1 from the control circuit 2 in a predetermined order and at a predetermined timing.
[0030] A clock f 1 is input to the selector 3 via a first input port 12 . A clock f 2 is input to the selector 3 via a second input port 13 . The selector 3 selects one input clock from the clock f 1 and the clock f 2 based on the control signal CCS. The selector 3 selects the clock f 1 as the input clock when the control signal CCS is LOW. The selector 3 selects the clock f 2 as the input clock when the control signal CCS is HIGH. The input clock selected by the selector 3 is transferred to the 1/m divider 4 .
[0031] The selector 3 outputs the input clock. The input clock output from the selector 3 is transferred to the 1/m divider 4 . The 1/m divider 4 divides the input clock in frequency, and outputs the clock divided in frequency (a first clock divided in frequency). The 1/m divider 4 is configured by a so-called counter.
[0032] Now, the 1/m divider 4 is reset based on the control signal DIVreset transmitted from the control circuit 2 . The division ratio of the 1/m divider 4 is set based on the control signal Set (m) transmitted from the control circuit 2 .
[0033] The 1/n divider 5 divides an output clock Fo in frequency and outputs the clock divided in frequency (a second clock divided in frequency). Note that, the output clock Fo is transferred from the VCO 9 to the 1/n divider 5 . The 1/n divider 5 is configured by a so-called counter as well as the 1/m divider 4 .
[0034] The division ratio of the 1/n divider 5 is reset based on the control signal DIVreset transmitted from the control circuit 2 . The division ratio of the 1/n divider 5 is set based on the control signal Set(n) transmitted from the control circuit 2 .
[0035] In this embodiment, the switch circuit 6 a is provided between the 1/m DIV 4 and the timing detection circuit (TDC) 10 . The switch circuit 6 b is provided between the 1/n DIV 5 and the TDC 10 .
[0036] By adopting this configuration, the disturbance in the output clock output from the VCO 9 is suppressed at the time of changing the input clock by the selector 3 for changing a system of the PLL circuit 1 . This point will be explained below.
[0037] The switch circuit 6 a is a NAND 20 . The NAND 20 is a logic circuit having 2-input and 1-output terminals. An output terminal of the 1/m divider 4 is connected to an input terminal a of the NAND 20 . The first clock divided in frequency by the 1/m divider 4 is transferred to the input terminal a of the NAND 20 . An input terminal b of the NAND 20 is connected to the control circuit 2 . The control signal Mask is transferred to the input terminal b of the NAND 20 from the control circuit 2 .
[0038] Based on the control signal Mask transferred to the NAND 20 from the control circuit 2 , an output status of the NAND 20 is determined. More specifically, when the control signal Mask is HIGH, the NAND 20 outputs an inverted clock against the first clock divided in frequency by the 1/m DIV 4 . When the level of the control signal Mask is LOW, the NAND 20 outputs a constant high-level voltage signal.
[0039] That is, the switch circuit 6 a selectively outputs the inverted clock or the constant high-level voltage signal to the PD 7 (an input terminal a of the TDC 10 ) based on the level of the control signal Mask transmitted from the control circuit 2 .
[0040] A configuration of the switch circuit 6 b is equal to the configuration of the switch circuit 6 a. A NAND 21 of the switch circuit 6 b corresponds to the NAND 20 of the switch circuit 6 a.
[0041] Note that, an input terminal a of the NAND 21 is connected to an output terminal of the 1/n divider 5 . A clock divided in frequency by the 1/n divider 5 is input to the input terminal a of the NAND 21 . An input terminal b of the NAND 21 is connected to the control circuit 2 . The control signal Mask is transferred to the input terminal b of the NAND 21 from the control circuit 2 .
[0042] As well as the NAND 20 , an output status of the NAND 21 is determined based on the control signal Mask transferred to the NAND 21 from the control circuit 2 . More specifically, when the control signal Mask is HIGH, the NAND 21 outputs the inverted clock. When the control signal Mask is LOW, the NAND 21 outputs the constant high-level voltage signal.
[0043] That is, the switch circuit 6 b selectively outputs the inverted clock or the constant high-level voltage signal to the PD 7 (an input terminal b of the TDC 10 ) based on the level of the control signal Mask transmitted from the control circuit 2 .
[0044] As shown in FIG. 1 , the phase detector 7 includes the TDC 10 and the charge pump 11 .
[0045] The TDC 10 is a logic circuit having 2-input and 2-output terminals. An input terminal a of the TDC 10 is connected to the output terminal of the switch circuit 6 a. An input terminal b of the TDC 10 is connected to the output terminal of the switch circuit 6 b. An output terminal UP-bar of the TDC 10 is connected to a first control terminal (gate terminal of a P-type MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) transistor TR 1 ) of the charge pump 11 . An output terminal DOWN of the TDC 10 is connected to a second control terminal (gate terminal of a N-type MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) transistor TR 2 ) of the charge pump 11 .
[0046] The TDC 10 changes a level of a voltage signal that is output from the output terminal UP-bar of the TDC 10 at the time the TDC 10 detects a fall in a clock input to the input terminal a of the TDC 10 . More specifically, the TDC 10 changes a level of the voltage signal (a first timing signal) from a higher level (HIGH) to a lower level (LOW), when the TDC 10 detects a fall in the clock input to the input terminal a of the TDC 10 . The TDC 10 changes a level of a voltage signal that is output from the output terminal DOWN of the TDC 10 at the time the TDC 10 detects a fall in the clock input to the input terminal b of the TDC 10 . More specifically, the TDC 10 changes a level of the voltage signal (a second timing signal) from LOW to HIGH, when the TDC 10 detects a fall in the clock input to the input terminal b of the TDC 10 .
[0047] The charge pump 11 includes an inverter comprised of the P-type MOS transistor TR 1 and the N-type MOS transistor TR 2 which are connected in series. A source terminal of the TR 1 is connected to a power supply potential (VDD). A gate terminal (a control terminal) of the TR 1 is connected to the output terminal UP-bar of the TDC 10 . A drain terminal of the TR 1 is connected to a drain terminal of the TR 2 . A gate terminal (a control terminal) of the TR 2 is connected to the output terminal DOWN of the TDC 10 . A source terminal of the TR 2 is connected to a ground potential (GND).
[0048] The charge pump 11 generates a current (phase difference current) that corresponds to a phase difference between the clock divided in frequency by the 1/m divider 4 and the clock divided in frequency by the 1/n divider 5 . An operation of the charge pump 11 will be described below with reference to the FIG. 2 .
[0049] As shown in FIG. 1 , the LPF 8 is connected to a node N 1 between the PD 7 and the VCO 9 . The LPF 8 is configured to include at least one capacitor.
[0050] The capacitor included in the LPF 8 is charged or discharged corresponding to a current generated in the charge pump 11 . An amount of the current generated in the charge pump 11 corresponds to a phase difference between the clock divided in frequency by the 1/m divider 4 and the clock divided in frequency by the 1/n divider 5 as mentioned above. A potential level of the node N 1 is varied corresponding to a charge or a discharge of the capacitor included in the LPF 8 . In this way, a frequency of the output clock output from the VCO 9 is regulated. Note that, an input voltage of the VCO 9 is equal to a voltage at the node N 1 .
[0051] As shown in FIG. 1 , an input terminal of the VCO 9 is connected to the PD 7 and the LPF 8 , and an output terminal of the VCO 9 is connected to an output terminal 14 and the input terminal of the 1/n divider 5 . The output clock Fo output from the VCO 9 is transferred to the output terminal 14 and the input terminal of the 1/n divider 5 .
[0052] The VCO 9 outputs the output clock Fo having a frequency corresponding to a voltage level of the input voltage that is input to the input terminal of the VCO 9 . That is, a frequency of the output clock Fo becomes lower when the input voltage (a potential level of the node N 1 ) becomes lower. A frequency of the output clock Fo becomes higher when the input voltage (a potential level of the node N 1 ) becomes higher.
[0053] With reference to the FIG. 2 , an operation of the charge pump 11 is described.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 2 , the charge pump 11 is in a state of being charged when the first timing signal output from the output terminal UP-bar of the TDC 10 is LOW and the second timing signal output from the output terminal DOWN of the TDC 10 is LOW. That is, the TR 1 is in on-state when the first timing signal is LOW, and the TR 2 is in off-state when the second timing signal is LOW. A current is input from the charge pump 11 to the LPF 8 . In other words, the capacitor included in the LPF 8 is charged by a current generated in the charge pump 11 .
[0055] When the second timing signal changes to HIGH from LOW at this condition, the TDC 10 is in a reset state. So, a current, which is input to the LPF 8 from the charge pump 11 when the charge pump 11 is in a state of being charged, is set as a phase difference current that corresponds to a phase difference between the first clock divided in frequency by the 1/m divider 4 and the second clock divided in frequency by the 1/n divider 5 . More specifically, the phase difference current reflects an amount of phase delay in the output clock Fo against the input clock selected by the selector 3 .
[0056] As shown in FIG. 2 , the charge pump 11 is in a state of being discharged when the first timing signal output from the output terminal UP-bar of the TDC 10 is HIGH and the second timing signal output from the output terminal DOWN of the TDC 10 is HIGH. That is, the TR 1 is in off-state when the first timing signal is HIGH, and the TR 2 is in on-state when the second timing signal is HIGH. A current is input from the LPF 8 to the charge pump 11 . In other words, the capacitor included in the LPF 8 is discharged by a current generated in the charge pump 11 .
[0057] When the first timing signal changes to a lower level at this condition, the TDC 10 is in a reset state. So, a current, which is input to the LPF 8 from the charge pump 11 when the charge pump 11 is in a state of being discharged, is set as a phase difference current that corresponds to a phase difference between the first clock divided in frequency by the 1/m divider 4 and the second clock divided in frequency by the 1/n divider 5 . More specifically, the phase difference current reflects an amount of phase lead in the output clock Fo against the input clock selected by the selector 3 .
[0058] Now, a system change operation of the PLL circuit 1 is described with reference to the FIG. 3 . The PLL circuit 1 changes the input clock based on the control signals transmitted from the control circuit 2 to the PLL circuit 1 .
[0059] During a time of t 1 to t 2 , which is the time before the system is changed, the first clock that is divided in frequency by the 1/m divider 4 and inverted by the switch circuit 6 a is input to the input terminal a of the TDC 10 . The second clock that is divided in frequency by the 1/n divider 5 and inverted by the switch circuit 6 b is input to the input terminal b of the TDC 10 .
[0060] At t 2 , the SC-signal changes from LOW to HIGH. The SC-signal is input to the control circuit 2 via the control terminal 15 . The control circuit 2 generates the control signals (CCS, DIVreset, Set(m), Set(n), Mask) based on the SC-signal having a higher level. Note that the clock f 2 is selected when the SC-signal is HIGH and the clock f 1 is selected when the SC-signal is LOW.
[0061] At t 3 , the control signal MASK changes from HIGH to LOW. At this time, an output level of the switch circuit 6 a is set to HIGH. And also, an output level of the switch circuit 6 b is set to HIGH. The control signal Mask is set to LOW until t 8 .
[0062] The TDC 10 detects a fall in the clock input to the input terminal a of the TDC 10 and a fall in the clock input to the input terminal b of the TDC 10 . The input voltages input to the input terminals a and b of the TDC 10 are set to a voltage signal having a higher level (a substantially constant voltage) as explained above. Thus, the voltage signal (the first timing signal) output from the output terminal UP-bar of the TDC 10 and the voltage signal (the second timing signal) output from the output terminal DOWN of the TDC 10 are fixed. More specifically, the first timing signal is set to a higher level and the second timing signal is set to a lower level. Both of the TR 1 and TR 2 of the charge pump 11 are in off-state.
[0063] Note that, the VCO 9 keeps on outputting the output clock Fo having a same frequency as that at t 3 . In other words, the VCO 9 is in a self-running state.
[0064] At t 4 , the control signal DIVreset, which is input to the 1/m divider 4 and the 1/n divider 5 from the control circuit 2 , is set to LOW. The division value of the 1/m divider 4 and the 1/n divider 5 is reset based on the control signal DIVreset that is input to each of a reset terminal of the 1/m divider 4 and the 1/n divider 5 . The division value of the 1/m divider 4 corresponds to a value of counter included in the 1/m divider 4 . The division value of the 1/n divider 5 corresponds to a value of counter included in the 1/n divider 5 . The control signal DIVreset is set to LOW until t 7 .
[0065] At t 5 , the control signal CCS, which is input to the selector 3 from the control circuit 2 , changes to HIGH. The selector 3 changes the input clock from the clock f 1 to the clock f 2 . The selector 3 outputs the selected clock f 2 as an input clock.
[0066] Also at t 5 , the control signal Set (m) is input to the 1/m divider 4 from the control circuit 2 . The control signal Set (m) is used to change the division ratio of the 1/m divider 4 . At t 5 , the control signal Set (n) is input to the 1/n divider 5 from the control circuit 2 . The control signal Set (n) is used to change the division ratio of the 1/n divider 5 . These control signals Set (m) and Set (n) are set in an active state (ac) until t 6 . After t 6 these control signals Set (m) and Set (n) are set in an inactive state (iac).
[0067] At t 7 , the control signal DIVreset changes to HIGH. Then, 1/m divider 4 and the 1/n divider 5 start counting at the same time.
[0068] At t 8 , the control signal Mask changes to HIGH. At the same time, the first divided clock inverted by the switch circuit 6 a is input to the input terminal a of the TDC 10 . The second divided clock inverted by the switch circuit 6 b is input to the input terminal b of the TDC 10 .
[0069] The VCO 9 keeps on outputting the output clock Fo having a same frequency as that of the output clock Fo at t 3 until t 8 . After t 8 , the VCO 9 outputs the output clock Fo synchronized with the selected input clock f 2 . The input clock is changed by the selector 3 when the potential of the node N 1 is set substantially constant. Therefore, the output clock Fo is synchronized with the selected input clock f 2 without having a disturbance in a waveform of the output clock Fo.
[0070] Note that the same explanations could be applied to a case when the SC-signal changes from HIGH to LOW. That is, same explanations could be applied to a case when the clock f 1 is selected as the input clock instead of the clock f 2 . Note that the control signal CCS is changed from HIGH to LOW corresponding to the SC-signal.
[0071] In this embodiment, the control signal Mask, which is input to each of the switch circuits 6 a and 6 b, is set to LOW before the input clock is changed from the clock f 1 to the clock f 2 by the selector 3 . Then, the output signal of the switch circuits 6 a and 6 b is set to HIGH. The first timing signal and the second timing signal are set to a predetermined voltage level. No phase different current is generated in the charge pump 11 . Therefore a fluctuation of a potential at the node N 1 is suppressed effectively.
[0072] The selector 3 changes the input clock from the clock f 1 to the clock f 2 while the fluctuation of a potential at the node N 1 is suppressed. While the fluctuation of a potential at the node N 1 is suppressed, the 1/m divider 4 and the 1/n divider 5 are reset, and the division ratio of the 1/m divider 4 and the 1/n divider 5 are set to a predetermined division ratio corresponding to the clock f 2 . In this way, the system of the PLL circuit 1 is changed with realizing the VCO 9 being in a self-running state and suppressing the disturbance in the waveform of the output clock Fo. That is, it is possible to change the system of the PLL circuit 1 without stopping or resetting the operation of the PLL circuit 1 and with suppressing the disturbance in the waveform of the output clock Fo.
[0073] Note that, resetting the 1/m divider 4 and the 1/n divider 5 is not necessarily performed at the same time with changing the input clock by the selector 3 .
Second Embodiment
[0074] Hereinafter, a PLL circuit 30 according to a second embodiment is described. This second embodiment is different from the first embodiment as below. By resetting the TDC 10 , the first timing signal and the second timing signal which are output from the TDC 10 are set so as not to generate a current in the charge pump 11 .
[0075] As shown in FIG. 4 , the first divided clock divided in frequency by the 1/m divider 4 is inverted by a buffer 31 and input to the input terminal a of the TDC 10 . The second divided clock divided in frequency by the 1/n divider 5 is inverted by a buffer 32 and input to the input terminal b of the TDC 10 .
[0076] The TDC 10 detects a fall in the clock input to the input terminal a and a fall in the clock input to the input terminal b as in the first embodiment. An operation of the charge pump 11 , the LPF 8 , and the VCO 9 are also the same with those of the first embodiment.
[0077] In this embodiment, a control signal TDCreset is input to a reset terminal of the TDC 10 from the control circuit 2 . So, the TDC 10 is in a reset-state while the control signal TDCreset is in LOW. While the control signal TDCreset is in LOW, the first timing signal output from the output terminal UP-bar of the TDC 10 is set to HIGH, and the second timing signal output from the output terminal DOWN of the TDC 10 is set to LOW. The TR 1 and TR 2 are in off-state. So, no current flows from the LPF 8 to the charge pump 11 . No current flows from the charge pump 11 to the LPF 8 . That is no phase difference current is generated in the charge pump 11 . So, a potential of the node N 1 is set substantially constant.
[0078] Incidentally, the TDC 10 is in a normal operating condition while the control signal TDCreset is in HIGH.
[0079] Now, an operation of the PLL circuit 30 is described with reference to a timing chart of FIG. 5 .
[0080] During a time of t 1 to t 2 , which is the time before the system is changed, the first clock that is divided in frequency by the 1/m divider 4 and inverted by the buffer 31 is input to the input terminal a of the TDC 10 . The second clock that is divided in frequency by the 1/n divider 5 and inverted by the buffer 32 is input to the input terminal b of the TDC 10 .
[0081] At t 2 , the SC-signal is input to the control circuit 2 via the control terminal 15 . The control circuit 2 generates the control signals (CCS, DIVreset, Set(m), Set(n), TDCreset) based on the SC-signal.
[0082] At t 3 , the control signal TDCreset, which is transmitted to the TDC 10 from the control circuit 2 , changes to LOW. The output signal from the output terminal UP-bar of the TDC 10 is set HIGH. The output signal from the output terminal DOWN of the TDC 10 is set LOW. The control signal TDCreset is set LOW until t 8 .
[0083] The TDC 10 detects a fall in a clock input to the input terminal a of the TDC 10 and a fall in a clock input to the input terminal b of the TDC 10 . The voltage signal output from the output terminal UP-bar (the first timing signal) and the voltage signal output from the output terminal DOWN (the second timing signal) is set constant, as a result of the input voltage input to input terminals a and b of the TDC 10 being set HIGH (substantially constant voltage). That is, a voltage signal output from the output terminal UP-bar is set HIGH, and a voltage signal output from the output terminal DOWN is set LOW. The TR 1 and TR 2 are in off-state. The VCO 9 continues to output the output clock Fo having a same frequency as that at t 3 .
[0084] An operation of the PLL circuit 1 from t 4 to t 7 is equal to the first embodiment. So, no more explanation will be made.
[0085] At t 8 , the control signal TDCreset, which is input to the TDC 10 from the control circuit 2 , changes to HIGH. Then a clock that is gained by inverting the first divided clock is input to the input terminal a of the TDC 10 . A clock that is gained by inverting the second divided clock is input to the input terminal b of the TDC 10 .
[0086] The VCO 9 continues to output the output clock Fo having a same frequency as that at t 3 until t 8 . After t 8 , the VCO 9 outputs the output clock Fo synchronized the clock f 2 . The input clock is changed by the selector 3 while the potential of the node N 1 is set substantially constant. So, the output clock Fo is synchronized with the selected new input clock without disturbing a waveform of the output clock Fo.
[0087] Note that, same explanations could be applied to a case when the control signal SC-signal is changed to LOW from HIGH. In this case, the control signal CCS is changed to LOW from HIGH corresponding to the control signal SC-signal.
[0088] The control signal TDCreset is set LOW, before the system of the PLL circuit 30 is changed. Therefore, the first timing signal and the second timing signal which are output from the TDC 10 are set so as not to generate a phase different current in the charge pump 11 . In this way, a fluctuation of a potential level of the node N 1 is suppressed effectively.
[0089] The selector 3 changes the input clock from the clock f 1 to the clock f 2 while the fluctuation of a potential at the node N 1 is suppressed. While the fluctuation of a potential at the node N 1 is suppressed, the 1/m divider 4 and the 1/n divider 5 are reset and the division ratios of the 1/m divider 4 and the 1/n divider 5 are set to a predetermined division ratio corresponding to the clock f 2 . In this way, the system of the PLL circuit 30 is changed with realizing the VCO 9 being in a self-running state and suppressing the disturbance in the waveform of the output clock Fo. That is, it is possible to change the system of the PLL circuit 30 without stopping or resetting the operation of the PLL circuit 30 and with suppressing the disturbance in the waveform of the output clock Fo.
[0090] Note that, resetting the 1/m divider 4 and the 1/n divider 5 is not necessarily preformed at the same time with changing the input clock by the selector 3 .
Third Embodiment
[0091] Hereinafter, a PLL circuit 50 according to a third embodiment is described. This third embodiment is different from the first embodiment as below. By setting a 1/m divider 51 and a 1/n divider 52 in a reset-state, voltages input to the input terminals a and b of the TDC 10 are set to HIGH. The first and second timing signals output from the TDC 10 is set so as not to generate any current in the charge pump 11 . Further explanation is made below.
[0092] As shown in FIG. 6 , the input terminal of the 1/m divider 51 is connected to the output terminal of the selector 3 . The output terminal of the 1/m divider 51 is connected to the input terminal a of the TDC 10 .
[0093] The 1/m divider 51 divides an input clock in frequency and outputs the divided clock after inverting the divided clock. The 1/m divider 51 is configured by the so-called counter.
[0094] The division ratio of the 1/m divider 51 is reset by the control signal DIVreset transmitted from the control circuit 2 . In this embodiment, an output voltage from the 1/m divider 51 is set HIGH (substantially constant voltage) while the 1/m divider 51 is in reset-state. The division ratio of the 1/m divider 51 is set by the control signal Set(m) from the control circuit 2 as in the first embodiment.
[0095] As shown in FIG. 6 , the input terminal of the 1/n divider 52 is connected to the output terminal of VCO 9 . The output terminal of the 1/n divider 52 is connected to the input terminal b of the TDC 10 .
[0096] The 1/n divider 52 divides an input clock in frequency and outputs the divided clock after inverting the divided clock. The 1/n divider 52 is configured by the so-called counter.
[0097] The division ratio of the 1/n divider 52 is reset by the control signal DIVreset transmitted from the control circuit 2 . In this embodiment, an output voltage from the 1/n divider 52 is set HIGH (substantially constant voltage) while the 1/n divider 52 is in reset-state. The division ratio of the 1/n divider 52 is set by the control signal Set(n) from the control circuit 2 as in the first embodiment.
[0098] As explained above, in this embodiment, a high-level voltage signal is input to the input terminal a of the TDC 10 from the 1/m divider 51 while the 1/m divider 51 is reset. A high-level voltage signal is input to the input terminal b of the TDC 10 while the 1/n divider 52 is reset.
[0099] The TDC 10 detects a fall in the voltage signal input to the input terminal a of the TDC 10 , and outputs the first timing signal. The TDC 10 detects a fall in the voltage signal input to the input terminal b of the TDC 10 , and outputs the second timing signal.
[0100] When the 1/m divider 51 is set to a reset-state, a voltage signal input to the input terminal a of the TDC 10 is set HIGH, and the first timing signal output from the output terminal UP-bar is also set to a predetermined level. In the same way, when the 1/n divider 52 is set to a reset-state, a voltage signal input to the input terminal b of the TDC 10 is set HIGH, and the second timing signal output from the output terminal DOWN is also set to a predetermined level.
[0101] That is, the first timing signal is set to HIGH and the second timing signal is set to LOW. The TR 1 and TR 2 are in off-state. Therefore, no current flows into the LPF 8 from the charge pump 11 . No current flows into the charge pump 11 from the LPF 8 . In other words, no phase difference current is generated in the charge pump 11 . So, a potential of the node N 1 is set substantially constant.
[0102] Here, the operation of the PLL circuit 50 is described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 7 .
[0103] During the time of t 1 to t 2 , which is the time before a system is changed, the first clock that is divided in frequency and inverted by the 1/m divider 51 is input to the input terminal a of the TDC 10 . The second clock that is divided in frequency and inverted by the 1/n divider 52 is input to the input terminal b of the TDC 10 .
[0104] At t 2 , the SC-signal is input to the control circuit 2 via the control terminal 15 . The control circuit 2 generates the control signals (CCS, DIVreset, Set(m), Set(n)) based on the SC-signal.
[0105] At t 3 , the control signal DIVreset that is input to the 1/m divider 51 and the 1/n divider 52 is changed from HIGH to LOW. The voltage signal output from the 1/m divider 51 is set HIGH. In the same way, the voltage signal output from the 1/n divider 52 is set HIGH.
[0106] At this time, the first timing signal output from the output terminal UP-bar is set HIGH. The second timing signal output from the output terminal DOWN is set LOW. The TR 1 and the TR 2 are in off-state. Therefore, no current flows into the LPF 8 from the charge pump 11 . No current flows into the charge pump 11 from the LPF 8 . That is, no phase difference current is generated in the charge pump 11 . So, a potential of the node N 1 is set substantially constant.
[0107] The control signal is maintained LOW until t 6 . Note that, the VCO 9 continues to output the output clock Fo having a same frequency as that at t 3 .
[0108] At t 4 , the control signal CCS, which is input to the selector 3 from the control circuit 2 , is changed from LOW to HIGH as in the first embodiment. Then the selector 3 changes the input clock from the clock f 1 to the clock f 2 , and outputs the clock f 2 as an input clock.
[0109] At t 4 , the control signal Set (m) is input to the 1/m divider 51 from the control circuit 2 . The control signal Set (m) is used for setting the division ratio of the 1/m divider 51 . At t 4 , the control signal Set(n) is input to the 1/n divider 52 from the control circuit 2 . The control signal Set (n) is used for setting the division ratio of the 1/n divider 52 . Until t 5 , the control signal Set(m) and Set(n) are set active-state. After t 5 , the control signal Set(m) and Set(n) are set inactive-state.
[0110] At t 6 , the control signal DIVreset changes from LOW to HIGH. The 1/m divider 51 and the 1/n divider 52 start to operate for counting. The first clock that is divided in frequency and inverted by the 1/m divider 51 is input to the input terminal a of the TDC 10 . The second clock that is divided in frequency and inverted by the 1/n divider 52 is input to the input terminal b of the TDC 10 .
[0111] The VCO 9 continues to output the output clock Fo having a same frequency as that at t 3 until t 6 . After t 6 , the VCO 9 outputs the output clock Fo synchronized with the clock f 2 . The input clock is changed by the selector 3 while the potential of the node N 1 is set substantially constant. So, the output clock Fo is synchronized with the selected new input clock without disturbing a waveform of the output clock Fo.
[0112] Note that the same explanations could be applied to a case when the control signal SC-signal is changed from HIGH to LOW. In this case, the control signal CCS is changed from HIGH to LOW corresponding to the control signal SC-signal.
[0113] The control signal DIVreset is set LOW, before the system of the PLL circuit 50 is changed. Therefore, the voltage signals input to the input terminals a and b of the the TDC 10 are set HIGH. The first and second timing signals are set so as not to generate a phase different current in charge pump 11 . In this way, a fluctuation of a potential level of the node N 1 is suppressed effectively.
[0114] The selector 3 changes the input clock from the clock f 1 to the clock f 2 while the fluctuation of a potential at the node N 1 is suppressed. While the fluctuation of a potential at the node N 1 is suppressed, the division ratio of the 1/m divider 51 and the 1/n divider 52 are set to a predetermined division ratio corresponding to the clock f 2 . In this way, the system of the PLL circuit 50 is changed with realizing the VCO 9 being in a self-running state and suppressing the disturbance in the waveform of the output clock Fo. That is, it is possible to change the system of the PLL circuit 50 without stopping or resetting the operation of the PLL circuit 50 and with suppressing the disturbance in the waveform of the output clock Fo.
[0115] Note that resetting the 1/m divider 51 and the 1/n divider 52 is not necessarily preformed at the same time with changing the input clock by the selector 3 .
[0116] In this embodiment, a potential level of the node N 1 is suppressed from fluctuating by setting the 1/m divider 51 and the 1/n divider reset-state which are necessary for a configuration of the PLL circuit 50 . So, it is possible to simplify a configuration of the PLL circuit 50 and to shorten a time necessary for changing the system of the PLL circuit 50 .
[0117] It is apparent that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments but may be modified and changed without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. It is possible to adopt other technique for suppressing the fluctuation of the voltage signal input to the VCO 9 . | A phase-locked loop circuit includes a phase detector detecting a phase difference between a first clock and a second clock; a voltage controlled oscillator outputting the second clock based on an input voltage that fluctuates corresponding to the phase difference detected by the phase detector; and a selector selecting the first clock from a plurality of clocks based on a clock change signal that is transmitted to the selector while the input voltage is set substantially constant. | 43,306 |
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/025,358, filed Feb. 4, 2008, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/172,282, filed Jun. 30, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,291, both are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to methods for assembling electrical cables. More specifically, the invention relates to devices and methods for stringing electrical cable through a tubular sheath.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Drawn brazed strand (DBS) is a type of cable characterized by good strength, stress resistance and conductivity properties that is frequently used in applications where cable failure is highly undesirable. One example is in the field of implantable medical devices, such as pacemakers, where the repair or replacement of electrical cables in the leads would require invasive surgery.
[0004] DBS typically includes a conductive element encased in a protective sheath. The conductive element is formed of a number of conductive strands twisted together. Each strand is formed from a plurality of individual alloy wires woven or wrapped about a core wire. The core wire is generally soft but highly conductive, and is usually made of silver, while the alloy wires are less conductive but stronger. The sheath is typically formed of a non-conductive material such as silicone or polyurethane. The sheath increases cable strength and also provides a protective electrical and environmental barrier around the conductive element.
[0005] Once the wires are formed into strands and the strands are twisted into the cable, the conductive element is inserted, or stringed, through one end of the sheath. Prior to assembling the conductive element with the sheath, a lubricant such as alcohol is injected into the sheath. The alcohol chemically interacts with the interior silicone wall of the tubing to provide a more lubricious surface. The conductive element is then pushed into and through the tube from one end.
[0006] This process has many drawbacks. First, despite lubricating the interior of the sheath, the conductive element has a tendency to become kinked within the sheath. Kinking degrades the conductive properties and strength of the cable such that kinked units are usually discarded. Second, alcohol is highly combustible and emits noxious fumes and odors bothersome to operators. Sometimes it is necessary to provide a venting system to maintain adequate air quality and additional fire control precautions must be employed. Third, residual alcohol must be removed from the stringed cable before further processing can be carried out. This is typically accomplished by placing the stringed cable into a furnace or near some other source of heat to evaporate the alcohol. Finally, the alcohol supply may become contaminated. Contamination can affect the lubricity between the conductive element and the sheath, and may cause particulates to be deposited within the sheath after the alcohol is evaporated.
[0007] Therefore, there exists a need for an improved method of stringing cables such as DBS type cable. There is a further need for a method that does not require the use of alcohol.
SUMMARY
[0008] In one embodiment, the present invention is a method for manufacturing a cable of the type including a conductive element disposed inside a tubular sheath. The conductive element is placed in an open channel terminating at a first end and is withdrawn through the channel a pre-determined distance from the first end. The channel is closed and a first end of the sheath is sealed to the channel first end. Compressed gas is injected into the channel towards the first end such that the conductive element is propelled through the channel into the sheath.
[0009] In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of manufacturing cable of the type having a conductive element and a hollow tubular sheath. The conductive element is inserted into a needle and at least a portion of the needle is inserted into the sheath. The sheath is sealed to the needle. An air bearing is formed on an inner surface of the sheath and the conductive element is propelled through the needle, over the air bearing and into the sheath.
[0010] In another embodiment, the present invention is a system for advancing a conductive element through a hollow tubular sheath. The system includes a source of compressed gas, a vacuum pump and an openable housing having a channel extending therethrough. The channel has a first end in fluid communication with the compressed gas and the vacuum pump and a second end that is open. The system also includes a holding area adjacent the first end of the housing. The holding area is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a conductive element and in fluid communication with the vacuum pump.
[0011] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cable stringing system in an open position according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cable stringing system of FIG. 1 in which the housing is in a closed position.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 2 in which the clamp is in the operating position.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a top view of the system of FIG. 3 loaded with a sheath and conductive element.
[0016] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart detailing a method of assembling the cable according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a portion of a cable stringing system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] FIGS. 1-4 show a cable stringing system 100 for advancing a cable (e.g., a conductive element) through a sheath, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, during various stages of system operation. As shown in FIG. 1 , the system 100 includes a housing 102 for holding the conductive element (see FIG. 4 ), a clamp 104 for holding the sheath (see FIG. 4 ) and a compressed gas source 106 . In one embodiment, the system 100 further includes a vacuum pump 107 . In one embodiment, the housing 102 and the clamp 104 are positioned on a platform 108 at a convenient height for operator manipulation. The compressed gas 106 and the vacuum pump 107 are located nearby and are in fluid communication with the housing 102 . Multiple cable stringing systems 100 may be connected to the compressed gas source 106 and the vacuum pump 107 .
[0020] The housing 102 includes an upper housing member 110 pivotally hinged to a stationary lower housing member 112 at a hinge member 114 . The upper housing 110 is pivotable from an open position, as is shown in FIG. 1 , to a closed position, as is shown in FIG. 2 .
[0021] Open upper and lower channels 116 and 118 are located on the upper and lower housing members 110 and 112 , respectively. The lower channel 118 extends through a rear portion 119 of the lower housing member 112 (shown in dashed lines). In the closed position, the upper open channel 116 is aligned to the lower channel 118 to define a conductive element channel 120 extending through the housing 102 (See FIG. 2 in dashed lines). A resilient seal member 121 is disposed alongside the upper channel 116 to seal the upper channel 116 to the lower channel 118 when the upper housing member 110 is in the closed position. The rear portion 119 of the lower housing member 112 has an angled upper surface 119 a that is complementary to a lower surface 110 a of the upper housing member 110 . When the upper housing member 110 is in the closed position, the surface 119 a and 110 a abut one another to seal the upper and lower channel 116 and 118 adjacent the rear portion 119 .
[0022] Both of the upper and lower channels 116 and 118 taper into upper and lower needle portions 122 and 124 , respectively. The upper and lower needle portions 122 and 124 form a hollow needle 125 protruding from the housing 102 when the upper housing member 110 is in the closed position. Each of the needle portions 122 and 124 forms approximately half of the circumference of the needle 125 . However, the upper needle portion 122 and lower needle portion 124 are slightly oversized such that when the upper housing member 110 is in the closed position, the upper needle portion 122 presses tightly against the lower needle portion 124 to form an air tight seal.
[0023] The upper and lower housing members 110 and 112 include locking pin receivers 126 a and 126 b , respectively, that are aligned to one another when the upper housing member 110 is in the closed position. The rearwardly located locking pin receiver 126 b is slightly larger than the forwardly located locking pin receiver 126 a . A locking pin 128 is insertable into the aligned locking pin receivers 126 a and 126 b to lock the upper housing member 110 to the lower housing member 112 in the closed position (See FIG. 2 ). The locking pin 128 is cone-shaped and is sized relative to the locking pin receivers 126 a and 126 b to compress the upper housing member 110 and the lower housing member 112 together when engaged. The force exerted by the locking pin 128 is sufficient to cause the seal 121 around the channel 120 to be air tight, as well as to compress the upper and lower needle portions 122 , 124 sufficiently to form an air tight seal. In one embodiment, as is shown in FIGS. 1-3 , the locking pin 128 is engaged via a pneumatic actuator 130 . Other locking arrangements suitable for quickly and easily securing the upper housing member 110 to the lower housing member 112 are also contemplated.
[0024] The clamp 104 , shown in the lower, right quadrant of FIGS. 1-3 , is bifurcated into two members 132 and 134 . The clamp members 132 and 134 are movable from a separated, open position, as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , to a closed position in which the clamp members 132 , 134 are drawn inwardly adjacent one another, as is shown in FIG. 3 . Each clamp member 132 , 134 includes an inwardly facing, elongated, semi-hemispherical recess 136 , which are adapted to couple to the sheath (see FIG. 4 ).
[0025] A locking arrangement is provided for locking the clamp members 132 , 134 to one another in the closed position and for fixing the clamp 104 in the operating position. The clamp members 132 , 134 are also movable from a retracted position that is spaced apart from the housing 102 , as is shown in FIG. 1 , to an advanced, operating position adjacent the housing 102 , as is shown in FIG. 3 .
[0026] In the closed position, the recesses 136 are aligned with one another to define a tubular passageway 138 for receiving a portion of the sheath 160 . The recesses 136 , in one embodiment, are sized such that a circumference of the passageway 138 is only slightly larger than a circumference of the needle 125 when the clamp members 132 , 134 are moved into the closed position. The recesses 136 may have a length or depth of several centimeters to increase the surface area and frictional engagement between the sheath 160 and the clamp 104 . Furthermore, the clamp 104 may be provided with a non-skid coating or be formed with a surface texture at the recesses 136 that is adapted to increase frictional engagement between the sheath (see FIG. 4 ) and the clamp 104 . In the operating position, the clamp 104 is positioned such that the needle 125 is inserted into the passageway 138 .
[0027] In one embodiment, a guide 140 extends in a lateral direction over the platform 108 for accommodating opening and closing movement of the clamp 104 and for guiding the clamp 104 towards the housing 102 . The clamp portions 132 , 134 are movably coupled to the guide 140 and each clamp portion 132 , 134 includes a guide recess 142 for capturing the guide 140 . In other embodiments, the platform 108 may include rails, tracks, grooves, rollers or other means for guiding the movement of the clamp members 132 , 134 between the retracted and operating positions and between the open and closed positions. In still other embodiments, the clamp 104 is movably suspended above the housing 102 .
[0028] In the present embodiment, the retracted position of the clamp 104 is spaced apart from the housing 102 along a longitudinal axis a aligned with the channel 120 and parallel to the plane of the platform 108 . However, in other embodiments the clamp 104 is movable along other axes or even within other planes. For example, in other embodiments, the clamp 104 is lowered from a position above the housing 102 into the operating position. Likewise, in the present embodiment, the clamp members 132 and 134 are movable along an axis b perpendicular to the axis a within the plane of the platform 108 between the open position and the closed position. In other embodiments, however, the clamp members 132 , 134 are movable from the open position to the closed position along other axes or even within other planes. For example, in other embodiments, the clamp portions 132 and 134 are raised and lowered between the open and closed positions. Furthermore, while in the present embodiment both of the clamp members 132 , 134 move approximately equal distances from their respective open positions to the closed position, as is shown in FIGS. 1-3 , in other embodiments one of the clamp members 132 , 134 moves from an open position to a closed position while the other is stationary, or their relative movements are otherwise unequal.
[0029] Movement of the housing 102 and clamp 104 into respective closed positions and into the operating position may be automated, manual, or power-assisted, or any combination thereof.
[0030] The compressed air 106 and vacuum pump 107 are both in fluid communication with the housing 102 via a fluid or gas line 144 . The gas line 144 , in one embodiment, is detachably couplable to the housing 102 via a quick-connect adaptor 146 . The adaptor 146 is positioned at a rearward end 148 of the lower channel 118 . The adaptor 146 is preferably configured to both direct compressed air 106 and draw a vacuum via the vacuum pump 107 parallel to or in line with the longitudinal axis a of the channel 120 . As is shown in FIGS. 1-3 , a portion 150 of the gas line 144 immediately adjacent the housing 102 is straight or slightly arcuate. In one embodiment, the portion 150 of the gas line 144 has a length of up to about 40 inches. In another embodiment, the portion 150 of the gas line 144 has a length of about the length of the conductive element 160 . The portion 150 of the gas line 144 serves as a holding area for holding all or a portion of the conductive element 160 without deforming the conductive element 160 .
[0031] The system 100 further includes a sensor 152 operationally coupled to the vacuum pump 107 . The sensor 152 is located in the rearward end 148 of the lower channel 118 within the lower housing member 112 . The sensor 152 is configured to sense the presence of the conductive element 164 when loaded into the lower channel 118 . The sensor 152 provides a signal to either or both of the vacuum pump 107 and compressed gas source 106 indicating the presence or absence of the conductive element 160 in the lower channel 118 and may further provide a signal indicating the position of the conductive element 160 relative to a reference features, such as an end of the channel 120 , the needle 125 or the adaptor 146 . This signal may be used to control at least a part of the operation of either or both of the vacuum pump 107 and compressed gas source 106 .
[0032] FIG. 4 shows the system 100 in an intended operating position. As shown in FIG. 4 , a tubular sheath 160 is coupled to the clamp 104 between the clamp members 132 and 134 , and a cable or conductive element 164 is pre-loaded into the gas line 144 . As further shown, a distal end of the sheath 160 is positioned against the housing 102 and over the tip of the needle 125 .
[0033] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method 200 of stringing or inserting the conductive element 164 through the tubular sheath 160 with the system 100 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. A first end of the conductive element 164 is placed in the lower channel 118 and inserted into the rearward end 148 of the lower channel 118 (block 202 ). The sensor 152 senses that the conductive element 164 is in the lower channel 118 and communicates with the vacuum pump 107 (block 204 ). In one exemplary embodiment, upon receiving input from the sensor 152 that the conductive element 164 is loaded into the lower channel 118 , the vacuum pump 107 exerts negative pressure sufficient to withdraw the conductive element 164 from the housing 102 into the portion 150 of the gas line 144 immediately adjacent the housing 102 (block 206 ).
[0034] The strength and duration of the vacuum exerted by the vacuum pump 107 is preferably pre-determined or calculated to bring the conductive element 164 to a particular position within the gas line 144 relative to a reference feature, such as the needle 125 . In this manner, regardless of the length of the conductive element 164 , or how far the operator manually inserts the conductive element 164 into the lower channel portion 118 , the conductive element 164 is moved into a consistent position relative to the needle 125 for stringing into the sheath 160 . In one embodiment, the vacuum pump 107 operates until the sensor 152 indicates that the conductive element 164 is no longer positioned in the channel portion 118 .
[0035] In other embodiments, the vacuum pump 107 is not included. Rather, either the operator is responsible for consistently positioning the conductive element 164 within housing 102 or the system 100 is provided with additional sensors to determine when the conductive element 164 is fully stringed through the sheath 160 .
[0036] The upper housing member 110 is pivoted downward into the closed position (block 208 ) and secured with the locking pin 128 and locking pin receivers 126 a and 126 b , forming the sealed channel 120 (block 210 ). To load the sheath 160 into the clamp 104 , the operator manually places an end 158 of the sheath 160 over the needle 125 (block 212 ) and brings the clamp portions 132 , 134 forward to the operating position on either side of the needle 125 (block 214 ). The first and second portions 138 and 140 are moved into the closed position to clamp the sheath 160 into position over the needle 125 , as is shown in FIG. 4 (block 216 ). As stated above, the passageway 138 is only slightly larger than the needle 125 to facilitate forming a seal over the needle 125 .
[0037] After the conductive element 164 and the sheath 160 have been loaded into the housing 102 and clamp 104 , the compressed air 106 is released or injected into the channel 120 (block 218 ), propelling the conductive element 164 through the needle 125 and into the sheath 160 (block 220 ). The force at which the compressed air 106 is released as well as the duration is calculated to advance the conductive element 164 a pre-determined distance into the sheath 160 . Typically, the conductive element 164 is stringed all the way through to an opposite end of the sheath 160 . According to one embodiment, the system 100 is configured to string a conductive element 164 having a length of up to about 40 inches through a sheath 160 having a length of up to about 40 inches. In other embodiments, the system 100 is configured to string longer or shorter lengths of conductive element 164 and sheath 160 .
[0038] It may be necessary to adjust the position of the conductive element 164 with respect to the sheath 160 the initial stringing process described above. More compressed air 106 may be injected into the sheath 160 to “nudge” the conductive element 164 forward. Once the conductive element 164 is in a satisfactory position within the sheath 160 , the compressed air 106 is de-activated and the clamp portions 132 and 134 are opened, releasing the assembled sheath 160 and conductive element 164 . Alternately, so as to withdraw or back out the conductive element 164 from the sheath 160 , the partially stringed sheath 160 and conductive element 164 are released from the clamp portions 132 and 134 a re-assembled or reloaded into the tool 100 in the reverse direction. The opposite end of the sheath 160 is inserted over the needle 125 and the compressed air 106 is activated to propel the conductive element 160 in the opposite direction in as the initial stringing process.
[0039] The above-described process may be partially automated, in which the operator merely loads the conductive element 164 into the lower channel 118 and places the sheath 160 over the needle 120 as described. Alternately, the operator can also be responsible for opening and closing the housing 102 and clamp 104 and for engaging the various locking mechanisms. The amount of the time the compressed gas 106 and vacuum pump 107 are activated may be automated or subject to the controls of additional sensors, or may be engaged and disengaged under operator control. Various additional safety features can also be employed to prevent injury to the operator. For example, sensors may be employed to allow the compressed air 106 to engage only when either or both of the housing 102 and clamp 104 are in closed positions.
[0040] The force exerted by the compressed gas 106 traveling through the sheath 160 radially expands the sheath 160 , increasing the ease with which the conductive element 164 is propelled through the sheath 160 . However, injection pressure in excess of about 110 psi may cause the sheath to over-expand and rupture. Generally, the mechanical properties and characteristics of the sheath 160 material will determine the maximum injection pressure and the minimum injection pressure necessary to sufficiently radially expand the sheath 160 . For example, if the sheath 160 is constructed of a more rigid material, such as polyurethane, a higher injection pressure may be necessary to expand the sheath 160 to a chosen radius. Furthermore, the differential between the inner diameter of the sheath and the outer diameter of the conductive element will also impact the pressure necessary to string the conductive element.
[0041] The compressed gas 106 is preferably released or injected into the channel 120 at a pressure of from about 90 to about 110 psi. Peripheral fixtures, such as the gas line 144 , adaptor 146 and other such features between the compressed gas 106 and the channel 120 reduce the actual injection pressure. Therefore, the compressed gas 106 is maintained at a sufficiently elevated pressure to achieve the necessary actual injection pressure. Alternately, a pressure booster as is known in the art may be employed with a lower pressure compressed gas 106 to increase the actual injection pressure to adequate levels (not shown). According to one embodiment, the source of compressed gas 106 is maintained under a pressure of about 60 psi and is employed in conjunction with a pressure booster to approximately double the pressure of the compressed gas 106 to 120 psi.
[0042] The following is merely one example of system settings for stringing a conductive element through a sheath. For a conductive element having a diameter of approximately 0.200″+/−0.0015″ and a length of approximately 40″ and a sheath having an interior diameter of approximately 0.022″+/−0.001″ and a wall thickness of approximately 0.008″+/−0.001″, approximately 106 to approximately 120 psi of compressed air is applied for 3 to 10 seconds to fully string the conductive element.
[0043] In one embodiment, the compressed gas 106 is injected into the channel 120 in pulses. The pulses serve to increase the propellant force and reduce the likelihood of the conductive element 164 becoming kinked within the sheath 160 . However, the compressed gas 106 may be injected into the channel 120 in any other pattern or at a constant rate of flow. Pulsing or other variations in injection of the compressed gas 106 may be automated or may be accomplished by manually engaging and disengaging the compressed gas 106 .
[0044] The gas flow creates an air bearing between the interior of the sheath 160 and the conductive element 164 . The air bearing serves to reduce friction between an inner surface 161 of the sheath 160 and the conductive element 164 , further facilitating the insertion of the conductive element 164 through the sheath 160 (See FIG. 4 ).
[0045] Any type of gas may be employed to propel the conductive element 164 through the sheath 160 . According to one embodiment, either of air or nitrogen is employed. Both air and nitrogen are inexpensive, commonly available gases relatively safe for use under pressure.
[0046] FIG. 6 shows a portion of a device 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The device 300 includes a housing 302 and a clamp 304 similar to the embodiment shown generally in FIGS. 1-3 , and like parts are given like numbering. According to the present embodiment, however, a plurality of upper and lower needle portions 360 a and 360 b extend from the upper and lower channels 316 and 318 , respectively. When the upper housing member 310 is in the closed position, the upper and lower needle portions 316 , 318 form a plurality of needles arranged for insertion into a sheath 160 divided into multiple inner lumens. According to various embodiments, the device 300 includes 2, 3 or 4 sets of needle portions 316 , 318 for stringing 2 , 3 or 4 lumens within a single sheath 160 simultaneously.
[0047] In order to ensure that each conductive element advances through separate needles, the conductive elements are not fully withdrawn into the gas line. Rather, a forward end of the conductive elements is positioned in the needle and the upper housing is closed. The pre-loaded conductive element is then stringed through the individual lumens of the sheath.
[0048] In the embodiment of FIG. 6 , the needle portions 316 , 318 are permanently affixed to the housing 302 . In other embodiments, however, all or some of the needle portions 316 , 318 are detachable from the housing 102 individually or as a unit. This allows interchangeability of variously arranged needle units, increasing the versatility of device 300 .
[0049] While the present invention is described generally in terms of manufacturing DBS cable, the methods and devices of the present invention are suitable for any number of applications. For example, the present invention may be used, but is not limited, for stringing non-DBS cables, coil cables, stylets and plastic beats.
[0050] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof. | A method for stringing a first elongate element through a second elongate element is provided by placing the first elongate element in a channel and injecting compressed gas into the channel to propel the first elongate element therethrough. The channel has a first open end, and the second elongate element is sealed around the first open end. Compressed gas is injected into the channel towards the second elongate element, propelling the first elongate element through the second elongate element. Also disclosed is a system for performing such a method, including a source of compressed gas and a housing having a channel with a first end and a second open end. The first end is in fluid communication with the source of compressed gas. The channel has a tapered portion adjacent the open end of the channel, and the channel defines a straight longitudinal axis between the first end and the second open end. | 29,548 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to book holders and, in particular, to an opened book holding device which permits a book to be held open at a selected pair of adjacent pages.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Reading a book usually requires the use of at least one of the hands of the reader. Generally both hands are required. This requirement arises because of the tendency of some books to self close either due to the resilience of the spine of the book, or for some external reason such as a breeze turning a page. Often the reader's hands are required simply because there are no other means to support the book at a convenient reading angle and reading distance.
[0003] Manually holding a book open for an extended period can be tiring, particularly for the elderly and infirm. Holding a book open is also inconvenient, for example, where a student requires their hands to make notes. Holding a book open can also cause discomfort, for example, on a cold winter's night.
[0004] In the past various ways and means have been devised to support books at a convenient angle. The simplest of these is a lectern or other inclined surface. Some of these devices go further and hold the pages of the book open as well. Yet other known devices also extend to turning pages of a book.
[0005] However, many of these devices are complicated to both manufacture and to use. The known devices can be arduous to use, especially where turning a page is involved. Other devices suffer from various disadvantages.
[0006] For example, clear plastic cook book covers are known to hold cooking or recipe books open at the page displaying a recipe, and also inclined at a convenient reading angle. However, such devices often cause distracting reflections and are very inconvenient for page turning.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention is to provide an opened book holding device to permit an open book to be held open at a selected pair of adjacent pages with the book being held at a convenient angle and distance from the reader.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an opened book holding device to permit an opened book to be held open at a selected pair of adjacent pages, said device including:
[0009] a base;
[0010] a lip extending upwardly from said base and dimensioned to abut with a lower edge of said book;
[0011] at least one cover support mounted on said base and dimensioned to support a corresponding outer cover of said book; and
[0012] biasing means to resiliently bias the or each said cover support towards said lip;
[0013] wherein said lip and said cover support(s) are dimensioned to resiliently clamp said opened book therebetween.
[0014] In preferred embodiments, the device includes a pair of said cover supports each of which is independently resiliently biased. More preferably, the cover support(s) are adjustably mounted on said base to alter the degree of inclination thereof relative to said base.
[0015] Preferably, the cover support(s) are selectively inclinable relative to said base into any one of a plurality of pre-selected positions, and the cover support(s) are hingedly mounted to said base.
[0016] In preferred embodiments, said cover support(s) are formed as a cantilever which constitutes said biasing means.
[0017] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of holding open a selected pair of adjacent pages of a book having a front cover, a back cover, and a plurality of pages, said method including the steps of:
[0000] (i) opening said book at said selected pair of adjacent pages;
(ii) placing said front cover and said back cover on a cover support means; and
(iii) resiliently urging said cover support means towards a lip to abut said book with said lip to thereby clamp said book between said lip and said cover support means.
[0018] In preferred embodiments, the method includes the step of adjustably mounting said cover supports to a base such that said cover supports inclination angle can be altered.
[0019] It can therefore be seen that there is provided an opened book holding device that permits an open book to be held open at a selected pair of adjacent pages while the book is held at a convenient angle and distance from the reader.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an opened book holding device according to a first preferred embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing a book held in the device;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view from above of an opened book holding device according to another preferred embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 ;
[0025] FIG. 5 is an exploded rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 ;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the device of FIG. 5 in an inclined configuration;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a side elevation of the device of FIG. 5 in another inclined configuration; and
[0028] FIG. 8 is a rear elevation about a centre line of the device of FIGS. 5 to 7 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the device 10 of the first preferred embodiment is formed from a base 7 , a rear wall 8 and front wall 2 . The front wall 2 is provided with a pair of lips 1 which each extends approximately half way across the width of the device 10 and is preferably divided in two by a bight 6 . The blight 6 extends through the lip 1 and part way through the front wall 2 .
[0030] Extending from the rear wall 8 in cantilever fashion are two cover supports 3 which are separated by a gap 5 which terminates in a bight 9 in the rear wall 8 .
[0031] The length of the cover supports 3 is preferably selected so as to enable the free ends of the cover supports 3 to engage the lips 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1 . The natural resilience of the plastics material ensures that the cover supports 3 are urged upwardly in the direction of arrows 4 as seen in FIG. 1 .
[0032] In use, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , the spine 12 of a book 13 is aligned with, and protrudes into, the gap 5 . The cover supports 3 are depressed by engaging them with the front and rear covers (obscured in FIG. 2 ) of the book 13 . The book 13 is held open at the two adjacent pages which the reader wishes to read and the lower edge of each of these pages is located under the lip 1 so as not to in any way obscure the text printed on the pages.
[0033] In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 the natural resilience of the cover support 3 means that the book 13 is effectively clamped between the cover supports 3 and lips 1 . The front wall 2 prevents the book from moving further under the lips 1 than the intended overlap.
[0034] If the reader wishes to turn the page, two possible mechanisms are able to be used. In the first, the book 13 is pushed away from the reader, lifted clear of lip 1 , the page turned, and the book replaced by reversing the sequence. Alternatively, one side (eg the right side) of the book 13 can be depressed and the corresponding (right) page turned by being slid out from underneath the corresponding (right) lip 1 . The right page is then turned over so as to lie above the other (left) side of the book which is in turn depressed so as to permit the turned page to be located under the corresponding (left) lip 1 .
[0035] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the mechanical arts that the height of the book is not restricted by the length of the cover supports 3 . Also, that the width of the pages is not restricted by the width of the lips 1 .
[0036] Furthermore, it is not necessary for the free ends of the cover supports 3 to engage with the lips 1 , it is only necessary for the cover supports 3 to be of a length sufficient to clamp the book 13 between the cover supports 3 and the lips 1 . If the cover supports 3 are made too short, the book 13 will develop a tendency to be rotated about the upper edges of the lips 1 into a more upright position than is desired.
[0037] In an alternative arrangement to that illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , only the covers of the book 13 are clamped between the lips 1 and cover supports 3 (not illustrated) so that all the pages may be turned freely if desired.
[0038] An advantage of having two cover supports 3 is that a thick book 13 can be clamped with vastly different numbers of pages clamped between each pair of lips 1 and the corresponding cover support 3 . The gap 5 accommodates the spine 12 of the book 13 .
[0039] Turning now to FIGS. 3 to 8 , there is shown another preferred embodiment of a book holding device 20 . A rear wall 28 , front wall 22 and lips 21 are substantially as before. However, in this embodiment these members are rotatably mounted from a base 27 and are able to be supported in a number of positions by means of a C-shaped wire brace 24 .
[0040] As best shown in FIG. 8 , the base 27 preferably includes four rubber feet 29 extending from an underside of the base 27 which ensure good frictional engagement between the base 27 and a supporting table, for example. The brace 24 is rotatably mounted adjacent the mid point of the rear wall 28 and is engagable with any one of a number of anchor points 30 formed in the base 27 to selectively incline the front and rear walls 23 and 28 . The cover supports 23 are cantilevered as before and are again preferably dimensioned so as to be engagable with the lips 21 as indicated in FIG. 4 .
[0041] The foregoing describes only two embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, it is possible for the bight 6 , gap 5 and bight 9 of FIG. 1 not to be utilized so that only a single lip and a single cover support are created. This is less advantageous, however. Furthermore, rather than rely on the natural resilience of the material from which the rear wall 8 , 28 and cover supports 3 , 23 are fabricated, the necessary resilience can be provided by a block of rubber or other elastomer wedged into the nip between the cover supports 3 , 23 and real wall 8 , 28 .
[0042] Also the base 7 , 27 or real wall 8 , 28 can include clamps for attachment to table edges, chair arms (including wheel chairs), and the like. The base or real wall can also be mounted on an upstand extending from a floor thereby permitting use alongside a bed or lounge chair.
[0043] Similarly, the base 27 can be dispensed with and the brace 24 used in the manner of a support for a photographic frame. In a further modification, the page engaging surfaces of the lip(s) 1 can be friction enhanced by, for example, knurling or adhering a frictional material thereon. | A device to hold an open book at an open page is disclosed in which the page is clamped between a lip ( 1, 21 ) and a resilient book cover support ( 3, 23 ). Two embodiments of the device ( 10, 20 ) are disclosed, the former being fabricated as a single piece, the latter being able to be folded for compact packaging. In either case pages of the open book can be turned at will. | 11,810 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of: U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/495,971, filed Jun. 11, 2011, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/495,961, filed Jun. 11, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/495,968, filed Jun. 11, 2011. This application is further related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/493,921, filed Jun. 11, 2012, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to methods and apparatuses for beamforming microphone arrays. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatuses with multiple configurations of beamforming microphone arrays for teleconferencing applications.
BACKGROUND
In a typical telepresence application, such as, for example, teleconferencing, a loudspeaker may be located on top, bottom or side of a television set, a microphone may be located in line with the television set and a participant sits in line with a television for the audio conferencing part of it.
Many improvements have been made in teleconferencing and video conferencing systems, which may use microprocessors and software to accomplish a wide variety of system tasks and signal processing algorithms to improve on, compress, and even encrypt video and audio streams. Some teleconferencing applications may include multiple microphones in an array to better capture acoustic patterns of a room and the participants in the room. However, arrayed microphones can cause their own problems with duplicate coverage and echoing.
There is a need for methods and apparatuses including microphone arrays to adapt automatically to multiple configurations and placements of the microphone arrays.
BRIEF SUMMARY
Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods and apparatuses including microphone arrays to adapt automatically to multiple configurations and placements of the microphone arrays.
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of sensing acoustic waves for a conferencing application. The method includes sensing acoustic waves with a plurality of directional microphones oriented to cover a corresponding plurality of direction vectors. An orientation of a housing bearing the plurality of directional microphones is sensed and the method automatically adjusts a signal-processing characteristic of one or more of the plurality of directional microphones responsive to the sensed orientation.
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a conferencing apparatus, which includes a plurality of directional microphones oriented to cover a corresponding plurality of direction vectors and disposed in a housing. An orientation sensor is configured to generate an orientation signal indicative of an orientation of the housing. A processor is operably coupled to the plurality of directional microphones and the orientation sensor. The processor is configured to automatically adjust a signal-processing characteristic of one or more directional microphones of the plurality of directional microphones responsive to the orientation signal.
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a conferencing apparatus, which includes a beamforming microphone array, each microphone of the beamforming microphone array includes a directional microphone configured to sense acoustic waves from a direction vector substantially different from other microphones in the beamforming microphone array. An orientation sensor is configured to generate an orientation signal indicative of an orientation of the beamforming microphone array. A memory is configured for storing computing instructions and a processor is operably coupled to the beamforming microphone array, the orientation sensor, and the memory. The processor is configured to execute the computing instructions to automatically adjust a signal-processing characteristic of one or more of the directional microphones responsive to the orientation signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a conferencing apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 illustrates geometrical representations of a beam for a directional microphone;
FIG. 3 illustrates a top view and a side view of a conference room including participants and a conferencing apparatus disposed on a table and illustrating beams that may be formed by a beamforming microphone array disposed in the conferencing apparatus;
FIG. 4 illustrates a top view and a side view of a conference room including participants and a conferencing apparatus depending from a ceiling and illustrating beams that may be formed by a beamforming microphone array disposed in the conferencing apparatus;
FIG. 5 illustrates a top view and a side view of a conference room including participants and a conferencing apparatus disposed on a wall and illustrating beams that may be formed by a beamforming microphone array disposed in the conferencing apparatus;
FIG. 6 illustrates elements involved in sensing acoustic waves with a plurality of directional microphones and signal processing that may be performed on the sensed acoustic waves;
FIG. 7 illustrates processing involved in sensing acoustic waves wherein signals from all of the directional microphones are combined, then acoustic echo cancellation is performed on the combined signal to create a combined echo canceled signal;
FIG. 8 illustrates processing involved in sensing acoustic waves wherein acoustic echo cancellation is performed on signals from each of the directional microphones, then the echo canceled signals are combined, to create a combined echo canceled signal;
FIG. 9 illustrates processing involved in sensing acoustic waves wherein a subset of signals from the directional microphones are combined, then acoustic echo cancellation is performed one or more of the combined signals; and
FIG. 10 illustrates computational complexity of various embodiments relative to number of microphones in a beamforming microphone array.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the disclosure in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.
Furthermore, specific implementations shown and described are only examples and should not be construed as the only way to implement or partition the present disclosure into functional elements unless specified otherwise herein. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced by numerous other partitioning solutions.
In the following description, elements, circuits, and functions may be shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Additionally, block definitions and partitioning of logic between various blocks is exemplary of a specific implementation. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced by numerous other partitioning solutions. Those of ordinary skill in the art would understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof. Some drawings may illustrate signals as a single signal for clarity of presentation and description. It will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the signal may represent a bus of signals, wherein the bus may have a variety of bit widths and the present disclosure may be implemented on any number of data signals including a single data signal.
The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A general-purpose processor may be considered a special-purpose processor while the general-purpose processor is configured to execute instructions (e.g., software code) stored on a computer-readable medium. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.
In addition, it is noted that the embodiments may be described in terms of a process that may be depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a process may describe operational acts as a sequential process, many of these acts can be performed in another sequence, in parallel, or substantially concurrently. In addition, the order of the acts may be rearranged.
Elements described herein may include multiple instances of the same element. These elements may be generically indicated by a numerical designator (e.g. 110) and specifically indicated by the numerical indicator followed by an alphabetic designator (e.g., 110A) or a numeric indicator preceded by a “dash” (e.g., 110-1). For ease of following the description, for the most part element number indicators begin with the number of the drawing on which the elements are introduced or most fully discussed. For example, where feasible elements in FIG. 3 are designated with a format of 3xx, where 3 indicates FIG. 3 and xx designates the unique element.
It should be understood that any reference to an element herein using a designation such as “first,” “second,” and so forth does not limit the quantity or order of those elements, unless such limitation is explicitly stated. Rather, these designations may be used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to first and second elements does not mean that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner. In addition, unless stated otherwise, a set of elements may comprise one or more elements.
Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods and apparatuses including microphone arrays to adapt automatically to multiple configurations and placements of the microphone arrays.
FIG. 1 illustrates a conferencing apparatus 100 for practicing embodiments of the present disclosure. The conferencing apparatus 100 may include elements for executing software applications as part of embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, the system 100 is configured for executing software programs containing computing instructions and includes one or more processors 110 , memory 120 , one or more communication elements 150 , and user interface elements 130 . The system 100 may also include storage 140 . The conferencing apparatus 100 may be included in a housing 190 .
The one or more processors 110 may be configured for executing a wide variety of applications including the computing instructions for carrying out embodiments of the present disclosure.
The memory 120 may be used to hold computing instructions, data, and other information for performing a wide variety of tasks including performing embodiments of the present disclosure. By way of example, and not limitation, the memory 120 may include Synchronous Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Flash memory, and the like.
Information related to the system 100 may be presented to, and received from, a user with one or more user interface elements 130 . As non-limiting examples, the user interface elements 130 may include elements such as displays, keyboards, mice, joysticks, haptic devices, microphones, speakers, cameras, and touchscreens.
The communication elements 150 may be configured for communicating with other devices or communication networks. As non-limiting examples, the communication elements 150 may include elements for communicating on wired and wireless communication media, such as for example, serial ports, parallel ports, Ethernet connections, universal serial bus (USB) connections IEEE 1394 (“firewire”) connections, Bluetooth wireless connections, 802.1 a/b/g/n type wireless connections, and other suitable communication interfaces and protocols.
The storage 140 may be used for storing relatively large amounts of non-volatile information for use in the computing system 100 and may be configured as one or more storage devices. By way of example, and not limitation, these storage devices may include computer-readable media (CRM). This CRM may include, but is not limited to, magnetic and optical storage devices such as disk drives, magnetic tapes, CDs (compact disks), DVDs (digital versatile discs or digital video discs), and other equivalent storage devices.
Software processes illustrated herein are intended to illustrate representative processes that may be performed by the systems illustrated herein. Unless specified otherwise, the order in which the process acts are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and acts described as occurring sequentially may occur in a different sequence, or in one or more parallel process streams. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that many steps and processes may occur in addition to those outlined in flow charts. Furthermore, the processes may be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combinations thereof.
When executed as firmware or software, the instructions for performing the processes may be stored on a computer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium includes, but is not limited to, magnetic and optical storage devices such as disk drives, magnetic tape, CDs (compact disks), DVDs (digital versatile discs or digital video discs), and semiconductor devices such as RAM, DRAM, ROM, EPROM, and Flash memory.
By way of non-limiting example, computing instructions for performing the processes may be stored on the storage 140 , transferred to the memory 120 for execution, and executed by the processors 110 . The processor 110 , when executing computing instructions configured for performing the processes, constitutes structure for performing the processes and can be considered a special-purpose computer when so configured. In addition, some or all portions of the processes may be performed by hardware specifically configured for carrying out the processes.
In some embodiments, an orientation sensor 160 may be included. As a non-limiting example, accelerometers configured to sense acceleration in at least two substantially orthogonal directions may be used. As another non-limiting example, a multi-axis accelerometer may be used. Of course, other types of position sensors may also be used, such as for example magnetometers to sense magnetic fields of the Earth.
Single- and multi-axis models of accelerometers may be used to detect magnitude and direction of the proper acceleration (i.e., g-force), and can be used to sense orientation. Orientation can be sensed because gravity acting on the accelerometers can detect direction of weight changes. The proper acceleration measured by an accelerometer is the acceleration associated with the phenomenon of weight experienced by any mass at rest in the frame of reference of the accelerometer device. For example, an accelerometer can measure a value of “g” in the upward direction when remaining stationary on the ground, because masses on the Earth have weight (i.e., mass*g). Another way of stating this phenomenon is that by measuring weight, an accelerometer measures the acceleration of the free-fall reference frame (i.e., the inertial reference frame) relative to itself.
One particular type of user interface element 130 used in embodiments of the present disclosure is a plurality of directional microphones 135 , which can be configured as a beamforming microphone array 135 .
Thus, an orientation sensor 160 configured with accelerometers mounted in the housing 190 can be used to determine the orientation of the housing 190 . With the beamforming microphone array 135 also mounted in the housing 190 , the orientation of the beamforming microphone array 135 is easily determined because it is in a fixed position relative to the housing.
Directional microphones are often used in a teleconference to capture participant's audio. In a teleconference, microphones are usually placed on a table or hanged from ceiling and are manually positioned so that a participant audio is in the pick-up pattern of the microphone. Since, pick-up patterns of these microphones are fixed, more often than not one type of microphone, say a tabletop microphone, may not work for another type of installation, say a ceiling installation. Thus, an installer may need to know the type of installation (e.g., tabletop or ceiling), angle of participant's relative to the microphones, and the number of participants before installing a correct set of microphones.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the conferencing apparatus 100 uses a beamforming microphone array 135 that can be installed in a number of positions and configuration and beams for the microphones can be adjusted with base level configurations or automatically and adaptively bring participants into the pick-up pattern of the beamforming microphone array 135 based on the orientation and placement of the conferencing apparatus 100 .
Directional microphones may be used in conferencing applications to perform spatial filtering to improve audio quality. These microphones have a beam pattern that selectively picks up acoustic waves in a region of space and rejects others.
FIG. 2 illustrates geometrical representations of a beam for a directional microphone. A direction vector 210 of the beam extends from the microphone. The beam pattern for a microphone is usually specified with an azimuth angle 220 , an elevation angle 230 , and a beamwidth 240 . Of course, the beamwidth 240 will have a three-dimensional quality to it and FIG. 2 illustrates a projection of the beam width 240 onto the X-Y plane. Not only should a participant face a microphone, the location of the participant's mouth relative to the microphone should be in the beam pattern as well for good quality of the participant's audio.
Beamforming is a signal processing technique carried out by the processor 110 using input from the beamforming microphone array 135 . Various signal-processing characteristics of each of the microphones in the beamforming microphone array 135 may be modified. The signals from the various microphones may be combined such that that signals at particular angles experience constructive interference while others experience destructive interference. Thus, beamforming can be used to achieve spatial selectivity such that certain regions can be emphasized (i.e., amplified) and other regions can be de-emphasized (i.e., attenuated). As a non-limiting example, the beam-forming processing may be configured to attenuate sounds that originate from the direction of a door to a room.
Beamforming may use interference patterns to change the directionality of the array. In other words, information from the different microphones may be combined in a way where the expected pattern of radiation is preferentially observed. Beamforming techniques may involve combining delayed signals from each microphone at slightly different times so that every signal reaches the output at substantially the same time.
Moreover, signals from each microphone may be amplified by a different amount. Different weighting patterns may be used to achieve the desired sensitivity patterns. As a non-limiting example, a main lobe may be produced together with nulls and sidelobes. As well as controlling the main lobe width (the beam) and the sidelobe levels, the position of a null can be controlled. This is useful to ignore noise in one particular direction, while listening for events in other directions. Adaptive beamforming algorithms may be included to automatically adapt to different situations.
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a beamforming microphone array, where elevation angle of the beam can be programmed with software default settings or automatically adapted for an application. In some embodiments, various configurations for the conferencing apparatus, such as tabletop, ceiling, and wall configurations can be automatically identified with the orientation sensor 160 in the conferencing apparatus 100 .
FIG. 3 illustrates a top view and a side view of a conference room including participants and a conferencing apparatus 100 disposed on a table and illustrating beams that may be formed by a beamforming microphone array 135 disposed in the conferencing apparatus 100 . Beams 321 , 322 , 323 , 324 , 325 , and 326 can be configured with direction, beamwidth, amplification levels, and interference patterns to obtain quality coverage of participants, 311 , 312 , 313 , 314 , 315 , and 316 , respectively.
FIG. 4 illustrates a top view and a side view of a conference room including participants and a conferencing apparatus 100 depending from a ceiling and illustrating beams that may be formed by a beamforming microphone array 135 disposed in the conferencing apparatus. Beams 421 , 422 , 423 , 424 , 425 , and 426 can be configured with direction, beamwidth, amplification levels, and interference patterns to obtain quality coverage of participants, 411 , 412 , 413 , 414 , 415 , and 416 , respectively.
FIG. 5 illustrates a top view and a side view of a conference room including participants and a conferencing apparatus 100 disposed on a wall and illustrating beams that may be formed by the beamforming microphone array 135 disposed in the conferencing apparatus 100 . Beams 521 , 522 , 523 , 524 , 525 , and 526 can be configured with direction, beamwidth, amplification levels, and interference patterns to obtain quality coverage of participants, 511 , 512 , 513 , 514 , 515 , and 516 , respectively.
In FIGS. 3-5 , the azimuth angles and beamwidths may be fixed to cover desired regions. As a non-limiting example, the six beams illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 can each be configured with beamwidths of 60 degrees with the beamforming microphone array 135 . The elevation angle of each beam is designed to cover most people sitting at a table. As a non-limiting example, an elevation angle of 30 degrees may cover most tabletop applications. On the other hand, for a ceiling application, the elevation angle is usually higher as shown in FIG. 4 . As a non-limiting example, an elevation angle closer to 60 degrees may be appropriate for a ceiling application. Finally, for a wall application, as shown in FIG. 5 , the elevation angle may be appropriate at or near zero degrees.
While these default elevation angles may be defined for each of the orientations, the user, installer, or both, have flexibility to change the elevation angle with software settings at the time of installation, before a conference, or during a conference.
A beamforming microphone array substantially improves audio quality in teleconferencing applications. Furthermore, some embodiments of the present disclosure use a teleconferencing solution with a beamforming microphone array that incorporates acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) to enhance full duplex audio quality.
For high quality in teleconferencing applications, audio of the far-end participant picked up by directional microphones of the beamforming microphone array 135 can be canceled before transmitting. This is achieved by an acoustic echo canceler (AEC) that uses the loudspeaker audio of the far-end participant as a reference. In case of the beamforming microphone array 135 , there are multiple ways of doing acoustic echo cancellation in combination with beamforming.
Two strategies, “AEC first” and “beamformer first,” have been proposed to combine an acoustic echo canceler with a beamforming microphone array. The “beamformer first” method performs beamforming on microphone signals and subsequently echo cancellation is applied on the beamformed signals. The “beamformer first” method is relatively computational friendly but requires continuous learning in the echo canceler due to changing characteristics of the beamformer. Often these changes renders the “beamformer first” method impractical for good conferencing systems.
On the other hand, an “echo canceler first” system applies echo cancellation on each microphone signal and subsequently beamforming is applied on the echo canceled signals. The “AEC first” system provides better echo cancellation performance but is computationally intensive as the echo cancellation is applied for every microphone in the microphone array. The computational complexity increases with an increase in the number of microphones in the microphone array. This computational complexity often limits the number of microphones used in a microphone array and therefore prevents achievement of the substantial benefit from the beamforming algorithm with more microphones.
Embodiments of the present disclosure implement a conferencing solution with beamformer and echo canceler in a hybrid configuration with a “beamformer first” configuration to generate a number of fixed beams followed by echo cancelers for each fixed beam. This hybrid configuration allows an increase in the number of microphones for better beamforming without the need for additional echo cancelers as the number of microphones is increased. Also, the echo cancelers do not need to continually adapt because as the number of fixed beams may be held constant. Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure provide good echo cancellation performance and the increase in the computational complexity for large number microphones is smaller than the “AEC first” methods.
FIG. 6 illustrates elements involved in sensing acoustic waves with a plurality of microphones and signal processing that may be performed on the sensed acoustic waves. In an acoustic environment on the left of FIG. 6 , an acoustic source 610 (e.g., a participant) may generate acoustic waves 612 . In addition, speakers 620 A and 620 B may generate acoustic waves 622 A and 622 B, respectively. A beamforming microphone array 135 senses the acoustic waves ( 612 , 622 A, and 622 B). Amplifiers 632 may filter and modify the analog signals to the speakers 620 A and 620 B and from the beamforming microphone array 135 . Converters 640 in the form of analog-to-digital converters and digital-to-analog converters convert signals between the analog domain and the digital domain. In some embodiments, the converters 640 may be coupled to the amplifiers 632 via cables 634 . Various signal-processing algorithms may be performed on the digital signals, such as, for example, acoustic echo cancelation 650 , beamforming 660 , and noise suppression 670 . Resulting digital signals may be then transmitted, such as, for example through a voice over Internet Protocol application 680 .
Broadly, two configurations for the signal processing may be considered: “beamformer first” and “echo canceler first.” The following discussion concentrates primarily on the signal processing operations and how beamforming and acoustic echo cancelation may be performed in various configurations. Generally, in FIGS. 7 through 9 thicker lines represent multichannel signals with the number of lines illustrated, whereas thinner lines represent a single channel signal.
FIG. 7 illustrates processing involved in sensing acoustic waves wherein signals from all of the directional microphones are combined, then acoustic echo cancellation is performed on the combined signal to create a combined echo canceled signal. The beamforming microphone array 135 generates a set of N microphone signals 138 . This “beamformer first” configuration uses the microphone signals 138 to define a beam in the direction indicated by a direction-of-arrival (DOA) determination process 750 . The DOA determination process 750 directs a beamforming process 730 to properly combine the microphone signals 138 into a combined signal 735 . An acoustic echo canceler 740 then performs acoustic echo cancellation on the combined signal 735 to create a combined echo-canceled signal 745 .
FIG. 8 illustrates processing involved in sensing acoustic waves wherein acoustic echo cancellation is performed on signals from each of the directional microphones, then the echo canceled signals are combined, to create a combined echo-canceled signal. The beamforming microphone array 135 generates a set of N microphone signals 138 . In this “AEC first” configuration, an acoustic echo cancel process 830 performs acoustic echo cancellation on each microphone signal 138 separately. Thus, a set of N echo-canceled signals 835 are presented to a beamforming process 840 . A DOA determination process 850 directs a beamforming process 840 to properly combine the echo-canceled signals 835 into a combined echo-canceled signal 845 . Since echo is canceled beforehand in the “AEC first” method, the echo canceler performance is not affected by beam switches. On the other hand, the “AEC first” configuration first cancels the echo from the audio of each directional microphone and the beam is created from N echo-canceled signals in the direction pointed to by the DOA determination process 850 . In terms of spatially filtering the audio, both configurations are substantially equivalent.
However, echo cancellation performance can be significantly different from one application to another. Specifically, as the beam is moving, the echo canceler needs to readjust. In a typical conferencing situation, talker directions keep switching and, therefore, the echo canceler needs to readjust, which may result into residual echo in the audio sent to the far end.
While the “AEC first” configuration provides acceptable performance for the beamformer/AEC implementation, the computational complexity of this configuration is significantly higher than the “beamformer first” configuration. Moreover, the computation complexity to implement the “AEC first” configuration increases significantly as the number of microphones used to create beam increases. Therefore, for given computational complexity, the maximum number of microphones that can be used for beamforming is lower for the “AEC first” configuration than the “beamformer first” configuration. Using comparatively more number of microphones can increase audio quality of the participants, especially when a participant moves farther away from the microphones.
FIG. 9 illustrates processing involved in sensing acoustic waves wherein a subset of signals from the directional microphones are combined, then acoustic echo cancellation is performed one or more of the combined signals. The beamforming microphone array 135 generates a set of N microphone signals 138 . In this hybrid configuration, a beamforming process 930 forms M fixed beams 935 from N microphone signals 138 . An acoustic echo cancel process 940 performs acoustic echo cancellation on each of the M fixed beams 935 separately. As a result M combined echo-canceled signals 945 are generated. A multiplexer 960 controlled by the DOA determination process 950 selects one of the M combined echo-canceled signals 945 as a final output signal 965 .
In order to balance computation complexity of the complete system and number of microphones to do beamforming, the configuration of FIG. 9 creates M combined echo-canceled signals 945 to present as the final output signal 965 .
In teleconferencing application including beamforming, increasing the number of beams does not add as much benefit as increasing the number of microphones. Therefore, while a large number of microphones may be used to create good beam pattern in the hybrid configuration, the increase in computational complexity due to additional echo cancelers is significantly smaller than the “AEC first” configuration. Furthermore, since the beam is selected after the echo cancellation, echo cancellation performance is not affected due to change in the beam location. It should be noted that the number of echo cancelers does not need to change with a changing number of microphones. Furthermore, since the beamforming is done before the echo cancellation, the echo canceler also performs better than the “AEC first” setup.
FIG. 10 illustrates computational complexity of various embodiments relative to number of microphones in a beamforming microphone array. The computational complexity for various configurations and number of microphones was calculated in terms of required million-multiplications per second (MMPS) and is shown in FIG. 10 . It can be seen that the computational complexity for all methods increase as the number of microphones increase. However, the increase in the computational complexity for the “beamformer first” configuration and the hybrid configuration is much smaller than that of the “AEC first” configuration. With low computational complexity, and the fact that the implementation of the hybrid configuration has less chance of errors in the echo cancellation as a talker's direction switches, the hybrid configuration a good balance between quality and computational complexity for audio conferencing systems.
While the present disclosure has been described herein with respect to certain illustrated embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and appreciate that the present invention is not so limited. Rather, many additions, deletions, and modifications to the illustrated and described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed along with their legal equivalents. In addition, features from one embodiment may be combined with features of another embodiment while still being encompassed within the scope of the invention as contemplated by the inventor. | Embodiments include methods and apparatuses for sensing acoustic waves for a conferencing application. A conferencing apparatus includes a plurality of directional microphones oriented to cover a corresponding plurality of direction vectors and disposed in a housing. An orientation sensor is configured to generate an orientation signal indicative of an orientation of the housing. A processor is operably coupled to the plurality of directional microphones and the orientation sensor. The processor is configured to automatically adjust a signal processing characteristic of one or more directional microphones of the plurality of directional microphones responsive to the orientation signal. | 35,969 |
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 464,613, filed Feb. 7, 1983, now abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an improved soil tillage implement and more particularly to a tillage implement utilizing a specific combination of discs and chisel plows supported by a unique frame and especially useful for fall tillage particularly in fields having a high stubble content such as cornfields.
Subsequent to fall harvest, it is often desirable to plow the harvested field so that during the winter season the stubble in the field will decompose. Fall plowing also permits soil in a field to absorb moisture from winter snow and rain. Typically, fall plowing is done with a mold board plow or a gang of mold board plows. Plowing with mold board plows is especially necessary in harvested cornfields since the rubble and stubble associated with a cornfield will clog a chisel plow and prevent proper plowing of a field with such a chisel plow. Alternatively, a chisel plow may be used if extensive chopping or discing of the field occurs prior to chisel plowing. However, chopping or discing is a separate operation which adds to the cost of field preparation. Therefore, plowing with a mold board plow is the normal practice.
A potential disadvantage associated with mold board plowing results because the soil is completely turned over and buries the field rubble exposing the soil to erosion due to wind and water flow. Additionally, since air cannot get at the field stubble, decomposition of the stubble may be prevented particularly when the top layer of soil freezes. For this reason, it is often desirable to disc a cornfield in the fall and subsequently plow the field in the spring with chisel plows or mold board plows.
The present invention contemplates an improved combination disc and chisel plow of a special construction mounted on a unique frame which permits fall soil preparation in a field having a great deal of stubble such as a cornfield.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, the present invention comprises a frame with a hitch projecting from the forward end of the frame and a running gear positioned at the rear end of the frame. The running gear is designed to raise and lower the frame between a non-operating and an operating position while the hitch is maintained at a fixed position. Transverse tool bars are attached to the frame and support a series of discs for chopping field stubble and cutting into the soil. Positioned behind the discs are a series of special chisel plows arranged in a wedge configuration.
In operation, the frame is gradually lowered at its rear end when beginning a row. As the frame is initially lowered, the discs initially cut into the soil and stubble and prepare the soil for receipt of the chisel plows as the implement is drawn forward. Continuous lowering of the frame to a desired position permits the chisel plows to enter the soil gradually. The design of the chisel plows insures maintenance of the plows at a desired depth in the soil as the chisel plows move through the soil following the discs which cut and move the soil in front of the chisel plows.
Thus it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved fall tillage implement.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved fall tillage implement which will plow the soil up to one foot in depth.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved fall tillage farm implement which will effect tillage at a greater depth than prior art tillage implements yet which requires the same power as prior implements for moving the implement through a field.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved tillage implement which is movable through a field during the tillage operation at a faster rate than prior art implements and which requires less energy and thus less fuel in order to effect operation.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved fall tillage farm implement which reduces formation of ridges and thereby effects a reduction in erosion in a field tilled with the implement.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved fall tillage farm implement which does not require prior discing or chopping of a harvested field particularly a field having stalks therein such as a cornfield.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved fall tillage farm implement which maintains itself at a fixed level in the soil during the tillage operation and will not "ride out" from the soil.
One further object of the present invention is to provide an improved fall tillage farm implement utilizing a unique chisel plow construction in an array which will not plug or clog during operation of the implement.
These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
In the detailed description which follows, reference will be made to the drawing comprised of the following figures:
FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the improved farm implement of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the implement of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the implement of FIG. 1 with the implement in the raised or road travel position;
FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the implement in FIG. 1 in a partially lowered position upon the beginning of operation of the implement at the beginning of a row; and
FIG. 5 is an enlarged side elevation of the unique chisel plow construction utilized with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring particularly to FIGS. 1-4, the implement of the present invention includes a main frame 10 comprised of a forward cross member 12, a rear cross member 14, side longitudinal members 16 and 18, and a center frame longitudinal member 20 which are welded together to form a rectangular frame. Pivot support arms 22 and 24 extend from the opposite ends of the forward cross member 12. A draw bar 26 is attached to a drawbar cross member 28 which has projecting plates 30 and 32 that are connected by pivot members or pins 34, 36 to the pivot arms 22, 24. A hitch 38 is affixed to the forward end of the drawbar 26 for attachment to a hitch connector 40 associated with a pulling tractor 42.
A turnbuckle 44 is connected between a bracket 46 at the front of the drawbar 26 and a bracket 48 projecting from the forward cross member 12 of the frame 10. The turnbuckle 44 is adjustable in order to adjust the angle of inclination between the drawbar 26 and the frame 10.
Attached to the rear cross member 14 is a running gear comprised of vertical hollow beams 50, 52 which are welded to the outside ends of the cross member 14. A wheel support shaft 54, 55 projects telescopically into each tube 50, 52. Each shaft 54, 55 is connected at its lower end to an axle 56, 58, respectively, which are, in turn, connected to wheels 60, 62, respectively. Each shaft 54, 55 includes a projecting bracket 64 which is connected to a rod 66 associated with a drive cylinder 68. The opposite end of the cylinder 68 is attached to a bracket 70 affixed to the beam 50. Cylinder 68 is a hydraulic cylinder and is controlled through a hydraulic line 71 by means of hydraulic controls 73 mounted on the tractor 42. By controlling the hydraulic actuation of cylinder 68 from the tractor 42, it is possible to raise and lower the wheels 60, 62 simultaneously. Raising and lowering the wheels 60, 62 simultaneously will cause the frame 10 to raise at its rear end and pivot upwardly about the point defined by the attachment of the hitch 38 to the hitch connection 40.
Attached by means of a three point hitch connection to the rear end of the frame 10 is a special chisel plow tool bar assembly 72. Tool bar assembly 72 includes a cross member 74 with projecting brackets 76 and 78. Brackets 76, 78 are pivotally attached to plates 80, 82, respectively, extending from rear frame member 14, by means of pins 84, 86, respectively. The third connection of the three point hitch is a vertical support bracket 88 extending from cross member 74 attached to a turnbuckle 90. The opposite end of the turnbuckle 90 is attached to a vertical support member 92 projecting from the center member 20 of the frame 10. The turnbuckle 90 is adjustable so that the angle of inclination of the assembly 72 may be adjusted. A reinforcing strut 94 connects brackets 48 and 92. The assembly 72 includes inclined outrigger tool bars 96, 98 connected to the center transverse member 74. The bars 96, 98 form an angle of 30° minus 5° plus 10° with respect to the transverse member 74.
Attached at spaced intervals to the member 74 and bars 96, 98 are chisel plows 100. Thus, a chisel plow 100 is positioned substantially at the center of the assembly 72. Spaced therefrom by a distance of at least 15 inches on either side of the center chisel plow 100 are outrigger chisel plows 100. Thus, a series of chisel plows 100 are arranged in a V-shaped configuration. This configuration prevents clogging of the space between the chisel plows 100 and also decreases drag when pulling the chisel plows 100 through a field.
Suspended from the frame 10 are a series of four tool bars 110, 112, 114, 116. The bars 110, 112, 114, 116 are each attached to the frame 10 in the same manner. Thus, a description with respect to the bar 110 applies with respect to the remaining bars 112, 114, 116.
Referring to the figures, the bar 110 includes an inner end opening 118 with a bushing for receipt of a mounting pin. Opening 118 is aligned with an opening 121 associated with a bracket 120 attached to the center member 20 of the frame 10. An attachment pin 122 then fits through the openings 118, 121 to retain the bar 110.
A bracket or gusset plate 124 attached to the outside frame member 18 cooperates with the bar 110 to support the bar 110 on the frame 10. That is, gusset plate 124 is attached to the frame member 18. The gusset plate 124 includes a series of openings 126. Clamp bolts 128 are affixed to appropriate openings 126 to clamp the bar 110 at a desired angle with respect to the frame 10. Thus, the orientation of the bar 110 may be adjusted with respect to the frame 10. Generally the bar 110 is positioned in the range of 5° to 20° from a direction transverse to the frame 10 with a nominal preferred angle of inclination being 15°. The two forward bars 110, 112 are inclined forwardly whereas the two rearward bars 114, 116 are inclined rearwardly with respect to the transverse direction of the frame 10. Also, the forward bars 110, 112 extend outwardly a lesser distance than the rearward bars 114, 116. The reasons for this will become apparent in view of the further description.
Mounting brackets 130 are suspended from the bars 110, 112, 114, 116 and support a series of discs 132. The discs 132 associated with the forward bars 110, 112 are arranged in a position to throw dirt outwardly away from the frame 10. Thus, the discs 132 are arranged with their concave surfaces directed outwardly. Preferably the discs 132 are spaced about 15" apart to avoid plugging and to permit running of the discs 132 through stalks in a cornfield, for example. The discs 132 associated with the rear bars 114, 116 are directed inwardly with their concave surfaces. In this manner, dirt which has been thrown outwardly due to the forward discs 132 on bars 110, 112 will be redirected inwardly by the discs 132 associated with the rearward bars 114, 116. Also, since the forward discs 132 initially throw soil outwardly, the rear discs 132 are spaced a greater distance from the frame 10 to thereby redirect the soil to its original position. Positioning of the rear discs 132 therefore necessitates longer rear tool bars 114, 116.
The discs 132 are arranged so that they will cut 4" to 5" in the soil during normal operating of the implement. Preferably, however, the discs 132 on the rearward bars 114, 116 have a greater diameter than those on the forward bars 110, 112 so that the rearward discs 132 will cut more deeply into the ground.
FIG. 5 illustrates the special construction of the chisel plow 100 of the invention which is mounted on the bracket assembly 72. Thus, a chisel plow 100 shown in FIG. 5 includes a mounting bracket 140 which is affixed to a bar, for example, member 74. Depending from the bracket 140 are spaced support plates 142 which include a front surface 144 that is angled rearwardly. Retained by the support plates 142 is a chisel bar 146. Chisel bar 146 has an arcuate shape which defines a smooth transition from surface 144 to the direction of implement travel. The arcuate surface of the bar 146 terminates at a fixed point 150 and from that point forward defines a straight, downwardly inclined surface 152. An optional wear plate 154 may be affixed at the forward end of the bar 146.
The straight, inclined surface 152 preferably defines an angle of attack or cut into the soil of about 28° as illustrated. This angle was determined empirically and may vary plus or minus 2°. The particular angle of cutting into the soil is desired in order to maintain the chisel plow 100 at the proper depth in the soil during field operation and prevent the plow from "riding out" of the soil or cutting too deeply into the soil. The surface 152 extends from point 150 at the given angle of inclination for a distance that defines a vertical drop of approximately 8" to 10". In practice it has been found that this particular configuration of chisel plow 100 with the dimensions noted correlates with a depth of operation of the chisel plow 100 of 12". This is significantly deeper than prior art chisel plow constructions.
In operation, the implement of the present invention is initially maintained in the position illustrated in FIG. 3. In this position the wheels 60, 62 are extended by operation of the cylinder 68 associated with each wheel. When in this position, the discs 132 as well as the chisel plows 100 are suspended above the level of the soil though the hitch 38 is maintained at its fixed position relative to the tractor 42 and the soil.
At the beginning of operation of the implement at the beginning of a row in a field, the wheels 60, 62 are lowered gradually to a position, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 as the implement is drawn forward to start a row. When in this position, the forward discs 132 begin to cut into the soil and cut the field stubble while also throwing dirt outwardly from the frame 10. Continuous lowering of the implement as the implement moves forward will cause the rear discs 132 to also engage the soil, cut the stubble and throw the soil inwardly toward the frame 10. Simultaneously the chisel plows 100 begin to cut into the soil which has been agitated and cut by the discs 132. The discs 132 initially engage the soil and field stubble and then the chisel plow 100 engages that soil. This step by step movement prevents the chisel plows 100 from becoming clogged. As the entire implement is moved in a forward direction and lowered, the discs 132 further cut into the soil to their normal operation depth as illustrated in FIG. 1 and the chisel plows 100 also move to their normal operating depth as illustrated in FIG. 1.
The design of the discs 132 and more particularly the design of the chisel plows 100 tend to maintain the chisel plows 100 at an operational depth which is an increased depth relative to prior art structures. The discs 132 cut and move the soil and stubble back and forth eliminating the problem of clogging the chisel plows 100 with field stubble. As a result of the increased depth of penetration of the chisel plows 100, improved moisture flow and herbicide flow into the soil is obtained. Additionally, some of the field stubble is maintained along the top of the field in order to prevent erosion and enhance decomposition of the stubble. Ridging of the soil is also reduced which tends to reduce erosion. A complete fall field plowing operation in a single pass through a field is then possible without additional discing or chopping.
There are many variable settings which may be made with respect to the present implement in order to enhance its operation. That is, the number and spacing of discs, the size of discs, the angle of inclination for the tool bars, the adjustment of the turnbuckles 44 and 90, the arrangement of the chisel plows on the tool bars and the spacing of the chisel plows are all variable in order to enhance the operation of the implement. Thus, while there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is to be limited only by the following claims and their equivalents. | An improved farm implement includes a frame having a forwad hitch which is maintained at a fixed position relative to the remainder of the implement during all stages of operation. The rear end of the frame includes running gear which may be raised and lowered to raise and lower an array of discs and chisel plows in order to cultivate a field, particularly a field which may includes a great amount of field stubble. | 17,081 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a spring-action running and jumping shoe having an upper sole and a lower sole which are connected elastically to each other.
Man's running and jumping capabilities are increased by shoes having elastic soles. For high jumps, a large spring path and large spring force are advantageous, as in trampoline jumping. Spring-action running and jumping shoes of relatively large spring path and large spring force can be used for athletic running and jumping, for jogging and for a jumping sport similar to trampoline jumping.
Many embodiments of spring-action running and jumping shoes are known. In this connection, different types of springs are used, such as coil compression springs, tension springs, leaf springs, rubber and foam-rubber cushions and pneumatic springs. With a spring path of several centimeters, the exact guidance of the lower sole which contacts the ground upon running is a problem. Expensive devices have been described in order to make certain that breaking out of the spring toward the side or toward the front and rear is prevented. When wide leaf springs or similar structural parts are used, the guidance problem is solved. Thus, German Utility Model No. 7701451 describes an embodiment which contains a leaf spring, the front half of which is developed as the outer sole, while its rear end is fastened to the rear end of the upper sole. This embodiment makes it possible upon running to improve the take-off by means of the spring force shortly before the lifting off of the foot. But, one cannot take up the momentum upon placing the heel of the foot down and use it again for the forward drive.
The opposite is true in the case of a V-shaped base fastened below the running show with its point forward, as described in German DE-OS No. 24 24 889. Upon running, the push of the heel is taken up thereby and is converted into an upward and forward thrust. The take-off is not improved thereby, since no spring action is present any longer in this position.
Both of the embodiments described furthermore have the disadvantage that only a part of the leaf spring can fully develop its spring action since it is developed in part as the outer sole. A spring calculation shows that the permissible strength values of spring steel are rapidly exceeded if it is attempted to take up with these springs the spring forces which correspond to several times the weight of the body.
From the above description it is clear that it is advantageous for a spring-action running and jumping shoe to contain two spring actions. The first spring action takes up the upward thrust when the heel is placed down and converts it into an upward and forward thrust during the course of the rolling motion of the foot. The second spring action improves the take-off with the tip of the foot. One complicated device for converting the thrust of the heel into forward thrust is described in DE-OS No. 30 12 945. Simpler embodiments having two springs are described in DE No. 30 17 769A1 and DE No. 30 34 126A1. The latter patent application also contains an embodiment having two leaf springs curved in S shape, wherein one spring is fastened to the front end and one to the rear end of the shoe. The two loose ends of the leaf springs form the outer sole. At least one of the two springs must be divided in two, for reasons of symmetry. Since the width of the shoe is not more than 10 cm, this results in relatively narrow leaf springs of only slight lateral stability. During running, such running shoes therefore tend to move out toward the side or to tilt. They have the further disadvantage that the spring action of the leaf springs is only partly utilized. Therefore, large forces cannot be taken up due to the limited strength of the material.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is to develop a spring-action running and jumping shoe having one spring action in the region of the heel and a second spring action in the region of the front of the foot and also having good forward, rearward and lateral stability and which, with a spring path of several centimeters, takes up by spring action forces which correspond to several times the weight of the body.
In accordance with the invention, the elastic connection between the upper and lower soles of a spring-action running and jumping shoe comprises a leaf spring of approximately the width of the shoe. One end of the spring is fastened to the front or to the rear part of the upper sole and the other end is fastened to the opposite part of the lower sole. In the preferred embodiment, the leaf spring is attached to the front end of the upper sole and to the rear end of the lower sole.
To improve the spring action and so that the spring may rest against one or both of the soles in case of strong loading, either one or both of the underside of the upper sole or the upper side of the lower sole, both of which face the spring, are at least partially arched or support upon themselves arched ribs against which the spring is pressed upon loading.
In an alternate embodiment, the spring itself is curved in arcuate shape along the length. With one or both of the leaf spring or the soles, the arcuate shape of the soles and/or of the leaf spring has a constant curvature.
In a further alternate embodiment, rather than the entire upper sole being attached to the athletic shoe and that, in turn, being attached to the spring at one end of the upper sole, only the front part of the shoe is firmly attached to the upper sole. This permits the foot to tilt forwardly to a great extent. The attachment of the shoe to the upper sole may be at pivoting joint located, for instance, at the front of the shoe, as in a cross-country ski boot connection to the ski.
Alternate additional springs at the front and/or rear of the shoe may be provided, e.g. separate pneumatic springs, which cooperate with the leaf spring to provide the correct lift.
The invention is briefly described by looking at the process of running, using shoes in accordance with the invention. The leaf spring is flat in the unloaded condition. When the heel is set down, the leaf spring is curved in one direction and, upon pushing off with the tip of the foot, it is curved in the other direction (FIGS. 2 and 4). As a result, with only a single leaf spring, two spring actions are obtained, one in the region of the heel and one in the region of the front of the foot. During running, after the heel has been set down and before pushing off with the tip of the foot, the foot effects a rolling movement, which is supported by the spring which is now curved in S shape. This curvature is caused by the heel pressure initially predominating and then by the front of the foot predominating subsequently. The energy stored in the leaf spring by the placing down of the heel is converted, during the rolling process, into an upward and forward thrust. Toward the end of the rolling process, this energy is consumed and the leaf spring is now tensioned only by the action of the front of the foot. The energy stored in the leaf spring by the strong pushing-off motion of the front of the foot is converted into an additional forward and upward thrust when the muscular work has already ceased and the leg is stretched straight.
By the spring-action running and jumping shoe of the invention, the efficiency of the running process is substantially improved and easier and faster running and higher and longer jumping are possible. By the use of leaf springs which utilize the entire width of the shoe or even somewhat more, good forward, rearward and lateral stability is obtained, even in the case of spring paths of several centimeters. Only a little practice is necessary to achieve dependable running and jumping with the shoe of the invention.
One advantage over the prior art is the utilization of the spring action of one leaf spring in two directions, rather than using two springs. As a result, with the same spring action and the same stressing of material, the weight of the spring and the required spring space are reduced by half. Only by this technique is it possible when using leaf springs of high-grade spring steel to take up, with relatively large spring paths, forces which correspond to a multiple of the weight of the body without so increasing the base surface of the shoe or the weight of the shoe that running or jumping is impeded. It is a particular advantage over the prior art that the good properties of spring-action running and jumping shoes in accordance with the invention are obtained at only slight technical expense.
The invention will be described in further detail below with reference to four illustrative embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an athletic shoe provided with the present invention and not under load;
FIG. 2 is the same view of the shoe when the foot first contacts the ground and the heel is closer to the ground than the toe;
FIG. 3 shows the same shoe as the foot is now rolling forward;
FIG. 4 shows the shoe when the foot is is about to leave the ground, with the foot tilted forwardly and the toe is closer to the ground than the heel;
FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a second embodiment of a shoe provided with the invention;
FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a third embodiment thereof; and
FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a fourth embodiment thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
EXAMPLE 1
FIG. 1 shows the construction, in principle, of a spring-action running and jumping shoe according to the invention. A substantially rigid upper sole 1 forms the shoe sole of an athletic shoe 2 which surrounds the foot. However, only a substantially rigid lower sole 3, which is connected via a wide leaf spring 4 to the upper sole 1, contacts the ground. One end of the leaf spring 4 is connected to the front part of the upper sole 1, and the other end of the leaf spring 4 is connected to the rear part of the lower sole 3. The lower sole 3 contains a running covering 5, such as a profiled sole, rubber cleats, spikes or similar devices for improving adherence to the ground at the places where the lower sole touches the ground during running. The width of the leaf spring 4 generally corresponds to the width of the shoe, although it may also be somewhat wider or narrower than it.
The changes occurring during running are now described. FIG. 2 shows how the leaf spring 4 bends when a load is placed on the heel. Upon uniform vertical loading of the foot, the spring 4 bends into an S shape, as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows the conditions when the tip of the foot is placed under load. FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show the stages in running of foot tilting.
In principle, conditions do not change if the one end of the leaf spring 4 is connected to the rear part of the upper sole 1 and the other end of the leaf spring 4 is connected to the front part of the lower sole 3. A shoe which is constructed in this manner is one according to the invention and functions in exactly the same way as the one shown in FIG. 1.
The two soles 1 and 3 need not be parallel to each other when not under load. By a slight front upward tilt position of the upper sole 1, it is possible to increase the take-off power at the expense of the heel thrust, while with a slight front downward tilt position, the reverse is true. In the unloaded condition, the leaf spring 4 may be flat, as shown in FIG. 1, or else arched or S-shaped. The ratio of heel thrust to foot-tip thrust can be influenced by the spring curvature even in the case of parallel soles 1 and 3. In FIG. 8, for example, leaf spring 4 is curved in an arcuate shape having a constant curvature for producing a desired ratio of heel thrust to foot-tip thrust, and soles 1 and 3 are flat and parallel.
In a running and jumping shoe according to the invention, both soles 1 and 3, or one of them, may also be elastic. If the lower sole 3, for instance, is developed as a leaf spring, it will bend in the opposite direction to the leaf spring 4 upon application of load on the foot tip, as shown in FIG. 4. Upon application of load on the heel, an elastic lower sole 3 has no effect in the case of a running and jumping shoe according to FIG. 1. The conditions are reversed if, as described in the alternative above, the leaf spring 4 is attached the other way around.
EXAMPLE 2
The loading of the leaf spring 4 in a running and jumping shoe in Example 1 is greatest just behind the attachment to the soles 1 and 3. In the case of heel loading, as shown in FIG. 2, the spring curvature is, for instance, greatest just behind the attachment to the upper sole 1. In the design of the spring, one must be guided by these critical places, and the spring therefore becomes relatively thick and heavy. The conditions can be improved slightly by a conical development of the springs with respect to the thickness or width. The thinnest place in the spring then lies in the center between the two attachments. Such springs, however, are difficult to manufacture and are therefore expensive. The leaf springs 4 can be dimensioned optimally with respect to their size and weight if one sees to it, by means of a support, that a maximum spring curvature determined by the physical properties of the material cannot be exceeded.
One such running and jumping shoe in accordance with the invention is shown in FIG. 5. Both the upper sole 1 and the lower sole 3 are developed with arches on their opposed sides facing the leaf spring 4, so that the leaf spring 4 can rest against the arched soles upon the application of load. With a flat leaf spring 4 of high-grade tempered spring steel (55Si7) of 5 mm in thickness and 90 mm in width and effective length of 260 mm, a tensile strength of 1200 N/mm 2 is not exceeded if the curved sole parts are formed of sections of a circular path of a radius of 435 mm. These measurements correspond approximately to the conditions shown in FIG. 5. An athlete weighing 75 kg wearing such shoes presses the springs 4 together--in case of uniform standing load on both shoes--by about 11 mm, while when the shoe is loaded by the heel or the tip of the foot with 300N, and therefore with four times the weight of the body, they are pressed together by about 69 mm. In the case of about 10 times the weight of the body, the maximum possible spring path of 75 mm is reached. These values are favorable for normal long-distance running. For fast sprints, the springs must be reinforced, while for broad and high jumps, the spring path must be increased.
Due to considerations of weight, the soles 1 and 3 are not made arcuate over their entire width. It is sufficient if the leaf spring 4 can rest on both sides of the shoe against an arcuate rib. The soles are produced, for instance, as an aluminum casting and contain, in addition to the arcuate ribs, stability-increasing braces and recesses for fastening a leaf spring 4 and the athletic shoe 2 which surrounds the foot. The running and jumping shoes according to the invention which are described in this example have the further advantage over the one described in FIG. 1 of greater assurance against tilting. The possibility of twisting of the leaf springs, which must be avoided by a suitable position of the foot, is greatly reduced by its resting against the arcuate ribs.
Instead of the flat leaf springs 4 provided in this example, curved leaf springs 4 can also be used. The curvature of the soles must then be suitably adapted, and flat or even negatively curved soles may be necessary in order to make certain that the leaf springs rest with the allowable tension.
Materials useful for the arched soles include the aluminum described, but light materials of high stiffness and breaking strength are preferred. Fiber-reinforced plastics satisfy these requirements and can be worked inexpensively into complicated shapes.
EXAMPLE 3
Up to now the simplest possible examples have been described. However, the leaf springs 4 can also be developed with a multiplicity of steps such as is customary, for instance, in the case of automobile springs. Additional springs of another type may also be used. For example, it is advantageous to use separate pneumatic springs 6 in the front and rear parts of the shoe, as shown in FIG. 6. If the pneumatic springs 6 are inflatable by means of a valve 7, the spring force can be adapted to the estimated stresses by different degrees of inflation.
EXAMPLE 4
In Examples 1 to 3, a substantially rigid upper sole 1 has been used which is identical to a shoe sole. However, for dependable running and jumping with shoes in accordance with the invention, it is also sufficient if dependable guidance of the spring 4 and the lower sole 3 is assured by the connecting of the front of the shoe to the leaf spring 4. FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a running and jumping shoe according to the invention in which only the front part of the athletic shoe 2 surrounding the foot is firmly connected to the sole 1. In order to make this clear, FIG. 7 shows the shoe with loading of the front of the foot as in FIG. 4. The rear part of the shoe is in this case lifted off from the upper sole 1 with the toes bent. The take-off behavior is improved, as compared with Examples 1 to 3, and corresponds to running with normal athletic shoes. Upon the setting down of the heel and upon the rolling of the foot during the running motion, the rear part of the shoe touches the upper sole 1. The lifting-off commences only upon the forward thrust with the point of the foot. Very similar conditions are found in cross-country skiing and all devices and measures known in the latter can be adopted here. Thus, it is advisable to provide in the region of the heel on the side of the upper sole 1 facing the shoe 2 a covering 8 forming points, which assures good adherence between shoe sole and upper sole 1. The connecting of the front of the shoe to the leaf spring 4 can also be effected by a swivel joint which is located in the region of the toes or at the tip of the foot.
The Examples indicated above cannot exhaustively describe all advantageous embodiments of running and jumping shoes in accordance with the invention. Only shoes have been described in which the athletic shoe 2 which covers the foot forms a single unit with the other parts of the shoe 1, 3 and 4. However, a running and jumping shoe in accordance with the invention could be provided, in which a normal athletic shoe having a separate lower part comprising an upper sole 1, a lower sole 3 and a leaf spring 4 is attached by a shoe harness which is similar to that used in cross-country skiing.
One advisable addition is to provide protection against dirtying of the leaf springs 4 and of the arcuate guide ribs. This protection can be obtained, for instance, by a rubber sleeve which connects the edges of the two soles 1 and 3 to each other.
It is possible to improve the reliability against tilting by devices which assure substantial parallel guidance of the edges of the soles. This is done, for instance, by scissor-like lever arrangements (not shown) as additional connections between the upper and lower soles.
High-grade tempered spring steel is preferred as the material for the leaf springs, but spring bronzes, fiber-reinforced plastics and other spring materials also may be satisfactory. A flat shape leaf spring with uniform thickness and width is preferred since it is cheapest. However, other forms of leaf springs, for instance curved or S-shaped, also enter into consideration. In case of high loads, multiple springs are advantageous.
The width of the spring 4 corresponds approximately to the width of the shoe. Its length is generally slightly greater than the length of the shoe. For taking up larger forces, wider springs 4 are suitable. With longer springs 4, greater spring paths can be provided. Longer spring paths can also be obtained by mounting a plurality of the arrangements in accordance with the invention described above one above the other so that the running and jumping shoe of the invention contains two or more leaf springs 4 and one or more intermediate soles, which can also be reduced to fastening elements which connect the ends of two leaf springs together.
Although the present invention has been described in connection with a number of preferred embodiments thereof, many variations and modifications will now become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims. | An athletic shoe, particularly for running and jumping, including an upper sole, a separate lower sole beneath the upper sole and a leaf spring of approximately the width of the shoe connecting the upper and lower soles. One end of the leaf spring is fastened to one end of the upper sole, such as the front end, while the other end of the leaf spring is fastened to the opposite end of the lower sole. The opposite surfaces of the upper and lower soles facing the spring may be arcuately curved. The spring may be arcuately curved. The upper sole may be fastened to the shoe over the entire length of the upper sole or only at the front of the shoe, e.g. at a joint. Additional springs may be disposed between the upper and lower soles. | 20,986 |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/193,118 filed Mar. 30, 2000, and of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/198,529 filed Apr. 20, 2000.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates in general to the separation and capture of molecule types from a solution mixture thereof, and in particular to apparatus and methodology wherein molecules with two or more defined properties such as ionic, hydrophobic, or affinity attractions and molecular weight ranges are captured and retained first for one such property and thereafter for the additional property, with such respective collections accomplished sequentially in a single molecule separator device.
[0004] One of the most important tasks performed during research and other laboratory procedures is the separation of certain components from a mixture of components such that chemical or other analysis can proceed. A usual manner of accomplishing such separations is the employment of filtration devices whereby filtrate is collected by a filter medium as a solution containing the filtrate product passes through the filter medium. The most common of filter media are filter membranes and matrices thereof whose interstices prohibit, and thus capture, particulate whose physical size is too large to pass through as part of the solute.
[0005] While such filter membranes and related matrices (e.g. cloth) work well where particulate to be collected is defined only according to size and the interstices of the filter medium are adequately sized for filtrate retention, the separation of smaller particulate, as exemplified at the molecular level, requires much greater sophistication in order to accomplish separation and collection. Additionally, molecular separation many times involves the need to collect molecules that must possess at least two properties such as ionic, hydrophobic, or affinity attractions plus a limited molecular weight range. To accomplish separation and collection of such micro-particulate, multiple filtration devices must be employed where each device has a one-membrane-type filter for collecting filtrate having one defined characteristic from a solution. Once molecules are collected that possess the first desired property, the filtrate must be transferred to a second filtration device having a second one-membrane-type filter that addresses the second property and collects molecular filtrate meeting the second standard.
[0006] As is thus apparent, where, for example, molecules having at least two defining characteristics are to be isolated from a solution, a user must inefficiently perform filter procedures at least two separate times using at least two separate filtration devices. In view of this now-required inefficient approach, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a molecule separator device where molecules having a plurality of properties can be separated and collected with one separator device.
[0007] Another object of the present invention to provide a molecule separator device where such molecule separation is accomplished sequentially within a single housing.
[0008] Yet another object of the present invention to provide a molecule separator device where respective dedicated membrane media provide filtrate collection.
[0009] Still another object of the present invention is to provide methodology for separating and capturing molecules having a plurality of properties utilizing a single separator device.
[0010] These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent throughout the description thereof which now follows.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention is a molecule separator device for separating and isolating molecules having at least two separable properties and present in a solution comprising the molecules. The separator device includes a housing for accepting pressured passage there through of the solution, and at least two molecule collection media disposed within the housing, wherein each such medium captures molecules exhibiting a respective property respectively capturable by the media. In a preferred embodiment, a first molecule-collection chromatography membrane captures and retains only molecules with an ionic, hydrophobic, or affinity attraction property while a second molecule-collection ultrafiltration membrane captures and retains additional such molecules that additionally fall within a particular molecular weight range. Conversely, these exemplary membranes can be in reverse order such that the first molecular collection membrane is an ultrafiltration membrane while the second membrane possesses the ionic, hydrophobic, or affinity attraction property. A preferred housing is generally cylindrical for operational acceptance within a generally cylindrical fixed-angle or swinging-bucket chamber of a centrifuge head, and is constructed of a plurality of liquid-tight, releasably-connected compartments in communication with each other. The collection media is situated in a sequential relationship among the compartments while centrifugation of the housing drives the solution through the media. Removing and replacing appropriate compartments during the molecule collection process permits separate and replaceable reservoir, wash, and collection sites to yield filtrate product as so chosen for further analysis, processing, or use, or for discard where a separation goal is the provision of clean solute. Because of separation and subsequent collection of molecules bearing two or more properties, the present invention permits rapid and efficient isolation of molecules and/or micro-particulate having multiple identification characteristics.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] An illustrative and presently preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] [0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a molecule separator device for capture or collection of molecules and/or micro-particulate;
[0014] [0014]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a separated compartment structure for the separator device of FIG. 1;
[0015] [0015]FIGS. 3 a - 3 e illustrate use of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0016] [0016]FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a second embodiment of a molecule separator device; and
[0017] [0017]FIGS. 5 a - 5 g illustrate use of the embodiment of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, a molecule separator device 10 is shown. The device 10 includes a housing 12 constructed of two releasably connected, liquid-tight, separable compartments 14 , 16 attached to each other by conventional friction fit between adjacent compartments. Within the housing 12 are two sequentially disposed membranes 24 , 26 for collecting filtrates. In particular, the first membrane 24 is a chromatography membrane operating as a cationic or anionic ion-exchange membrane, hydrophobic membrane, affinity membrane, or a combination thereof for attracting molecules exhibiting ionic and/or hydrophobic and/or affinity attractions. The first membrane 24 can have a porosity non-limitedly exemplified in the range of 0.1 to 10 microns and is fabricated of any appropriate microporous material including nylon, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, glass fiber, polypropylene, polysulfone, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose, and mixed esters of cellulose or other polymeric material as would be recognized by a skilled artisan. The second membrane 26 preferably is anisotropic (asymmetrical) and can be fabricated of the same materials as the first while providing ultrafiltration in speaking toward molecular weight characteristics for capturing molecule filtrate. Thus, a chosen molecular weight range can be exemplified in values from about 5×10 2 to about 3×10 6 Daltons.
[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the upper compartment 14 of the housing 12 has an upper reservoir chamber 28 immediately above the first membrane 24 and a lower reservoir chamber 30 immediately below the first membrane 24 . The lower compartment 16 includes an upper chamber 32 immediately above the second membrane 26 and a fluid collection chamber 34 immediately beneath the second membrane 26 . FIG. 2 shows an independent compartment 36 attachable to the upper compartment 14 during certain washing procedures as described later. The housing 12 can be constructed of a semi-rigid material such as polypropylene or of any other plastic or polymeric material as would be evident to a skilled artisan. Likewise, housing size can be as required to provide volumetric accommodations as required for a particular task. A screw-type closure cap 38 with an aperture 40 there through closes the housing 12 . As is apparent, the housing 12 resembles the configuration of a standard centrifuge tube, thus permitting placement of the separator device 10 within a standard fixed-angle or swinging-bucket chamber (not shown) of a centrifuge head (not shown). While centrifugation is the preferred manner of pressurized force, the aperture 40 in the screw cap 38 is provided to accept a pressure nozzle such as the outlet of a hypodermic syringe (not shown) whose pressure can be applied to force the solution through the separator device 10 .
[0020] A description of an exemplary operation of the separator device 10 is accompanied by the illustrations of FIGS. 3 a - 3 e . First, the upper compartment 14 and an independent compartment 36 are attached as shown in FIG. 3 a . A subject solution is placed within the upper reservoir chamber 28 of upper the compartment 14 , the cap 38 is secured in place as shown in FIG. 3 b , and the resulting unit is centrifuged (fixed angle or swinging bucket) or pressurized for as long as necessary (many times about 0.5 minute) to accomplish liquid movement through the unit. As expected, the force moves the liquid quickly through the first membrane 24 as target molecules are collected. Since this first membrane 24 has a relatively large pore size, virtually any sized molecules or micro-particulate can pass through unimpededly, and only target molecules or micro particulate with ionic, hydrophobic, or affinity attractions will be retained. Alternatively, dependent upon the properties of the passing solution, target molecules or micro-particulate may pass through the membrane while contaminant is retained. The cap 38 is removed, an appropriate buffer solution is added to the upper compartment 14 which is re-capped, and a second period of centrifugation or pressurization is completed to assure removal of any contaminants from the target molecules, while the molecules or micro-particulate remain bound to the first membrane 24 . Elution of target molecules is accomplished as the independent compartment 36 with solute therein is removed and replaced with the lower compartment 16 as shown in FIG. 3 c . The upper reservoir chamber 28 is then filled with an appropriate elution buffer to remove the target molecules from the first membrane 24 and the separator device 10 is centrifuged for several minutes as the target molecules now pass through the first membrane 24 are captured because of size by the second membrane 26 . The upper compartment 14 (FIG. 3 d ) is removed and, thereafter, the upper reservoir chamber 15 is filled with a final washing buffer and centrifuged for several minutes for product desalting and placing the target molecules in a desired buffer such as physiological saline. Finally, an independent compartment 36 (FIG. 3 e ) is placed onto the compartment 16 , and the resulting unit is inverted and centrifuged or pressurized for final product collection as the target molecules are forced from the second membrane 26 and into the independent compartment 36 .
[0021] [0021]FIGS. 4 and 5 a - 5 g show a second preferred embodiment and use of a molecule or micro-particulate separator device 50 . In particular, the separator device 50 includes a housing 52 constructed of two releasably connected, liquid-tight, separable compartments 54 , 56 , each having one separable reservoir 53 , 57 , with compartments 54 , 56 and reservoirs 53 , 57 held to each adjacent structure by conventional friction fit. Within the housing 52 are two sequentially disposed membranes 63 , 65 for collecting two different filtrates. In particular, the first membrane 63 is anisotropic (asymmetrical) and can be fabricated of any appropriate polymeric material with ultrafiltration pore size including nylon, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, glass fiber, polypropylene, polysulfone, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose, and mixed esters of cellulose or polymeric materials as would be recognized by a skilled artisan while providing ultrafiltration in speaking toward molecular weight characteristics for capturing molecule filtrate. Thus, a chosen molecular weight range can be exemplified in values from about 5×10 2 to about 3×10 6 Daltons. The second membrane 65 is a chromatography membrane operating as a cationic or anionic ion-exchange membrane, hydrophobic membrane, affinity membrane, or a combination thereof for attracting molecules exhibiting ionic and/or hydrophobic and/or affinity attractions. The second membrane 65 can have a porosity non-limitedly exemplified in the range of 0.1 to 10 microns and is also fabricated of nylon, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polysulfone, cellulose acetate, glass fiber, polypropylene, regenerated cellulose, and mixed esters of cellulose or other polymeric materials.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, the upper compartment 54 of the housing 52 has an upper reservoir chamber 58 immediately above the first membrane 63 and a lower reservoir chamber 60 immediately below the first membrane 63 . The lower compartment 56 includes an upper chamber 62 immediately above the second membrane 65 and a fluid collection chamber 64 immediately beneath the second membrane 65 . The housing 52 can be constructed of a semi-rigid material such as polypropylene or of any other polymeric material as would be evident to a skilled artisan. Likewise, housing size can be as required to provide volumetric accommodations as required for a particular task. As is apparent, the housing 52 resembles the configuration of a standard centrifuge tube, thus permitting placement of the separator device 50 within a standard fixed-angle or swinging-bucket chamber (not shown) of a centrifuge head (not shown).
[0023] A description of an exemplary operation of the separator device 50 is accompanied by the illustrations of FIGS. 5 a - 5 g . First, a subject solution is placed within the upper chamber 62 of the lower compartment 56 (FIG. 5 a ), the upper and lower compartments 54 , 56 are attached as shown in FIG. 5 b , and the resulting unit is centrifuged (fixed angle or swinging bucket) for as long as necessary (many times about 0.5 minute) to accomplish liquid movement through the membrane. As expected, the centrifugal force moves the liquid quickly through the second membrane 65 as target molecules are collected. Since this second membrane 65 has a relatively large pore size, virtually any sized molecule or micro-particulate can pass through unimpededly, and only target molecules with ionic or hydrophobic or affinity attractions will be retained. Alternatively, dependent upon the properties of the passing solution, target molecules or micro-particulate may pass through the membrane while contaminant is retained. Next, an appropriate buffer solution is added to the upper chamber 62 of the lower compartment 56 , and a second centrifugation is completed to assure removal of any contaminants from the target molecules while the molecules remain bound to the second membrane 65 . The reservoir 57 is then removed and emptied, and filled with an elution buffer. Upon reassembly, the separator device 50 is inverted (FIG. 5 e ) and inserted into the centrifuge for centrifugation to remove the target molecules or micro-particulate from the second membrane 65 and capture them because of size at the first membrane 63 . Thereafter, while remaining in the now-upside down position, the lower reservoir chamber 60 is filled with an appropriate buffer to wash the target molecules free of high salt of the elution buffer while retaining the molecules at the first membrane 54 . Finally, the reservoir 53 is emptied (FIG. 5 f ), the reservoir 57 is removed and replaced with a new reservoir 57 a (FIG. 5 g ), and the resulting unit is inverted and centrifuged for final product collection as the target molecules are forced into the reservoir 57 a . Alternatively, of course, the device 50 may be inverted at the beginning of the process such that the ultrafiltration membrane is the first contact membrane.
[0024] As is apparent, the molecule separator devices above described provide rapid two-stage separations within a single, convenient, and molecular-property specific apparatus. Additionally, as recognized by the skilled artisan, there are numerous possible combinations of chromatography membranes and ultrafiltration membranes for producing unique purification results. Therefore, while an illustrative and presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by prior art. | A molecule separator device for isolating molecules having at least two separable properties and within a solution. The device includes a housing, and at least two molecule collection media disposed within the housing, whereby each such medium captures molecules exhibiting a respective property. In one embodiment, a first membrane captures only molecules with an ionic and/or hydrophobic and/or affinity attraction property while a second membrane captures only such molecules that additionally fall within a particular molecular weight range. A preferred housing is cylindrical for acceptance within a centrifuge, and is constructed of a plurality of releasably-connected compartments. The collection media is sequentially situated and centrifugation of the housing drives the solution through the media. Because of separation and subsequent collection in one device of molecules bearing multiple properties, the present invention permits rapid and efficient isolation of molecules and micro-particulate having a plurality of identification characteristics. | 18,263 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a technical field of radio communications. More specifically, the present invention relates to a transmission apparatus and a communication method used for a communication system in which multicarrier transmission is performed.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In this technical field, it is becoming more and more important to realize wideband radio access for efficiently performing high speed and large capacity communications. As for downlink channels, a multicarrier scheme, more specifically an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) scheme, is considered promising from the viewpoint of performing high speed and large capacity communications while effectively suppressing multipath fading.
[0005] As shown in FIG. 1 , a frequency bandwidth used in the system is divided into multiple resource blocks (divided into three resource blocks in FIG. 1 ), and each of the resource blocks includes one or more subcarriers. The resource block is also referred to as a frequency chunk or a frequency block. One or more resource blocks are allocated to a mobile station. The technology for dividing a frequency band into multiple resource blocks is described in P. Chow, J. Cioffi, J. Bingham, “A Practical Discrete Multitone Transceiver Loading Algorithm for Data Transmission over Spectrally Shaped Channel”, IEEE Trans. Commun. vol. 43, No. 2/3/4, February/March/April 1995, for example.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problem(s) to be solved by the Invention
[0006] When a frequency bandwidth is divided into multiple resource blocks, multiple control channels (control signals) for multiple scheduled users can be multiplexed into a single subframe. FIGS. 2A-2C show examples of multiplexing control channels for multiple users into a single subframe. FIG. 2A shows an example of multiplexing control channels for three users (UE 1 , UE 2 , and UE 3 ) into a single OFDM symbol within the subframe. User data are placed (mapped) on shared data channels multiplexed into the subframe. FIG. 2B shows an example of multiplexing control channels for three users into two OFDM symbols within the subframe. FIG. 2C shows an example of multiplexing control channels for three users into the single subframe. To focus attention on control channels, shared data channels are not illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C . As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C , the present invention discusses the case where control channels for multiple users are placed within the subframe and these control channels are multiplexed into one or more OFDM symbols at the same timing.
[0007] Since the control channel includes information necessary for modulating the shared data channel, it is desired to improve reception quality on the control channel. However, when transmission power control or transmission beamforming is used, there is a problem in that control channels transmitted from neighboring base stations may cause interference and degrade reception quality on the control channel. Particularly, a mobile station situated at a cell edge may seriously have this problem.
[0008] In view of the aforementioned problem, it is a general object of the invention to improve reception quality on the control channel.
Means for solving the Problem
[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transmission apparatus which multiplexes control channels for multiple reception apparatuses into an OFDM symbol at the same timing in OFDM downlink radio access, including:
[0010] a pattern generating unit configured to generate a frequency mapping pattern which is specific to the transmission apparatus; and
[0011] a frequency allocating unit configured to allocate subcarriers to the control channels for the multiple reception apparatuses according to the frequency mapping pattern.
[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication method in which a transmission apparatus multiplexes control channels for multiple reception apparatuses into an OFDM symbol at the same timing in OFDM downlink radio access, including the steps of:
[0013] generating a frequency mapping pattern which is specific to the transmission apparatus;
[0014] allocating the control channels for the multiple reception apparatuses to subcarriers according to the frequency mapping pattern; and controlling transmission power for the subcarriers.
Effect of the Invention
[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, reception quality on the control channel can be improved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 shows an example of dividing a frequency bandwidth into multiple resource blocks.
[0017] FIG. 2A shows a first example of multiplexing control channels for multiple users into a subframe.
[0018] FIG. 2B shows a second example of multiplexing control channels for multiple users into a subframe.
[0019] FIG. 2C shows a third example of multiplexing control channels for multiple users into a subframe.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows interference in the case where base stations perform transmission power control.
[0021] FIG. 4A shows a first example of FDM-based transmission power control.
[0022] FIG. 4B shows a second example of FDM-based transmission power control.
[0023] FIG. 4C shows a third example of FDM-based transmission power control.
[0024] FIG. 5 shows an example of CDM-based transmission power control.
[0025] FIG. 6 shows a combination of FDM-based transmission power control and CDM-based transmission power control.
[0026] FIG. 7 shows interference in the case where base stations perform transmission beamforming.
[0027] FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of a base station in accordance with a first or second embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of power control in the base station in accordance with the first or second embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a mobile station in accordance with a first or second embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 11 shows an approach for achieving orthogonalization of control channels among sectors in the frequency domain.
[0031] FIG. 12 shows an approach for achieving orthogonalization of control channels among sectors in the code domain.
[0032] FIG. 13 shows an approach for using inter-sector FDM-based transmission power control and using CDM-based transmission power control within each sector.
[0033] FIG. 14 shows an approach for using inter-sector FDM-based transmission power control and using FDM-based transmission power control within each sector.
[0034] FIG. 15 shows an approach for using inter-sector CDM-based transmission power control and using CDM-based transmission power control within each sector.
[0035] FIG. 16 shows an approach for using inter-sector CDM-based transmission power control and using FDM-based transmission power control within each sector.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Description of Notations
[0036] eNB 1 , eNB 2 base station
[0037] UE 1 , UE 2 , UE 3 , UE 4 mobile station
[0038] 10 base station
[0039] 101 - 1 , 101 - 2 pattern generating unit/code multiplying unit
[0040] 103 - 1 , 103 - 2 frequency allocating unit
[0041] 105 - 1 , 105 - 2 power control unit
[0042] 107 IFFT unit
[0043] 109 CP adding unit
[0044] 111 weight multiplying unit
[0045] 113 transmission unit
[0046] 20 mobile station
[0047] 201 reception unit
[0048] 203 CP removing unit
[0049] 205 FFT unit
[0050] 207 demultiplexing unit
[0051] 209 pattern/code storing unit
BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0052] With reference to the accompanying drawings, a description is given below with regard to preferred embodiments of the present invention.
First Embodiment
[0053] In a first embodiment, a base station performs transmission power control of signals transmitted to mobile stations, when control channels are arranged as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C . The transmission power control refers to changing transmission power of signals transmitted to mobile stations in order to improve reception quality at each mobile station.
[0054] FIG. 3 shows transmission power on the frequency axis in the case where base stations perform transmission power control. The base stations are shown as eNB 1 and eNB 2 and mobile stations are shown as UE 1 -UE 4 . When the base station eNB 1 performs transmission power control of signals transmitted to the mobile stations UE 1 and UE 2 which are situated within a cell 1 covered by the base station eNB 1 , the base station eNB 1 decreases transmission power of signals transmitted to the mobile station UE 1 which is situated close to the base station eNB 1 . In addition, the base station eNB 1 increases transmission power of signals transmitted to the mobile station UE 2 which is situated far from the base station eNB 1 . Similarly, when the base station eNB 2 performs transmission power control, the base station eNB 2 decreases transmission power of signals transmitted to the mobile station UE 4 which is situated close to the base station eNB 2 . In addition, the base station eNB 2 increases transmission power of signals transmitted to the mobile station UE 3 which is situated far from the base station eNB 2 . As shown in FIG. 3 , when subcarriers corresponding to a control channel transmitted from the base station eNB 1 to the mobile station UE 2 coincides with subcarriers corresponding to a control channel transmitted from the base station eNB 2 to the mobile station UE 3 , the control channel for the mobile station UE 2 interferes with the control channel for the mobile station UE 3 , and vice versa. Accordingly, the SIR (signal-to-interference ratio) cannot be improved, even though the base stations eNB 1 and eNB 2 increase transmission power.
[0055] In the first embodiment, each base station uses a frequency mapping pattern which is specific to the base station (cell), in order to solve this problem. This approach is referred to as FDM-based transmission power control. The base station uses the frequency mapping pattern determined in advance for each cell.
[0056] Specifically, each base station uses the frequency mapping pattern which is different from that of other base stations so as to randomize positions (subcarriers) where control channels for the respective mobile stations are placed (mapped), as shown in FIG. 4A . For example, the base station eNB 1 covering the cell 1 allocates third, fourth, sixth, seventh, tenth, thirteenth, and fourteenth subcarriers to the mobile station UE 1 . Then, the base station eNB 1 allocates the other subcarriers to the mobile station UE 2 . On the other hand, the base station eNB 2 covering the cell 2 allocates first, third, fourth, seventh, ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth subcarriers to the mobile station UE 3 . Then, the base station eNB 2 allocates the other subcarriers to the mobile station UE 4 . This allocation can make portions with a low interference level and portions with a high interference level and reduce interference among subcarriers.
[0057] According to the FDM-based transmission power control shown in FIG. 4A , transmission power of signals transmitted to a mobile station is at the same level among subcarriers allocated to the mobile station. For example, transmission power of the signals transmitted to the mobile station UE 1 is determined based on average reception quality (for example, SINR (signal-to-interference plus noise ratio)) on the system bandwidth for the mobile station UE 1 . Alternatively, transmission power may be determined for each subcarrier based on reception quality on each subcarrier, as shown in FIG. 4B . Controlling transmission power for each subcarrier can further reduce interference observed by the mobile station. Alternatively, the base station may group subcarriers into subcarrier groups based on reception quality on each subcarrier and determine transmission power for each subcarrier group based on average reception quality on each subcarrier group, as shown in FIG. 4C . Alternatively, the base station may group subcarriers into subcarrier groups within close ranges in the frequency domain and determine transmission power for each subcarrier group. In addition, the base station may combine the approach for grouping subcarriers into subcarrier groups based on reception quality with the approach for grouping subcarriers into subcarrier groups within close ranges in the frequency domain. In this manner, the subcarrier groups may be arranged in multiple levels.
[0058] Alternatively, the base station may multiply control channels for the respective mobile stations with orthogonal codes to achive orthogonalization among the mobile stations, instead of using the frequency mapping pattern which is specific to the base station. This approach is referred to as CDM-based transmission power control.
[0059] Specifically, the base station multiplies control channels for the respective mobile stations with orthogonal codes (Walsh codes, Phase shift codes, and the like) to achieve orthogonalization among mobile stations in the code domain, as shown in FIG. 5 . According to this approach, transmission power of signals transmitted to each mobile station is at the same level among subcarriers. Therefore, this approach can reduce variations in transmission power (interference) among subcarriers.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 6 , FDM-based transmission power control and CDM-based transmission power control may be combined. It should be noted that FIGS. 3-5 show multiplexed control channels for two mobile stations and FIG. 6 shows multiplexed control channels for four mobile stations.
[0061] CDM-based transmission power control has an advantage over FDM-based transmission power control to randomize interference. When control channels to be multiplexed increase in number, however, CDM-based transmission power needs a large spreading factor, and may not maintain orthogonality in the frequency selective fading environment. In other words, CDM-based transmission power has a disadvantage of being vulnerable to interference within the cell. On the other hand, FDM-based transmission power control is tolerant of interference within the cell, because signals among mobile stations do not interfere with each other in the frequency domain. When CDM-based transmission power control and FDM-based transmission power control are combined, interference can be reduced with a small spreading factor.
Second Embodiment
[0062] In a second embodiment, a base station performs transmission beamforming of signals transmitted to mobile stations, when control channels are arranged as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C . The transmission beamforming refers to changing antenna directivity in order to improve reception quality at each mobile station.
[0063] FIG. 7 shows reception power for control channels for respective mobile stations observed by a mobile station UE 2 on the frequency axis in the case where base stations perform transmission beamforming. The base stations are shown as eNB 1 and eNB 2 and the mobile stations are shown as UE 1 -UE 4 . When the base station eNB 1 performs transmission beamforming of signals transmitted to the mobile stations UE 1 and UE 2 which are situated within a cell 1 covered by the base station eNB 1 , the base station eNB 1 changes antenna directivity so as to improve reception quality at the mobile station UE 2 which is situated far from the base station eNB 1 . Similarly, when the base station eNB 2 performs transmission beamforming, the base station eNB 2 changes antenna directivity so as to improve reception quality at the mobile station UE 3 which is situated far from the base station eNB 2 . As shown in FIG. 7 , when subcarriers corresponding to a control channel transmitted from the base station eNB 1 to the mobile station UE 2 coincides with subcarriers corresponding to a control channel transmitted from the base station eNB 2 to the mobile station UE 3 , the control channel for the mobile station UE 2 interferes with the control channel for the mobile station UE 3 , and vice versa. Accordingly, the effect of transmission beamforming may be reduced.
[0064] In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, each base station uses a frequency mapping pattern which is specific to the base station (cell), in order to solve this problem. This approach is referred to as FDM-based transmission beamforming. The use of the frequency mapping pattern which is specific to the base station can make portions with a low interference level and portions with a high interference level and reduce interference among subcarriers, as is the case with FIG. 4A . Alternatively, the base station may multiply control channels for the respective mobile stations with orthogonal codes. This approach is referred to as CDM-based transmission beamforming. This approach can reduce variations in interference among subcarriers, as is the case with FIG. 5 . In addition, FDM-based transmission beamforming and CDM-based transmission beamforming may be combined.
Structures of Base Station and Mobile Station in accordance with First or Second Embodiment
[0065] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 , a structure and an operation of a base station 10 are described below. The base station 10 includes pattern generating units/code multiplying units 101 - 1 and 101 - 2 , frequency allocating units 103 - 1 and 103 - 2 , power control units 105 - 1 and 105 - 2 , an IFFT (Inverse Fast Fourier Transform) unit 107 , a CP (Cyclic Prefix) adding unit 109 , a weight multiplying unit 111 , and a transmission unit 113 . Although FIG. 8 shows the base station 10 including the two pattern generating units/code multiplying units 101 - 1 and 101 - 2 , the two frequency allocating units 103 - 1 and 103 - 2 , and the two power control units 105 - 1 and 105 - 2 for two mobile stations, the base station 10 may include N pattern generating units/code multiplying units 101 , N frequency allocating units 103 , and N power control units 105 for N mobile stations. Alternatively, the base station 10 may use a single pattern generating unit/code multiplying unit 101 and multiple frequency allocating units 103 for multiple mobile stations.
[0066] In the case of FDM-based transmission power control or FDM-based transmission beamforming, the pattern generating unit 101 generates a frequency mapping pattern which is specific to the base station (cell) (S 101 ). Alternatively or in addition, in the case of CDM-based transmission power control or CDM-based transmission beamforming, the pattern generating unit/code multiplying unit 101 multiplies control channels for mobile stations with orthogonal codes to achieve orthogoonalization among the mobile stations (S 103 ). In the case of FDM-based transmission power control or FDM-based transmission beamforming, the frequency allocating unit 103 allocates subcarriers according to the frequency mapping pattern (S 105 ). In the case of CDM-based transmission power control or CDM-based transmission beamforming, the frequency allocating unit 103 may allocate subcarriers (frequencies) sequentially starting from the first mobile station 1 , since the orthogonal codes are multiplied to achieve orthogonalization among the mobile stations (S 107 ). The power control unit 105 controls transmission power based on reception quality at mobile stations (S 109 ). Control channels for the respective mobile stations are multiplexed and transformed into orthogonal multicarrier signals by the IFFT unit 107 . The CP adding unit 109 inserts CPs into the orthogonal muticarrier signals. The weight multiplying unit 111 multiplies the signals with a weight to change antenna directivity based on the positional relationship between the base station and the mobile stations (S 111 ). The transmission unit 113 transmits the signal to the mobile stations.
[0067] FIGS. 8 and 9 show the base station 10 implementing both the first embodiment and the second embodiment. When the base station implements only the first embodiment, the base station 10 may not include the weight multiplying unit 111 . When the base station implements only the second embodiment, the base may not include the power control unit 105 .
[0068] In addition, the base station may notify the mobile stations of the frequency mapping pattern or the orthogonal codes generated by the pattern generating unit/code multiplying unit 101 on a broadcast channel.
[0069] FIG. 10 shows a structure of a mobile station 20 which receives a control channel for the mobile station 20 using the frequency mapping pattern or the orthogonal codes received on the broadcast channel. The mobile station 20 includes a reception unit 201 , a CP removing unit 203 , an FFT unit 205 , a demultiplexing unit 207 , and a pattern/code storing unit 209 . The CP removing unit 203 removes CPs from signals received by the reception unit 201 , and then the FFT unit 205 transforms the signals into the frequency domain. The pattern/code storing unit 209 stores the frequency pattern or the orthogonal codes received on the broadcast channel. The demultiplexing unit 207 retrieves the control channel for the mobile station 20 using the frequency mapping pattern or the orthogonal codes.
Third Embodiment
[0070] In a third embodiment, a base station orthogonalizes control channels among sectors, when the base station covers multiple sectors.
[0071] FIG. 11 shows a diagram in which control channels are orthogonalized among sectors in the frequency domain. This approach is referred tows inter-sector FDM-based transmission control. Allocating different subcarriers to control channels in the sectors can orthogonalize the control channels among the sectors. Specifically, when the frequency allocating unit ( 103 in FIG. 8 ) for a sector 1 allocates subcarriers to control channels, the frequency allocating unit ( 103 in FIG. 8 ) for a sector 2 does not allocate the same subcarriers to control channels. For example, the base station 10 may include a control unit for controlling the frequency allocating units in this manner among sectors. The control unit controls not to transmit control channels for the sector 2 on the subcarriers to which the control channels for the sector 1 are allocated.
[0072] FIG. 12 shows a diagram in which control channels are orthogonalized among sectors in the code domain. This approach is referred to as inter-sector CDM-based transmission control. Using different orthogonal codes for control channels in the sectors can orthogonalize the control channels among the sectors. Specifically, when the code multiplying unit ( 101 in FIG. 8 ) for a sector 1 uses orthogonal codes, the code multiplying unit ( 101 in FIG. 8 ) for a sector 2 does not use the same orthogonal codes to control channels. For example, the base station 10 may include a control unit for controlling the code multiplying units in this manner among sectors. The control unit controls to orthogonalize between the control channels for the sector 1 and the control channels for the sector 2 in the code domain.
[0073] When transmission timings for control channels are synchronized among base stations, control channels can be orthogonalized among base stations, as is the case with FIGS. 11 and 12 which show control channels orthogonalized among sectors. GPS (Global Positioning System) may be used to synchronize control channels among base stations.
[0074] FIGS. 13-16 show diagrams in which control channels for respective mobile stations are orthogonalized using the combination of the aforementioned approaches. FIG. 13 corresponds to the combination of inter-sector FDM-based transmission control among sectors and CDM-based transmission power control within each sector. FIG. 14 corresponds to the combination of inter-sector FDM-based transmission control among sectors and FDM-based transmission power control within each sector. FIG. 15 corresponds to the combination of inter-sector CDM-based transmission control among sectors and CDM-based transmission power control within each sector. FIG. 16 corresponds to the combination of inter-sector CDM-based transmission control among sectors and FDM-based transmission power control within each sector.
[0075] According to an embodiment of the present invention, interference among control channels can be reduced and reception quality on the control channel can be improved.
[0076] This international patent application is based on Japanese Priority Application No. 2006-169443 filed on Jun. 19, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. | A transmission apparatus which multiplexes control channels for multiple reception apparatuses into an OFDM symbol at the same timing in OFDM downlink radio access includes a pattern generating unit configured to generate a frequency mapping pattern which is specific to the transmission apparatus; and a frequency allocating unit configured to allocate subcarriers to the control channels for the multiple reception apparatuses according to the frequency mapping pattern. | 26,048 |
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/484,526, filed on Jun. 7, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,537,997, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/378,467, filed on Jan. 26, 1995 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,219.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to methodology and apparatus for treatment of sleep apnea and, more particularly, to mono-level, bi-level and variable positive airway pressure apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The sleep apnea syndrome afflicts an estimated 1% to 5% of the general population and is due to episodic upper airway obstruction during sleep. Those afflicted with sleep apnea experience sleep fragmentation and intermittent, complete or nearly complete cessation of ventilation during sleep with potentially severe degrees of oxyhemoglobin desaturation. These features may be translated clinically into extreme daytime sleepiness, cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary-artery hypertension, congestive heart failure and/or cognitive dysfunction. Other sequelae of sleep apnea include right ventricular dysfunction with cor pulmonale, carbon dioxide retention during wakefulness as well as during sleep, and continuous reduced arterial oxygen tension. Hypersomnolent sleep apnea patients may be at risk for excessive mortality from these factors as well as by an elevated risk for accidents while driving and/or operating potentially dangerous equipment.
Although details of the pathogenesis of upper airway obstruction in sleep apnea patients have not been fully defined, it is generally accepted that the mechanism includes either anatomic or functional abnormalities of the upper airway which result in increased air flow resistance. Such abnormalities may include narrowing of the upper airway due to suction forces evolved during inspiration, the effect of gravity pulling the tongue back to appose the pharyngeal wall, and/or insufficient muscle tone in the upper airway dilator muscles. It has also been hypothesized that a mechanism responsible for the known association between obesity and sleep apnea is excessive soft tissue in the anterior and lateral neck which applies sufficient pressure on internal structures to narrow the airway.
The treatment of sleep apnea has included such surgical interventions as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, gastric surgery for obesity, and maxillo-facial reconstruction. Another mode of surgical intervention used in the treatment of sleep apnea is tracheostomy. These treatments constitute major undertakings with considerable risk of postoperative morbidity if not mortality. Pharmacologic therapy has in general been disappointing, especially in patients with more than mild sleep apnea. In addition, side effects from the pharmacologic agents that have been used are frequent. Thus, medical practitioners continue to seek non-invasive modes of treatment for sleep apnea with high success rates and high patient compliance including, for example in cases relating to obesity, weight loss through a regimen of exercise and regulated diet.
Recent work in the treatment of sleep apnea has included the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to maintain the airway of the patient in a continuously open state during sleep. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,213 discloses sleep apnea treatments based on continuous positive airway pressure applied within the airway of the patient.
An early mono-level CPAP apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,819 wherein the pressure is measured at the outlet of the blower so as to detect pressure changes caused by the patient's breathing. The arrangement is such that the control motor is regulated by the microprocessor to maintain the pressure at constant level regardless of whether the patient is inhaling or exhaling.
Also of interest is U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,411 which discloses a method and apparatus for ventilatory treatment characterized as airway pressure release ventilation and which provides a substantially constant elevated airway pressure with periodic short term reductions of the elevated airway pressure to a pressure magnitude no less than ambient atmospheric pressure.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,245,995 5,199,424, and 5,335,654, and published PCT Application No. WO 88/10108 describes a CPAP apparatus which includes a feedback/diagnostic system for controlling the output pressure of a variable pressure air source whereby output pressure from the air source is increased in response to detection of sound indicative of snoring. The apparatus disclosed in these documents further include means for reducing the CPAP level to a minimum level to maintain unobstructed breathing in the absence of breathing patterns indicative of obstructed breathing, e.g., snoring.
Bi-level positive airway therapy for treatment of sleep apnea and related disorders is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,802. In bi-level therapy, pressure is applied alternately at relatively higher and lower prescription pressure levels within the airway of the patient so that the pressure-induced patent force applied to the patients airway is alternately a larger and a smaller magnitude force. The higher and lower magnitude positive prescription pressure levels, which will be hereinafter referred to by the acronyms IPAP (inspiratory positive airway pressure) and EPAP (expiratory positive airway pressure), may be initiated by spontaneous patient respiration, apparatus preprogramming, or both, with the higher magnitude pressure (IPAP) being applied during inspiration and the lower magnitude pressure (EPAP) being applied during expiration. This method of treatment may descriptively be referred to as bi-level therapy. In bi-level therapy, it is EPAP which has the greater impact upon patient comfort. Hence, the treating physician must be cognizant of maintaining EPAP as low as is reasonably possible to maintain sufficient pharyngeal patency during expiration, while optimizing user tolerance and efficiency of the therapy.
Both inspiratory and expiratory air flow resistances in the airway are elevated during sleep preceding the onset of apnea, although the airway flow resistance may be less during expiration than during inspiration. Thus it follows that the bi-level therapy as characterized above should be sufficient to maintain pharyngeal patency during expiration even though the pressure applied during expiration is generally not as high as that needed to maintain pharyngeal patency during inspiration. In addition, some patients may have increased upper airway resistance primarily during inspiration with resulting adverse physiologic consequences. Thus, depending upon a particular patient's breathing requirements, elevated pressure may be applied only during inhalation thus eliminating the need for global (inhalation and exhalation) increases in airway pressure. The relatively lower pressure applied during expiration may in some cases approach or equal ambient pressure. The lower pressure applied in the airway during expiration enhances patient tolerance by alleviating some of the uncomfortable sensations normally associated with mono-level CPAP.
Although mono-level, bi-level and variable positive airway pressure therapy has been found to be very effective and generally well accepted, they suffer from some of the same limitations, although to a lesser degree, as do the surgery options; specifically, a significant proportion of sleep apnea patients do not tolerate positive airway pressure well. Thus, development of other viable non-invasive therapies and better versions of existing therapies has been a continuing objective in the art.
In this regard, even the more sophisticated CPAP apparatus heretofore known in the art, including those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,245,995 5,199,424, and 5,335,654, and published PCT Application No. WO 88/10108, suffer from certain operational disadvantages which stem from the structural relationships of their essential components.
More particularly, the CPAP apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,245,995 5,199,424, and 5,335,654, and published PCT Application No. WO 88/10108 provide feedback/diagnostic systems including at least one sensor (typically an audio transducer such as a microphone) in communication with the patient's respiratory system. This sensor is located on or is connected to means (such as a breathing mask or nasal prongs) in sealed air communication with a patient's respiratory system. The sensor continuously senses the patient's breathing patterns and transmits signals indicative of those patterns to information processing means which control the motor speed of a blower. The breathing pattern signals can also be continuously monitored and/or recorded, thereby imparting to the apparatus a diagnostic as well as therapeutic capability.
The blower delivers pressurized air to the patient through a length of conduit and the breathing mask or nasal prongs. When the sensor detects breathing patterns indicative of obstructed breathing, e.g., snoring, it transmit signals corresponding to this condition to the information processing means which causes an increase in blower motor speed and, therefore, blower pressure output, until unobstructed breathing is eliminated. The system also includes logic whereby blower motor speed (and blower pressure output) is gradually decreased if unobstructed breathing patterns are detected over a preselected period of time. The purpose of this feature is to provide the patient with a pressure minimally sufficient to maintain airway patency during unobstructed breathing, thereby enhancing patient comfort and therapy compliance.
Despite the general effectiveness of these apparatus, however, the structural relationship of their feedback/diagnostic system with respect to the patient's breathing circuit (i.e., the blower, gas delivery conduit, and breathing mask or nasal prongs) results in an arrangement of lesser reliability than would otherwise be desirable.
For example, certain feedback/diagnostic systems utilize a breathing pattern sensor mounted on or connected to the breathing mask or nasal prongs. Such an arrangement requires a length of feedback conduit to be added to the patient's breathing circuit. The feedback conduit extends from the breathing patterns sensor at the mask to the blower.
Such an added feedback conduit renders the patient's breathing circuit cumbersome and increases the risk of entanglement of the feedback circuit. The arrangement also increases the risk of the feedback conduit becoming kinked or having the conduit accidently disconnected from the breathing mask, either of which render the device inoperable. Such a feedback conduit also requires frequent cleaning because it is in contact with the patient's expired air.
An advantage exists, therefore,. for an apparatus for delivering pressurized air to the airway of a patient which includes a feedback/diagnostic system of higher reliability and increased ease of use, whereby diagnostic accuracy and patient comfort and adherence to the therapy administered by the apparatus are optimized.
A problem associated with positive airway pressure devices is a lack of moisture in the air delivered by these devices has a drying effect on patient airways which causes the patient to have considerable discomfort and difficulty sleeping.
Humidifiers have been developed for use with CPAP devices to humidify the air supplied to the patient. In the type of system according to the present invention in which the sensor is situated generally at an end of the breathing circuit remote from the patient any type of accessory such as a humidifier may attenuate or absorb snore sound.
Humidifiers for use with CPAP apparatus are taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,807,616 and 5,231,979. Other humidifiers of interest are manufactured by Respironics, Inc. of Murrysville, Pa. and Healthdyne Technologies. However, these humidifiers are for use with conventional CPAP apparatus and therefore are not configured to acoustically tune snoring sound as required for use with the unique sleep apnea treatment apparatus of the present invention.
An advantage exists, therefore, for a humidifier which is configured to acoustically tune the snoring sound received from a patient in order to set the resonant frequency of the snore sound.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention contemplates a novel and improved method for treatment of sleep apnea as well as novel methodology and apparatus for carrying out such improved treatment method. The invention contemplates the treatment of sleep apnea through application of pressure at variance with ambient atmospheric pressure within the upper airway of the patient in a manner to promote patency of the airway to thereby relieve upper airway occlusion during sleep.
According to the invention, positive pressure may be applied at a substantially constant, "mono-level," patient-specific prescription pressure, at alternatively higher (IPAP) and lower (EPAP) "bi-level" pressures, or at variable pressures within the airway of the patient to maintain the requisite patent or "splint" force to sustain respiration during sleep periods.
In all embodiments considered to be within the scope of the instant invention, the apparatus for delivering pressurized breathing gas to the airway of a patient comprises a breathing gas flow generator, information processing means for controlling the output of the gas flow generator, and a length of flexible conduit connected at one end to the gas flow generator and at an opposite end to a patient interface means such as a breathing mask or nasal prongs. By controlling the output of the gas flow generator, the information processing means likewise controls the pressure of the breathing gas delivered to the patient through the flexible conduit and the patient interface means.
The apparatus further includes a novel feedback system which may impart both therapeutic as well as diagnostic capability to the apparatus. The feedback system includes at least one sensor means, such as a pressure or flow responsive transducer, located on, within or closely adjacent to the gas flow generator. The sensor means continuously senses the patient's breathing patterns and transmits signals indicative of those patterns to the information processing means. The apparatus may also include means whereby these signals can also be continuously monitored and/or recorded whereby the patient's specific breathing disorder may be diagnosed as well as treated by the apparatus.
Like the feedback/diagnostic systems known in the art, when the sensor detects breathing patterns indicative of obstructed breathing, it transmits signals corresponding to this condition to the information processing means. This means, which may be any suitable microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU), then causes the flow generator to increase its output which increases the air pressure delivered to the patient until obstructed breathing is no longer detected. The system also includes logic whereby the flow generator output is gradually decreased if unobstructed breathing patterns are detected over a preselected period of time. This feature serves to provide the patient with a pressure minimally sufficient to maintain airway patency during unobstructed breathing, thus enhancing patient comfort and therapy compliance.
Unlike other positive airway pressure apparatus equipped with feedback/diagnostic systems including a breathing patterns sensor located on or connected to the patient interface, the apparatus according to the present invention finds its breathing patterns sensor situated generally at the end of the breathing circuit remote from the patient. That is, the sensor is preferably located within, on or is connected closely adjacent to the outlet of the gas flow generator controller. Situating the breathing patterns sensor at this region of the breathing circuit realizes considerable improvements in apparatus performance characteristics and in particular sensor reliability and ease of use.
More specifically, by distancing the breathing patterns sensor from the patient interface (i.e., the breathing mask or nasal prongs), that portion of the along the patient's breathing circuit is eliminated, and only a relatively shorter feedback conduit is required and is provided. Consequently, the patient's breathing circuit is rendered considerably less cumbersome, the risk of entanglement is negatived, and any annoyance of the patient is minimized. The length of the shorter feedback conduit reduces, if not totally eliminates, the risk of being kinked or accidently disconnected from the patient's breathing circuit. Additionally, frequent cleaning of the shorter feedback conduit is not required because it is not in direct contact with the patient's expired air. The shorter feedback conduit also reduces the materials cost for the system.
Admittedly, placement of the breathing patterns sensor substantially at or near the gas flow generator reduces the responsiveness of the apparatus to the patient's continually changing respiratory needs. However the reduction in responsiveness of the breathing patterns sensor is compensated for by resonant tuning of the system. That is, the frequency response of the patient's breathing circuit and internal tubing of the present system is acoustically tuned to optimally transmit sounds with frequency content which is known to be indicative of upper airway obstructions. Thus the tuned resonance is such that sounds (snores) with frequencies near the resonant frequency are amplified, thus boosting the signal-to-noise ratio (more accurately the ratio of snore noise to gas flow generator noise) back to the level which is comparable to that which has been obtained by sensing at the patient interface. As illustration, a patient's lack of demand or a reduced demand for inspiratory air often precedes, frequently by several seconds, by the onset of an audible snore or other pronounced physical manifestation indicative of obstructed breathing. The breathing pattern sensors typically must detect such salient occurrences before they register an obstructed breathing event. In such case, the sensor would transmit data to the CPU such that the CPU could step up the output of the flow generator well in advance of not only an apneic event but also prior to the characteristic audible snore patterns which normally precede such an event. Known breathing pattern sensors typically accomplish this while being located on or connected to the patient interface. The sensor of the present invention, on the other hand, may be an equally responsive pressure or flow transducer sensitive to pressure or flow variations of any selected magnitude and/or frequency, but located within, on or connected closely adjacent to the outlet of the gas flow generator.
In order to prevent drying of the breathing passage during the administration of pressurized air delivered by the flow generator of the present invention, it is desirable to use the present invention in combination with a humidifier. A problem associated with using a humidifier with the breathing pattern sensor of the present invention is the humidifier may attenuate or absorb snore sound. This and other problems have been solved by the humidifier in the present invention which includes a U-shaped accumulation chamber which is configured to acoustically tune the snoring sound received from a patient. The humidifier of the present invention is disclosed in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,837, entitled "Passive Humidifier for Positive Airway Pressure Devices", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Other details, objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the following description of the presently preferred embodiments and presently preferred methods of practicing the invention proceeds.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will become more readily apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof shown, by way of example only, in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a prior art CPAP apparatus including a patient feedback/diagnostic system;
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a further preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a view schematically illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a view schematically illustrating the sleep apnea treatment apparatus of the present invention in use with a humidifier of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a humidifier of a first embodiment of the present invention showing a humidifier top and a humidifier base in assembled condition; and
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a humidifier top of a presently preferred second embodiment viewed from the bottom.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
There is generally indicated at 10 in FIG. 1, in the form of a functional block diagram, a mono-level CPAP apparatus including a patient feedback/diagnostic system generally and schematically representative of the apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,245,995 5,199,424, and 5,335,654, and published PCT Application No. WO 88/10108.
Apparatus 10 includes a blower 12 driven by an electric blower motor 14. The speed of motor 14 and thus the output of the blower 12 is controlled by an information processing means or central processing unit (CPU) 16. The output of the blower is connected by a suitable length of flexible gas delivery conduit means 18 to a patient interface means 20 such as, for example, nasal prongs or, as illustrated, a breathing mask which is in sealed air communication with the airway of a patient 22. If constructed as a breathing mask the patient interface means 20 may include suitable exhaust port means, schematically indicated at 24, for exhaust of breathing gas during expiration. Exhaust port means 24 may be a conventional non-rebreathing valve or one or more continuously open ports which impose a predetermined flow resistance against exhaust gas flow. Apparatus 10 also includes a suitable pressure transducer 26 located on or connected to the patient interface means 20. Typically, the pressure transducer 26 is an audio transducer or microphone. When, for example, snoring sounds occur the pressure transducer detects the sounds and feeds corresponding electrical signals to the CPU 16 which, in turn, generates a flow generator motor control signal. Such signal increases the speed of the flow generator motor, thereby increasing output pressure supplied to the patient by the blower 12 through conduit means 18 and the patient interface means 20. The system may include suitable data storage and retrieval means (not illustrated) which may be connected to CPU 16 to enable medical personnel to monitor and/or record the patient's breathing patterns and thereby diagnose the patient's particular respiratory disorder and breathing requirements.
As snoring is caused by vibration of the soft palate, it is therefore indicative of an unstable airway and is a warning signal of the imminence of upper airway occlusion in patients that suffer obstructive sleep apnea. Snoring is itself undesirable not only as it is a disturbance to others but it is strongly believed to be connected with hypertension. If the resultant increase in system output pressure is sufficient to completely stabilize the airway, snoring will cease. If a further snoring sound is detected, the pressure is again incrementally increased. This process is repeated until the upper airway is stabilized and snoring ceases. Hence, the occurrence of obstructive apnea can be eliminated by application of minimum appropriate pressure at the time of use.
The feedback circuit also includes means to gradually decrease the output pressure if an extended period of snore-free breathing occurs in order to ensure that the pressure is maintained at a level as low as practicable to prevent the onset of apnea. This effect can be achieved, for example, by the CPU 16 which, in the absence of an electronic signal from the pressure transducer 26 indicative of snoring, continuously and gradually reduces the flow generator speed and output pressure over a period of time. If, however, a snore is detected by the first pressure transducer, the CPU will again act to incrementally increase the output of the flow generator. The feedback circuit of the present invention as will be discussed hereinafter in connection with FIG. 2 preferably includes similar means.
In use, a patient using apparatus 10 may connect himself to the apparatus and go to sleep. The output pressure is initially at a minimum operating value of, for example, approximately 3 cm H 2 O gauge pressure so as not to cause the previously mentioned operational problems of higher initial pressures. Not until some time after going to sleep, the patient's body relaxes, will the airway start to become unstable and the patient begin to snore. The pressure transducer 26 will then respond to a snore, or snore pattern, and via the CPU 16 increase the blower motor speed such that output pressure increases, for instance, by 1 cm H 2 O for each snore detected. The pressure can be increased relatively rapidly, if the patient's condition so requires, to a working pressure of the order of 8-20 cm, which is a typical requirement. Additionally, for ease of monitoring the variation over time a parameter such as pressure output can be recorded in some convenient retrievable form and medium (such as the aforesaid data storage and retrieval means) for periodic study by medical personnel.
If for example in the early stages of sleep some lesser output pressure will suffice, apparatus 10 will not increase the pressure until needed, that is, unless the airway becomes unstable and snoring commences, no increase in airway pressure is made. By continuously decreasing the output pressure at a rate of, for example, 1 cm H 2 O each 15 minutes in the absence of snoring, the pressure is never substantially greater than that required to prevent apnea.
The feedback circuit of FIG. 1 provides a system which adjusts apparatus output pressure according to variations in a patient's breathing requirements throughout an entire sleep period. Further, apparatus 10 will likewise accommodate variable output pressure requirements owing to general improvements or deteriorations in a patient's general physical condition as may occur over an extended period of time.
Despite the general effectiveness of apparatus 10, however, the structural relationship of its feedback/diagnostic system with respect to the patient's breathing circuit (i.e., the blower, gas delivery conduit, and breathing mask) results in an arrangement which can be cumbersome to use, inconvenient to maintain, and of lesser reliability.
The present invention overcomes deficiencies of currently available positive airway pressure apparatus such as apparatus 10 by proposing a novel feedback/diagnostic system which is adapted for use in mono-level, bi-level and variable output positive airway pressure apparatus. Although for brevity the invention will be described in detail as it may be adapted to mono-level positive airway pressure apparatus, it is further contemplated that the particulars of the present invention may also be gainfully adapted to equally preferred embodiments including bi-level and variable positive airway pressure apparatus, the general characteristics and functions of which are well known in the art. However, the particulars of the "bi-level" and "variable" positive airway pressure apparatus embodiments of the present invention will not be described at length. Consequently, it will nevertheless be understood that the presently proposed arrangement and operation of the feedback/diagnostic system components with respect to the breathing circuit will be substantially the same for a "bi-level" and "variable" positive airway pressure apparatus as those discussed hereinafter in connection with the "mono-level" embodiment of the invention.
Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated in the form of a functional block diagram, an apparatus 110 representing perhaps the simplest of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention contemplated by applicants. Apparatus 110 includes a gas flow generator 114 (e.g., a blower) which receives breathing gas from any suitable source such as a pressurized bottle or the ambient atmosphere.
Located substantially at, i.e., within, on or connected closely adjacent to, the outlet of the gas flow generator 114 is a sensor means 126 in fluid communication with a flexible gas delivery conduit means 118. One end of conduit 118 is connected to the outlet of the gas flow generator 114. The conduit 118 communicates the output of the gas flow generator 114 to a patient interface means or breathing appliance 120 that is connected to the opposite end of the conduit 118. The patient interface means 120 may be a mask of any suitable known construction which is worn by patient 122 and is in sealed communication with the patient's airway. The patient interface means 120 may preferably be a nasal mask or a full face mask as illustrated and hereinafter referred. Other breathing appliances which may be used in lieu of a mask may include nasal cannulae, an endotracheal tube, or any other suitable appliance for interfacing between a source of breathing gas and a patient.
The mask 120 includes suitable exhaust port means, schematically indicated at 124, for exhaust of breathing gases during expiration. Exhaust port means 124 preferably is a continuously open port provided in the mask 120 or a non-rebreathing valve (NRV) situated closely adjacent the mask in conduit 118. The exhaust port means imposes a suitable flow resistance upon exhaust gas flow to permit an information processing means or central processing unit (CPU) 130, which receives signals generated by sensor means 126 as indicated at 128, to control the output of the gas flow generator in a manner to be described at greater length hereinafter.
The exhaust port means 124 may be of sufficient cross-sectional flow area to sustain a continuous exhaust flow of approximately 15 liters per minute. The flow via exhaust port means 124 is one component, and typically the major component of the overall system leakage, which is an important parameter of system operation.
Sensor means 126 preferably comprises at least one suitable pressure or flow transducer which continuously detects pressure or flow discharge substantially at the outlet of the gas flow generator, which pressure or flow reflects the patient's breathing patterns. Concurrently, the sensor means 126 generates output signals 128 corresponding to the continuously detected gas pressure or flow from the gas flow generator 114 and transmits these signals to a pressure or flow signal conditioning circuit of the CPU 130 for derivation of a signal proportional to the instantaneous pressure or flow rate of breathing gas within conduit 118. Such flow or pressure signal conditioning circuit may for example be of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,802, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Depending upon the characteristics of the conditioned flow or pressure signal, the CPU may generate a command signal 132 to either increase or decrease the output of the gas flow generator 114, e.g., to increase or decrease the speed of an electric motor (not illustrated) thereof. The gas flow generator 114, sensor means 126 and CPU 130 thus comprise a feedback circuit or system capable of continuously and automatically controlling the breathing pressure supplied to the patient's airway responsive to the patient's respiratory requirements as dictated by the patient's breathing patterns.
Like the feedback/diagnostic systems known in the art, when the sensor means 126 detects breathing patterns indicative of obstructed breathing, it transmits signals corresponding to this condition to the CPU 130. The CPU then causes the gas flow generator 114 to increase its output which increases the air pressure delivered to the patient until obstructed breathing is no longer detected. The system also includes means such as appropriate logic programmed into the CPU whereby the gas flow generator output is gradually decreased if unobstructed breathing patterns are detected over a preselected period of time. This feature serves to provide the patient with a pressure minimally sufficient to maintain airway patency during unobstructed breathing, thus enhancing patient comfort and therapy compliance.
In many respects, therefore, the feedback circuit of the present invention performs similarly to the feedback circuits disclosed in previously discussed U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,245,995 and 5,199,424 and published PCT Application No. WO 88/10108. However, by situating the sensor means 126 proximate the outlet of the gas flow generator rather than proximate the patient interface means 120 many significant benefits in apparatus performance are realized, which translate into increased patient comfort and therapy compliance.
Admittedly, placement of the breathing patterns sensor substantially at or near the gas flow generator reduces the responsiveness of the apparatus to the patient's continually changing respiratory needs. However the reduction in responsiveness of the breathing patterns sensor is compensated for by resonant tuning of the system. That is, the frequency response of the patient's breathing circuit and internal tubing of the present system is acoustically tuned to optimally transmit sounds with frequency content which is known to be indicative or upper airway obstructions. Thus the tuned resonance is such that sounds with frequencies near the resonant frequency (snores) are amplified, thus boosting the signal-to-noise ratio (more accurately the ratio of snore noise to gas flow generator noise) back to the level which is comparable to that which has been obtained by sensing at the patient interface. As illustration, a patient's lack of demand or a reduced demand for inspiratory air often precedes, frequently by several seconds, the onset of an audible snore or other pronounced physical manifestation indicative of obstructed breathing. In such case, the sensor means would transmit data to the CPU 130 such that the CPU may step up the output of the gas flow generator 114 well in advance of not only an apneic event but also prior to the characteristic audible snore patterns which normally precede such an event. Known breathing pattern sensors typically accomplish this while being located on or connected to the patient interface. The sensor of the present invention, on the other hand, may be an equally responsive pressure or flow transducer sensitive to pressure or flow variations of any selected magnitude and/or frequency, but located within, on or connected closely adjacent to the outlet of the gas flow generator.
In addition to its accurate and responsive feedback capability, the feedback circuit of apparatus 110, by virtue of the strategic placement of sensor means 126, also affords medical personnel the opportunity to monitor and/or record the patient's breathing activity with high precision. With this capability, the medical personnel may confidently diagnose the patient's particular breathing disorder, prescribe the appropriate therapy, and monitor the patient's progress while undergoing treatment using apparatus 110. In this regard, such monitoring and/or recording may be achieved by system data storage and retrieval means 140.
System data storage and retrieval means 140 may within the scope of the present invention comprise any suitable computer memory into which information can be written and from which information can be read. Representative, although not limitative, embodiments of the system data storage and retrieval means may therefore include a random access memory (RAM), magnetic tapes or magnetic disks which may be incorporated into a stand-alone personal computer, mainframe computer, or the like (not illustrated).
System data storage and retrieval means 140 may be configured to record output data from gas flow generator 114 and/or, as indicated, it may compile data from one or more data input lines 142 which communicate data transmitted by other sensors or monitors (not shown) which are operatively connected to other patients in a manner known to those skilled in the art.
FIG. 3 reveals, in the form of a functional block diagram, an apparatus 210 for use in treatment of sleep apnea and related disorders that is constructed in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. For brevity, only those elements of apparatus 210 which depart materially in structure and/or function from their counterpart elements in FIG. 2 will be described in detail where such description is necessary for a proper understanding of the invention. In other words, except where otherwise indicated, gas flow generator 214, conduit means 218, patient interface means 220, exhaust port means 224, sensor means 226, CPU 230 and system data storage and retrieval means 240 of FIG. 3 desirably are constructed as and function substantially identically to gas flow generator 114, conduit 118, patient interface means 120, exhaust port means 124, sensor means 126, CPU 130 and system data storage and retrieval means 140 discussed hereinabove in connection with FIG. 2.
The primary distinction between apparatus 210 and apparatus 110 is the presence of a pressure controller 216 which may be controlled separately from and in addition to the gas flow generator 214 by CPU 230.
The pressure controller 26 is thus operative to regulate, at least in part, the pressure of breathing gas within the conduit means 218 and thus within the airway of the patient 222. Pressure controller 216 is located preferably, although not necessarily, within or closely downstream of flow generator 214 and may take the form of an adjustable valve, the valve being adjustable to provide a constant or variable pressure drop across the valve for all flow rates and thus any desired pressure within conduit means 218.
Interposed in line with conduit means 218, downstream and substantially adjacent to pressure controller 216, is a suitable sensor means 226 such as a pressure or flow transducer which generates an output signal that is fed as indicated at 228 to a pressure or flow signal conditioning circuit of CPU 230 for derivation of a signal proportional to the instantaneous pressure or flow rate of breathing gas within conduit means 218 to the patient.
Depending upon the instantaneous pressure or flow condition detected by sensor means 226, which feeds a signal 228 corresponding to that condition to the CPU 230, the CPU may generate and transmit a command signal 232 to increase or decrease the output of the gas flow generator 214 in the manner discussed above in connection with the description of FIG. 2. Alternatively, or in addition to, command signal 232, the CPU may generate and transmit command signal 234 (shown in dashed line) to the pressure controller 216 to adjust the pressure drop produced thereby. In this way particularly sophisticated instantaneous pressure output patterns may be achieved to satisfy the demands of the patient on a breath-to-breath basis.
Furthermore, data storage and retrieval means 240 may be configured to compile input not only from the gas flow generator 214 and from the patient 222 via input lines 242, but also from the pressure controller 216 to provide the overseeing medical personnel an even more complete representation of the patient's respiratory activity.
FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an arrangement wherein apparatus 310 includes a device 312 incorporating the flow generator 314, breathing patterns sensor means 326, a CPU or central processing unit 330 which includes a pressure controller (not illustrated). The flow generator 314 presents a bellows 338 terminating in a circuit coupler 344 presented externally of the device 312. A patient or first conduit means 318 has one end connected to the circuit coupler 344 and an opposite end connected to the patient interface means 320 which includes exhaust port means 324.
Unlike other positive airway pressure apparatus equipped with feedback/diagnostic systems including a breathing patterns sensor located on or connected to the patient interface, the apparatus 310 according to the present invention finds its breathing patterns sensor means 326 situated generally at the end of the breathing circuit remote from the patient 322. That is, the sensor 326 is preferably located within, on or is connected closely adjacent to the outlet of the gas flow generator 314. More specifically, the sensor means 326 comprises a pressure transducer 346 operably connected to the CPU 330. The sensor means 326 is in fluid communication with the patient or first conduit means 318 by means of sensor or second conduit 347. In accordance with the present invention, the sensor or second conduit means 347 comprises a internal conduit portion 348 disposed entirely within the device 312, and an external conduit portion 350 disposed exteriorly of the device 312. The sensor or second conduit means 347 has one end connected to the pressure transducer 346 and an opposite end connected to the patient or first conduit means 318 through the circuit coupler 344 and thus provide sound pressure communication between the pressure transducer 346 and the patient or first conduit means 318 through the circuit coupler 344. The arrangement is such that when the transmitted sound wave is close to the resonant frequency of the system, greatly amplified sound pressure will be transmitted from the mask 320 through the patient or first conduit means 318, the circuit coupler 344, and the sensor or second conduit means 347 to the pressure transducer 346. That is, the system responds like a harmonic oscillator with one degree of freedom.
By taking advantage of moving the sensor means 326 back to the device 312, the present invention provides system that is acoustically tuned to optimally transmit sounds in the frequency range of 20 to 120 Hz (the same range of sounds that are indicative of upper airway obstructions).
In apparatus, such as that illustrated in FIG. 4, the volume and entrance characteristics of the bellows 338, the blower 314, and the patient circuit 318 also affect the resonance properties in a complex manner. Therefore the optimum lengths of the internal and external conduit portions 348, 350 are best verified empirically. This is achieved by placing a sound source at the patient mask 320, sweeping through the range of frequencies of interest, and measuring the output response of the pressure transducer 346. The lengths of the internal and external conduit portions 348, 350 are varied until the desired frequency response is achieved.
In one operative embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 4, one-eighth inch inner diameter tubing is used as the internal and external conduit portions 348, 350. A length L of 40 inches of the internal and external conduit portions 348, 350 was found to provide the desired resonant frequency, w of 70 cycles per second. At that resonant frequency, the apparatus 310 is acoustically tuned to optimally transmit sounds in the target frequency range of 20 to 120 Hz--the primary frequency range of sounds that are indicative of upper airway obstruction. It should be understood, however, that the length L of the internal and external conduits 348, 350 will change with changes in the system elements. That is, the particular type of patient circuit 318, blower 314, bellows 338, circuit coupler 344, and pressure transducer 346 used in the system do determine the length L of the internal and external conduits 348, 350 that is required to produce the desired resonant frequency of 70 cycles per second. Likewise, it should be understood that the frequencies of sounds associated with upper airway obstructions are known to fall within a range of about 20 to 2,000 Hz. Therefore, other operative embodiments of the apparatus may be tuned by similar methods to resonant frequencies other than 70 Hz.
It should also be apparent that by distancing the breathing patterns sensor from the patient interface (i.e., the breathing mask or nasal prongs), the patient conduit means 318 is rendered considerably less cumbersome, the risk of entanglement is negatived, and the annoyance of the patient is minimized. The length of the shorter feedback conduit reduces, if not totally eliminates, the risk of being kinked or accidently disconnected from the patient's breathing circuit. Additionally, frequent cleaning of the shorter feedback conduit is not required because it is not in direct contact with the patient's expired air. The shorter feedback conduit also reduces the materials cost for the system.
Turning to FIGS. 5-7, a sleep apnea treatment apparatus according to the present invention is illustrated in combination with a humidifier of the present invention. When the apparatus 310 according to the present invention includes a humidifier 400 or 500, the circuit coupler 344 detaches from the gas flow generator device 312 and to an outlet 416 of the humidifier 400 or 500. An inlet 415 is then connected to the outlet of the gas flow generator device 312. Referring to FIG. 6, humidifier 400 has a U-shaped chamber 427 having a first leg 428 which directs air from the body of the humidifier and a second leg 429 which directs air towards the outlet 416. The U-shaped chamber 427 acoustically tunes the snoring sound received from a patient. In an alternative preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, humidifier 500 includes an inlet 516 and a U-shaped chamber 527 having a chamber inlet 543, a diameter transition portion 544 and a laterally extending outlet 515. The configuration of the U-shaped chamber 527 optimally transmits sound frequencies falling within a frequency range which is known to be associated with upper airway obstructions by setting the resonant frequency of the snore sound. The position of the diameter transition portion 544 controls the resonant frequency such that the resonant frequency of interest may be selected. Further included is a dissipation hole 545 between chamber inlet 543 and the outlet portion 516 of U-shaped chamber 427. Dissipation hole 545 in this presently preferred embodiment is approximately 0.098 inches in diameter. Energy is stored in U-shaped chamber 427 during each oscillation cycle of snore sound. Dissipation hole 545 helps dissipate some of that energy to adjust the Q or quality factor (a measure of resonance) of the circuit. Thus, dissipation hole 545 dissipates the energy stored in each oscillation cycle of snore sound to make the Q of the U-shaped chamber 427 comparable to that of the CPAP device.
Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention except as it may be limited by the claims. | Apparatus for delivering pressurized gas to the airway of a patient including: a gas flow generator for providing a flow of gas, a breathing appliance for sealingly communicating with the airway of the patient, and a conduit for delivery of the gas flow to the airway of the patient, the conduit having a first end connected to the gas flow generator and a second end connected to the breathing appliance. The apparatus further includes at least one sensor in fluid communication with the conduit and located substantially at the gas flow generator for detecting conditions corresponding to breathing patterns of the patient and generating signals corresponding to the conditions, and an information processor for receiving the signals and for controlling the output of the gas flow generator responsive to the signals. The apparatus further includes a humidifier connected to the gas flow generator for moisturizing a flow of pressurized gas provided by the gas flow generator and includes an outlet chamber including a diameter transition portion and a dissipation hole for acoustically tuning snoring sounds received by the patient. | 48,194 |
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/873,701, filed Dec. 8, 2006.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention generally relates to breastpumps, and more particularly relates to antimicrobial agents for use in conjunction with breastpump assemblies.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Breastmilk pumps generally include a breastshield (also known as a suction hood) that typically includes a funnel-shaped surface sized and shaped to fit over the breast; a pressure source connected to the breastshield for generating an intermittent pressure (e.g., vacuum) within the breastshield; and conduit structure for communicating milk from the breastshield to a container for the expressed milk, as well as for communicating pressure variations (such as intermittent vacuum) to the breastshield. An example of this type of pump is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,899.
[0004] Breastshields, containers for the expressed milk, and associated tubing and valves are generally variously constructed of plastic, vinyl and/or rubber. Such materials have the advantage of being lightweight, easy to clean, durable, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. In addition, such materials are able to withstand repeated exposure to high temperature and pressure, such as is used in cleaning and sterilizing the components.
[0005] During use, many of the breastpump components come into direct contact with the expressed breastmilk, other fluids, and obviously, the mother's body. As is well known, breastmilk is rich in nutrients, and constitutes an effective food source for not only infants, but microbes (e.g. bacteria and fungi) as well. The presence of such contaminants on the breastpump assembly can therefore lead to contamination of the expressed milk, which can lead to more rapid spoiling of the breastmilk, and further spread of the contaminants. This risk is exacerbated if the microbe for instance causing the contamination is a pathogen, or if the infant ingesting the contaminated breastmilk happens to be immuno-compromised and thus more susceptible to infection. Consequently, it is ordinarily recommended that breastpump components be thoroughly cleaned before and after use.
[0006] In a hospital setting, cleaning can include autoclaving the components of the breastpump assembly that come into contact with breastmilk. Autoclaving subjects the components to extremely high pressure and heat, and is effective to eliminate microbes from the assembly. Thereafter, the components may be sealed within sterile packaging for storage until use by a nursing mother. In settings outside a hospital or clinic, however, autoclave devices are generally not available or practical, and thus users ordinarily clean the breastpump assembly components with soap and water, or better still, a dishwasher unit.
[0007] While the above-described cleaning steps work well, they are not without certain disadvantages. One problem is the propensity for microbes and bacteria not removed or killed to nonetheless grow on surfaces following cleanings with soap and water. Microbes, and bacteria and fungi in particular, may have the ability to reside on surfaces of plastic, vinyl, and rubber for long periods in a relatively dormant state without substantial nutrients, and may in fact proliferate in such conditions, albeit relatively slowly. They may at least partially colonize the surfaces of a breastpump assembly following cleaning of the breastpump components, and thus are present when expressed milk comes in contact with the surfaces. Furthermore, strong antiseptic solutions or antibiotics are contraindicated, since those agents could mix with the expressed breastmilk and later be ingested by an infant. There thus remains a need, for an improved breastpump that itself helps to inhibit or prevent the growth of microbes on its surfaces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an aspect of the invention to provide a breastpump assembly including surfaces that have incorporated thereon or therein effective forms and amounts of antimicrobial materials. In one preferred embodiment, the antimicrobial materials include silver or silver-based compositions.
[0009] The invention may include an effective amount and form of silver and/or silver-containing compounds disposed on or provided to one or more parts or surfaces of the breastpump assembly. The antimicrobial composition may be provided as an additional layer or additional composition to the breastpump part or parts.
[0010] The silver or silver-containing compounds on the breastpump surfaces in one form of the invention release ions of silver that permeates the surfaces and contact the mother's body to confer antimicrobial qualities to the surfaces. The silver or silver containing compounds are preferably present on the breastpump assembly surfaces in sufficient quantities as to provide sufficient ionic silver at the breastpump assembly surface as to prevent colonization of microbes thereon. This could be a discrete outboard layer with the antimicrobial silver exposed therein. The antimicrobial compounds could also be applied to the breastpump in a fluid or cream or a similar separate base layer.
[0011] Advantages of embodiments of the invention include providing antimicrobial agents on the breastpump assembly surfaces that may be relatively permanent, (at least insofar as the typical lifetime of the unit when incorporated into the equipment), particularly with respect to elemental silver at the breastpump assembly surface, and thus present before and after use. Ionic forms of silver mixed in with the structural material of the breastpump can be adapted to migrate to breastpump assembly surfaces after use in sufficient concentrations to inhibit or eradicate microbes between uses of the breastpump assembly.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide methods of applying silver to breastpump assemblies and/or equipment associated with the storage and dispensing of breast milk. In certain embodiments, elemental nanosilver particles are attached to the surfaces of the breastpump assemblies. In other embodiments, the nanosilver particles are partially embedded in the surfaces of the breastpump assemblies. In yet other embodiments, ionic silver is applied to the surfaces of the breastpump assemblies.
[0013] Yet another embodiment of the invention includes the incorporation of an effective amount of silver-containing antimicrobial material into a lanolin or lanolin-containing composition. The combined lanolin and antimicrobial silver compound may be applied topically to a user before, during and/or after breastpump activity. The combined compound may be applied to the breastpump, for example, before the pump is used.
[0014] Yet another embodiment of the invention is the incorporation of antimicrobial agents containing effective amounts of silver or silver compounds into devices which while related to breast pumps or breastpump related functions, are not always considered part of a breastpump. For example, some commercially available breast pumps include flexible tubing to connect a pump part to a breast shield part. The invention contemplates the inclusion of silver-containing antimicrobial agents in the tubing. It should be understood that there are other ancillary parts, devices, and elements which are contemplated by the invention, when provided with silver-containing antimicrobial agents.
[0015] In addition to the incorporation or association of silver-containing antimicrobial agents in breast pumps and related devices, the invention contemplates the incorporation of silver-containing antimicrobial agents into breastfeeding equipment or accessories such as, for example, breast milk storage and feeding devices, such as bottles, collars, caps, lids and feeding nipples. Freezer bags, cooler carriers, pump valves, separation membranes, breastshield inserts, are all contemplated by the invention by incorporation of silver-containing antimicrobial agents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a breastpump assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] As shown in FIG. 1 , an exemplary breastpump assembly 20 comprises a hood or breastshield 1 . The breastshield has a funnel shape part 2 that during operation is placed over the breast of the mother. Another part 3 of the hood member is generally cylindrical in shape and communicates with a collecting or catch chamber 4 , and with a vacuum line 6 via an extension 5 . The vacuum line 6 leads to a pump 10 , which can be manually or motor driven. A manual piston-type pump is shown, having a piston cylinder 9 a and piston 9 b . A catch container 12 (e.g. a bottle) may be attached to the second end via a threaded aperture, and so attached may collect expressed breastmilk.
[0018] As previously explained, surfaces of the breastpump assembly 20 have a number of surfaces, such as surfaces 7 , 8 , 11 on which breastmilk may be in contact or which contact the mother's body upon which microbes, bacteria, viruses, fungi and other living contaminants (referred to collectively simply as “microbes” hereafter for brevity, it being understood that all of these contaminants are in point), may colonize. In order to prevent or inhibit microbial proliferation on such surfaces, elemental silver or silver-containing compounds are embedded in or affixed to such surfaces. As explained in more detail below, elemental silver and certain silver-containing compounds exhibit antimicrobial properties, particularly when in the presence of moisture. The surface in particular point are those which contact the breast and breastmilk but the invention is applicable to all other desirable components, such as handles, tubing, etc.
[0019] Embodiments of the invention include compounds having silver, which may be applied to some or all of the components of the breastpump assembly to aid in the prevention of microbe colonization on the assembly components. Silver has long been known as possessing inherent antimicrobial properties, and as being safe for human contact and ingestion. Silver and silver-containing compounds are further known to be effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms that cause, for example, disease, odor, and discoloration.
[0020] When present in aqueous solutions (i.e. in ionic form), silver has antimicrobial qualities due to the positively charged ionic form being highly toxic for microorganisms, but having relatively low toxicity for human cells. Specifically, silver ions have a high affinity for negatively charged side groups on biological molecules common in microbes, including sulfhydryl, carboxyl, phosphate, and other charged groups distributed throughout microbial cells. The binding reaction of silver to such side groups alters the molecular structure of the macromolecule, rendering it unusable to the microbial cell. Silver ions are further known to react with multiple sites within the microbial cell to inactivate critical physiological functions such as cell-wall synthesis, membrane transport, nucleic acid (such as RNA and DNA) synthesis and translation, protein folding and function, and electron transport, which is necessary for generating energy. Silver is thus a nonselective, broad spectrum antimicrobial agent also effective in the eradication of bacteria, fungi, and yeasts.
[0021] Surface-application methods can be employed to deposit either elemental silver or an ionic salt thereof to the surfaces of the breastpump assembly. Both forms are activated when placed in the presence of moisture. Ionic salts are active for relatively short periods of time, generally no more than a few days. Elemental particles of nanosilver, on the other hand, may persist in delivering antimicrobial forms of silver for as long as hundreds of days.
Silver Zirconium Phosphate
[0022] In one embodiment, a zirconium phosphate-based ceramic ion-exchange resin containing silver is applied to the breastpump assembly components. An exemplary compound includes silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate available from Milliken & Company under the name AlphaSan™. Formulations and application of ion-exchange resins containing silver are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,118,761.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate is in an aqueous solution. The solution may be applied to any surface of the breastpump assembly that is desired to be free of microbes. In particular, surfaces 7 , 8 , 11 and any other surfaces that may contact expressed breastmilk may be coated with a layer of the solution containing the silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate. So coated, the assembly 20 may be stored to maintain a relatively microbe-free state until the assembly 20 is used again. The silver antimicrobial solution could be provided in a kit, for example, where the mother can rinse, scrub or otherwise easily treat the surface(s).
Nanosilver Particles
[0024] In another embodiment, nanosilver particles are coated onto or embedded in surfaces 7 , 8 , 11 , for example, or any other desired surface of the breastpump assembly 20 . Nanosilver particles are elemental silver particles measuring from 5 to 15 nm, and which function to facilitate the slow release of ionic silver into solution. When exposed to moisture, elemental silver oxidizes, resulting in the release of the ionic form. This chemical reaction occurs at the surface of the nanosilver particle. Because elemental silver oxidizes slowly, it is able to persist on the surface on which it is deposited device for longer periods of time than solutions containing silver compounds. Nanosilver particles have the advantage of having relatively large surface to volume ratios, which allow the nanosilver particles to release more ionic silver through oxidation than larger pieces of silver. By way of example, the surface area of one a gram of silver having a spherical configuration is 10.6 cm 2 , compared to a gram of nanosilver particles having an average diameter of 10 nm and a surface area of 6×10 5 cm 2 . A number of well known methods may be used to adhere nanosilver particles to the desired surfaces of a breastpump assembly 20 .
[0025] Nanosilver particles in either an aqueous or solvent-based solution may also be applied to surfaces of the breastpump assembly 20 to inhibit microbial proliferation. The chosen solution causes the outer layer of the nanosilver particles to oxidize upon exposure to air or fluids, forming a monolayer of silver oxide (Ag 2 O) on the surface of each nanosilver particle. The silver oxide then dissolves in the fluid to produce the ionic (Ag + ) form of silver, which is the form that is effective against microbes.
[0026] While endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicants claim protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon. While the apparatus and method herein disclosed forms a preferred embodiment of this invention, this invention is not limited to that specific apparatus and method, and changes can be made therein without departing from the scope of this invention. | Breastpump assemblies having antimicrobial agents associated therewith are disclosed. Embodiments include breastpump assemblies associated with elemental nanosilver. Other embodiments include breastpump assemblies associated with ionic silver in an ionic exchange resin. | 15,889 |
This application claims the benefit the U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/578,560 entitled “VIRTUAL SOFT HAND OVER PROCEDURE IN OFDM AND OFDMA WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS” and filed Jun. 9, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as part of the specification of this application.
BACKGROUND
This application relates to wireless communication systems and techniques based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA).
Wireless communication systems use electromagnetic waves to communicate with wireless communication devices located within cells of coverage areas of the systems. A radio spectral range or band designated or allocated for a wireless communication service or a particular class of wireless services may be divided into different radio carrier frequencies for generating different communication frequency channels. This use of different frequencies for different communication channels may be used in various multiple access radio wireless communication systems.
OFDM and OFDMA systems generate different channels within a given band by using the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing to generate channel spectral profiles that are orthogonal to one another without interference when different channels are centered at selected equally-spaced frequencies. Under the OFDM, the frequency spacing can be smaller than the minimum spacing in conventional channels and hence increase the number of channels within a given band. The existing and developing specifications under IEEE 806.16x standards support wireless communications under OFDM and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA). The drafts for IEEE 806.16e published in January 2004 (revision D3) and revised in May 2005 (revision D8) provide technical specifications for OFDM and OFDMA wireless systems.
One technical feature in OFDM and OFDMA systems is the hand-over process where a mobile subscriber station (MSS) changes from one base station (BS) to another adjacent base station due to various reasons. For example, the hand over may be initiated when the MSS moves in its location due to signal fading, interference levels, etc. at the current serving base station and thus needs to change another base station to which the MSS is connected in order to provide a higher signal quality. In another example, a hand over may be initiated when the MSS can be serviced with higher QoS at another base station.
Such a hand over process may be implemented in different ways. For example, a soft hand over (SHO) process is to operate the MSS to simultaneously communicate with and to receive and send communication traffic with two or more adjacently located base stations and to synchronize the data among the different communication traffic with the different base stations to ensure continuing service during the hand over process.
SUMMARY
This application describes a virtual soft hand over (VSHO) to ensure the hand over quality with reduced complexity and overhead in the hand over process. The present VSHO technique uses diversity gain at reduced complexity comparing to the standard HO procedure within an IEEE 802.16e system. In implementations, the present VSHO utilizes a selection diversity and a fast switching mechanism to improve the link quality with less complexity. Instead of transmission synchronization by multiple BSs required by the SHO process, the present VSHO process uses a fast switching mechanism to allow data transmission from the BS with the best channel condition at any given time. A common shared MAC process is employed to facilitate the hand over process. As an example, this common shared MAC process can be achieved by a full MAC context sharing or transfer among BSs.
The present VSHO can be implemented to provide a number of technical features. As an example, it can provide diversity gain by allowing fast switching of data transmission from one BS to another BS dynamically. In the present VSHO, only one BS is transmitting at any given time, the scheduler can be more flexible and optimized than in the SHO implementation since no data synchronization is needed. In addition, the present VSHO can be configured to support data connection with the hybrid automatic Repeat request (H-ARQ) mechanism to further improve the link quality. Furthermore, the implementations of the present VSHO can be efficient and thus do not require additional air link capacity or resource.
In one implementation, a method for implementing a hand over of a mobile subscriber station (MSS) in a wireless communication network includes operating the MSS to monitor air interface messages from a plurality of adjacent base stations; controlling the MSS to transmit data to and receive data from only a single one of the adjacent base stations in each single frame; and processing the messages from the plurality of adjacent base stations to decide which base station is to be used for a frame.
Exemplary implementations and various features of the present VSHO are now described in greater detail in the attached drawings, the detailed description, and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows an example of an OFDM/OFDMA wireless communication system in which the present VSHO can be implemented.
FIG. 2 shows hand over zones between two base stations in the system shown in FIG. 1 .
FIG. 3 shows an example of the air interface message flow in one implementation of the present virtual soft hand over process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary wireless communication system 100 that uses communication channels at different frequencies to provide wireless communication services based on OFDM and OFDMA and can be used to implement the present VSHO process. The system 100 may include a network of base stations (BSs) or base station transceivers 120 that are spatially distributed in a service area to form a radio access network for wireless subscriber stations (SSs) 110 . A SS may be a MSS or a fixed SS which may be relocated within the system. In some implementations, a base station 120 may be designed to have directional antennas and to produce two or more directional beams to further divide each cell into different sections. Base station controllers (BSCs) 130 are connected, usually with wires or cables, to BSs 120 and control the connected BSs 120 . Each BSC 130 is usually connected to and controls two or more designated BSs 120 .
The wireless system 100 may include a carrier packet network 140 that may be connected packet data network 160 (e.g., an IP network). A packet data serving node 142 may be used to provide an interface between the carrier packet network 140 and the packet data network 160 . In addition, a carrier packet network manager 144 may be connected to the carrier packet network 140 to provide various network management functions, such as such as an AAA server for authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) functions.
Each subscriber station 110 may be a stationary or mobile wireless communication device. Examples of a stationary wireless device may include desktop computers and computer servers. Examples of a mobile wireless device (i.e., a MSS) may include mobile wireless phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and mobile computers. A subscriber station 110 may be any communication device capable of wirelessly communicating with base stations 120 . In the examples described here, mobile wireless devices or mobile stations (MSs) are used as exemplary implementations of the subscribed stations.
FIG. 2 illustrates one exemplary implementation of a hand over process. Two neighboring base stations BS 1 and BS 2 in the system 100 divide their respective radio cells into two zones, a hand-over zone and a non-hand-over zone based on the radial distance from the respective base station. In the hand-over zone, a subscriber station receives signals from both base stations BS 1 and BS 2 and may be operated to select either of the two base stations BS 1 and BS 2 to communicate. Notably, a subscriber station may switch from BS 1 to BS 2 in the hand-over zone or vice versa. In the non-hand-over zone of the cell, a subscriber station receives signals only from its own base station but not from the other neighboring station. To be more accurately, the signals from the base station in the neighboring cell are below the threshold power level for a normal communication link.
As a specific example, FIG. 2 shows that the cell of the base station BS 1 has a central region 210 around the BS 1 as the non-hand-over zone in which a signal from the neighboring BS 2 is not sufficiently strong to allow for a subscriber station in the region 210 to communicate with the BS 2 . Similarly, the cell of the neighboring base station BS 2 has a central zone 220 as the non-hand-over zone in which a subscriber station only communicates with the BS 2 . A region 212 between the BS 1 and BS 2 outside the non-hand-over zones 210 and 220 is shown as the hand-over zone for at least the base stations BS 1 and BS 2 and may also receive signals from other neighboring base stations. Similar hand-over zones exist for BS 1 with other neighboring base stations and are not illustrated here. The present VSHO process generally happens in the hand-over zones. Although only two base stations are shown in FIG. 2 , it is understood that three or more adjacent base stations may be within the radio range with the MSS and may be part of the present VSHO process.
Several technical concepts are now introduced for the VSHO. Some aspects of these concepts may be described in IEEE 802.16e/D8 (May 2005) in connection with the fast base station switching (FBSS) mechanism. See, generally, the description in Section 6.3.21 entitled “MAC layer handover procedure” and more specifically see sections 6.3.21.3, 6.3.21.3.2, 6.3.21.3.3 4. section 6.3.21.3.4, 6.3.21.3.4.1, and 6.3.21.3.4.2. The entire description in Section 6.3.21 entitled “MAC layer handover procedure” of IEEE 802.16e/D8 (May 2005) is incorporated herein by reference as part of the specification of this application.
First, a serving BS is a BS that has allocated resources to the MSS, i.e. assigned Basic connection identifier (CID), Primary Management CID, Secondary Management CID and data CIDs to the MSS which is kept in synchronization with a serving BS at all times. A target BS is a BS that the MSS is intended to hand over to. Once the hand over process is successfully completed, a target BS becomes a serving BS. A transmitting BS is the serving BS that is designated to transmit data to and receive data from the MSS at a given frame. An active set is a data sheet with a list of serving BSs to the MSS and is maintained at the BS.
FIG. 3 illustrates the message flow of one implementation of the present VSHO. When a MSS is in a VSHO process, the MSS's active set contains multiple serving BSs. The MSS is only transmitting/receiving data to/from one of the serving BSs (transmitting BS) at any given frame. The transmitting BS can change from frame to frame depending on the BS allocation scheme. Therefore, different transmitting BSs may be used in transmitting different frames. Although the MSS only receiving and transmitting the traffic with one BS in each frame, the MSS is simultaneously monitoring other BSs during the VSHO process. For example, the MSS is controlled to process the DL_MAP message which is a directory of the slot locations within the downlink subframe, and UL_MAP which is a directory of slot locations within the uplink subframe from all serving BSs at each frame. Based on the DL MAP and UL MAP messages from other serving BSs, the MSS decides which serving BS is the transmitting BS for the current frame. Alternatively, the switching of transmitting BS can also be done through the MAC message and the MSS does not need to read DL_MAP and UL_MAP from multiple BSs.
The MSS monitors the downlink of all serving BSs in the active set and determines its preferred transmitting BS based on received Carrier-to-Interference-plus-Noise-Ratio (CINR) from all serving BS. The MSS sends its preferred transmitting BS to the current transmitting BS over fast feedback channel. When the BS receives the request, the receiving BS changes the transmitting BS to the MSS preferred BS after all H-ARQ (if activated) re-transmissions are completed.
In FIG. 3 , a specific example for adding a serving BS is illustrated to show the basic operation of the present VSHO.
Some features of the air interface messages used in FIG. 3 are as follows. A BS broadcasts information about the network topology using the MOB-NBR-ADV MAC Management message. When an MSS performs the scanning of neighbor BSs, it may use the channel information about neighbor BSs acquired from this message. After scanning for neighbor BSs using the scanning interval allocated by the serving BS, the MSS shall report the scanning result to the Serving BS through MOB-SCAN-REPORT message, periodically or in case of a specific event which can be that the rank of the received CINR of neighbor BSs is changed. This scanning report may assist Serving BS to recommend suitable BSs for BS initiated handover operation. The Scanning Interval Allocation Request (MOB-SCN-REQ) message may be transmitted by an MSS to request a scanning interval for the purpose of seeking neighbor BS, and determining their suitability as targets for the hand over. The Scanning Interval Allocation Response (MOB-SCN-RSP) message is transmitted by the BS in response to an MOB-SCN-REQ message sent by an MSS. In addition, BS may send an unsolicited MOB_SCN_RSP. The message is to be transmitted on the basic CID. As an example, the MOB-SCN-REQ message can be sent by the BS with setting parameters to all zeros when it wants to deny scan request from the MSS and the BS includes all parameters (e.g., Scan Duration, Start Frame, Interleaving interval, etc.) in the MOB-SCN-RSP message. The MSS may transmit an MSS HO Request (MOB-MSSHO-REQ) message (MOB-MSSHO-REQ message) when the MSS initiates a hand over. The MOB-MSSHO-REQ message is transmitted on the basic CID. In addition, when an MSS starts actual handover process, it sends an MOB_HO-IND with HO_IND_type=“00”. When a serving BS receives an MOB-HO-IND message, the serving BS may release resource or retain it in order to transfer to a target BS when it is requested in future operations.
In implementing the present VSHO, the MS and the BS maintain a list of BSs that are involved in VSHO with the MS. The list is called the Active Set. Among the BSs in the Active Set, an Anchor BS is defined. Regular operation when MS is registered at a single BS is a particular case of VSHO with Active Set consisting of single BS, which in this case shall be the Anchor BS. When operating in VSHO, the MS only communicates with the Anchor BS for UL and DL messages including management and traffic connections. Transition from one Anchor BS to another (“switching”) is performed. The BS broadcasts the DCD message that includes the H_Add Threshold and H_Delete Threshold. These thresholds may be used by the MS to determine if MOB_MSHO-REQ should be sent to request switching to another Anchor BS or changing Active Set. When the mean CINR of a BS is less than a threshold (H_Delete Threshold), the MS may send MOB_MSHO-REQ to request dropping this BS from the active set; when the mean CINR of a neighbor BS is higher than H_Add Threshold, the MS may send MOB_MSHO-REQ to request adding this neighbor BS to the active set. In each case Anchor BS responds with MOB_BSHO-RSP with updated Active Set.
The process of updating Active Set begins with MOB_MSHO-REQ from MS or MOB_BSHO-REQ from the Anchor BS. Process of Anchor BS update may also begin with MOB_MSHO-REQ from MS or MOB_BSHO-REQ from the Anchor BS or it may begin with Anchor switching indication via Fast Feedback channel. If an MS that transmitted a MOB_MSHO-REQ message detects an incoming MOB_BSHO-REQ message, it may respond with a MOB_MSHO-REQ or MOB_HO-IND message and ignore its own previous request. Similarly, a BS that transmitted a MOB_BSHO-REQ message and detects an incoming MOB_MSHO-REQ or MOB_HO-IND message from the same MS can ignore its own previous request.
In some implementations, there are several conditions for implementing the VSHO handover between MS and a group of BSs. These conditions include (1) BSs involving in VSHO are synchronized based on a common time source; (2) The frames sent by the BSs from Active Set arrive at the MS within the prefix interval; (3) BSs involving in VSHO have synchronized frames; (4) BSs involving in VSHO operate at same frequency channel; and (5) BSs involving in VSHO are also required to share or transfer MAC context. Such MAC context includes all information MS and BS normally exchange during Network Entry, particularly authentication state, so that an MS authenticated/registered with one of BSs from active set BSs is automatically authenticated/registered with other BSs from the same active set. The context includes also set of Service Flows and corresponding mapping to connections associated with MS, current authentication and encryption keys associated with the connections.
In implementing the present VSHO, the related MAC management messages are processed as follows. The MS reports the preferred Anchor BS by using the MOB_MSHO-REQ message. The BS informs the MS of the Anchor BS update through MOB_BSHO-REQ or MOB_BSHO-RSP message with the estimated switching time. The MS updates its Anchor BS based on the information received in MOB_BSHO-REQ or MOB_BSHO-RSP. The MS also indicates its acceptance of the new anchor BS through MOB_HO-IND, with SHOFBSS_IND_type field set to 0b00. The MS may reject the Anchor BS update instruction by the BS, by setting the SHOFBSS_IND_type field in MOB_HO-IND to 0b10 (Anchor BS update reject). The BS may reconfigure the Anchor BS list and retransmit MOB_BSHO-RSP or MOB_BSHO-REQ message to the MS. After an MS or BS has initiated an Anchor BS update using MOB_MSHO/BSHO-REQ, the MS may cancel Anchor BS update at any time. The cancellation shall be made through transmission of a MOB_HO-IND with SHOFBSS_IND_type field set to 0b01.
The present VSHO includes a feedback from a BS to the MSS during the VSHO, now referred as Fast Anchor BS Selection Feedback Mechanism. For MS and BS using the Fast-feedback method to update Active BS Set, when the MS has more than one BS in its active set, the MS transmits fast Anchor BS selection information to the current Anchor BS using Fast-feedback channel. If the MS needs to transmit Anchor BS selection information, it transmits the codeword corresponding to the selected Anchor BS via its Fast-feedback channel. The codeword is identified by TEMP_BSID assigned to the BSs in an active set.
Only a few implementations and examples are described, however other variations, modification and enhancements are possible. | Efficient hand over mechanisms for OFDM and OFDMA wireless communication systems to operate a mobile subscriber station to transmit and receive a frame with only one base station while monitoring communications with adjacent base stations. | 19,356 |
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to, and claims priority in, co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/551,421, filed Mar. 9, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application is also a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/369,737, filed Feb. 21, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The treatment of long bone fractures typically involves internal stabilization. The benefits over external stabilization casting traction and plating include, better alignment, less invasive procedure, faster weight bearing, faster recovery, and less blood loss. An intramedullary nail or rod is a cylindrical usually hollow rod inserted in the center of the intramedullary canal or marrow cavity. The rod is usually titanium or stainless steel and is strong enough to support the bone loads during the bones healing process. The bones that are fixed in this manner are the femur, tibia, humerus and radius an ulna. Nails are typically generally circular in cross section or have a shape nearly circular.
[0003] One step in the surgical technique is the preparation of the canal. It varies in shape depending upon the position along the bone axis. The center of the bone is called the isthmus, which is a narrowing of the canal. This is especially true in the femur where in order to carry the body weight, the bone gets quite thick in its center.
[0004] A nail must be sized to carry the body weight. In order to get present day nails large enough to carry these loads, typically one and one-half to three times body weight, the rod must be larger than the canal. What is presently done is enlarging the canal. This is done is the following steps. A guide rod is inserted in the canal over it entire length. It is usually about two to about four millimeters in diameter and is about 250 to about 1000 millimeters long. It serves several purposes; first it is used to align the fragments of bone. A surgeon will use the guide rod to thread the segments through their canals. Secondly the guide rod is used to guide cutters through the canal to enlarge it to accept the nail.
[0005] The reaming process has several components. A drill with a hole through its driving axis is used to supply power. Bone is difficult to cut, especially in young males, who are frequently the fracture patient. The drill is either pneumatic or battery powered. It can impart a high torque on all driving components in order to ream the bone. As the canal of the bone is curved, a flexible shaft is used to couple the drill and the reamer. The flexible shaft is usually about 450 millimeters long and about eight to about twelve millimeters in diameter. It is cannulated, and has a hole along its length slightly larger than the guide rod. It has a connection means on one end for the drill and on the other end for connection with the reamer head (cutters). The connection to the cutter can be a radial or side-loading dovetail. It can also be an axial loading quick connect that uses the guide rod as a lock or locking means.
[0006] The reaming set has a set of cutters that increase in diameter in increments of one half to one millimeter. A set of reamer heads for the femur may have reamer heads from nine to fourteen millimeters. The reamers are typical less than three centimeters in length, as longer cutter could not follow the curve of the bone. The reaming is done to one half to one millimeter over the selected nail size so it is easy to insert.
[0007] The reaming is done by attaching a reamer head to the flex shaft and then threading these two parts over the end of the guide rod. They are advanced to bone, cut the bone and are withdrawn. The cutter is pulled back off the guide rod and then disconnected from the flexible shaft by moving the cutter radially. The next size reamer head is connected to the flexible shaft radially, and then the assembly is axially threaded onto the guide rod and the process is repeated until the desired cavity size is prepared.
[0008] It is common for six to ten reaming steps to be needed to make the canal of sufficient size to accept a nail. This is a slow and tedious part of the surgery. The difficulty arises in that the guide rod is very long and is only slightly more rigid than a coat hanger. The flexible shaft is also pretty flimsy and almost as long. The guide rod's long length outside the body make it a hard target to hit as a three millimeter rod must be axially aligned with a three millimeter nominal sized hole in the flexible shaft with only about a quarter millimeter of tolerance. Two long flexible parts must be perfectly axially aligned in order to be threaded.
[0009] These steps show how it is done. The surgeon must hold the dovetail style cutter to the flexible shaft while trying to do the threading process. At the same time, the drill must be supported. This process usually requires at least three hands: one to hold the drill, one to hold the flex shaft reamer connection and one to hold the guide rod steady so they can be axially aligned. As the surgeon's gloves at this time are wet with blood and fat from the canal, they are very slick and only makes this more difficult. Some surgeons that are very skilled can hold the drill with one hand, and use the other to hold the reamer to the shaft, and capture the bouncing guide rod, then align it all together with one hand. Few indeed are those who have this type of dexterity.
[0010] The axially loading flex shaft/cutter connections do load these two parts together faster and may hold them together on their own, however they still require three hands to thread the cutter over the guide rod. The most difficult part is threading the cutters on the guide rod, and it must be done many times.
[0011] If the reamer head is dropped from the hand onto the floor during this process, it must be sterilized delaying the process even further. Clearly, reaming is a frustrating part of the long bone fracture fixation procedure, and it is no wonder it is left to residents and those in their medical training to do this tedious task.
[0012] Another drawback of the contemporary guide rods is that they are constructed of non-resilient or non-flexible material. This provides additional difficulty in manipulating the reamer heads onto the guide rod such as requiring the drill and drill head to be lifted high into the air to perform the exchange.
[0013] Accordingly, there is a need for a reaming device and related apparatus that addresses these drawbacks.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that allows changing of reamer heads without removal of the flexible shaft from the guide rod.
[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a device that facilitates the procedure for exchanging cutters during the bone reaming process.
[0016] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by providing a bone reaming device for reaming a bone canal, which device has a rod and a cutter. The rod has a first end, a second end and is sized and shaped to fit in the bone canal. At least a portion of the rod is flexible thereby allowing the first and second ends to be bent toward each other. The cutter is removably connectable to the rod. The rod guides the cutter in the bone canal.
[0017] In another embodiment, there is also provided a guide rod for use with a cutter for reaming a bone canal. The cutter is removably connectable to the guide rod. The guide rod has a body having a first end, a second end and is sized and shaped to fit in the bone canal. The body has at least a portion thereof that is flexible thereby allowing the first and second ends to be bent toward each other. The guide rod guides the cutter in the bone canal.
[0018] In another embodiment, there is also provided a guide rod operably connectable with a cutter for creating a hole in a bone canal. The guide rod has a first end, a second end, a flexible portion and a plurality of cross-sectional areas. The guide rod is sized and shaped to fit in the bone canal. At least a first cross-sectional area of the plurality of cross-sectional areas allows the cutter to be removed from the guide rod. At least a second cross-sectional area of the plurality of cross-sectional areas prevents the cutter from being removed from the guide rod. The flexible portion allows the first and second ends to be bent toward each other.
[0019] There is also provided a method of reaming a bone canal which includes, but is not limited to, providing a guide rod having a first end, a second end and a flexible portion; providing a cutter that is removably connectable to the guide rod; bending the guide rod at the flexible portion thereby moving the first and second ends toward each other; loading the cutter on the guide rod; and advancing the cutter along the guide rod into the bone canal.
[0020] There is also provided a method of reaming a bone canal that includes the steps of, but is not limited to, providing a guide rod having a flexible portion and a longitudinal axis when the flexible portion is unbiased; providing a cutter that is removably connectable to the guide rod; loading the cutter on the guide rod; and advancing the cutter along the guide rod into the bone canal. The loading of the guide rod is done when the guide rod is non-coincidental to the longitudinal axis.
[0021] There is also provided a cutter for creating a hole in a bone canal. The cutter has a central bore having a diameter and a radial slot with slot walls. The radial slot is in communication with the central bore. The radial slot has a width that is smaller than the diameter of the central bore.
[0022] At least a portion of the rod that is flexible can be made from a super elastic alloy. The second end of the rod may have an enlarged member that prevents the cutter from sliding off the second end. The cutter can have a central bore and a radial slot. The central bore can have a diameter and the radial slot can have a width. The radial slot may be in communication with the central bore. The width of the radial slot can be smaller than the diameter of the central bore.
[0023] The rod can have a plurality of cross-sectional areas. At least a first cross-sectional area of the plurality of cross-sectional areas allows the cutter to be removed from the rod and at least a second cross-sectional area of the plurality of cross-sectional areas can prevent the cutter from being removed from the rod. At least one of the plurality of cross-sectional areas may be circular. At least a portion of the first cross-sectional area may be flexible. At least a portion of the second cross-sectional area may be flexible.
[0024] The device may also have a support member operably connected between the first and second cross-sectional areas. The support member may be a hollow tube having a third cross-sectional area that is greater than the first cross-sectional area and less than the second cross-sectional area. The support member may have a tapered end. At least a portion of the support member may be made from a super elastic alloy.
[0025] The slot walls may be parallel to each other in a direction toward the central bore. The slot walls may converge toward each other in a direction toward the central bore. The slot walls may have first and second portions, where the first portions are parallel to each other in a direction toward the central bore and the second portions converge toward each other in the direction toward the central bore. At least a portion of the cutter may have a coating. The coating can be titanium oxide, chrome, titanium aluminum oxide, or any combinations thereof. At least a portion of the cutter may be treated with a low-friction coating.
[0026] The present invention is intended to alleviate the drawbacks of the conventional axially loaded intramedullary reamer used in long bone fixation surgery. An object of this invention is to provide a radially loading reamer that does not necessitate separation of the reamer shaft and the guide rod.
[0027] To accomplish the above recited object, the present invention has a long slender rod to fit the intramedullary canal of a long bone with a plurality of cross sectional areas used to guide reamers (cutters) within the intramedullary canal of the bone. The cutters are conventional reaming heads with the addition of a radial slot extending from the central bore. The preferred embodiment has two main shaft cross sections, and both sections are circular. The guide rod can be constructed from one component. The advantage to one component is that is preassembled, however the small diameter shaft can bend during manipulation prior to reaming. Straightening a bent rod intra-operatively can be difficult.
[0028] Alternatively, the rod may have more than one segment. One component looks externally like a conventional guide rod with an engagement means on the end opposite the ball end. The engagement means could be contained within an internal cavity, a thread. The second component is a smaller cross section rod, or loading section. The preferred embodiment would be a round section.
[0029] The small section could have an engagement means on it. It can be a friction fit into a smooth bore. The preferred embodiment is a thread. The two components could line up axially and lock together. They would then function like the unitary component device. The small component could be added after the fracture manipulation is complete lessening the chance for a bent small section. The small section rod could be a commonly used orthopaedic wire, or Kirschner wire (K wire), used for a multitude of procedures.
[0030] The length of the small section should be slightly longer than the cutter. It could be much longer than the cutter, as K wires can be over ten centimeters long. The preferred embodiment for ease of loading, flexible shaft retention would be approximately five centimeters. That typically would allow a few centimeters of small shaft to extend beyond the cutter to hold the flexible shaft in place.
[0031] The locking means between each rod segment holds the small section on while the flexible reamer is being moved back and forth. There is some friction between the guide rod and inner portion of the flexible reamer. Axial resistance to the motion of the small segment relative to the large segment could be done with a threaded connection. The reamers tend to run in one direction only, so a standard right hand thread would tend to self tighten during operation. Typical sizes of the rod main portion would be from two and four millimeters in diameter, and the smaller cross section is between one to two millimeters in diameter. The smaller section would typical have a size that is fifty percent of the larger section.
[0032] The small cross section can be made by removal of material from a conventional guide rod. This can be done in one or more planes, so the cross section can form a polygon. These cuts can be adjacent to the end of the guide rod, or they can be located a short distance from the end. The later embodiment allows a full section of the guide rod to center the flexible shaft and its dovetail (or equivalent locking means) over the rod to further speed reamer loading. This method is somewhat more difficult to manufacture, as working with a long flexible rod is difficult.
[0033] The loading section could have both small and large sections, allowing radially loading while maintaining the centering of a full section on the flexible shaft bearing surface, at the same time, keeping the economy of a constant section main guide rod. This embodiment of the loading section can also be replaceable to reduce bending risk.
[0034] Another loading section has two diameter sections equal to the main guide rod flanking a smaller loading section. This allows the advanced centering, radially loading of the previous embodiments, and provides an abutment surface to stop the thread engagement, stiffening the junction between the main guide rod and the loader section. The loading section could have a tapered approach to facilitate loading of the reamer shaft initially.
[0035] The small cross section of the above embodiments is long enough to clear the length of the reamer, approximately three centimeters. In cases where the small section is not backed up with a larger cross section, the shorter section can be extended to maintain the flexible shaft on the rod. An overlap of two centimeters is adequate to keep the flexible shaft in place. The length of the straight short portion could then be about five centimeters.
[0036] The main portion of the two piece embodiment would be from about 250 to about 1000 millimeters long. This depends on the bone that is being reamed. Generally, the rod is about twice the length of the canal of the bone. The main portion of the two piece assembly has a stop on the end going into the canal to prevent reamer dissociation. The unitary guide rod has a stop to prevent reamer dissociation also.
[0037] The reamer or cylindrical cutter enlarges the intramedullary canal by cutting a round hole. This hole will provide means to place an intramedullary rod. The cutters generally are tapered or barrel shape to follow previous cutters, and have a good cutting action. The radial slot is cut from the central bore to the outer edge. It is located to minimize the disturbance to the cutting edges of the flutes. Flutes that must be divided are done so such that there are no weak sections or unintended sharp edges. The slot is slightly wider than the small section of the rod. The reamer head can then slide on and off of the rod. When the reamer is advanced onto the main portion of the rod, it spins freely and can not move radially because the slot is smaller than the guide rod at that portion. At this point it functions like a typical reamer.
[0038] When the reamer is to be exchanged, the flexible drive shaft draws it back out of the canal and up the rod so the reamer head is over the smaller section. The cutter is slid off the guide rod along a radial path. When the loading section is a constant diameter (K wire) the flex shaft is held in place and provides some movement between the rod and flexible shaft connector. With the multiple diameter loading section, the larger upper section perfectly centers the flexible shaft so that no alignment is needed. The round cross section of the smaller section does not require special alignment either. The only alignment necessary is that of the reamer dovetail to the flexible shaft, which is as it is required on present reaming systems. In the embodiment of a guide rod with the polygon shaped reduced section, the reamer engagement must be aligned with the polygon before the reamer can be loaded. With all of the embodiments, once the smaller reamer is removed, the next sized reamer is placed over the small section, locked with the dovetail and advanced into the canal.
[0039] Another embodiment is for the transitions in guide rod diameters to have tapers to make it easier for a reamer to go from one to another without getting caught. This can be adapted to all previous embodiments. The extra section for the two pieces can have driving means on one end to lock the threads in place and to remove it if need be. These can be a screw driver slot, external or internal polygon shape or a surface geometry such as a knurl. In another embodiment of the loading rod, the tip adjacent to the thread has a diameter to facilitate centering within the thread, making the connection faster.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] [0040]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the prior art showing a long bone (femur), drill, flexible reamer shaft (shortened and simplified) guide rod (shortened), and cylindrical cutter, just prior to reaming the bone;
[0041] [0041]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the prior art showing the reamer assembly disengaged from the guide rod in preparation for reamer exchange;
[0042] [0042]FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the prior art, showing the radial engagement of the reamer and dovetail reamer connection, off the guide rod;
[0043] [0043]FIG. 3B is a close up perspective view of the prior art, showing the radial engagement of the reamer and dovetail reamer connection, off the guide rod;
[0044] [0044]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the prior art, a guide rod with end stop, straight, shown shortened for clarity;
[0045] [0045]FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the prior art, a ten mm diameter reamer head with the helical cutting teeth omitted for clarity;
[0046] [0046]FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the prior art, a twelve mm diameter reamer head with the helical cutting teeth omitted for clarity;
[0047] [0047]FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the prior art, a fourteen mm diameter reamer head with the helical cutting teeth omitted for clarity;
[0048] [0048]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment, the one piece, multiple cross section shaft of guide rod, with the larger cross section portion of the shaft shortened for clarity of the present invention;
[0049] [0049]FIG. 7A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention, a multi-piece, multiple cross section shaft guide rod, assembled, with the larger cross section portion of the shaft shortened for clarity;
[0050] [0050]FIG. 7B is a plan view of a cross section of the multiple-piece rod, with the larger cross portion of the section shaft shortened for clarity;
[0051] [0051]FIG. 7C is a detail of the plan view of threaded connection of the multiple-piece rod;
[0052] [0052]FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the guide rod with parallel cuts, cut away from end, with the larger cross section portion of the shaft shortened for clarity; (ball end is omitted);
[0053] [0053]FIG. 8B is a plan view of the alternate embodiment of the guide rod of FIG. 8A with parallel cuts, cut away from end;
[0054] [0054]FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of guide rod with a polygon cross section, cut away from end;
[0055] [0055]FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the alternate embodiment of the guide rod of FIG. 9A with a polygon cross section, cut away from end;
[0056] [0056]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment showing the positioning of the cutter, flexible shaft, and guide rod components prior to radial loading; The large section of the guide rod is shown shortened for drawing clarity;
[0057] FIGS. 11 A-F are perspective views of an embodiment showing progressive radial engagement of the cutter guided by the small section and the connector on the shaft;
[0058] FIGS. 12 A-C are perspective views of the components in FIG. 10 to illustrate the advancement of cutter and flexible shaft from the small cross section to the large cross section of the rod;
[0059] FIGS. 13 A-C are perspective views of the components in FIG. 10 to illustrate the advancement of cutter and flexible shaft from the small cross section to the large cross section of the rod rotated to show the junction position;
[0060] FIGS. 14 A-B are perspective views of the embodiment of FIG. 10 to show the radial slot guiding the small cross section;
[0061] FIGS. 15 A-B are perspective views of the embodiment of FIG. 8A with the cutter and flexible shaft in alignment for radial engagement;
[0062] [0062]FIG. 16A is a plan view of the loading of cutter relative to intramedullary canal, guide rod assembly and femur;
[0063] [0063]FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the loading of cutter relative to intramedullary canal, guide rod assembly and femur;
[0064] [0064]FIG. 17A is a perspective view of the cutter on the guide rod, attached to the flexible shaft, ready to ream the canal;
[0065] [0065]FIG. 17B is a detailed view of the cutter of FIG. 17A;
[0066] [0066]FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the prior art cutter with cutting flutes;
[0067] [0067]FIG. 18B is a perspective view of a cutter of the present invention with cutting flutes and the radial slot;
[0068] [0068]FIG. 19A is a perspective view of small cross section rod with constant cross section;
[0069] [0069]FIG. 19B is a perspective detail view of the embodiment of FIG. 19A showing the locking thread and the leading alignment boss;
[0070] [0070]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the main guide rod of large cross section with a threaded recess for the second, small section rod component;
[0071] [0071]FIG. 21A is a perspective view of a two piece embodiment of the present invention with dual diameters with a flexible shaft alignment boss on the small section component shown assembled;
[0072] [0072]FIG. 21B is a plan view of the two piece embodiment of the present invention with dual diameters with a flexible shaft alignment boss;
[0073] [0073]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the cutter on the two piece embodiment with a flexible shaft alignment boss;
[0074] [0074]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the two piece embodiment with a flexible shaft alignment boss and flange adjacent to the locking thread;
[0075] [0075]FIG. 24 is a plan view of the small section with a driving mechanism, and the flange adjacent to the locking thread;
[0076] [0076]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 24;
[0077] [0077]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a one piece guide rod with integral small section and upper large section for alignment;
[0078] [0078]FIG. 27 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the guide rod of the present invention;
[0079] [0079]FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a cross-section of the guide rod with a strain relieving tube;
[0080] [0080]FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the cutter of the present invention;
[0081] [0081]FIG. 30 is a top view of the cutter of FIG. 29;
[0082] [0082]FIG. 31 is a top view of an alternative cutter of the present invention;
[0083] [0083]FIG. 32 is a top view of another alternative cutter of the present invention;
[0084] [0084]FIG. 33 is a top view of yet another alternative cutter of the present invention; and
[0085] [0085]FIG. 34 is a top view of still yet another alternative cutter of the present invention.
REFERENCE NUMBERS IN THE DRAWINGS
[0086] [0086] 10 femur
[0087] [0087] 20 drill
[0088] [0088] 30 flexible reamer shaft
[0089] [0089] 40 cutter
[0090] [0090] 50 guide rod,
[0091] [0091] 60 axial separation
[0092] [0092] 70 dovetail
[0093] [0093] 75 internal cannula
[0094] [0094] 80 relief
[0095] [0095] 90 dovetail cavity
[0096] [0096] 100 relief channel
[0097] [0097] 110 cannulation
[0098] [0098] 110 cutter cannula
[0099] [0099] 120 stop or ball end
[0100] [0100] 130 two cross sectioned shaft guide rod with ball end.
[0101] [0101] 140 small cross section portion
[0102] [0102] 150 junction
[0103] [0103] 160 large cross section portion
[0104] [0104] 170 small section
[0105] [0105] 180 large section
[0106] [0106] 190 threaded portion
[0107] [0107] 200 threaded recess
[0108] [0108] 210 rectangular
[0109] [0109] 220 square
[0110] [0110] 230 cutter
[0111] [0111] 240 radial slot opening
[0112] [0112] 250 bone's canal
[0113] [0113] 260 cutting flutes
[0114] [0114] 270 recesses.
[0115] [0115] 280 alignment section
[0116] [0116] 290 integral flexible shaft alignment section
[0117] [0117] 300 large sections.
[0118] [0118] 310 driving means
[0119] [0119] 500 guide rod
[0120] [0120] 501 longitudinal axis of guide rod body
[0121] [0121] 600 support member
[0122] [0122] 610 outer edge
[0123] [0123] 620 tapered edge
[0124] [0124] 2300 cutter
[0125] [0125] 2310 cutting flute
[0126] [0126] 2320 leading edge
[0127] [0127] 2325 trailing edge
[0128] [0128] 2350 slot wall
[0129] [0129] 2400 cutter
[0130] [0130] 2410 cutting flute
[0131] [0131] 2450 slot wall
[0132] [0132] 2500 cutter
[0133] [0133] 2510 cutting flute
[0134] [0134] 2550 slot wall
[0135] [0135] 2600 cutter
[0136] [0136] 2610 cutting flute
[0137] [0137] 2650 slot wall
[0138] [0138] 2655 parallel wall
[0139] [0139] 2660 angled wall
[0140] [0140] 2700 cutter
[0141] [0141] 2710 cutting flute
[0142] [0142] 2750 slot wall
[0143] [0143] 2755 parallel wall
[0144] [0144] 2760 angled wall
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0145] For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, there being contemplated such alterations and modifications of the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as disclosed herein, as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.
[0146] [0146]FIG. 1 shows the prior art. A long bone, in this case a femur 10 , is reamed with a drill 20 coupled to a flexible reamer shaft 30 and a cutter 40 . This assembly is slid over a guide rod, 50 into the intramedullary canal. The flexible shaft 30 and the cutter 40 are locked together so they rotate at the same speed. The drill drives these two components into the bone 10 , to create a cylindrical cavity for a fracture fixing rod.
[0147] [0147]FIG. 2 is of prior art showing the axial separation 60 of the cutter/flexible shaft/drill and the guide rod 50 in preparation for reamer exchange.
[0148] [0148]FIG. 3A is of prior art showing the radial loading of the cutter 40 onto the flexible shaft 30 .
[0149] [0149]FIG. 3B is of prior art showing details of a typical flexible shaft and reamer connection. The flexible shaft has a dovetail 70 adjacent to a relief 80 . The cutter has a corresponding dovetail cavity 90 and smaller relief channel 100 . The cuter has a cannulation 110 extending through its length. The cannulation 110 is slightly larger than the guide rod 50 . The flexible shaft 30 has an internal cannula 75 that is the same size as the cutter cannula 110 and both of these are slightly larger than the guide rod 50 , so everything will easily rotate about the guide rod 50 , when powered by the drill.
[0150] [0150]FIG. 4 shows the prior art guide rod 50 . It is typically a solid rod with a stop or ball end 120 . The ball end 120 is larger than the cutter cannulation 110 and will not allow the cutter to pass. This keeps the cutter from coming off inside the bone. The ball is typical welded or silver soldered onto the rod. The rod can be from 300 to 1000 millimeters long.
[0151] FIGS. 5 A,B,C show the prior art. The cutters have identical dovetail cavity and reliefs, but the main diameter increases.
[0152] [0152]FIG. 6 shows the two cross sectioned shaft of rod 130 with ball end of one embodiment of the present invention. The rod 130 has a large cross section portion 160 , a small cross section portion 140 and a ball end 120 . The junction 150 of the large cross section portion 160 and small cross section portion 140 is tapered to facilitate cutter transfer. The components line up along their axes. The large cross section 160 and the ball end 120 are similar in shape to the prior art.
[0153] [0153]FIGS. 7A and B show the inventive guide rod 1 that can be more than one component. The small section rod component 170 can be exclusively on one component, and the large section on another component 180 . The two components 170 , 180 are joined together to functional as one with a connection.
[0154] A threaded connection is shown in FIG. 7C. The small section rod component 170 has a threaded portion on one end 190 , mates with a threaded recess 200 in the large section rod component 180 .
[0155] The cross section of the smaller section rod component 170 is shown as circular.
[0156] The smaller cross section can be non circular and can be generally rectangular 210 or square 220 as shown in FIGS. 8 A-B and FIGS. 9 A-B.
[0157] [0157]FIG. 10 shows a flexible shaft 30 that goes over the guide rod small section 170 . The inventive cutter 230 is positioned so the dovetail locking feature 90 is aligned with the mating geometry on the flexible shaft 70 and the inventive radial slot opening 240 is directed toward the small section.
[0158] FIGS. 11 A-F show the cutter 230 advanced radially toward the center of the guide rod small section 170 .
[0159] [0159]FIG. 12A-C show the cutter 230 and flexible shaft 30 advanced axially down the guide rod 180 .
[0160] [0160]FIG. 13A-C show the smaller section of the guide rod 170 going into the flexible shaft 30 and the inventive cutter cannula or center bore 110 fitting over the guide rod large section 180 .
[0161] [0161]FIGS. 14A and B show the detail of the cutter retention means. The small section 170 can pass through the radial slot 240 . The large section 180 can not, and the cutter 230 can freely rotate on the main rod section 180 .
[0162] [0162]FIGS. 15A and B show the non round smaller section guide rod 210 align with the flexible shaft dovetail 80 . The geometry on the guide rod 210 must be aligned with the slot 240 in the cutter 230 to advance the cutter radially to the locking position.
[0163] [0163]FIGS. 16A and B show that the loading of the cutter 230 is done adjacent to the bone 10 . Most of the guide rod large section 180 is in the bone's canal 250 while loading occurs.
[0164] [0164]FIGS. 17A and B show the cutter 230 with the radial slots 240 positioned ready to go into the intramedullary canal 250 . The drill 20 and flexible shaft 30 advance the cutter 230 over the guide rod large section 180 into the canal 250 .
[0165] [0165]FIG. 18A shows a conventional cutter 40 with cutting flutes 260 and recesses 270 shown.
[0166] [0166]FIG. 18B shows the inventive cutter 230 with cutting flutes 260 , recesses 270 and the inventive radial slot 240 shown. The cannulation 110 of the cutter is the same as the one shown in the prior art cutter 40 . The flexible shaft retention means, shown here as a dovetail interlock, 90 and 100 , are also the same as the prior art.
[0167] [0167]FIG. 19A shows the single cross section small section component 170 of the guide rod assembly. The cross section is circular of maximum stiffness and ease of manufacture.
[0168] [0168]FIG. 19B shows a detail of the small cross section 170 . A thread 190 is used for joining the component of the guide rod, with an alignment section 280 to align and help start the threading process.
[0169] [0169]FIG. 20 shows the inventive large section guide rod component 180 with a connecter means 200 , a threaded hole shown in the non ball end.
[0170] [0170]FIGS. 21A and B show the inventive guide rod assembly having a small section segment with an integral flexible shaft alignment section 290 . The flexible shaft alignment section has a diameter approximately the same diameter as the main guide rod. The internal cannula of the flexible shaft 290 is a slip fit over the guide rod 180 . The flexible shaft alignment section 290 centers the dovetail of the cutter aligned with the dovetail of the flexible shaft so the radial slot does not require its own alignment.
[0171] [0171]FIG. 22 shows the cutter 230 relative to the small section and the flexible shaft alignment section 290 .
[0172] [0172]FIG. 23 shows an embodiment of the small section guide rod component with two large sections 290 and 300 adjacent each other. The large section 300 adjacent to the threads stabilizes the thread.
[0173] [0173]FIGS. 24 and 25 shows a driving mechanism or means to engage the small diameter section with a driving tool 310 . The driving means 310 is shown as a slot for a screw driver. The tapers 150 are to ease axial travel of the cutter.
[0174] [0174]FIG. 26 shows an embodiment of the guide rod with the main section 180 , the small section 170 and the alignment section 290 all in one piece.
[0175] Referring to FIG. 27, another embodiment of the present invention is shown in which at least a portion of the guide rod 500 has a body that is made from a flexible, resilient material to facilitate exchanging out the cutter 230 . Preferably, all of small section rod component 170 of guide rod 500 is made from the flexible, resilient material. This allows the large section rod component 180 to be hard and rigid enough to move bone segments, while also allowing the flexible portion to be bent and/or manipulated so that the drill 20 and reamer shaft 30 can be located in an accessible position/orientation when exchanging the cutters 230 . This is particularly helpful where longer guide rods 500 are needed and the drill 20 would typically need to be elevated very high to exchange the cutter 230 . Reference numeral 501 generally represents the longitudinal axis of the guide rod 500 when in an unbiased or unstressed state, e.g., not bending the ends towards each other.
[0176] Alternative positionings of the flexible portion along the guide rod 500 can be used which similarly allow for resilient bending to make the drill more accessible for exchanging the cutters 230 , such as, for example, a portion or a plurality of portions of the small section rod component 170 , the large section rod component 180 , or both, being made flexibly resilient. Also, the entire body of the guide rod 500 or a substantial portion thereof can be made flexible or flexibly resilient.
[0177] The portion of the guide rod 500 that is flexibly resilient can be made from a variety of flexible, resilient materials and/or combinations of flexible, resilient materials. Preferably, the flexible material is a shape memory alloy and/or super elastic alloy. More preferably, the material is a nickel titanium alloy or a combination of nickel titanium alloys. Most preferably, the material is nitinol.
[0178] Due to the load exerted on the transition between the rigid and flexibly resilient portions of guide rod 500 , a taper along the guide rod can be used in the transition area so as to relieve the stress. Also, a tube or other rigid support member could be placed over, around, or be operably connected to the flexible portion of guide rod 500 to provide support and relieve the stress.
[0179] Referring to FIG. 28, a stress or strain relieving hollow tube of the present invention is shown and represented by reference numeral 600 . Tube 600 provides stress or strain relief to lessen the localized stress or strain in the transition area between the flexibly resilient area and the more rigid area, which in this particular embodiment is between the small section 170 and the large section 180 . Tube 600 also facilitates the cutters 230 (shown in FIGS. 10-17) traveling along the guide rod 500 and passing over the transition area by reducing the change in diameter between the small section 170 and the large section 180 of the guide rod.
[0180] Tube 600 can have various shapes to further facilitate both relieving the stress and strain in the transition area and facilitating the cutters 230 passing over the transition area, such as, for example, a small or gradually increasing outer diameter in proximity to the transition area near the outer edge 610 of the large section 180 so that the cutter does not catch that edge. Tube 600 can also have an angled or tapered edge 620 to facilitate the cutters passing from the small section rod component 170 over the tube. The tube 600 can additionally be a plurality of tubes, with the same or different shapes and/or dimensions, to further reduce the stress or strain in the transition area and further facilitate the cutters 230 passing over the transition area.
[0181] Preferably, tube 600 is made from a flexible, resilient material or combination of flexible, resilient materials. More preferably, the flexible material is a shape memory alloy and/or super elastic alloy. Even more preferably, the material is a nickel titanium alloy or a combination of nickel titanium alloys. Most preferably, the material is nitinol.
[0182] Where the entire small section rod component 170 is made of the flexible resilient material, such as, for example, nitinol, it can be crimped into place in the end of the rigid larger section rod component 180 through a hole disposed through the end of the larger section. Where tube 600 or another support member is used in conjunction with the flexible portion of the guide rod 500 , the flexible portion and the tube can be crimped or swaged together, such as, for example, in a hole formed in the end of the rigid portion of the guide rod. The distal end of guide rod 500 has an enlarged member (not shown) that prevents the cutters 230 from sliding off.
[0183] The use of a flexible portion for a part or all of the guide rod 500 also facilitates shipping and handling of the guide rod. Conventional guide rods that are made of rigid material require very large boxes for shipping, which is avoided by the present invention. Additionally, cleaning and sterilization is facilitated due to the flexibility of the guide rod 500 which can be manipulated into a smaller area, such as, for example, a sterilization autoclave. The guide rod 500 can also have a clip operably connected thereto and preferably connected to the flexible portion to prevent the flexible portion from leaving the sterile field, such as, for example, by affixing the clip to a surgical drape. The clip can also facilitate the packaging of the guide rod 500 , such as, for example, allowing for the flexible portion to be clipped to the rigid portion of the guide rod to reduce the overall footprint.
[0184] It should also be understood that the present invention contemplates the flexible portion or plurality of portions (or entirety) of guide rod 500 being usable with the various embodiments described herein. Alternatively, the present invention contemplates the flexible portion or plurality of portions, as described herein, being usable with other guide rods so that they are capable of placing the distal end of the guide rod, which is connectable with the drill 20 , in a position that makes the drill more accessible for exchanging the cutters 40 , such as, for example, guide rods having a uniform diameter.
[0185] Referring to FIGS. 29 and 30, a cutter of the present invention is shown and generally represented by reference numeral 2300 . Cutter 2300 , similar to cutter 230 described above, allows for easy loading and unloading of the cutter on the guide rod 130 , 500 by way of central bore 110 and slot 240 . Cutter 2300 has cutting flutes 2310 , which are preferably shaped in a spiral or curved configuration. Cutting flutes 2310 preferably have leading edges 2320 that are chamfered or smoothly shaped to facilitate cutting and manipulation of the cutter 2300 . Cutting flutes 2310 are also preferably tapered so that the leading edge 2320 has a smaller width than the trailing edge 2325 . The present invention also contemplates the use of other shapes and sizes of flutes 2310 to facilitate cutting and manipulation of the cutters 2300 .
[0186] Slot 240 in cutter 2300 is defined by slot walls 2350 . Cutter 2300 has slot walls 2350 that are non-parallel, symmetric and converging towards each other in the direction of the center bore 110 . The converging angle of the slot walls 2350 facilitates the loading of guide rods 130 , 500 through the slot 240 and into center bore 110 by providing a larger target. The converging angle of the slot walls 2350 also facilitates ejection of any bone chip that enters the slot 240 since the outer opening of the slot will be wider than the inner opening near the center bore 110 .
[0187] Referring to FIG. 31, another alternate cutter is shown and generally represented by reference numeral 2400 . Cutter 2400 allows for easy loading and unloading of the cutter on the guide rod 130 , 500 by way of central bore 110 and slot 240 . Cutter 2400 has cutting flutes 2410 with features similar to the ones described above with respect to cutting flutes 2310 . Slot 240 in cutter 2400 is defined by slot walls 2450 . Slot walls 2450 are parallel. The parallel configuration of the slot walls 2450 reduces the likelihood of bone chips entering the slot 240 as compared to the slot in cutter 2300 since the outer opening of the slot will be the same size as the inner opening near the center bore 110 .
[0188] Referring to FIG. 32, another alternate cutter is shown and generally represented by reference numeral 2500 . Cutter 2500 allows for easy loading and unloading of the cutter on the guide rod 130 , 500 by way of central bore 110 and slot 240 . Cutter 2500 has cutting flutes 2510 with features similar to the ones described above with respect to cutting flutes 2310 . Slot 240 in cutter 2500 is defined by slot walls 2550 . Slot walls 2550 are non-parallel, non-symmetric and converging towards each other in the direction of the center bore 110 . The converging angle of the slot walls 2550 facilitates the loading of guide rods 130 , 500 through the slot 240 and into center bore 110 by providing a larger target. The converging angle of the slot walls 2550 also facilitates ejection of any bone chip that enters the slot 240 since the outer opening of the slot will be wider than the inner opening near the center bore 110 . The non-symmetry of slot walls 2550 reduces the chance of the slot 240 filling with bone chips since the size of the outer opening is being reduced and the reduction of the angle reduces chips being drawn into the slot.
[0189] Referring to FIG. 33, another alternate cutter is shown and generally represented by reference numeral 2600 . Cutter 2600 allows for easy loading and unloading of the cutter on the guide rod 130 , 500 by way of central bore 110 and slot 240 . Cutter 2600 has cutting flutes 2610 with features similar to the ones described above with respect to cutting flutes 2310 . Slot 240 in cutter 2600 is defined by slot walls 2650 . Slot walls 2650 have portions that are parallel 2655 and non-parallel 2660 that converge towards each other in the direction of the center bore 110 . The parallel configuration of the wall portion 2655 reduces the likelihood of bone chips entering the center bore 110 . The converging angle of the wall portion 2660 facilitates the loading of guide rods 130 , 500 through the slot 240 and into center bore 110 by providing a larger target. The converging angle of the slot walls 2660 also facilitates ejection of any bone chip that enters the slot 240 since the outer opening of the slot will be wider than the inner opening near wall portion 2655 .
[0190] Referring to FIG. 34, another alternate cutter is shown and generally represented by reference numeral 2700 . Cutter 2700 allows for easy loading and unloading of the cutter on the guide rod 130 , 500 by way of central bore 110 and slot 240 . Cutter 2700 has cutting flutes 2710 with features similar to the ones described above with respect to cutting flutes 2310 . Slot 240 in cutter 2700 is defined by slot walls 2750 . Slot walls 2750 have portions that are parallel 2755 , as well as non-symmetrical, non-parallel wall portions 2760 that converge towards each other in the direction of the center bore 110 . The parallel configuration of the wall portion 2755 reduces the likelihood of bone chips entering the center bore 110 . The converging angle of the wall portion 2760 facilitates the loading of guide rods 130 , 500 through the slot 240 and into center bore 110 by providing a larger target. The converging angle of the slot walls 2760 also facilitates ejection of any bone chip that enters the slot 240 since the outer opening of the slot will be wider than the inner opening near wall portion 2755 . The non-symmetry of slot walls 2750 reduces the chance of the slot 240 filling with bone chips since the size of the outer opening is being reduced and the reduction of the angle reduces chips being drawn into the slot.
[0191] The present invention also contemplates the use of other configurations for the cutters described above, such as, for example, disposing the parallel wall portion of the slot walls closest to the leading edge of the cutter in order to further reduce the likelihood of bone chips entering the slot 240 . Any of the cutters described above could also be coated for improved performance, such as, for example, with a hardener. Such coatings include, but are not limited to, titanium oxide, chrome and/or titanium aluminum oxide. The present invention contemplates the use of a marker or indicator to provide visual indication of the slot 240 , such as, for example, a coloring. The area in proximity to slot 240 can also be coated with a low-friction substance to facilitate loading the guide rod 130 , 500 into slot 240 .
[0192] The present invention having been thus described with particular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. | A rod is used to guide a cutter through the intramedullary canal of a long bone. Loading and unloading of the cutter is done quickly by having a reduced cross-section near one end of the rod. Loading and unloading of the cutter can also be done quickly by having at least a portion of the rod be flexible so that the ends can be bent. The cutter can have a corresponding slot radially extending from its center. The cutter can be disengaged from a driving shaft without disengaging the driving shaft from the rod, thereby eliminating a difficult realignment process and making the whole cutting process faster. The slot would not interfere with the cutting operation, nor allow the cutter to break free. The reduced section of the rod can be modular and replaceable. | 52,407 |
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/067,412, filed May 25, 1993, now abandoned, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/839,590, filed Feb. 21, 1992, now abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to substituted peptidyl derivatives useful in the treatment of inflammation in lung, central nervous system, kidney, joints, endocardium, pericardium, eyes, ears, skin, gastrointestinal tract and urogenital system. More particularly, this invention relates substituted peptidyl lactones and open forms thereof that are useful inhibitors of interleukin-1β converting enzyme (ICE). Interleukin-1β converting enzyme (ICE) has been identified as the enzyme responsible for converting precursor interleukin-1β (IL-1β) to biologically active IL-1β.
Mammalian interleukin-1 (IL-1) is an immunoregulatory protein secreted by cell types as part of the inflammatory response. The primary cell type responsible for IL-1 production is the peripheral blood monocyte. Other cell types have also been described as releasing or containing IL-1 or IL-1 like molecules. These include epithelial cells (Luger, et al., J. Immunol. 127:1493-1498 (1981), Leet al., J. Immunol. 138:2520-2526 (1987) and Lovett and Larsen, J. Clin. Invest. 82:115-122 (1988), connective tissue cells (Ollivierre et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 141:904-911 (1986), Le et al, J. Immunol. 138:2520-2526 (1987), cells of neuronal origin (Giulian et al., J. Esp. Med. 164: 594-604 (1986) and leukocytes (Pistoia et al., J. Immunol. 136:1688-1692 (1986), Acres et al., Mol. Immuno. 24:479-485 (1987), Acres et al., J. Immunol. 138:2132-2136 (1987) and Lindenmann et al., J. Immunol 140:837-839 (1988).
Biologically active IL-1 exists in two distinct forms, IL-1α with an isoelectric point of about pI 5.2 and IL-1β with an isoelectric point of about 7.0 with both forms having a molecular mass of about 17,500 (Bayne et al., J. Esp. Med. 163: 1267-1280 (1986) and Schmidt, J. Esp. Med. 160:772 (1984). The polypeptides appear evolutionarily conserved, showing about 27-33% homology at the amino acid level (Clark et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 14: 7897-7914 (1986).
Mammalian IL-1β is synthesized as a cell associated precursor polypeptide with a molecular mass of about 31.4 kDa (Limjuco et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 83:3972-3976 (1986). Precursor IL-1β is unable to bind to IL-1 receptors and is biologically inactive (Mosley et al., J. Biol. Chem. 262:2941-2944 (1987). Biological activity appears dependent upon some form of proteolytic processing which results in the conversion of the precursor 31.5 kDa form to the mature 17.5 kDa form. Evidence is growing that by inhibiting the conversion of precursor IL-1β to mature IL-1β, one can effectively inhibit the activity of interleukin-1.
Mammalian cells capable of producing IL-1β include, but are not limited to, karatinocytes, endothelial cells, mesangial cells, thymic epithelial cells, dermal fibroblasts, chondrocytes, astrocytes, glioma cells, mononuclear phagocytes, granulocytes, T and B lymphocytes and NK cells.
As discussed by J. J. Oppenheim, et al. Immunology Today, vol. 7(2):45-56 (1986), the activities of interleukin-1 are many. It has been observed that catabolin, a factor that promotes degradation of cartilage matrix, also exhibited the thymocyte comitogenic activities of IL-1 and stimulates chondrocytes to release collagenase neutral proteases and plasminogen activator. In addition, a plasma factor termed proteolysis inducing factor stimulates muscle cells to produce prostaglandins which in turn leads to proteolysis, the release of amino acids and, in the long run, muscle wasting, and appears to represent a fragment of IL-1 with fever-inducing, acute phase response and thymocyte co-mitogenic activities.
IL-1 has multiple effects on cells involved in inflammation and wound healing. Subcutaneous injection of IL-1 leads to margination of neutrophils and maximal extravascular infiltration of the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). In vitro studies reveal IL-1 to be a chemotactic attractant for PMN to activate PMN to metabolize glucose more rapidly to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium and to release their lysozomal enzymes. Endothelial cells are stimulated to proliferate by IL-1 to produce thromboxane, to become more adhesive and to release procoagulant activity. IL-1 also enhances collagen type IV production by epidermal cells, induces osteoblast proliferation and alkaline phosphatase production and stimulates osteoclasts to resorb bone. Even macrophages have been reported to be chemotactically attracted to IL-1 to produce prostaglandins in response to IL-1 and to exhibit a more prolonged and active tumoricidal state.
IL-1 is also a potent bone resorptive agent capable upon infusion into mice of causing hypercaleemia and incteas in bone resorptive surface as revealed by his to morphometry Sabatini, M. et al., PNAS 85: 5235-5239, 1988.
Accordingly, disease states in which the ICE inhibitors of Formula I may be useful as therapeutic agents include, but are not limited to, infectious diseases where active infection exists at any body site, such as meningitis and salpingitis; complications of infections including septic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and/or adult respiratory distress syndrome; acute or chronic inflammation due to antigen, antibody, and/or complement deposition; inflammatory conditions including arthritis, cholangitis, colitis, encephalitis, endocarditis, glomerulonephritis, hepatitis, myocarditis, pancreatitis, pericarditis, reperfusion injury and vasculitis. Immune-based diseases which may be responsive to ICE inhibitors of Formula I include but are not limited to conditions involving T-cells and/or macrophages such as acute and delayed hypersensitivity, graft rejection, and graft-versus-host-disease; auto-immune diseases including Type I diabetes mellitus and multiple sclerosis. ICE inhibitors of Formula I may also be useful in the treatment of bone and cartilage resorption as well as diseases resulting in excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. Such diseases include periodonate diseases interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, cirrhosis, systemic sclerosis, and keloid formation. ICE inhibitors of Formula I may also be useful in treatment of certain tumors which produce IL 1 as an autocrine growth factor and in preventing the cachexia associated with certain tumors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Novel peptidyl derivatives of formula I are found to be potent inhibitors of interleukin-1β converting enzyme (ICE). Compounds of formula I are useful in the treatment of deseases including inflammation in lung, central nervous system, kidney, joints, endocardium, pericardium, eyes, ears, skin, gastrointestinal tract and urogenital system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention encompasses compounds of formula I. ##STR2## or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: wherein Y is: ##STR3## X is S or O; m is 0 or 1;
R 1 is
(a) substituted C 1-6 alkyl, wherein the substituent is selected from
(1) hydrogen,
(2) hydroxy,
(3) halo,
(4) C 1-3 alkyloxy,
(5) C 1-3 alkylthio,
(6) phenyl C 1-3 alkyloxy, and
(7) phenyl C 1-3 alkylthio;
(b) aryl C 1-6 alkyl wherein the aryl group is selected from the group consisting of:
(1) phenyl,
(2) naphthyl,
(3) pyridyl,
(4) furyl,
(5) thienyl,
(6) thiazolyl,
(7) isothiazolyl,
(8) imidazolyl,
(9) benzimidazolyl,
(10) pyrazinyl,
(11) pyrimidyl,
(12) quinolyl,
(13) isoquinolyl,
(14) benzofuryl,
(15) benzothienyl,
(16) pyrazolyl,
(17) indolyl,
(18) purinyl,
(19) isoxazolyl, and
(20) oxazolyl,
and mono and di-substituted aryl as defined above in items (1) to (20) wherein the substitutents are independently C 1-6 alkyl, halo, hydroxy, C 1-6 alkyl amino, C 1-6 alkoxy, C 1-6 alkylthio, and C 1-6 alkylcarbonyl;
R 2 is
(a) tetra or penta substituted phenyl wherein the substitutents are individually selected from the group consisting of
(1) C 1-3 alkoxy,
(2) halo,
(3) hydroxy,
(4) cyano,
(5) carboxy,
(6) C 1-3 alkyl,
(7) trifruoromethyl,
(8) trimethylamino,
(9) benzyloxy,
(b) mono, di or tri substituted aryl wherein the aryl is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, 1-napthyl, 9-anthracyl and 2, 3, or 4 pyridyl, and the substituents are individually selected from the group consisting of
(1) phenyl,
(2) halo,
(3) C 1-3 alkyl,
(4) perfluoro C 1-3 alkyl,
(5) nitro,
(6) cyano,
(7) C 1-3 alkylcarbonyl,
(8) phenylcarbonyl,
(9) carboxy,
(10) aminocarbonyl,
(11) mono and di C 1-3 alkylaminocarbonyl,
(12) formyl,
(13) SO 3 H,
(14) C 1-3 alkyl sulfonyl,
(15) phenyl sulfonyl,
(16) formamido,
(17) C 1-3 alkylcarbonylamino,
(18) phenylcarbonylamino,
(19) C 1-3 alkoxycarbonyl,
(20) C 1-3 alkylsulfonamido carbonyl,
(21) phenylsulfonamido carbonyl,
(22) C 1-3 alkyl carbonylamino sulfonyl,
(23) phenylcarbonylamino sulfonyl,
(24) C 1-3 alkyl amino,
(25) mono di and tri C 1-3 alkyl amino,
(26) amino,
(26) hydroxy, and
(27) C 1-3 alkyloxy;
AA 1 is independently selected from the group consisting of
(a) a single bond, and
(b) an amino acid of formula AI ##STR4## wherein R 7 is selected from the group consisting of: (a) hydrogen,
(b) substituted C 1-6 alkyl, wherein the substituent is selected from
(1) hydrogen,
(2) hydroxy,
(3) halo,
(4) --S--C 1-4 alkyl
(5) --SH
(6) C 1-6 alkylcarbonyl,
(7) carboxy, ##STR5## (9) amino carbonyl amino, (10) C 1-4 alkylamino, wherein the alkyl moiety is substituted with hydrogen or hydroxy, and the amino is substituted with hydrogen or CBZ,
(11) guanidino, and
(c) aryl C 1-6 alkyl,
wherein aryl is defined as immediately above, and wherein the aryl may be mono and di-substituted, the substituents being each independently C 1-6 alkyl, halo, hydroxy, C 1-6 alkyl amino, C 1-6 alkoxy, C 1-6 alkylthio, and C 1-6 alkylcarbonyl;
AA 2 is an amino acid of formula AII ##STR6## AA 3 is an amino acid of formula AIII ##STR7## wherein R 8 and R 9 are each independently selected from the group consisting of
(a) hydrogen,
(b) substituted C 1-6 alkyl, wherein the substituent is selected from
(1) hydrogen,
(2) hydroxy,
(3) halo,
(4) --S--C 1-4 alkyl
(5) --SH
(6) C 1-6 alkylcarbonyl,
(7) carboxy, ##STR8## (9) amino carbonyl amino, (10) C 1-4 alkylamino, wherein the alkyl moiety is substituted with hydrogen or hydroxy, and the amino is substituted with hydrogen or CBZ,
(11) guanidino, and
(c) aryl C 1-6 alkyl,
wherein aryl is defined as immediately above, and wherein the aryl may be mono and di-substituted, the substituents being each independently C 1-6 alkyl, halo, hydroxy, C 1-6 alkyl amino, C 1-6 alkoxy, C 1-6 alkylthio, and C 1-6 alkylcarbonyl.
One class of this genus is the compounds wherein:
R 1 is
(a) substituted C 1-6 alkyl, wherein the substituent is selected from
(1) hydrogen,
(2) hydroxy,
(3) chloro or fluoro,
(4) C 1-3 alkyloxy, and
(5) phenyl C 1-3 alkyloxy,
(b) aryl C 1-6 alkyl wherein the aryl group is selected from the group consisting of
(1) phenyl,
(2) naphthyl,
(3) pyridyl,
(4) furyl,
(5) thienyl,
(6) thiazolyl,
(7) isothiazolyl,
(8) benzofuryl,
(9) benzothienyl,
(10) indolyl,
(11) isooxazolyl, and
(12) oxazolyl,
and mono and di-substituted C 6-10 aryl as defined above in items (1) to (12) wherein the substitutents are independently C 1-4 alkyl, halo, and hydroxy;
AA 1 is independently selected from the group consisting of
(a) a single bond, and
(b) an amino acid of formula AI ##STR9## wherein R 7 is selected from the group consisting of (a) hydrogen,
(b) substituted C 1-6 alkyl, wherein the substituent is selected from
(1) hydrogen,
(2) hydroxy,
(3) halo,
(4) --S--Ci 1-4 alkyl
(5) --SH
(6) C 1-6 alkylcarbonyl,
(7) carboxy, ##STR10## (9) C 1-4 alkylamino, and C 1-4 alkylamino wherein the alkyl moeity is substituted with an hydroxy, and
(10) guanidino,
(11) C 1-4 alkyloxy,
(12) phenylC 1-4 alkyloxy,
(13) phenylC 1-4 alkylthio, and
(c) aryl C 1-6 alkyl, wherein the aryl group is elected from the group consisting of
(1) phenyl,
(2) naphthyl,
(3) pyridyl,
(4) furyl,
(5) thienyl,
(6) thiazolyl,
(7) isothiazolyl,
(8) benzofuryl,
(9) benzothienyl,
(10) indolyl,
(11) isooxazolyl, and
(12) oxazolyl,
and wherein the aryl may be mono and di-substituted, the substituents being each independently C 1-6 alkyl, halo, hydroxy, C 1-6 alkyl amino, C 1-6 alkoxy, C 1-6 alkylthio, and C 1-6 alkylcarbonyl;
AA 2 is an amino acid of formula AII ##STR11## AA 3 is an amino acid of formula AIII ##STR12## wherein R 8 and R 9 are each independently selected from the group consisting of
(a) hydrogen,
(b) C 1-6 alkyl, wherein the substituent is selected from
(1) hydrogen,
(2) hydroxy,
(3) halo,
(4) --S--C 1-4 alkyl
(5) --SH
(6) C 1-6 alkylcarbonyl,
(7) carboxy, ##STR13## (9) C 1-4 alkylamino, and C 1-4 alkyl amino wherein the alkyl moeity is substituted with an hydroxy, and
(10) guanidino, and
(c) aryl C 1-6 alkyl, wherein aryl is defined as immediately above, and wherein the aryl may be mono and di-substituted, the substituents being each independently C 1-6 alkyl, halo, hydroxy, C 1-6 alkyl amino, C 1-6 alkoxy, C 1-6 alkylthio, and C 1-6 alkylcarbonyl.
Within this class are the compounds wherein AA1, AA2 and AA3, are each independently selected from the group consisting of the L- and D- forms of the amino acids including glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, serine, threonine, aspartic acid, asparagine, glutamic acid, glutamine, lysine, hydroxy-lysine, histidine, arginine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, cysteine, methionine, ornithine, β-alanine, homoserine, homotyrosine, homophenylalanine and citrulline.
Alternatively, within this class are the subclass of compounds wherein
R 1 is C 1-3 alkyl;
R 8 and R 9 are each individually
(a) hydrogen,
(b) C 1-6 alkyl,
(c) mercapto C 1-6 alkyl,
(d) hydroxy C 1-6 alkyl,
(e) carboxy C 1-6 alkyl,
(g) aminocarbonyl C 1-6 alkyl,
(h) mono- or di-C 1-6 alkyl amino C 1-6 alkyl,
(i) guanidino C 1-6 alkyl,
(j) amino-C 1-6 alkyl or N-substituted amino-C 1-6 alkyl wherein the substituent is carbobenzoxy,
(k) carbamyl C 1-6 alkyl, or
(l) aryl C 1-6 alkyl, wherein the aryl group is selected from phenyl and indolyl, and the aryl group may be substituted with hydroxy, C 1-3 alkyl.
Exemplifying the invention are the following compounds:
(a)N-(N-phenylpropionyl-valinyl-alaninyl)-3-amino-4-oxo-5-(2,6-bistrifluoromethylbenzoyloxy) pentanoic acid;
(b)N-(N-phenylpropionyl-valinyl-alaninyl)-3-amino-4-oxo-5-benzoyloxy pentanoic acid; and
(c)N-(N-Acetyl-tyrosinyl-valinyl-alaninyl)-3-amino-4-oxo-5-(pentafluorobenzoyloxy) pentanoic acid.
This invention also concerns to pharmaceutical composition and methods of treatment of interleukin-1 and interleukin-1β mediated or implicated disorders or diseases (as described above) in a patient (including man and/or mammalian animals raised in the dairy, meat, or fur industries or as pets) in need of such treatment comprising administration of interleukin-1β inhibitors of formula (I) as the active constituents.
Illustrative of these aspects, this invention concerns pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment of diseases selected from septic shock, allograft rejection, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis in a patient in need of such treatment comprising:
administration of an interleukin-1β inhibitor of formula (I) as the active constituent.
Compounds of the instant invention are conveniently prepared using the procedures described generally below and more explicitly described in the Example section thereafter. ##STR14##
The described compounds can be prepared as follows. An alloc protected aspartic acid β-ester can be converted to the corresponding diazomethylketone using isobutylchloroformate and N-methylmorpholine followed by excess diazomethane. The bromomethylketone can then be formed by treatment of the diazomethylketone with hydrobromic acid in ether. Bromomethylketones react with carboxylic acids in the presence of potassium fluoride in dimethylformamide to afford the corresponding presence of potassium fluoride in dimethylformamide to afford the corresponding acyloxymethylketone. The alloc group can then be removed, and the product coupled to a di, or tripepride using first tributyl tin hydride and bistriphenylphosphine palladium dichloride, and then ethyl dimethylaminopropyl carbodimide and hydroxybenzotriazole. The carboxyllic acid protecting group is then removed to afford the desired products.
The compounds of the instant invention of the formula (I), as represented in the Examples hereinunder shown to exhibit in vitro inhibitory activities with respect to interleukin-1β. In particular, these compounds have been shown to inhibit interleukin-1β converting enzyme from cleaving precusor interleukin-1β as to form active interleukin-1β at a Ki of less than 1 uM.
This invention also relates to a method of treatment for patients (including man and/or mammalian animals raised in the dairy, meat, or fur industries or as pets) suffering from disorders or diseases which can be attributed to IL-1/ICE as previously described, and more specifically, a method of treatment involving the administration of the IL-1/ICE inhibitors of formula (I) as the active constituents.
Accordingly, disease states in which the ICE inhibitors of Formula I may be useful as therapeutic agents include, but are not limited to, infectious diseases where active infection exists at any body site, such as meningitis and salpingitis; complications of infections including septic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and/or adult respiratory distress syndrome; acute or chronic inflammation due to antigen, antibody, and/or complement deposition; inflammatory conditions including arthritis, cholangitis, colitis, encephalitis, endocarditis, glomerulonephritis, hepatitis, myocarditis, pancreatitis, pericarditis, reperfusion injury and vasculitis. Immune-based diseases which may be responsive to ICE inhibitors of Formula I include but are not limited to conditions involving T-cells and/or macrophages such as acute and delayed hypersensitivity, graft rejection, and graft-versus-host-disease; auto-immune diseases including Type I diabetes mellitus and multiple sclerosis. ICE inhibitors of Formula I may also be useful in the treatment of bone and cartilage resorption as well as diseases resulting in excessive deposition of extracellular matrix such as interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, cirrhosis, systemic sclerosis, and keloid formation. ICE inhibitors of Formula I may also be useful in treatment of certain tumors which produce IL 1 as an autocrine growth factor and in preventing the cachexia associated with certain tumors.
For the treatment the above mentioned diseases, the compounds of formula (I) may be administered orally, topically, parenterally, by inhalation spray or rectally in dosage unit formulations containing conventional non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles. The term parenteral as used herein includes subcutaneous injections, intravenous, intramuscular, intracisternal injection or infusion techniques. In addition to the treatment of warm-blooded animals such as mice, rats, horses, cattle, sheep, dogs, cats, etc., the compounds of the invention are effective in the treatment of humans.
The pharmaceutical compositions containing the active ingredient may be in a form suitable for oral use, for example, as tablets, troches, lozenges, aqueous or oily suspensions, dispersible powders or granules, emulsions, hard or soft capsules, or syrups or elixirs. Compositions intended for oral use may be prepared according to any method known to the art for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions and such compositions may contain one or more agents selected from the group consisting of sweetening agents, flavoring agents, coloring agents and preserving agents in order to provide pharmaceutically elegant and palatable preparations. Tablets contain the active ingredient in admixture with non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable excipients which are suitable for the manufacture of tablets. These excipients may be for example, inert diluents, such as calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, lactose, calcium phosphate or sodium phosphate; granulating and disintegrating agents, for example, corn starch, or alginic acid; binding agents, for example starch, gelatin or acacia, and lubricating agents, for example magnesium stearate, stearic acid or talc. The tablets may be uncoated or they may be coated by known techniques to delay disintegration and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby provide a sustained action over a longer period. For example, a time delay material such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate may be employed. They may also be coated by the techniques described in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,256,108; 4,166,452; and 4,265,874 to form osmotic therapeutic tablets for control release.
Formulations for oral use may also be presented as hard gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with an inert solid diluent, for example, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or kaolin, or as soft gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with water or an oil medium, for example peanut oil, liquid paraffin, or olive oil.
Aqueous suspensions contain the active materials in admixture with excipients suitable for the manufacture of aqueous suspensions. Such excipients are suspending agents, for example sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxy-propylmethylcellulose, sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, gum tragacanth and gum acacia; dispersing or wetting agents may be a naturally-occurring phosphatide, for example lecithin, or condensation products of an alkylene oxide with fatty acids, for example polyoxyethylene stearate, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with long chain aliphatic alcohols, for example heptadecaethyl-eneoxycetanol, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and a hexitol such as polyoxyethylene sorbitol monooleate, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, for example polyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The aqueous suspensions may also contain one or more preservatives, for example ethyl, or n-propyl, p-hydroxybenzoate, one or more coloring agents, one or more flavoring agents, and one or more sweetening agents, such as sucrose or saccharin.
Oily suspensions may be formulated by suspending the active ingredient in a vegetable oil, for example arachis oil, olive oil, sesame oil or coconut oil, or in a mineral oil such as liquid paraffin. The oily suspensions may contain a thickening agent, for example beeswax, hard paraffin or cetyl alcohol. Sweetening agents such as those set forth above, and flavoring agents may be added to provide a palatable oral preparation. These compositions may be preserved by the addition of an anti-oxidant such as ascorbic acid.
Dispersible powders and granules suitable for preparation of an aqueous suspension by the addition of water provide the active ingredient in admixture with a dispersing or wetting agent, suspending agent and one or more preservatives. Suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents are exemplified by those already mentioned above. Additional excipients, for example sweetening, flavoring and coloring agents, may also be present.
The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may also be in the form of oil-in-water emulsions. The oily phase may be a vegetable oil, for example olive oil or arachis oil, or a mineral oil, for example liquid paraffin or mixtures of these. Suitable emulsifying agents may be naturally-occurring gums, for example gum acacia or gum tragacanth, naturally-occurring phosphatides, for example soy bean, lecithin, and esters or partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, for example sorbitan monooleate, and condensation products of the said partial esters with ethylene oxide, for example polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The emulsions may also contain sweetening and flavoring agents.
Syrups and elixirs may be formulated with sweetening agents, for example glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol or sucrose. Such formulations may also contain a demulcent, a preservative and flavoring and coloring agents. The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of a sterile injectable aqueous or oleagenous suspension. This suspension may be formulated according to the known art using those suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents which have been mentioned above. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally-acceptable diluent or solvent, for example as a solution in 1,3-butane diol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids such as oleic acid find use in the preparation of injectables.
The compounds of formula (I) may also be administered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration of the drug. These compositions can be prepared by mixing the drug with a suitable non-irritating excipient which is solid at ordinary temperatures but liquid at the rectal temperature and will therefore melt in the rectum to release the drug. Such materials are cocoa butter and polyethylene glycols.
For topical use, creams, ointments, jellies, solutions or suspensions, etc., containing the compounds of Formula (I) are employed. (For purposes of this application, topical application shall include mouth washes and gargles.)
Dosage levels of the order of from about 0.05 mg to about 140 mg per kilogram of body weight per day are useful in the treatment of the above-indicated conditions (about 2.5 mg to about 7 gms. per patient per day). For example, inflammation may be effectively treated by the administration of from about 0.01 to 50 mg of the compound per kilogram of body weight per day (about 0.5 mg to about 3.5 gms per patient per day).
The amount of active ingredient that may be combined with the carrier materials to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon the host treated and the particular mode of administration. For example, a formulation intended for the oral administration of humans may contain from 0.5 mg to 5 gm of active agent compounded with an appropriate and convenient amount of carrier material which may vary from about 5 to about 95 percent of the total composition. Dosage unit forms will generally contain between from about 1 mg to about 500 mg of an active ingredient.
It will be understood, however, that the specific dose level for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the specific compound employed, the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, time of administration, route of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination and the severity of the particular disease undergoing therapy.
The following Examples are intended to illustrate the preparation of compounds of Formula I, and as such are not intended to limit the invention as set forth in the claims appended, thereto.
Additional methods of making compounds of this invention are known in the art such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,055,451, issued to Krantz et. al., Oct. 8, 1991 which is hereby incorporated by reference.
EXAMPLE 1
N-(N-Phenylpropionyl-valinyl-alaninyl)-3-amino-5-benzoyloxy-4-oxopentanoic acid:
STEP A ##STR15##
N-Allyloxycarbonyl-3-amino-5-diazo-4-oxopentanoic acid β-t-butyl ester
To a solution of Alloc-aspartic acid β-t-butyl ester (6.23 g, 22.8 mmol) and 4-methyl morpholine (2.63 mL, 23.94 mmol) in 50 mL of freshly distilled dichloromethane at -10° C. was added freshly distilled isobutyl chloroformate (3.04 mL, 23.48 mmol). After 15 min, the solution was filtered and excess ethereal diazomethane was added. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h and concentrated. The mixture was purified by MPLC on silica-gel (35×350 mm column, eluting with 25% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give the title compound as a pale yellow oil: 1 H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ5.91 (m, 1H), 5.62 (br s, 1H), 5.31 (d, 1H), 5.24 (d, 1H), 4.61 (br d, 2H), 4.50 (m, 1H), 2.92 (dd, 1H), 2.60 (dd, 1H), 1.43 (s, 9H).
STEP B ##STR16##
N-Allyloxycarbonyl-3-amino-5-bromo-4-oxopentanoic acid β-t-butyl ester
To a solution of N-Allycarbonyl-3-amino-5-diazo-4-oxopentanoic acid β-t-butyl ester in ether was added approximately one equivalent of 30% HBr in acetic acid. After 30 min, the solution was diluted with ether and washed three times with water. The combined organic layers were dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered, and concentrated. The product was purified by MPLC on silica-gel eluting with 20% ethyl acetate in hexane to afford the title compound as a colorless solid: 1 H NMR (400 MHz, CD 3 OD) δ5.93 (m, 1H), 5.31 (d, 1H), 5.19 (d, 1H), 4.69 (t, 1H), 4.58 (br d, 2H), 4.29 (AB, 2H), 2.82 (dd, 1H), 2.63 (dd, 1H), 1.43 (s, 9H).
STEP C ##STR17##
N-(N-Phenylpropionyl-valinyl-alaninyl)-3-amino-5-benzoyloxy-4-oxopentanoic acid B-t-butyl ester
To a solution of N-Allyoxycarbonyl-3-amino-5-benzoyloxy-4-oxopentanoic acid β-t-butyl ester (266 mg, 0.679 mmol) and Phenylpropionyl-valinyl-alanine (228 mg, 0.679 mmol) in 5 mL each of dichloromethane and DMF was added ˜20 mg of Pd(PPh 3 ) 2 Cl 2 followed by dropwise addition of tributyltin hydride (274 μL, 1.02 mmol). After 5 min, the mixture was cooled to 0° C. and hydroxybenzotriazole (138 mg, 1.02 mmol) and ethyldimethylaminopropyl carbodiimide (151 mg, 0.815 mmol) were added. After 16 hours, the mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed three times with 1 N hydrochloric acid and three times with saturated sodium bicarbonate. The mixture was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The product was purified by MPLC on silica-gel eluting with 1:1 ethylacetate:dichloromethane to afford the title compound: 1 H NMR (200 MHz, CD 3 OD) δ8.04 (br d, 2H), 7.72-7.10 (m, 8H), 5.13 (s, 2H), 4.78 (t, 1H), 4.4-4.1 (m, 2H), 3.0-2.5 (m, 6H), 2.01 (m, 1H), 1.45 (s, 9H), 1.38 (d, 3H), 0.90 (d, 3H), 0.85 (d,
STEP D ##STR18##
N-(N-Phenylpropionyl-valinyl-alaninyl)-3-amino-5-benzoyloxy-4-oxopentanoic acid
N-(N-Phenylpropionyl-valinyl-alanyl)-3-amino-5-benzyloxy-4-oxopentanoic acid β-t-butyl ester was dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid. After 30 min, the mixture was concentrated to afford the title compound: 1 H NMR (400 MHz, CD 3 OD ) δ8.04 (d, 2H), 7.7-7.10 (m, 8H), 5.16 (AB, 2H), 4.78 (t, 1H), 4.33 (q, 1H), 4.12 (d, 1H), 3.0-2.5 (m, 6H), 2.01 (m, 1H), 1.38 (d, 3H), 0.89 (d, 3H), 0.84 (d, 3H).
EXAMPLE 2
N-(N-Phenylpropionyl-valinyl-alaninyl)-3-amino-5-(2,6-bistrifluoromethylbenzoylory)-4-oxopentanoic acid
STEP A ##STR19##
N-Allyoxycarbonyl-3-amino-5-(2,6-bistrifluoromethylbenzoyloxy)-4-oxopentanoic acid β-t-butyl ester
Potassium fluoride (79 mg, 1.35 mmol) and N-Allyoxycarbonyl-3-amino-5-bromo-4-oxopentanoic acid β-t-butyl ester (215 mg, 0.614 mmol) were stirred in 5 mL of DMF for 1 min. 2,6-Bistrifluoromethyl-benzoic acid (158 mg, 0.612 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred for 45 min at ambient temperature. The mixture was diluted with ether, washed three times with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to afford the title compound: 1 H NMR (400 MHz, CD 3 OD) δ8.10 (d, 2H), 7.89 (t, 1H), 5.94 (m, 1H), 5.32 (d, 1H), 5.25-5.1 (m, 3H), 4.63 (m, 1H), 4.59 (m, 2H), 2.83 (dd, 1H), 2.64 (dd, 1H), 1.43 (s, 9H).
STEP B ##STR20##
N-(N-Phenylpropionyl-valinyl-alaninyl)-3-amino-5-(2,6-bietrifluoromethylbenzoyloxy)-4-oxopentanoic acid β-t-butyl ester
To a solution of N-Allyoxycarbonyl-3-amino-5-(2,6-bistrifluoromethyl- benzoyloxy)-4-oxopentanoic acid β-t-butyl ester (348 mg, 0.630 mmol) and Phenylpropionyl-valinyl-alanine (212 mg, 0.630 mmol) in 5 mL each of dichloromethane and DMF was added ˜20 mg of Pd(PPh 3 ) 2 Cl 2 followed by dropwise addition of tributyltin hydride (254 μL, 0.95 mmol). After 5 min, the mixture was cooled to 0° C. and hydroxybenzotriazole (128 mg, 0.945 mmol) and ethyldimethylaminopropyl carbodiimide (145 mg, 0.756 mmol) were added. After 16 hours, the mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed three times with 1 N hydrochloric acid and three times with saturated sodium bicarbonate. The mixture was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The product was purified by MPLC on silica-gel eluting with 30% ethylacetate in dichloromethane to afford the title compound: 1 H NMR (200 MHz, CD 3 OD) δ8.09 (d, 2H), 7.88 (t, 1H), 7.3-7.1 (m, 5H), 5.16 (AB, 2H), 4.77 (t, 1H), 4.45-4.1 (m, 2H), 3.0-2.5 (m, 6H), 2.01 (m, 1H), 1.43 (S, 9H), 1.38 (2d's, 3H), 0.95-0.80 (4d's, 6H).
STEP C ##STR21##
N-(N-Phenylpropionyl-valinyl-alaninyl)-3-amino-5-(2,6-bistrifluoromethylbenzoyloxy)-4-oxopentanoic acid
N-(N-Phenylpropionyl-valinyl-alaninyl)-3-amino-5-(2,6-bistrifluoromethylbenzoyloxy)-4oxopentanoic acid β-t-butyl ester was dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid. After 30 min, the mixture was concentrated and the residue purified by MPLC on silica-gel eluting with a gradient of dichloromethane to 1% formic acid and 4% methanol in dichloromethane to afford the title compound as a colorless solid: 1 H NMR (400 MHz, CD 3 OD) δ8.10 (d, 2H), 7.89 (t, 1H), 7.3-7.1 (m, 5H), 5.3-5.0 (v br s, 2H), 4.72 (m, 1H), 4.33 (q, 1H), 4.11 (d, 1H), 2.91 (d, 2H), 2.81 (m, 2H), 2.57 (m, 2H), 1.99 (m, 1H), 1.35 (br s, 3H), 0.89 (d, 3H), 0.84 (d, 3H).
EXAMPLE 3
N-(N-Acetyl-Tyrosinyl-Valinyl-Alaninyl)-3-amino-4-Oxo-5-Pentafluorobenzoyloxy pentanoic acid
STEP A ##STR22##
3-Allyloxycarbonylamino-4-oxo-5-Bromopentanoic acid benzyl ester
To a solution of N-alloc-β-benzyl aspartic acid (920 mg, 3.0 mmol>at 0° C. was added NMR (3.6 ml) and IBCF (0.395 mL, 3.6 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 10 min followed by addition of CH 2 N 2 /ether and the mixture was stirred for 10 min. 48% HBr(10 mL) was added and the stirring was continued for 20 min. Ether (200 mL) was added and the mixture was washed with water (6×10 mL), Brine (10 mL) and dried over Na 2 SO 4 . The solvent was concentrated and the residue was chromatographed over silica (1:3, Ether:Hexane) to provide the Bromomethyl ketone 890 mg. 1 HNMR (CDCl 3 ), δ7.4-7.22 (5H, m), 5.9 (2H, m), 5.25 (2H, dx3), 4.75 (1H, m), 4.55 (2H, m), 4.15 (2 H, s) 2.95 (2H, dx4).
STEP B ##STR23##
3-Allyloxycarbonylamino-4-oxo-5-Pentafluorobenzoyloxy pentanoic acid benzyl ester
To the bromomethyl ketone compound (200 mg, 0.52 mmol) in DMF (5 ml) was added KF (1.144 mmol, 66.56 mg). The resulting mixture was stirred for 3 min. followed by addition of pentafluorobenzoic acid and the mixture was stirred for 1 h. Ether (100 ml) was added, the mixture was washed with aq. NaHCO 3 and dried over Na 2 SO 4 the solvent was concentrated and the residue was passed through a block of silica (1:1, ether:hexane) to provide the title compound (175 mg). 1 HNMR (CDCl 3 ), δ7.35 (5H,m), 5.9 (1H,m) 5.8 (1H,m), 5.25 (2H, dx4), 5.22 (2H, ABq), 5.12 (2H, S) 4.69 (1H,m), 4.58 (1H, d), 3.12 (1H, d), 2.85 (1H,d).
STEP C ##STR24##
N-(N-Acetyl-Tyrosinyl-Valinyl-Alaninyl)-3-amino-4-oxo-5-Pentafluorobenzoyloxy pentanoic acid benzyl ester
To the N-alloc pentafluoro-benzyloxymethyl ketone (130 mg, 0.252 mmol) in CH 2 Cl 2 (3 mL) was added PdCl 2 (Ph 3 P) 2 (cat.) followed by addition of (Bu)3SnH (0.08mL). The mixture was stirred for 5 min. DMF (10 mL), AcTyr Val Ala (98 mg), HOBT (80 mg) and EDC 45.6 mg) respectively. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature over night. EtOAc (100 ml) was added and the mixture washed with aq. NaHCO 3 (10 mL). The solvent was concentrated and the residue was chromatographed over silica (95:5/CH2Cl2: MeOH) to provide the title compound (65 mg).
1 HNMR (CD 3 OD) δ7.3 (5H,m), 7.0 (2H, d), 6.67 (2H, m), 5.2 (1H, d), 5.15 (1H,s), 4.85 (2H, ABq), 4.55 (1H,m), 4.25 (1H, d), 4.15 (1H, d), 3.2-2.7 (5H, m), 2.05 (1H, m), 1.9 (3H, d), 1.35 (3H,d), 0.95 (6H, m).
STEP D ##STR25##
N-(N-Acetyl-Tyrosinyl-Valinyl-Alaninyl)-3-amino-4-Oxo-5-Pentafluorobenzoyloxy pentanoic acid
To the benzyl ester (25mg) in MeOH (3 ml) was added 10% Pd/c (cat.) and the mixture was stirred under positive pressure of H 2 for 2 h. The mixture was filtered through Celite and the solvent was concentrate to give the title compound (14 mg) which was crystalized from acetone/hexane.
1 HNMR (CD 3 OD) δ7.05 (1H, d), 6.7 (1H, d), 4.9 (2H, ABq), 4.55 (1H, m), 4.3 (1H, m), 3.05-2.7 (4H, m), 2.05 (1H, m), 1.92 (3H, s), 1.34 (3H, m), 0.95 (6H, ,5). M/z M+K + (754.4), M+Na + (740.3, M +1 (718.2), 637.7, 645.6, 563.2, 546.2, 413.2, 376.4, 305.3, 279.2, 205.9, 177.8, 163.1 (base). | Novel peptidyl derivatives of formula I are found to be potent inhibitors of interleukin-1β converting enzyme (ICE). Compounds of formula I may be useful in the treatment of inflammatory or immune-based diseases of the lung and airways; central nervous system and surrounding membranes; the eyes and ears; joints, bones, and connective tissues; cardiovascular system including the pericardium; the gastrointestinal and urogenital systems; the skin and mucosal membranes. Compounds of formula I are also useful in treating the complications of infection (e.g., gram negative shock) and tumors in which IL 1 functions as an autocrine growth factor or as a mediator of cachexia. ##STR1## | 38,584 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a driver tool apparatus, and more particularly to an improved means and method for the gripping, driving insertion and release of a broad range of connector and/or fixation elements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 2005/0120838 Gottlieb & Carroll discloses a driving tool with a driving element whose design comprises a single pair of two separate jaws with a rectangular outer peripheral cross-section separated by a gap or slit which extends to the tip of the driving element and that attempts to directly engage the socket in the head section of a fixation/screw element. This gap or slit between the two jaws of this prior art is cut in a parallel axis to each of the jaws. The two jaws are shaped so that the distal ends of each jaw taper in a convergent manner from the proximal ends of the jaws so that when they are inserted into the socket of the screw/bolt the two convergent jaws further converge (compress) towards each other creating a release angle between the two jaws and the socket. Therefore this prior art teaches a severely flawed design from an engineering perspective that in fact does not provide adequate gripping force (retention) of the jaws of its driving element in the socket of the screw/bolt.
[0003] As described above, the cited prior art's driving element of its driver tool is also specifically limited to two and only two jaws, and said single pair of jaws are limited to an outer rectangular cross-sectional shape for insertion into a polygonal socket.
[0004] As described above, the driving element of any improved driver tool is subjected to two stress forces when it is both: i. initially directly engaging (frictionally) the socket (in the head) of the screw/bolt. ii. driving (screwing) the screw/bolt into its target site.
[0005] Engineering analysis as described above of the driver design of the cited prior art reveals that: i. insertion of a single set of two separate jaws into multiple sockets of different screws/bolts and ii. the driving of said bolts/screws by this prior art design result in: loss of frictional engagement of this driver tool upon insertion into sockets of screws/bolts and permanent collapse of the single pair of jaws of the driving element of this driver tool when attempting to drive said screws/bolts into their target sites.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Reusable tool devices is provided for the secure gripping and driving of a broad range of connector and/or fixation elements such as screws or bolts. These tool devices can be produced in kits of various sizes and lengths and utilized for a broad range of applications in many fields.
[0007] In some embodiments, a driver tool is provided, that includes a driver shaft having an axis of rotation for driving a fixation component; one or more driver elements protruding from the driver shaft and having a base region proximate the driver shaft and a distal region away from the driver shaft, wherein each driver element includes one or more pins suitable for inserting into a socket having one or more inside walls; one or more securing features on each driver element, wherein the securing features of a driver element, individually or collectively, frictionally engage the one or more inside walls of the socket using a spring force; wherein each securing feature includes one or more flexing arm(s) that are attached to a pin or a portion of a pin, each flexing arm having a protrusion extending in an outward direction and/or having an outside wall that forms an obtuse angle relative to the normal of the axis of rotation and in the direction of the body of the flexing arm(s) and each securing feature includes one or more slits in the driver element extending generally in the distal direction for receiving a portion of the flexing arm; one or more guide features along each flexing arm for guiding the driver element into the socket and compressing the flexing arm towards one of the slits for providing the spring force; wherein the driver tool includes a plurality of driver elements or includes a driver element having a non-circular shape; and wherein the securing features are arranged so that the torque force required for driving a fixation component is generally decoupled from the frictional force for engaging the socket of the fixation component.
[0008] In a further embodiment, the driver tool is a multi-socket tool comprising two or more driver elements, each driver element is configured for fitting into a socket having a generally circular cross-section.
[0009] In further embodiments, each driver element has a center, a pin that is divided into a first and a second flexing arm by the slit interposed between the first and second flexing arms; wherein the first flexing arm is closer to the axis of rotation than the second flexing arm, the slit direction in the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation is generally in the direction of rotation at the position of the driver element.
[0010] In further embodiments, the separation distance between the flexing arms in the region near the base of the driver element is less than the separation distance between the flexing arms in the distal region of the driver element.
[0011] In further embodiments, each flexing arm of the driver tool has a cross-section in the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation that is generally a circle segment, where a circle segment is defined by the area of a circle that is cut off by a chord.
[0012] In further embodiments, the cross-section of the flexing arm changes at different distances from the driver shaft.
[0013] In further embodiments, the each flexing arm has generally the same shape.
[0014] In further embodiments, an axis in the base of the flexing arms is oriented in a distal direction that is generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the driver shaft.
[0015] In further embodiments, the rotational force acting on each driver element for driving a fixation component is generally perpendicular to the frictional force for securing the driver element to the fixation component.
[0016] In further embodiments, the driver tool includes a single driver element and the driver element has a non-circular shape for inserting into a socket of a fixation component having generally the same non-circular shape so that any rotational motion of the driver element about the axis of rotation of the driver shaft rotates the fixation component.
[0017] In further embodiments, the driver slit is angled relative to the axis of rotation.
[0018] In further embodiments, the flexing arm has a protrusion located near the distal region of the flexing arm and extending away from the center of the driver element.
[0019] In further embodiments, the slit extends into the driver shaft.
[0020] In further embodiments, the cross-section of driver element generally has the shape of a regular hexagon.
[0021] In further embodiments, the cross-section of the driver element is generally uniform, except for the guide feature and the slit.
[0022] In further embodiments, the driver element includes a vertical through slit section and a longitudinal through slit section for defining the flexing arm, wherein the flexing arm is a spring clip.
[0023] In further embodiments, multiple sets of vertical and longitudinal through slit sections are incorporated in the driver element for defining multiple flexing arms, wherein each of the multiple flexing arms is a spring clip.
[0024] In further embodiments, the guiding feature is a taper or curved region on the leading edge of the flexing arm, positioned so that the flexing arm is automatically compressed inward towards the slit when the driver element is inserted into a socket.
[0025] According to some embodiments, a process is provided, that includes: providing a driver tool and a fixation component having one or more sockets; engaging each of the one or more driver elements of the driver tool by inserting each driver element into one of the sockets of the fixation component; rotating the driver tool so that the fixation component is rotated and/or driven into a component to which it becomes attached; disengaging the driver tool from the fixation component; wherein the step of engaging includes a step of compressing a flexing arm towards a slit so that the driver element can fit into the socket, wherein the flexing arm creates a spring force against a wall of the socket.
[0026] In some embodiments, the step of rotating the driver tool creates a driving force on an internal wall of each of the sockets, wherein the driving force is perpendicular to the spring force.
[0027] In further embodiments, the flexing arm returns to an initial position upon disengaging the driver tool from the fixation component.
[0028] In further embodiments, the fixation component is a headless screw having a shaft and a bottom wall, wherein the bottom wall limits the depth of insertion of each driver element into a corresponding socket of the fixation component.
[0029] According to yet further embodiments, a driver tool is provided, that may include: a driver shaft having an axis of rotation for driving a fixation component; a driver element protruding from the driver shaft and having a base region proximate the driver shaft and a distal region away from the driver shaft, wherein the driver element includes a pin suitable for inserting into a socket having one or more inside walls; one or more securing features on each driver element, wherein the securing features of a driver element, individually or collectively, frictionally engage the one or more inside walls of the socket using a spring force; wherein each securing feature includes a spring clip mechanism forming a flexing arm(s) that is attached to the pin or a portion of the pin, the flexing arm having a protrusion extending in an outward direction and/or having an outside wall that forms an obtuse angle relative to the normal of the axis of rotation and in the direction of the body of the flexing arm(s) and each securing feature includes one or more slits in the driver element extending generally in the distal direction for receiving a portion of the flexing arm; and one or more guide features along said flexing arm for guiding the driver element into the socket and compressing the flexing arm towards a slit for providing the spring force.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The principles and operation of the system, apparatus, and method according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings, and the following description, it being understood that these drawings are given for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be limiting, wherein:
[0031] FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of a side perspective of a negative tension prior art Socket driver pin element;
[0032] FIG. 1B is a schematic illustration of a side perspective of an exemplary Socket driver pin element, according to some embodiments;
[0033] FIG. 1C is a schematic illustration of a side perspective of an exemplary Socket driver pin element with an enhanced wedge, according to some embodiments;
[0034] FIG. 1D is a schematic illustration of an angled perspective of a Multi-socket driver tool, according to some embodiments;
[0035] FIG. 1E is a schematic illustration of a close up side perspective of a top section of a Multi-socket driver tool with 2 driver pins, according to some embodiments;
[0036] FIG. 1 Fa is a schematic illustration of the bottom side of a double socket bolt, according to some embodiments;
[0037] FIG. 1 Fb is a schematic illustration of the top side of a double socket bolt, according to some embodiments;
[0038] FIG. 1G is a schematic illustration of a side perspective of a Multi-socket driver tool with 2 driver pins coupled to a double socket bolt, according to some embodiments;
[0039] FIGS. 1H-1I are schematic illustrations of a flat perspective of a Socket driver element limiting flange, according to various embodiments;
[0040] FIG. 1J is a schematic illustration of a raised perspective of a Socket driver element limiting flange, according to some embodiments;
[0041] FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of a side perspective of a Spring clip driver tool, according to some embodiments;
[0042] FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of a top perspective of a bolt associated with a Spring clip driver tool, according to some embodiments;
[0043] FIG. 2C is a schematic illustration of a close up side view of a top section of a Spring clip driver tool, according to some embodiments;
[0044] FIG. 2D is a schematic illustration of a close up angled view of a top/side section of a Spring clip driver tool, according to some embodiments;
[0045] FIG. 2E is a schematic illustration of a close up top side angled view of a top section of a Spring clip driver tool, according to some embodiments;
[0046] FIG. 2F is a schematic illustration of a side view of a top section of a Spring clip driver tool with two spring mechanisms, according to some embodiments; and
[0047] FIG. 2G is a schematic illustration of a close up side view of a top section of a Spring clip driver tool with two spring mechanisms, according to some embodiments.
[0048] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the drawings to indicate corresponding or analogous elements throughout the serial views.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention as provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the described embodiments will be apparent to those with skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments.
[0050] The secure gripping of multiple fixation/connector elements by a reusable driver tool so that these same elements can be driven (screwed) into a target bore (threaded or unthreaded) or a completely unprepared target site and the driver tool can then be rapidly and easily disengaged from the fixation/connector element (screw/bolt) without changing in any way the position of the fixation/connector element in the target site into which it has been inserted by the driver tool is an engineering challenge.
[0051] It will be appreciated that a driver tool that is to enable improved functionality above the tools known in the art, must incorporate a driving element whose design allows for its insertion into a socket of the fixation/connector element located within the head portion or body of the fixation/connector element.
[0052] It will be further appreciated that an improved driving tool should incorporate in its design a driving element whose outer side walls should adapt and fit as snugly as is possible when inserted multiple times into different internal side walls of the sockets of the multiple fixation/connector elements so as to provide adequate and direct frictional engagement of the driver tool to the fixation/connector elements.
[0053] It will be further appreciated that the design of the driving element of the improved driver tool should be engineered to allow for multiple use of the tool (multiple driving) without loss of engagement (frictional fit) of the driving element in the socket of the fixation/connector element after repeated use of the driver tool to drive (screw) numerous different fixation/ connector elements (screw/bolts). Additionally, the driving element should be designed to enable rapid and easy release from the screw or bolt being inserted or extracted, when required, with negligible effect on the screw or bolt position.
[0054] It will be appreciated that the driver element of the improved driver tool may be placed under stress forces when it is initially engaging (frictionally) by sliding into the socket of the screw/bolt, and when driving (screwing) the screw/bolt into its target site.
[0055] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a driver element whose design maintains direct engagement (frictional fit) for only a few insertions of the driver tool into a few sockets of several screws/bolts has limited value to the user as it will require the user to purchase many such tools when placing numerous fixation/connector elements (screws/bolts). A driver tool whose design fails to allow for maintaining this snug engagement when the driver tool is used to actively drive (screw) multiple screws/bolts will also be of limited value to the user.
[0056] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention include a one time or reusable improved driver tools which may include, in a first embodiment, a multi-socket driver tool, and in a second embodiment, a spring-clip socket driver tool, as described below.
[0057] Other embodiments of the invention may have grasping elements such as hand-held grasping features or elements which differ from those described below.
[0058] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1D-E and 1 G- 1 J, which are graphical illustrations of different views of a Multi-socket driver tool and associated bolts, according to some embodiments, for enabling multiple use of the driver tool without loss of engagement of the driving element in the socket of fixation/connector elements, and rapid release from the screw or bolt being inserted or extracted, when required, with negligible effect on the screw or bolt position.
[0059] For example, Multi-socket driver tool 1 , includes Head section 1 a , Shaft body limiting flange 1 d , Driver shaft body 1 c , Socket driver element limiting flange le and Socket driver pin elements 1 b Multi-socket driver tool 1 features two or more sets of (i.e. multiple) flexing arms 1 b , whose outer peripheral cross-sectional shape is preferably substantially round with slits cut into each set of the driver pin elements 1 o , and where each driver pin element 1 o slides into a separate socket (whose cross-section preferably is correspondingly round) of a multiple socketed head of each fixation/connector element. As can be seen in one embodiment in FIG. 1C , Socket driver pin element slit if shows how each slit may be purposefully cut at a divergent angle to each half section of each pair of driver pins. Each multi-driver pin element 1 o is purposely milled so that each flexing arm 1 b diverges from the other. When these diverging engagement elements are inserted into its corresponding socket, each divergent angle slit allows for each set of flexing arms outer side walls to separately frictionally engage (via a spring action of each flexing arm of each pin) the internal side walls of each separate and corresponding socket of the multiple socketed head of each screw/bolt, without permanently collapsing each of the driver pin elements.
[0060] In general, pin elements 1 o may be configured perpendicular to Socket driver element limiting flange le, however they may be angled as well. In general, slits if may be configured to be in parallel with one another. For example, as seen in FIG. 1D , each pin diverges in its angle from its proximal end, as can be seen in FIG. 1B , such that the resulting spring tensions when inserted into the socket of the screw/bolt cause the desired wedge effect. In still further embodiments slits if may be tapered as seen in FIG. 1C .
[0061] As can be seen in FIG. 1E , the Angle Beta (β) of the distal end of slit 1 j of driver pin element and the Angle Alpha (α) of the proximal end of slit lm of driver element may both be varied to generate a specific required tension, for example, where the angle of 1 j is preferably greater than the angle of 1 m , to create a variable bending tension in pin elements 1 o . As can be seen, in general, proximal slit angle a may be smaller than distal slit angle β, resulting from the construction of split 1 f , in accordance with the elastic properties of the materials being used. In general, pins 1 o may be constructed from a metal or polymer, for example, a flexible metal or other material, to allow for rigidity balanced with bend-ability, to allow for controlled tension to be generated in accordance with the elasticity properties of the material being used. Of course, pins and/or slits may be constructed with various shapes, forms, materials and positions to generate required forces, in accordance with the requirements of the driver tool 1 .
[0062] Ac can be seen in FIG. 1A , the prior art (Gottlieb, US Patent application # US2005120838A1) uses a convergent tapering means of his driver pin flexing arms 1 b ′ (polygonal jaws) of the driver element 1 o ′ and the slit 1 f between flexing arms 1 b ′ to try to develop wedge tension, however in this invention, inward or negative tapering is used, which works counter-actively thereby preventing engagement. As can be seen in FIGS. 1B-1C , the pin element flexing armss 1 b and/or slits if of the present invention may be configured to allow for outward or positive tapering, to allow for a wedge or grip effect to be generated, to support easy gripping of a bolt or screw. As can be seen, Diameter 5 of proximal end ( 10 ) of Driver pins element 1 o may generally be less than Diameter 6 of distal end of Driver pin elements 1 o , in contrast to the prior art. Further, using Imaginary line 8 extending from proximal end 10 of Driver pin element 1 o , the Divergent areas 7 of driver pin element 10 distal ends, in the present invention, is what generate spring forces against a socket being engaged, as opposed to Convergent area 9 of driver pin elements 1 o ′ distal ends in the prior art, which provides converging (opposite) tensions of its driver pin elements 1 o′.
[0063] In accordance with a known engineering principle, a polygonal driver and socket design causes tension on all corners of the polygonal driver when inserted into the socket of the screw/bolt and used to drive said screw/bolt. The cited prior art, with its polygonal driver and socket design (with its single pair of jaws and single slit between said two jaws) adheres to the above cited engineering principle and causes tension on all corners of each of his polygonal jaws of his driver tool when his driver pin elements 1 o ′ are inserted into a polygonal socket of a screw/bolt, resulting in compressive tension and permanent collapse of the slit if between his two jaws in the torque driving direction 1 k when attempting to drive the screw/bolt with his driver tool.
[0064] Further, as can be seen in FIG. 1D , Head section driver element 1 g may include a Head section diver element circumferential groove 1 h , to allow for the insertion of a ring securing mechanism, for example, a flexible “o” ring element (not shown), into the groove so that the head can be inserted in a ratchet type wrench (not shown) and secured to the wrench (i.e. so it doesn't fall out of the wrench).
[0065] As can be seen in FIG. 1H , the axis of the slits 1 f in the respective driver pins of a non-preferred embodiment of the present invention are oriented parallel to an imaginary inner circle 1 n around the pins' axes. Such an orientation of the slits if however, would cause inevitable bending and damage to the set of pins 1 o when torque force drive direction 1 k would be acted on the set of pins 1 o by screwing in a screw using the driver tool 1 .
[0066] As can be seen in FIGS. 1I-1J , the axis of each slit if of each driver pin element 1 o of the present invention should preferably be oriented (positioned) at a tangent to the imaginary inner circle 1 n around the pins' axes, or perpendicular to the direction of the length of the shaft, which preferably is equivalently perpendicular to the torque direction (movement) of the drive turning 1 k of the driver tool 1 . Further, slit if axis is further oriented so as to be tangent with the torque force load 1 k exerted on the individual pin elements 1 o . These orientations of the slit if between each set of flexing arms 1 b allows each pair of flexing arms 1 b of each driver pin 1 o to further resist compression when the driver tool 1 is inserted into the corresponding sockets of the screw/bolt and also when driving the screw/bolt, thereby enhancing the pins' 1 o rigidity and strength.
[0067] The slits of each driver pin 1 o are also further aligned to be relatively or substantially parallel with each other plus or minus up to 5 degrees of offset with each other, depending on the tension requirements. This substantially parallel orientation of each of the slits if to each other allows each set of driver pins 1 o to work in unison so that the resulting load compression force generated by the torque on the multiple driver pins (when driving the screw/bolt) will not result in excessive bending of the two flexing arms of each of the driver pins 1 o (excessive bending of the pins would compromise their ability to grip subsequent screws/bolts) but rather assures that these same compression forces are in fact more or less equally distributed on each of the flexing arms 1 b of each set of driver pins 1 o.
[0068] It is to be further appreciated that when one takes into consideration that each driver pin 1 o is preferably machined so as to be slightly offset in any direction by as little as 50 microns or possibly less in its location relative to the other driver pin 1 o this improved design creates a further wedging type grip of the screw/bolt when each driver pin 1 o is inserted into each corresponding socket of the screw/bolt.
[0069] It is known in engineering that Torque (T)=2(F*L). This equation means that the driving torque load on a driving tool is equal to two times the Force multiplied by the Length (distance) from the center point between the two driver pin sets to the center of each driver pin set (see FIG. 1E ). The design of the present invention described above therefore provides an efficient tool for engaging and driving screws/bolts.
[0070] As may also be seen in FIGS. 1I-1J , the center point 1 i between the two driver pin elements 1 o , also defining the Distance from center point to center 1 l of each driving pin 1 o as L, includes an Angled cut slit if of driver pin 1 o , to provide resistance to support the driving force in the direction 1 n of the Torque 1 k . Of course, other design elements, features or configurations may be used.
[0071] It is to be further appreciated that more than two pin elements 1 o may be incorporated into the multi-socket driver tool 1 wherein each set of pin elements would individually engage a corresponding number of sockets of the screw/bolt.
[0072] With reference to FIGS. 1 Fa- 1 Fb, the driver tools with multiple sockets may find particular benefits when employed with headless bolts/screws 2 and/or with generally short bolts or other connecting elements, may include, for example, screw or Bolt socket 2 a with its round internal cross-section, Bottom curved surface 2 b , Socket floor 2 c , Socket inner side wall 2 d , which is preferably unthreaded, Threaded outer side wall 2 e , and socket Top surface 2 f . Bottom surface 2 b , in some embodiments, may function as a stop or limit for the driver tool elements/pins. The bottom surface may be generally flat or may be curved (e.g., concave or convex). Of course, other shapes, design elements, features or configurations may be used.
[0073] Based on the above consideration, the frictional engagement of the unique multi-socket driver pin elements of the present invention therefore do not permanently collapse as does the cited prior art when subjected to the repeated stresses both for initial frictional engagement of the improved driver tool into multiple screws/bolts and repeated driving (screwing) of multiple screws/bolts into target sites.
[0074] This improved design also allows for the secure frictional engagement by this improved driver tool 1 of very shallow depth multiple sockets in the head of the screw/bolt 2 . This is highly useful where the length of the screw/bolt to be used is very short and does not allow for the machining of a standard depth socket into its top surface (i.e. As seen in FIG. 1F , this design can be used to frictionally engage and disengage with screws that are headless as well).
[0075] The cross-sectional peripheral outer shape of each pin element of a multi-socket driver must be designed to be able to be inserted into a corresponding cross-sectional socket shape of a screw/bolt. Any shape may be used, however preferably a round shape may be used. In some embodiments, polygonal and curved shapes may be used, as may hexagonal, rectangular, and elliptical shapes. In general, such a multi-socket driver is easier to manufacture compared to a polygonal shaped driver. In addition, such a multi-socket driver generally requires far less accuracy for the user to position the multiple pins in the sockets compared a polygonal shaped driver. Moreover, such a multi-socket driver is preferably designed to withstand higher load forces than polygonal pins, in accordance with a known engineering principle.
[0076] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a spring-clip socket driver tool features a built in shaped spring element incorporated into its driving element, where the driving element's main shaft may be round or polygonal in its outer peripheral cross-section, and where the spring element's general shape resembles a clip, though other embodiments may not resemble a clip. The clip-shaped spring element is preferably formed by cutting (for example by wire cutting) a specifically oriented angled open through slit through a specific section of the driver element of the spring-clip driver tool, as is illustrated in the drawings. The angled through slit is preferably designed to extend along a length of the driving element that terminates prior to the end section of the driver element. This design allows for the driving engagement of a solid core end section (without any spring element feature) of the driving element into the socket of the head of the screw/bolt, while separating the frictional engaging element (the spring clip element) from this solid core end driving section of the driving element.
[0077] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2 A and 2 C- 2 E, which are graphical illustrations of different views of a Spring clip driver tool with associated bolts, according to some embodiments, for enabling multiple use of the driver tool without loss of engagement of the driving element in the socket of fixation/connector elements, and rapid release from the screw or bolt being inserted or extracted, when required. Spring clip driver tool 3 includes Driver shaft body 3 a , Spring clip element 3 b , Socket driver element tip section 3 c , Socket driver engagement element 3 d , through slit element 3 e , Driver shaft body through slit section 3 f , Spring clip longitudinal through slit section 3 g , Spring clip vertical through slit section 3 h , and Spring clip protruding bulge section 3 i . Further, in some embodiments, spring driver tool 3 includes Socket driver element beveled tip 3 j , Socket driver bottom surface 3 k , Driver shaft body limiting flange 3 l , Head section 3 m , Socket driver limiting flange 3 n , Spring clip outer side wall 3 o , and Socket driver tip side wall 3 p . Of course, other design elements, features or configurations may be used.
[0078] In general, spring clip bulge 3 i is preferably formed by cutting away material from the Spring clip outer side wall 3 o , and leaving bulge 3 i to be smaller than the height of slit 3 g , such that 3 i will be fully engaged within the diameter of the engaged socket, so as to avoid excessive bending forces when engaged in said socket. Also while 3 i is collapsed in an engaged socket, there is substantially minimal tension on the spring clip element 3 b , as the clip elements, and specifically the 3 i , are substantially below the line of torque force when inserted into the socket of the screw/bolt, and are kept in place using bending force only, to keep an attached bolt or screw engaged, and leaving the outer walls of Socket driver element 3 d , including Socket driver tip 3 c and its side walls 3 p primarily exposed to the torque forces. Of course, slit size and shape and size and shape may be configured so as to optimize the desired spring effects and tensions, in accordance with the elastic properties of metal to be used.
[0079] With reference to FIGS. 2F-2G , in additional embodiments, multiple slits may be configured in the shaft body 3 a of the Spring clip driver tool 3 extending into the socket driver element 3 d so as to machine multiple spring clip elements 3 b for the multiple sided engagement of multiple internal walls of the socket of a bolt/screw by the Spring clip driver tool 3 . Socket element tip section 3 c still maintains a solid core so as to still allow it to function primarily as an initial driving element of this embodiment of the Spring clip driver tool 3 . A variable number of spring clip elements may be incorporated into each improved driver depending on the size of the socket and length and weight of the screw/bolt to be used.
[0080] With reference to FIG. 2B , screw or bolt 4 may include Head section 4 a , Socket 4 b , Threaded shaft 4 c , Unthreaded shaft 4 d , Socket inner side walls 4 e , and Socket floor 4 e . Of course, other design elements, features or configurations may be used.
[0081] This improved design of the spring-clip socket driver tool allows for the partial separation of the two stress forces (frictional engaging and driving) that are placed on the driving element of the improved driver, wherein the spring clip element (or elements) of the driving element functions to primarily frictionally engage (by direct engagement) the inner side walls of the socket of the head of the screw/bolt and the solid core end of the driving element functions to primarily drive the screw/bolt. This improved design allows for the repeated frictional direct engagement of its unique spring clip driver element, which will not permanently collapse when subjected to the repeated stresses both for initial frictional engagement of the improved driver tool into variable depth polygonal shaped or even round shaped sockets of multiple screws/bolts. This improved driver tool's design also allows for the repeated driving (screwing) of multiple screws/bolts utilizing the spring clip socket driver tool described herein and its easy and rapid release from said socket when the driving of the screw/bolts have been accomplished.
[0082] The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that many modifications, variations, substitutions, changes, and equivalents are possible in light of the above teaching. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention. | A driver tool apparatus is provided for the secure gripping, driving insertion, and release of a broad range of connect - or and/or fixation elements such as screws or bolts. These driver devices can be utilized for a broad range of applications in many fields. The driver tool, in some embodiments, may include a driver shaft; one or more driver elements protruding from the driver shaft and having a base region proximate the driver shaft and a distal region away from the driver shaft, wherein each driver element includes one or more pins suitable for inserting into a socket having one or more inside walls; and one or more securing features on each driver element. | 37,180 |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS AND APPLICATIONS
[0001] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/______, filed May 27, 2008, entitled “METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS TO RETRIEVE GCRS FROM HISTORICAL DATABASE,” by Mestha et al.;
[0002] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/______, filed May 27, 2008, entitled “PRINTER PROFILING METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING DEVICE AND GAIN MATRIX VALUES,” by Maltz et al.;
[0003] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/______, filed May 27, 2008, entitled “METHODS, APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR BLENDING MULTIPLE GCRS,” by Wang et al.; and
[0004] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/017,746, filed Jan. 22, 2008, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTIMUM BLACK COMPONENT DETERMINATION FOR GRAY COMPONENT REPLACEMENT” by Mestha et al. are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0005] In image production systems that produce images on a recording medium, such as printers, photocopiers, facsimile machines and other xerographic devices, it is desired to control, as closely as possible, the actual perceived color of the output images. One known method to optimize image color output is to provide a look-up-table (LUT) that translates received color signals into optimized color signals for printing, for example, on a printer.
[0006] It is known, for example, that in three-color spaces, such as a Cyan-Magenta-Yellow (CMY) color space, gray color is made up of equal, or near-equal amounts of each one of the colors of the three-color space. Each color in a three-color space which is made up of non-negligible amounts of all three primary colors of the color space can be viewed as having a gray component. Expanding the three-color space to include Black (K) allows then, for most colors in the color space, for a black (K) component to be added in substitution for the gray component. In such a solution, a three-input, four-output LUT is needed.
[0007] Adding black (K) as a fourth color in this manner usually saves cost, as black (K) ink is usually cheaper than colored ink, and allows more colors to be produced than were achievable with the original three primary colors. Controlled amount of black addition is considered useful for high quality printing. Having black gives better stability to prints in the presence of print variables (relative humidity, temperature, material latitude etc.,). Increased gamut for dark colors, as in DC8000, is also achieved with the addition of black toner. One major disadvantage in adding black is the excessive black in flesh tones, sky tones and other important tone scales can make these tone scales appear dirty/grainy or non-uniform with black toner. However, some key colors (e.g., flesh tones and sky tones) are sensitive to the addition of black and may not be perceived as optimal if too much black is added. The replacement of the inherent gray component of colors in a three-color space with a fourth, black (K) component is called gray component replacement (GCR) or under color removal (UCR). UCR is usually used when colors are near the neutral axis, such as, for example, the L* axis in L*a*b* space or the C=M=Y axis in CMY color space, GCR is similar to UCR, but can be used with colors throughout the color gamut, not just near or at neutral axes. The use of GCR and UCR is known to facilitate the production of pleasing color outputs, optimal gamut, and to improve constraints on area coverage.
[0008] Traditionally, determination of the black (K) component in a target color system was done in an ad hoc way by experienced practitioners. This method has the disadvantages of requiring experienced personnel, being generally irreproducible, being costly, and being time-consuming.
[0009] Another method used to transform colors in a three-dimensional color space, such as CMY color space, to a four-color color space, such as CMYK color space, is to determine the black (K) component by a one dimensional function that relates the black (K) component as a one-dimensional function of the other components. In the CMY color space, for example, the function K=min (C, M, Y) can be used. This method has the disadvantages of not producing sufficiently optimized colors for the entire color gamut, especially for specialized, or key, colors such as, for example, skin tones.
[0010] In another method, a flexible method for estimating the black (K) component comprises (1) determining a maximum black (K) component, (2) adjusting the black (K) component amounts based on chroma, and (3) determining the other color components. In examples of this method, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,579 to Kita et al, (Kita '529) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,290 to Kita et al. (Kita '290), input image signals are transformed by a four-input-three output controller to L*a*b* color space. The disclosure of each of Kita '529 and Kita '290 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. A chroma determining means determines chroma signal C* from a* and b*. A UCR ratio calculation means calculates a UCR ratio a from the chroma signal C*. The L*a*b* and UCR ratio are then converted into the CMYK output. This method also has the disadvantages of not producing sufficiently optimized colors for the entire color gamut.
[0011] In another method, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,744,531 to Mestha et al. (Mestha), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, consistent output across multiple devices is obtained. For a given device, received device independent image data are stored as target image data and also converted by a data adjustment subsystem to printable image data based on the color space of the device. The printable image data is printed. An image sensor senses the printed image data and outputs detected device independent image data to the data adjustment subsystem. The data adjusting subsystem compares the detected device independent image data with the stored target image data and, based on the comparison, determines adjustment factors that are used to conform the printable image data output by the data adjusting subsystem to colors mandated by the device independent image data.
[0012] In R. Bala, “Device Characterization”, Chapter 5, Digital Color Imaging Handbook, Gaurav Sharma Ed., CRC Press, 2003, several methods for determining the black (K) component are reviewed. One method is black addition in which the black (K) component is calculated as a function of a scaled inverse of L*. In another method, the black (K) component is calculated as a function of the minimum value of the other color components, such as C, M, and Y for the CMY color space. In a third method, a three input-four output transform, subject to imposed constraints, is used to calculate the black (K) component. The constraints placed on the transform include requiring the sum of the color component values at a node to be less than a threshold. For example, in CMYK color space, C+M+Y+K would be constrained to be less than a threshold. A second constraint is to constrain K to be a subset of the range between the minimum and maximum allowed K values.
[0013] Another method is discussed in (1) R. Balasubramanian, R. Eschbach, “Design of UCR and GCR strategies to reduce moire in color printing”, IS&TPICS Conference, pp. 390-393 (1999) and (2) R. Balasubramanian, R. Eschbach, “Reducing multi-separation color moire via a variable undercolor removal and gray-component replacement strategy”, Journ. Imaging Science & Technology, vol. 45, no. 2, pp. 152-160, March/April, 2001. A UCR/GCR strategy is proposed that is optimized to reduce moire. In this method, the UCR/GCR strategy is to characterize moire as a function of the color components and to select optimized output color components when the moire function is minimized.
[0014] It is desirable for high quality color printed images to not contain separation noise. Originally smooth images may not result in the same smoothness when printed due to non-uniqueness in the choice of CMYK separations since nodes that are in the neighborhood in the L*a*b* color space could be rendered using CMYK recipes that are far apart from each other. This can lead to formulation jumps. This problem is further intensified when the printer has nonlinearities that offer the possibility to reproduce a specific color (i.e., L*a*b*) with several CMYK recipes. In this disclosure are provided methods/apparatus/systems to derive an L*a*b* to CMYK LUT such that the transition between every neighborhood node in the LUT is smooth in the L*a*b* space as well as the CMYK space.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0015] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/959,824, filed Dec. 19, 2007, entitled “METHOD FOR CLASSIFYING A PRINTER GAMUT INTO SUBGAMUTS FOR IMPROVED SPOT COLOR ACCURACY,” by Mestha et al. is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0016] In one aspect of this disclosure, a method of generating a multidimensional printer profile for a color printer is disclosed. The method comprises a) receiving a plurality of target colors associated with a device independent color space, each target color associated with a respective node of a device independent space; b) selecting a first group of the nodes to represent a recruiter set of nodes including a plurality of recruiter nodes; c) selecting a second group of the nodes to represent a candidate set of nodes, the candidate set of nodes including a plurality of candidate nodes, the candidate set not including any recruiter nodes; d) determining the nearest candidate node to each recruiter node; e) calculating the device dependent color space representation of the recruiter nodes; f) calculating the device dependent color space representation of the nearest candidate nodes to each respective recruiter node as a function of the device dependent color space representation of the respective recruiter node; and g) generating the multidimensional printer profile by associating the recruiter set of nodes with their respective device dependent color space representations and associating the candidate nodes with their respective device dependent color space representations.
[0017] In another aspect of this disclosure, a printing apparatus controller is disclosed which comprises a computer-usable data carrier storing instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to perform a method for generating a multidimensional printer profile for a color printer, the method comprising a) receiving a plurality of target colors associated with a device independent color space, each target color associated with a respective node of a device independent space; b) selecting a first group of the nodes to represent a recruiter set of nodes including a plurality of recruiter nodes; c) selecting a second group of the nodes to represent a candidate set of nodes, the candidate set of nodes including a plurality of candidate nodes, the candidate set not including any recruiter nodes; d) determining the nearest candidate node to each recruiter node; e) calculating the device dependent color space representation of the recruiter nodes; f) calculating the device dependent color space representation of the nearest candidate nodes to each respective recruiter node as a function of the device dependent color space representation of the respective recruiter node; and g) generating the multidimensional printer profile by associating the recruiter set of nodes with their respective device dependent color space representations and associating the candidate nodes with their respective device dependent color space representations.
[0018] In still another aspect of this disclosure, a printing system is disclosed which comprises a color printing device configured to receive data representative of a color image to be marked on a media substrate; and a controller operatively connected to the color printing device, the controller configured to access a multidimensional printer profile LUT associating a plurality of colorimetric nodes with respective printing device dependent color space data representations, the printing device dependent color space data representations generated by the method comprising a) receiving a plurality of target colors associated with a device independent color space, each target color associated with a respective node of a device independent space; b) selecting a first group of the nodes to represent a recruiter set of nodes including a plurality of recruiter nodes; c) selecting a second group of the nodes to represent a candidate set of nodes, the candidate set of nodes including a plurality of candidate nodes, the candidate set not including any recruiter nodes; d) determining the nearest candidate node to each recruiter node; e) calculating the device dependent color space representation of the recruiter nodes; f) calculating the device dependent color space representation of the nearest candidate nodes to each respective recruiter node as a function of the device dependent color space representation of the respective recruiter node; and g) generating the multidimensional printer profile by associating the recruiter set of nodes with their respective device dependent color space representations and associating the candidate nodes with their respective device dependent color space representations wherein the controller accesses the printer profile LUT to provide printing device dependent color space data representations to the color printing device for marking on the media substrate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a gamut mapping and printer system according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a recruiting set of nodes according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a recruiting set of nodes and corresponding candidate set of nodes according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a method of node selection according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates the cooperation between recruiting and candidate nodes according to one aspect of this disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a former candidate node selected as a new recruiting node according to one aspect of this disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a state-feedback control system to generate CMYK recipes in cooperative neighbor mode according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates sensitivity plots for cyan levels according to one aspect of this disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates sensitivity plots for magenta levels according to one aspect of this disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates sensitivity plots for yellow levels according to one aspect of this disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates sensitivity plots for black levels according to one aspect of this disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 12 illustrates sensitivity plots for cyan levels according to one aspect of this disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates sensitivity plots for magenta levels according to one aspect of this disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 14 illustrates sensitivity plots for yellow levels according to one aspect of this disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 15 illustrates sensitivity plots for black levels according to one aspect of this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Printer profiles are used to find the device values needed to make a specified color, and are generally three dimensional colorimetric to device look up tables (LUTs). The embodiments discussed therein use an L*a*b* to a CMYK device space, though other color spaces could be used, for example RGB, CIE Lab, etc. These tables are generally of the order of 33×33×33 levels or smaller, so interpolation is used for finding the device values for input colors not on the nodes. These tables will be used for processing images with tens of millions of pixels, so the interpolation method should be simple and fast. Consequently, the nodes are on a rectangular grid to make it easy to find a sub-cube that contains the desired color, and some variation of linear interpolation between the device values at the corners of this sub-cube is used to find the device values for the desired color.
[0035] For the purpose of color correction using 3-dimensional lookup tables, a GCR strategy is derived. In basic terms as discussed in the background section, a GCR strategy involves suitably combining CMYK to provide pleasing color output, optimal gamut, constraints on area coverage, etc. See R. Bala, “Device characterization,” Chapter 5, Digital Color Imaging Handbook, Gaurav Sharma Ed., CRC Press, 2003; R. Balasubramanian, R. Eschbach, “Design of UCR and GCR strategies to reduce moire in color printing,” IS & T PICS Conference, pp. 390-393, (1999); and R. Balasubramanian, R. Eschbach, “Reducing multi-separation color moire via a variable undercolor removal and gray-component replacement strategy,” Journ. Imaging Science & Technology, Volume 45, No. 2, pp. 152-160, March/April 2001. Components of profile LUTs are described in S. Dianat, L K Mestha, A. Mathew, “Dynamic Optimization Algorithm for Generating Inverse Printer Maps with Reduced Measurements,” IEEE Int. Conference on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing, May 14-19, 2006, Toulouse, France. Inverse printer model P −1 is a mapping from uniformly/non-uniformly sampled device independent color space L*a*b* to device dependent color space. This is defined mathematically as P −1 : L*a*b*→CMYK. Out of gamut L*a*b* values are mapped to the boundary points of the printer's gamut using an appropriate gamut-mapping algorithm.
[0036] It is desirable for high quality color printed images to not contain separation noise. Original smooth images may not result in the same smoothness when printed due to non-uniqueness in the choice of CMYK separations since nodes that are in the neighborhood in the L*a*b* color space could be rendered using CMYK recipes that are far apart from each other. This can lead to formulation jumps. This problem is further intensified when the printer has nonlinearities that offer the possibility to reproduce a specific color (i.e., L*a*b*) with several CMYK recipes. In this disclosure, we provide a method to derive an L*a*b* to CMYK LUT such that the transition between every neighborhood node in the LUT is smooth in the L*a*b* space as well as the CMYK space. The smoothness is preserved by using a neighbor detection algorithm in L*a*b* space. Neighboring pairs cooperate mutually by exchanging information in order to guarantee a smooth transition between them in the CMYK space.
[0037] The creation of a L*a*b* to CMYK LUT can be performed via two different methods: (1) a LUT built on-line without previous smoothness, which creates a smooth LUT without any previous knowledge on all areas of the printer's gamut and (2) a LUT built on-line with previous smoothness, which contains a high resolution L*a*b* to CMYK table where smoothness has been previously applied to several areas of the printer's gamut. The details of both approaches is provided below.
[0038] With reference to FIG. 1 , illustrated is a block diagram outlining a Lab to image output process according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.
[0039] The system includes a Lab input, a gamut mapping process 2 , an inverse printer model or inverse printer 4 to generate mapped Lab to CMYK and a printer model or printer which generates a Lab output. Error/accuracy is determined based on the difference between the Lab input and Lab output.
[0040] The disclosed embodiments rely on the fact that if the CMYK A values of a particular node A is known, then it is possible to estimate the “closest” CMYK B values of the “closest” node B, with respect to node A, in terms of distance metrics in the L*a*b* space (e.g., deltaE2000 or deltaE CIE). This fact is very important for nonlinear printers that have the peculiarity of producing the same L*a*b* value by means of multiple CMYK values. When the multiple CMYK solution is present at the moment of deciding a CMYK recipe for a particular node, then the disclosed embodiments offer the possibility of selecting one CMYK out of the multiple solutions, which is in turn close to the CMYK recipe of a neighboring node.
[0041] In order to create smooth LUTs, we define two groups that contain sets of L*a*b* values. The first group is called the “recruiting set” that contains one or more L*a*b* values with their respective CMYK values. The second group is called the “candidate set” that contains the in-gamut L*a*b* in the LUT. The goal of the recruiting set is to determine potential nodes from the candidate set that could become part of the recruiting set. The goal of the candidate set is to market themselves before the recruiting set in order to be recruited.
[0042] First, an LUT without previous smoothness will be described. According to one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, this can be implemented by applying the following steps:
[0043] 1. Define a recruiting set R={1,2, . . . ,N} that contains N>=1 L*a*b* nodes. The location of these nodes in the L*a*b* space can be decided by the designer. One option is to allocate one or more nodes along the neutral axis. Other options could also be nodes along the brown axis; nodes on the boundary; nodes located in skin regions; etc. With reference to FIG. 2 , a set of recruiting nodes 10 , 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 20 and 22 are shown along the neutral axis.
[0044] 2. Use a desired GCR to compute the CMYK values of any node in the recruiting set.
[0045] 3. Define a candidate set C={1,2, . . . ,M} that contains M number of L*a*b* nodes. This list comes from all the nodes in the LUT.
[0046] 4. Compute the metric L*a*b* distance between each node i ∈ R and j ∈ C. One metric that could be used here is the deltaE2000 formula. Another choice is deltaE CIE. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates distances between both recruiting and candidate nodes 34 , 36 , 38 and 40 . This only shows one way to process nodes contained in the candidate set in a certain way; however, this method is not restricted to this order. There is freedom in selecting the order in which nodes contained in the candidate set could be processed.
[0047] 5. Determine the minimum distance, min dE2000ij, between a recruiting and candidate node. This node is denoted as j* (see FIG. 4 , reference character 50 ).
[0048] 6. Compute the CMYK of closest node using as a starting point the CMYK of a node in the recruiting set (see FIG. 5 ). The recruiting process is neighbor driven since it always selects the nodes with the minimum distance between any recruiting and candidate nodes. Once a pair of nodes has been identified, then the cooperation takes place since the CMYK values of the recruiting set is shared with the candidate set. The candidate node may use a MIMO controller to iterate several times and converge to a new CMYK value that is close to its closest neighbor. This is possible since the candidate set computes the Jacobian, using the CMYK of the recruiting node, which supplies information about the local gradient of a neighboring color to the candidate node. By using the local gradient, the MIMO controller converges to the closest CMYK solution to the one that the recruiting node has.
[0049] 7. The closest node identified in 5 now becomes part of the recruiting node set, i.e., R=R+{j*}, and no longer belongs to the candidate set, i.e, C=C−{j*} (see FIG. 6 , reference character 60 ).
[0050] 8. Repeat process from 5 to 8 until set C is empty, that is, there are no more candidates to recruit.
[0051] Notably, step 6 computes the Jacobian and controller's parameters using only local information of the recruiting node. These values remain fixed during the controller's iterations. Alternatively, the process may compute the Jacobian and controller's parameters at each iteration since this could better capture the nonlinearities present in the printer. This option will improve the ability of the controller to converge to the closest CMYK value. This can be especially important to implement when the nodes in the candidate set are scarce.
[0052] Once this process is finished, all the information needed to build the LUT using the L*a*b* and CMYK values originally located in the recruiting set is available.
[0053] Next is described how to construct an LUT with previous smoothness. This method actually builds upon the application of all steps described above for a high density LUT created in the candidate set. The motivation to use a high density LUT is to populate the printer's gamut with a relatively large number of nodes that are close enough to each other and where the benefits of sharing information can be exploited, which in turn, will result in a smooth LUT. Once this high resolution LUT is created, the following steps are implemented on-line:
[0054] 1. Compute the metric L*a*b* distance between every node in the high definition LUT and every node contained in the LUT of interest.
[0055] 2. Determine the minimum distance, min dE2000ij, in step 1.
[0056] 3. Compute the CMYK of the closest node using as a starting point the CMYK of a node in the high definition LUT.
[0057] 4. Repeat process from 1 to 4 until all nodes in the LUT of interest have computed their respective CMYK values.
[0058] The sharing of information combined with control systems is used to implement tracking systems to compute the closest CMYK of the selected color in the candidate set to the CMYK of the color in the recruiting set. A MIMO state-feedback controller can update the CMYK recipe that will accurately reproduce the given target L*a*b* value (see FIG. 7 ). The system in FIG. 7 can be expressed as a state equation with the form:
[0000] x ( k+ 1)= Ax ( k )+ Bu ( k )
[0059] where x(k) represents the measured or estimated L*a*b* values obtained from the inline/offline sensor or a printer model respectively at iteration k, A is the identity matrix, B is the Jacobian matrix computed around the initial CMYK value, and u(k) is the control law applied to the input of the printer. The Jacobian B is computed as follows:
[0000]
B
=
[
∂
L
∂
C
∂
L
∂
M
∂
L
∂
Y
∂
L
∂
K
∂
a
∂
C
∂
a
∂
M
∂
a
∂
Y
∂
a
∂
K
∂
b
∂
C
∂
b
∂
M
∂
b
∂
Y
∂
b
∂
K
]
[0060] The control law is designed using MIMO state-feedback controllers. Thus, u(k)=−Ke(k), where e(k) is the error between the target L*a*b* and the measured or estimated L*a*b* at iteration k. The gain matrix, K, is derived based on the pole values specified such that closed loop shown in FIG. 7 is stable.
[0061] Notably, the Jacobian and controller's parameters of the closest candidate node are only computed using local information of the recruiting node. These values remain fixed during all controller's iterations. As an alternative, it is suggested the Jacobian and controller's parameters can be computed at each iteration since this could better capture the nonlinearities present in the printer. This option will provide improved convergence to the closest CMYK value. This is especially important to implement when the nodes in the candidate set are scarce. Once this process is finished, all the information needed to build the LUT using the L*a*b* and CMYK values originally located in the recruiting set is present.
[0062] Several plots are shown that confirm the embodiments disclosed herein can compute the closest CMYK of the selected color in the candidate set to the CMYK of the color in the recruiting set. Suppose initially there are 24 recruiting nodes along the neutral axis with values from L*a*b*=[15 0 0] to L*a*b*=[100 0 0]. The L* values for the recruiting nodes are uniformly incremented by 5 units. Then two colors in the candidate set are selected to support the disclosed findings, i.e., L*a*b* 1 =[56.65 6.42 6.5] (Color #1) and L*a*b* 2 =[68.23 6.43 6.49] (Color #2). Color #1 is first selected since the algorithm determines that it is the closest node (minimum deltaE2000 distance) to the node in the recruiting set with L*a*b*=[65 0 0] and CMYK=[128.97 97.42 101.78 0.07]. Sensitivity plots for [128.97 97.42 101.78 0.07] are shown in FIGS. 8-11 .
[0063] With reference to FIGS. 8-11 , sensitivity plots for CMYK=[128.97 97.42 101.78 0.07] are shown. The stars indicate the nominal values whereas the circles indicate the points used to compute the Jacobian around the nominal point.
[0064] Notably, in order to get the L*a*b* 1 =[56.65 6.42 6.5] values of the first color, the controller has to track the sensitivity plots shown in FIGS. 8-11 . This means the controller will iteratively modify the CMYK values until the desired L*a*b* values are reached. By following the trajectories provided by the sensitivity plots, it is apparent there is a unique CMYK solution for any candidate color; an important criteria to implement where neighboring colors are located in nonlinear region of the printer's gamut. The approximate CMYK=[123.6 139.5 118.5 43] values for color #1 could be inferred by the sensitivity plots; however, this will result in some inaccuracy since the plots do not account for any interactions between colors. The final CMYK values obtained using this approach are [111.01 111.47 112.27 1.19]. Thus, this node, color #1, will now be part of the recruiting set.
[0065] Next color #2 is processed and the algorithm detects that it is close to the node that has L*a*b*=[56.65 6.42 6.5] and CMYK=[1 11.01 111.47 112.27 1.19], which is color #1 that has recently joined the recruiting team. Sensitivity plots for [111.01 111.47 112.27 1.19] are shown in FIGS. 12-15 .
[0066] With reference to FIGS. 12-15 , sensitivity plots for CMYK=[111.01 111.47 112.27 1.19] are shown. The stars indicate the nominal values whereas the circles indicate the points used to compute the Jacobian around the nominal point.
[0067] Notably, in order to get the L*a*b* 2 [68.23 6.43 6.49] values of the second color, the controller will iteratively modify the CMYK values until the desired L*a*b* values are reached. For this case, the approximate CMYK=[88 113.3 112 0] values for color #2 could be inferred by the sensitivity plots; however, this will again result in some inaccuracy since the plots do not account for any interactions between colors. The final CMYK values obtained using this approach are [100.03 103.33 104.10 0].
[0068] The two cases mentioned above show how a controller can be used to track the trajectories of neighboring nodes in such a way that the obtained new CMYK values are closest to the selected neighbor. It also shows that there exists only one feasible solution to the posed problem.
[0069] The embodiments disclosed herein can achieve both a node's accuracy and smoothness in one step. The process only requires the L*a*b* and CMYK values of all the nodes in the recruiting set so there is no need to have a priori information from any GCR since this process naturally defines a smooth GCR. A multidimensional smoothing algorithm would be required to further smoothen the CMYK values of the nodes. Notably, the definition of this GCR could be done by only having one node in the recruiting set. The derivation of other GCR techniques usually starts by defining a smooth function for only black, which is applied to all colors inside the gamut. It then determines a CMY that along with the K value coming from the smooth function will match the L*a*b* value for that particular node. This is done in a greedy fashion since no information about neighboring colors is taken into account, so even though K is smooth, this could result in non-smooth transitions in the CMYK space between neighboring nodes. The Neighbor Driven approach seeks to smooth CMYK solutions for all nodes in the gamut.
[0070] Described heretofore is how to derive an L*a*b* to CMYK LUT such that the transition between every neighborhood node in the LUT is smooth in the L*a*b* space as well as the CMYK space. Any smoothness is preserved by using both MIMO control algorithm and the neighbor detection algorithm in L*a*b* space. Cooperation between neighbors by implementing tracking algorithms provides a unique solution for the node contained in the candidate set.
[0071] It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. | This disclosure provides printing methods, apparatus, and systems to generate a multidimensional printer profile for a color printer. Specifically, the profile is generated by a method of selecting a recruiter set of nodes associated with a plurality of target color nodes and selecting a candidate set of nodes associated with a plurality of target color nodes. The candidate nodes and recruiting node cooperate to generate a printer profile. | 37,777 |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/204,524 filed Mar. 11, 2014, now allowed, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/777,766 filed Mar. 12, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its' entirety.
GOVERNMENT LICENSE RIGHTS
[0002] This invention was made with Government support under Dept. of Agriculture—Agricultural Research Service Agreement No.: 58-0208-3-001 (Durable Coating-Embedded Adulticide (CEA), Larvicide (CEL) and Durable Dual-Action Lethal Ovitraps (DDALO) for Management of Dengue Vector Aedes albopictus and Other Container-Breeding Mosquitoes). The government has certain rights in this invention.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates to killing mosquitoes, and in particular to lethal containers, apparatus, devices, systems, coatings, compositions, formulas, applications and methods of using pesticide coatings to kill adult mosquitoes and their larvae, and in particular to containers coated internally with coating-embedded pesticides designed to hold water, to attract mosquitoes, and kill adult mosquitoes and their larvae, which include specific shaped containers, and applications of using the coating-embedded larvicide to various objects such as tokens, marbles, pebbles, stones, chips and the interior of various water-holding containers, such as flower pots, water-holding dishes used under plant pots, vases, bird baths, fountains, and other similar containers, and the like.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
[0004] Over the years, ovitrap type containers have been used and deployed to control mosquitoes. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,557 to Perich et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,861 to Perich; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,740 to Perich et al.; and Zeichner, Brian C. “The lethal ovitrap: a response to the resurgence of dengue and chikungunya”, U.S. Army Medical Journal, July-September 2011. These types of ovitraps have generally used a paper strip having insecticide that hangs within a cup filled with water up to a series of drain holes. The insecticide strip will hang into the water, with the intention of killing female mosquitoes as they land on the ovitrap to lay eggs. However, these types of Ovitraps have limitations due to the insecticide on the paper breaking down rapidly because of water contact, and also the trap is not designed to kill larvae.
[0005] For example, these traps have lacked the use of a timed release of insecticide, and the water ended up breaking down the insecticide to become ineffective or not killing fast enough to prevent egg laying because of insecticide resistance in the mosquito population. A study in Key West, Fla. that used thousands of ovitraps ended up producing mosquitoes from these water filled containers. Additionally, the ovitraps only used an adulticide, which was not effective in killing mosquito larvae.
[0006] Still furthermore, Mosquito ovitraps available in the market do not contain larvicide and only adulticide so if eggs are laid larvae can develop. The addition of larvicide would prevent that problem.
[0007] Thus, the need exists for solutions to the above problems with the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A primary objective of the present invention is to provide dual action lethal containers, apparatus, devices, systems, applications and methods, which are used to kill adult mosquitoes and their larvae.
[0009] A secondary objective of the present invention is to provide novel, long-lasting coatings, compositions and formulas that can be used to kill both adult mosquitoes and their larvae.
[0010] A third objective of the present invention is to provide mosquito control devices and methods of using and coating water-holding containers, such as but not limited to flower pots, water holding dishes used under plant pots, vases, bird baths, and fountains coated internally with coating containing a mosquito larvicide.
[0011] A fourth objective of the present invention is to provide mosquito control devices and methods of coating pebbles, stones, marbles and other types of objects coated with coating-embedded larvicide which can be added to water-holding containers.
[0012] A fifth objective of the present invention is to provide mosquito control devices and methods of imbedding objects with durable coatings which releases the larvicide over time so that its action can be prolonged over the duration of a fully season.
[0013] Long lasting insecticidal coatings used in the invention can prevent quick degradation of insecticidal activity as occurs when insecticides are applied directly to surfaces of lethal ovitraps.
[0014] Use of slow release coatings encapsulates most insecticide so that pesticide exposure by humans is minimized when treated surfaces are accidentally contacted.
[0015] Use of different active ingredients for elimination of adults and larvae can delay development of pesticide resistance in mosquito populations and provide more efficient control of disease vectors.
[0016] Containment of insecticides within an ovitrap can minimize environmental contamination, non-target exposure and chances of accidental insecticide poisoning to humans and animals.
[0017] Improvements over the Prior Art.
[0018] The use of long-lasting insecticidal coating provides long-lasting control, as opposed to direct application of insecticides to internal surfaces of lethal ovitraps. The invention has the addition of larvicide to lethal ovitraps. A synergist can be added to the long-lasting coating to overcome insecticide resistance in mosquito populations. The coating not only can protect the insecticidal active ingredient, but also synergists from degradation over time. Additionally, a combination of both an adulticide and a larvicide with a different mode of action in a single coating could allow for easier manufacturing.
[0019] Marketing Novelty.
[0020] The dual action ovitrap can be sold both in the retail market, for use by homeowners who need to eliminate mosquitoes from their property, and professional market, for use by mosquito control districts, pest control operators, the armed forces, humanitarian institutions and others involved in the control of mosquitoes in different situations.
[0021] The long-lasting insecticide coatings can be marketed for other uses where insect control is desired. Such coating could be used in external building walls, internal walls, and any other surfaces where mosquitoes and other pestiferous insects may rest and congregate.
[0022] The insecticidal coatings can have colors incorporated that are attractive to mosquitoes. This dual action lethal ovitrap would be useful for control of mosquitoes that vector dengue, west Nile virus, yellow fever, and other pathogens.
[0023] Embedding the insecticides in coatings within lethal ovitrap can protect the active ingredient and/or synergist from degradation by the water in the ovitrap, and results in slow release of the active ingredient over time to kill mosquitoes. If the mosquitoes lay eggs before they die, a larvicide also embedded in the coating, is protected from degradation, and slowly releases over time to kill any larvae that hatch from the mosquito eggs. The dual action of the ovitrap assures that the device will not produce mosquitoes as a result of degradation of the active ingredients.
[0024] Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments, which are illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective left front side of a first embodiment dual action ovitrap container.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a front view of the dual action ovitrap container of FIG. 1 .
[0027] FIG. 3 is a top view of the dual action ovitrap container of FIG. 1 .
[0028] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the dual action ovitrap container of FIG. 2 along arrow 4 X.
[0029] FIG. 5A is a right side view of another dual action ovitrap container.
[0030] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 5A along arrow 5 B.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a front view of the dual action ovitrap container of FIG. 5 along arrow 6 X.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a left side view of the dual action ovitrap container of FIG. 5 .
[0033] FIG. 8 is a top view of the dual action ovitrap container of FIG. 5 along arrow 8 X.
[0034] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of using the novel coatings with a flower pot.
[0035] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of using the novel coatings with water-holding dishes used under a plant pot.
[0036] FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of using the novel coatings with a water-holding vase.
[0037] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of using the novel coatings with a water-holding bird bath.
[0038] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of using the novel coatings with a water-holding fountain.
[0039] FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of using the novel coatings with small objects in a water-holding storm-water inlet.
[0040] FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of using the novel coatings with small objects that can be used with another water-holding area.
[0041] FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of using the novel coatings on wood surfaces, such as stalls and fences and walls.
[0042] FIG. 17 is a graph of mosquito larval mortality after 0 -week aging with the average live mosquitoes on the vertical axis versus exposure time on the horizontal axis.
[0043] FIG. 18 is a graph of mosquito larval mortality after 20-week aging with the average live mosquitoes on the vertical axis versus exposure time on the horizontal axis.
[0044] FIG. 19 is a graph of percent of mosquito eggs on the vertical axis versus cavity size on the horizontal axis.
[0045] FIG. 20 shows a bar graph of results of a two-way choice test for mosquito females placed in a small-cage with containers with CEA (0.7% permethrin) vs. control, both using unchlorinated water, with number of dead mosquitoes and percentage of eggs found in each treatment on the vertical axis.
[0046] FIG. 21 shows a bar graph of results of a two-way choice test for mosquito females placed in a small-cage with containers with CEA (0.7% permethrin) vs. control, both with oak-leaf infusion water, with number of dead mosquitoes and percentage of eggs found in each treatment on the vertical axis.
[0047] FIG. 22 shows a bar graph of a two-way ovitrap choice test with Aedes albopictus , with percentage of mosquitoes on the vertical axis versus the location where they were found.
[0048] FIG. 23 shows percent adult mosquito emergence on the vertical axis versus coatings in which the larvicide pyriproxyfen was embedded at different rates.
[0049] FIG. 24 shows percent adult mosquito emergence on the vertical axis versus two coatings in which the larvicide pyriproxyfen was embedded and applied to containers which were washed with different volumes of water.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0050] Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
[0051] A list of the components will now be described.
100 First embodiment container 110 narrow cap top on container 112 grate with openings 120 raised ribs 121 internal concave ribs 122 upper end of container 126 lower curved side edges 128 bottom of container 130 hook 140 sideway protruding raised opening 200 First embodiment container 210 narrow cap top on container 212 grate with openings 220 raised ribs 221 inner rib surfaces 222 upper end of container 226 lower curved side edges 228 bottom of container 230 hook 240 sideway protruding raised opening 300 flower pot 310 internal surface of pot 400 plant pot with water dish 420 dish 425 internal surface of dish 430 pot 500 vase 510 internal surface of vase 600 bird bath 610 internal surface of bowl 700 fountain 710 internal surface of fountain 800 coated objects for a storm water inlet 810 interior surface of storm water inlet 900 coated objects for another water holding container 910 interior surface of another container 1000 small mosquito control coated objects 1100 wood stalls and fences and walls and boxes
[0090] FIG. 1 is a perspective left front side of a first embodiment dual action ovitrap container 100 . FIG. 2 is a front view of the dual action ovitrap container 100 of FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a top view of the dual action ovitrap container 100 of FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the dual action ovitrap container 100 of FIG. 2 along arrow 4 X.
[0091] Referring to FIGS. 1-4 , container 100 can have a modified pyramid shape with rounded sides. Insects such as mosquitoes can enter inside the container through grate 112 , and side raised opening 140 . The container 100 can include a raised side opening 140 so that water inside the container is maintained to be no higher than the bottom of the side opening 140 . Any water inside the container 100 can run out of side opening 140 .
[0092] On the top of the container 100 can be an attachable cap such as a snap-on cap 110 . Alternatively the cap 110 can be threadably attached to the upper portion of the container 100 . A grate 112 within openings therethrough can be oriented at an inclined angle and be used to obstruct objects larger than insects, such as but not limited to leaves, branches, hands, fingers and the like, from entering container 100 .
[0093] The narrow opening can create dead-air, high humidity conditions that mosquitoes prefer as oviposition and resting sites. A narrow opening can also prevent excessive rain from entering and rinsing larvicide from the interior of the ovitrap. The narrow opening also can prevent dilution of the larvicide and adulticide active ingredients which can slowly escape from the coatings in order to control mosquitoes.
[0094] The inclined grate 112 opening increases the attractiveness of the trap for the mosquito. A horizontal oriented grate would not be as effective an attractant opening as an inclined grate. The inclined grate 112 also more closely replicates an opening in a tree which is usually not horizontal and the tree opening which can hold water is the most attractive hatching condition for attracting mosquitoes into the container 100 .
[0095] A built on hook 130 , such as a loop, can be used to hang the container 100 in an elevated position such as but not limited to hanging the container 100 from a branch, under a tree, and the like. The novel ovitrap 100 can be deployed on a surface through bottom 128 or hanging by hook 130 from a support, as opposed to single-action ovitraps that need to be placed on a completely horizontal surface. The hook 130 offers many more opportunities for placement of ovitraps in locations that are more attractive to mosquitoes and protected from animal activities, as well as in conditions that prevent disturbances by children.
[0096] Raised ribs 120 on the container 100 form concave curved stacked sections 121 inside the container 100 . The stacked concave interior surfaces 121 allow for an easier landing surface for the mosquitoes to land on and hatch. The ribs 120 and interior surfaces 121 are slightly inclined so that when water evaporates and goes down, each rib section 120 and corresponding interior surface 121 have a section above and below the water level.
[0097] The ribs 120 and interior surfaces 121 have the effect of limiting the wind turbulence that can enter inside of the container 100 through the side opening 140 and grate 112 . Incoming wind can cause a Venturi effect inside the container 100 . The inside stacked concave rib sections 121 can reduce the Venturi effect and any turbulence inside the container 100 . This is very important since Mosquitoes prefer to lay eggs when there is less or no wind.
[0098] The bottom 128 of the container 100 can be flat to allow for the container stability to stand on its' own on a ground or raised flat surface, with lower side curved edges 126 .
[0099] The inside walls of the container can be coated with a single coating having both larvicide and adulticide described in reference to the tables below. The double coating can be coated on interior walls and the floor both below and above the water line formed from side opening 140 .
[0100] The container 100 can be formed from molded plastic material such as those used to form water bottles and the like, with a rougher interior surface.
[0101] The plastic container 100 can be pretreated in order to make the interior surface coatings rough and not too smooth, in order to provide cavities of approximately 150 to approximately 500 μm wide.
[0102] Mosquitoes prefer to deposit eggs in indentations on the surface of containers. Laboratory testing for desired cavity sizes was done at the University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla. in the summer of 2013, where the inventors modified wood surfaces (using popsicle sticks), and glued plastic mesh on top of the sticks. Six different sizes of mesh were tested, each being placed in a cup of water, which were placed in a lab cage where mosquitoes were present. The holes of the mesh became the sides of the cavities and the wood being the bottom of the cavities. The materials were left untreated, and testing and observations was completed to determine which mesh size was most desirable for the female mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Laboratory testing determined the highest results of killed mosquitoes occurred with mesh cavity having dimensions of approximately 250 μm wide. A range of approximately 150 to approximately 500 μm wide was also determined to cover desirable mesh size cavities. The term approximately can include +/−10%. The textured internal surfaces with formed cavities demonstrate that optimum resting and oviposition can be obtained by modifying the coatings accordingly.
[0103] The interior walls surfaces of the containers 100 can be roughened into having textured surfaces with cavities by at least three different processes.
[0104] One process can include using a plastic or material that inherently has a rough surface. The plastic can be formed from molds that form selected cavity sizes on the interior surfaces of the plastic container.
[0105] Another process can include re-treating the interior surfaces of a container, such as plastic with a separate textured material coating that artificially forms a roughened surface. For example, a paintable primer, or a sprayable primer, and the like, can be used. The textured material coatings can be selected in order to create the selected cavity sizes based on applying those material coatings to the surfaces of the container.
[0106] Mosquitoes can enter either by the top or the side entry into the container (which can have a partial bottle configuration. The mosquitoes have a choice of vertical and horizontal surfaces to rest, all of which are coated with insecticidal coating. Any coating and/or primer can be applied inside the container by various techniques such as but not limited to inserting a spray nozzle in the bottle and spraying aground to cover 360° internally below a selected level.
[0107] A still another process can include adding additional grains such as but not limited to sand, acrylics, into the insecticide coating, which can then be coated to the interior surfaces of the container which forms a roughened surface, having the selected cavity sizes. Similarly, techniques to spray inside the container can include but are not limited to having any coating and/or primer can be applied by inserting a spray nozzle into the opening(s) of the container and spraying around to cover 360° internally below a selected level.
[0108] The outside of the container 100 can have different colors. The exterior of container can be darkened to black, brown, and other dark colors that replicate a tree type structure. For example, a dark color attracts mosquitoes.
[0109] The cap 110 can have a different color such as red that causes contrast with the dark color of the rest of the container 100 , which would replicate surfaces of the tree having wet and dry areas. Mosquitoes associate red and black to ideal tree surface locations.
[0110] The side opening 140 and the grate opening also appear to replicate a tree surface along with the coloring of the container surface, which are attractive to mosquitoes.
[0111] The inside of the container 100 can include a separate mosquito attractant either or both embedded into the coating or loose inside the container 100 . The attractant can include but it not limited to broken leaves, artificial and natural scents, contained or not in cloth, paper, or mesh bag similar to a teabag that can replicate moist wet areas that are normally attracted to mosquitoes.
[0112] The object of the interior surface of the container with or without the attractant is to form an attractant environment and not a repellent environment for mosquitoes.
[0113] Table 1 lists examples of adulticide and larvacidal coating ingredients that can be used in the interior coatings of the container 100 along with a range for each components and preferred percentage for combined adultacidal and larvacidal coating.
[0000]
TABLE 1
Preferred
Main
Choice
Preferred
Exemplary
Ingredients
Ingredients
Range
Amount
Choice of Coating
83.0-99.9989%
98.59%
Acrylic paint
Oil based paint
Plastic polymer
Choice of Adulticidal Active
0.001-5.0%
0.7%
Ingredient:
Pyrethroid insecticide
Organophosphate insecticide
Carbamate insecticide
Permethrin
0.2-5.0%
0.7%
(pyrethroid)
Cypermethrin
0.02-5.0%
0.1%
(pyrethroid)
Deltamethrin
0.001-5%
0.06%
(pyrethroid)
Bifenthrin
0.001-5%
0.06%
(pyrethroid)
Chlorpyrifos
0.2-5.0%
0.5%
(organophosphate)
Propoxur
0.2-5.0%
0.5%
(carbamate)
Diazinon
0.2-5.0%
1.0%
(organophosphate)
Choice of Larvicidal Active
0.0001-2%
0.01%
Ingredient:
Bacillus
0.0001-2%
0.01%
thuringiensis
israelensis
Methoprene
0.0001-2%
0.01%
Pyroproxifen
0.0001-2%
0.01%
Spinosad
0.0001-2%
0.01%
Choice of Synergist:
0-10.0%
0.7%
Piperonyl Butoxide
0-10.0%
0.7%
MGK-264
0-10.0%
1.4%
Etofenprox
0-5.0%
0.7%
Pyrethrins
0-5.0%
0.7%
[0114] Table 2 lists the main components along with a range for each components and preferred percentage for an adultacidal coating.
[0000]
TABLE 2
Preferred
Main
Choice
Preferred
Exemplary
Ingredients
Ingredients
Range
Amount
Choice of Coating
85.0-98.999%
98.6%
Acrylic paint
Oil based paint
Plastic polymer
Choice of Adulticidal Active
0.001-5.0%
0.7%
Ingredient:
Pyrethroid insecticide
Organophosphate insecticide
Carbamate insecticide
Permethrin (pyrethroid)
0.2-5.0%
0.7%
Cypermethrin (pyre-
0.02-5.0%
0.1%
throid)
Deltamethrin (pyrethroid)
0.001-5%
0.06%
Bifenthrin (pyrethroid)
0.001-5%
0.06%
Chlorpyrifos
0.2-5.0%
0.5%
(organophosphate)
Propoxur (carbamate)
0.2-5.0%
0.5%
Diazinon
0.2-5.0%
1.0%
(organophosphate)
Choice of Synergist:
0-10.0%
0.7%
Piperonyl Butoxide
0-10.0%
0.7%
MGK-264
0-10.0%
1.4%
Etofenprox
0-5.0%
0.7%
Pyrethrins
0-5.0%
0.7%
[0115] Table 3 lists the main components along with a range for each components and preferred percentage for larvacidal coating.
[0000]
TABLE 3
Preferred
Main
Choice
Preferred
Exemplary
Ingredients
Ingredients
Range
Amount
Coating (choice of one)
88.0-99.9999%
99.82%
Acrylic paint
Oil based paint
Plastic polymer
Choice of Larvicidal Active
0.0001-2%
0.01%
Ingredients:
Bacillus
0.0001-2%
0.01%
thuringiensis
israelensis
Methoprene
0.0001-2%
0.01%
Pyroproxifen
0.0001-2%
0.01%
Spinosad
0.0001-2%
0.01%
Choice of 1-3 Synergists:
0-10.0%
0.7%
Piperonyl Butoxide
0-10.0%
0.7%
MGK-264
0-10.0%
1.4%
Etofenprox
0-5.0%
0.7%
Pyrethrins
0-5.0%
0.7%
[0116] The interior surface coatings can include those described and used in related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/866,656 to Koehler et al. which is assigned to the same assignee as that of the subject invention, and which is incorporated by reference in its' entirety.
[0117] FIG. 5A is a right side view of another dual action ovitrap container 200 . FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 5A along arrow 5 B. FIG. 6 is a front view of the dual action ovitrap container 200 of FIG. 5 along arrow 6 X. FIG. 7 is a left side view of the dual action ovitrap container 200 of FIG. 5 . FIG. 8 is a top view of the dual action ovitrap container 200 of FIG. 5 along arrow 8 X.
[0118] Referring to FIGS. 5A-8 , part numbers 210 , 212 , 220 , 221 , 222 , 226 , 228 , 230 , 240 correspond and function to similar part numbers 110 , 112 , 120 , 121 , 122 , 126 , 128 , 130 and 140 in the previous embodiment. In these figures, the bottom of the container 200 can have a length between the back and front of approximately 5 inches and a width between the left side and right side of approximately 4¾ inches, and a height between the bottom 228 and the upper end of the container 200 being approximately 4½ inches from the bottom 228 of the container 200 , with the upper end having a length of approximately 2⅛ inches and a width of approximately 2¾ inches. The parallel raised ribs 220 can be spaced apart from each other by approximately ½ inch and each rib can be approximately ½ inch thick, and can extend outward from the sides of the container 200 by approximately ⅜ of an inch. Each of the ribs 220 can be angled downward from the front of the container to the rear of the container. At the bottom 228 of the container 200 , the lowest rib can start approximately 1¼ inches from the front of the container 200 and angle downward to be approximately 1 inch from the rear of the container 200 .
[0119] The ribs 220 and interior surfaces 221 have the effect of limiting the wind turbulence that can enter inside of the container 200 through the side opening 240 and grate 212 . Incoming wind can cause a Venturi effect inside the container 200 . The inside stacked concave rib sections 221 can reduce the Venturi effect and any turbulence inside the container 200 . This is very important since Mosquitoes prefer to lay eggs when there is less or no wind.
[0120] The novel ovitrap internal incline plane rib surfaces offer both horizontal and vertical surfaces for female mosquitoes to oviposit and rest. This configuration makes these surfaces available to oviposition and resting regardless of the level of the water in the ovitrap. All of these surfaces can be coated with the coating-embedded larvicides and adulticides.
[0121] The inclined grate 212 can have a generally oval shape with a width of approximately 2¾ inches. The sideway protruding opening 240 can be generally oval shape with a height of approximately 1⅛ inches and a width of approximately ⅞ inch. Other dimensions are shown in the figures.
[0122] The coatings described above, and all their applications with the containers 100 , 200 can be used with other water holding containers, and objects.
[0123] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of using the novel coatings with a flower pot 300 . The internal surface 310 can be coated with coatings containing a mosquito larvicide coatings.
[0124] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of using the novel coatings with a water holding dishes 420 used under a plant pot 430 . The internal surface 425 of the dish 420 can be coated with coatings containing a mosquito larvicide coatings.
[0125] FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of using the novel coatings with a water holding vase 500 . The internal surface 510 of the vase 500 can be coated with coatings containing a mosquito larvicide coatings.
[0126] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of using the novel coatings with a water holding bird bath 600 . The internal surface 610 of the bath bowl can be coated with coatings containing a mosquito larvicide coatings.
[0127] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of using the novel coatings with a water holding fountain 700 . The internal surface 710 of the fountain can be coated with coatings containing a mosquito larvicide coatings.
[0128] Additional mosquito control objects 1000 can be coated with larvicide such as but not limited to pebbles, stones, marbles and other types of objects coated with coating-embedded larvicide. These small coated objects can be placed in water holding containers such as but not limited to using untreated containers previously described or other types of containers so that the larvicide can leach out over time.
[0129] Additionally, the interior coated water holding containers can also have the small coated objects 100 dropped inside the containers.
[0130] FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of using the novel coatings with a small coated objects 1000 in a water holding storm water inlet 800 . Alternatively internal surface areas 810 in the storm water inlet can also be coated with coatings containing mosquito larvicide coatings. The small coated objects can also be dropped into standing water in storm water inlets and the like so as to prevent those areas from becoming larvae breeding grounds. Also any other type of standing water can use the coated small objects dropped into the standing water.
[0131] FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of using the novel coatings with a small coated objects 1000 in another water holding container 900 such as an aquarium. Alternatively, internal surface areas 910 can also be coated with coatings containing mosquito larvicide coatings.
[0132] FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of using the novel coatings on wood surfaces 1100 , such as wooden stalls for horses and fences and walls and boxes, and the like. Other surfaces that can become damp and wet, such as but not limited to other wood surfaces and the like, can also be treated with the coatings.
[0133] FIGS. 17-24 show the results of testing using the containers and different coatings of the first two embodiments of the invention described above for killing mosquitoes.
[0134] FIG. 17 is a graph of mosquito larval mortality over 0-week aging with amount of mosquitoes on the vertical axis versus exposure time on the horizontal axis.
[0135] FIG. 18 is a graph of mosquito larval mortality over 20-week aging on the vertical axis versus exposure time on the horizontal axis.
[0136] FIG. 19 is a graph of percent of mosquito eggs on the vertical axis versus cavity size on the horizontal axis.
[0137] FIG. 20 shows a bar graph of results of a two-way choice test for mosquito females placed in a small-cage with containers with CEA (0.7% permethrin) vs. control, both using unchlorinated water, with number of dead mosquitoes and percentage of eggs found in each treatment on the vertical axis.
[0138] FIG. 21 shows a bar graph of results of a two-way choice test for mosquito females placed in a small-cage with containers with CEA (0.7% permethrin) vs. control, both with oak-leaf infusion water, with number of dead mosquitoes and percentage of eggs found in each treatment on the vertical axis.
[0139] FIG. 22 shows a bar graph of a two-way ovitrap choice test with Aedes albopictus , with percentage of mosquitoes on the vertical axis versus the location where they were found.
[0140] FIG. 23 shows percent adult mosquito emergence on the vertical axis versus coatings in which the larvicide pyriproxyfen was embedded at different rates. FIG. 24 shows percent adult mosquito emergence on the vertical axis versus two coatings in which the larvicide pyriproxyfen was embedded and applied to containers which were washed with different volumes of water.
[0141] Referring to FIGS. 17-18 , the placement of the larvicide pyriproxyfen in a coating does not prevent its action in preventing mosquito emergence, either with new material or material that had been aged for 20 weeks. In water that is in contact with the coating-embedded larvicide, or larvicide applied directly to the container without coating, mosquito larvae start to die as they reach the pupal stage. This shows that the coating does not interfere with the larvicide action. By embedding the larvicide pyriproxyfen in a coating, the mosquito killing action is protected from degradation for more than 20 weeks.
[0142] Referring to FIG. 19 , mosquitoes ( Aedes aegyptii and Aedes albopictus ) preferred to lay eggs in cavities of 250 μm size, whereas smaller and larger cavities were not as preferred, and very large cavities (2000 μm) were even less preferred. This figure shows that a certain texture to the coating or container walls can make it a preferred oviposition site.
[0143] Referring to FIGS. 20-22 , female mosquitoes were placed in cages where they had a choice of 2 containers filled with water to stimulate oviposition, one container with a coating-embedded adulticide (CEA) containing the adulticide permethrin, and the other container containing no insecticide. Reference to FIG. 20 , pure water was used, whereas reference to FIG. 21 , the water was mixed with oak-leaf infusion. In both tests, higher numbers of dead mosquito females were found in the adulticide-containing water, whereas greater number of eggs were found in containers with no insecticide. The presence of leaf infusion did not prevent the insecticidal action of the coating-embedded adulticide.
[0144] Referring to FIG. 22 , adult female mosquitoes were found dead mostly in the container coated with coating-embedded adulticide, whereas few mosquitoes were found dead in the water-only control or the cage floor. This shows that once the adults contact the coating-embedded adulticide, they normally do not leave the container and die. Few mosquitoes that are able to fly away from the container with the coating-embedded adulticide also die later.
[0145] Referring to FIG. 23 , three different coating were used to embed the larvicide pyriproxyfen at 3 different rates. Coatings were applied to plastic containers that were filled with water, before mosquito larvae were transferred to these containers. The addition of pyriproxyfen to different coatings produced similar results (no emergence of mosquitoes even at low pyriproxyfen content) while in the water standard, mosquito emergence was only inhibited at the high pyriproxyfen level. This shows that the different coatings can protect the action of pyriproxyfen.
[0146] Several different formulae (polycrylic, Polyurethane and Latex paint) have been tested as coatings for the larvicide. All coatings performed well in preventing adult emergence from larvae added to water-holding containers coated internally with the coating-embedded larvicide even with 0.0001% of the active ingredient in the coating. Water treated with 0.01% rate is considered potable by the World Health Organization (WHO).
[0147] Referring to FIG. 24 , two of the coating tested previously (refer to FIG. 23 ) were also tested for durability under high volume washing to see if they could stand under heavy rains. The coatings applied to plastic containers were subject to continuous washing with tap water for total volumes equivalent to 5×, 20×, and 50× the container volumes. After wards the containers were refilled with fresh water and mosquito larvae were added to the water. Adult emergence from the larvae was only observed in containers with coatings that contained no embedded larvicide. The larvicide embedded in both coatings prevented the emergence of adults, even when the coating was washed with 50× volume of water. Coatings prevent larvicide washing off, with up to 50 times the volume of water as contained in the ovitrap. Most larvicides are applied to water and disappear when containers are emptied and re filled either naturally by rain action or by other means. The coating constantly treats new water put in containers with enough larvicide to preserve the mosquito-killing action. Both polycrylic and polyurethane protect the action of pyriproxyfen larvicide when containers coated with these materials are subjected to washing. This shows that coating-embedded larvicide can survive extensive rain-water rinsing.
[0148] The addition of larvicide kills any larvae that can emerge from eggs that females are able to lay before dying from exposure to adulticide in the lethal ovitrap. Field deployment of single-action lethal ovitrap allowed development of larvae which can lead to actual increase in the mosquito population.
[0149] While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended. | Dual action lethal containers, systems and methods and novel compositions and formulas which are used to kill mosquitoes and their larvae. Generally pyramid shaped containers can have combined interior larvacidal and adultacidal coatings above and below a side opening in the container. A removable inclined grate cap can also allow for mosquitoes to enter into the container. Inclined stacked walls inside the container form attractive surfaces for mosquitoes to breed. Water-holding containers, such as flower pots, water holding dishes used under plant pots, vases, bird baths, and fountains and storm water inlets, can be coated with novel larvicide and/or adulticide coatings. Small objects can be coated with larvicide or larvicide and adulticide combination, which can be dropped in water-holding containers which can leach out pesticide over time which prevents mosquitoes from breeding in the water-holding containers. | 49,576 |
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates generally to the technical field of project management and, in one specific example, to allow for tracking and managing projects.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Planning, organization and managing resources are required for the successful completion of specific project goals and objectives. Achieving project goals and objectives while adhering to quality, scope, time and budget constraints is one of the many challenges faced by project managers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:
[0004] FIG. 1 is screenshot of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) screen, according to an example embodiment, of a capacity planning tool used to enter the quarterly time frame of the project.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a screenshot of a GUI screen, according to an example embodiment, of a capacity planning tool illustrating a capacity request queue.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a screenshot of a GUI screen, according to an example embodiment, illustrating a capacity request form.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a further detailed screenshot of a GUI screen shown in FIG. 3 , according to an example embodiment, illustrating the capability of choosing a concept for the capacity request.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a further detailed screenshot of a GUI screen shown in FIG. 3 , according to an example embodiment, illustrating an update option control for capacity request.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a screenshot of a GUI display, according to an example embodiment, that shows the quarterly budget allocation for various projects.
[0010] FIG. 7 is screenshot of a GUI display shown in FIG. 6 , according to an example embodiment, which allows a budget administrator to enter the operations budget for a particular project and quarterly time frame.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a screenshot of a GUI screen, illustrating a Project Management (PMO) Audit Report Tool for project management, according to an example embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 9 is a screenshot of a GUI display, showing a Project Management Organization (PMO) Audit Report Tool is provided that includes flags to show status of various projects, according to an example embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 10 is a screenshot of a GUI display, showing a menu used to generate an audit rule, according to an example embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 11 is a screenshot of a GUI display, illustrating a Visual Roadmap Tool used to view a program including various projects, according to an example embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 12 is a screenshot of a GUI display, showing a menu used to add ad-hoc milestones for the program shown in FIG. 11 .
[0016] FIG. 13 is a screenshot of a GUI display, showing a menu to add/remove projects for the program shown in FIG. 11 .
[0017] FIG. 14 is a screenshot of a GUI display, showing a visual roadmap of a project, according to some embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating the execution of an operation, according to an example embodiment, used to provide a capacity plan and display budget data.
[0019] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating a Remote Email Approval Tool, according to an example embodiment, used to provide an approval system for project data using email approvals.
[0020] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram illustrating the execution of an operation, according to an example embodiment, to provide a visual roadmap of a project that displays a roll-up view.
[0021] FIG. 18 is a flow diagram illustrating the execution of an operation, according to an example embodiment, used to provide an audit flow and render project flags based on various audit rules.
[0022] FIG. 19 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of a computer system, according to an example embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Example methods and systems to provide real-time project planning and tracking are described herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of example embodiments. It will be evident, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In some example embodiments, a system and method are shown that allow for the real-time project planning and tracking tool in an online environment that allows for resource allocation and determination to be made at the front end before resources are allocated to a particular project/task. The system and methods provided herein allow for visual representation of project time lines, project status and allows for the linking of various projects to determine if a particular project requires the completion of other projects before it can be scheduled to begin.
[0024] FIG. 1 is screenshot 100 of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) screen, according to an example embodiment, showing a capacity planning tool used to enter the quarterly time frame of a chosen project. In some embodiments, screenshot 100 shows a dashboard area 110 activated by a control button “Dashboard” 120 . In some embodiments, Dashboard area 110 is configured to view the project planning tool by various quarters. Dashboard area 110 can be used to select for viewing a time frame (e.g., years namely 2007, 2008, and 2009 having quarters Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4); a particular project from a set of projects (e.g., Corporate, and Global) including tasks (e.g., Giving Works, World of Good, and Kijiji). Dashboard area 110 also includes a control button (shown as “GO”) that is used to activate the chosen time frames of particular projects displayed in screenshot 100 . Screenshot 100 further shows control buttons Capacity Request Queue 122 (described in FIG. 2 ), and Capacity Budget 124 .
[0025] Screenshot 100 also shows a table 132 including regions 130 , 140 , 150 and 160 . In some embodiments, region 130 can be configured to list various projects along with their corresponding tasks. Region 140 and 150 correspond to quarters Q3 2008 and Q4 2008, respectively. In some embodiments, region 140 includes a listing for each project a set of columns indicating parameters such as a project development target budget 142 , an appropriation amount (capacity budget) 144 , a requested amount (capacity scope) 146 and a balance 148 , which is the difference between the appropriation amount 144 and the requested amount 146 .
[0026] FIG. 2 is a screenshot 200 of a GUI screen, according to an example embodiment, of a capacity planning tool illustrating a capacity request queue. Screenshot 200 shows control buttons dashboard 120 , capacity request queue 122 , and capacity budget 124 and add button 210 . Screenshot 200 shows a list of projects for which appropriations of funds or resources are requested by various project managers. In some embodiments, the titles of the request for appropriation are listed in column 220 . In some embodiments, the names of the project for which the request is made are listed in column 230 . In some embodiments, the expected start dates of the projects are listed in column 240 . In some embodiments, the cost of the project is listed in column 250 . In some embodiments, the names of the requesting project managers or personnel are listed in column 260 . In some embodiments, the date of submission of the appropriation request is provided in column 270 . In some embodiments, the status of the appropriation requests requested by personnel listed in column 260 is listed in column 280 . A concept is a project that has not been scoped or assigned resources. It is essentially a project in the planning phase of the project life cycle. The CBOM details column provides a link to a Capacity Build of Materials detail screen.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a screenshot 300 of a GUI screen, according to an example embodiment, illustrating a capacity request form 310 which is a window that can be opened by clicking the icon positioned on or near the appropriation request titled “Testing 2[14].” In some embodiments, window 310 is a drop down menu button 320 that expands to show different projects (GXTs), a title field 330 identifying the name of the appropriation request, a start date field 340 indicating the start date of the project, a description block 350 provided to record any particular information pertaining to the appropriation request or the project for which appropriation is requested, a status field 360 which can have any number of status designations such as “Active”, “Inactive”, “Terminated”, “Suspended” etc., to describe the status of the appropriation request. The “Verify” button allows the user to verify the Concept name within the Tracker database. The user can select a valid concept if results are returned.
[0028] In some embodiments, window 310 can be used to select, change or add particular values for the various field of the appropriation and screen 300 can then be updated using update button 370 .
[0029] FIG. 4 is a further detailed screenshot 400 of a GUI screen 300 as shown in FIG. 3 , according to an example embodiment, illustrating the capability of choosing a concept (such as a “project feature”) for the capacity request. Screenshot 400 shows window 310 including a drop down menu 370 that can be used to select a concept associated with the corresponding appropriation request.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a further detailed screenshot 500 of a GUI screen 300 as shown in FIG. 3 , according to an example embodiment, illustrating an update option control 370 for capacity request. Screenshot 500 shows a detail window 310 including a field 380 having a concept selected and associated with the corresponding appropriation request.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a screenshot 600 of a GUI display, according to an example embodiment, that shows a the quarterly budget allocation for various projects. Screenshot 600 shows a dashboard 610 including fields 612 , 614 and 616 corresponding to years 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. Dashboard 610 also includes a scrollbar 620 that may be used to scroll up or down for the selection of a particular project from the list of projects. Column 650 lists the various projects that are active for quarters Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 of year 2008. Columns 652 , 654 , 656 and 658 show the corresponding appropriation budgets provided for the various projects listed in column 650 .
[0032] FIG. 7 is screenshot 700 of a GUI display 600 shown in FIG. 6 , according to an example embodiment, which allows a budget administrator to enter the operations budget for a particular project and quarterly time frame. Screenshot 700 shows a pop up window 710 that is generated by clicking on any of the cells under the Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 columns in fields 612 , 614 , and 616 . Window 710 provides for adding or editing the capacity budget. Typically this is done at the corporate or divisional level. The requested amounts are provided by the working group level. The working group can request changes in the appropriation amounts (capacity budgets) but cannot change the amounts directly. Working groups can change the “requested amount” based on their projections of what resources are needed to perform the project tasks. In some embodiments, by using window 710 , a new budget amount can be entered in the “Budget Amount” field. In some embodiments, a “Change Type” option is provided with a selection field 720 to select either of two settings namely “Increase” or “Decrease.” Window 710 also includes control buttons 740 and 750 that are used for activating the “Save” and “Reset” function, respectively.
[0033] FIG. 8 is a screenshot 800 of a GUI display, illustrating a Project Management Organization (PMO) Audit Report Tool for project management, according to an example embodiment. Screenshot 800 shows a search field 810 including a drop down menu for a list of criteria; for example, Project, Project Managers, Dates of Projects, etc In some embodiments, the search includes a generic search field across any of the tools described herein. Field 820 is provided next to search field 810 to enter text used for searching against the criterion that was selected under search field 810 . Screenshot 800 also shows a Project Management Organization (PMO) audit report that has selection options such as Group (including the Project Manager or Product Manager), Manager (to select a particular manager), Resource (e.g. to select a particular software engineer), RASCI—the corporation's decision making process hierarchy (R—Responsible, A—Approver, S—Supporter, C—Consultant, I—Informed). For example; in a situation where there are 5 project managers working on a project, the Project Manager with the “R” designation is the primary contact and decision maker. In some embodiments, the tool also includes a “Due within weeks” drop down menu, and an “Audit Rules” drop down menu to select various audit rules that can be chosen to be applied for a given project or task.
[0034] In some embodiments, screenshot 800 further shows control buttons for Pending/Overdue items 830 and At-Risk Projects status 840 . In some embodiments, selection of the various at-risk projects button shows a list of projects that are at risk that have their ID listed in column 844 , the title of projects listed in column 846 , and status field 848 . In some embodiments, status field 848 has three colored options (Color Green—representing no risk to the project, Color Yellow—representing that the project is potentially at risk in the near future, Color Red—representing that the project is currently at risk).
[0035] FIG. 9 is a screenshot 900 of a GUI display, showing a Project Management Organization (PMO) Audit Report Tool is provided that includes flags to show status of various projects, according to an example embodiment. Screenshot 900 shows an audit report field including a drop down menus 910 , 920 , 930 , 940 , 950 and 960 to select a group, a manager, a resource, a RASCI—the corporation's decision making process hierarchy (R—Responsible, A—Approver, S—Supporter, C—Consultant, I—Informed) Screen shot 900 shows pending/overdue items field 980 and at-risk project field 990 , wherein the pending/overdue items field 980 has been selected. Selection of the pending/overdue items 980 field displays a list of project ID with various tasks against each ID, a status column corresponding to each task with appropriate completion dates (such as development date, operations date, quality assurance date) shown in further columns. In some embodiments, various flags are used to identify if the tasks do not conform to a set of audit rules selected using field 960 . In some embodiments, the flags are displayed for different categories or activities such as project plan, scope (resource or appropriation) assignment, development to quality assurance hand off, etc. In some embodiments, the flags are associated with project activities such as Project requirement Document (PRD), Architecture Review Board (ARB), Engineering Requirement Document (ERD) checklist, and Roll-out Plan (ROP). Project Requirements Document (PRD), Branch Registration (Source control management tool ClearCase uses branches as a way to develop and deploy software. Each project sub-feature is developed on a branch. Those branches are registered to sub-features within the tool. As a result, a release management personnel or department knows what software code is being deployed on any given week. Software Developers are required to register those branches by a certain date.) An open Sub-feature is a project sub-feature that has not been deployed to production. Once the sub-feature is on production, the sub-feature must be closed. Once all the sub-features of a project are closed, the project is considered completed. If a sub-feature is still open after it was released, the flag shows up in the Audit Tool. In some embodiments, a Merge Approval flag is provided to show whether the Quality Assurance department has signed-off on a sub-feature before it can merge to the main branch of corporation's code (essentially a release).
[0036] In some embodiments, a PMO Audit Dashboard is included that provides a way to help project managers keep track of deadlines. In some embodiments, the project manager must make milestones to ensure that the project data is complete and up-to-date. In some embodiments, the PMO tool is designed to accommodate different groups with different milestones. In some embodiments, the primary interface of the PMO tool allows the user to select a project manager and project what milestones are approaching as well as milestones that are missed. In some embodiments, a flag with a red border means the milestone has passed and is unfulfilled. In some embodiments, a flag with no border means that it is due within the selected time frame. In some embodiments, clicking on the flag will take one directly to the data entry point for that task. Once, the task is completed, the flag will disappear after refreshing the data.
[0037] FIG. 10 is a screenshot 1000 of a GUI display, showing a menu provided in the PMO Audit Report Tool used to generate an audit rule, according to an example embodiment. In some embodiments, the rules for the audit report can be defined for different groups. In some embodiments, the PMO audit report tool allows the user to input more rules without performing any source code changes.
[0038] FIG. 11 is a screenshot 1100 of a GUI display, illustrating a Visual Roadmap Tool used to view a program including various projects, according to an example embodiment. In some embodiments, the Visual Roadmap Tool provides a hierarchy of analysis such that executives and/or other managers can see where and how a project is progressing. In some embodiments, the granularity of the details of the progress of projects can be varied. In some embodiments, a progress bar or counter (such as for e.g., Coding—20% complete etc.) is provided for each of the tasks monitored. In some embodiments, the visual roadmap tool visually represents all of the dependencies impacting a particular project which allows the user to better understand the business rules of that particular project. In some embodiment, the user of the tool can find a project for milestones that are due or overdue. In some embodiments, the user is capable of viewing any violations for a given project over a space of time the user selects.
[0039] FIG. 12 is a screenshot 1200 of a GUI display, showing a menu used to add ad-hoc milestones for the program shown in FIG. 11 . In some embodiments of the user can manually enter a milestone at a folder level and choose to provide the data to the executive level.
[0040] FIG. 13 is a screenshot 1300 of a GUI display, showing a menu to add/remove projects for the program shown in FIG. 11 . In some embodiments, the user can associate a project to a folder and allow it to be surfaced to the executive rollup level.
[0041] FIG. 14 is a screenshot 1400 of a GUI display, illustrating a Visual Roadmap Tool used to provide a visual roadmap of a project, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the user can view the project start and end, plus selected or added milestones in a graphical timeline by selecting the folders that contain the projects.
[0042] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram 1500 illustrating the execution of an operation, according to an example embodiment, used to provide a capacity plan and display budget data. Flow diagram 1500 includes a capacity budget block 1510 , which provides data to the project tables block 1520 and to the dashboard at block 1530 and the request form at block 1550 . At block 1530 , the operation receives data from the capacity budget (appropriation data) along with hardware request data (scope data or requested data) associated with a particular hardware request. The operation proceeds from block 1530 to block 1540 that provides for displaying of the budget data and the difference between the budget data and scope data (requested data).
[0043] At block 1550 , in some embodiments, a request form receives data from block 1520 that include project tables, in order to view existing hardware requests. The operation proceeds from block 1550 to block 1560 . At block 1560 , operations architects (managers) can submit new requests or edit existing ones, wherein the requests can be tied to a project. In some embodiments, the various requests are linked to project tables at block 1520 .
[0044] In some embodiments, during a budget administration operation, block 1570 receives capacity budget data. At block 1580 , in some embodiments, budget administrator can change the budget numbers for each of the various strategies and quarters.
[0045] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram 1600 illustrating the operation of a Remote Email Approval Tool, according to an example embodiment, used to provide an approval system for project data using email approvals.
[0046] In some embodiments, the process of approval includes the following: (a) a request is made to increase a budget item, (b) the tool takes the request and marks it “Pending Approval,” (c) an email is sent to the approver asking for approval, (d) the approver types “Approved” in the reply email, (e) the Remote Email Approval Tool receives the “Approved” message and updates the request to “Approved” in the system and consequently the budget item is updated to the new value that was approved.
[0047] In some embodiments, block 1610 provides project data to block 1630 . At block 1630 , the operation provides for emails to be sent to an email system that allows an approver to receive an email regarding approval for a project. In some embodiments, block 1630 includes providing an approval email to be identified with a unique ID. At block 1640 , the operation provides for the approval emails sent from and to the approver to be collected and stored. At block 1650 , the operation provides for identifying the ID and word “Approved” in the return email. Additionally, block 1650 the operation provides for updating the database to show request was approved.
[0048] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram 1700 illustrating the operation of a Visual Roadmap Tool, according to an example embodiment, to provide a visual roadmap of a project that displays a roll-up view. In some embodiments, block 1710 provides a table of audit rules. At block 1720 , the operation allows for receiving data from audit rules table to dynamically create SQL based on user and user group association. The operation proceeds from block 1720 to block 1730 , which includes project tables. The operation proceeds from block 1730 to block 1740 . At block 1740 , the operation loops over each dynamic query to build a result set for each user. In some embodiments, at block 1750 , the operation sends results as XML to visual interface and renders project flags for each rule.
[0049] FIG. 18 is a flow diagram 1800 illustrating the execution of an operation, according to an example embodiment, used to provide an audit flow and render project flags based on various audit rules. In some embodiments, at block 1810 , the operation provides project tables. The operation proceeds from block 1810 to block 1820 . At block 1820 , the operation provides hierarchical project data from database in XML format. The operation proceeds from block 1820 to block 1830 . At block 1830 , the operation provides for a team lead to modify folder structure and add projects for the roll-up view (for the executives). The operation proceeds from block 1830 to block 1840 . At block 1840 , the operation provides for ad-hoc milestones to be created at each folder level to surface key milestones for groups of projects. The operation further proceeds from block 1840 to block 1850 . At block 1850 , the operation provides for the project data to be displayed as rolled up for executive view.
Example Storage
[0050] Some embodiments may include the various databases for capacity budget ( 1510 ), project tables ( 1520 , 1730 , 1810 ), project data ( 1610 ), and project related emails ( 1620 ) as being relational databases, or in some cases On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) based databases. In the case of relational databases, various tables of data are created, and data is inserted into and/or selected from these tables using Structured Query Language (SQL) or some other database-query language known in the art. In the case of OLAP databases, one or more multi-dimensional cubes or hypercubes containing multidimensional data, which data is selected from or inserted into using a Multidimensional Expression (MDX), may be implemented. In the case of a database using tables and SQL, a database application such as, for example, MYSQL™, SQLSERVER™, Oracle 81™, 10G™, or some other suitable database application may be used to manage the data. In the case of a database using cubes and MDX, a database using Multidimensional Online Analytic Processing (MOLAP), Relational Online Analytic Processing (ROLAP), Hybrid Online Analytic Processing (HOLAP), or some other suitable database application may be used to manage the data. These tables or cubes made up of tables, in the case of, for example, ROLAP, are organized into a RDS or Object Relational Data Schema (ORDS), as is known in the art. These schemas may be normalized using certain normalization algorithms so as to avoid abnormalities such as non-additive joins and other problems. Additionally, these normalization algorithms may include Boyce-Codd Normal Form or some other normalization or optimization algorithm known in the art.
A Three-Tier Architecture
[0051] In some embodiments, a method is described as implemented in a distributed or non-distributed software application designed under a three-tier architecture paradigm, whereby the various components of computer code that implement this method may be categorized as belonging to one or more of these three tiers. Some embodiments may include a first tier as an interface (e.g., an interface tier) that is relatively free of application processing. Further, a second tier may be a logic tier that performs application processing in the form of logical/mathematical manipulations of data inputted through the interface level, and communicates the results of these logical/mathematical manipulations to the interface tier and/or to a backend or storage tier. These logical/mathematical manipulations may relate to certain business rules, or processes that govern the software application as a whole. A third, storage tier, may be a persistent or non-persistent storage medium. In some cases, one or more of these tiers may be collapsed into another, resulting in a two-tier or even a one-tier architecture. For example, the interface and logic tiers may be consolidated, or the logic and storage tiers may be consolidated, as in the case of a software application with an embedded database. This three-tier architecture may be implemented using one technology, or as will be discussed below, a variety of technologies. This three-tier architecture, and the technologies through which it is implemented, may be executed on two or more computer systems organized in a server-client, peer-to-peer, or some other suitable configuration. Further, these three tiers may be distributed between more than one computer system as various software components.
Component Designs
[0052] Some example embodiments may include the above described tiers, and processes or operations that make them up, as being written as one or more software components. Common to many of these components is the ability to generate, use, and manipulate data. These components, and the functionality associated with each, may be used by client, server, or peer computer systems. These various components may be implemented by a computer system on an as-needed basis. These components may be written in an object-oriented computer language such that a component oriented, or object-oriented programming technique can be implemented using a Visual Component Library (VCL), Component Library for Cross Platform (CLX), Java Beans (JB), Enterprise Java Beans (EJB), Component Object Model (COM), Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM), or other suitable technique. These components may be linked to other components via various Application Programming interfaces (APIs), and then compiled into one complete server, client, and/or peer software application. Further, these APIs may be able to communicate through various distributed programming protocols as distributed computing components.
Distributed Computing Components and Protocols
[0053] Some example embodiments may include remote procedure calls being used to implement one or more of the above described components across a distributed programming environment as distributed computing components. For example, an interface component (e.g., an interface tier) may reside on a first computer system that is located remotely from a second computer system containing a logic component (e.g., a logic tier). These first and second computer systems may be configured in a server-client, peer-to-peer, or some other suitable configuration. These various components may be written using the above-described object-oriented programming techniques and can be written in the same programming language or in different programming languages. Various protocols may be implemented to enable these various components to communicate regardless of the programming language(s) used to write them. For example, a component written in C++ may be able to communicate with another component written in the Java programming language through use of a distributed computing protocol such as a Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), a Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), or some other suitable protocol. Some embodiments may include the use of one or more of these protocols with the various protocols outlined in the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, or the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocol stack model for defining the protocols used by a network to transmit data.
A System of Transmission Between a Server and Client
[0054] Some embodiments may use the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) basic reference model or Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocol stack model for defining the protocols used by a network to transmit data. In applying these models, a system of data transmission between a server and client, or between peer computer systems is described as a series of roughly five layers comprising: an application layer, a transport layer, a network layer, a data link layer, and a physical layer. In the case of software having a three-tier architecture, the various tiers (e.g., the interface, logic, and storage tiers) reside on the application layer of the TCP/IP protocol stack. In an example implementation using the TCP/IP protocol stack model, data from an application residing at the application layer is loaded into the data load field of a TCP segment residing at the transport layer. The TCP segment also contains port information for a recipient software application residing remotely. The TCP segment is loaded into the data load field of an IP datagram residing at the network layer. Next, the IP datagram is loaded into a frame residing at the data link layer. This frame is then encoded at the physical layer, and the data is transmitted over a network such as the Internet, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or some other suitable network. In some cases, the word “internet” refers to a network of networks. These networks may use a variety of protocols for the exchange of data, including the aforementioned TCP/IP. These networks may be organized within a variety of topologies (e.g., a star topology) or structures.
A Computer System
[0055] FIG. 19 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the example form of a computer system 1900 within which a set of instructions for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein may be executed. A server may be a computer system. In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine may be a Personal Computer (PC), a tablet PC, a Set-Top Box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. Example embodiments can also be practiced in distributed system environments where local and remote computer systems that are linked (e.g., either by hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired and wireless connections) through a network both perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory-storage devices (see below).
[0056] The example computer system 1900 includes a processor 1902 (e.g., a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) or both), a main memory 1901 and a static memory 1906 , which communicate with each other via a bus 1908 . The computer system 1900 may further include a video display unit 190 (e.g., a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)). The computer system 1900 also includes an alphanumeric input device 1956 (e.g., a keyboard), a User Interface (UI) cursor controller 1911 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 1916 , a signal generation device 1953 (e.g., a speaker) and a network interface device (e.g., a transmitter) 1920 .
[0057] The disk drive unit 1916 includes a machine-readable medium 1946 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions 1917 and data structures (e.g., software) embodying or used by any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The software may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 1901 and/or within the processor 1902 during execution thereof by the computer system 1900 , the main memory 1901 and the processor 1902 also constituting machine-readable media.
[0058] The instructions 1917 may further be transmitted or received over a network 1926 via the network interface device 1920 using any one of a number of well-known transfer protocols (e.g., Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Secure Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTPS)).
[0059] In some embodiments, a removable physical storage medium is shown to be a single medium, and the term “machine-readable medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any of the one or more of the methodologies described herein. The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, and carrier wave signals.
Market Place Applications
[0060] Some example embodiments include a Capacity Planning Tool which enables project managers the ability to determine the amount of available capacity (for e.g., human resources, appropriation amounts) for a project. This available capacity may be quantified in the form of labor, cost, time, hardware availability, electrical power availability, and other types of applicable resources.
[0061] Some example embodiments include an Executive Rollup Tool which provides a software application interface that allows for a project manager to review milestones, wherein these milestones may be filtered based upon the needs of the project manager. Additionally, a color coding method may be utilized to show or denote progress of a particular project.
[0062] Some examples embodiments include a Visual Roadmap Tool that provides a rollup feature akin to a file tree/directory structure. Using this rollup feature progress of a project can be determined using a varying (increasing/decreasing) granularity level via providing a breakdown of the project progress.
[0063] Some example embodiments include a PMO audit Tool that displays unattained milestones for a project, and provides associated audit capabilities for the project manager. In addition, various color coding methodologies are provided that can be used to denote particular milestones that are either met, not met or in jeopardy of being met.
[0064] Some example embodiments include a Remote Email Approval Tool that provides project managers and executives interested in a particular project to receive email, SMS, or other electronic method to receive updates of project progress, audits, and the like. In some embodiments, the approver can approve projects using a mobile device such as a Blackberry®. Further, approval may be sought for moving forward with certain milestones using email, SMS etc.
[0065] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), requiring an abstract that allows the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. | In one example embodiment, a system and method is shown that includes receiving a plurality of appropriation amounts and corresponding requested amounts associated with a project. The system and method also includes tabulating the plurality of received appropriation amounts and requested amount data in a budget table. Further, initiating an approval request for a requested amount may also be implemented. In an additional embodiment, the system and method include sending the approval request to one or more approvers using an email system. Further, the system and method includes receiving an approval response from the approvers using the email system. Moreover, the system and method includes updating the budget table to indicate the status of the approval request. | 39,993 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is the National Stage filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Application No. PCT/KR2013/001526, filed on Feb. 26, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 61/605,767, filed on Mar. 2, 2012 and 61/609,897, filed on Mar. 12, 2012, the contents of which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the scanning method and apparatus of a station (STA) and, more particularly, to a method and an apparatus for performing active scanning by an STA.
2. Related Art
A recent Wireless LAN (WLAN) technology is basically evolving into three directions. There are Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11ac and IEEE 802.11ad as efforts to further increase the transfer rate on the extension line of the existing WLAN evolution direction. IEEE 802.11ad is a WLAN technology using a 60 GHz band. Furthermore, a wide area WLAN that utilizes a frequency band of less than 1 GHz in order to enable wider area transfer than that of the existing WLAN in distance is recently emerging. The wide-area WLAN includes IEEE 802.11af that uses a TV White Space (TVWS) band and IEEE 802.11ah that uses a 900 MHz band. A main object of the wide-area WLANs is to extend extended range Wi-Fi services as well as the smart grid and a wide-area sensor network. Furthermore, the existing WLAN Medium Access Control (MAC) technology is problematic in that an initial link setup time is very long according to circumstances. In order to solve such a problem and in order for an STA to rapidly access an AP, IEEE 802.11ai standardization is recently in progress actively.
IEEE 802.11ai is a MAC technology for handling a rapid authentication procedure in order to significantly reduce the initial setup and association time of a WLAN. Standardization activities for IEEE 802.11ai have been started as a formal task group on January, 2011. In IEEE 802.11ai, in order to enable a rapid access procedure, a discussion on the simplification of procedures in such fields AP discovery, network discovery, Time Synchronization Function (TSF) synchronization, authentication & association, and a procedure convergence with a higher layer is in progress. From among them, ideas, such as procedure convergence using the piggyback of a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), the optimization of a full Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) using a concurrent IP, and efficient and selective Access Point (AP) scanning, are being actively discussed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide the active scanning method of a station (STA).
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for performing the active scanning method of a station (STA).
An active scanning method in a WLAN according to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the aforementioned object of the present invention may includes the steps of receiving, by an Access Point (AP), a probe request frame comprising an AP identifier, determining whether or not the AP is a target AP or a non-target AP based on the AP identifier, and performing back-off for the transmission of a probe response frame from a second interval after a first interval of a minimum channel interval expires if the AP is the non-target AP, wherein the AP may be the target AP if the AP identifier is indicative of the AP, the AP may be the non-target AP if the AP identifier is not indicative of the AP, the minimum channel interval may be a minimum time used to scan each channel, and the minimum channel interval may include the first interval and the second interval. A step of performing the back-off for the transmission of the probe response frame in the first interval if the AP is the target AP may be further include. The probe request frame may include a first interval use field indicative of whether the first interval is used or not. The probe request frame further may include at least one first interval time field comprising information about a period assigned as the first interval. The step of performing the back-off for the transmission of the probe response frame from the second interval after the first interval of the minimum channel interval expires if the AP is the non-target AP may include overhearing whether or not the probe response frame is transmitted by the target AP during the first interval if the AP is the non-target AP and sending the probe response frame during the second interval if whether or not the probe response frame is transmitted by the target AP is not overheard during the first interval. Information about the AP identifier may be at least one of at least one Basic Service Set IDentification (BSSID), at least one Service Set IDentification (SSID), a mesh ID, a Homogeneous Extended Service Set IDentifier (HESSID), and a network ID.
An AP for performing active scanning in a WLAN according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the aforementioned object of the present invention may includes a processor. The processor may be configured to determine whether or not an AP is a target AP or a non-target AP based on an AP identifier included in a received probe request frame and to perform back-off for the transmission of a probe response frame from a second interval after a first interval of a minimum channel interval expires if the AP is the non-target AP. The AP may be the target AP if the AP identifier is indicative of the AP. The AP may be the non-target AP if the AP identifier is not indicative of the AP. The minimum channel interval may be a minimum time used to scan each channel, and the minimum channel interval may include the first interval and the second interval. The processor may be configured to perform the back-off for the transmission of the probe response frame in the first interval if the AP is the target AP. The probe request frame may include a first interval use field indicative of whether the first interval is used or not. The probe request frame further may include at least one first interval time field comprising information about a period assigned as the first interval. The processor may be configured to overhear whether or not the probe response frame is transmitted by the target AP during the first interval if the AP is the non-target AP and to send the probe response frame during the second interval if whether or not the probe response frame is transmitted by the target AP is not overheard during the first interval. Information about the AP identifier may be at least one of at least one Basic Service Set IDentification (BSSID), at least one Service Set IDentification (SSID), a mesh ID, a Homogeneous Extended Service Set IDentifier (HESSID), and a network ID.
A phenomenon in which probe response frames are crowded within a short time is prevented by distributing an interval in which the probe response frames received by a station (STA). Furthermore, the time that is taken for an STA to perform active scanning can be reduced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN);
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an active scanning procedure;
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of sending a probe request frame;
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an active scanning method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a probe request frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an active scanning method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an active scanning method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an active scanning method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an active scanning method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an active scanning method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of performing active scanning in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless apparatus to which an embodiment of the present invention may be applied.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN).
FIG. 1(A) illustrates the configuration of an infrastructure network according to Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11.
Referring to FIG. 1(A) , the WLAN system may include one or more Basic Service Sets (BSSs) 100 and 105 . Each of the BSSs 100 and 105 is a set of an AP and an STA, such as an Access Point (AP) 125 and a Station STA1 100 - 1 that are successfully synchronized with each other and are capable of communicating with each other. The BSS is not a concept indicative of a specific area. The BSS 105 may include one or more STAs 105 - 1 and 105 - 2 that may be associated with a single AP 130 .
An infrastructure BSS may include at least one STA, the APs 125 and 130 providing distribution service, and a Distribution Systems (DS) 110 coupling a plurality of APs.
The DS 110 may implement an Extended Service Set (ESS) 140 by coupling some BSSs 100 and 105 together. The ESS 140 may be used as a term indicative of a single network over which one or more APs 125 and 230 are connected through the DS 110 . APs included in a single ESS 140 may have the same Service Set IDentification (SSID).
A portal 120 may function as a bridge for performing connection between a WLAN network (i.e., IEEE 802.11) and another network (e.g., 802.X).
In an infrastructure network, such as that of FIG. 1(A) , a network between the APs 125 and 130 and a network between the APs 125 and 130 and the STAs 100 - 1 , 105 - 1 , and 105 - 2 may be implemented. However, a network may be configured between STAs so that the STAs may perform communication even without the APs 125 and 130 . A network configured between STAs so that the STAs may perform communication without the APs 125 and 130 is defined as an Ad-Hoc network or an independent Basic Service Set (BSS).
FIG. 1(B) is a conceptual diagram illustrating an independent BSS.
Referring to FIG. 1(B) , the Independent BSS (IBSS) is a BSS that operates in Ad-Hoc mode. The IBSS does not include a centralized management entity because it does not include an AP. That is, in the IBSS, STAs 150 - 1 , 150 - 2 , 150 - 3 , 155 - 4 , and 155 - 5 are managed in a distributed manner. In the IBSS, all the STAs 150 - 1 , 150 - 2 , 150 - 3 , 155 - 4 , and 155 - 5 may be mobile STAs, and they form a self-contained network because they cannot access a distribution system.
An STA is a specific function medium, including Medium Access Control (MAC) that complies with the rules of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard and a physical layer interface for a radio medium, and may be used as a meaning including both an AP STA and a non-AP STA in a broad sense.
An STA may be called as various names, such as a mobile terminal, a wireless device, a Wireless Transmit/Receive Unit (WTRU), User Equipment (UE), a Mobile Station (MS), a mobile subscriber unit, or simply a user.
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an active scanning procedure.
Referring to FIG. 2 , the active scanning procedure may be performed in accordance with the following steps.
(1) An STA 200 determines whether it is ready to perform a scanning procedure.
The STA 200 may perform active scanning, for example, after a probe delay time expires or until specific signaling information (e.g., PHY-RXSTART.indication primitive) is received.
The probe delay time is delay generated before a probe request frame 210 is transmitted when the STA 200 performs active scanning. The PHY-RXSTART.indication primitive is a signal transmitted from a physical (PHY) layer to a local Medium Access Control (MAC) layer. The PHY-RXSTART.indication primitive may signal information indicative that a PLCP Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) including a valid PLCP header has been received in a Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) to the MAC layer.
(2) The STA 200 performs basic access.
In the 802.11 MAC layer, some STAs may share a radio medium using, for example, a Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) that is a contention-based function. The DCF is an access protocol, and can prevent a collision between STAs through a back-off method using Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA). The STA 200 may send the probe request frame 210 to APs 260 and 270 using a basic access method.
(3) The STA 200 may include information (e.g., information about a Service Set IDentification (SSID) and a Basic Service Set IDentification (BSSID)) for specifying the APs 260 and 270 , included in an MLME-SCAN.request primitive, in the probe request frame 210 , and may send the probe request frame 210 .
The BSSID is an indicator for specifying an AP, and may have a value corresponding to the Medium Access Control (MAC) address of the AP. A Service Set IDentification (SSID) is a network name for specifying an AP that may be read by a person who operates an STA. The BSSID and/or the SSID may be used to specify an AP.
The STA 200 may specify an AP based on information for specifying the APs 260 and 270 included in the MLME-SCAN.request primitive. The specified APs 260 and 270 may send probe response frames 250 and 240 to the STA 200 . The STA 200 may include the information about the SSID and the BSSID in the probe request frame 210 and sending the probe request frame 210 by unicasting, multicasting, or broadcasting the probe request frame 210 . A method of unicasting, multicasting, or broadcasting the probe request frame 210 using the information about the SSID and the BSSID is additionally described with reference to FIG. 3 .
For example, if an SSID list is included in the MLME-SCAN.request primitive, the STA 200 may include the SSID list in the probe request frame 210 and send the probe request frame 210 . The APs 260 and 270 may receive the probe request frame 210 , may determine an SSID included in the SSID list included in the probe request frame 210 , and may determine whether or not to send the probe response frames 240 and 250 to the STA 200 .
(4) The STA 200 resets a probe timer to 0 and then drives the probe timer.
The probe timer may be used to check a minimum channel time ‘MinChanneltime’ 220 and a maximum channel time ‘MaxChanneltime’ 230 . The minimum channel time 220 and the maximum channel time 230 may be used to control the active scanning operation of the STA 200 .
The minimum channel time 220 may be used to perform an operation for changing a channel in which the STA 200 performs active scanning. For example, if the STA 200 has not received the probe response frames 240 and 250 until the minimum channel time 220 , the STA 200 may change a scanning channel and perform scanning in another channel. If the STA 200 has received the probe response frames 240 and 250 until the minimum channel time 220 , the STA 200 may wait until the maximum channel time 230 and process the received probe response frames 240 and 250 .
The STA 200 may detect a PHY-CCA.indication primitive until the probe timer reaches the minimum channel time 220 , and may determine whether or not the probe response frames 240 and 250 have been received by the STA 200 prior to the minimum channel time 220 .
The PHY-CCA.indication primitive includes information about the state of a medium, and may be transmitted from the physical layer to the MAC layer. The PHY-CCA.indication primitive may provide notification of the state of a current channel using a channel state parameter called ‘busy’ if the channel is not available, and may provide notification of the state of a current channel using a channel state parameter called ‘idle’ if the channel is not available. If the PHY-CCA.indication is detected as being busy, the STA 200 may determine that the probe response frames 240 and 250 received by the STA 200 are present. If the PHY-CCA.indication is detected as being idle, the STA 200 may determine that the probe response frames 240 and 250 received by the STA 200 are not present.
If the PHY-CCA.indication is detected as being idle, the STA 200 may set a Net Allocation Vector (NAV) to 0 and scan a next channel. If the PHY-CCA.indication is detected as being busy, the STA 200 may perform processing on the probe response frames 240 and 250 received after the probe timer has reached the maximum channel time 230 . After processing the received probe response frames 240 and 250 , the STA 200 may set a Net Allocation Vector (NAT) to 0 and scan a next channel.
Hereinafter, in an embodiment of the present invention, to determine whether the probe response frames 240 and 250 received by the STA 200 are present or not may include determining the state of a channel using the PHY-CCA.indication primitive.
(5) If all channels included in a channel list ‘ChannelList’ are scanned, the MLME may signal an MLME-SCAN.confirm primitive. The MLME-SCAN.confirm primitive may include BSSDescriptionSet including all pieces of information that have been obtained in the scanning process.
If the STA 200 uses an active scanning method, the STA 200 needs to perform monitoring for determining whether the parameter PHY-CCA.indication is busy or not until the probe timer reaches a minimum channel time. Accordingly, although a probe response frame has been received from an AP specified through the probe request frame 210 prior to the minimum channel time, there is a problem in that unnecessary channel monitoring continues to be performed until the minimum channel time is reached.
Furthermore, although a probe response frame has been received from a specified AP, unnecessary delay in performing active scanning may occur because processing on a probe request frame received after wait until the probe timer reaches a maximum channel time is performed.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of sending a probe request frame.
FIG. 3 discloses a method of broadcasting, multicasting, and unicasting a probe request frame.
FIG. 3(A) is a method of broadcasting, by an STA 300 , a probe request frame 310 .
The STA 300 may include a wildcard SSID and a wildcard BSSID in the probe request frame 310 , and may broadcast the probe request frame 310 .
The wildcard SSID and the wildcard BSSID may be used as identifiers indicative of all APs 305 - 1 , 305 - 2 , 305 - 3 , 305 - 4 , and 305 - 5 that are included in the coverage of the STA 300 .
If the STA 300 includes the wildcard SSID and the wildcard BSSID in the probe request frame 310 and sends the probe request frame 310 , the APs 305 - 1 , 305 - 2 , 305 - 3 , 305 - 4 , 305 - 5 that have received the probe request frame 310 transmitted by the STA 300 may send probe response frames to the STA 300 in response to the received probe request frame.
If the APs 305 - 1 , 305 - 2 , 305 - 3 , 305 - 4 , and 305 - 5 that have received the broadcasted probe request frame 310 send the probe response frames to the STA 300 within a specific time in response to the received probe request frame 310 , there may be a problem in that the STA 300 has to receive and process too many probe response frames at once.
FIG. 3(B) is a method of unicating, by an STA 320 , a probe request frame 330 .
Referring to FIG. 3(B) , if the STA 320 unicasts the probe request frame 330 , the STA 320 may send the probe request frame 330 including information about a specific SSID/BSSID of an AP. The STA 320 may send the probe response frame to only an AP 325 that belongs to APs that have received the probe request frame 330 and that corresponds to a specific SSID/BSSID.
FIG. 3(C) is a method of multicasting, by an STA 340 , a probe request frame 360 .
Referring to FIG. 3(C) , the STA 340 may include an SSID list and a wildcard BSSID in the probe request frame 360 and send the probe request frame 360 . APs 350 - 1 and 350 - 2 that belong to APs that have received the probe request frame 360 and that correspond to SSIDs included in the SSID list included in the probe request frame may send probe response frames to the STA 340 .
When an STA unicasts/multicasts a probe request frame as in FIGS. 3(B) and 3(C) , there may be a case where a probe response frame may not be received from an AP corresponding to an SSID that is specified in the probe request frame transmitted by the STA. In such a case, the STA that has not received the probe response frame waits until a minimum channel time, changes a scanning channel to another channel, and performs scanning in another channel. That is, unnecessary delay in performing active scanning may occur because the STA that has not received the probe response frame from the specified AP may change a scanning channel only after it waits until the minimum channel time.
Accordingly, an active scanning method according to an embodiment of the present invention discloses a method of reducing unnecessary delay generated when an STA performs active scanning and rapidly associating the STA with an AP. Furthermore, there is disclosed a method for solving a problem in that an STA receives too many probe response frames in a specific time interval in an existing active scanning method.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an active scanning method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 discloses a method of receiving, by an STA 400 , a probe response frame from a specified at least one target AP 410 only in a first minimum channel time 440 - 1 , that is, a set time interval, if the STA 400 specifies at least one AP that will send a probe response frame and sends a probe request frame 430 to the specified at least one AP.
Hereinafter, in an embodiment of the present invention, if an STA unicasts or multicasts a probe request frame using information for specifying an AP, such as an SSID, an SSID list, or a BSSID, the specified AP is called a target AP. The remaining APs not specified by the probe request frame are called non-target APs.
Referring to FIG. 4 , the STA 400 may specify the target AP 410 that will respond to the transmitted probe request frame 430 , and may send the probe request frame 430 to the specified target AP 410 . For example, the STA 400 may include information for specifying an AP, such as an SSID or an SSID list, in the probe request frame 430 , and may send the probe request frame 430 .
The STA 400 may specify the first minimum channel time 440 - 1 that belongs to a minimum channel time 440 as an interval in which a probe response frame is received from the target AP 410 only, and may use the specified first minimum channel time 440 - 1 . That is, the STA 400 may define some specified interval that belongs to the minimum channel time 440 and in which the probe response frame is received from the target AP as the first minimum channel time 440 - 1 , and may define intervals, belonging to the minimum channel time 440 other than the first minimum channel time 440 - 1 , as a second minimum channel time 440 - 2 .
A first interval, that is, another term, may be used as the same meaning as the first minimum channel time 440 - 1 , and a second interval, that is, another term, may be used as the same meaning as the second minimum channel time 440 - 2 . That is, in an embodiment of the present invention, the terms called the first minimum channel time 440 - 1 and the second minimum channel time 440 - 2 are used and described, but the first interval and the second interval may be interpreted as being the same meanings.
The first minimum channel time 440 - 1 may mean a time interval that is preferentially used for the target AP 410 to send a probe response frame 415 and for the STA 400 to receive the probe response frame 415 from the target AP 410 . That is, in the first minimum channel time, the target AP may perform back-off for sending the probe response frame.
In the first minimum channel time 440 - 1 , the STA 400 may receive the probe response frame 415 from only the target AP 410 that has been specified through the probe request frame 430 . After the first minimum channel time 440 - 1 , the STA 400 may receive a probe response frame 425 even from a non-target AP 420 that is not specified through the probe request frame 430 .
The probe request frame 430 including information about the target AP 410 may be transmitted to the non-target AP 420 in addition to the target AP 410 . The probe request frame 430 may include information about the first minimum channel time, for example, information about whether the first minimum channel time is used or not and information about the time that is set as the first minimum channel time.
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a probe request frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 5 , the probe request frame may include first minimum channel time information field ‘FirstMinChannel information field’ 510 including information about whether or not a first minimum channel time is used.
For example, the first minimum channel time information field 510 may be assumed to operate on or off as flag information. If the first minimum channel time information field is on, an AP that has received a probe request frame may obtain information indicative that an STA will receive a probe response frame from a target AP using the first minimum channel time. If the first minimum channel time information field is off, an AP that has received a probe request frame may obtain information indicative that an STA does not use the first minimum channel time. If the first minimum channel time is used, the time assigned as the first minimum channel time is a predetermined value, and may have a value smaller than the minimum channel time.
A field including information about whether or not the first minimum channel time (or the first interval) is used may be called a first interval use field.
As another method, the first minimum channel time field 510 may include information about the time assigned as the first minimum channel time. A target AP that has received the probe request frame may send a probe response frame to an STA within the time assigned as a first minimum channel time based on information about the time assigned as the first minimum channel time included in the first minimum channel time field 510 . Information about a second minimum channel time may also be included in the probe request frame. That is, the probe request frame may include a field including information about a period (or an interval) that is assigned as a first minimum channel time (or a first interval).
Furthermore, the probe request frame may information for specifying an AP. For example, at least one BSSID, at least one SSID, a mesh ID, a Homogeneous Extended Service Set IDentifier (HESSID), or a network ID (e.g., a roaming consortium ID) may be used as the information for specifying an AP. An STA may specify an AP that will send a probe response frame by including information about at least one AP ID of the IDs in the probe request frame and then sending the probe request frame. Such information about an AP ID may be included in the identifier field of a target AP ‘Indication of target AP field’ 500 and transmitted.
The names of the fields disclosed in FIG. 5 are arbitrary, and other names may be used. Furthermore, the information included in the field disclosed in FIG. 5 may be transmitted in various information formats in such a manner that the information is included in a field not an independent field and transmitted.
(2) After sending the probe request frame 430 , the STA 400 monitors the probe response frame 415 received from the target AP 410 during the first minimum channel time 440 - 1 .
(3) If the STA 400 receives the probe response frame 415 from the target AP 410 within the first minimum channel time 440 - 1 , the STA 400 may be associated with the target AP 410 by performing an authentication and association process along with the target AP 410 .
In the case of the existing active scanning method, if the STA 400 receives a probe response frame from an AP within the minimum channel time 440 , the STA 400 waits until a maximum channel time 450 is reached and then performs processing on the received probe response frame. Accordingly, unnecessary delay is generated in performing active scanning. If the active scanning method disclosed in the present invention is used, however, the STA 400 may preferentially receive the probe response frame 415 from the target AP 410 in the first minimum channel time 440 - 1 , and may directly perform an authentication and association procedure along with the target AP 410 . Accordingly, unnecessary delay generated in active scanning can be reduced because the STA 400 does not need to unnecessarily wait until the maximum channel time 450 .
Furthermore, in the case of the existing active scanning method, the availability of a channel was monitored using the PHY-CCA.indication primitive until the minimum channel time 440 . In the active scanning method disclosed in the present invention, however, an unnecessary monitoring section can be reduced because a section in which the availability of a channel is monitored using the PHY-CCA.indication primitive is limited to the first minimum channel time 440 - 1 and monitoring is performed on the channel.
In another embodiment, if a signal received from another AP (e.g., the non-target AP 420 ) has an SNR better than that received from the target AP 410 , in order to select the signal having the better SNR, the STA 400 may wait until the maximum channel time 450 without performing an authentication and association procedure along with the target AP 410 , and may process the received probe response frames 415 and 425 after the maximum channel time 450 .
If the probe response frame 415 is not received from the target AP 410 within the first minimum channel time 440 - 1 , the STA 400 may change a scanning channel to another channel and perform a scanning procedure. In another method, the STA 400 may additionally determine whether or not the probe response frame 415 transmitted by the non-target AP 420 is received until the minimum channel time 440 . An embodiment of the present invention to be described later discloses a method of additionally determining whether or not the probe response frame 425 transmitted by the non-target AP 420 is received until the minimum channel time 440 .
If the STA 400 uses a method of receiving the probe response frame 415 from the target AP 410 in the first minimum channel time 440 - 1 , a phenomenon in which probe response frames are simultaneously received within a specific time interval can be prevented and the STA 400 can be rapidly associated with the target AP 410 because the SAT 400 preferentially receives the probe response frame 415 of the target AP 410 .
(4) If the STA 400 does not receive the probe response frame 415 from the target AP 410 in the first minimum channel time 440 - 1 , the STA 400 may determine whether or not a probe response frame is received until the minimum channel time 440 .
Hereinafter, in an embodiment of the present invention, a time interval in which whether or not a probe response frame is received is determined by determining whether or not the probe response frame is received is determined is called the minimum channel time 440 .
The STA 400 may receive the probe response frame 425 from the non-target AP 420 after the first minimum channel time 440 - 1 . If the STA 400 does not receive a probe response frame from the target AP 410 and the non-target AP 420 until the first minimum channel time 440 - 1 , the STA 400 may change a scanning channel to another channel and perform a scanning procedure.
That is, if the second minimum channel time (i.e., the second interval) is started after the first minimum channel time, the non-target AP 420 may perform back-off for sending the probe response frame.
A case where the probe response frame 415 is not received from the target AP 410 in the first minimum channel time 440 - 1 may be generated, for example, in a case where the STA moves. If an STA is associated with an AP installed by the user of the STA indoors and then moved outdoors, the STA is unaware of information about the AP included in the coverage of the STA. In such a case, if the STA specifies an AP and sends a probe request frame to the specified AP, the STA is unable to receive a probe response frame from the specified AP. Accordingly, the STA may receive a probe response frame from a non-target AP other than a target AP after a first minimum channel time, and may perform association with the non-target AP.
If the STA 400 receives the probe response frame 425 from the non-target AP 420 , the STA 400 may perform an authentication and association procedure along with the non-target AP 420 that has sent the probe response frame 425 after the minimum channel time 440 expires. Alternatively, the STA 400 may wait until the maximum channel time 450 , may receive an additional probe response frame if the additional probe response frame is transmitted, may perform processing on the received probe response frame after the maximum channel time 450 expires, and may perform an authentication and association procedure.
(5) If the STA 400 does not receive a probe response frame during the minimum channel time 440 , the STA 400 may change a scanning channel to another channel and perform the aforementioned procedure of (1)-(4) again.
The various embodiments described with reference to FIG. 4 are disclosed in detail below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 .
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an active scanning method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 discloses a method of preferentially receiving, by an STA 600 , a probe response frame 615 from a target AP 610 within a first minimum channel time 606 and performing an authentication and association procedure along with the target AP 610 .
Referring to FIG. 6 , the STA 600 may send a probe request frame 625 including the SSID of the target AP 610 . The target AP 610 that belong to APs that have received the probe request frame 625 and that corresponds to the SSID may send the probe response frame 615 in the first minimum channel time 606 . The STA 600 may receive the probe response frame 615 from the target AP 610 and perform an authentication and association procedure along with the target AP 610 .
A non-target AP 620 may overhear whether or not the probe response frame 615 is transmitted by the target AP 610 . If the probe response frame 615 is transmitted by the target AP 610 based on a result of the overhearing, the non-target AP 620 may not send a probe response frame to the STA 600 . If such a method is used, an unnecessary probe response frame can be prevented from being transmitted to the STA 600 . Furthermore, the non-target AP 620 may send the probe response frame 615 to the STA 600 regardless of whether or not the probe response frame 615 is transmitted by the target AP 610 .
A non-target AP may be aware of whether or not a probe response frame is transmitted by a target AP based on an interface between APs instead of overhearing the probe response frame.
If the STA 600 does not receive the probe response frame 615 in the first minimum channel time 606 , the STA 600 may wait for a probe response frame, transmitted after the first minimum channel time 606 , until a minimum channel time 603 , or may change a scanning channel to another channel after the first minimum channel time 606 and perform scanning ( 650 ) in another channel.
FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an active scanning method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 discloses a method of performing, by an STA 700 , an authentication and association procedure along with a non-target AP 720 if the STA 700 receives a probe response frame 730 from the non-target AP 720 within a minimum channel time 703 without receiving a probe response frame from a target AP 710 in a first minimum channel time 706 .
Referring to FIG. 7 , the STA 700 may receive the probe response frame 730 from the non-target AP 720 within the minimum channel time 703 .
If the STA 700 receives the probe response frame 730 from the non-target AP 720 within the minimum channel time 703 , the STA 700 may immediately perform an authentication and association procedure along with the non-target AP 720 that has sent the probe response frame 730 , or may wait until a maximum channel time 709 and perform an authentication and association procedure along with an AP that has sent the probe response frame 730 .
The target AP 710 may send a probe response frame within the minimum channel time 703 after the first minimum channel time 706 expires. In such a case, the STA 700 may preferentially process the probe response frame transmitted by the target AP 710 and perform an authentication and association procedure along with the target AP 710 .
FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an active scanning method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 discloses a case where an STA 800 has not received a probe response frame within a minimum channel time 803 .
If the STA 800 has not received a probe response frame within the minimum channel time 803 , the STA 800 may change a channel in which active scanning is performed to another channel, and may perform scanning.
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an active scanning method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 9(A) to 9(C) are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method of sending, by a target AP 910 and non-targets AP 920 and 930 , a probe response frame if the target AP 910 and the non-target APs 920 and 930 are present in the coverage of the probe request frame of an STA 900 .
Referring to FIG. 9(A) , the STA 900 may send a probe request frame 905 that includes information capable of specifying an AP, such as the SSID of the target AP 910 .
The probe request frame 905 may also be transmitted to the non-target APs 920 and 930 in addition to the target AP 910 specified through the SSID. The probe request frame 905 may include information related to a first minimum channel time. The target AP 910 and the non-target APs 920 and 930 may obtain information about timing at which a probe response frame has to be transmitted to the STA 900 based on the information related to the first minimum channel time that is included in the received probe request frame 905 .
Referring to FIG. 9(B) , only a target AP 910 may send a probe response frame 915 to an STA 900 during a first minimum channel time. The target AP 910 may send the probe response frame 915 to the STA 900 within the first minimum channel time.
If the STA 900 receives the probe response frame 915 from the target AP 910 within the first minimum channel time and immediately performs authentication and association along with the target AP 910 , the STA 900 may not receive a probe response frame transmitted after the first minimum channel time. In another embodiment, in order to additionally overhear whether or not an AP that sends a probe response frame having a better SNR is present, the STA 900 may receive an additional probe response frame for a time that has been predetermined in order to perform authentication and association.
(3) After the first minimum channel time, non-target APs 920 and 930 send probe response frames 925 and 935 .
After the first minimum channel time, the non-target APs 920 and 930 may send the probe response frames 925 and 935 to the STA 900 . For example, if an STA is externally moved, an AP different from an AP previously registered with the STA needs to be used. In such a case, if the SSID of a specific AP is specified and a probe request frame is unicasted, there is a good possibility that the STA may not receive the probe response frame from the specified AP because the STA is unaware of the SSID of the external AP. In such a case, the STA 900 may receive the probe response frames 925 and 935 from the non-target APs 920 and 930 other than the target AP 910 , and may perform authentication and association.
If the target AP 910 and the non-target APs 920 and 930 do not send the probe response frames 925 and 935 to the STA 900 during a minimum channel time, the STA 900 may change a channel in which scanning is performed to another channel.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, if the target AP 910 sends the probe response frame 915 , the non-target APs 920 and 930 may overhear the probe response frame 915 transmitted by the target AP 10 and not send the probe response frames 925 and 935 .
FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an active scanning method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 10 , if an STA 1000 receives a probe response frame 1015 from a target AP 1010 with which the STA 1000 wants to be associated, an additional time may be assigned so that the STA 1000 does not need to receive a probe response frame from the non-target APs 1020 and 1030 . For example, in the case of an AP shared in a specific office, there is a possibility that the signal of the AP may be the greatest within the office. Accordingly, if the target AP 1010 sends the probe response frame 1015 and performs authentication and association, other non-target APs 1020 and 1030 may not need to send probe response frames.
The STA 1000 may send a specific probe request frame to the target AP 1010 , and the target AP 1010 may send the probe response frame 1015 to the STA 1000 within a first minimum channel time. In this case, the non-target APs 1020 and 1030 may overhear the probe response frame 1015 transmitted by the target AP 1010 . If the non-target APs 1020 and 1030 overhear the probe response frame 1015 transmitted by the target AP 1010 , the non-target APs 1020 and 1030 may not send probe response frames even after the first minimum channel time. If such a method is used, an unnecessary operation of generating and sending, by the non-target APs 1020 and 1030 , probe response frames can be reduced. A phenomenon in which the STA 1000 unnecessarily receives probe response frames can be prevented because the STA 1000 may not receive an unnecessary probe response frame.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of performing active scanning in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 11 , an STA monitors whether or not a probe response frame transmitted by a target AP is received for the first minimum channel time (step S 1100 ).
The STA may send a probe request frame including information about the target AP and information related to the first minimum channel time. The target AP and a non-target AP may receive the probe request frame transmitted by the STA. The target AP may preferentially send the probe response frame to the STA within the first minimum channel time, and the non-target AP may send a probe response frame to the STA after the first minimum channel time.
The STA may monitor only the probe response frame transmitted by the target AP in the first minimum channel time. Since the target AP preferentially sends the probe response frame and the non-target AP additionally sends the probe response frame in the remaining time interval, a phenomenon in which the probe response frames are crowded and received in a specific time interval can be prevented because the probe response frames can be distributed and received.
The STA determines whether or not the probe response frame transmitted by the target AP has been received in the first minimum channel time (step S 1110 ). If, as a result of the determination, the probe response frame has been received from the target AP in the first minimum channel time, the STA processes the probe response frame transmitted by the target AP and performs an authentication and association process (step S 1120 ).
The STA may receive the probe response frame from the target AP in the first minimum channel time. In such a case, the STA may perform an authentication and association step along with the target AP right before a maximum channel time expires. If such a method is used, the delay of active scanning, that is, an existing problem generated because a received probe response frame is processed after the probe response frame is received until the maximum channel time, can be reduced.
If the probe response frame is transmitted by the target AP, the non-target AP may overhear the probe response frame transmitted by the target AP. If the non-target AP has overheard the probe response frame transmitted by the target AP, the non-target AP may not send the probe response frame even after the first minimum channel time.
In an embodiment different from step S 1120 , if the probe response frame transmitted by the target AP is received in the first minimum channel time, the STA may additionally receive a probe response frame transmitted after the first minimum channel time, and may perform an authentication and association procedure.
The STA monitors whether or not a probe response frame is transmitted during a minimum channel time (step S 1130 ).
The non-target AP may send the probe response frame to the STA even after the first minimum channel time. If the target AP does not send the probe response frame in the first minimum channel time, the STA may monitor the transmission of an additional probe response frame up to the minimum channel time.
The STA may monitor whether or not a probe response frame is transmitted during the minimum channel time (step S 1140 ). If the probe response frame is transmitted within the minimum channel time, the STA may perform an authentication and association procedure based on the received probe response frame (step S 1150 ).
If the probe response frame is transmitted within the minimum channel time, the STA may immediately perform the authentication and association procedure based on the received probe response frame. In another method, the STA may wait until the maximum channel time without performing an authentication and association procedure. If an additional probe response frame is transmitted within the maximum channel time, the STA may receive the additional probe response frame, may process a probe response frame received after the maximum channel time expires, and may perform an authentication and association procedure.
If a probe response frame is not received during the minimum channel time, the STA may change a scanning channel to another channel and perform active scanning (step S 1160 ).
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless apparatus to which an embodiment of the present invention may be applied.
The wireless apparatus 1200 is an STA capable of implementing the aforementioned embodiments, and may be an AP or non-AP STA.
The wireless apparatus 1200 may include a processor 1220 , memory 1240 , and a Radio Frequency (RF) unit 1060 .
The RF unit 1260 is connected to the processor 1220 , and may send/receive radio signals.
The processor 1220 implements the functions, processes and/or methods proposed by the present invention. For example, the processor 1220 may be implemented to perform an active scanning method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The processor 1220 may be implemented to determine whether an AP is a target AP or a non-target AP based on an AP identifier included in a received probe request frame. If the AP is a non-target AP, the processor 1220 may be implemented to perform back-off for the transmission of a probe response frame from a second interval after a first interval of a minimum channel interval expires. Furthermore, if the AP is a non-target AP, the processor 1220 may be implemented to overhear whether or not a probe response frame has been transmitted by the target AP during the first interval. If whether or not a probe response frame has been transmitted by the target AP is not overheard during the first interval, the processor 1220 may be implemented to send a probe response frame during the second interval. That is, the processor 1220 may be implemented to perform the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention.
The processor 1220 may include Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), other chipsets, logic circuits, data processing devices and/or converters for mutually converting baseband signals and radio signals. The memory 1240 may include Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), flash memory, memory cards, storage media and/or other storage devices. The RF unit 1260 may include one or more antennas for sending and/or receiving radio signals.
When an embodiment is implemented in software, the aforementioned scheme may be implemented using a module (process or function) which performs the aforementioned functions. The module may be stored in the memory 1240 and executed by the processor 1220 . The memory 1240 may be present inside or outside the processor 1220 , and may be connected to the processor 1220 using a variety of well-known means. | A device and method for active scanning are disclosed. The active scanning method in a wireless LAN can comprise the steps of: allowing an AP to receive a probe request frame containing an the AP identifier; determining whether the AP is a target AP or a non-target AP on the basis of the AP identifier; and performing back-off for the transmission of a probe response frame from a second interval after a first interval is terminated in a minimum channel interval when the AP is a non-target AP. Therefore, the present invention can prevent probe response frames from flooding a STA in a short period of time by distributing intervals in which probe response frames are received to the STA. In addition, the time used by the STA to perform active scanning can be reduced. | 51,685 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a distance detecting system for a moving body like an automobile. More specially, the present invention is directed to an automobile distance detecting system capable of detecting a distance to an obstacle more precisely by controlling a sensitivity of the image system and processing a picture image into an appropriate image signal.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Automobiles have been an indispensable existence to the modern society because of their expediency and comfortableness. On the other hand, the number of accidents caused by automobiles are increasing year by year and a great concern is paid for decreasing those accidents. One aspect of means for decreasing them is asked in automobiles themselves, that is to say, developing vehicles which are able to avoid accidents autonomously by judgments of the automobiles themselves. To avoid collisions autonomously, first of all, it is most important to detect an object to hamper a running of a vehicle and on the other hand it is necessary to recognize the position where the detected obstacle is placed on the road. As promising means for attaining these purposes, recently such a technique as imaging a scenery outside of a vehicle by a video camera using a solid-sate component like a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) mounted on the vehicle, and measuring a distance from the vehicle to the object by making an image process on the imaged picture, has been introduced. For example, Japanese patent application Laid-open No. 197816 (1984) discloses a technology in which a three-dimensional position of an obstacle is calculated based on images taken by two video cameras mounted on a front part of the vehicle. This technique employs a so-called stereoscopical method based on a principle of triangulation and more specially the method includes a technique for measuring a distance to an obstacle by extracting the obstacle from a two-dimensional brightness distribution pattern and then obtaining a positional difference of the obstacle images on the two image pictures, However, in this method an accuracy for measuring distance is deteriorated due to the difference of brightness between the right image and the left one when there is a discrepancy of sensitivity between two cameras. To overcome the above shortcoming, as illustrated in FIG. 26, there is a prior art system using a CCD camera 101 equipped with an auto-iris lens 100 which automatically adjusts a diaphragm thereof according to an amplitude of an iris signal from the CCD camera 101 (for example, a larger amplitude when it is bright and a smaller amplitude when it is dark), From hence, it is easily considered that this auto-iris lens is applied to the abovementioned stereoscopical method. However, even with this improved apparatus there is still a problem in a distance detecting accuracy because each of the right and left auto-iris lens has an inherent characteristic which causes differences in the diaphragm setting or the diaphragm operational time between the two lenses, thereby a small discrepancy of brightness is caused between the right and left images. Also a still further problem is that the apparatus is unable to follow such a condition as illuminance changes rapidly, for instance, a case where a vehicle goes into or comes out of tunnels, because of a time lag of the auto-iris mechanism.
Further, Japanese patent application Laid-open No. 188178 (1989) proposes an image display apparatus for vehicle which can catch a following vehicle securely. More specially the apparatus ensures that a vehicle driver recognizes the following vehicle (a vehicle running behind) even during a night running without being blinded by the headlights of following vehicles by means of correcting a brightness in a high brightness zone when comparing means detect a larger image signal than a predetermined standard value during the image processing of roads and surrounding vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing situations and an object of the invention is to provide a distance detecting system for a vehicle capable of obtaining a right image picture and improving a distance detecting accuracy under a condition of rapidly changing illuminance.
A distance detecting system for a vehicle according to a first aspect of the present invention, having a device for imaging an object outside of a vehicle by an image sensing apparatus (referred to as imaging apparatus, hereinafter), a picture memory (referred to as image memory, hereinafter) for memorizing the image taken by the imaging apparatus, a device for processing the image and a device for calculating a distance distribution to the object on an entire picture based on the processed image, comprises a buffer memory connected in parallel with the above image memory for storing the image and sensitivity adjusting means for adjusting a sensitivity of the imaging apparatus so as to obtain a proper image picture corresponding to an illuminance outside of a vehicle by controlling a shutter speed of the imaging apparatus based on the image data stored in the buffer memory.
Further, a distance detecting system for a vehicle according to a second aspect of the present invention, comprises the sensitivity adjusting means according to the first aspect of the present invention in which the image picture memorized in the buffer memory is divided into a plurality of zones and an average brightness of the zone is calculated for every zone and a proper shutter speed level (described hereinafter) is determined for each zone from a map parameterizing a brightness and a shutter speed based on this average brightness and the present shutter speed and a shutter speed for the next image is determined by summing the shutter speed levels as determined above.
Further, a distance detecting system for a vehicle according to a third aspect of the present invention, comprises the sensitivity adjusting means according to the first aspect of the present invention in which a particular zone is selected from the above zones and a shutter speed for the next image is determined by calculating a correcting amount of shutter speed level to the present shutter speed level from a histogram of brightness for this particular zone.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be described hereinafter in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 to FIG. 23 indicate a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 1 shows a diagrammic view of the distance detecting system according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a vehicle incorporating the distance detecting system according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a vehicle incorporating the distance detecting system according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an explanatory drawing showing a relationship between a camera and an object;
FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing for indicating divided zones;
FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing for indicating a particular zone;
FIG. 7 is an example of a table showing an average brightness of a zone;
FIG. 8 is an example of a shutter speed level map for Zone I;
FIG. 9 is an example of a shutter speed level map for Zone II;
FIG. 10 is an example of a shutter speed level map for Zone III;
FIG. 11 is an example of a shutter speed level map for Zone IV and V;
FIG. 12 is an example of a shutter speed level map for Zone VI and VII;
FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing a city-block distance calculation circuit;
FIG. 14 block diagram showing a minimum value is a detecting circuit;
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a shutter speed control process;
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an averaging process;
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a distance detecting process;
FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing a storing order in a shift register;
FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing an operation of a city-block distance calculation circuit;
FIG. 20 is a timing chart showing an operation of a deviation amount determining section;
FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing an overall operation of the system;
FIG. 22 is an explanatory view showing an example of an image taken by a CCD camera mounted on the vehicle; and
FIG. 23 is a drawing showing an object space on an image plane;
FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a brightness histogram within a particular zone;
FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the data processing band on the brightness histogram;
FIG. 26 shows a prior art system.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In FIG. 2, numeral 1 denotes a vehicle such as an automobile on which a distance detecting system 2 for detecting a distance by imaging an object is mounted. The distance detecting system is connected to an apparatus for recognizing an obstacle on a road (not shown) to form an obstacle monitoring system for warning a vehicle driver or autonomously avoiding a collision with the obstacle,
The distance detecting system 2 comprises a stereoscopical optic system 10 as an imaging apparatus for taking the optic image -within a predetermined area outside the vehicle, a shutter speed control apparatus 15 for controlling a shutter speed so as to take a proper image picture by adjusting a sensitivity (shutter speed) of the stereoscopical optic system 10 and a stereoscopical image processing apparatus 20 for processing a picture imaged by the stereoscopical optic system 10 and for calculating a distance distribution on an entire image picture. The three-dimensional distance data processed by the stereoscopical image processing apparatus 20 are inputted into the obstacle recognizing apparatus in which a road shape and an obstacle are recognized.
The stereoscopical optic system 10 is composed of a camera using a solid-state imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD). As shown in FIG. 3, the system 10 has two CCD cameras 11a and 11b (represented by 11 if necessary) for left and right angles of a long distance, and two CCD cameras 12a and 12b (represented by 12 if necessary) for left and right angles of a short distance. These cameras 11 and 12 are mounted at the front ceiling in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1. More particularly, the camera 12a and 12b for a short distance are disposed with a given space inside the cameras 11a and 11b for a long distance.
It is sufficient for the stereoscopical optic system 10 to be able to measure the position of objects from 2 to 100 meters ahead of the vehicle 1 provided that the position where the CCD cameras 11 and 12 are installed in the passenger compartment is two meters away from the front edge of the bonnet of the vehicle 1.
That is to say, as shown in FIG. 4, an image of a point P is imaged on a projection plane distant from the cameras 11a and 11b (correctly speaking, an optical center of the lens for each camera) by f and a distance D is given by:
D=r.f/x (1)
where r is a space between two CCD cameras 11a and 11b for a long distance (correctly a space between optical axes for cameras 11a and 11b), D is a distance of the point P from the position of cameras 11a and 11b (correctly a distance from an optical center of the lens of each camera), f is a focal length of lenses for cameras 11a and 11b and x is an amount of deviation of the image object formed by the camera for left angle from the one formed by the camera for right angle.
In order to detect the amount of deviation x, it is necessary to find out images of the same object in the left and right pictures. According to the present invention, in the stereoscopical image processing apparatus 10 an image picture is divided into a small region, then a pattern of brightness (or colors if necessary) are compared between the left and right image pictures for every small region to find coincident regions in the pattern of brightness or colors therein and a distance distribution is obtained on the entire picture.
This way of using brightness of the image picture is superior, because of affluence of the information amount, to the prior art in which some features are extracted from edges, lines, particular configurations or the like for each region and coincident portions between the right and left pictures are found.
Where "i" th picture elements of the left and right pictures are designated as A i and B i respectively, the coincidence between the left and right pictures can be expressed by a city-block distance H as shown in the following formula (2) for example.
H=Σ|A.sub.i -B.sub.i |
With respect to the size of the aforementioned region, a too large region bears a high possibility that there coexist a long distance object and a short distance one in the region, resulting in an ambiguous distance detection. On the other hand, a too small region produces a lack of information for investigating coincidences. Thus, there is an optimum size region in order to obtain a best match.
As a result of experiments to obtain an optimum number of picture elements by dividing a picture up to such a size as a vehicle with 1.7 meters width which runs 100 meters ahead of cameras and a vehicle which runs on an adjacent lane do not exist in the same region, it has been recognized that the optimum number of picture elements is four for both lateral and longitudinal widths, namely 16 picture elements.
Accordingly, the description hereinafter is for an investigation of the coincidence of the left and right pictures when a picture is divided into a small region composed of 4×4 picture elements, and the CCD cameras 11a and 11b for a long distance.
As shown in FIG. 1, the stereoscopical image processing apparatus 20 is provided with an image conversion part 30 for converting analogue pictures imaged by the stereoscopical optic system 10 into digital pictures, a city-block distance calculation part 40 acting as a coincidence calculation section which calculates the city-block distance H, shifting a picture element one by one and successively calculating the city-block distance H, a minimum/maximum value detecting section 50 for detecting the minimum value HMIN and the maximum value HMAX of the city-block distance H, and a deviation amount determining part 60 for determining the deviation amount x by checking for whether or not the minimum value HMIN obtained by the minimum/maximum value detecting section 50 is in coincidence for the left and right small regions.
In the image conversion part 30 described above, there are provided the A/D converters 31a and 31b corresponding with the CCD cameras 11a and 11b for the left and right pictures, and analog signals from the CCD cameras 11a and 11b are converted into digital signals by each of the A/D converters 31a and 31b. Further, the outputs from the AID converters 31a and 31b are inputted into the look-up tables (LUT) 32a and 32b.
The A/D converters 31a and 31b have a brightness resolution of 8 bits for example, and the analog image data from the CCD camera 11 are converted into digital image data having a required brightness gradation. More specifically, because, when brightness of an image is binarized to expedite the process, a large loss occurs in the amount of information for the calculation of coincidence on the right and left pictures, the brightness of each picture element is converted into a gray scale having a 256 gradation for example.
Further, the aforementioned LUT 32a and 32b are configured on a read-only memory (ROM). The LUT 32a and 32b have respective addresses composed of the same number of bits as those of data of the digital image converted by the A/D converters 31a and 31b. Also the data subjected to a brightness correction or a correction of intrinsic gain in the CCD amplifier are written on these LUTs 32a and 32b. The image data of 8 bits for example are corrected by the data written on the LUTs 32a and 32b so as to raise a contrast in a low brightness portion or correct a difference of characteristics between the left and right CCD cameras.
The digital image data corrected by the LUTs 32a and 32b are stored in the image memories 33a and 33b (represented as an image memory 33 if necessary) after corresponding addresses are assigned by a #1 address controller 86 described hereinafter and on the other hand they are also stored in the dual-port memory 16 of the shutter speed control apparatus 15 as a sample image. As described hereinafter, the image memory 33 is composed of a relatively low speed memory (therefore, low cost) because the data fetched into the city-block calculation section 40 is performed partially and repeatedly.
Next, the shutter speed control apparatus 15 will be described.
The shutter speed control apparatus 15 comprises a dual-port memory 16 in which addresses are assigned by the #1 address controller and a CCD controller 17 as sensitivity adjusting means for adjusting a sensitivity so as to be able to image a right picture by controlling a shutter speed of the CCD cameras 11a and 11b corresponding to the changes of illuminance outside of the vehicle. In the CCD controller 17, based on the sample image stored in the dual-port memory 16, it is judged whether or not the present shutter speed for each of the CCD cameras 11a and 11b is appropriate, and if it is judged to be inappropriate, the shutter speed of the CCD cameras 11a and 11b are respectively altered so as to eliminate a difference of sensitivity (hereinafter, referred to as shutter speed) between the right and left cameras.
In order to judge whether or not the present shutter speed is appropriate based on the sample image, it is necessary to determine which space (zone) and which data in the sample image is to be processed. Describing in more detail, as shown next, the approach for processing is determined by the combination of the items about space (zone) and those about the data process.
[1] Zone (
1) Entire zone . . . whole image data sampled
(2) Zone dividing . . . dividing the sampled image data into several zones (for example, zones I to VII as shown in FIG. 5)
(3) Particular zone . . . a particular zone in the sampled image
[2]Data process
(1) Arithmetical averaging . . . arithmetically averaging all data within a subject zone
(2) Minimum/Maximum method . . . detecting a minimum and maximum value within a subject zone
(3) Histogram method . . . calculating a histogram for an entire subject zone
In the preferred embodiment according to the present invention, a case where a zone dividing (2) with respect to the [1] Zone and an arithmetical averaging (1) with respect to the [2] Data process are introduced will be explained. Referring to FIG. 5 in which each divided zone indicates:
Zone I . . . almost sky zone;
Zone II . . . , relatively long distance zone on the surface of a road;
Zone III . . . relatively short distance zone on the surface of a road;
Zone IV . . . a lane on the left of the vehicle;
Zone V . . . a lane on the right of the vehicle;
Zone VI . . . a left side area where a white marker on the presently traced lane exists;
Zone VII . . . a right side area where a white marker on the presently traced lane exists;
With respect to each of the seven zones defined as above, a shutter speed changing map has been prepared beforehand by experiments or the like according to the process described below.
First, image pictures are taken under miscellaneous illuminance conditions, changing a shutter speed. Next, based on these image pictures, a shutter speed level, namely, a figure showing a correction level of the shutter speed (for example, 0 means no correction and 1 means raising a shutter speed by one step) is obtained, as shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 12. More particularly, the shutter speed level is an indicative number for indicating how many steps of change should be made to the present shutter speed in order for an image picture having a given brightness to become one having a practically permissible brightness. Thus, a series of shutter speed levels are arranged on a map parameterizings shutter speed and brightness for each zone.
Accordingly, if a present shutter speed and an arithmetically averaged value of brightness data for each zone of the sample image are known, a proper shutter speed level can be obtained by referring to the above shutter speed changing maps.
Thus, the shutter speed levels of the left and right CCD cameras 11a and 11b can be controlled properly, whereby not only a real time adjustment of brightness can be achieved even at sudden change of illuminance such as when a vehicle comes into a tunnel but also a discrepancy of brightness between the left and right CCD cameras can be prevented because there is no diaphragm mechanism therein. Further, the distance detecting system according to the present invention is also operated during a night running.
For example, when the present shutter speed of the cameras is 1/1000 sec, supposing an averaged value of brightness per zone to be as shown in FIG. 7, the required shutter speed levels SSL (I) to SSL (VII) are respectively as follows:
SSL (I)=+1
SSL (II)=-1
SSL (III)=0
SSL (IV)=-1
SSL (V)=-1
SSL (VI)=0
SSL (VII)=0
A sum of SSL (I) to SSL (VII), ΣSSL is equal to -2 and consequently a proper shutter speed becomes 1/250 sec (lowered by two levels).
On the other hand, the city-block distance calculation part 40 of the stereoscopical image processing apparatus 20 is connected to the two sets of the input buffer memories 41a and 41b via a common bus 80 and the two sets of the input buffer memories 42a and 42b via the common bus 80.
These input buffer memories 41a, 41b, 42a and 42b are a high speed type of memories corresponding to the speed of the city-block distance calculation since they have relatively small capacity of memories and further each of them can do an input/output control independently. Further, based on the address signals generated from the #1 address controller 86 according to a clock-signal supplied by a clock generating circuit 85, the same address number is assigned to these input buffer memories 41a, 41b, 42a and 42b, the picture memories 33a and 33b, and the dual-port memory 16.
The input buffer memories for the left image picture 41a and 41b are connected with two sets of shift registers (each set composed of 8 stages, for example) 43a and 43b and similarly, the input buffer memories for the right image picture 42a and 42b are connected with two sets of shift registers (each set composed of 8 stages, for example) 44a and 44b. Further, these 4 sets of shift registers 43a, 43b, 44a and 44b are connected to the city-block distance calculation circuit 45 for calculating a city-block distance. The data transmission among these 4 sets of shift registers and the above input buffer memories is controlled by a #2 address controller 87.
Furthermore, the shift registers for the right image picture 44a and 44b are connected to 2 sets of shift registers 64a and 64b (each set composed of 10 stages in the deviation amount determining section 60 described hereinafter. When the data for the next small region are started to be transferred, the former data which have been used for the calculation of city-block distances H are transmitted to these shift registers 64a and 64b and used for determining the deviation amount x.
Further, the city-block distance calculation circuit 45 is combined with a high speed CMOS type calculator 46 which is arranged on one chip by combining a plurality of adders with input/output latches. As shown in FIG. 13, the city-block distance calculation circuit 45 has a pipe-line construction connecting 16 pieces of the calculator 46 in a pyramid shape. The first stage of this pyramid construction is for calculating absolute values, the second stage to the fourth stage are a first adder, a second adder and a third adder respectively, and the last stage is an adder for calculating a grand total. Because of this construction, the calculator can process so much data of 8 picture elements portion simultaneously, It should be noted that a right portion of the first and second stages is omitted in FIG. 13.
The aforementioned minimum/maximum values detecting section 50 comprises a minimum value detecting circuit 51 for detecting a minimum value H MIN of the city-block distance H and a maximum value detecting circuit 52 for detecting a maximum value H MAX of the city-block distance H and has a construction employing two pieces of the calculator 46 mentioned before, one of which is for detecting a minimum value and another for detecting a maximum value. Further, minimum/maximum values detecting section 50 is operated synchronously with an output of the city-block distance H.
As illustrated in FIG. 14, the minimum value detecting circuit 51 is composed of the calculator 46 having a register A 46a, a register B 46b and an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) 46c therein, a latch C 53, a latch 54 and a latch D 55 which are connected with the calculator 46. An output from the city-block distance calculation circuit 45 is inputted to the register B 46b through the register A 46a and the latch C 53 and a most significant bit (MSB) of the output from the ALU 46 is outputted to the latch 54, An output from the latch 54 is inputted to the register B 46b and the latch D 55. Namely, a half-way result of the minimum value calculation in the calculator 46 is stored in the register B 46b and on the other hand, the deviation amount at this moment x is stored in the latch D 55.
With respect to the maximum value detecting circuit 52, the composition is the same as the one of the minimum value detecting circuit 51 excepting that a logic is reversed and a deviation amount x is not stored.
As described before, a city-block distance H is calculated, each time when a picture element of the left picture is shifted by one element, leaving a given small area of the right picture at a fixed position. Each time when this calculated city-block distance H is outputted, it is compared with a maximum value H MAX and a minimum value H MIN obtained until now and those maximum or minimum values are updated if necessary. When the last city-block distance is to be calculated for a small region of the right picture is finished, the maximum and minimum values of the city-block distance H, H MAX and H MIN are obtained with respect to the given small region of the right picture.
The aforementioned deviation amount determining part 60 is a relatively small scale of the RISC processor which comprises a calculator 61 of the primary device thereof, two data buses with a 16 bits width, 62a and 62b, a latch 63a for holding a deviation amount x, a latch 63b for holding a threshold H A as a first specified value, a latch 63c for holding a threshold H B as a second specified value, a latch 63d for holding a threshold H C as a third specified value, two sets of the shift register 64a and 64b for holding image data of the right picture, a switching circuit 65 for outputting a deviation amount "x" or "0" responsive to the output from the calculator 61, output buffer memories 66a and 66b for temporarily storing the outputted data, and a ROM 67 with a 16 bits width on which an operational timing data for the circuit and a control program to operate the calculator 61 are written.
Further, the calculator 61 above described comprises an ALU 70 which is a primary device thereof, a register 71, a register 72, a register 73 and a selector 74. The above data bus 62a (hereinafter, referred to as a bus A 62a) is connected to the register A 71 and also the data bus 62b (hereinafter, referred to as a bus B 62b) is connected to the register B 72. Furthermore, the aforementioned switching circuit 65 is operated according to the result of the calculation of the ALU 70 so as to store the deviation amount "x" or "0" in the buffer memories 66a and 66b.
The above bus A 62a is connected with the latches 63b, 63c and 63d for holding the thresholds H A , H B and H C respectively, and with the maximum value detecting circuit 52. Further, the bus B 62b is connected with the minimum value detecting circuit 51 and the aforementioned shift registers 64a and 64b are connected to the bus A and the bus B respectively.
The above switching circuit 65 is connected with the calculator 61 and the minimum value detecting circuit 51 via the latch 63a. The switching circuit 65 provides a switching function for switching an output to the output buffer memories 66a and 66b according to the result of a judgment when the calculator 61 judges three conditions as described hereinafter.
In the deviation amount detecting part 60, it is checked whether or not the minimum value H MIN of the city-block distance H really indicates a coincidence of the right and left small areas and, only when the three conditions are satisfied, the deviation amount x between two corresponding picture elements is outputted, That is to say, a required amount of deviation is an amount of deviation at the moment when the city-block distance H becomes minimum and accordingly the deviation amount x is outputted when following three conditions are met and the value "0" which means no data is outputted when they are not met.
Condition 1: H MIN ≦H A (when H MIN >H A , distance detection is not available)
Condition 2: H MAX -H MIN ≧H B (a condition to check whether or not an obtained minimum value is a fake value caused by flickers of noises; this condition is also effective in case where an object has a curved surface whose brightness varies gradually.
Condition 3: brightness difference between two adjacent picture elements of lateral direction within a small area of the right picture >H C (bringing H C to a high value, an edge detection can be available. However, in this condition H C is determined at a much lower level than ordinarily determined level for edge detection; this condition is based on a principle that a distance detection can not be performed at a portion having no brightness change.
The distance distribution information outputted from the deviation determining part 60 is written through a common bus 80 in the dual-port memory 90 which is an interface for an external device such as a roads/obstacles recognition apparatus.
Next, an operation of the distance detecting apparatus 2 will be described.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a distance detection process in the stereoscopical image processing apparatus 20. First, at a step S301, when image pictures taken by the left and right CCD cameras 11a and 11b are inputted, at the next step S302 the inputted analogue images are converted into digital signals by the A/D converters 31a and 31b. Next, in the LUTs 32a and 32b, these digitized image data are subjected to several processes-such as raising the contrast of a low brightness portion, compensating characteristics of the left and right CCD cameras or the like and then they are recorded in the image memories 33a and 33b. On the other hand, they are also recorded as a sample image in the dual-port memory 16 of the shutter speed control apparatus 15.
It is not necessary that the image picture memorized in the image memories 33a and 33b should be an entire picture. The size of the image picture, namely the number of lines of the CCD elements, memorized at one time may be as much as needed for the following process. Further, what portion of the lines is memorized is dependent on the objects of a distance detection system. In this embodiment, the image picture memorized is, for example, a middle portion of 200 lines within 485 lines altogether. Furthermore, the updating speed of the memorized image picture may be reduced as much as needed in accordance with an object or a performance of the apparatus. In this embodiment, the updating speed is, for example, one picture per 0.1 second (one picture for every three pictures in a television).
The image picture recorded in the dual-port memory 16 of the shutter speed control apparatus 15 is checked for whether or not the shutter speed of the left and right CCD cameras 11a and 11b is proper and if it is not proper the shutter speed is corrected to a proper one. That is to say, even when an outside illuminance is changed largely, the shutter speed of both cameras is properly adjusted, thereby the image pictures, with brightness difference between the left and right CCD cameras, are recorded in the image memories 33a and 33b respectively.
Next, a shutter speed control process according to the shutter speed control apparatus 15 will be described based on the flowcharts in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16.
Referring now to FIG. 15, this is a flowchart showing a main routine in the CCD controller 17. After an initialization at S101, a sample image is inputted from the dual-port memory 16 at S102. At the next step S103, a subroutine for data processing is carried out. In this subroutine an averaging of the image data and a calculation of the proper shutter speed are performed. Next, the process goes to S104 where the calculated shutter speed is outputted and then the process is returned to S102 from which the same process is repeated.
Describing the process in the data processing subroutine in more detail as shown in FIG. 16, first, the brightness of the image is averaged for every zone of the image picture, namely, Zones I, II, III, IV, V, VI and VII as shown in FIG. 5. Then, based on this averaged brightness data and the present shutter speed, a shutter speed level corresponding to each zone, SSL (I), SSL (II), SSL (III), SSL (IV), SSL (V), SSL (VI) and SSL (VII) is read out from a corresponding map as indicated in FIGS. 8 to 12 respectively. Then, the process goes to S208 where a grand total ΣSSL of the shutter speed levels thus obtained is calculated and it is returned to the main routine.
When the picture images of the left and right CCD cameras 11a and 11b are recorded in the image memories 33a and 33b respectively after being subjected to the shutter speed control and the brightness adjustment as mentioned above, at 303 the left and right image data are written into the input buffer memories 41a, 41b, 42a and 42b from the left and right image memories 33a and 33b via the bus line 80 and a matching, namely, a check for coincidence is carried out between the left and right pictures written thereinto. The image data are read into the input buffer memories by several lines altogether, for example 4 lines altogether for each picture.
The data writing into the buffer memories from the image memories and the data writing into the shift registers from the buffer memories are performed alternately between two buffer memories for the left or right picture. For example, in the left picture, while the present data are written into the buffer memory 41a from the image memory 33a, the previous data are written into the shift register 43b from the buffer memory 41b and at the next timing while the next data are written into the the buffer memory 41b from the image memory 33b, the data written at the previous timing are written into the shift register 43a from the buffer memory 41a. Similarly, in the right picture the same operations are performed.
Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the image data of a small region composed of 4×4 picture elements for the left (right) picture are arranged in such a manner as (1, 1) . . . (4, 4). These image data enter one by one into the shift registers 43a (44a) for the lines 1, 2 of the small region and the shift registers 43b (44b) for the lines 3, 4 in the order of an odd-numbered line to an even-numbered line as illustrated in FIG. 18.
The shift registers 43a, 43b, 44a and 44b have respectively an independent data transfer line. Therefore, the data of 4×4 picture elements are transferred in eight clocks for example. Then, these shift registers 43a, 43b, 44a and 44b output simultaneously the contents of the even numbered steps of the eight steps to the city-block distance calculation circuit 45 and when the calculation for the city-block distance H starts, the data of the right picture are held in the shift registers 44a and 44b, and the data of odd-numbered lines and even-numbered lines are alternately outputted for one clock signal. On the other hand, the data of the left picture are continued to be transferred to the shift registers 43a and 43b, and while the data of odd-numbered lines and even-numbered lines are alternately outputted, the data which are displaced in the direction of one picture element to the right are rewritten for every two clocks. This is repeated until a portion of 100 picture elements has been displaced (for example, 200 clocks).
When the whole data are completed to be transferred with respect to a small region, the contents of the right picture address counter (head address of the small region of the next 4×4 picture elements) are set in the left picture address counter in the #2 address controller 87 and the processing for the next small region is started.
In the city-block distance calculation circuit 45, as shown in a timing chart of FIG. 19, the data of 8 picture elements portion are first inputted to the absolute value calculator of the initial stage of the pyramid structure and the absolute value of the brightness difference between the left and right pictures is calculated. More specifically, when the brightness of the corresponding right picture element is subtracted from the brightness of the left picture element and the result of this subtraction is negative, changing the calculation command and again performing subtraction by replacing the subtrahend with the minuend, the absolute value is calculated. Accordingly, subtraction is performed twice in the initial stage in some case.
Next, when the initial stage is passed, the first to third adders from the second to fourth stages add the two input data inputted simultaneously and output the result. Further, the two consecutive data are added in the grand total calculator of the final stage where the grand total is calculated and a required city-block distance H for a 16 picture elements portion is outputted to the minimum/maximum values detecting section 50 in every two clocks.
Then, the process goes to S304 where a maximum value H MAX and a minimum value H MIN are detected with respect to the city-block distance H calculated at the step S303. As described before, the detection of the maximum value H MAX and the minimum value H MIN are exactly the same other than that they use mutually inverted logic and the deviation amount x is not retained, therefore a following description is only about the detection of the minimum value H MIN .
First, the city-block distance H initially outputted (H at the deviation amount x=0) is inputted to the register B 46b of the ALU 46 via the latch 53 of the minimum value detection circuit 51 as shown in FIG. 14. The city-block distance H outputted at the next clock (H at the deviation amount x=1) is inputted to the register A 46a of the ALU 46 and the latch C 53, and at the same time the comparison calculation with the register B 46b is started in the ALU 46.
If the result of the comparison calculation in the ALU 46 indicates that the contents of the register A 46a are smaller than those of the register B 46b, the contents of the latch C 53 (namely, the contents of the register A 46a) are sent to the register B 46b and the deviation amount x of this time is retained in the latch D 55. Further, with this clock, the city-block distance H (H at the deviation amount x=2) is inputted to the register A 46a and to the latch C 53 at the same time, and then the comparison calculation is started again.
Thus, the minimum value during calculation is always stored in the register B 46b and the deviation amount x of this time is always retained in the latch D 55, with calculation continuing until the deviation amount x becomes 100. When the calculation is finished (i.e., in one clock after the output of the final city-block distance H), the contents of the register B 46b and the latch D 55 are written into the deviation amount determining section 60.
During that time, the initial value of the next small region is read into the city-block distance calculation circuit 45 so that a time loss is prevented since a new calculation result is obtained in every two clocks owing to the pipe line structure, although otherwise it takes four clocks to calculate one city-block distance H.
At a step S305, the minimum value H MIN and the maximum value H MAX of the city-block distance H are determined, the deviation amount determining section 60 checks the three conditions mentioned before, and the deviation amount x is determined, More specifically, as indicated in the timing chart of FIG. 20, the minimum value H MIN is latched to the register B 72 of the calculator 61 via the bus B 62b and on the other hand the threshold H A which is compared with the value in the register B 72 is latched to the register A 71 via the bus A 62a. Then, in the ALU 70, the minimum value H MIN and the threshold H A are compared and if the minimum value H MIN is larger than the threshold H A , then the switch circuit 65 is reset, and 0 is outputted regardless of the results of the later checks.
The maximum value H MAX is then latched to the register A 71, and the difference between the maximum value H MAX and the minimum value H MIN retained in the register B 72 is calculated, and that result is outputted to the register F 73. With the next clock, the switching circuit 65 is reset if the contents of the register F 73 are smaller than the threshold H B latched to the register A 71.
The calculation of the brightness difference between the adjacent picture elements is started at the next clock. The two pairs of the shift registers 64a and 64b which preserve the brightness data therein have a ten-staged configuration, and are connected to the latter stage of the shift register 44a for the first and second lines of the city-block distance calculation section 40 and the shift register 44b for the third and fourth lines of the city-block distance calculation section 40. The output of these shift registers is taken from the final stage and from the stage coming before by two stages and are outputted to the bus A 62a and the bus B 62b respectively.
When the calculation of the brightness difference is started, brightness data of each picture element in the small region are retained in each stage of the shift registers 64a and 64b, and first, the brightness data of the first line of the fourth column of the previous small region and that of the first line of the first column of the present small region are latched to the register A 71 and the register B 72 of the calculator 61.
Then, the absolute value of the difference between the contents of the register A 71 and those of the register B 72 is calculated and the results are stored in the register F 73. Further, at the next clock, the threshold H C is latched to the register A 71 and compared with the value of the register F 73.
If the contents of the register F 73 (absolute value of the brightness difference), as a result of the comparison in the calculator 61, are larger than the contents of the register A 71 (threshold H C ), then the switching circuit 65 outputs either the deviation amount x or "0" and if the contents of the register F 73 is smaller than those of the register A 71, then the switching circuit 65 outputs "0". These outputted values are written into an address representing the first column of the first row of the small region of the output buffer memories 66a and 66b.
While the comparison between the threshold HC and the brightness difference between adjacent picture elements is being performed in the calculator 61, the shift registers 64aand 64b are shifted one stage. Then, the calculation is started with respect to the brightness data of the second line of the fourth column of the previous small region and that of the second line of the first column of the present small region. Thus, the calculation with respect to the third line and the fourth line is performed similarly after the calculation is performed alternately with respect to the first line and the second line of the small region.
During the calculation, the final stage and the initial stage of the shift registers 64a and 64b are connected with each other in a ring type shift register. Therefore, when the shift clock has been added twice after a completion of the calculation on the entire small region, the contents of the register are returned to the state before calculation, and when the sending of the brightness data of the next small region has been finished, the data of the fourth column of the present small region are stored in the final stage and the stage before that.
In this manner, while the calculation for determining the deviation amount is performed, the data to be processed next are prepared in the buses A 62a and 62b and the result is written, so that one data can be processed by only two clocks necessary for executing the calculation. Accordingly, the entire calculations can be completed in 43 clocks for example, even including checks of the minimum value H MIN and the maximum value H MAX which are initially performed. That is to say, there is a sufficient allowance for the time necessary to determine the minimum value H MIN and the maximum value H MAX of the city-block distance H with respect to a given small region, so it is possible to have some additional functions.
Then, when the deviation amount x is determined, at S306 it is outputted as distance distribution information from the output buffer memories 66a and 66b to the dual-port memory 90, and thus the processing in the stereoscopical picture processing apparatus 20 is finished. These output buffer memories 66a and 66b have a capacity of a four-line portion for example which is the same as in the input buffer memories 41a, 41b, 42a and 42b. Further, the distance distribution information is sent from one (either 66a or 66b) to the dual-port memory 90 while a writing is being carried out.
Next, the timing of the entire system will be described according to the timing chart shown in FIG. 21.
First, a field signal from the left and the right CCD cameras which are operated synchronously is inputted to the image memories 33a and 33b in every 0.1 seconds (ratio of one picture per three pictures).
Next, upon a completion signal for image take-in, the block-by-block transference is started for every four-lines portion. This transference is performed with respect to three blocks, the right picture, the left picture and the distance distribution picture in this order.
On the other hand, during this time, the deviation amount x is calculated with respect to one of input/output buffer memories and the data transference is performed to the other of input/output buffer memories after a predetermined waiting time in consideration of the calculation time for the deviation amount x.
As described before, the calculation of the city-block distance H is performed 100 times, namely for a 100 pictures portion, with respect to a small region of 4×4 picture elements of the right picture. While the city-block distance H is being calculated for a single small region, the deviation amount x of the previous small region is outputted as distance distribution information after miscellaneous checks.
In a case where there are 200 lines, for example, in the image picture to be processed, the processing for a four lines portion is repeated 50 times. Further, there are the processing time of the four lines portion for transferring the initial data at the beginning of the calculation and the processing time of the four lines portion for transferring the last result to the image recognition section after a completion of the calculation, therefore, the additional processing time of the eight lines portion in total is needed. According to the result of an actual operation on the circuit, the total processing time from the start of the data transmission of the initial input image to the completion of the data transmission of the last distance distribution information is 0.076 seconds.
The distance distribution information outputted from the aforementioned stereoscopical image processing apparatus 20 has a configuration (distance image picture) like a picture. For example, the picture taken by the left and right CCD cameras 11a and 11b as shown in FIG. 22 becomes a picture as shown in FIG. 23 when it has been processed by the stereoscopical image processing apparatus 20. The example of picture in FIG. 23 has a picture size composing of 400 (laterally)×200 (longitudinally) picture elements and black dots therein indicate portions having a rather large brightness difference between adjacent picture elements in the direction of left and right within the picture of FIG. 22. The distance data are included in these black dots. The coordinates system in the distance picture has the origin of the coordinate at the above left corner, the lateral coordinate axis "i" and the longitudinal coordinate axis "j" with a unit of one picture element, as shown in FIG. 23.
Since the picture in FIG. 22 is a picture taken by the left and right CCD cameras 11a and 11b with a proper shutter speed obtained under the control of the shutter speed control apparatus 15, the distance picture in FIG. 23 which has been obtained by processing the data of the image memory 33 recording the picture indicates an accurate distance distribution, even when illuminance of the outside has been suddenly changed.
Thus, from the distance picture, the three dimensional position of the object corresponding to each picture element in the XYZ space can be calculated based on the camera position, the focal length of the camera and other parameters, whereby an accurate distance to the object outside of the vehicle can be detected without loss of information quantity.
The above calculation of the three dimensional position may be performed within the stereoscopical image processing apparatus 20 and the data form outputted from the stereoscopical image processing apparatus 20 may be determined according to the interface to be connected thereto.
FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 are for the second embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a brightness histogram within a particular zone and FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the data processing based on the brightness histogram.
This second embodiment according to the present invention provides another approach in processing the data at the step S103.
In the first embodiment according to the present invention, a proper shutter speed is determined based on averaged brightness of a plurality of the divided zones, however in this second embodiment according to the present invention, the proper shutter speed is determined based on the brightness data of a particular zone.
That is to say, in this case, the most important zone for recognizing a lane marker guiding his or her vehicle and an obstacle ahead of the vehicle is selected as a particular zone. With respect to the selected particular zone, it is judged whether or not the present shutter speed level is proper by producing a brightness histogram on this particular zone as illustrated in FIG. 24.
The data processing in this embodiment will be described in following paragraphs according to the flowchart in FIG. 25.
First, where the number of samplings is n, the brightness width for classifying the gradation data of each picture element is c, the time is t, and the shutter speed level is L, a brightness histogram as shown in FIG. 24 is produced by searching the particular zone. Next, the frequency F i (t) at the minimum brightness in this brightness histogram is calculated at S301 and the frequency F j (t) at the maximum brightness is calculated at S302. Further, the process proceeds to S303 where the difference of F i (t) and F j (t), namely, F i (t)-F j (t) is calculated to investigate the brightness distribution of the particular zone and that difference is designated as an evaluation function F i-j (t) which indicates whether or not the present shutter speed is proper.
Further, at the next step S304, the shutter speed level control amount ΔSSL(t) is calculated from the evaluation function F i-j (t) obtained at S303. The shutter speed level control amount ΔSSL(t) is obtained as a ratio to the shutter speed level L according to the following equations which have been experimentally determined.
______________________________________F.sub.i-j (t)<-n/2 ΔSSL(t) = L/2-n/2≦F.sub.i-j (t)<-n/4 ΔSSL(t) = L/4-n/4≦F.sub.i-j (t)<-n/8 ΔSSL(t) = L/8 : : : :n/8≦F.sub.i-j (t)<n/4 ΔSSL(t) = -L/8n/4≦F.sub.i-j (t)<n/2 ΔSSL(t) = -L/4n/2≦F.sub.i-j (t) ΔSSL(t) = -L/2______________________________________
Thus, when the shutter speed level control amount ΔSSL(t) is determined, the proper shutter speed SSL(t+1) to be used for taking the next picture is obtained at S305 by the following formula:
SSL(t+1)=SSL(t)+ΔSSL(t) . . . (3)
where, SSL(t+1) is a proper shutter speed for the next picture, and SSL(t) is a shutter speed for the present picture.
In the above second embodiment, the brightness histogram is prepared to pick up therefrom the frequency F i (t) at the minimum brightness and the frequency F j (t) at the maximum brightness in the particular zone, however it is not necessary to prepare the brightness histogram for that purpose. For example, it is possible to produce the frequency F i (t) at the minimum brightness and the frequency F j (t) at the maximum brightness independently directly from the brightness data of the particular zone without using the brightness histogram. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the frequency F i (t) and the frequency F j (t) are not necessarily to be a single value respectively and it is also possible to pick up a plurality of frequencies nearby the minimum brightness and the maximum brightness from the brightness histogram or produce these frequencies directly from the brightness data of the particular zone.
While the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is for the purpose of illustration and that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. | A distance detecting system for detecting a distance to an object from a moving body such an automobile by means of imaging pictures by an imaging apparatus and processing pictures into distance distribution information, the imaging apparatus having a capability of always providing proper image pictures under rapidly changing illuminance conditions, whereby securing an accuracy in the distance detecting system. | 55,860 |
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for machining stainless steel components; and more particularly, to a method for machining a stainless steel exhaust manifold for a multi-cylinder combustion engine.
[0002] As automotive combustion engine technology increases the efficiency in which the fuel is burned by the combustion engines, the exhaust temperatures in such combustion engines is increasing with the increase in efficiency.
[0003] Prior to the mid-1970's, the automotive industry traditionally used gray iron as the casting alloy for exhaust manifolds because it was low cost and it had a fairly high degree of heat resistance. This alloy was sufficient because the exhaust temperatures seldom exceeded 650° C. In the mid-70's, changes in the federal emission standards caused the combustion parameters to become more efficient, which resulted in a rise in exhaust temperature over 100° C. This rise in exhaust temperature sparked the development of ductile (or nodular) iron where the graphite is a spherical shape rather than the usual flake shape of gray iron. With the introduction of air injection reaction (AIR) systems into the exhaust manifolds, the exhaust temperatures began rising higher than 760° C.; and, further, the internal manifold atmosphere became strongly oxidizing. In response, the silicon content of the nodular iron was increased from 2.5 percent to 4.0-6.0 percent for oxidation resistance. This increased silicon percentage also increased the temperature at which ferrite to austenite transformation occurred from 800° C. to approximately 870° C. In response, molybdenum was added to the nodular iron in quantities of up to two percent (producing Si—Mo iron) during the early 1980's to further increase temperature resistance.
[0004] In the mid to late 1990's and beyond, as the exhaust temperatures for some commercially-produced combustion engines rose above 950° C. to approximately 1,030° C., new stainless steel alloys have been developed for the manifolds that may include, for example, the following chemical composition:
Element Composition, Weight Percentage Carbon <0.6% Silicon <1.8% Manganese <1.0% Chromium 24.0 to 27.0% Molybdenum 0.50% Max. Nickel 12.0 to 15% Phosphorus 0.04% Nitrogen 0.08 to 0.40% Niobium 2.0% Other Residual Elements 0.50% Max. Iron Balance
[0005] Such new stainless steel materials contain basic elements and chemistry that require unique methods of metal removal (machining) not experienced in the past. Such stainless steel manifolds contain basic elements that are not compatible with the standard machining practices, nor are they compatible with high volume machining. For example, such stainless steel exhaust manifolds contain relatively high percentages of chromium and nickel. Alloys with high percentages of these elements in the machining industry are considered not to be compatible with the conventional high volume machining methods. Additionally, sulfur, which was typically added to improve machinability, is no longer used due to environmental concerns (or is used in very low percentages)—further increasing the difficulty in machining such materials.
[0006] Further, because this new stainless steel composition is difficult to cast into thin sections using the traditional gravity casting methods, the manifolds casted with these new stainless steel compositions are casted using sand casting methods. The sand casting results in silica granules being impregnated into the stainless steel material. The silica is highly abrasive and decreases tool life. The sand scale may be as deep as 0.060 inches before the parent material is encountered.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention provides a method for machining the stainless steel automotive exhaust components that allows such components to be machined in high volumes and at a reasonable cost. The present invention provides a very precise machining process for machining the above-described stainless steel materials (and other materials/compositions that are difficult to machine) within desired scales of economy in a production environment. It is to be understood, however, that although the present invention is specifically tailored to address high-volume machining of the newer above-described stainless steel compositions, such as austenitic stainless steel, it is within the scope of the invention that certain (if not all) aspects of the present invention may be used for other machinable materials.
[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for machining a stainless steel exhaust manifold for a multi-cylinder combustion engine that includes the steps of: (a) supporting the manifold on a work structure; (b) clamping the manifold to the work structure; and (c) machining the supported and clamped manifold; (d) where the clamping step includes the step of clamping each of the plurality of inlet coupling flanges of the manifold separately; and (e) the machining step includes the step of machining the interface surfaces of the inlet coupling flanges. In a more detailed embodiment, the supporting and clamping steps orient the planes of the interface surfaces of the inlet coupling flanges of the manifold perpendicular to a spindle access of the milling machine.
[0009] In an alternate detailed embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the step of machining the interface surfaces of the inlet coupling flanges includes the steps of: (1) a rough milling step that involves milling the interface surfaces of the inlet coupling flanges with a rough milling cutter, followed by (2) a finish milling step that involves milling the interface surfaces of the inlet coupling flanges with a finish milling cutter; and, during the rough milling step (1), the clamping step clamps at least certain of the inlet coupling flanges at a first clamping pressure, and during the finish milling step (2) the clamping step clamps the inlet coupling flanges at a second clamping pressure, lower than the first clamping pressure. In a more detailed embodiment, the first clamping pressure is approximately 400 psi to approximately 600 psi and the second clamping pressure is approximately 300 psi to approximately 450 psi. In the exemplary embodiment, the first clamping pressure is approximately 500 psi and the second clamping pressure is approximately 350 psi.
[0010] In yet another alternate detailed embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the clamping step includes the step of advancing lower work supports against a support surface of certain of the inlet coupling flanges opposite to that of the interface surface and clamping the work supports in place. In a further detailed embodiment, the supporting step includes the step of supporting the manifold on at least three triangulated cast locaters provided on the work structure; and the clamping step further comprises the step of clamping a swing clamp against a body portion of the manifold, forcing the manifold against the three triangulated cast locaters. In yet a further detailed embodiment, at least two of the three triangulated cast locaters support a respective two of the inlet coupling flanges. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the inlet coupling flanges are arranged in a row and the respective two inlet coupling flanges supported by the cast locaters are the outermost inlet coupling flanges on opposite ends of the row. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the third of the three triangulated cast locaters provides support under the body portion of the manifold, approximate the outlet port, off-line from the row of inlet coupling flanges. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the step of clamping an inlet coupling flange includes the steps of: (1) positioning a flange work support radially against the inlet coupling flange and (2) radially pressing a clamp actuator against the inlet coupling flange at a point diametrically opposed to the flange work support. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the plurality of flange work supports for the corresponding plurality of inlet coupling flanges are arranged in a row parallel to the row of inlet coupling flanges and the plurality of clamp actuators for the corresponding plurality of inlet coupling flanges are arranged in a row parallel to the row of inlet coupling flanges. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the row of flange work supports are mounted on a pivotal support having a pivot access substantially parallel to the row of flange work supports, so that the row of flange work supports are pivotable upward and away from the manifold, thereby providing an openable and closeable, substantially compact clamping structure. Therefore, in yet a further detailed embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: prior to the supporting step, opening the clamping structure; and subsequent to the supporting step, closing the clamping structure.
[0011] In another alternate embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the supporting step includes the step of supporting, with lower work supports, a support surface of at least some of the inlet coupling flanges, the support surface being opposite to that of the interface surface; and the method further comprises the step of drilling and/or tapping at least one coupling hole through each of the certain inlet coupling flanges, in through the interface surface and out through the support surface of the certain flange, where each coupling hole is drilled/tapped substantially coaxial with the respective lower work support. In a further detailed embodiment, each lower work support or cast locator co-axial with the coupling hole drilled/tapped in the drilling step include the substantially cylindrical cavity extending into the support end thereof for receiving the bit used in the drilling/tapping step.
[0012] In yet another alternate detailed embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the step of clamping an inlet coupling flange includes the steps of: positioning a flange work support radially against the inlet coupling flange and radially pressing a clamp actuator against the inlet coupling flange at a point diametrically opposed to the flange work support. In a further detailed embodiment, the plurality of flange work supports for the corresponding plurality of inlet coupling flanges are arranged in a row parallel to the row of inlet coupling flanges and the plurality of clamp actuators for the corresponding plurality of inlet coupling flanges are arranged in a row parallel to the row of inlet coupling flanges. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the row of flange work supports are mounted on a pivotal support having a pivot access substantially parallel to the row of flange work supports, so that the row of flange work supports are pivotable upward and away from the manifold, thereby providing an openable and closeable, substantially compact clamping structure. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the method further includes the steps of: prior to the supporting step, opening the clamping structure; and, subsequent to the supporting step, closing the clamping structure. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the method further includes a step of, after the closing step, clamping the clamping structure in place in the closed orientation. It is also within the scope of the invention that the clamp actuators may be mounted on the pivotable support as opposed to the flange work supports.
[0013] In yet another alternate detailed embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the milling machine may include a cast iron base and bed design with box weigh construction. In a further detailed embodiment, the milling machine includes a heavy high-torque spindle with large spindle bearings and at least a 50 taper of flange mounted milling tool adapters. The milling spindle can be used in a vertical or horizontal position. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the milling machine utilizes high volume flood coolant and through the spindle coolant during the milling step. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the coolant is an oil-based coolant.
[0014] A second aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for machining a stainless steel exhaust manifold for a multi-cylinder combustion engine that includes the steps of: (a) supporting and clamping the manifold on a first work structure such that the inlet coupling flange interface surfaces are oriented on a plane substantially perpendicular to the spindle axis of the milling machine; (b) machining the inlet coupling flange interface surfaces of the manifold supported and clamped on the first work structure; (c) drilling and/or tapping coupling holes in through the inlet coupling flange interface surface surfaces of the manifold supported and clamped on the first work structure; (d) removing the manifold from the first work structure; (e) supporting and clamping the manifold on a second work structure such that the outlet coupling flange interface surface is oriented on a plane substantially perpendicular to the spindle axis of the milling machine; and (f) machining the outlet coupling flange interface surface of the manifold supported and clamped on the second work structure; (g) where the step of supporting and clamping the manifold on the second work structure includes the steps of seating a plurality of coupling holes drilled through the inlet coupling flanges on locating bosses extending from the second work structure and clamping the outlet coupling flange. In a more detailed embodiment, the step of supporting and clamping the manifold on the second work structure further includes the steps of: positioning a plurality of flange work supports radially against a first radial side of the outlet coupling flange, and radially pressing a plurality of clamp actuators against the opposite radial side of the outlet coupling flange. In a further detailed embodiment, the step of machining the outlet coupling flange includes the step of driving a cutting tool along the outlet coupling flange interface surface in a direction from the opposite radial side of the outlet coupling flange to the first radial side of the outlet coupling flange, whereby the cutting motion is driven into the plurality of flange work supports.
[0015] It is a third aspect of the present invention to provide a method for machining a stainless steel exhaust manifold for a multi-cylinder combustion engine that includes the steps of: (a) supporting the manifold on a work structure; (b) clamping the manifold to the work structure, where the clamping step includes the step of clamping at least certain of the row of inlet coupling flanges separately; and (c) machining the interface surfaces of the inlet coupling flanges; (d) where the step of clamping at least certain of the row of inlet coupling flanges separately includes the steps of: (i) positioning at least one flange work support radially against each of the certain inlet coupling flanges, and (ii) radially pressing at least one clamp actuator against each of the certain inlet coupling flanges at a point diametrically opposed to the flange work support. In a further detailed embodiment, the plurality of flange work supports are arranged in a row corresponding to the row of inlet coupling flanges and are mounted on a pivotal support having a pivot axis substantially parallel to the row of flange work supports, so that the row of flange work supports are pivotable upward and away from the manifold, thereby providing an openable and closeable, substantially compact clamping structure; and the method further includes the steps of, prior to the supporting step, opening the clamping structure and, subsequent to the supporting step, closing the clamping structure.
[0016] In an alternate detailed embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, the plurality of clamp actuators are arranged in a row corresponding to the row of inlet coupling flanges and are mounted on a pivotal support having a pivot axis substantially parallel to the row of clamp actuators, so that the row of clamp actuators are pivotable upward and away from the manifold, thereby providing an openable and closeable, substantially compact clamping structure; and the method further includes the steps of, prior to the supporting step, opening the clamping structure and, subsequent to the supporting step, closing the clamping structure.
[0017] It is a fourth aspect of the present invention to provide a method for machining an interface surface of a stainless steel conduit that includes the steps of: (a) clamping the coupling flange of the conduit to a work structure between a work support and a diametrically opposed clamp actuator; (b) rough milling the interface surface of the coupling flange with a rough milling cutter; and (c) after the rough milling step, finish milling the interface with a finish milling cutter; (d) where, during the rough milling step, the coupling flange is clamped between the work support and clamp actuator at a first clamping pressure, and during the finish milling step the coupling flange is clamped between the work support and the clamp actuator at a second clamping pressure that is lower than the first clamping pressure. In a further detailed embodiment, the first clamping pressure is approximately 400 psi to approximately 600 psi and the second clamping pressure is approximately 300 psi to approximately 450 psi. In an exemplary embodiment, the first clamping pressure is approximately 500 psi and the second clamping pressure is approximately 350 psi.
[0018] In an alternate detailed embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the rough milling cutter is a 6″-12″ right or left hand double 45 degree +/−25 degrees negative rake pocket milling cutter that utilizes a positive chip breaker; and the rough milling cutter is operated at a cutting speed of approximately 93 RPM to approximately 193 RPM and a feed rate of approximately 662 mm/minute to approximately 862 mm/minute during the rough milling step. In a further detailed embodiment, the finish milling cutter is a 4.9″-12″ 60 degree +/−25 degree negative rack pocket milling cutter that utilizes a positive chip breaker; and the finish milling cutter is operated at a cutting speed of approximately 170 RPM to approximately 270 RPM and at a feed rate of approximately 450 mm/minute to approximately 650 mm/minute during the finish milling step. In an exemplary embodiment, the rough milling cutter is operated at a cutting speed of approximately 143 RPM; the rough milling cutter is operated at a feed rate of approximately 762 mm/minute; the finish milling cutter is operated at a cutting speed of approximately 220 RPM; and the finish milling cutter is operated at a feed rate of approximately 550 mm/minute.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] [0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a raw exhaust manifold according to the present invention;
[0020] [0020]FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a water jet slitting operation according to the present invention;
[0021] [0021]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a clamping structure for machining the interface surfaces of the inlet flanges of the exhaust manifolds;
[0022] [0022]FIG. 4 is an elevational side view of the clamping structure of FIG. 3;
[0023] [0023]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the clamping structure of FIGS. 3 and 4;
[0024] [0024]FIG. 6 is a perspective side view of the clamping structure of FIGS. 3 - 5 , shown in an open configuration;
[0025] [0025]FIG. 7 illustrates a manifold being seated within the open clamping structure of FIGS. 3 - 6 ;
[0026] [0026]FIG. 8 illustrates the clamping structure of FIGS. 3 - 7 being closed upon the manifold seated therein;
[0027] [0027]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rough milling tool according to the present invention;
[0028] [0028]FIG. 10 illustrates a carbide insert for the rough milling tool of FIG. 9;
[0029] [0029]FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a rough milling operation on an interface surface of the inlet flanges clamped in the clamping structure of FIGS. 3 - 8 ;
[0030] [0030]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a finish milling tool according to the present invention;
[0031] [0031]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a coolant through drill collet and bit according to the present invention;
[0032] [0032]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a clamping structure that includes a heat shield feature work-holding fixture and an outlet work-holding fixture according to the present invention;
[0033] [0033]FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a manifold seated in the heat shield feature work-holding fixture;
[0034] [0034]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an EGR feature work-holding fixture seating and clamping a manifold there within; and
[0035] [0035]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a manifold seated in the outlet work-holding fixture.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, an example of a raw austenitic stainless steel exhaust manifold 20 that has been molded utilizing a sand casting operation is provided. The exhaust manifold 20 shown in FIG. 1 includes a row of four inlet conduits 22 A, 22 B, 22 C & 22 D, each of which is in fluid communication with an outlet conduit 24 . Each inlet conduit includes a flange 26 A- 26 D extending radially from a mouth 28 A- 28 D of the inlet conduit, where each flange 26 A- 26 D includes an interface surface 30 A- 30 D adapted to mate with and mount to the engine block of the multi-cylinder combustion engine. The flanges 26 A- 26 D each include radial lobed portions 32 extending radially therefrom that provide areas for drilling/tapping bolt holes for use in mounting the manifold to the engine block, as will be described in further detail below. As can be seen, adjacent pairs of the radially extending lobes 32 tend to meld together between adjacent inlet conduits. The outlet conduit 24 also includes a radial flange 34 extending from its mouth 36 , where the flange also includes an interface surface 38 adapted to be mated with and coupled to the exhaust assembly of the automobile (see FIG. 16 for views of the outlet mouth 36 and interface surface 38 of the flange 34 ). The manifold 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 also includes a projection 39 approximate the outlet conduit 24 for mounting EGR features thereto. The manifold may also include projections 102 (see FIG. 15) for coupling heat shields thereto.
[0037] The exemplary process according to the present invention will be described in a series of individual operations.
[0038] I. Pre-Machining Operations
[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, due to the high rate of thermal expansion for the stainless steel materials of the manifold 20 , it may be desirable to cut a slot between connected radial lobes 32 of adjacent inlet conduits to allow for thermal expansion and other movement between the inlet conduits during use. A water jet slitting operation is shown, where the manifold 20 is mounted to a pneumatically actuated fixture (not shown) that moves the manifold 20 with respect to a high pressure water jet nozzle 40 , which emits a high pressure water jet 42 between the adjacent lobes 32 to cut a slot 44 between the adjacent lobes. In the exemplary embodiment the slot is between one and two millimeters wide; the nozzle 40 emits a jet of water and garnet at approximately 50,000 psi; the nozzle tube orifice size is 0.030″; the garnet mesh size is 80 mesh; and the feed rate of the machine is 24″ per minute. A pneumatic fixture is used to hold the manifold during this operation.
[0040] II. Machining Inlet Interface Surfaces
[0041] FIGS. 3 - 8 illustrate an inlet interface clamping structure 46 for receiving and clamping the manifold 20 therein such that the interface surfaces 30 A- 30 D of the corresponding input conduits 22 A- 22 D are aligned substantially perpendicular to a spindle axis of the milling machine, so that the interface surfaces can be milled to provide an adequate surface for sealing gaskets between the interface surfaces and the cylinder head, and so that the bolt receiving holes can be drilled and tapped into the radial flanges 32 .
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 3 - 5 , the clamping structure 46 includes a base 48 onto which is secured a longitudinal, radial clamp-support platform 50 and a pair of radial workpiece-holder bearing supports 52 . A pivotal workpiece-holder mount or support 54 is pivotally mounted between the pair of bearing supports 52 to be pivotal about a pair of hinges 56 in the supports in the directions shown by arrows A. The pivot axis of the radial work support member 54 is parallel to the clamp-support platform 50 and is spaced apart from the clamp-support platform to provide an area therebetween for receiving and clamping the manifold. Mounted to the radial clamp support platform 50 are a row of radial clamp actuators 58 A, 58 B, 58 C & 58 D. Likewise, mounted to the pivotal support 54 are a row of radial work supports 60 A, 60 B, 60 C & 60 D. The row of radial clamp actuators 58 A- 58 D and the row of radial workpiece-holders 60 A- 60 D are substantially parallel and aligned with one another. Each radial clamp actuator 58 A- 58 D includes a hydraulic actuator block 62 , which drives a corresponding radial clamp 64 and associated gripper 66 . The two outer radial workpiece-holders 60 A and 60 D are fixed to the pivotal support 54 and have grippers 68 that face the corresponding grippers 66 of their respective clamp actuators 58 A and 58 D. The two inner workpiece-holders 60 B and 60 C include hydraulic actuator blocks 70 operatively coupled to the respective workpiece-holders to drive the workpiece-holders 60 B and 60 C and their respective grippers 72 towards the corresponding grippers 66 on the corresponding clamp actuators 58 B and 58 C.
[0043] Positioned between and below the rows of radial clamp actuators and radial workpiece-holders are a plurality of vertical work supports for supporting each of the lobes 32 of the exhaust manifold. The vertical work supports include two outer-stationary supports 74 and a plurality of inner translating vertical support assemblies 76 , each of which include two translating vertical support members 78 . A rear work support 80 is provided for supporting a body portion of the manifold 20 when seated within the clamping structure 46 . Collectively, the two outer vertical work supports 74 and the rear work support 80 provide three triangulated cast locators for supporting the manifold prior to clamping the manifold to the work structure utilizing the various clamp actuators, etc.
[0044] The work structure shown in FIGS. 3 - 5 is in the “closed” position where the pivotable support 54 is pivoted downwardly such that the radial workpiece-holders 60 A- 60 D and their associated grippers 68 face the radial clamping mechanisms 58 A- 58 D and their associated grippers 66 . FIG. 6 illustrates the clamping structure in the “open” configuration in which the pivotable support 54 is pivoted upwardly to provide a larger open area into which the manifold 20 can be seated on the three triangulated cast locators comprised by the outer vertical workpiece-holders 74 and the rear workpiece-holder 80 . FIG. 7 illustrates the manifold seated within the open clamping structure as described. Once seated in such a manner, the pivotal support 54 is pivoted back again to the closed orientation as shown in FIG. 8. Referring back to FIGS. 3 - 5 , a pair of hydraulic clamps 82 to clamp the pivotable member 54 in the closed position.
[0045] The clamping operation for clamping the manifold in place for milling after being seated within the clamping structure and after the clamping structure is closed, proceeds as follows: First, the pivotal support 54 is clamped in place in the closed position by clamps 82 at approximately 1,000 psi to approximately 1,200 psi; next, a swing clamp (not shown) is clamped on the outlet at approximately 600 to approximately 850 psi; next, the two outer radial clamp actuators 58 A and 58 D are forced against the respective flanges 26 A and 26 D of the manifold so that the flanges 26 A and 26 D are clamped between the hard stops 60 A and 60 D and the clamp actuators 58 A and 58 D at approximately 400 psi to approximately 500 psi; next, the vertically movable work support assemblies 76 are actuated to advance the associated vertical work support member 78 upwardly against the under side of the flanges, advancing at approximately 12 psi spring pressure to find the bottom surfaces of the flanges and are then clamped in place at approximately 3,000 psi system pressure; finally, center work supports 60 B and 60 C are advanced against the associated flanges 26 B and 26 C at approximately 12 psi spring pressure to abut the flanges, and then the center two radial clamp actuators 58 B and 58 C are actuated at approximately 3,000 psi to clamp the respective flanges 26 B and 26 C between the work support 60 B, 60 C and 58 B, 58 C. Once clamped in place in such a manner, the interface surfaces 30 A- 30 D of the inlet flanges 26 A- 26 D are ready to be machined.
[0046] As described above, the clamping structure 46 provides the capability to clamp each individual inlet flange 26 A- 26 D. Because each flange 26 A- 26 D is individually clamped as described above, the individual clamps will sufficiently dampen vibrations during the milling and cutting operations, thereby increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the machining and cutting operations and also increasing tool life. Additionally, the clamping designs discussed above allow for clamping and supporting of the machine surfaces so that the manifold parts can be held without deforming, yet still provide enough force to allow the cutting tool to cut the surface to a required surface finish and flatness.
[0047] The milling machine, in the exemplary embodiment, utilizes a cast iron base and bed design with a boxway construction. The boxway machine utilizes turcite, which helps dissipate vibrations and, in turn, increases cutting tool life. The milling machine also includes a heavy, high torque spindle with large spindle bearings. While the exemplary embodiment utilizes a vertical spindle, it is certainly within the scope of the invention to utilize a horizontal spindle as well. The milling machine of the exemplary embodiment utilizes a minimum of 50 taper of flange-mounted milling tool adapters. Additionally, the milling machine of the exemplary embodiment utilizes coolant through the spindle with a high volume flood coolant.
[0048] The machining of the interface surfaces 30 A- 30 D of the inlet flanges 26 A- 26 D includes a rough milling step followed by a finish milling step. As shown in FIG. 9, a rough milling cutter 82 for use with the present invention is a 6″-12″ right or left-hand double 45 degree +/−25 degrees negative rock pocket milling cutter that utilizes a positive chip-breaker. Specifically, the rough milling cutter is a Valenite VRS2398510800, right- or left-hand M750, 6″ milling cutter that utilizes 22 carbide inserts 84 (see FIG. 10), where the carbide inserts are Sandvik S-HNGX090516 HBR inserts (Valenite HNGXO90516MR GR.307 inserts may also be used). The tool holder type in this specific embodiment is 1520010 Valenite shell mill holder.
[0049] [0049]FIG. 11 illustrates the rough milling operation where the rough milling cutter 84 is being driven against the interface surface 30 A of the interface flange 26 A, which is, in turn, clamped to the clamping structure 46 as described above. A coolant hose 86 sprays coolant between the cutting tool 82 and the machined surfaces during the milling operation via nozzles 88 . In this exemplary embodiment, the rough milling cutter is operated at a cutting speed of approximately 143 RPM and the feed rate of approximately 762 mm/minute. Also, in this exemplary embodiment, the rough milling material surface feed per minute is approximately 225. Additionally, during this rough milling operation, the radial clamp actuators 58 A- 58 D and radial work supports 60 A- 60 D clamp the inlet flanges 26 A- 26 D there between at a clamping pressure of approximately 500 psi. As will be discussed below, this clamping pressure for the finish milling operation is substantially lower.
[0050] [0050]FIG. 12 provides a finish milling tool 90 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the finish milling cutter is a 4.9″ 60 degree +/−25 degrees negative rack pocket milling cutter that utilizes a positive chip-breaker. Specifically, the finish milling cutter is a Valenite VFHX30HF0492K15R, M750, 4.9″ finish mill with three wiper inserts 92 and twelve carbide cutting tool inserts 94 . In this specific embodiment, the cutting tool inserts 94 are Sandvik S-HNGXO90516 HBR carbide inserts (while Valenite HNGX090516MR GR.307 carbide inserts may also be used) and the wiper inserts are HNGF090504MF carbide inserts. Additionally, in this specific embodiment tool type is 1520010 Valenite shell mill holder. In the exemplary embodiment, the finish milling cutter is operated with respect to the interface surfaces 30 A- 30 D at a cutting speed of approximately 220 RPM and a feed rate of approximately 550 mm/minute, with a finish milling material surface feed per minute of 346. Additionally, as introduced above, the clamping pressures of the radial clamp actuators 58 A- 58 D and radial work supports 60 A- 60 D are lowered, during the finish milling operation, to approximately 350 psi.
[0051] While the radial clamping pressures for the rough milling operation were described above as being approximately 500 psi in the exemplary embodiment, it is within the scope of the invention that this clamping pressure be approximately 400 psi to approximately 600 psi. Furthermore, while the radial clamping pressure for the finish milling operation was described above as being approximately 350 psi in the exemplary embodiment, it is within the scope of the present invention that this finish clamping pressure be approximately 300 psi to approximately 450 psi. Furthermore, while the rough milling operation described above operated at a cutting speed of approximately 143 RPM at a feed rate of approximately 762 mm/minute, it is within the scope of the invention that the rough milling cutter be operated at a cutting speed of approximately 93 RPM to approximately 193 RPM and the feed rate of approximately 662 mm/minute to approximately 862 mm/minute. Additionally, while the finish milling cutter was described above in the exemplary embodiment as being operated at a cutting speed of approximately 220 RPM and a feed rate of approximately 550 mm/minute, it is within the scope of the invention that the finish milling cutter be operated at a cutting speed of approximately 170 RPM to 270 RPM and a feed rate of approximately 450 mm/minute to a feed rate of approximately 650 mm/minute during the finish milling step.
[0052] [0052]FIG. 13 illustrates the drilling tool 96 for drilling the bolt/screw holes 98 (see FIG. 15 for example) and the radial lobes 32 of the radial flanges 26 A- 26 D of the manifold inlets. The drilling tool 96 is mounted within the same work-holding fixture as the rough milling cutter and finish milling cutter as described above. In the exemplary embodiment, a high precision holder 100 is utilized for this application. Precision holders are commonly used for high-speed applications; yet with the present invention, the high-speed precision holder is used in this low-speed application. During this drilling operation, it is desired that the tool tip not exceed 0.0005″. In the specific exemplary embodiment, the drill type is a Sandvik, 12.0, 13.8 mm coolant-through, TiAl coated carbide drill, series no. R415.5-0850/1200/1380-30-ACI-1020; or the drill type is a precision twist drill (solid carbide drill), no. PHP41MG12.0 or PHP41M613.8. The holder type is a Regofix 4″/ER32 collet holder, ultraprecision collet. It is desired that drill depths greater than 2× the drill diameter use coolant through spindle to reduce tool breakage. In this drilling operation, the drill surface feed per minute is 95; the drill RPM is as follows: 1080-8.5 mm, 769-12.0 mm, 668-13.8 mm; and the drill feed rate is as follows: 2.3 IPM-8.5 mm, 3.6 IPM-12.0 mm, 3.3 IPM-13.8 mm.
[0053] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 6, it can be seen that the vertical work supports 74 & 78 are semi-tubular in shape so as to provide a cavity coaxial therewith, where this cavity is adapted to be coaxial with the through-holes 98 drilled during the drilling operation described above. Accordingly, such arcuate vertical work supports provide precise and coaxial support for the lobes 32 during this drilling operation while the coaxial channels allow the drill bit to pass below the lobes without interference from the vertical work supports. In the exemplary embodiment, before the drilling operation begins, the orientation and the location of the lobes 32 is checked utilizing an electronic spindle probe. Based upon this detection of the location of the lobes 32 , the location of the drilling hole is calculated.
[0054] III. Drilling and Tapping Peripheral Manifold Features
[0055] As mentioned above, exhaust manifolds 20 may have areas for additional exhaust system and emission components; for example, the exemplary embodiment provides for milling, drilling and tapping the projection 39 for the installation of the emission sensor. Other projections, such as the heat shield projections 102 (see FIGS. 16 and 17), may be provided with drilled and tapped holes or drilled holes for rivets at assembly. The drilling and tapping of small holes in such projections, in the exemplary environment, utilizes low spindle speeds. With such low spindle speeds, precision tooling is critical in drilling and tapping to keep these smaller tools from breaking and increasing tool life.
[0056] [0056]FIG. 14 illustrates a clamping structure 104 that includes a heat shield feature work-holding fixture 106 and an outlet work-holding fixture 108 , both of which are mounted to a base 110 .
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the heat shield feature work-holding fixture 106 includes a pair of manifold body support posts 112 extending from a rear platform 114 and a plurality of bosses 116 extending from a forward platform 118 that are adapted to be received within the through holes 98 drilled to the lobes 32 of the manifold inlet flanges (see FIG. 5 in particular).
[0058] The rear support 114 includes a swing clamp 120 for clamping the midsection of the manifold and the forward platform 118 includes a pair of swing clamps 122 for clamping on the inlet flanges of the manifold.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 15, the manifold 20 is mounted to the heat shield work-holding fixture 106 by mating the through holes 98 in the lobes 32 of the inlet flanges of the manifold with the bosses 116 extending from the forward platform 118 and by seating the body portion of the manifold 20 on the support posts 112 . Once seated in such a manner, the swing clamps 120 , 122 are activated to clamp the manifold 20 to the fixture. Once clamped, the heat shield fixtures 102 may be machined as described above.
[0060] FIGS. 16 illustrates a manifold 20 mounted and clamped to an EGR feature work-holding fixture 124 . This work-holding fixture 124 includes similar components to the work-holding fixture 106 described above with respect to FIGS. 14 and 15; however, the components are angled and oriented such that the planar surface 126 of the EGR feature 39 faces upwardly toward the spindle access of the milling machine. The EGR feature work-holding fixture 124 includes a base 128 onto which an elevated rear platform 130 and a downwardly and rearwardly angled, forward inlet-support platform 132 are mounted. Additionally, a support post 134 is mounted onto the base 128 for seating and supporting the outlet flange 34 of the manifold 20 . The inlet-holding platform 132 includes a plurality of bosses 136 onto which the through holes 98 extending through the lobes 32 of the inlet flanges are seated. Additionally, the rear platform 130 includes a swing clamp 138 and the inlet support platform 132 includes a plurality of swing clamps 140 . The manifold 20 is mounted and clamped to this work-holding fixture 124 by first mating the through holes 98 in the manifold 20 with the bosses 136 extending from the inlet support platform 132 and by seating the outlet flange 34 on the support post 134 . The manifold is thereafter clamped by activating the swing clamp 138 which clamps against the outlet conduit, and the swing clamps 140 , which clamp against the inlet flanges 26 A- 26 D of the manifold 20 . As shown by FIG. 16, once mounted and clamped as described, the planar outer surface 126 of the EGR feature 39 faces upwardly toward the spindle axis so that it may be machined as described herein.
[0061] The particular milling tools used for milling the heat shield features 102 and EGR feature 39 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are as follows:
[0062] Heat Shield Plunge Milling Tool:
[0063] Milling tool type: Valenite S-VMSP-125R-90CCEC, plunging mill cutter
[0064] Cutting insert type: Valenite SD422P GR.307
[0065] Tool holder type: Valenite V50CT E 25L
[0066] Milling material surface feet per minute: 334
[0067] Milling cutter RPM: 1275
[0068] Milling feed rate: 89 IPM
[0069] M-10 Tap Drill:
[0070] Sandvick 6.8 mm coolant through TiAl coated carbide drill
[0071] Holder type: R415.5-0680-30-AC1-1020
[0072] Drill surface feet per minute: 87
[0073] Drill RPM: 1247
[0074] Drill feed rate: 2.36 IPM
[0075] Heat Shield Tapping Fixture:
[0076] Tap type: Reiff& Nestor MBx1.25 3 flute D-5 Tap
[0077] Holder type: Regofix 2350.13271 ER/32 Collet holder
[0078] Tap surface feet per minute: 16
[0079] Tap RPM: 200
[0080] Tap feed rate: 9.84 IPM
[0081] EGR Pad Milling Tool:
[0082] Milling tool type: Valenite 539-69-646, 3.00″ diameter face mill
[0083] Cutting insert type: Valenite SDMT 1506 PDR MH 307
[0084] Tool holder type: Valenite VPBC50PC6-10 face mill holder
[0085] Milling material surface feet per minute: 236
[0086] Milling cutter RPM: 150
[0087] Milling feed rate: 18.89 IPM
[0088] MA Tap Drill:
[0089] Drill type: Sandvik 6.8 mm coolant through TiAl coated carbide drill
[0090] Holder: R 415.5-0680-30-AC1-1020
[0091] Drill surface feet per minute: 125
[0092] Drill RPM: 1412
[0093] Drill feed rate: 8.54 IPM
[0094] MATap Tool:
[0095] Tap type: Reiff& Nestor MBx1.25 3 flute D-5 tap
[0096] Holder type: Regofix 2350.1327 ER/32 collet holder
[0097] Tap surface feet per minute: 16
[0098] Tap RPM: 200
[0099] Tap feed rate: 9.84 IPM
[0100] EGR Feature Drill:
[0101] Drill type: 14-18 mm CJT Durapoint Special 613 drill
[0102] Holder type: Regofix 2350.13271 ER/32 collet holder
[0103] Drill surface feet per minute: 49
[0104] Drill RPM: 583
[0105] Drill feed rate: 4.29 IPM
[0106] IV. Outlet Machining
[0107] In the exemplary embodiment, exhaust manifold outlet machining is the final process in the machining operation on the exhaust manifold 20. Presently, outlets come in two basic configurations. In some applications, a flat surface is used with the gasket between the exhaust pipe and manifold outlet. The other feature used is an internal or external spherical radius that uses a “donut” type gasket that seals on the radius machine into the manifold.
[0108] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 17, the outlet work-holding fixture 108 includes an inlet flange support platform 142 and an elevated outlet flange support platform 144 , which supports a clamping ring 146 . Referring specifically to FIG. 17, the inlet flange support platform includes a plurality of bosses 148 for seating the corresponding plurality of through-holes 98 extending through the lobes 32 of the inlet flanges 26 A- 26 D of the manifold. The platform is angled such that, when the manifold is seated on the inlet flange support platform 142 , the outlet conduit 24 extends upwardly so that the interface surface 38 of the outlet flange 34 is perpendicular to the spindle axis of the milling machine; and furthermore, so that the outlet flange 34 is positioned within the hub opening 152 of the clamping ring 146 . To clamp the manifold 20 in place, the swing clamps 150 are actuated on the inlet flange support platform 142 to clamp down onto the inlet flanges 26 A- 26 D and a plurality of clamp actuators 156 are actuated to clamp the outlet flange 34 between the clamp actuators 156 (and associated grippers 160 ) and the diametrically opposed work-holder supports 154 (and associated grippers 158 ), all of which are mounted within the clamping ring 146 . Once the outlet flange 34 is clamped in such a manner, the interface surface 38 is ready for rough milling and finish milling operations as discussed above with respect to the inlet flanges, and is also ready for drilling and tapping operations as discussed with respect to the inlet flanges.
[0109] In the exemplary embodiment, the clamp actuators 154 and work-holder supports 156 are positioned along the clamping ring 146 so that, in the rough-milling and finish milling operations, the cutting tool is driven into the work-holder supports 154 .
[0110] In the exemplary embodiment, the particular milling tools for milling the interface surface 38 of the outlet flange 34 are as follows:
[0111] Outlet Rough-Milling Tool
[0112] Rough-mill type: Valenite VRS2398510800, right hand M750, 6″ milling cutter
[0113] Cutting Insert Type: Sandvik S-HNGXO90516 HBR (or Valenite HNGXO90516MR GR.307) (22) inserts per tool
[0114] Tool Holder Type: 1520010 Valenite shell mill holder
[0115] Rough Milling Material Surface Feet Per Minute: 225
[0116] Rough Milling Cutter RPM: 143
[0117] Rough Milling Feed Rate: 15.74 IPM
[0118] Outlet Finish Milling Tool:
[0119] Finish Mill Type: Valenite VFHX30HF0492K15R, M750, 4.9″ finish mill with (3) wiper inserts
[0120] Cutting tool insert type: Sandvik S-HGNX090516 HBR (or Valenite HNGXO90516MR GR.307) (12) total, HNGF090504MF (3) total inserts.
[0121] Tool holder type: 1520010 Valenite shell mill holder
[0122] Finish milling material surface feet per minute: 346
[0123] Finish milling cutter RPM: 220
[0124] Finish milling feed rate: 25.35 inches per minute
[0125] M10 Tap Drill Tool:
[0126] Drill Type: Sandvik R15.5-0860-30-ACI-10208.6 mm coolant through
[0127] TiAl coated carbide drill
[0128] Holder type: Regofix 2350.13271 ER132 collet holder
[0129] Drill surface feet per minute: 125
[0130] Drill RPM: 1412
[0131] Drill feed rate: 8.54 IPM
[0132] Outlet Borin/Spherical Radius Tool:
[0133] Tool Type: Omni design ONT-8151 Combination Radius/Boring tool
[0134] Holder type: Integral holder built as one piece from a blank
[0135] Boring Surface Feet Per Minute: 14
[0136] Boring RPM: 350
[0137] Boring Feed Rate: 2.36 IPM
[0138] NOTE: Speeds and feeds may be critical with this tool so tool chatter does not scrape the part, as these are critical sealing areas for the exhaust assembly. The above spherical boring tool is used on parts that use an internal or external radius gasket design.
[0139] Tap Tool:
[0140] Tap Type: Reiff& Nestor M10x1.50 3 flute D-6 controlled minor diameter tap
[0141] Holder type: Regofix 2350.13271 ER132 collet holder
[0142] Tap Surface Feet Per Minute: 16
[0143] Tap RPM: 150
[0144] Tap Feed Rate: 8.85 IPM
[0145] With the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the clamping pressures for the clamp actuators 156 are 700 psi; however, it is within the scope of the invention that the clamping pressures can range from approximately 600 psi to approximately 800 psi. Additionally, while the outlet rough milling RPM, in the exemplary embodiment, is 155 with a feed rate of 480 mm per minute, it is within the scope of the invention that the outlet rough milling tool RPM be approximately 105 to approximately 205 and that the outlet rough milling tool feed rate be approximately 380 mm per minute to approximately 580 mm per minute. Likewise, while the outlet finish tool, in the exemplary embodiment, is operated at an RPM of 220 and a feed rate of 550 mm per minute, it is within the scope of the present invention that the outlet finish tool RPM be operated at approximately 170 to approximately 270 and the feed rate be approximately 450 mm per minute to approximately 650 mm per minute. As described in the exemplary embodiment, the outlet work-holding fixture 108 is designed to hold the outlet flange 34 with enough force to prevent tool breakage as machining occurs a long distance from the top of the base 110 . The fixture 108 was specifically designed to hold the manifold during heavy milling operations.
[0146] Following from the above description and invention summaries, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the apparatuses and methods herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that the inventions contained herein are not limited to these precise embodiments and that changes may be made to them without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the meanings of the claims unless such limitations or elements are explicitly listed in the claims. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claims, since the invention is defined by the claims and since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein. | A method is provided for machining the stainless steel automotive exhaust components that allows such components to be machined in high volumes and at a reasonable cost. An exemplary embodiment of the method includes the steps of: (a) supporting the manifold on a work structure; (b) clamping the manifold to the work structure; and (c) machining the supported and clamped manifold; (d) where the clamping step includes the step of clamping each of the plurality of inlet coupling flanges of the manifold separately; and (e) the machining step includes the step of machining the interface surfaces of the inlet coupling flanges. In a more detailed embodiment, the supporting and clamping steps orient the planes of the interface surfaces of the inlet coupling flanges of the manifold perpendicular to a spindle access of the milling machine. | 52,788 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a broadcasting method and a broadcast system for broadcasting a signal from a broadcasting station etc. for reception and viewing at the home etc., more particularly relates to a data transmission method and a data transmission system enabling the receiving end to combine the received signal with a signal from a game equipment or another signal processor, an information processing method and an information processing system for processing information in a desired manner using such a setup, a data transmitter used for such a system, a signal processor serving as home end terminal apparatus of such a system, and a content data processing method and a data serving method applied to such a system.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, a television game systems have rapidly become popular. Their performance has also become very high. For example, there are now even television game systems provided with 64-bit or 128-bit high speed processors as the signal processors, provided with DVD drives as the storage systems, and provided with a special processors for high speed graphics. Such high performance game systems enable more realistic video and audio output and more complicated signal processing and therefore enable more interesting and fun games.
Further, advances in communication technologies have made possible diverse types of broadcasting systems. In Japan, for example, in addition to the usual ground wave broadcasts, there are now several satellite broadcast systems and cable television systems. Further, satellite digital broadcasts and ground wave digital broadcasts will soon be offered. These new systems not only make possible improved quality of video and audio signals, but also the broadcasting of various information in addition to the main audio and video signals. Further, two-way systems enabling individual homes to communicate with the broadcasting station in response to the broadcasted programs etc. are being realized.
Summarizing the disadvantages to be solved by the invention, even in such recent television game systems and television broadcasting systems, there are several disadvantages which have to be resolved in order to enable more effective and more convenient use. Further improvement is therefore desired.
First, usual television games are played by running software off of different media. Various situations and scenes are successively generated. Even in complicated games, however, there is a limit to the situations, scenes, etc. Once the player experiences the series of situations and scenes and watches the video etc., he or she then ends up rapidly losing interest, that is, becomes bored. This characteristic of television games is the same no matter how high the performance the television game system becomes. This is one of the main disadvantages with television game systems.
Further, software for television games takes a long time to develop. Therefore, it is difficult to incorporate the latest news, fashions, etc. such as obtained from television broadcasts. Namely, it is very difficult to provide timely contents closely related to the real world.
Further, some television game software become very popular and sell millions of copies. Also, some purchasers play them over the television monitor for relatively long hours. Accordingly, this makes them very attractive as advertisement media. Up until now, however, there have been few examples of effective usage as advertisement media. The reason for this seems to be that, as mentioned above, television game software is not updated daily or weekly like the programs of television broadcasts, newspapers, or magazines, but takes a long time to develop making it difficult to place timely advertisements in it. Further, game software tends strongly to be considered as an integral work of art. The creators of these games are therefore said to be averse to the placement of advertisements in their game software.
On the other hand, programs of television broadcasts lack the interactivity and unpredictability taken for granted in television games, so lacks interestingness.
The same can be said for the advertisements as well. Each viewer is simply shown the same advertisement every time. Namely, there are no commercials enabling the viewer to select information of interest from among several options or unpredictably changing the information given every time. Further, present television broadcasts do not enable interested viewers to obtain more detailed information or to actually order product catalogs or the products themselves.
Further, the same television monitor is used for both watching television broadcasts and playing television games. Up until now, however, this has been done by switching the mode of the television monitor. In other words, the television broadcasts and the television games have formed completely separate systems. There has never been a system which combines these to provide some sort of service or new sound or picture.
As a system resembling this, there is the television broadcasting system disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 11-27649. In this system, the viewer operates the game system or the like to create content for a program and transmits the same to the broadcasting station. The broadcasting station then creates a program for actual broadcasting based on the transmitted content and broadcasts it. This enables the creation of new types of programs such as viewer participation programs and programs showing games being played with the participation of a plurality of viewers.
In this system, however, the content viewed by the viewer is in the final analysis created by the broadcasting station. The system is therefore no different from conventional broadcasting systems. Namely, it is not a system that combines content obtained by television broadcasting and content obtained from television game systems in some form for use at the home.
Further, this system cannot be realized without an uplink line to the broadcasting station.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a data transmission method and system capable of combining audio and video content obtained from a television broadcast and audio and video content obtained by running for example package software on for example a television game system or operation and control information etc. from that television game system so that there functions can mutually complement each other and effective functions can be suitably provided for PR, shopping, and other various purposes or so that programs or games of a more enjoyable and non-boring content suitably matching the interests of the viewer can be provided.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing method and system capable of combining audio and video content obtained from a television broadcast and audio video content obtained from a television game system or the like or operation and control information thereof so that the audio and video content can be suitably processed as desired and new forms of PR, shopping, etc. can be realized.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a data transmitter suitable for use in such a data transmission system or information processing system.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a signal processor suitable for use as for example a home terminal for such a data transmission system or information processing system.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a content data processing method suitable for application to such a data transmission system or information processing system.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a data serving method suitable for application to such a data transmission system to information processing system.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data transmission method comprising the steps of transmitting transmission data containing content data and auxiliary data provided for signal processing at the viewer end, having the viewer end receive the transmitted transmission data, processing content data of the result of a desired first signal processing performed based on data recorded in advance and the content data contained in the received transmission data by second signal processing using the auxiliary data contained in the received transmission data to create new output content data, and outputting the output content data.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data transmission system having a transmitter for transmitting transmission data and a plurality of viewer apparatuses for receiving the transmitted data, wherein the transmitter transmits transmission data containing content data and auxiliary data provided for the processing in the viewer apparatuses, and each viewer apparatus comprises a receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission data, a first signal processing means for performing a desired signal processing according to software stored in advance and input operation signals and outputting content data including video data, an operating means for the viewer to perform an operation and outputting an operation signal based on the related operation to the first signal processing means, a second signal processing means for performing a predetermined processing on the content data output from the first signal processing means and the content data contained in the received transmission data using the auxiliary data contained in the received transmission data so as to create output content data, and an outputting means for outputting the created output content data.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data transmission system having a transmitter for transmitting transmission data and a plurality of viewer apparatuses for receiving the transmitted data, wherein the transmitter transmits transmission data containing content data including video data and command data for controlling the receiver end viewer apparatuses, and each viewer apparatus comprises a receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission data, a signal processing means for performing desired signal processing according to software stored in advance and operations of the viewer and outputting content data including video data, a signal combining means for combining the video data of the content data contained in the received transmission data with a predetermined region of the video data of the content data output from the signal processing means to create the output content data containing new video data, and an outputting means for outputting the created output content data.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method comprising the steps of having the transmitting end create content data and transmit transmission data containing the content data and auxiliary data provided for the signal processing on the viewer end, having a viewer end receive the transmitted transmission data, perform a desired first signal processing performed based on data stored in advance at the viewer end, process the content data obtained as the result of the first signal processing and the content data contained in the received transmission data by second signal processing using the auxiliary data contained in the received transmission data to create new output content data, output the output content data, and transmit data of at least one of the result of the first signal processing and the result of the second signal processing from the viewer end to the transmitting end, and having the transmitting end perform a desired information processing based on the transmitted data to create content data for transmission based on the information processing result.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing system having a transmitter for transmitting transmission data and a plurality of viewer apparatuses for receiving the transmitted data, wherein the transmitter has a content data creating means for creating the content data, a transmitting means for transmitting transmission data containing the created content data and auxiliary data provided for signal processing on the viewer end, and an information processing means for performing a desired information processing based on the data transmitted from the viewer apparatuses, the content data creating means creates the content data to be transmitted based on the information processing result, the each of the viewer apparatuses has a receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission data, a first signal processing means for performing a desired first signal processing based on data stored in advance, a second signal processing means for processing the content data obtained as the result of the first signal processing and the content data contained in the received transmission data by second signal processing using the auxiliary data contained in the received transmission data to create new output content data, an outputting means for outputting the created output content data, and a transmitting means for transmitting at least one of the result of the first signal processing and the result of the second signal processing to the transmitter.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data transmitter having a transmission data creating means for creating transmission data containing content data and auxiliary data provided for predetermined signal processing in a viewer apparatus and a transmitting means for transmitting the created transmission data to a plurality of viewer apparatuses.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signal processor for receiving transmitted transmission data containing content data and predetermined auxiliary data, comprising a receiving means for receiving the transmitted transmission data, a first signal processing means for performing a desired signal processing according to software stored in advance and operations of a viewer and outputting content data containing video data, a second signal processing means for processing the content data output from the first signal processing means and the content data contained in the received transmission data by predetermined processing using the auxiliary data contained in the received transmission data to create output content data, and an outputting means for outputting the created output content data.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a content data processing method comprising the steps of receiving as input first content data obtained from a first medium, second content data obtained from a second medium, and auxiliary data provided for signal processing obtained from a third medium different from the second medium and performing signal processing with respect to at least the second content data by using the auxiliary data to create third content data.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data serving method comprising the step of providing first content data, second content data, and auxiliary data for controlling signal processing performed with respect to at least the second content data to create new content data to terminal apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects and features of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of the preferred embodiments given with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the configuration of a signal processing system of an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a view of the configuration of a broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcasting station system of the signal processing system shown in FIG. 1 ;
FIGS. 3A to 3C are views for explaining processing for replacing an object of broadcasted program data by a character of a television game system and viewing the same in the signal processing system shown in FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining processing in a home system when selling tickets by the signal processing system shown in FIG. 1 ; and
FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining processing in the broadcasting station system when selling tickets by the signal processing system shown in FIG. 1 .
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained by referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 .
In the present embodiment, the present invention will be explained by taking as an example a signal processing system combining a signal broadcast from a broadcasting station and a signal output from a home game system for various processing and a home system for the same.
First, an explanation will be made of the configuration of the signal processing system.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the configuration of a signal processing system 100 of the present embodiment.
The signal processing system 100 has a broadcasting station system 200 , a home system 300 , and a communication network 400 .
The broadcasting station system 200 has a server 210 , a video reproduction apparatus 220 , a video camera 230 , a selector/controller 240 , an authoring/encoder system 250 , a transmitter 260 , and a computer 270 .
The server 210 is a large capacity hard disk drive which stores digital data of various types of broadcast use stock such as program content. The data stored in the server 210 is suitably reproduced according to a broadcast schedule managed by a not illustrated scheduler and output to the selector/controller 240 .
The video reproduction device 220 plays back a video tape on which is recorded various broadcast use stock such as program content set according to need and outputs the same to the selector/controller 240 .
The video camera 230 is a camera for capturing picture and sound for when broadcasting a live program such as news or for when using a live picture of a later explained host etc. in a broadcast. The captured video signals and audio signal are output to the selector/controller 240 according to need.
The selector/controller 240 creates a broadcast use signal, that is, prepares the program, based on the video signal and audio signal input from the server 210 , video reproduction device 220 , and the video camera 230 and outputs the same to the authoring/encoder system 250 .
The selector/controller 240 selects the required video signal and audio signal automatically or manually by the operation of a program producer based on a control signal from the not illustrated scheduler and information such as a request from the viewer transmitted from the home system 300 of the viewer mentioned later via a public telephone line 420 to the computer 270 of the broadcasting station system 200 and combines them or otherwise processes them according to need to create the broadcast use program data, and outputs the same to the authoring/encoder system 250 .
Note that the production of this program in the selector/controller 240 is carried out for every channel sent by the broadcasting station system 200 .
Here, the configuration of the broadcast signal created at the selector/controller 240 is shown in FIG. 2 .
As shown in FIG. 2 , the broadcast signal transmitted from the broadcasting station system 200 basically has main video data, main audio data, command data, television complementary data, and game complementary data.
The main video data is the video data for usual viewing of a television program by a viewer.
The main audio data is the audio data for usual viewing of a television program by a viewer.
The command data is the data from the broadcasting station system 200 for directly controlling the home system 300 per se or a game system 320 or a synthesizer 330 of the home system 300 mentioned later.
The television complementary data is sub information of the main video data and the main audio data and is data such as picture, sound, and text to be displayed and output to a monitor 340 of the home system 300 according to need.
The game complementary data is data such as sub information relating to the processing to be performed in the game system 320 and not stored in the home system 300 . Specifically, it is data such as unique game characters for only the broadcast, information of special rules, and unique background images.
The authoring/encoder system 250 encodes the program data input from the selector/controller 240 by for example MPEG, converts the same to a predetermined broadcast format such as XML and MPEG, and outputs the same to the transmitter 260 .
The transmitter 260 encodes, modulates, and otherwise processes for transmission the broadcast use program data converted to the predetermined broadcast format input from the authoring/encoder system 250 so as to convert the same to a signal suitable for the broadcasting means used and actually transmits the same. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the broadcasting station system 200 performs digital satellite broadcasting by a satellite line 410 via a broadcast satellite. Accordingly, the transmitter 260 transmits the created broadcast use signal toward the broadcast satellite.
The computer 270 is connected to the public telephone line 420 and performs a desired information processing. It receives a response relating to the broadcast content broadcast by the broadcasting station system 200 , that is, a signal transmitted from the home system 300 of each viewer via the public telephone line 420 , stores the information from the viewers, and determines the action to be taken in the broadcasting station system 200 in accordance with the received content. Then, according to need, the computer 270 instructs the selector/controller 240 to produce the program data based on that action.
The home system 300 has a communication portion 310 , a game system 320 , a synthesizer 330 , and a monitor 340 .
The communication portion 310 receives the broadcast data sent from the broadcasting station system 200 via the satellite line 410 , demodulates it and decodes the transmission use code to create a digital baseband signal, and transmits the same via an IEEE1394 interface to the synthesizer 330 . Further, when information such as a certain instruction or data to be transmitted to the broadcasting station system 200 is input from the synthesizer 330 via the IEEE1394 interface, the communication portion 310 transmits the information via the public telephone line 420 to the computer 270 of the broadcasting station system 200 .
The game system 320 is a home television game system and has a game system console 321 , a controller 322 , storage medium I/F 323 , and an IC card I/F 324 .
The game system console 321 runs the game according to game software stored on the storage medium mounted in the storage media I/F 323 and moves the game along based on data similarly read from the storage medium and operation signals of the user input from the controller 322 . It creates a video signal to be displayed on the monitor and an audio signal to be output from the monitor 340 and outputs the same via the IEEE1394 interface to the synthesizer 330 .
Further, the game system console 321 performs predetermined processing according to commands of command data received from the broadcasting station system 200 and input from the synthesizer 330 mentioned later. When further additional data is necessary when executing the commands, the data is transmitted from the broadcasting station system 200 as complementary data. The game system console 321 executes the processing by using this.
The controller 322 is a joy stick or directional button pad or other game controller provided with various inputting means suitable for playing the game. When playing a usual television game, the player operates the controller 322 to run the game. Further, when the home system 300 receives a broadcast from the broadcasting station system 200 and performs some sort of operation with respect to the received content, the viewer inputs instructions from this controller 322 while viewing the monitor 340 .
The storage medium I/F 323 is loaded with a storage medium storing the program and data for the game. It suitably reads out the program and data in response to requests from the game system console 321 and outputs the same to the controller 322 .
The IC card I/F 324 is an I/F for writing or reading data with respect to the mounted IC card. In this game system 320 , an IC card is used for example for storing the results of the game, storing the interim progress of the game, inputting personal data to the game system console 321 , or storing data from the game system console 321 .
The synthesizer 330 extracts the data of the main video data, main audio data, command data, television complementary data, and the game complementary data from the received broadcast signal having the structure shown in FIG. 2 input from the communication portion 310 .
Further, the synthesizer 330 receives from the game system 320 for example a signal of the results of the game, a signal obtained from the package medium, and a signal created based on the command data and the game complementary data extracted from the broadcast signal in the synthesizer 330 .
The synthesizer 330 combines the extracted main video data, main audio data, and television complementary data with the data input from the game system 320 according to need based on for example the extracted command data to create one video signal and audio signal able to be output from the monitor 340 and outputs the same to the monitor 340 .
Further, the synthesizer 330 outputs at least the command data for the game system 320 among the command data and the game complementary data to the game system 320 .
Further, when the data input from the game system 320 is an instruction for transmitting certain information to the broadcasting station system 200 , the synthesizer 330 outputs the instruction to that effect to the communication portion 310
The monitor 340 displays the video signal input from the synthesizer 330 on a screen and outputs the audio signal input from the synthesizer 330 .
Next, an explanation will be made of the operation of the signal processing system 100 having such a configuration.
First, an explanation will be made of the basic operation of the signal processing system 100 .
First, the selector/controller 240 of the broadcasting station system 200 creates the main video data and the main audio data by for example combining the picture captured from the video camera 230 with video stock data obtained from the server 210 and the video reproduction apparatus 220 .
Further, it adds data used for replacement of the main video data and main audio data or for performing certain processing with respect to the main video data and the main audio data as the television complementary data.
Further, it adds the data provided for the processing performed in the game system 320 of the home system 300 and used for replacement of the video data and audio data supplied from the package medium in the game system 320 or for performing certain processing with respect to the video data and audio data as the game complementary data.
Then, while making suitable use of the television and game complementary data, it creates command data for the game system 320 and the synthesizer 330 for enabling the desired AV data processing in the home system 300 and thereby creates the broadcast use signal shown in FIG. 2 .
Then, the created broadcast use signal is authored and encoded in the authoring/encoder system 250 , encoded, modulated, and otherwise processed for transmission in the transmitter 260 , and transmitted to the home system 300 via the satellite line 410 .
The home system 300 receives the broadcast from the broadcast system 200 in a state with the medium storing the desired television game software loaded in the storage medium I/F 323 of the game system 320 .
The synthesizer 330 demultiplexes the signal received at the communication portion 310 to the main video data, main audio data, command data, and the television complementary data and outputs the command data and the game complementary data for the game system 320 to the game system 320 .
The game system 320 performs the desired processing on the data read from the package medium, an application executed according to the software read from the package medium, or the input game complementary data based on the input command data and operation of the controller 322 by the viewer so as to create the video signal and the audio signal to be output to the monitor 340 or to be provided for a further processing in the synthesizer 330 and outputs them to the synthesizer 330 .
The synthesizer 330 performs desired processing on the received main video data and main audio data or television complementary data and further the video data and the audio data input from the game system 320 based on the input command data, for example, the combination of a plurality of the data, to create the final video signal and audio signal to be output to the monitor 340 .
Then, the created video signal and audio signal are output from the monitor 340 .
As a result, new content obtained by combining content seemingly close to usual program data based on the main video data and the main audio data and content obtained by the desired processing of for example the game in the game system 320 is created and output from the monitor 340 .
Further, when the viewer operates the controller 322 of the game system 320 based on information output from for example the monitor 340 in order to transmit for example the selection or request of new information, selection of reception conditions, and notification of the reception state from the home system 300 to the broadcasting station system 200 , a signal based on this operation is transmitted from the game system 320 to the synthesizer 330 and transmitted from the communication portion 310 via the public telephone line 420 to the computer 270 of the broadcasting station system 200 .
In the broadcasting station system 200 , the computer 270 performs the processing relating to this signal and instructs the selector/controller 240 to change the structure of the broadcast signal according to need.
Next, the various services which become possible in a signal processing system 100 having such a configuration and operation will be successively explained by giving concrete examples.
First, such a signal processing system 100 can make a character of a television game appear in a television program and thereby provide a new form of entertainment. Such processing will be explained next.
First, in the broadcasting station system 200 , the selector/controller 240 combines for example a picture of the host captured from the video camera 230 with the video stock obtained from the server 210 or the video reproduction device 220 to create the broadcast use signal having the main video signal as shown in for example FIG. 3A .
At this time, it uses the main video data, main audio data, and television complementary data to create a broadcast use signal of a configuration enabling the picture of the host captured from the video camera 230 to be easily separated from the rest of the video signal.
The method may also be considered of storing background data of the region where the host of the main video data will be displayed as the television complementary data so that the host will be erased by combining for example the television complementary data and the main video data or conversely making the main video data video data without a host and separately sending the video of the host as the television complementary data. Further, the method may also be used of adding an address of a position occupied by the host in the main video data as the complementary data.
Next, the selector/controller 240 creates instructions on timing of use, situation of use, etc. of the television complementary data as command data and adds it to the broadcast use signal.
Then, the broadcast use signal created in this way is authored and encoded in the authoring/encoder system 250 , encoded, modulated, etc. for transmission in the transmitter 260 , and transmitted via the satellite line 410 to the home system 300 .
The home system 300 loads for example a medium storing the television game software containing the desired character shown in FIG. 3B in the storage medium I/F 323 of the game system 320 and receives the broadcast from the broadcasting station system 200 .
The synthesizer 330 demultiplexes the received signal into the main video data, main audio data, command data, television complementary data, etc.
Then, basically the main video data and the main audio data are output to the monitor 340 for viewing of the program. Upon a switch command of the command data or instruction by the viewer from the controller 322 , however, the synthesizer 330 cuts out the host (replaced object) data 500 of the main video data shown in FIG. 3A and instead inserts the data of the character (replacement object) 510 read from the storage media I/F 323 of the game system 320 as shown in FIG. 3B in the video signal.
As a result, the monitor 340 display a picture as shown in FIG. 3C obtained by combining the picture of the character read from the television game package software via the storage medium I/F 323 with a picture of a television broadcast showing the real world or persons. Due to this, the character of a game can be made to appear in a picture of the real world.
By doing this, the viewer can newly experience a view of a game character, which had previously been limited in movement to the finite world stored in the package software in advance, moving around in the real world, and therefore can experience a new form of entertainment using package software which he or she had finished playing.
Further, the signal processing system 100 can transmit new data by such a broadcast to a game run by software stored on a package medium in the game system 320 and therefore expand the conditions, development, etc. of the game. Such processing will be explained next.
The method of creation of the broadcast signal, the method of the broadcast, etc. are the same as the methods explained above, but in this case, a broadcast signal containing the data to be newly added to the game as the game complementary data and containing commands for installing the complementary data as the command data is broadcast.
The home system 300 receiving such a broadcast signal demultiplexes the game complementary data and the command data at the synthesizer 330 and inputs the same to the game system 320 . The game system console 321 of the game system 320 introduces the complementary data into the game software already loaded thereon based on the commands of the command data.
Below, a concrete explanation will be made of how a game can be expanded by such processing.
For example, when what is being played on the game system 320 is a fight game, by transmitting data of a new fight opponent as the game complementary data and superposing a command for incorporating the game complementary data as the command data, the game system 320 can run the game while introducing a new fight opponent which did not exist in the package software.
Further, when what is being played on the game system 320 is a role playing game etc., by transmitting data of a new stage as the game complementary data and superposing a command for incorporating the game complementary data as the command data, the game system 320 can run the game while additionally introducing a new stage which did not exist in the package software.
Further, when what is being played on the game system 320 is a game such as a baseball game or a soccer game, by transmitting character data employing players active in the real world as the game complementary data and superposing a command for incorporating the game complementary data as the command data, the game system 320 can introduce for example a rookie player newly starting to be active in the real world into the game and enable enjoyment of a more realistic and on-the-scene game.
In addition, by broadcasting stock prices, exchange rates, a weather, rankings in professional baseball, hit charts and music thereof, and other various information of the real world or any other information in accordance with the game as the game complementary data and superposing a command for introducing the game complementary data as the command data, it is possible to enjoy a game incorporating real-time information of the real world.
Further, it is possible to create a game predicated on introduction of information of the real world from the start, for example, a game simulating the purchase of stock, bets on horse races, or bets on soccer tournaments.
Further, by broadcasting game complementary data for making for example the image data of the game higher in definition and command data for reflecting that complementary data, it is possible to enjoy a game on a higher definition screen which could not be experienced by only the package software.
Further, by having the signal processing system 100 combine processing with respect to a television program as mentioned above and processing with respect to the game system, it is possible to provide a program combining information from the package media and information by the broadcast. Such processing will be explained next.
The method of creating the broadcast signal, the method of broadcast, the processing in the home system 300 , etc. are the same as the methods explained above. In this case, a broadcast signal is broadcast adding data for expanding the program data as the television complementary data, adding data to be newly added to the processing of the game in the game system 320 etc. as the game complementary data, and adding commands for controlling the program data and the data of the game, including commands for controlling the game system 320 from the broadcasting station system 200 , as the command data. Due to this, it is possible to provide a program combining game software and a broadcast program while controlling the game system 320 of the home system 300 from the broadcasting station system 200 .
For example, when broadcasting a game strategy program or a game-production documentary, by broadcasting commands for operating an actual game system 320 included in the broadcast signal, it is possible to proceed with the program while remotely controlling the game system 320 by command data from the broadcasting station system 200 end. By proceeding with the program while combining the image created by operating the game system 320 of the user and the real picture wherein the host etc. appear, it is possible to for example more effectively illustrate the strategy in the game or inside stories of production.
Further, in for example a game strategy program, by transmitting information enabling a beginner who is not proficient in a game to more easily enjoy the game, that is, operational information enabling one to beat a better player even with a low capability level in a fight game, auxiliary information speeding up the progress of a role playing game, settings of special rules not existing in the package software, etc., it is possible to provide a service enabling a considerably beginning class user to experience the thrill of a game designed for a higher class user or a high stage that cannot be reached by his or her own capability.
Note that, in this case, a user who doesn't have the game software can enjoy only the main picture and the main sound.
Further, by having the signal processing system 100 broadcast content different from the main video data and the main audio data in the television complementary data, it is possible to provide the following types of broadcasts.
For example, when broadcasting a game strategy program, it is possible to broadcast a program for a beginning class user as the main video and main audio data and broadcast a program for a high level user as the television complementary data and to have the user operate the controller 322 of the game system 320 to select one of the same. By doing this, the user can view a program matching his or her own level.
Further, in a broadcast such as a usual drama, it is possible to provide several story lines different from the main video and main audio data using the television complementary data. Then, by having the viewer select any of these or according to the status of a game being played by the viewer or randomly for every home system 300 based on a command transmitted as the command data, one story line is selected and output to the monitor 340 . By doing this, it is possible to broadcast a drama unfolding with several branching story lines as the program content.
Such a format imparts a game-like unpredictability, bidirectionality, and multiple story lines to television broadcast content which everyone had previously identically viewed passively.
Further, it is also possible to have the signal processing system 100 operate in cooperation with media distributed to the home as package media by the above configuration. By employing such a format, the following processing can be carried out.
First, characters or game screens which can not be seen by a usual game operation are stored in advance in the package software. Then, these characters or game screens are called up by the command data when broadcasting a specific program by the main video and main audio data. By doing this, it is possible to provide content newly enjoyable by only viewers watching a broadcast, upgrade the version of the game to a new stage after a while from the release of the package software, or provide other services.
Next, an explanation will be made of a format in the case when using the signal processing system 100 having such a configuration as an advertisement medium.
First, there is an advertisement format that provides advertisement information different between the main video and main audio data and the television complementary data and the game complementary data by a broadcast or package medium or a combination of the same and selectively outputs it to the monitor 340 by the selection of the viewer or unspecifically according to the state etc. of a game being played by the viewer or according to some sort of conditions described in the command data. By doing this, a TV commercial rich in unpredicted or unexpected changes can be realized.
Further, a format is also possible wherein, when a viewer watching an advertisement by the above format becomes interested in the product, the viewer can operate the controller 322 of the game system 320 to request a catalog, place an order for the product, answer a questionnaire, apply for a prize, etc. to the computer 270 of the broadcasting station system 200 via the synthesizer 330 , communication portion 310 , and the public telephone line 420 .
Further, it is also possible to provide points for the purchases of products or viewing of advertisements and therefore offer a so-called “point service”.
By utilizing such a format, two-way communication of TV commercials and television shopping can be realized.
Further, a format can also be considered wherein advertisement information of a specific advertiser is additionally broadcast as game complementary data at predetermined time intervals and the broadcasted advertisement of the advertiser is displayed on the screen of a game when a user is playing a game in the game system 320 of the home system 300 . The position of the advertisement in the game may be fixed to a predetermined position on the game screen or may be set to a billboard or wall or a label of a product in the game depending on the game software. By doing this, it is possible to change the sponsor according to the time or date even in the same game. Further, since the advertisement information may be transmitted later by broadcasting, the software of the game can be produced taking a long time as in the conventional case and respecting the wishes of the creators.
Further, in a format where the user can play a game with different sponsors assigned for predetermined times as mentioned above, it is also possible to collect score information etc. of ending information of the game of the viewers at the computer 270 of the broadcasting station system 200 and assign rankings according to the scores or order of arrival. Then, the sponsor can then provide privileges or prizes to for example the viewers of the highest rankings. By doing this, it is possible to encourage the combination of TV commercials and the game and make this type of advertisement more effective.
Next, an explanation will be made of use of the signal processing system 100 having such a configuration as a system for purchasing show tickets.
Here, an explanation will be made of a system adding entertainment to the processing for purchasing of the ticket, running a game preceding the purchase of the ticket, and selling tickets on a priority basis to viewers finishing the game fastest by referring to the flow charts of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 .
First, game software for purchasing tickets is distributed to the viewers in advance by broadcast or package media. Then, at the time of start of the sale of the tickets, the broadcasting station system 200 broadcasts a “ticket sale program” and starts the sale of the tickets in parallel to this broadcast.
Below, first, an explanation will be made of the processing in the home system 300 by referring to the flow chart of FIG. 4 .
The viewer desiring to purchase a ticket receives the “ticket sale program” broadcast by the broadcasting station system 200 and starts the game (step S 10 ).
The synthesizer 330 of the home system 300 confirms the sale information of the ticket based on the broadcasted data (step S 11 ) and checks whether or not it has been sold out (step S 12 ).
When it has not yet been sold out, it confirms the ending information of the game being performed in the game system 320 (step S 13 ) and checks whether or not the game is ended (step S 14 ). If the game has not been ended, it repeats the processing from the confirmation of the sale information of step S 11 .
When the game has been terminated at step S 14 , it transmits the ending information of the game and an user ID indicating the ID of the viewer via the communication portion 310 to the broadcasting station system 200 (step sis).
Then, it confirms acquisition/reception information from the home system 300 indicating whether or not the ticket could be acquired or which seat could be acquired etc. (step S 16 ). When a ticket could be acquired (step S 17 ), it writes ticket acquisition right information in an IC card loaded in the IC card I/F 324 of the game system 320 (step S 18 ) and terminates the series of ticket acquisition processing (step S 19 ).
At step 12 , when the tickets had been already sold out even though the game has not yet been terminated, it displays sold out information on the monitor 340 (step S 20 ) and terminates the series of the ticket acquisition processing (step S 21 ).
Further, at step S 17 , when the game could be ended, but the tickets have been already sold out, it displays the sold out information on the monitor 340 (step S 22 ) and terminates the series of the ticket acquisition processing (step S 23 ).
Next, an explanation will be made of the processing in the broadcasting station system 200 by referring to the flow chart of FIG. 5 .
In the broadcasting station system 200 , after starting the broadcast of the “ticket sale program” (step S 30 ), the computer 270 performs processing.
First, it checks the sold out information of the tickets (step S 31 ). When they have not been sold out (step S 32 ), it searches for game ending information transmitted from a home system 300 via the public telephone line (step S 33 ) and checks whether or not the game ending information has arrived (step S 34 ).
When game ending information has arrived (step S 34 ), it receives the ID of the user (step S 35 ), checks again the sold out information of the tickets (step S 36 ), confirms again that the tickets have not been sold out (step S 37 ), updates the remaining seat data base of the tickets (step S 38 ), and transmits ticket acquisition right information to the user of the received ID (step S 39 ).
After transmitting the ticket acquisition right information at step S 39 and when the game ending information has not arrived at step S 34 , the operation routine returns to step S 31 , after which the processing from the checking of the sold out information is repeated again.
Further, when the tickets have been sold out at step S 37 , it transmits the sold out information to the user of the ID transmitting the game ending information (step S 40 ), transmits a sold out information screen (step S 41 ), and terminates the ticket sale program.
Further, when the tickets have been sold out at step 32 as well, it transmits the sold out information screen (step S 41 ) and terminates the ticket sale program.
Note that the program transmitted from the broadcasting station system 200 has for example the host confirming the state of remaining seats of the tickets etc. over a monitor.
In the conventional method of telephone reservations, when the telephone lines are congested and one cannot get through, one cannot find out that the tickets have been sold out, so has to continue to try to call until getting through and only then learns the tickets are sold out. By using the above system, however, it is possible to easily confirm when tickets have been sold out.
Further, the viewer can confirm the seat which he or she has acquired in the television program.
Note that, for ticket sales, it is also possible for example to enable persons who have purchased tickets to view a message of thanks from the performing artist conversely to enable viewers who were not able to purchase tickets view a message of apology from the performing artist.
Further, a similar method can be applied to the sale of for example the limited distribution goods or software other than tickets.
As explained above, according to the signal processing system 100 of the present embodiment, by combining the signal processing of for example a television game using package media and real-time signal processing by a broadcast, a, variety of new services can be provided.
For example, it becomes possible to view a received broadcast while actually operating the game software, therefore, a game strategy program or other program for explaining the package software can be provided in a more impressive manner.
Further, by complementing the software of a television game by data from a broadcast or adding information of the real world, it is possible to provide a user with fresh entertainment expanded at any time after the user has experienced the finite information recorded in the software in advance.
Further, new game entertainment of game software linked with the real world can be provided.
Further, a secondary new additional value can be given to once sold package software and a corresponding new business can be created.
Further, the selectivity, unpredictability, and other elements of a game can be introduced into a television broadcast and therefore another new form of entertainment can be provided.
Further, in television commercials, commercials of a format never before existing, for example, enabling a user interested in the advertised product or the like to request further detailed information, actually order a catalog of the product or the product itself, or select information of interest from among a plurality of choices, or commercials having unpredictability can be provided.
Note that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment and includes various suitable modifications.
For example, the interface between the components in the home system 300 is not limited to an IEEE1394 interface. Any interface, for example, a USB can be used too.
Further, in the embodiment, the home system 300 was configured by four components of the communication portion 310 , game system 320 , synthesizer 330 , and monitor 340 contained in different housings. However, it is possible to employ a configuration where any combination of them, for example the communication portion 310 and synthesizer 330 or the communication portion 310 , game system 320 ,and synthesizer 330 , is contained in one housing. Further, any configuration can be used when mounting the same.
Further, in the present embodiment, the broadcasting station system 200 broadcasted to the home system 300 by a digital satellite broadcast, but the broadcast method is not limited to this. It may be an analog satellite broadcast or digital or analog ground wave broadcast. Further, it may be a broadcast over a cable television system and an Internet broadcast system.
Further, the route for feedback of a signal from the home system 300 to the broadcasting station system 200 is not limited to one using a public telephone line as in the present embodiment. Use can be made of any communication system, for example a dedicated line or the Internet or a system utilizing the two-way characteristic of a cable television system. Note that this feedback communication route is not indispensable in the present invention. The system of the present invention can stand even when transmitting a signal in one direction by a broadcast.
Further, in the present embodiment, the explanation was made of various types of broadcast services and the information services according to the present invention, but the processing relating to charging for the provided services and contents was not described. However, it is also possible to incorporate a mechanism for charging for the provided service and contents in the signal processing system 100 by any method. Such a system is also within the scope of the present invention. For example, it is also possible to utilize the charging mechanisms of existing satellite broadcasts and other pay broadcasts so as to collect charges for provision of the additional value.
Summarizing the effects of the invention, it is possible to provide a data transmission method and system which can combine audio and video content obtained by a television broadcast and audio and video content obtained by running for example package software in for example a television game system or operation and control information etc. from that television game system so as to have these functions complement each other and provide functions effective for a variety of objectives such as publicity and shopping or provide more enjoyable and less boring content of programs, games, etc. suitable for the interests of the viewer.
Further, it is possible to provide an information processing method and system which can combine the audio and video content obtained by a television broadcast and the audio and video content obtained from a television game system or the like or operation and control information, etc. thereof and perform suitable processing based on the audio and video content for publicity, shopping, and other objectives in new formats.
Further, it is possible to provide a data transmitter suitable for use in such data transmission system and information processing system.
Further, it is possible to provide a signal processor suitable for use as for example a home terminal in such data transmission system and information processing system.
Further, it is possible to provide a content data processing method suitable for application to such data transmission system and information processing system.
Further, it is possible to provide a data serving method suitable for application to such data transmission system and information processing system. | A liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal display panel having a plurality of pixels on a display line. A set of drivers drives a set of pixels, the set of drivers receiving display data and providing video signals to the set of pixels. A clock provides a clock signal to the set of drivers to latch the display data based on a frequency of the clock signal, and receives a feedback signal from the set of drivers prior to an end of the display data received by the set of drivers. A delay circuit stops the clock signal to the set of drivers, based on the feedback signal, after delaying for a first time period that is no less than a predetermined time period between the feedback signal and the end of the display data received by the set of drivers. | 57,904 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a robot cleaner, a robot cleaning system, and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to a robot cleaner, a robot cleaning system, and a method for controlling the same that is capable of controlling the driving mechanism of the robot cleaner by using an upper image photographed while the robot cleaner is driving.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A general robot cleaner determines the extent of a cleaning area by driving an outer track of the cleaning area that is surrounded by a wall or an obstacle by using an ultrasonic sensor disposed on a main body, and plans a cleaning path to clean the determined cleaning area. After that, the robot cleaner drives wheels to run the planned cleaning path by calculating a driving distance and a current position from a signal detected through a sensor for sensing the degree of rotation of the wheels and their rotation angle. However, the above generally used method for recognizing the position produces an error between the driving distance and the moved position calculated from the signal by the sensor and the real driving distance and the position that may be caused by the slip of the wheels and/or the bend of a floor while the robot cleaner is driving along a cleaning path. The more the cleaner drives, the more the position recognition errors may accumulate. Accordingly, the cleaner driven by the accumulated position recognition error can deviate significantly from the planned cleaning path. Consequently, some area might not be cleaned, and the cleaner can perform cleaning several times for other areas. Accordingly, cleaning efficiency and precision can diminish.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a robot cleaner, a robot cleaning system, and a method for controlling the robot capable of effectively performing a commanded cleaning by compensating to correct error in a computed driving track, and for precisely recognizing the current position of the robot cleaner.
[0006] The above object is accomplished by providing a robot cleaner that comprises: a driving unit for driving a plurality of wheels; an upper camera disposed on a main body in order to photograph an upper image perpendicular to a direction of driving of the robot cleaner; and a controller for controlling the driving unit to allow the robot cleaner to drive within a cleaning area defined by a predetermined driving pattern, and arranging the driving path by analyzing the image photographed by the upper camera.
[0007] It is preferable that the controller controls the driving unit to drive within the cleaning area defined by the predetermined driving pattern and creates and stores an image map in regard to the upper area from the image photographed by the upper camera, when operating a mode for mapping a cleaning area. In addition, the controller recognizes the position of the robot cleaner by comparing the stored image map and a current image input from the upper camera, so as to enable the control of the driving unit corresponding to a target driving path from a recognized position.
[0008] Moreover, the controller creates the image map when a signal for cleaning is transmitted.
[0009] It is preferable that a front camera is disposed on the main body for photographing an image opposite to the direction of driving of the robot cleaner. The controller creates the image map by three-dimensionally mapping the upper image photographed from the upper camera and the front image photographed by the front camera.
[0010] The controller may divide the image map into a plurality of small cells, each cell having a predetermined size, may determine a special feature on one or more of the divided small cells, and set up the determined special feature as a standard coordinate point for recognizing the position of the robot cleaner. The special feature includes at least one element taken from a bulb, a fire sensor, a fluorescent lamp, and a speaker.
[0011] The controller extracts a linear element from the image photographed from the upper camera while the robot cleaner is driving, and may arrange a driving track by using the extracted linear element.
[0012] To accomplish the above object, the robot cleaning system includes: a driving unit for driving a plurality of wheels; a robot cleaner having an upper camera disposed on a main body for photographing an upper image perpendicular to a driving direction; and a remote controller for wirelessly communicating with the robot cleaner. The remote controller controls the robot cleaner to drive within a cleaning area defined by a predetermined driving pattern, and arranges a driving track by analyzing the image transmitted after being photographed by the upper camera.
[0013] It is preferable that the remote controller controls the robot cleaner to drive within the cleaning area defined by the predetermined driving pattern and creates an image map in regard to the upper area from the image photographed by the upper camera, when operating a mode for mapping a cleaning area. In addition, the remote controller recognizes the position of the robot cleaner by comparing the stored image map and a current image transmitted from the robot cleaner after being photographed from the upper camera and controls a cleaning path of the robot cleaner to perform the desired target work from a recognized position, after receiving a signal for cleaning.
[0014] It is advisable that the remote controller creates the image map whenever a signal for cleaning is transmitted.
[0015] A front camera is disposed on the main body in order to photograph an image opposite to the direction of driving of the robot cleaner. Moreover, the remote controller creates the image map by three-dimensionally mapping the upper image and the front image transmitted from the robot cleaner after being photographed from the upper camera and the front camera, respectively.
[0016] It is recommended that the remote controller extracts a linear element from the image transmitted after being photographed from the upper camera and arranges a driving track by using the extracted linear element, when controlling the driving of the robot cleaner.
[0017] To accomplish the above object, the method for controlling the robot cleaner according to the present invention comprises the steps of: creating and storing an image map of an upper area, located above an area to be cleaned, from an image photographed by the upper camera by driving the robot cleaner according to a predetermined driving pattern within a cleaning area; recognizing a position of the robot cleaner by comparing an image of the recorded image map and a current image photographed from the upper camera, and calculating a driving path from the recognized position to a target position, upon receiving a signal for cleaning; and driving the robot cleaner according to the calculated driving path.
[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, the method for controlling the robot cleaner comprises the steps of: creating a cleaning area map by driving the robot cleaner within a cleaning area and storing the map; calculating a driving path corresponding to a cleaning command, upon receiving a signal for cleaning; driving the robot cleaner according to the calculated driving path; and arranging the driving path by analyzing an image photographed from the upper camera.
[0019] It is preferable that the driving path arranging step extracts a linear element from the image photographed from the upper camera, and arranges the driving path by using the extracted linear element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The objects and the features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing the preferred embodiments of the present invention having reference to the appended drawings, in which:
[0021] [0021]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a robot cleaner according to the present invention in which a cover has been separated from the cleaner;
[0022] [0022]FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the robot cleaning system according to the present invention;
[0023] [0023]FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the central control unit of FIG. 2;
[0024] [0024]FIG. 4 is a view showing the status in which the robot cleaner of FIG. 1 is placed in a room;
[0025] [0025]FIG. 5 is a view showing an exemplary track that the robot cleaner may drive in the room, such as that shown in FIG. 4;
[0026] [0026]FIG. 6 is a “plan” view showing one example of an image map created by mapping an image photographed along the driving track shown in FIG. 5;
[0027] [0027]FIG. 7 is a flow chart diagram showing the control process of the robot cleaner according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] [0028]FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another example of a possible room configuration; and
[0029] [0029]FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the control process of the robot cleaner according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Hereinbelow, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in greater detail having reference to the appended drawings.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a robot cleaner 10 comprises a suction unit 11 , a sensing unit 12 , a front camera 13 , an upper camera 14 , a driving unit 15 , comprising elements 15 a to 15 g (FIG. 1), a memory 16 (FIG. 2), a transmitter 17 , and a controller 18 . The power source may comprise a battery 19 .
[0032] The suction unit 11 is installed on a main body 10 a in order to collect dust on an opposing floor while drawing in air. The suction unit 11 can be constructed using well-known methods. As one example, the suction unit 11 has a suction motor (not shown), and a suction chamber, for collecting the air drawn in through a suction hole or a suction pipe formed opposite to the floor by driving of the suction motor.
[0033] The sensing unit 12 sends a signal to commence the process of sensing the environment outside of the robot 10 cleaner. The sensing unit 12 comprises an obstacle detection sensor 12 a disposed at a side circumference of the body 10 a separated by predetermined intervals in order to receive a reflected signal, and a driving distance detection sensor 12 b for measuring distances driven by the robot 10 cleaner.
[0034] The obstacle detection sensor 12 a has a plurality of infrared ray luminous elements 12 a 1 for projecting infrared rays and light-receiving elements 12 a 2 for receiving infrared rays. The infrared ray luminous elements 12 a 1 and receiving elements 12 a 2 are disposed along an outer circumference of the obstacle detection sensor 12 a by perpendicularly arranged pairs. On the other hand, the obstacle detection sensor 12 a can adopt an ultrasonic sensor capable of projecting an ultrasound and receiving a reflected ultrasound. The obstacle detection sensor 12 a is also used for measuring the distance between the robot cleaner and an obstacle or an adjacent wall.
[0035] The driving distance detection sensor 12 b (FIG. 2) computes data received from a rotation detection sensor for detecting the degree or amount of rotation of wheels 15 a through 15 d. For example, the rotation detection sensor can adopt an encoder for detecting the degree of rotation of motors 15 e, 15 f, respectively.
[0036] The front camera 13 is disposed on the main body 10 a is directed in the direction of travel in order to photograph a front image, and outputs the photographed image to the controller 18 .
[0037] The upper camera 14 is disposed on the main body 10 a and directly upwardly in order to photograph an upper image, and outputs the photographed image to the controller 18 .
[0038] The driving unit 15 comprises: two wheels 15 a, 15 b disposed at both sides of the front of body 10 a; two wheels 15 c, 15 d disposed at both sides of the back of body 10 a; motors 15 e, 15 f for respectively rotating the back wheels 15 c, 15 d; and a timing belt 15 g for transmitting power generated by the motors 15 e, 15 f to the back wheels 15 c, 15 d also to the front wheels 15 a, 15 b. The driving unit 15 independently rotates the motors 15 e, 15 f in a forward or an inverse direction in accordance with control signals received from the controller 18 . The angular rotation of the robot 10 can be performed by driving the motors 15 e, 15 f with different speeds of rotation or in opposite directions. The transmitter 17 sends target data through an antenna 17 a, and transmits a signal received by the transmitter 17 , through the antenna 17 a, to the controller 18 .
[0039] The controller 18 processes the signal received by the transmitter 17 , and controls each of the elements. The controller 18 processes a key signal input from a key input apparatus, when the key input apparatus having a plurality of keys for manipulating to set-up functions of an apparatus is further provided on the main body 10 a.
[0040] The controller 18 develops or arranges a driving path for the robot cleaner 10 by analyzing the image photographed by the upper camera 14 as the controller 18 controls the driving unit 15 to drive within a cleaning area according to a driving pattern determined by the command for cleaning.
[0041] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the controller 18 creates an image map in regard to an upper area of the cleaning area, such as a ceiling, from the image photographed by the upper camera 14 by controlling the driving unit 15 to drive the robot cleaner 10 within the cleaning area in accordance with a predetermined driving pattern for creating the map. The controller then stores the created image map into the memory 16 , when a mode for creating the image map is set up. The controller 18 can be set up to perform the mode for creating the image map when a signal is received commanding performance of the mode for creating the image map by an external wireless input or from the key input apparatus. Alternatively, the controller 18 can be set up to perform the mode for creating the image map before performing any cleaning operations, when the command for cleaning is wirelessly transmitted from the outside or the key input apparatus to the robot 10 .
[0042] The controller 18 controls the driving unit 15 in accordance with the driving pattern set up by the controller so as to photograph the cleaning area. Generally, the cleaning area is surrounded by an obstacle or a wall, and may define an entire room by dividing the room with reference to the data received from the upper camera 14 , when operating the mode for creating the image map. As an example of the driving pattern, the controller 18 advances the robot cleaner 10 forward from a current position, and when a wall or obstacle is detected by the obstacle sensor 12 a, sets up the current position as an initial position. After that, the controller 18 controls the driving unit 15 to drive the robot cleaner 10 until the robot cleaner 10 returns to its initial position by driving along the wall, thereby creating an image of a room outline or boundary.
[0043] Then, the controller 18 drives the robot cleaner 10 within the area determined by the room outline along driving lines or legs separated by regular intervals. In other words, the controller 18 controls the driving unit 15 to drive the robot cleaner 10 along the driving line 22 planned with respect to the cleaning area 21 determined, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0044] At this time, the interval separating the legs of the driving line 22 is determined to allow the upper images photographed by camera 14 to be consecutive. The upper image is photographed while the robot cleaner 10 is moving along the driving line 22 . Moreover, it is preferable that the photographing cycle is determined to provide frames having an overlap of about 10% to 20% with the adjacent image of the upper images photographed or extracted while moving along an adjacent leg of line 22 . The method for determining the photographing cycle can initially be done through a plurality of images photographed for several times. Alternatively, the photographing cycle may be set up in advance by considering an angle of vision of the upper camera 14 and the distance from the floor to ceiling in a normal room, and then the photographing can be done by a predetermined photographing cycle.
[0045] The image photographed from the upper camera 14 during the driving process is stored in the memory 16 as the upper image map shown in FIG. 6. The stored image may include elements, as determined by the control program of the controller 18 , when elements, such as a bulb 31 , a fire sensor 32 , and a fluorescent lamp 33 , shown in FIG. 4, are photographed as being installed on the ceiling.
[0046] Preferably, the controller 18 divides the image map stored in the memory 16 into several cells, as shown in FIG. 6. In addition, the controller 18 performs an image process for setting up one or more special features as standard coordinate points for recognizing the position so as to easily determine the position of the robot cleaner 10 by extracting the special feature among the images corresponding to each of the cells. For example, the bulb 31 , the fire sensor 32 , and the direct-light fluorescent lamp 33 , shown in FIG. 4, may be determined as the special features for the image processing method in regard to the image photographed for the corresponding elements 31 , 32 , 33 shown in of FIG. 6.
[0047] The image processing method for extracting the special features from the photographed image can adopt well-known methods. For example, a method can be adopted using an algorithm that processes a coordinate point calculated by connecting pixel points having similar values, such as the special features, after converting the photographed image into a gray level. Moreover, an image area having a similar distribution as does the recorded data value can be determined as matching a corresponding special feature, after image data having a distribution type in regard to the special features are first stored in the memory 16 .
[0048] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the controller 18 creates an image map by three-dimensionally mapping the front image photographed from the front camera 13 and the upper image photographed from the upper camera 14 and stores the created image map into the memory 16 . When the three-dimensional image map is created and used, the accuracy of the position recognition can be improved. In this case, it is preferable that the position recognition from the upper image received from camera 14 , having less variety of the installed elements, is processed first to provide information for recognizing the robot cleaner's position. When the position is not precisely recognized, it is advisable that the front image from camera 13 is referenced for additional information.
[0049] The controller 18 recognizes the position of the robot cleaner 10 in reference to the stored image map by using the image map created when the robot cleaner 10 performs the cleaning after the image map is created. In other words, the controller 18 recognizes the current position of the robot cleaner 10 by comparing the current image input from the upper camera 14 alone, or from both the front camera 13 and the upper camera 14 , with the stored image map. The controller 18 then controls the driving unit 15 to follow the line 22 corresponding to the target driving path from the recognized position, when the signal for externally commanding the cleaning is wirelessly input from outside or from the key input apparatus.
[0050] Here, the signal for commanding the cleaning may include an observation made through one or both of the cameras 13 , 14 or from the cleaning program. The controller 18 calculates the driving error by using the current position recognized by the driving distance measured from the encoder and comparing the current photographed image from the cameras with the stored image map, and controls the driving unit 15 to track the target driving path by compensating for any error.
[0051] It has been described that the image map is directly created by the controller 18 , and the position of the robot cleaner 10 can be recognized by the controller by using the created image map.
[0052] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the robot cleaning system may externally process the upper image map creation and position recognition of the robot cleaner 10 to reduce the operation load required for the creating of the image map of the robot cleaner 10 and for recognizing the position of the robot cleaner 10 .
[0053] The robot cleaner 10 is constructed to wirelessly send the photographed image information to an external processor, such as central control unit 50 (FIG. 2), and to perform operations in accordance with the control signal transmitted from the external processor. Moreover, a remote controller 40 wirelessly controls the driving of the robot cleaner 10 , recognizes the position of the robot cleaner 10 , and creates the image map.
[0054] The remote controller 40 comprises a wireless relaying apparatus 41 , an antenna 42 and a central control unit 50 .
[0055] The wireless relaying apparatus 41 processes the wireless signal transmitted from the robot cleaner 10 and transmits the processed signal to the central control unit 50 through a wire. In addition, the wireless relaying apparatus 50 wirelessly sends the signal transmitted from the central control unit 50 to the robot cleaner 10 through antenna 42 .
[0056] The central control unit 50 is established with a general computer, and one example of the central control unit 50 is shown in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 3, the central control unit 50 comprises a CPU (central process unit) 51 , a ROM 52 , a RAM 53 , a display apparatus 54 , an input apparatus 55 , a memory 56 , including a robot cleaner driver 56 a, and a communication apparatus 57 .
[0057] The robot cleaner driver 56 a is used for controlling the robot cleaner 10 and for processing the signal transmitted from the robot cleaner 10 .
[0058] The robot cleaner driver 56 a provides a menu for setting up the control of the robot cleaner 10 through the display unit 54 , and processes the menu choice selected by a user to be performed by the robot cleaner 10 , when being operated. It is preferable that the menu includes the cleaning area map creation, the cleaning command, and the observation operation. Moreover, it is advisable that an image map creation command, a target area selection list, and a method for cleaning are provided as sub-selection menus.
[0059] In the case of the menu for creating the cleaning area map or the image map, it is preferable that the user can set up an update cycle at least once per week or once per month in regard to updating the status of the image map, when the robot cleaner 10 operates the cleaning process.
[0060] When a signal for creating the image map is input through the input apparatus 55 by the user or at the time of creating the predetermined image map, the robot cleaner driver 56 a controls the robot cleaner 10 to receive the upper image, usually the ceiling image, of the entire cleaning area required for creating the image map, as described before. The robot cleaner driver 56 a creates the image map by mapping the image transmitted by the robot cleaner 10 , and stores the created image map into the memory 56 . In this case, the controller 18 (FIG. 1) of the robot cleaner 10 controls the driving unit 15 in accordance with control information transmitted from the robot cleaner driver 56 a through a wireless relaying apparatus 41 (FIG. 2), and thus the operation load in regard to creation of the image map is diminished significantly. In addition, the controller 18 transmits the upper image photographed during a regular cycle while the robot cleaner is driving in accordance with commands sent by the central control unit 50 through the wireless relaying apparatus 41 . The robot cleaner driver 56 a can create the image map by mapping the front image and the upper image, simultaneously.
[0061] The position recognition method of the robot cleaner 10 operated by the above method will be described, referring to FIG. 7 for the method steps and to FIG. 1 for the hardware.
[0062] First the controller 18 (FIG. 1) judges whether to perform the mode for creating the image map, step 100 .
[0063] When the mode for creating the image map is required or commanded, the controller 18 drives the robot cleaner 10 to photograph the entire upper image of the ceiling, step 10 .
[0064] The controller 18 creates the image map by mapping the upper image and, if necessary, the front image, photographed by the cameras 13 , 14 corresponding to the cleaning area, and stores the created image map into the memory 16 or 56 , step 120 .
[0065] After that, the controller 18 makes a determination of whether the command for cleaning is being transmitted, step 130 .
[0066] When it is judged that the command for cleaning has been transmitted, the controller 18 recognizes the position of the robot cleaner 10 by comparing the upper image transmitted from the upper camera 14 with the stored image map, step 140 . When the image map includes the information on the front image in the step 140 , the current front image can be also used for the step of recognizing of the position of the robot cleaner 10 .
[0067] Then, the controller 18 calculates the driving path from the recognized current position, as determined in step 140 , for moving to the cleaning area or along the cleaning path corresponding to the transmitted command for cleaning, step 150 .
[0068] Next, the controller 18 drives the robot cleaner 10 according to the calculated driving path, step 160 .
[0069] After that, the controller 18 makes a determination whether the work command is completed, step 170 . The work command here means the cleaning work that is performed driving the cleaning path or moving to the target position. If the work is not completed, steps 140 to 160 are repeated until the work is completed. Alternatively, according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the ceiling has an orthogonal outline, a method is adopted for driving the robot cleaner 10 so as to reduce the compensation process load in regard to the driving path by photographing the ceiling. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the ceiling is arrayed with rectangle plaster boards 34 or when a plurality of direct-light fluorescent lamps 35 are installed on the ceiling, the controller 18 or/and the remote controller 40 are established to compensate for any driving error by using the condition of the ceiling that provides the orthogonal outline defined by the edges of the plaster boards 34 or fluorescent lamps 35 .
[0070] To achieve this, the controller 18 extracts any linear elements from the image photographed from the upper camera 14 while the robot cleaner 10 is driving, by using a well-known method for processing an image of a detected edge, and arranges for the driving track by using the extracted linear element information.
[0071] Preferably, the controller 18 compensates for any driving error detected with respect to a predetermined time or a predetermined distance from the encoder. After that, the controller 18 repeatedly compensates for the driving error by using the linear element of the image photographed from the upper camera. In other words, the controller 18 calculates the driving track error by detecting the driving track error with the encoder, and controls the driving unit 15 for allowing the robot cleaner 10 to return to a target driving track by compensating for the calculated error. After that, the controller 18 compensates for driving error by calculating the track deviation error of the robot cleaner 10 by using direction information of the linear elements extracted by analyzing the image data photographed from the upper camera 14 .
[0072] The above method can be adapted to the robot cleaning system described above.
[0073] Here, the method for processing an image of the detected edge can adopt various methods such as a ‘Sobel Algorithm,’ or a ‘Navatiark Babu Algorithm.’
[0074] The robot cleaner controlling process for compensating for the driving error by extracting the linear element from the upper image will be described in greater detail referring to FIG. 9 for the method steps and to FIGS. 1 and 8 for the hardware.
[0075] First, the controller 18 determines whether to perform the mode for creating the work or cleaning area map, step 200 .
[0076] When the mode for creating the cleaning area map is required or commanded, the controller 18 drives the robot cleaner 10 within the cleaning area, step 210 .
[0077] The driving pattern of the robot cleaner 10 in regard to the mode for creating the cleaning area map is the same as the example described above. First, the robot cleaner 10 is driven forward, and when a wall or an obstacle is detected by the obstacle detection sensor 12 a, then the position is set up as the initial position. After that, the controller 18 controls the driving unit 15 to drive the robot cleaner 10 until the robot cleaner 10 returns to its initial position by driving along the outline of the room adjacent the wall. Next, the controller 18 drives the robot cleaner 10 within the area determined by the outline, as determined, along the driving line extending by incremental legs having, a predetermined interval between the legs. The controller 18 creates the cleaning area map by using the information on the obstacle or the driving track detected during the driving described above, and stores the cleaning area map, step 220 . On the other hand, the cleaning area map may be created using the same method as the mode for creating the image map described above, and thereafter stored.
[0078] The controller 18 then determines whether the command for cleaning has been transmitted, step 230 .
[0079] If the controller 18 determines that the command for cleaning has been transmitted, then the controller 18 calculates the driving path for moving to the commanded cleaning area or along the cleaning path corresponding to the transmitted command for cleaning, step 240 .
[0080] Then, the controller 18 drives the robot cleaner 10 according to the calculated driving path, step 250 .
[0081] The controller 18 extracts the linear element information from the image photographed from the upper camera 14 while the robot cleaner 10 is driving, and compensates for any driving error by using the extracted linear element information, step 260 . Here, it is preferable that the process for analyzing the image photographed from the upper camera 14 is performed once every cycle set up so as to reduce the image process load.
[0082] Then, the controller 18 determines that the cleaning is completed by driving the robot cleaner 10 along the cleaning path according to the above process, step 270 . If the cleaning is not completed, the controller 18 repeats the steps 240 to 260 until the robot cleaner 10 completes the cleaning, as shown by the loop in FIG. 9.
[0083] As described so far, the robot cleaner, the robot cleaning system, and the method for controlling the same according to the present invention can perform the commanded cleaning work more easily by reducing the driving error to the target position since the robot cleaner 10 can recognize the position more accurately by using the upper image having less variety of the installed elements. It is contemplated that unlike furniture, ceiling fixtures will not be moved as often.
[0084] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein. However, the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described here, and someone skilled in the art can modify the present invention without distorting the point of the present invention claimed in the following claims. | A robot cleaner, robot cleaning system, and a method for controlling the same, the robot cleaner cleaning by wirelessly communicating with an external apparatus having a driving unit for driving a plurality of wheels; an upper camera disposed on a main body for photographing an upper image perpendicular to a direction of driving the robot cleaner; and a controller for controlling the driving unit to allow the robot cleaner to drive with a cleaning area according to a predetermined driving pattern, and compensating the driving path by analyzing the image photographed by the upper camera. In other embodiments, the robot cleaner may include a second forwardly directed camera which may be utilized to provide a three dimensional image of the cleaning area, and also sensors for sensing the walls defining a cleaning area or obstacles in the cleaning area. In yet another embodiment, and to reduce the image computing load on the robot cleaner, transmission of the image to an external processor/controller may be effected by a radio antenna. The robot cleaner, the robot cleaning system, and the method for controlling the same, can recognize the robot cleaner position more accurately as the position is recognized by using an upper image that does not experience as much alteration as does a floor. Therefore, a movement error to a target position is reduced, and a commanded work can be performed more easily. | 34,057 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This patent application is related to the field of cable connectors and in particular to an integrated filter connector that performs the functions of a coaxial cable connector component combined with the functions of an in-line signal conditioning component.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
CATV systems presently utilize a wide range of in-line filters, traps, attenuators, and other line conditioning equipment. The line conditioning equipment is used to maintain or improve the quality and to control the content of the network signal to an individual subscriber's premises. Conversely, the above equipment is also used in order to maintain, protect or condition the signals generated by devices within the subscriber's premises location and returned to the CATV network.
The ingress of RF energy is known to be a substantial factor in the degradation of the quality of the signals passed in each direction in a CATV network. Each connection (coupling) between a coaxial cable and the equipment in the distribution network is a potential point of ingress of RF energy that may interfere with the network signals. A particular source for RF ingress which is of concern to CATV system operators are low quality or poorly installed coaxial cable connectors, also referred to as coax cable connectors. Consequently, reducing the number of connectors and splices and improving the quality of the connections (couplings) between coaxial cable and distribution equipment reduces the opportunity of RF ingress.
Substantial advances have been made over the years in the art of coaxial connectors that provide improved RF shielding and moisture sealing, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,470,257; 5,632,651; 6,153,830; 6,558,194; and 6,716,062; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/892,645, filed on Jul. 16, 2004; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/092,197, filed on Mar. 29, 2005, all of which are assigned to John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc. of East Syracuse, New York. While such connectors are substantially less prone to installation errors, improper installation of the connector and improper seating (coupling) of the connector to an equipment port may still significantly contribute to signal interference from RF ingress.
While most of the foregoing line conditioning devices are installed to improve system performance on an existing network on an as-needed basis, their use is widespread enough that for some systems these devices are essentially standard with each new installation or service call and are therefore considered permanent. In such instances, it is not necessary for these devices to be separate, removable hardware, having traditional connector interfaces at each end thereof. In fact and in many instances, it is a general desire of the system operator to ensure that line conditioning devices are used and to make omissions or removal of these devices difficult for the installer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore a desired object of the present invention to provide an integrated filter connector that performs the functions of a coaxial cable connector component combined with the functions of an in-line signal conditioning component. Elimination of a connection (coupling) between a coaxial cable connector component and a fitting on a typical in-line conditioning device component will result in reducing the potential for RF ingress into a signal path traveling through the integrated filter connector.
The advantages of incorporating an in-line device with a cable connector are not limited to regulating usage by the installers. Other advantages that become evident include elimination of ground contact points (as compared with a filter and connector that are joined conventionally) and moisture entry points, as well as reduced length, as compared with a non-integrated filter and connector.
As will be noted herein and according to the invention, many other types of connector components may be incorporated as well as many in-line device types.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The objects and features of the invention can be better understood with reference to the claims and drawings described below. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, the emphasis is instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Within the drawings, like reference numbers are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views. Differences between like parts may cause those parts to be indicated by different reference numbers. Unlike parts are indicated by different reference numbers.
For a further understanding of these and objects of the present invention, reference will be made to the following Detailed Description, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of an unassembled integrated filter connector made in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cut-away perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector of FIG. 1 .
FIG. 3 is the assembled perspective view of the integrated filter connector of FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
FIG. 4 is a cut-away perspective view of a second embodiment of an integrated filter connector including a hand rotatable compression component design;
FIG. 5 is a cut-away perspective view of a third embodiment of an integrated filter connector including a different set of compression related components as compared to those of the prior two embodiments;
FIG. 6 is a cut-away perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an integrated filter connector including a different set of compression related components as compared to those of the prior three described embodiments;
FIG. 7 is a cut-away perspective view of an integrated filter connector in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention including an RCA style connector interface;
FIG. 8 is a cut-away perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the integrated filter connector that includes a BNC style connector interface;
FIG. 9 is a cut-away perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the integrated filter connector that includes an F style male connector interface; and
FIG. 10 is a cut-away perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the integrated filter connector that includes an F style female connector interface.
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a ninth embodiment of an unassembled integrated filter connector made in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a cut-away perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector of FIG. 11 .
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector of FIGS. 11 and 12 .
FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a tenth embodiment of an unassembled integrated filter connector made in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a cut-away perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector of FIG. 14 .
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector of FIGS. 14 and 15 .
FIG. 17 is a cut-away perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of an assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector having an externally threaded port connector.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of an unassembled integrated filter and connector assembly 10 made in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the integrated filter and connector assembly 10 , also referred to as an integrated filter connector 10 , includes a connector body 110 having a front body end (forward end) 102 and a rear body end (rear end) 104 , which is configured to enclose an electric circuit which in one form can be a printed circuit board (PCB) 112 that performs in-line signal conditioning and that functions as part of an integrated signal filter assembly.
As assembled within the outer body 110 , a post 120 , including an attached circuit board support 118 , is configured to receive and to provide mechanical support to the circuit board 112 . The circuit board support 118 is constructed as a circular shaped member and includes slots 118 a and 118 b . The slots 118 a and 118 b are disposed at opposing locations along a circumference of the circular shaped member 118 and are oriented and dimensioned to receive and to provide mechanical support to the circuit board 112 . When receiving the circuit board 112 , the ground plane of the circuit board 112 may be electrically engaged with the post 120 .
The circuit board 112 includes a forward electrode 114 and a rear electrode 116 , also referred to as a front terminal 114 and a rear terminal 116 , located at a first electrical end and a second electrical end respectively, of electrical circuitry residing within the circuit board 112 . Typically, the forward electrode 114 is implemented as a contact pin 114 and the rear electrode is implemented as a collet 116 . In some embodiments, the forward electrode is also implemented as a collet. The PCB 112 also includes a ground plane (not shown), a forward electrical contact pad (not shown) and a rear electrical contact pad (not shown) at each of two opposite ends. The forward electrical contact pad is in electrical contact with the forward electrode 114 . The rear electrical contact pad is in electrical contact with the rear electrode 116 . An insulator 122 is configured to surround and insulate the contact pin 114 from the outer body 110 . As shown, the insulator 122 is shaped as a disk 122 and is typically made of a compressible insulating material.
The PCB 112 includes electrical components that collectively perform signal conditioning (processing) of a signal traveling between the forward electrode (contact pin) 114 and the rear electrode (collet) 116 . Signal conditioning includes various forms of signal filtering performed by electrical components included within one or more filtering circuits residing on the PCB 112 . Such filtering circuits are collectively included within what is referred to as a filter assembly. Additional details relating to the exemplary filter assembly described herein are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,794,957 and 6,476,688, the relevant parts of which are herein incorporated by reference.
A nut 130 including internal threads 132 may be rotationally attached to the outer body 110 at the forward end 102 of the integrated filter connector 10 and is configured to rotate independently of the outer body 110 . The nut 130 includes a plurality of exterior flats 134 , that enable the nut 130 to be engaged by a tool, such as a wrench (not shown). The nut 130 is configured to engage an externally threaded port (not shown), such as one included within a cable television distribution box.
FIG. 2 is a cut-away perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector 10 of FIG. 1 . As depicted in FIG. 2 , the nut 130 includes an interior groove 187 located along the interior surface of the nut 130 . Likewise, the outer body 110 includes an exterior groove 182 located along the forward end of the exterior surface of the outer body 110 . Both the interior groove 187 and the exterior groove 182 are configured to receive a nut retaining ring 184 . The nut retaining ring 184 includes a gap to enable the ring 184 to be compressed (along its circumference) and fit into the exterior groove 182 prior to the nut 130 being slid over the front end of the outer body. The nut retaining ring 184 expands to snap engage the interior groove 187 of the nut 130 , allowing the nut to rotate independently of the body 110 .
A moisture sealing member 188 may be disposed inside of a second groove 186 located along the exterior surface of the outer body 110 . The moisture sealing member 188 is preferably made of rubber and is configured to press upwards against the interior surface of the nut 130 in order to seal out moisture that could travel through the physical contact between the nut 130 and the outer body 110 . In this embodiment the moisture sealing member is in the form of an O ring.
A set of compression related components, also referred to as a compression member assembly or a cable attachment mechanism, includes an insert sleeve 140 , a compression member 142 and a compression member housing 144 , also referred to as a housing member 144 , and a throughbore co-located at an opening of an internal bore 250 , and are disposed at the rear end 104 of the integrated filter connector 10 . The compression member 142 is located at a rear end of the compression assembly. The insert sleeve is located at a forward end of the compression assembly.
The post 120 includes a front end and a rear end and is dimensioned to fit within an internal bore 250 , also referred to as a central passageway 250 or a through bore 250 , of the integrated filter connector 10 . The central passageway 250 is defined by an internal surface 248 . The front end and the rear end of the post 120 are disposed within the central passageway 250 . The post 120 includes a sleeve 220 , including a barbed portion 222 at a rear end of the post 120 , for insertion beneath at least the braided wire mesh (outer conductor) of a coaxial cable (not shown) that can be inserted within the internal bore 250 . As shown, the rear end of the post 120 optionally includes a plurality of barbs on the post serrations 222 to enable it to better mechanically and electrically engage the braided wire mesh (outer conductor) of the coaxial cable (not shown).
The compression member 142 may be surrounded by a housing member 144 . A forward end of the housing member 144 includes a cylindrical sleeve that is dimensioned to fit and slide outside of and over a cylindrical shaped sleeve at the rear end of the outer body 110 . As shown, the housing member 144 optionally includes an inward flange 246 at its rear end. The inward flange 246 radially surrounds at least a portion of an edge located at the rear end of the compression member 142 .
As assembled, the compression member 142 is configured to abut the tapered rear end of the insert sleeve 140 while the housing member 144 is configured to slide over the rear end of the outer body 110 and surrounds the compression member 142 (See FIG. 2 ). The compression member 142 is dimensioned to fit inside of a cavity 230 residing between the insert sleeve 140 and the outer surface of the sleeve 220 of the post 120 . The insert sleeve 140 is tapered at its rear end to enable the compression member 142 to slide into the insert sleeve 140 when an axial force (directed towards the forward end 102 ) is applied to advance the compression member 142 into the outer body 110 .
As assembled, when axial force is applied to the housing member 144 , the tapered rear end of the insert sleeve 140 slides between the compression member 142 and the housing member 144 .
As described, the insert sleeve 140 is disposed around and outside of the post 120 and inside of the outer body 110 . The compression member 142 is disposed abutting the insert sleeve 140 , while the housing member 144 is disposed around and outside of the outer body 110 .
To attach the integrated filter connector 10 to a coaxial cable, a prepared end of a coaxial cable is inserted into the internal bore 250 and engaged with the post 120 so that the sleeve 220 of the post is inserted beneath the outer layers of the coaxial cable (not shown), including at least the braided wire mesh (not shown) of an outer conductor. The central (center) conductor is received by the collet 116 at the rear end of the PCB 112 .
The coaxial cable typically includes a central (center) conductor, a surrounding dielectric layer, and a surrounding electrically conductive material layer, such as referred to as a braided wire mesh outer conductor and an outer protective layer (cover), also referred to as a protective outer jacket. The outer layers of the coaxial cable refer to the outer conductor and an outer insulating layer.
The inward flange 246 is engaged with a compression tool (not shown) that applies the force to axially advance the housing member 144 , also referred to as a compression member cover 144 , and causes the compression member 142 to move (advance) towards the forward end 102 and further into the outer body 110 .
Upon further axial advancement of the housing member 144 and of the compression member 142 , the compression member 142 is driven between the inner sleeve 140 and the outer layers of the coaxial cable. This axial advancement causes an inward radial deformation of the compression member 142 against the outer layers of the cable (not shown) that surround the post 120 .
This inward radial deformation compresses and firmly grasps the outer layers of the coaxial cable between the compression member 142 and the post 120 retaining the cable within the integrated filter connector. A shoulder 212 located on the exterior surface of the outer body 110 is configured to act as a stop to limit the axial advancement of the housing member 144 and the compression member 142 in the direction towards the forward end 102 of the outer body 110 .
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 . Notice that, as assembled, the contact pin 114 is substantially centered (eqi-distant) between the internal threads 132 of the nut 130 .
Once installed on a cable, a tool may be used (not shown) to engage the flats 134 of the nut 130 and rotate the nut. The nut 130 can be rotated to selectively engage or disengage the integrated filter connector 10 , to or from an externally threaded port (not shown), such as one included within a CATV distribution box.
FIG. 4 is a cut-away perspective view of a second embodiment 400 of an integrated filter connector 10 including a hand rotatable compression component design 460 . The second embodiment 400 includes a structure that is substantially the same as described for the first embodiment 100 (See FIGS. 1-3 ) except for differences associated with a set of compression related components disposed at the rear end 104 of the integrated filter connector 10 .
The outer body 410 is structured and functions in substantially the same way as the outer body 110 of the first embodiment 100 (See FIGS. 1-3 ). For example, the outer body 410 accommodates a rotatable nut 130 that is disposed at its front end 102 and provides substantially the same accommodation (shaped and dimensioned mechanical interface) for the aforementioned internal components that were described and provided by the outer body 110 of the first embodiment 100 . The external surface of the outer body 410 excludes the shoulder 212 of the first embodiment 100 (See FIG. 2 ).
Further, the outer body 410 of the second embodiment 400 differs from the outer body 110 of the first embodiment 100 in that it accommodates a different compression component design 460 located at the rear end 104 of the outer body 410 . Specifically, the external surface of the outer body 410 includes external threads 456 disposed at its rear end 104 that are configured to engage threads of an internal surface of the rotatable housing member 452 , also disposed at its rear end.
Like the first embodiment 100 , the compression component design 460 includes the inner sleeve 140 and the compression member 142 that are both disposed in substantially the same arrangement relative to the outer body 110 and its internal components, as described for the first embodiment 100 (See FIGS. 1-3 ). Unlike the first embodiment 100 , the compression component design 460 of the second embodiment 400 excludes the sliding housing member 144 of the first embodiment 100 and instead, includes a rotatable housing member 452 at its rear end 104 .
In this second embodiment, the compression member 142 is surrounded by the rotatable housing member 452 . Like the sliding housing member 144 , the rotatable housing member 452 includes an inward flange 446 at its rear end 104 . The inward flange 446 radially surrounds at least a portion of the compression member 142 .
A forward end of the rotatable housing member 452 includes an interior threaded surface 454 that is configured to engage an exterior threaded surface 456 disposed at the rear end 104 of the outer body 410 . Rotation of the housing member 452 axially advances over the exterior threaded surface 456 and towards the front end 102 of the outer body 410 .
Axial advancement of the rotatable housing member 452 towards the front end 102 advances the compression member 142 into the inner sleeve 140 to cause inward radial deformation of the compression member 142 against the outer layers of a coaxial cable that is inserted into the internal bore 450 and engaged with the post, as described for the first embodiment 100 . The complementary threads 454 and 456 are configured to limit the axial advancement of the rotatable housing member 452 . Complete advancement of the rotatable housing member 452 fully compresses the integrated filter connector 10 to compress and firmly grasp the outer layers of the coaxial cable.
FIG. 5 is a cut-away perspective view of a third embodiment 500 of an integrated filter connector 10 including a different set of compression related components as compared to those of the prior two embodiments. The third embodiment 500 includes forward structures that are substantially the same as described for the first embodiment 100 except for differences associated with a set of compression related components 560 that are disposed towards the rear end 104 of the integrated filter connector 10 .
The outer body 510 is structured and functions in substantially the same way as the outer body 110 of the first embodiment 100 (See FIGS. 1-3 ). For example, the outer body 510 accommodates a rotatable nut 130 that is disposed towards its front end 102 and provides substantially the same accommodation (shaped and dimensioned mechanical interface) for the aforementioned non-compression related internal components that were described in association with the outer body 110 of the first embodiment 100 .
The outer body 510 of the third embodiment 500 differs from the outer body 110 of the first embodiment 100 in that it accommodates a different compression component design 560 located proximate its rear end 104 . The external surface of the outer body 510 excludes the shoulder 212 of the first embodiment 100 (See FIG. 2 ) and excludes the threads 456 of the second embodiment 400 (See FIG. 4 ).
The non-compression related internal components of the fourth embodiment 500 are substantially the same as those described of the first embodiment 100 . For example, the non-compression related internal components include the electrical circuit board 112 and its contact pin 114 and collet 116 , the insulator 122 surrounding the contact pin 114 , the post 120 and the circuit board support 118 and its slots 118 a and 118 b receiving the circuit board 112 .
Like the first embodiment 100 , the set of compression related components 560 includes an inner sleeve 540 and the compression member 542 . Unlike the first embodiment, the set of compression related components 560 excludes the housing member 144 , includes an inner sleeve 540 having serrations 546 that are configured to make physical contact with a coaxial cable (not shown). The third embodiment 500 also includes a compression member 542 that is configured to be inserted into the outer body 510 , but over rather than into the inner sleeve 540 . As with the previous embodiments, a prepared end of a coaxial cable is inserted into the central passageway 550 of the outer body 510 . The central (center) conductor and dielectric layer are inserted into the sleeve 520 of the post. The braided wire mesh of the outer conductor and the outer protective layer of the cable occupy the annular space between the post 520 and the insert sleeve 546 .
Axial advancement of the compression member 542 towards the front end of the outer body 510 causes the inner sleeve 540 to radially deflect inward towards the coaxial cable. In some embodiments, radial deflection of the inner sleeve 540 causes at least some crimping, meaning at least some non-elastic (plastic) deformation, to the coaxial cable. A tapered inner surface 544 of the compression member 542 causes inward radial deflection of the inner sleeve 540 towards the coaxial cable. Complete advancement of the compression member 542 fully compresses the integrated filter connector 10 to firmly grasp the outer layers of the coaxial cable and retain the cable within the integrated filter connector 10 .
FIG. 6 is a cut-away perspective view of a fourth embodiment 600 of an integrated filter connector 10 including a different set of compression related components 660 as compared to those of the previously described embodiments. The fourth embodiment 600 includes forward structures that are substantially the same as described for the first embodiment 100 except for differences associated with a set of compression related components 660 that are disposed proximate to the rear end 104 of the integrated filter connector 10 .
The outer body 610 is structured and functions in substantially the same way as the outer body 110 of the first embodiment 100 (See FIGS. 1-3 ). For example, the outer body 610 accommodates a rotatable nut 130 that is disposed towards its front end 102 and provides substantially the same accommodation (shaped and dimensioned mechanical interface) for the aforementioned non-compression related internal components that were described in association with the outer body 110 of the first embodiment 100 .
The outer body 610 of the fourth embodiment 600 differs from the outer body 110 of the first embodiment 100 in that it accommodates a different compression component design 660 located proximate its rear end 104 and that it excludes the shoulder 212 of the first embodiment 100 . Also, outer body 610 excludes the external threaded surface 456 of the second embodiment 400 (See FIG. 4 ).
The non-compression related internal components of the fourth embodiment 600 are substantially the same as those described of the first embodiment 100 . For example, the non-compression related internal components include the circuit board 112 and its contact pin 114 and collet 116 , the insulator 122 surrounding the contact pin 114 , the post 120 and the circuit board support 118 and its slots 118 a and 118 b receiving the circuit board 112 .
The set of compression related components of the fourth embodiment includes a compression member 642 that is shaped differently than the compression member 142 of the first embodiment 100 (see FIGS. 1-2 ) and the set excludes the inner sleeve 140 and the housing member 144 (See FIGS. 1-2 ) of the first embodiment.
As shown, the compression member 642 has an interior surface which includes a tapered portion 646 . The tapered inner surface has a substantially conical profile. An external surface of the compression member 642 optionally includes a flange 626 and a protruding ridge 618 , also referred to as a rib 618 . The rib 618 is configured to mate and slidingly engage with an internal groove 620 cut into an inner surface near the rear end of the outer body 610 . The groove 620 is configured to retain the compression member 642 in a first, uncompressed position, as shown.
In the first, uncompressed position, a properly prepared end of a coaxial cable (not shown) may be inserted into an internal bore 650 through the compression member 642 to engage the post 120 . As shown, the rib 618 is optionally configured to assist in the axially advancement of the compression member 642 further into the outer body 610 towards the forward end 102 . The rib 618 may optionally be configured with an inclined forward face to assist with axial advancement of the compression member 642 further into the outer body 610 . The rib 618 may also include a rear face that may be either perpendicular to the external surface 648 of the compression member or inclined to inhibit or promote, respectively, the removal of the compression member 642 from the outer body 610 , as desired.
As shown, the location of the flange 626 and the rear edge 612 of the outer body 610 are configured to act as a barrier (stopping mechanism) to limit the forward axial advancement of the compression member 642 . The rear end 104 of the compression member 642 includes an external flange 626 of greater diameter than that of an inner diameter of the rear end of the outer body 610 . Axial advancement of the compression member 642 is stopped when the flange 626 makes physical contact with the rear edge 612 of the outer body 610 .
An external surface 648 of the compression member 642 that is located in the forward direction relative to the flange 626 has an external diameter substantially the same as or slightly greater than the inner diameter of the outer body 610 to create a press fit effect of the compression member 642 into the outer body 610 . The press fit effect inhibits the inadvertent removal of the compression member 642 after its compression (installation) into the outer body 610 .
Alternatively, the external surface 648 of the compression member 642 may include a second rib (not shown) which engages the groove 620 located on the internal surface near the rear end of the outer body 610 to create an interference fit, also referred to as a snap engagement, between the compression member 642 and the outer body 610 during installation of a coaxial cable (not shown) via axial advancement (compression) of the compression member 642 into the outer body 610 .
Upon axial advancement of the compression member 642 into the outer body 610 , the compression member 642 is driven into a cavity 630 located between the inner surface of the outer body 610 and the outer layers of the coaxial cable, that include at least the braided wire mesh and protective outer layers (not shown). The compression member 642 is dimensioned to fit inside of the cavity 630 and the axial advancement of the compression member 642 reduces the volume of the cavity 630 and compresses and firmly grasps the outer layers of the cable between the compression member and the post, retaining the cable within the integrated filter connector 10 .
FIG. 7 is a cut-away perspective view of an integrated filter connector 10 in accordance with a fifth embodiment 700 of the present invention including an RCA style connector interface. An RCA style connector interface includes a male and a female connector that do not include threads and that are not required to be rotated to be engaged with each other. RCA style connectors are simply pushed together to be engaged and pulled apart to be disengaged. Hence, a nut 130 is not required and is excluded from the fifth embodiment 700 of the integrated filter connector 10 .
The fifth embodiment 700 is structured in the same manner with respect to the compression related components of the fourth embodiment 600 and with respect to many of the non-compression related internal components of the fourth embodiment 600 (See FIG. 6 ). The non-compression related internal components include the circuit board 112 and its collet 116 , the post 120 and its attached circuit board support 118 and its slots 118 a and 118 b receiving the circuit board 112 . The contact pin 714 and the insulator 722 surrounding the contact pin 714 are configured to support the structure of an RCA style male connector 740 and may be different that those for previous described embodiments.
The outer body 710 is structured and functions in substantially the same way, as the outer body 610 of the fourth embodiment 600 of the integrated filter connector 10 . Accordingly, the outer body 710 provides substantially the same mechanical support (accommodation) for the aforementioned compression and non-compression related components that were provided by the outer body 610 of the fourth embodiment.
The outer body 710 of the fifth embodiment 700 differs from the outer body 110 of the first embodiment 100 in that it does not accommodate a nut 130 (See FIGS. 1-3 ) at its forward end 102 . Instead of the nut 130 , a male RCA connector 740 is disposed at the forward end 102 of this fifth embodiment 700 of the integrated filter connector 10 . The contact pin 714 is configured to constitute a “stinger” portion of the male RCA connector.
FIG. 8 is a cut-away perspective view of a sixth embodiment 800 of the integrated filter connector 10 that includes a BNC style connector interface. In this embodiment, a BNC style connector interface substitutes for the RCA style interface of the fifth embodiment 700 . A BNC style connector interface includes a male and a female connector that do not include threads like that of the nut 130 of the first embodiment 100 (See FIGS. 1-3 ). BNC style connectors are pushed towards each other and twisted less than one full 360 degree turn to be engaged and disengaged.
The sixth embodiment 800 is structured and functions substantially as the fifth embodiment 700 of the integrated filter connector 10 of FIG. 7 except that a BNC style male connector 840 is substituted for the RCA style male connector 740 (Shown in FIG. 7 ). The outer body 810 of the sixth embodiment 800 differs from the outer body 710 of the fifth embodiment 700 in that it accommodates a male BNC connector 840 instead of a male RCA connector 740 disposed at the forward end 102 . The contact pin 814 and its insulator 822 are configured to constitute a “stinger” portion of the male BNC connector. Other aspects of the sixth embodiment 800 , including the compression component design, are the same as that of the fifth embodiment 700 of FIG. 7 .
FIG. 9 is a cut-away perspective view of a seventh embodiment 900 of the integrated filter connector 10 that includes an F style male connector interface. In this embodiment, an F style male connector interface substitutes for the RCA style connector 740 interface of the fifth embodiment 700 . An F style connector interface includes a male and a female connector that include threads like that of the nut 130 of the first embodiment 100 (see FIGS. 1-3 ). The F style connectors are engaged and rotated in a clockwise direction to be engaged and are rotated in a counter clockwise direction to be disengaged.
The seventh embodiment 900 is structured in the same manner as the fifth embodiment 700 of the integrated filter connector 10 of FIG. 7 except that an F style male connector 940 is substituted for the RCA style male connector 740 (Shown in FIG. 7 ). Other aspects of the seventh embodiment, including the compression component design, are the same as that of the fifth embodiment 700 of FIG. 7 .
FIG. 10 is a cut-away perspective view of an eighth embodiment 1000 of the integrated filter connector 10 that includes an F style female connector interface. In this embodiment, an F style female connector 1040 interface substitutes for the RCA style male connector 740 interface of the fifth embodiment 700 of FIG. 7 . An F style connector 1040 interface includes a male and a female connector that each include threads like that of the nut 130 of the first embodiment 100 (see FIGS. 1-3 ). The F style connectors are engaged and rotated in a clockwise direction to be engaged and are rotated in a counter clockwise direction to be disengaged.
The eighth embodiment 1000 is structured in the same manner as the fifth embodiment 700 of the integrated filter connector 10 of FIG. 7 except that an F style female connector 1040 is substituted for the RCA style male connector 740 (Shown in FIG. 7 ). Instead of contact pin 714 , as shown in the fifth embodiment 700 , a collet 1014 is disposed proximate to the front end 102 of the integrated filter connector 10 . An insulator cap 1016 is disposed between the collet 1014 and the F-style female connector 1040 . As shown, the collet 1014 is surrounded by external threads 1034 . Other aspects of the eighth embodiment 1000 , including the set of compression related components, are the same as that of the fifth embodiment 700 of FIG. 7 .
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a ninth embodiment 1100 of an unassembled integrated filter connector 10 made in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 12 is a cut-away perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector 10 of FIG. 11 . FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector 10 of FIGS. 11 and 12 .
As shown, the integrated filter connector 10 includes a forward end 102 and a rear end 104 , an outer body 1110 and an inner body 1118 , which is configured to enclose a printed circuit board (PCB) 112 that performs in-line signal conditioning and that functions as part of an integrated signal filter assembly. The forward end 102 of the inner body 1118 is capped by a forward header 1176 and the rear end 104 of the inner body 1118 is capped by a rear header 1124 . The inner body 1118 and outer body 110 are each also referred to as a cylindrical housing.
The circuit board 112 includes a forward electrode 114 and a rear electrode 116 . Typically, the forward electrode is implemented as a contact pin 114 and the rear electrode is implemented as a collet 116 . In some embodiments, the forward electrode is also implemented as a collet 116 . The PCB 112 also includes a ground plane (not shown) and a forward electrical contact pad (not shown) and a rear electrical contact pad (not shown) at each of two opposite ends.
The forward electrical contact pad is in electrical contact with the forward electrode 114 . The rear electrical contact pad is in electrical contact with the rear electrode 116 . A forward insulator 1172 is configured to surround and electrically isolate the forward contact pin 114 from the cylindrical inner body 1118 and the forward header 1176 . A rear insulator 1178 is configured to surround and electrically isolate the rear contact pin 116 from the rear header 1124 . As shown, the forward insulator 1172 is shaped as a disk and the rear insulator 1178 is shaped as a cylindrical sleeve. The insulators are typically made of an insulating material such as silicone rubber or non-conductive plastic.
The cylindrical inner body 1118 that is also referred to herein as a circuit board support 1118 , is configured to receive and to provide mechanical support to the circuit board 112 . In this embodiment, the circuit board support 1118 is constructed as a cylindrical shaped tubular member and includes at least two opposing inwardly deflected tabs 1182 a - 1182 d , also referred to as inward tabs 1182 a - 1182 d , the ends of which form circuit board supporting slots. The inward tabs 1182 a - 1182 d are disposed at locations along an outer surface of the cylindrical inner body member 1118 and are oriented and dimensioned to receive and to provide mechanical support to the circuit board 112 . While in the current embodiment, the circuit board supporting slots formed by the inward tabs are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the inner cylindrical body member 1118 , the tabs could be positioned to support the PCB 112 off-set from the longitudinal axis. Moreover, while the circuit board 112 is shown oriented with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical inner body 1118 , the board may also be disk shaped and oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In such an alternative embodiment, the contact pins and collet would connect to each face of the PCB 112 rather than opposing ends.
The cylindrical inner body 1118 may also be configured with at least one access hole or passageway 1183 a - 1183 c to permit the tuning of filter components after the PCB 112 is inserted into cylindrical inner body 1118 . Where such tunable filter components are mounted on both sides of the circuit board, the access 1183 a - 1183 c holes may be located at several locations around the exterior surface of the cylindrical inner body 1118 .
The cylindrical inner body 1118 may also be configured with end tabs 1184 a and 1184 b . The end tabs are provided to mate with corresponding slots 1179 , 1177 on the forward header 1176 and the rear header 1124 and provide the function of rotationally locking the headers to the inner body 1118 such that rotation of the header does not exert substantial torque upon the printed circuit board 112 that could damage the circuitry thereon and the effectiveness of the signal filter assembly.
The forward end of the cylindrical inner body 1118 is capped by a forward header 1176 . The forward header may be configured to include opposing longitudinal slots 1177 , 1179 which are positioned to receive and support the forward corners of the PCB 112 . The rear end of the forward header 1176 may also be configured to receive the forward insulator 1172 . Either or both the forward header and the forward insulator may include a shoulder or groove to seat an O-ring 1188 b to form a seal between these adjacent components. The forward header 1176 has an inner surface defining a central throughbore. The inner surface includes an internal groove 1175 for the partial seating of the locking snap ring 1180 .
The central throughbore of the forward header 1176 receives a nut 1130 having an inner surface, an outer surface, forward and rear ends. The inner surface at the forward end of the nut 1130 includes internal threads for mating with a threaded port or other fixture having corresponding external threads. The external surface of the rear end of the nut 1130 includes a groove 1134 for partially receiving the locking snap ring 1180 . With the snap ring 1180 partially seated in both grooves 1175 and 1134 , the nut 1130 is engaged with the forward header 1176 , but rotates independently thereof.
A grip ring 1150 is press fit over a portion of the external surface of the nut 1130 . The press fit is sufficiently tight such that rotation of the grip ring 1150 causes rotation of the nut 1130 . As shown, the grip ring 1150 has a knurled outer surface 1150 a that enables a person to hand tighten the attachment (coupling) of the filter connector to a port, such as to a CATV port or to another coaxial cable connector.
The integrated filter connector 10 may also include a port seal 1140 which is attached to the forward end of the nut 1130 to prevent the ingress of moisture along the threaded port and between the nut 1130 and the grip ring 1150 . In the present embodiment, the port seal 1140 is a bellows-type seal of the nature and general description contained in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/876,386, filed Jun. 25, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, as is well-known in the art, the port seal 1140 may be configured as a tubular grommet comprised of silicone rubber and having interlocking shoulders or steps, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,679 issued on Sep. 26, 1989. The nut 1130 may also be configured to grasp and retain the port seal 1140 . In the present embodiment, the nut 1130 has a seal grasping surface which includes an external groove 1136 on the forward end of the nut 1130 . The port seal 1140 may also be configured with an internal shoulder at the rear end of the port seal that engages the forward side wall of the groove 1136 . The grip ring 1150 may also be configured to engage the rear portion of the port seal 1140 . The engagement of the port seal assists in both retaining the port seal as an integral part of the assembly 10 and in forming a seal to prevent the infiltration of moisture between the nut 1130 and the grip ring 1150 .
Sealing members may be disposed between the components at the forward end of the integrated filter connector 10 to seal any potential paths for moisture infiltration. Shoulders, grooves or annular spaces are formed in the respective components to properly seat the sealing members. As depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12 , four sealing members in the form of O-rings 1188 b - 1188 e are disposed at the forward end of the assembly. Sealing member 1188 b is disposed between the forward insulator 1172 and the rear end of the forward header 1176 . Sealing member 1188 c is disposed between the forward end of the forward header 1176 and the outer body 1110 . Sealing member 1188 d is disposed between the forward end of the forward header and the grip ring 1150 . Sealing member 1188 e is disposed between forward end of the forward insulator and the nut 1130 .
The rear end of the cylindrical inner body 1118 is capped by the rear header 1124 . The rear header 1124 is both press fit into the opening at the rear end of the inner body 1118 and rotationally locked by engagement of an end tab 1184 a in a corresponding longitudinal slot 1127 at the forward end of the rear header 1124 . Opposing longitudinal slots 1125 , 1127 are positioned to receive and support the rear corners of the circuit board 112 . The ground plane of the circuit board 112 may be electrically engaged by either the longitudinal slots formed by the tabs 1182 a - d or the longitudinal slots 1177 , 1179 in the forward 1176 or rear 1124 headers.
The rear header 1124 has an inner surface defining a central throughbore. The rear header 1124 may also include an external shoulder or groove (not shown) to seat an O-ring 1188 a which forms a seal between the rear header 1124 and the outer body upon final assembly. Outer body 1110 is slid over the assembled inner body 1118 and headers. A press fit is formed between the outer body 1110 and circular flanges on each of the forward 1176 and rear 1124 headers. The rear end of the outer body 1110 is rolled over to seat the first O-ring 1188 a and seal the rear end of the assembly from moisture.
The inner surface of the rear header 1124 includes an internal groove (not shown) for the partial seating of the locking member 1122 . The inner surface of the rear header 1124 may also be configured to receive the rear insulator 1178 . The inner surface of the rear header 1124 is also configured to receive a post 1120 which, in this embodiment includes a step or taper in the internal bore which mates with a corresponding shoulder or tapered surface on the post. The rear portion of the post generally includes a sleeve which is adapted to be inserted over the dielectric layer of the cable and electrically engage the outer conductor of the coaxial cable (not shown). Engagement of the outer conductor and retention of the integrated filter connector 10 on the coaxial cable may be assisted by the inclusion of a barb or other serrations on the post sleeve.
A locking member 1122 is dimensioned and configured to be inserted into the central throughbore of the rear header 1124 . The locking member 1122 may include one or more protruding ridges that engage a corresponding groove (not shown) on the inner surface of the slide into the rear header component 1124 . The locking member 1122 is snap-engaged in a first position partially inserted into the rear end of the rear header 1124 such that a properly prepared end of a coaxial cable may be inserted into the rear header 1124 in a manner similar to co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,257 which is incorporated by reference herein. When fully inserted, the central (center) conductor of the coaxial cable engages the collet 116 attached to the rear contact pad at the rear of the PCB 112 ; the dielectric layer is inserted within the post 1120 ; the outer conductor and protective outer jacket of the coaxial cable are disposed within the annular space between the post sleeve and the inner surface of the rear header 1124 .
After insertion of the cable, the locking member 1122 is axially advanced further into the rear end of the rear header 1124 until the end of the rear header 1124 abuts an exterior flange at the rear end of the locking member 1122 . In this embodiment, the locking member 1122 will be press fit into the rear end of the rear header 1124 . Alternatively, a second protruding shoulder could be formed on the exterior of the locking member 1122 that snap engages the locking member 1122 into a second compressed position, or a second internal groove (not shown) on the inner surface of the rear header 1124 into which the protruding ridge is engaged in such second compressed position. The outer surface of the rear header 1124 may include hexagonal flats 1123 for engagement by a tool, such as a box wrench, to assist in the rotation of the assembly. Upon advancement, a tapered inner surface of the locking member 1122 reduces the internal volume of the annular space within the rear header 1124 . The inner surface of the locking member 1122 grasps the outer layers of the coaxial cable against the post sleeve to retain the cable within the rear header 1124 of the integrated filter connector 10 .
FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a tenth embodiment 1400 of an unassembled integrated filter connector 10 made in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 15 is a cut-away perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector 1400 of FIG. 14 .
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector 10 of FIGS. 14 and 15 . As shown, the integrated filter connector 10 includes a forward end 102 , a rear end 104 , a filter body 1410 , and a header 1424 which are configured to enclose a printed circuit board (PCB) 112 that performs in-line signal conditioning and that functions as part of an integrated signal filter assembly. The tenth embodiment is similar to the ninth embodiment in many ways, however, the tenth embodiment eliminates the cylindrical inner body 1118 and incorporates many of the features of the forward header 1176 into the filter body 1410 . As the present embodiment eliminates components from the previous embodiment, fewer O-rings are required to seal the potential paths of moisture infiltration.
As in the previous embodiment, the circuit board 112 includes a forward electrode 114 and a rear electrode 116 . The forward electrode is implemented as a contact pin 114 and the rear electrode is implemented as a collet 116 . The PCB 112 also includes a ground plane (not shown), a forward electrical contact pad (not shown) and a rear electrical contact pad (not shown) at each of two opposite ends. The forward electrical contact pad is in electrical contact with the forward electrode 114 . The rear electrical contact pad is in electrical contact with the rear electrode 116 . A forward insulator 1172 is configured to surround and electrically isolate the forward contact pin 114 from the filter body 1410 . A rear insulator 1178 is configured to surround and electrically isolate the rear contact pin 116 from the header 1424 . As shown, the forward insulator 1172 is shaped as a disk, and the rear insulator 1178 is shaped as a cylindrical sleeve.
As assembled, the filter body 1410 is capped by header 1424 , also referred to as a rear header 1424 . The header 1424 is press fit into the open rear end of the filter body. The header 1424 may include a groove to seat a first O-ring seal 1488 a . Opposing longitudinal slots 1482 a and 1482 b (not shown) are positioned to receive and support the sides of the PCB 112 . The ground plane of the circuit board 112 may be electrically engaged by the longitudinal slots 1482 a - 1482 b in the header 1424 . The header 1424 has an inner surface defining a central throughbore. The inner surface includes an internal groove 1475 for the partial seating of the locking member 1422 . The inner surface of the header 1424 may also be configured to receive the rear insulator 1178 . The inner surface of the header 1424 is also configured to receive a post 1420 which is configured and operates in the same manner as post 1120 in the ninth embodiment described above.
A locking member 1422 is similarly dimensioned and configured to be inserted into the central throughbore of the rear header 1424 . The locking member has substantially the same structure and operation as the locking member 1122 in the previous embodiment.
The filter body 1410 has an inner surface defining a central throughbore. The inner surface near the forward end of the filter body 1410 includes an internal groove 1475 (See FIG. 15 ) for the partial seating of the locking snap ring 1180 . The forward end of the filter body receives a nut 1130 which is configured and operates in the same manner as nut 1130 in the ninth embodiment described above. The inner surface at the forward end of the nut 1130 includes internal threads for mating with a threaded port or other fixture having corresponding external threads. The external surface of the rear end of the nut 1130 includes a groove for partially receiving the locking snap ring 1480 . With the snap ring 1480 partially seated in both grooves 1475 and 1134 , the nut 1130 is engaged with the filter body 1410 , but rotates independently thereof.
A grip ring 1450 is press fit over a portion of the external surface of the nut 1130 . The press fit is sufficiently tight such that rotation of the grip ring 1450 causes rotation of the nut 1130 . As shown, the grip ring 1450 has a knurled outer surface 1450 a that enables a person to hand tighten the filter connector 10 to a port, such as to a CATV port. The integrated filter connector 10 may also include a port seal 1140 which is attached to the forward end of the nut 1130 to prevent the ingress of moisture along the threaded port and between the nut 1130 and the grip ring 1450 . In the present embodiment, the port seal 1140 is a bellows-type seal described above.
In the present embodiment, the nut 1130 has a seal grasping surface which includes an external groove 1136 on the forward end of the nut 1130 . The port seal 1140 may also be configured with an internal shoulder at the rear end of the seal that engages the forward side wall of the groove 1136 . The grip ring 1450 may also be configured to engage the rear portion of the port seal 1140 . The engagement of the port seal 1140 assists in both retaining the port seal 1140 as an integral part of the assembly 10 and in forming a seal to prevent the infiltration of moisture between the nut 1130 and the grip ring 1450 .
Sealing members may be disposed between the components at the forward end of the integrated filter connector 10 to seal any potential paths for moisture infiltration. Shoulders, grooves or annular spaces are formed in the respective components to properly seat the sealing members. As depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15 , two sealing members in the form of O-rings 1488 b - 1488 c are disposed at the forward end 102 of the assembly. Sealing member 1488 b is disposed between the forward insulator 1172 and the inner surface of the filter body 1410 . Sealing member 1488 c is disposed between the nut 1130 and grip ring 1450 at the forward end of the filter body 1410 .
Once installed on a cable, a person can hand grip and rotate the grip ring 1450 to rotate the nut 1130 (not shown). The nut 1130 can be rotated to selectively engage or disengage the integrated filter connector 10 , to or from an externally threaded port (not shown), such as included within a CATV distribution box.
FIG. 17 is a cut-away perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of the assembled and uncompressed integrated filter connector 10 having an externally threaded port connector 1732 . The nut 1130 of FIG. 12 is substituted with the externally threaded (female) port connector 1732 that is integrally formed with a forward header 1776 . The forward header 1776 is press fitted into the forward end of the cylindrical inner body 1718 and outer body 1710 is slid over the assembled inner body 1718 and forward and rear headers disposed adjacent to the forward and rear ends of the inner body 1718 . In this embodiment, as is well known in the art, each end of the outer body is rolled around the forward and rear headers to enclose O-rings (not shown) used to seal each end of the assembly.
While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred mode as illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be effected therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. | An integrated filter connector apparatus that performs the functions of a coaxial cable connector component combined with the functions of an in-line signal conditioning component. The apparatus eliminates at least one exposed point of connection between a separate coaxial cable connector component and an in-line signal conditioning component. Elimination of such a point of connection likely reduces RF ingress into a signal path and likely reduces interference with a signal traveling through the signal path. Embodiments of the connector apparatus provide various types of connector interfaces. | 58,561 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTON
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a machine structured to travel continuously along the length of a roof's surface and including a separating member or structure pivotally mounted thereon and capable of imparting a lifting and separating action, concurrently to the covering material and more particularly the under surface thereof so as to separate it from the exterior surface of the roof from which it is being removed.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the roofing industry, a large part of the business is dedicated to the repair and replacement of all or portions of the covering material initially or originally secured to the exterior surface thereof. Obviously, such covering material can take many forms and includes tile pieces as well as elongated strips of generally water-proof material, disposed in overlapping relation to one another so as to prevent water and moisture from seeping through and beyond the covering material. Frequently, numerous layers of tar or like sealing material are first placed on the roof surface between the exterior covering material such as the tiles, etc. so as to again insure a moisture seal barrier and prevent leakage or passing of the environmental elements, snow, rain, etc. from passing into the interior of the building through and beyond the covering material.
However, one problem generally recognized in the industry and directly associated with the repair of a roof structure includes the rather laborious and time-consuming and certainly disagreeable process of removing the old or original covering material from the roof's surface in order to apply new material thereto.
In the past the prior art has relied primarily on manual techniques for removing such covering material. Such techiques have been rather primitive relying primarily on the use of manual tools such as scrapers, cutters and like hand operated implements for the physical and laborious task of removing such covering material. Currently, there are no "automatic" or time-consuming machines in use which are recognized as being efficient and effective removal of tiles or other covering material from the exterior surface of the roof in a manner which will eliminate the use of the manual method as generally set forth above.
Therefore, it is obvious that there is a recognized need in the roofing industry for a device, apparatus or machine capable of effectively, rapidly and efficiently removing covering material from a roof surface, regardless of its structure, so that the original exposed surface of the roof can be repaired and/or recovered in order to prevent leakage and insure that harsh environmental elements do not enter the building or otherwise damage the structural integrity of the building by causing rot of facilitating other deteriorating factors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a machine or like automatic device for the effective and rapid removal of roof tiles or other similar covering material from the exterior surface of a roof for purposes of replacement of such cover material or the overall repair of the roof itself. More specifically the subject machine includes a frame which is movable across the roof surface, preferably manually. To facilitate such travel, the frame is supported on the roof surface by a plurality of wheels, rollers, etc. Further, the frame is structured and disposed to support the other operative components of the machine in a manner to be described in greater detail hereinafter. A separating means is pivotally secured to the frame and disposed at a leading, frontal portion thereof as the machine travels along the length of the roof. The separating means includes a lifting member, preferably in the form of a blade element which performs both separating, cutting and lifting function or action to the under surface of the cover material being removed and the exterior or exposed surface of the roof itself. For purposes of clarity and explanation, references hereinafter to the exterior surface of the roof. This is intended to include the exposed surface of a sealing layer of tar or other material which may be applied to the actual, physical exterior surface of the roof and to which the original covering material was initially bonded or secured.
Therefore, an important feature of the present invention is the imparting of a concurrent motion to the separating means generally and more particularly to the lifting member defined by the aforementioned blade structure. The concurrent, operative motion of the lifting member is defined by a forward separating engagement of the blade with the under surface of the covering material for purposes of physically separating the covering material at its point of engagement or securement from the roof surface or any sealing barrier disposed thereon. At the same time, the lifting member or blade has imparted thereto a lifting motion such that the lifting member is reciprocally forced into a lifting or raised position as it travels forwardly. This in turn imparts a lifting action to the covering material forcing its separation from the roof surface or sealing or barrier material for which it was originally attached.
The machine of the present invention further includes a drive means driven by a drive motor wherein the drive motor and drive means are mounted on the frame and travel therewith as the frame travels forwardly along the length of roof and separates the original covering material from the roof surface. The drive means is specifically structured to include an eccentrically configured cam which periodically or reciprocally engages a portion of the separating means causing its reciprocal and pivotal movement relative to the frame and thereby imparting the aforementioned periodic lifting motion to the under surface of the covering material as the frame moves concurrently forward along the roof causing a lifting and separation of the covering material from the roof surface.
Further structural features of the subject machine include the provision of a transfer means mounted adjacent to the separating means but in generally overlying relation thereto. A leading end of the transfer means is disposed substantially adjacent to the lifting member and in direct receiving relation to the covering material once it is separated or removed from the roof's surface. The disposition of the transfer means is such as to substantially overly the separating means in a fixed attachment to the frame. Accordingly, the transfer means has sufficient length to effectively transfer or "carry" the covering material, once removed, from its original location on the roof's surface, by lifting and separating engagement with the blade or lifting member of the separating means.
Further and additional structural features of the present invention will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side view of the machine of the present invention shown mounted on a roof or other supporting surface in its operative position.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a transfer structure associated with the machine.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the transfer structure shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a top plan detail view of the separating means and portion or the supporting frame attached thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
As shown in FIG. 1, the machine of the present invention is generally indicated as 10 and includes a frame means 12 used to support various other components of the machine as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter. The frame 12 is supported on a roof surface schematically represented as 14 by a plurality of wheels 16 and 17 affixed to various portions of the frame clearly shown in FIG. 1. The machine as represented in FIG. 10 may be manually pushed along the length of the roof by an outwardly extending handle shown in partial detail and represented at 18 in FIG. 1. Obviously, it should be apparent that the handle may take a variety of forms and is dependent generally on the overall size and design of the machine. Suffice it to say that the handle 18 extends generally rearwardly of the intended forward direction of travel as indicated by the directional arrow 20.
The machine 10 includes a drive motor generally indicated as 20 controlled by a switching assembly represented by the exterior housing 22 wherein an on/off activating switch 24 is represented thereon. A proper electrical conductor structure as at 26 and 28 serves respectively to direct power from a conventional source to the switching assembly 22 and from there directly to the working components to the drive motor 22. A power take-off of the drive motor is shown by take-off shaft 30 fixedly connected in driving relation by a connecting member 32 which serves to interconnect the power take-off shaft 30 to an input or drive shaft 34 of the drive means which is generally represented as 36.
The drive means 36 includes an exterior housing as at 38 and 40 respectively disposed to include the protection and housing of gearing members and the like. In operation the drive motor 20 imparts a rotary output driving motion through output shaft 30. The shaft interconnection as at 32 imparts the same rotary motion to the intake shaft 34 of the drive means 36. Proper gearing located both in the housing segments 38 and 40 in turn imparts a rotary motion to a cam means generally indicated as 42. The cam means includes at least one but preferably two cam members (only one shown for purposes of clarity ) as at 44. Each of the cam members 44 curved generally eccentrically configured peripheral surfaces as at 46. Further, each of the cam members 44 are driven about an axis of rotation as at 48 defined by a mounting stub axle transversely located to the length of the input shaft 34 serving to drive the interior gearing within the housing segments 38 and 40. The transverse placement relative to the length of the housing segments 38 and 40 serves to allow periodic and successive engagement of the exterior driving peripheral surface 46 of cam member 44 with a cam seat member or structure 50 shown in both FIGS. 1 and 4. The seat member 50 is attached directly to the separating means which is generally indicated as at 52.
As set forth above, in that each of the cam members 44 are eccentrically mounted as at one end at 48 and have their peripheries eccentrically configured as at curved portion 46 and straight portion 47, it should be apparent that engagement of the curved peripheral portion 46 of cam member 44 with seat 50 will cause a reciprocal pivotal movement or travel of the separating means 52 about supporting shaft 58. Also, the separating means 52 including both arms 60 are connected to the supporting shaft 58 so as to be pivotal thereto. Therefore, as the cam members 44 rotate continuously about the rotational axis 48 the curved periphery 46 will periodically come into driving engagement with the cam seats 50 thereon. This engegement will force the trailing end 53 of separation means 52 downwardly in accordance with directional arrow 55. However, when the curved periphery 46 of each of the cams 44 disengages from the cam seat 50 during the continuous rotation of the cam members 44, a biasing means in the form of biasing spring 63 will force the trailing end 53 of the separation means 52 upwardly in accordance with the directional arrow 57 of FIG. 1 thereby imparting to the separating means 52 a continuous reciprocal, pivotal motion about the shaft 58 and the pivotal axis 58' as shown in FIG. 1.
The separating means 52 also includes a lifting member 59 which is generally in the form of a blade 64. The blade 64 has a leading peripheral cutting or separating edge as at 66 which actually comes into contact and establishes a cutting or separating engagement with the under portion of the covering material or roof tiles and its point of connection or securement to the exterior surface of the roof 14. As shown in FIG. 4, the actual configuration of the cutting peripheral edge 66 may vary from a straight line configuration to a serrated configuration as at 66'. The lifting member or blade 64 may be fixedly connected by appropriate connectors 65 to the leading end or portion of the separating means 52 generally as at 67. Therefore, it should be apparent that both a concurrently applied forward and separating lifting motion is imparted to the lifting member 59 due to the forward direction of travel of the machine 10 and the reciprocal motion of the separating means 52 to define an operative motion of the lifting member.
Another feature of the present invention is the existence of a mounting structure 69 defining a portion of the frame 12 and disposed in a frontal leading portion theeof. The mounting structure 69 is oriented in a somewhat downward angular orientation as clearly shown in FIG. 1 in order to properly place the separating means 52 and more particularly the lifting member 59 and cutting edge 66 thereof in proper separating engagement between the under surface of the covering material and the roof surface 14. The mounting structure includes two spaced apart arms 70 and 72 and a supporting wheel or roller structure 17. The connecting shaft 58 is disposed between arms 70 and 72 and serves as a pivotal axis for the separating means 52 as set forth above. The concurrent lifting motion of the separating means 52 and forward motion of the machine 10 as it is forced to travel forwardly along the roof surface 14 in accordance with the directional arrow 21 will cause the cover material, once removed from the roof surface 14, to transfer up onto a transfer means generally indicated as 72. the transfer means is fixedly disposed to the frame substantially at the location 75 on the mounting structure 66 and 76 on the frame itself adjacent to the drive means 36.
With reference to FIG. 3, the transfer means 70 includes a plurality of tines 74 disposed in spaced apart relation to one another as well as at least two handles 76 also disposed in spaced apart relation from one another and from the tine 74. The spacing between the tines 74 is dimensioned so as to allow non-interfering passage of the cam members 44 as they continuously rotate upon activation of the drive means 36. Further, the leading end 72' of the transfer means 72 is disposed immediately adjacent to and contiguous the lifting member 59. In this leading position and also in part due to the angular orientation of the transfer means 72, the cover mateerial, once removed from the roof's surface 14, will pass upwardly onto the outer exposed surface of the tines 74 and thereby be "carried" away from the point of separating engagement of the blade 64 and at such point it was connected to the roof's surface 14.
Now that the invention has been described, | A machine for effectively and efficiently removing tiles as well as other covering material from the exterior of roof surfaces such as when the roof is to be repaired or such covering material is to be replaced. The machine travels over the roof surface and includes a separating structure reciprocally positionable between a forwardly directed separating engagement with the covering material and a lifting position relative thereto as the material is physically separated from the surface of the roof. In operation the machine may travel, under an operators control, continuously back and forth along the length of the roof until all the covering material has been removed therefrom. | 15,123 |
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §§ 119 and/or 365 to Appln. No. 01811271.4 filed in Europe on Dec. 24, 2001; the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention concerns the field of power electronics. It relates to a semiconductor module according to the precharacterizing clause of patent claim 1 and to a method of producing a semiconductor module according to the precharacterizing clause of patent claim 7 .
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A semiconductor module of this type is known for example from R. Zehringer et al., “ Power Semiconductor Materials and Devices”, Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings , Volume 483, 1998, pages 369-380. This publication describes a semiconductor module with a module housing, a metallic base plate and a plurality of semiconductor elements, in this case IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) chips and diodes, arranged on said base plate and covered by said module housing. The module housing is generally filled with a silicone gel composition, which serves as an electrical insulating layer and as corrosion protection and also reduces tensile forces acting on connecting wires. The base plate is connected to a water cooling arrangement, to dissipate the heat generated by the semiconductor elements. Arranged on the base plate is a substrate in the form of a metal-coated ceramic board. It has an electrical insulation between the semiconductor elements and the base plate or water cooling arrangement and, moreover, has good thermal conductivity, to dissipate the heat of the semiconductor elements to the base plate. The base plate, ceramic board and semiconductor elements are soldered on one another, the metal layers of the ceramic board permitting the soldered connection.
Good thermal conductivity and poor electrical conductivity can nowadays be combined in materials, so that there is no difficulty in producing insulating elements which are relatively thin but conduct heat well, for example from aluminum nitride (AIN), with a good electrical insulating capacity. For instance, a thickness of 1.5 to 2 mm is theoretically adequate to insulate 20 kV.
Edge effects, caused in particular by edges and corners of the metal layers, adversely affect the dielectric strength of the semiconductor module, however, in particular in the case of high-power semiconductor modules above 1.2 kV. The edges and corners of the metal layers have an inhomogeneous, intensified electric field. This excessive field increase leads to partial discharges and limits the dielectric strength of the entire construction. In this case, the field strength at the edges is at least the square of the voltage, with the result that massively thicker electrical insulation would be necessary to avoid such partial discharges. Air bubbles that may be produced precisely in the edge zones when gel is filled into the module housing are conducive to partial discharges and constitute an additional critical factor with regard to the functionality of the semiconductor module.
There are various approaches to solving this insulation problem. In DE 199 59 248, clearances are formed in field-critical regions and filled with gel, consequently forming an additional interface which prevents the spread of discharges. In EP 1 041 626, the field is reduced in critical regions by three-dimensional rounded portions in the substrate. Both solutions are complex and expensive to produce.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a semiconductor module of the type stated at the beginning which has an improved dielectric strength and at the same time is simple to produce. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a simplified and more reliable method of producing a semiconductor module of the type stated at the beginning.
The objects are achieved by a semiconductor module with the features of patent claim 1 and by a method with the features of patent claim 7 .
The semiconductor module according to the invention with a base element, at least one insulating element, which rests on the base element by a first of two metallizations arranged on opposite surfaces of the insulating element, and with at least one semiconductor element arranged on the second of the two metallizations, is distinguished by the fact that an electrically insulating layer is arranged in the edge region of the insulating element, and that the surface of the insulating layer forms a common planar surface with the surface of the second metallization.
The blunting of the edges and corners of the metallization by level embedding of the entire metallized insulating element improves the insulating property of the semiconductor module in the area of the critical electrical field region. By comparison with conventional semiconductor modules filled with silicone gel, a considerable improvement is obtained with respect to the electrical insulation, while retaining the advantages of the flat, metallized insulating element, in particular the good thermal conductivity and the low production costs.
For the contacting of the semiconductor elements, contacting elements are recessed into the insulating layer, the contact elements being electrically insulated both from the second metallization and from the base element by the insulating layer. The contacting elements have contacting areas, which form a common planar surface with the surfaces of the insulating layer and of the second metallization.
The fact that all the other major parts of the semiconductor module form a common planar surface simplifies the processing and mounting of the semiconductor elements.
In a second embodiment of the semiconductor module according to the invention, a depression in which the insulating element is arranged is recessed into the surface of the base element. The second metallization of the insulating element is electrically insulated from the base element by the insulating layer. The surfaces of the insulating element, of the second metallization and of the base element form a common planar surface.
In this embodiment, semiconductor elements or other electronic components can be arranged next to one another and electrically insulated from one another both on the second metallization and on the base element itself. In particular in what are known as press-pack modules, in which semiconductor elements which can be contacted on two sides are contacted by means of a contact stamp and subjected to pressing force, this produces interesting possibilities. For example, two semiconductor elements arranged next to each other can be electrically connected in series without the geometry of the respective contact stamps having to be adapted.
For the press-pack modules, the common surface of the second metallization of the insulating element and of the insulating layer saves a method step in production. Since conventional standard substrates, which are preferably used as the insulating element, do not satisfy the flatness requirements for use in a press-pack module, they must be machined, for example by milling. The precision milling can be carried out in one step during the production of the semiconductor module according to the invention, together with the milling away of the insulating layer and the preparation of the contacting areas.
In the case of the method according to the invention of producing a semiconductor module, at least one insulating element is attached on a base element or in a surface depression of the base element by a first of two metallizations arranged on opposite surfaces of the insulating element. Semiconductor elements are attached on the second metallization and/or, if the insulating element is arranged in a depression, on the surface of the base element, and main terminals and/or control terminals of the semiconductor elements are contacted by wire connections or other electrical conductors and connected to contacting areas of contacting elements.
The semiconductor module according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that, before the semiconductor elements are attached, the base element and the at least one insulating element are introduced together with the contacting elements into a casting mold, an insulating layer is formed by filling the volume of the casting mold not taken up by the base element, insulating element or contacting element with an electrically insulating material and by the insulating layer subsequently being cured and sufficient material removed from the cured insulating layer that the surface of the insulating layer forms a common planar surface with the surface of the second of the two metallizations, with contacting areas of the contacting elements and, if the insulating element is arranged in a depression, with the surface of the base element; and that, after the semiconductor elements have been attached, movable contacting pieces of the contacting elements are arranged upright, perpendicularly in relation to the surface of the insulating layer.
The application of the insulating layer and the corresponding removal to the common surface before the semiconductor elements are attached makes it possible for the entire semiconductor module to be tested with respect to the electrical insulating strength before the semiconductor elements are attached and contacted in a complex and cost-intensive method step. The number of ready-fitted semiconductor modules with defect-free insulation can be significantly reduced as a result.
In an additional advantageous step of the method according to the invention, the casting mold can be at least partially evacuated before filling with the electrically insulating material. This improves the structure of the insulating layer, in particular allowing the formation of air bubbles, which may be conducive to electrical discharges, to be avoided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is subsequently explained in more detail on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 shows a simplified sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a semiconductor module according to the invention before the module is introduced into a casting mold for applying an insulating layer,
FIG. 2 shows the semiconductor module according to FIG. 1 in the casting mold when applying the insulating layer,
FIG. 3 shows the semiconductor module according to FIG. 2 with the insulating layer applied,
FIG. 4 shows the ready-to-mount semiconductor module according to FIG. 3 , and
FIG. 5 shows a simplified sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of a semiconductor module according to the invention.
Identical designations relate to equivalent parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The production method according to the invention is explained on the basis of FIGS. 1 to 4 , which show a first exemplary embodiment of a semiconductor module according to the invention.
In a first method step, an insulating element 2 is attached on a base element 1 . The insulating element is advantageously a substrate which is metallized on two sides and comprises, for example, an AlO 3 or AlN ceramic board provided with copper or aluminum metallization. The material of the base element, for example Mo, AlSiC or aluminum graphite or copper graphite, is advantageously adapted with respect to thermal expansion to the material of the insulating element. The insulating element 2 is attached by a first metallization 21 directly on the base element, for example by means of a soldered connection or what is known as low-temperature bonding (LTB). The second metallization 22 may comprise a plurality of regions electrically insulated from one another.
Contacting elements 3 for contacting the semiconductor elements are provided in recesses of the base element 1 which are intended for this purpose. To this end, the base element 1 , insulating element 2 and contacting elements 3 are introduced into a trough-shaped casting mold 41 , which is represented in FIG. 1 . The contacting elements 3 are in this case positioned and aligned in relation to the base element 1 by corresponding guiding elements. The casting mold 41 is closed by a second casting mold part 42 .
In FIG. 2 , an electrically insulating material 51 is subsequently poured (arrows) into a cavity 44 in the interior of the casting mold through openings 43 made in the casting mold. The cavity 44 corresponds to the interior volume of the casting mold not filled by the base element 1 , insulating element 2 and contacting elements 3 . However, the cavity 44 mainly extends to a region between the contacting elements 3 and the base element 1 . The material of this electrically insulating layer 51 produced in this way is advantageously a readily flowing plastic which cures well and in the cured state can be heated for a short time to above 220° C. without greatly deforming. This is important in particular in the case of those semiconductor modules in which semiconductor elements are soldered onto the metallization of the insulating element. Furthermore, the plastic should have a coefficient of thermal expansion which corresponds to that of the surrounding materials. Corresponding plastics are, for example, epoxies available under the trade names Stycast or Aratherm. These substances lie with the breakdown voltage approximately in the range of the silicone gel used in conventional semiconductor modules, but have considerably improved adhesion and a higher dielectric constant, reducing the electric field correspondingly. For semiconductor modules without soldered-on semiconductor elements, for example in press-pack modules, lower-cost materials can also be used, for example pourable polyurethanes, which are widely used for insulations in the interior area. For applications without great requirements in respect of mechanical rigidity, silicone rubber may be used. This withstands much higher temperatures and, moreover, has excellent adhesion on most materials, in particular in combination with what are known as primers. To reduce the coefficient of expansion and increase the thermal conductivity, casting resin fillers are mixed with the material of the insulating layer to up to over 50% of the casting composition.
To facilitate the casting operation, and in particular ensure the homogeneity of the insulating layer 51 , the casting mold is advantageously evacuated before the casting. In this case, the air is sucked out of the interior of the casting mold through the openings 43 or other openings especially intended for this purpose. Processing under vacuum allows the formation of air bubbles in the interior of the insulating layer 51 to be prevented. Air bubbles may be conducive to the production of discharges.
Following the casting operation, the semiconductor module is removed from the casting mold. The insulating layer 51 is cured to the extent that it can be mechanically worked. The insulating layer 51 is removed to a common surface with the surface of the second metallization 22 in one working step, for example by grinding. Contacting areas 31 of the contacting elements 3 likewise lie in this plane. The surfaces on which a wire or an electrode of a semiconductor element are subsequently attached, in particular the contacting areas 31 and the surface of the second metallization 22 , must be correspondingly pretreated.
It is necessary in this case to remove from the insulating layer 51 in particular the casting skin which is unavoidably produced during casting and contains casting composition penetrating between the component and the casting mold, and may be very thin, for example a few mm, depending on the contact pressure and nature of the surface of the parts.
Thanks to the arrangement in one plane, the surface preparation of the contacting areas 31 , of the second metallization 22 and of the insulating layer 51 can be performed together, in one mold and in one working step. As a result, the processing costs can be reduced considerably.
Moreover, the absolutely flat working surface allows surface changes to be subsequently made in a simple way, for example the improvement or conservation of the contacting areas 31 .
The flat working surface is likewise conducive for the next method step according to FIG. 3 , the application of the semiconductor elements 6 on the second metallization 22 . The semiconductor elements 6 are, for example, soldered onto the metallization or attached by means of low-temperature bonding.
The semiconductor elements 6 are subsequently connected in an electrically conducting manner to one another and to the contacting areas 31 . For example by means of simple contacting wire connections 7 .
The contacting elements 3 , which until this point in time have been of a substantially flat form, are subsequently bent in such a way that a contacting piece 32 protrudes perpendicularly in relation to the surface of the insulating layer 51 . The contacting elements 3 are correspondingly prepared, with a predetermined bending point which separates the region of the contacting areas 31 from the contacting piece. The contacting elements are produced from metal sheet and their size and thickness are adapted to the currents to be conducted. As can be seen from the figures, the contacting element comprises a lower region which is folded under an upper region. The upper region comprises a contacting area 31 and contacting piece 32 . Since only the upper region lies on the current path, the lower region serves as a field-shielding means. The corners and edges of the contacting elements, in particular of the lower region, are advantageously rounded, to avoid excessive field increases. The lower region is mechanically isolated from the upper region; the region of the fold is free from mechanical stress which could have adverse effects on the insulating layer, or its insulating property. Even when the contacting piece 32 is raised, this dielectrically critical region is not impaired. If the contacting elements are punched from metal sheet, for example from silver-plated copper sheet, a slightly rounded surface is obtained by the punching, and, with appropriate arrangement of the metal sheet with the rounding on the outside, said surface can contribute to reducing the electric field in the region of the folding.
The semiconductor module is subsequently provided with a housing cover 9 , which is represented in FIG. 4 . Moreover, the cavity in the interior of the housing is filled with a silicone gel 52 as in the case of customary semiconductor modules.
The perpendicularly protruding contacting pieces 32 , which are led out of the semiconductor module through the housing cover 9 , are contacted by means of contacting connectors 33 .
To produce a semiconductor module according to the invention in a second embodiment according to FIG. 5 , the same method according to the invention is applied.
In this case, in the first step, the insulating element 2 is arranged in a depression in the base element 1 and attached to the base element.
Subsequently, the base element 1 and the insulating element 2 , with or without contacting elements, are introduced into the casting mold and corresponding cavities between the base element and the insulating element are filled with electrically insulating material.
As represented in FIG. 5 , the surfaces of the second metallization 22 , of the base element 1 and of the insulating layer 51 are in a common plane. Since conventional standard substrates which are preferably used as the insulating element do not satisfy the flatness requirements for use in a press-pack module, they must be machined, for example by milling or grinding. Thanks to the arrangement with a common surface, the precision milling can be carried out together with the milling away of the insulating layer in one step during the production of the semiconductor module according to the invention. Apart from facilitating the mounting of the semiconductor elements, as already mentioned, this arrangement also makes it possible to use one and the same contact stamps 8 , which comprise contact springs and provide sufficient pressing force on the semiconductor elements 6 .
List of Designations
1 base element
2 insulating element, substrate
21 , 22 metallizations
3 contacting element
31 contacting area
32 contacting piece
33 contacting connector
41 , 42 casting mold
43 inlet openings
44 cavity
51 insulating layer
52 insulating gel
6 semiconductor elements, chip
7 contacting wires
8 contact stamp
9 housing
10 cover plate | The semiconductor module comprises a base element ( 1 ), an insulating element ( 2 ), which is metallized on both sides and rests on the base element by one of the two metallizations, and at least one semiconductor element ( 6 ) arranged on the other of the two metallizations. An electrically insulating layer ( 51 ) is arranged in the edge region of the insulating element ( 2 ), the surface of this insulating layer forming a common planar surface with the surface of the second metallization. The blunting of the edges and corners of the metallization by level embedding of the entire metallized insulating element improves the insulating property of semiconductor module in the area of the critical electrical field region. Moreover, the arrangement in one plane permits simple and low-cost production. | 21,467 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to machine tools furnished with: a bed; a table on which a workpiece is carried and which is disposed on the bed; a main spindle for retaining a tool, and provided, with its axis disposed perpendicularly, to rotate freely centered on the axis; and a feed mechanism for shifting the table and the main spindle relatively to each other along three orthogonal axes.
2. Description of the Related Art
Such machine tools known to date include the example disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent App. Pub. 2001-87964. This machine tool primarily is made up of: a bed; a column arranged on the bed; a saddle that is supported on the front of the column and is shiftable horizontally (along the X-axis); a spindle head that is supported on the saddle and is shiftable vertically (along the Z-axis); a main spindle for retaining a tool and being supported by the spindle head so that the axis of the main spindle is perpendicular and the main spindle is rotatable about the main spindle axis; and a table on which a workpiece is carried, the table being arranged on the upper face of the bed and provided below the main spindle, provided to be shiftable along an axis (the Y-axis) that is orthogonal in the horizontal plane to the course along which the saddle shifts.
This machine tool also has a rotational drive mechanism for rotating the main spindle on the main spindle axis, an X-axis guide mechanism for guiding movement along the X-axis of the saddle, a Z-axis guide mechanism for guiding movement along the Z-axis of the spindle head, a Y-axis guide mechanism for guiding movement along the Y-axis of the table, an X-axis feed mechanism for moving the saddle on the X-axis, a Z-axis feed mechanism for moving the spindle head on the Z-axis, a Y-axis feed mechanism for moving the table on the Y-axis, a machine tool cover that is attached to the bed and surrounds the machine tool, an X-axis cover disposed in front of the cover, a Z-axis cover disposed in front of the cover, a Y-axis cover disposed above the bed, and a guide cover disposed above the bed on both sides of the table on the X-axis.
The X-axis guide mechanism comprises a first X-axis guide surface formed along the X-axis in front of the column, and a second X-axis guide surface formed behind the saddle so that the second X-axis guide surface connects with the first X-axis guide surface. The Z-axis guide mechanism comprises a first Z-axis guide surface formed along the Z-axis in front of the saddle, and a second Z-axis guide surface formed behind the spindle head so that the second Z-axis guide surface connects with the first Z-axis guide surface. The Y-axis guide mechanism comprises a first Y-axis guide surface formed along the Y-axis above the bed, and a second Y-axis guide surface formed below the table so that the second Y-axis guide surface connects with the first Y-axis guide surface.
The X-axis feed mechanism comprises an X-axis drive motor disposed to the column, an X-axis ball screw disposed along the X-axis in front of the column and axially rotated by the X-axis drive motor, and an X-axis nut that is affixed to the back of the saddle and screws onto the X-axis ball screw. The Z-axis feed mechanism comprises a Z-axis drive motor disposed to the saddle, a Z-axis ball screw disposed along the Z-axis in front of the saddle and axially rotated by the Z-axis drive motor, and a Z-axis nut that is affixed to the back of the spindle head and screws onto the Z-axis ball screw. The Y-axis feed mechanism comprises a Y-axis drive motor disposed to the bed, a Y-axis ball screw disposed along the Y-axis above the bed and axially rotated by the Y-axis drive motor, and a Y-axis nut that is affixed to the bottom of the table and screws onto the Y-axis ball screw.
The X-axis cover is a telescopic cover disposed in front of the column to allow movement of the saddle along the X-axis with both side portions and the top portion of the cover connected to the inside of the machine tool cover. The Z-axis cover is a roll-up cover disposed in front of the saddle covering the Z-axis guide mechanism and the Z-axis feed mechanism to allow movement of the spindle head along the Z-axis. The Y-axis is a telescopic cover disposed above the bed covering the Y-axis guide mechanism and Y-axis feed mechanism to allow movement of the table along the Y-axis, and is rendered so that the top of the Y-axis cover declines to both sides from the middle portion of the Y-axis cover on the X-axis. The covers prevent chips, swarf and other cutting waste and cutting fluid from flying outside the machine tool and from entering the X-axis guide mechanism and X-axis feed mechanism, the Z-axis guide mechanism and Z-axis feed mechanism, and the Y-axis guide mechanism and Y-axis feed mechanism.
The guide cover is disposed below the X-axis cover, the Z-axis cover, and the Y-axis cover, and guides waste and cutting fluid into a collection box located below drain holes appropriately formed in the bed along the X-axis on both sides of the table.
When the X-axis drive motor in this machine tool rotates the X-axis ball screw and the X-axis nut moves along the X-axis ball screw, the saddle moves along the X-axis guided by the first X-axis guide surface and the second X-axis guide surface. When the Z-axis drive motor rotates the Z-axis ball screw and the Z-axis nut moves along the Z-axis ball screw, the spindle head moves along the Z-axis guided by the first Z-axis guide surface and the second Z-axis guide surface. When the Y-axis drive motor rotates the Y-axis ball screw and the Y-axis nut moves along the Y-axis ball screw, the table moves along the Y-axis guided by the first Y-axis guide surface and the second Y-axis guide surface. The rotational drive mechanism drives the main spindle rotationally on the main spindle axis. The workpiece held on the table is thus processed by the tool held in the main spindle as the saddle, spindle head, and table move on their respective axes while the main spindle rotates on the main spindle axis.
Waste produced by machining the workpiece and cutting fluid supplied appropriately to the point of contact between the tool and the workpiece during processing are also prevented from entering the X-axis guide mechanism and X-axis feed mechanism, the Z-axis guide mechanism and Z-axis feed mechanism, and the Y-axis guide mechanism and Y-axis feed mechanism by the X-axis cover, the Z-axis cover, and the Y-axis cover, respectively, and from flying outside the machine tool by the machine tool cover.
In addition, waste and cutting fluid also fall down along the inside surface of the machine tool cover, the X-axis cover, and the Z-axis cover, and are guided downward to both sides along the X-axis by the inclined surface of the top of the Y-axis cover. The waste and cutting fluid then fall onto the top of the guide cover whereby they are guided towards the collection box and exit.
With this conventional machine tool, the Y-axis guide mechanism that guides table movement and the Y-axis feed mechanism that moves the table are located below the top of the table, and waste and cutting fluid always flow over the top of the Y-axis cover. Waste and cutting fluid can therefore enter the Y-axis guide mechanism and Y-axis feed mechanism more easily than the X-axis guide mechanism and X-axis feed mechanism or the Z-axis guide mechanism and Z-axis feed mechanism. As a result, the Y-axis cover requires frequent maintenance, or requires using a complicated and costly construction.
Another problem with the conventional technology is that the heavy saddle is supported at the front of the column and the similarly heavy spindle head is supported at the front of the saddle with the saddle and spindle head protruding to the front of the machine tool. This results in deflection or deformation of the column or saddle and thus prevents high precision machining.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to solving these problems, and an object of the invention is to provide a machine tool that affords easy maintenance, reduces manufacturing cost, and enables high precision processing.
To achieve this object, a machine tool according to a preferred aspect of the invention comprises: a bed comprising a rectangular base, two sidewalls rising vertically from opposing left and right sides of the base across an interval between the sidewalls, and a rear sidewall disposed at the back vertically to the base between the right and left sidewalls; a table disposed to the bed in a space surrounded by the three sidewalls of the bed; a first saddle having a rectangular frame shape with both lengthwise end parts supported by a top portion of the left and right sidewalls of the bed, and disposed freely movably back and forth in a horizontal plane; a second saddle disposed freely movably side-to-side in a horizontal plane inside the frame of the first saddle, and comprising a vertical through-hole; a spindle head disposed freely movably vertically inside the through-hole of the second saddle; a main spindle disposed above the table with the main spindle axis vertical and the main spindle supported by the spindle head freely rotatably on the main spindle axis; a first guide mechanism for guiding the first saddle back and forth; a second guide mechanism for guiding the second saddle side-to-side; a third guide mechanism for guiding vertical movement of the spindle head; a first feed mechanism for moving the first saddle back and forth; a second feed mechanism for moving the second saddle side-to-side; a third feed mechanism for moving the spindle head vertically; and a first rotation drive mechanism for rotating the main spindle on the main spindle axis.
With the machine tool according to this aspect of the invention the first saddle is guided by the first guide mechanism and moved back and forth by the first feed mechanism, the second saddle is guided by the second guide mechanism and moved side-to-side by the second feed mechanism, the spindle head is guided by the third guide mechanism and moved vertically by the third feed mechanism, the main spindle is driven rotationally on its axis by the first rotation drive mechanism, and the work held on the table is thus machined by the tool held by the main spindle.
In a machine tool according to this aspect of the invention the table is disposed inside the space enclosed by the three sidewalls of the bed, both ends of the long sides of the first saddle are supported and move freely back and forth on top of the right and left sidewalls of the bed, the second saddle is disposed movably side-to-side (right and left) inside the frame of the first saddle, and the spindle head is disposed to move vertically inside the through-hole in the second saddle. As a result, the first saddle, the second saddle, and the spindle head can also be disposed above the top of the table.
A machine tool according to this invention therefore makes it more difficult for waste and cutting fluid to enter the first feed mechanism and first guide mechanism, the second feed mechanism and second guide mechanism, and the third feed mechanism and third guide mechanism when compared with a prior art machine tool in which the feed mechanism for moving the table and the guide mechanism for guiding table movement are disposed below the top of the table. The manufacturing cost and construction of the cover that prevents waste and cutting fluid from entering the slide and guide mechanisms can thus be reduced, and cover maintenance can be simplified.
Furthermore, the first saddle is rendered with a rectangular frame shape, the second saddle is disposed inside the frame of the first saddle, and the spindle head is disposed inside a through-hole formed vertically through the second saddle. Unlike the prior art machine tool, the saddle therefore does not project from the front and a support structure for the spindle head is not needed. Deflection and other deformation of the bed, first saddle, and second saddle are thus prevented, and work can be machined with high precision.
Furthermore, by rendering a recess at the front outside surface between the ends of the long sides of the first saddle, the front outside surface of the first saddle can be prevented from striking a worker working at the front of the bed when the first saddle moves to the front side of the bed.
In another aspect of the invention the table is supported by the rear sidewall of the bed, can rotate freely on an axis of rotation perpendicular to the top surface of the table, and can swivel freely on a swivel axis parallel to the direction of first saddle movement. In addition, the machine tool further comprises: a second rotation drive mechanism for rotating the table on the axis of rotation and indexing the table to a specific rotational angle position; and a swivel drive mechanism for swiveling the table on the swivel axis and indexing the table to a specific swivel angle position.
The table can be rotated on the axis of rotation and indexed to a specific rotational angle position by means of the second rotation drive mechanism, and can be rotated on the swivel axis and indexed to a specific swivel angle position by means of the swivel drive mechanism, to index the work on the table to an appropriate position. The work therefore needs to be mounted on the table only once in order to complete a processing sequence including machining the outside of the work, thus improving efficiency and machining precision.
In a machine tool according to another aspect of the invention the bed comprises a tool changing opening passing from the outside to the inside through any one of the right, left, and rear sidewalls, and the machine tool further comprises a tool changing device for carrying tools in and out through the tool changing opening, and replacing a tool held in the main spindle with a new tool.
Tools can thus be changed efficiently by means of the tool changing device replacing the tool held by the main spindle with a new tool. Furthermore, because the desired new tool can be delivered through the tool changing opening rendered in any one of the sidewalls of the bed, and the replaced tool that was held by the main spindle can be removed through the tool changing opening, the tool changing device does not interfere with the performance of a worker working at the front of the bed.
In a machine tool according to another aspect of the invention the bed comprises a pallet changing opening passing from the outside to the inside through any one of the right, left, and rear sidewalls, and the machine tool further comprises a pallet changing device for carrying pallets in and out through the pallet changing opening, and replacing a pallet holding processed work on the table with a new pallet holding unprocessed work.
Pallets can thus be changed efficiently by means of the pallet changing device replacing the pallet holding processed work on the table with a new pallet holding unprocessed work. Furthermore, because the new pallet can be delivered through the pallet changing opening rendered in any one of the sidewalls of the bed, and the replaced pallet that was held on the table can be removed through the pallet changing opening, the pallet changing device does not interfere with the performance of a worker working at the front of the bed.
In a machine tool according to another aspect of the invention the bed comprises a pallet changing opening passing from the outside to the inside through any two of the right, left, and rear sidewalls, and the machine tool further comprises a pallet changing device for carrying pallets in from one pallet changing opening and out through the other pallet changing opening, and replacing a pallet holding processed work on the table with a new pallet holding unprocessed work.
This arrangement enables delivering the new pallet through one of the two pallet changing openings rendered in any two of the sidewalls of the bed, and removing the replaced pallet fixed to the table from the other pallet changing opening. As a result, pallets can be changed efficiently by means of the pallet changing device and the pallet changing device does not interfere with the performance of a worker working at the front of the bed.
A machine tool according to another aspect of the invention also has a discharge means disposed below the table for discharging fluid toward the table, and a fluid supply means for supplying and discharging the fluid from the discharge means. The swivel drive mechanism can swivel the table in at least one table swiveling direction between a first swivel angle position where the top of the table is horizontal and a second swivel angle position where the table top is swiveled 90 degrees or more from the first swivel angle position, and the discharge means discharges fluid supplied from the fluid supply means toward the table swiveled to the second swivel angle position by the swivel drive mechanism.
When processing the work is finished, the swivel drive mechanism swivels the table to the second swivel angle position rotated 90 degrees or more from the first swivel angle position, and fluid is then supplied by the fluid supply means and discharged from the discharge means.
The direction in which the fluid is discharged from the discharge means is toward the table after the table has been swiveled to the second swivel angle position by the swivel drive means, and waste left on the table or on the work held on the table is removed by the fluid discharged from the discharge means. This causes the waste to fall so that it can be efficiently removed. Production costs can also be reduced because a special device for removing waste accumulated on or adhering to the work is not needed.
Alternatively, the discharge means can be rendered to discharge the fluid supplied from the fluid supply means toward the table after the table is swiveled by the swivel drive mechanism to a swivel angle position of 90 degrees or more from the first swivel angle position, and the fluid supply means can be rendered to supply the fluid to the discharge means while the table is being swiveled by the swivel drive mechanism from a swivel angle position of 90 degrees or more toward the second swivel angle position.
In this aspect of the invention the fluid is discharged from the discharge means while the table is swiveling and the table swivels through the streams of discharged fluid. Swiveling the table and removing waste by discharging fluid thus proceed in parallel, and the waste can be remove in less time and more efficiently.
In another aspect of the invention the bed has a waste discharge opening of which one end opens to the top of the base and the other end opens to the outside of the bed, and the machine tool further comprises a waste recovery means disposed inside the waste discharge opening for recovering waste falling from the open portion in the top of the base of the bed.
Waste can thus be efficiently discharged from the one end of the waste discharge opening rendered below and around the table in the top of the base of the bed, and can be recovered into the waste recovery means.
A machine tool according to the present invention thus renders the first saddle, second saddle, and spindle head movable in respective specific slide directions at a position above the top of the table, thus making it difficult for waste and cutting fluid to enter the first feed mechanism and first guide mechanism, the second feed mechanism and second guide mechanism, and the third feed mechanism and third guide mechanism. The construction and manufacturing cost of covers used to prevent such unwanted penetration of waste and cutting fluid can therefore be reduced and cover maintenance can be simplified.
Furthermore, because the second saddle is rendered inside the frame of the first saddle and the spindle head is disposed in a through-hole in the second saddle, the first saddle and second saddle are more resistant to deflection and other deformation, thus affording high precision machining.
From the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an oblique schematic view of a machine tool according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is an oblique schematic view of a machine tool according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 is an oblique schematic view showing the machine tool, a tool changing device, and a pallet changing device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 is an oblique schematic view showing the machine tool, a tool changing device, and a pallet changing device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a front view showing a part of a machine tool according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a section view through line A-A in FIG. 5 .
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a part of the top cover in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a part of the top cover in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9 is a section view through line B-B in FIG. 7 .
FIG. 10 is a section view through line C-C in FIG. 8 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures wherein FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are oblique schematic views of a machine tool according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are oblique schematic views showing the machine tool, a tool changing device, and a pallet changing device according to this preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 is a front view showing a part of a machine tool according to this preferred embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 6 is a section view through line A-A in FIG. 5 . FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are plan views showing a part of the top cover in this preferred embodiment of the invention, FIG. 9 is a section view through line B-B in FIG. 7 , and FIG. 10 is a section view through line C-C in FIG. 8 .
As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 , a machine tool 1 according to this embodiment of the invention has a machine tool unit 10 of a type known as a vertical machining center, a tool changing device 40 , pallet changing device 45 , and a waste recovery device 50 attached to the machine tool unit 10 , and a cover 60 covering at least the machine tool unit 10 , tool changing device 40 , and pallet changing device 45 .
The machine tool unit 10 comprises a bed 11 , a first saddle 16 that is disposed to the bed 11 and moves freely in a horizontal plane in the front-rear direction (along the Y-axis), a second saddle 17 that is disposed to the first saddle 16 and moves freely in a horizontal plane side to side (along the X-axis), a spindle head 18 that is disposed to the second saddle 17 and moves freely vertically (along the Z-axis), a main spindle 19 that holds a tool T and is supported by the spindle head 18 to rotate freely on the main spindle axis, and a table 20 on which a pallet P is mounted. Work W is fixed on top of the pallet P. The table 20 is disposed to the bed 11 and can swivel freely on an axis of rotation (B-axis) parallel to the Y-axis and rotate freely an axis of rotation (C axis) perpendicular to the top surface of the pallet P.
The machine tool unit 10 also comprises a Y-axis guide mechanism 21 for guiding movement of the first saddle 16 along the Y-axis, a X-axis guide mechanism 22 for guiding movement of the second saddle 17 along the X-axis, a Z-axis guide mechanism (not shown in the figures) for guiding movement of the spindle head 18 along the Z-axis, a Y-axis feed mechanism 24 for moving the first saddle 16 along the Y-axis, an X-axis feed mechanism 25 for moving the second saddle 17 along the X-axis, a Z-axis feed mechanism 26 for moving the spindle head 18 along the Z-axis, a main spindle rotational drive mechanism (not shown in the figures) for rotating the main spindle 19 on its axis, a first table rotation drive mechanism (not shown in the figures) for swiveling the table 20 on the B-axis for indexing to a specific rotational angle position, and a second table rotation drive mechanism (not shown in the figures) for rotating the table 20 on the C axis for indexing to a specific rotational angle position.
The bed 11 comprises with a rectangular base when seen in plan view, left and right sidewalls 13 and 14 (left sidewall 13 on the front left side and right sidewall 14 on the front right side) disposed vertically on both sides of the base 12 across an interval therebetween on the X-axis, and a sidewall 15 (rear sidewall) disposed vertically to the base 12 at the back between the right and left sidewalls 13 and 14 .
The base 12 has a waste removal hole 12 a of which one end opens to the top center portion of the base 12 and the other end opens to the back outside surface of the base 12 . The top of the base 12 and the base portion of the left sidewall 13 and the base portion of the right sidewall 14 decline into the opening to the waste removal hole 12 a.
A tool changing opening 13 a is formed through from the outside to the inside of the left sidewall 13 so that a tool T can be delivered into and removed from the inside of the machine tool unit 10 (the space enclosed by sidewalls 13 , 14 , 15 ) when the tool changing device 40 changes the tool T. A pallet changing opening 14 a is formed through from the outside to the inside of the right sidewall 14 so that a pallet P can be delivered into and removed from the inside of the machine tool unit 10 (the space enclosed by sidewalls 13 , 14 , 15 ) when the pallet changing device 45 changes the pallet P.
The table 20 comprises a pallet mounting unit 20 a on which a pallet P is mounted, and a support unit 20 b which is supported on the inside of the rear sidewall 15 of the bed 11 to swivel freely on the B-axis and supports the pallet mounting unit 20 a to rotate freely on the C axis. The table 20 is located in the space enclosed by the sidewalls 13 , 14 , 15 so that the pallet P mounted on the pallet mounting unit 20 a is substantially positioned above the waste removal hole 12 a , and there is a constant gap between the bottom of the support unit 20 b and the top of the base 12 .
The pallet mounting unit 20 a is rotated on the C axis by the second table rotation drive mechanism (not shown in the figures) and indexed to a specific rotational angle position, and the support unit 20 b is swiveled on the B-axis by the first table rotation drive mechanism (not shown in the figures) and indexed to a specific rotational angle position. The work W on the pallet P can thus be indexed to a desired angular position by rotating the support unit 20 b on the B-axis to swivel the pallet P on the B-axis, and by rotating the pallet P with the pallet mounting unit 20 a on the C axis.
A pallet P on the pallet mounting unit 20 a can be swiveled both to the right and to the left on the B-axis by the first table rotation drive mechanism (not shown in the figures) to any position on the B-axis between a position where the top of the pallet P is horizontal and facing up (with the pallet P at a swivel angle of 0 degrees) to a position where the top of the pallet P is horizontal and facing down (with the pallet P at a swivel angle of 180 degrees).
The first saddle 16 has a rectangular frame shape with the transverse side parallel to the X-axis and the longitudinal side parallel to the Y-axis. The end portions of the long transverse sides are supported to move freely along the Y-axis on the top of the left sidewall 13 and right sidewall 14 of the bed 11 . A recess 16 a is formed in the front outside surface between both ends of the long side of the first saddle 16 . As shown in FIG. 6 , when the first saddle 16 moves toward the front of the bed 11 , the recess 16 a prevents the front outside surface of the first saddle 16 from striking a worker S working at the front side of the bed 11 .
The second saddle 17 comprises a shoulder 17 a extending to each side in the Y-axis direction, and a through-hole 17 b passing vertically through the second saddle 17 . The second saddle 17 is disposed within the frame of the first saddle 16 with the shoulders 17 a supported by the top of the transverse portions of the first saddle 16 so that the second saddle 17 can move freely on the X-axis.
The spindle head 18 is supported to move freely on the Z-axis inside the through-hole 17 b in the second saddle 17 . The main spindle 19 is disposed above the table 20 with the main spindle axis parallel to the Z-axis and the main spindle 19 freely rotatably supported by the bottom portion of the spindle head 18 .
The Y-axis guide mechanism 21 comprises guide rails 21 a aligned with the Y-axis on the top of the left sidewall 13 and right sidewall 14 of the bed 11 , and sliders 21 b that are affixed to the bottom of both long end parts of the first saddle 16 and engage and move freely on the guide rails 21 a.
The Y-axis feed mechanism 24 comprises drive motors 24 a disposed on the top of left sidewall 13 and right sidewall 14 of the bed 11 , ball screws 24 b , and nuts 24 c . The ball screws 24 b are disposed aligned with the Y-axis on the top of the left sidewall 13 and right sidewall 14 of the bed 11 , and are axially rotated by the corresponding drive motors 24 a . The nuts 24 c are affixed to the outside surfaces of the longitudinal portions of the first saddle 16 , and screw onto the matching ball screws 24 b.
When the drive motors 24 a of this Y-axis feed mechanism 24 are driven and the ball screws 24 b thus turn axially, the nuts 24 c move along the ball screws 24 b and the first saddle 16 thus moves on the Y-axis guided by the guide rails 21 a and sliders 21 b of the Y-axis guide mechanism 21 .
The X-axis guide mechanism 22 comprises guide rails 22 a disposed aligned with the X-axis on the top of the transverse side portions of the first saddle 16 , and sliders 22 b that are affixed to the bottoms of the shoulders 17 a of the second saddle 17 and engage and move freely on the guide rails 22 a.
The X-axis feed mechanism 25 comprises a drive motor 25 a disposed to one longitudinal side portion of the of the first saddle 16 , a ball screw 25 b that is disposed on the X-axis inside the frame of the first saddle 16 and is axially rotated by the drive motor 25 a , and a nut (not shown in the figures) that is affixed to the second saddle 17 and screws onto the ball screw 25 b.
When the drive motor 25 a of this X-axis feed mechanism 25 is driven and the ball screw 25 b turns axially, the nut moves along the ball screw 25 b and the second saddle 17 thus moves along the X-axis guided by the guide rails 22 a and sliders 22 b of the X-axis guide mechanism 22 .
The Z-axis guide mechanism (not shown in the figures) comprises guide rails (not shown in the figures) aligned with the Z-axis on the inside of both X-axis sides of the through-hole 17 b of the second saddle 17 , and sliders (not shown in the figures) that are affixed to the outside of both X-axis sides of the spindle head 18 and engage and move freely on these guide rails (not shown in the figures).
The Z-axis feed mechanism 26 comprises drive motors 26 a disposed on the top of both X-axis sides of the second saddle 17 , ball screws (not shown in the figures) that are disposed aligned with the Z-axis on the inside of both X-axis sides of the second saddle 17 and are axially rotated by the drive motors 26 a , and nuts (not shown in the figures) that are affixed to the outside of both X-axis sides of the spindle head 18 and screw onto the ball screws (not shown in the figures).
When the drive motors 26 a of this Z-axis feed mechanism 26 are driven and the ball screws (not shown in the figures) turn axially, the nuts (not shown in the figures) move along the ball screws so that the spindle head 18 moves on the Z-axis guided by the guide rails (not shown in the figures) and sliders (not shown in the figures) of the Z-axis guide mechanism (not shown in the figures).
The tool changing device 40 comprises a tool magazine 41 , a tool changing arm 42 , and a drive mechanism unit 43 . The tool magazine 41 is supported on the outside of the left sidewall 13 of the bed 11 , and has a plurality of holding units 41 a each holding a tool T. The tool changing arm 42 swivels horizontally, grips the tool T held in the main spindle 19 on one end, and is inserted from the tool magazine 41 through the tool changing opening 13 a in the left sidewall 13 to the inside of the machine tool unit 10 to grip the (next) tool T positioned at a predetermined position with the other end. The drive mechanism unit 43 is supported on the inside surface of the left sidewall 13 and supports the tool changing arm 42 , and causes the tool changing arm 42 to rotate horizontally and move vertically.
The tool changing device 40 replaces the tool T on the main spindle 19 with the next tool T set to a predetermined position (indicated by the imaginary line in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 ) as a result of the horizontal rotation and vertical movement of the tool changing arm 42 driven by the drive mechanism unit 43 , and introduces and removes the tools T through the tool changing opening 13 a in the left sidewall 13 .
The pallet changing device 45 has pallet moving table 46 and a pallet moving mechanism 47 . The pallet moving table 46 has a plurality of pallet tables 46 a on top of which the pallets P are placed, and rotates the pallet tables 46 a on a vertical axis of rotation in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 . The pallet moving mechanism 47 is located between the machine tool unit 10 and the pallet moving table 46 , and moves a pallet P between the pallet table 46 a rotated to a predetermined position by the pallet moving table 46 and the table 20 inside the machine tool unit 10 .
The pallet moving mechanism 47 has a conveyance member 47 a that can move to and away from the table 20 through the pallet changing opening 14 a in the right sidewall 14 of the bed 11 . When moving a pallet P, the conveyance member 47 a moves to the table 20 to place or remove a pallet P on the table 20 through the pallet changing opening 14 a , and thus replaces the pallet P carrying the processed work W on the table 20 with a new pallet P carrying unprocessed work W.
Loading and unloading work W on a pallet P is done by a worker, for example, after the pallet moving table 46 has rotated the pallet table 46 a (pallet P) to a predetermined rotational position where the processed work W is removed from the pallet P and an unprocessed work W is mounted on the pallet P.
The waste recovery device 50 comprises a discharge mechanism 51 , a storage tank 54 , a collection box 55 , a nozzles 56 , and a supply pump (not shown in the figures).
The discharge mechanism 51 conveys cutting waste resulting from processing the work W in a specific transportation direction and removes the waste from the machine tool unit 10 . The storage tank 54 is disposed below the discharge mechanism 51 on the upstream side in the waste transportation direction, and stores the cutting fluid. The collection box 55 is disposed below the discharge mechanism 51 at the downstream end of the transportation direction. A plurality of nozzles 56 are disposed inside the waste removal hole 12 a at the top of the opening in the base 12 , and on the rear sidewall 15 at the top of the waste removal hole 12 a in the base 12 . The supply pump (not shown in the figures) supplies cutting fluid from the storage tank 54 to the plural nozzles 56 for discharge to the work W.
The discharge mechanism 51 comprises a conveyor belt 52 composed of a plurality of plates connected in an endless loop for carrying cutting waste to the collection box 55 , and a support unit 53 that houses and enables the conveyor belt 52 to move freely in a loop. The support unit 53 has a horizontal portion 53 a disposed inside the waste removal hole 12 a , and an incline portion 53 c disposed outside the machine tool 1 . The discharge mechanism 51 also has a drive motor (not shown in the figures) that causes the conveyor belt 52 to move in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 6 .
The horizontal portion 53 a of the support unit 53 is open on the top and bottom. Waste and cutting fluid drop from this open portion 53 b onto the conveyor belt 52 , and cutting fluid that drops onto the conveyor belt 52 flows down through this open portion 53 b into the storage tank 54 as further described below. The bottom of the downstream end part of the incline portion 53 c of the support unit 53 is open, and waste conveyed by the conveyor belt 52 drops through this opening (not shown in the figures) into the collection box 55 below.
The storage tank 54 is located below the horizontal portion 53 a of the support unit 53 and collects the cutting fluid that drops from the conveyor belt 52 .
The nozzles 56 are arranged to discharge cutting fluid supplied by the supply pump (not shown in the figures) through supply tubes not shown upward toward the pallet P on the table 20 , which has been swiveled 180 degrees on the B-axis to the upside down position by the first table rotation drive mechanism (not shown in the figures).
With this waste recovery device 50 , waste and cutting fluid are guided into the waste removal hole 12 a by the inclined top of the base 12 , the inclined based portions where the left sidewall 13 and right sidewall 14 meet the base 12 , and covers not shown disposed appropriately in the space enclosed by the sidewalls 13 , 14 , 15 , and drop from this waste removal hole 12 a onto the conveyor belt 52 , which is driven in a circle by a drive motor (not shown in the figures). The cutting waste is then conveyed outside the machining center by the conveyor belt 52 , falls into the collection box 55 located below the downstream end of the conveyor belt 52 , and is recovered. The cutting fluid drops from the conveyor belt 52 and is collected in the storage tank 54 .
As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , the support unit 20 b of the table 20 is swiveled 180 degrees on the B-axis by the first table rotation drive mechanism (not shown in the figures) so that the support unit 20 b and the work W on the pallet P attached to the pallet mounting unit 20 a are upside down. Cutting fluid is then supplied from the supply pump (not shown in the figures) and discharged from the nozzles 56 to remove any cutting waste left on the support unit 20 b , the pallet mounting unit 20 a , the pallet P, and the work W, for example. The waste thus removed drops onto the conveyor belt 52 from the waste removal hole 12 a , and is conveyed outside the machine tool unit 10 and recovered.
The cover 60 includes a first cover 61 covering the outside of the machine tool unit 10 and the tool changing device 40 ; a second cover 62 that is connected to the first cover 61 and covers the pallet changing device 45 ; a top cover 70 that is connected to the first cover 61 and covers the top of the opening enclosed by the sidewalls 13 , 14 , 15 of the bed 11 ; a telescopic third cover 63 that is rendered inside the frame of the first saddle 16 of the machine tool unit 10 to enable movement of the second saddle 17 on the X-axis; a tool changer door for closing the tool changing opening 13 a in the left sidewall 13 of the bed 11 ; and a pallet changer door (not shown in the figures) for closing the pallet changing opening 14 a in the right sidewall 14 of the bed 11 .
The tool changer door (not shown in the figures) can be opened as needed during the tool changing operation of the tool changing device 40 , and the pallet changer door (not shown in the figures) can be opened as needed during the pallet changing operation of the pallet changing device 45 .
The first cover 61 comprises a left door 61 a that opens by sliding to the left sidewall 13 of the bed 11 at the front of the machine tool unit 10 , and a right door 61 b that slides to the right sidewall 15 to open. The opened doors 61 a and 61 b are housed in pockets 61 c rendered in the front of the first cover 61 .
The second cover 62 comprises doors 62 a that slide to the right and left to open similarly to the first cover 61 . Work W can be placed on and removed from the pallets P on the pallet moving table 46 of the pallet changing device 45 through the opening afforded by these doors 62 a.
The top cover 70 comprises a guide rail 71 disposed on the front top portion of the first saddle 16 and aligned with the X-axis; a left moving member 72 and right moving member 73 having sliders 72 a and 73 a that engage and move freely on the guide rail 71 ; a first left top cover 74 and a first right top cover 75 disposed below the guide rail 71 ; a second left top cover 76 and a second right top cover 77 disposed above the first top covers 74 and 75 with the front and back end parts of the covers 76 and 77 connected to the top inside surface of the doors 61 a and 61 b of the first cover 61 and the moving members 72 and 73 ; and a left linkage member 78 and a right linkage member 79 disposed above the second top covers 76 and 77 with the end parts connected to the top inside of the doors 61 a and 61 b of the first cover 61 and the moving members 72 and 73 .
The first top covers 74 and 75 are telescopic covers that enable movement of the first saddle 16 on the Y-axis. The first left top cover 74 is installed with the bottom part attached to the top of the left sidewall 13 of the bed 11 inside of the guide rails 21 a of the Y-axis guide mechanism 21 , the back part below the guide rail 71 at the front left end part of the long side of the first saddle 16 , and the front part attached to the top inside part of the first cover 61 . The first right top cover 75 is installed with the bottom part attached to the top of the right sidewall 14 of the bed 11 inside of the guide rails 21 a of the Y-axis guide mechanism 21 , the back part below the guide rail 71 at the front right end part of the long side of the first saddle 16 , and the front part attached to the top inside part of the first cover 61 .
The first top covers 74 and 75 do not cover the Y-axis guide mechanism 21 and Y-axis feed mechanism 24 because the bottom part of the covers is disposed inside of the guide rails 21 a at the top of the sidewalls 13 and 14 of the bed 11 .
The second top covers 76 and 77 are bellows-like covers enabling movement of the first saddle 16 on the Y-axis. The front part of the second left top cover 76 is attached to the top inside part of the left door 61 a , and the back part is attached to the left moving member 72 . The front part of the second right top cover 77 is attached to the top inside part of the right door 61 b , and the back part is attached to the right moving member 73 .
The linkage members 78 and 79 comprise a pantograph mechanism enabling movement of the first saddle 16 on the Y-axis, and two linkage members are disposed to each of the second top covers 76 and 77 . The ends of the left linkage member 78 are affixed to the top inside part of the left door 61 a and the left moving member 72 , and the ends of the right linkage member 79 are affixed to the top inside part of the right door 61 b and right moving member 73 .
The first cover 61 , third cover 63 , top cover 70 , tool changer door (not shown in the figures), and pallet changer door (not shown in the figures) of the cover 60 , and the covers (not shown in the figures) appropriately disposed to the inside of the sidewalls 13 , 14 , 15 of the bed 11 , close the space (machining area) contained within the sidewalls 13 , 14 , 15 , and prevent waste and cutting fluid from flying outside.
When the doors 61 a and 61 b of the first cover 61 open and close as shown in FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , FIG. 7 , and FIG. 8 , the second top covers 76 and 77 are guided by the guide rail 71 and sliders 72 a and 73 a and move on the X-axis together with the linkage members 78 and 79 and moving members 72 and 73 . As a result, opening and closing the doors 61 a and 61 b opens and closes the top part of the working area.
With the machine tool 1 according to this embodiment of the invention the first saddle 16 is guided by the Y-axis guide mechanism 21 and moved along the Y-axis by the Y-axis feed mechanism 24 , the second saddle 17 is guided by the X-axis guide mechanism 22 and moved along the X-axis by the X-axis feed mechanism 25 , the spindle head 18 is guided by the Z-axis guide mechanism (not shown in the figures) and moved along the Z-axis by the Z-axis feed mechanism 26 , and the main spindle 19 is driven rotationally on its axis by the main spindle rotation drive mechanism (not shown in the figures), and the work W held on the pallet P placed on the table 20 is thus machined by the tool T held on the main spindle 19 .
Waste produced by machining and cutting fluid supplied appropriately to where the tool T and work W contact drop from the waste removal hole 12 a onto the conveyor belt 52 . The waste is conveyed by the conveyor belt 52 and recovered in the collection box 55 , and the cutting fluid flows down and off the conveyor belt 52 into the storage tank 54 located below the conveyor belt 52 .
The pallet mounting unit 20 a of the table 20 is rotated on the C axis and indexed to a predetermined rotational angle position by the second table rotation drive mechanism (not shown in the figures), and the support unit 20 b of the table 20 is swiveled on the B-axis by the first table rotation drive mechanism (not shown in the figures) and indexed to a predetermined rotational angle position, to index the pallet P (the work W on the pallet P) to a specific rotational angle position on the C axis and a specific rotational angle position on the B-axis for processing. The tool changing device 40 also changes the tool T as needed through the tool changing opening 13 a in the left sidewall 13 of the bed 11 .
When the machining process is completed, the first table rotation drive mechanism (not shown in the figures) swivels the support unit 20 b of the table 20 on the B-axis to turn the work W on the pallet P upside down, and cutting fluid is then discharged from the nozzles 56 to remove any waste from the support unit 20 b , the pallet mounting unit 20 a , the pallet P, or the work W, for example. The removed waste drops through the waste removal hole 12 a onto the conveyor belt 52 whereby the waste is conveyed out from the working area and recovered into the collection box 55 .
The first table rotation drive mechanism (not shown in the figures) then again swivels the support unit 20 b of the table 20 on the B-axis to the upright horizontal position, and the pallet changing device 45 changes the pallet P through the pallet changing opening 14 a in the right sidewall 14 of the bed 11 .
In a machine tool 1 according to this embodiment of the invention the table 20 is disposed inside the space enclosed by the three sidewalls 13 , 14 , 15 of the bed 11 , both ends of the long sides of the first saddle 16 are supported on top of the right and left sidewalls 13 and 14 to move freely on the Y-axis, the second saddle 17 is disposed movably on the X-axis inside the frame of the first saddle 16 , and the spindle head 18 is disposed movably on the Z-axis inside the through-hole 17 b of the second saddle 17 . As a result, the first saddle 16 , the second saddle 17 , and the spindle head 18 can also be disposed above the top of the table 20 .
A machine tool 1 according to this embodiment of the invention makes it more difficult for cutting waste and cutting fluid to enter the Y-axis feed mechanism 24 and Y-axis guide mechanism 21 , the X-axis feed mechanism 25 and X-axis guide mechanism 22 , and the Z-axis feed mechanism 26 and Z-axis guide mechanism (not shown in the figures) when compared with a prior art machine tool in which the feed mechanism for moving the table and the guide mechanism for guiding table movement are disposed below the top of the table. Waste and cutting fluid can therefore be prevented from entering the Y-axis, X-axis, and Z-axis feed mechanisms 24 , 25 , 26 and the Y-axis, X-axis, and Z-axis guide mechanisms 21 and 22 using only the top cover 70 and third cover 63 , and separate covers for the Y-axis, X-axis, and Z-axis feed mechanisms 24 , 25 , 26 and the Y-axis, X-axis, and Z-axis guide mechanisms 21 and 22 are not needed. As a result, the parts count and the manufacturing cost of the cover 60 can be reduced, and maintenance of the cover 60 can be simplified.
The first saddle 16 is also rendered with a rectangular frame shape, the second saddle 17 is disposed inside the frame of the first saddle 16 , and the spindle head 18 is disposed inside a through-hole 17 b formed vertically through the second saddle 17 . Unlike the prior art machine tool, the saddle therefore does not project from the front and a support structure for the spindle head is not needed. Deflection and other deformation of the bed 11 , first saddle 16 , and second saddle 17 are thus prevented, and work W can be machined with high precision.
Play and a change in attitude can also be prevented when moving the first saddle 16 and spindle head 18 , and high precision machining is thus afforded, by driving both long-end portions of the first saddle 16 by means of a Y-axis feed mechanism 24 comprising two drive motors 24 a , ball screws 24 b , and nuts 24 c , and driving both ends of the spindle head 18 by means of a Z-axis feed mechanism 26 comprising two drive motors 26 a , ball screws (not shown in the figures), and nuts (not shown in the figures).
Yet further, by rendering a recess 16 a at the front outside surface between the ends of the long sides of the first saddle 16 , the front outside surface of the first saddle 16 can be prevented from striking a worker S working at the front of the bed 11 when the first saddle 16 moves to the front side of the bed 11 .
A pallet P on the table 20 can be swiveled and indexed on the B-axis by means of a first table rotation drive mechanism (not shown in the figures) and can also be rotated and indexed on the C axis by means of a second table rotation drive mechanism (not shown in the figures). The work W (pallet P) therefore needs to be mounted on the table 20 only once in order to complete a processing sequence, including machining the outside of the work W, thus improving efficiency and machining precision.
The tool changing device 40 and pallet changing device 45 also enable more efficient tool changing and pallet changing, the tool changing device 40 is disposed on the left sidewall 13 side of the bed 11 and changes tools through a tool changing opening 13 a in the left sidewall 13 , and the pallet changing device 45 is disposed on the right sidewall 14 side of the bed 11 and changes the pallets through a pallet changing opening 14 a in the right sidewall 14 . Thus rendering the tool changing device 40 and pallet changing device 45 on the sides prevents interference with tasks performed by a worker S at the front of the bed 11 .
Furthermore, when processing the work W is finished, the first table rotation drive mechanism (not shown in the figures) swivels the support unit 20 b on the table 20 180 degrees on the B-axis to invert the work W on the pallet P, and cutting fluid is then discharged towards the pallet P from nozzles 56 located below the table 20 to effectively and efficiently remove any waste accumulated on or clinging to the support unit 20 b , the pallet mounting unit 20 a , the pallet P, and the work W. Waste and cutting fluid are thus prevented from being removed with the pallet P and work W from the machine tool unit 10 . The processing cost can also be reduced because dedicated equipment for removing waste adhering to the work W is not needed.
A waste removal hole 12 a is rendered as an opening in the top of the base 12 of the bed 11 , and a waste recovery device 50 is disposed inside the waste removal hole 12 a . Waste and cutting fluid can thus be efficiently discharged from the opening of the waste removal hole 12 a in the base 12 and recovered by the waste recovery device 50 .
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described above, and it will be obvious to one with ordinary skill in the related art that the invention is not limited to this embodiment.
A tool changing device 40 and pallet changing device 45 are disposed to the machine tool unit 10 in this embodiment of the invention, but the invention is not so limited as the machine tool unit 10 could be equipped with only the tool changing device 40 or only the pallet changing device 45 . In such an arrangement only the corresponding tool changing opening 13 a or pallet changing opening 14 a is rendered in one of the three sidewalls 13 , 14 , 15 of the bed 11 .
The arrangement of the tool changing device 40 and pallet changing device 45 is also not limited to the preferred embodiment described above. For example, a pallet changing opening 14 a can be rendered in any two of the three sidewalls 13 , 14 , 15 of the bed 11 so that the pallet changing device 45 delivers a pallet P from one pallet changing opening 14 a and removes the pallet P from the other pallet changing opening 14 a , thereby replacing the pallet P holding the processed work W on the table 20 with a new pallet P carrying unprocessed work W.
Yet further, cutting fluid is discharged from each of plural nozzles 56 in this preferred embodiment of the invention, but the invention is not so limited and the nozzles 56 could instead discharge compressed air. Furthermore, the nozzles 56 only need to be located below the table 20 , and are not limited to being located directly below the table 20 . The construction of the table 20 and the construction of the machine tool unit 10 are also not limited to this embodiment of the invention.
The rotational angle position of the table 20 when the cutting fluid is discharged from the nozzles 56 is also not limited to the 180 degree inverted position described above, and can be any angle of 90 degrees or more. In addition, discharging the cutting fluid from the nozzles 56 is not limited to after the table 20 has been swiveled 180 degrees on the B-axis, and the cutting fluid can be discharged while the table 20 is swiveling. In this situation the table 20 crosses the streams of discharged cutting fluid while the table 20 swivels. Swiveling the table 20 and removing waste by discharging cutting fluid are thus parallel operations, and the waste can be removed in less time and more efficiently.
Furthermore, pallets P (work W) are changed by the pallet changing device 45 in this embodiment of the invention, but a crane or other type of hoist device can be used to load the work W on the table 20 instead of using a pallet changing device 45 . Work W can be efficiently loaded and unloaded from the table 20 in this arrangement because the top cover 70 opens together with the doors 61 a and 61 b of the first cover 61 . | Machine tool simplifying maintenance, reducing manufacturing costs, and enabling high precision machining. The machine tool is equipped with: a bed furnished with a rectangular base, right and left sidewalls provided standing either side of the base, and a rear sidewall provided standing along the back of the base; a table disposed in the space surrounded by the three sidewalls; a first saddle shaped in the form of a rectangular frame shape, provided free to shift back and forth supported on the tops of the left and right sidewalls; a second saddle penetrated by a perpendicular through-hole and arranged free to shift sideways inside the first saddle frame; and a spindle head arranged free to shift perpendicularly inside the through-hole in the second saddle; and a main spindle arranged over the table and supported by the spindle head free to rotate centered on its axis. | 57,299 |
[0001] The invention broadly concerns the application of actives, especially pharmaceutical drug substances, to mammalian, especially human, skin. In one aspect, the invention concerns the treatment of pathological skin conditions including irritation, pain, itching, inflammation and/or skin damage. More specifically the invention concerns the use of extended surface aggregates, including bilayer membranes, based on amphipathic components, especially lipids, in the manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of such pathological skin conditions.
[0002] In another aspect, the invention relates to methods and formulations suitable for modifying skin pigmentation in living organisms provided with pigmented skin, and especially in humans and animals. Specifically, the invention is concerned with formulations and methods suitable to induce depigmentation in vivo, without causing skin damage. The invention is also concerned with methods of treating diseases related to hyperpigmentation and pigment cell proliferation.
[0003] The skin, including the skin of all mammals, has evolved to become one of the best biological barriers known to mankind. This barrier function is required both to keep necessary substances from leaving the body, and to keep undesired substances from entering the body.
[0004] In mammals, this barrier function of the skin is mainly provided by the outermost horny layer of the skin, the stratum corneum.
[0005] Many attempts have been made in the past to find transdermal formulations, capable of transporting actives (e.g. pharmaceutical agents) to their destined location in the body (e.g. in muscle tissue or organs) through the intact skin. Generally, such early attempts have been insufficiently effective.
[0006] A major breakthrough in transdermal therapy was achieved when it was found that specific mixed lipid bilayers with high permeability and high flexibility characteristics are capable of overcoming narrow, normally confining pores. Often, these take the form of extremely deformable vesicles enclosed by a (generally single) bilayer membrane. The bilayers are formed from amphipathic substances e.g. phosphatidylcholine, which typically form liposomes. Their flexibility is provided by admixture of membrane softening compounds, e.g. surfactants. Vesicles provided with such mixed lipid bilayer membranes can permeate through passages in the skin which would otherwise not even permit the penetration of their constituent molecules. It is assumed that this is based on the opening of initially very narrow (0.4 nm) intercellular hydrophilic channels in the stratum corneum lipid layer by these vesicles, to form hydrophilic pores approx. 20 nm wide, through which the ultradeformable vesicles can then permeate.
[0007] This technology is protected by a series of granted patents and patent applications. An early example is EP 0 475 160. A more recent example is WO 2004/032900. A recent scientific article explaining this technology is G. Cevc, A. G. Schätzlein, H. Richardsen and U. Vierl, “Overcoming semi permeable barriers, such as the skin, with ultradeformable mixed lipid vesicles, transfersomes, liposomes or mixed lipid micelles”, Langmuir 2003, 19, 10753-10763. In the literature, vesicles incorporating this technology are often indicated using a trademark owned by the instant applicant, comprising the term “transfersome”. In the context of this description, the term “transfersome” will be used to designate an ultra-deformable vesicle incorporating this technology, as described in the above-mentioned references and commercially available from the applicant. More generally, highly deformable mixed lipid bilayers (whether vesicular or not) will be referred to as “Extended Surface Aggregates” or ESA's.
[0008] The published literature describes the use of transfersomes for the transport of actives through the skin, to that part of the body, where their pharmaceutical activity is required. Especially the older transfersome literature stresses the fact that transfersome vesicles penetrate the skin intact, i.e. with the active ingredient carried (as associated with the transfersome material) not only into, but also through and out of the (widened) pores in the stratum corneum, through the underlying epidermal strata and through the dermis, without destruction of the vesicle (although some average size reduction may, in case, be observed). In the treatment of body parts interior of the dermis, this is necessary, to avoid the active being carried off by the blood circulation system, before the destined locus is reached.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is based on the concept of using such mixed lipid bilayer structures or extended surface aggregates, (ESA's) as generally described in the above-mentioned literature (especially in WO 2004/032900) for the treatment of the skin itself, where a skin condition in need of such treatment exists.
[0010] Pathological skin conditions do not necessarily involve major structural changes in the skin, and specifically do not generally involve the loss of the stratum corneum's barrier function. Indeed, the pathological skin conditions on which the present invention is mainly focused, leave the barrier function of the stratum corneum basically intact.
[0011] Typical such pathological skin conditions include skin irritation, pain, itching, inflammation and/or skin damage, without concurrent loss of the skin's barrier function. Thus, while the skin is not in its natural condition, the skin barrier is functioning. Typical examples include sunburn and other forms of dermatitis.
[0012] The skin condition may alternatively have been caused by a treatment that at least partly removes the outer skin cell layers, e.g. erosive laser treatments as used for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes.
[0013] The skin condition may be caused by exposure to chemicals, especially skin irritants. The invention e.g. includes the use of ESA's in the therapy of allergies, such as contact allergies.
[0014] Generally, reference to therapeutical uses herein is to be understood to include, besides therapy of already existing pathological conditions, also the prevention of such conditions.
[0015] In another aspect, the invention concerns the modification of skin pigmentation. It is known that the changes in skin pigmentation can be induced by pharmaceutically active substances.
[0016] Skin pigmentation can for example be increased by stimulation of melanocytes, and this may be caused by the application of drugs like cyclophosphamid, MTX, 5-FU, chlofazimin, phenotiazine, thiazide, tetracycline and also NSAIDs (i.e. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs).
[0017] Depigmentation or hypopigmentation, i.e. the decrease of the concentration of pigments in the skin, can be caused by skin damage (e.g. drug eruptions, contact dermatitis, scarring) induced by various pharmaceutically active substances, including NSAIDs.
[0018] In an article by Zailaie, Saudi Med J. 2004 November; 25 (11): 1656-63, in-vitro studies in cell cultures are reported, which appeared to show that in such cell cultures, low concentrations of acetylsalicylic acid stimulate melanocytes, whereas very high concentrations may cause melanocyte apoptosis.
[0019] To the Applicant's knowledge, it has not yet been reported that actives such as NSAIDs can induce depigmentation in vivo, in human or animal skin that has not initially been damaged by the drug.
[0020] It has now surprisingly been found in the context of a clinical trial, as described below, that transfersome preparations of NSAIDs as described herein can induce profound depigmentation (or hypopigmentation) in vivo, in the absence of any skin damage. Without wishing to be bound to any theory, it is presently assumed that the unparalleled efficacy of transfersomes (and other such amphipathic aggregates, as e.g. described in U.S. Ser. No. 10/357,617) in transporting actives through the stratum corneum, to (and beyond) the deeper strata of the skin, creates exposure of the melanocytes to such high local concentrations of active, that impairment of melanocyte function or even apoptosis can be induced.
[0021] Formulations suitable for providing this depigmentation effect include the ones described in above-mentioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/357,617.
[0022] Methods of treatment in accordance with this invention include the application of such formulations onto the skin to be treated for extended time periods, up to several days or even weeks, as found necessary.
[0023] This invention is useful where treatment of hyperpigmentation or melanocyte dysfunction is desired.
[0024] Another potential use of the invention is in the treatment of undesired pigmentation. It is expected that by suitably selecting the pharmaceutically active substance, by selecting its concentration in the formulation and by selecting the time period of treatment, very different effects can be achieved, ranging from a persistent general hypopigmentation, which might just meet cosmetical needs, through the treatment of melasma and melanoma. It is expected that at suitably high active concentrations and suitably long treatment, apoptosis (cell-death) of melanocytes exposed to the treatment can be induced, so that it is possible that undesired growth of melanocytes can be reduced, or noxious melanocyte populations may indeed be entirely removed, which could provide a treatment for e.g. melanoma.
DEFINITIONS
[0025] In the present invention, the general terms employed hereinbefore and hereinafter have the following meanings.
[0026] The term “active” means a pharmaceutical active or drug.
[0027] The term “aggregate” denotes a group of more than just a few amphipaths of similar or different kind. Typically, an aggregate referred to in this invention contains at least 100 molecules, i.e. has an aggregation number n a >100. More often aggregation number is n a >1000 and most preferably n a >10.000. An aggregate comprising an aqueous core surrounded with at least one lipid (bilayer) membrane is called a lipid vesicle, and often a liposome.
[0028] The term aggregate “adaptability” is defined in this document as the ability of a given aggregate to change easily and more or less reversibly its properties, such as shape, elongation ratio, and surface to volume ratio. Adaptability also implies that an aggregate can sustain unidirectional force or stress, such as a hydrostatic pressure, without significant fragmentation, as is defined for the “stable” aggregates. An easy and reversible change in aggregate shape furthermore implies high aggregate deformability and requires large surface-to-volume ratio adaptation. For vesicular aggregates, the latter is associated with material exchange between the outer and inner vesicle volume, i.e. with at least transient vesicle membrane permeabilisation. The experimentally determined capability of given aggregate suspension to pass through narrow pores in a semi-permeable barrier thus offers simple means for functionally testing aggregate adaptability and deformability (vide supra), as is described in the Practical Examples.
[0029] To assess aggregate adaptability it is useful to employ the following method:
1) measure fluxj a of aggregate suspension through a semi-permeable barrier (e.g. gravimetrically) for different transport-driving trans-barrier pressures delta p; 2) calculate the pressure dependence of barrier penetrability P for given suspension by dividing each measured flux value with the corresponding driving pressure value: P (delta p)=j a (deltap)/delta p; 3) monitor the ratio of final and starting vesicle diameter 2r ves (delta p)/2r ves,0 (e.g. with the dynamic light scattering), wherein 2r ves (deltap)/is the vesicle diameter after semi-permeable barrier passage driven by delta p and 2r ves,0 is the starting vesicle diameter, and if necessary making corrections for the flow-rate effects; 4) align both data sets P (delta p) vs. r ves (delta p)/r ves,0 , to determine the co-existence range for high aggregate adaptability and stability; it is also useful, but not absolutely essential, to parameterise experimental penetrability data within the framework of Maxwell-approximation in terms of the necessary pressure value p and of maximum penetrability value P max , which are defined graphically in the following illustrative schemes.
[0034] It is plausible to sum up all the contributions to a moving aggregate energy (deformation energy/ies, thermal energy, the shearing work, etc.) into a single, total energy. The equilibrium population density of aggregate's energetic levels then may be taken to correspond to Maxwell's distribution, All aggregates with a total energy greater than the activation energy, E f E A , are finally concluded to penetrate the barrier. The pore-crossing probability for such aggregates is then given by:
P ( e ) = 1 - erf ( 1 ⅇ ) + 4 π ⅇ · exp [ - 1 ⅇ ] ,
e being dimensionless aggregate energy in units of the activation energy E A .
[0035] It is therefore plausible to write barrier penetrability to a given suspension as a function of transport driving pressure (=driving pressure difference) p (=delta p) as:
P ( p ) = p max · { 1 - erf ( p * p ) + 4 p * π p · exp [ - p * p ] } (* )
P max is the maximum possible penetrability of a given barrier. (For the aggregates with zero transport resistance this penetrability is identical to the penetrability of the suspending medium flux.) p* is an adjustable parameter that describes the pressure sensitivity, and thus the transport resistance, of the tested system. (For barriers with a fixed pore radius this sensitivity is a function of aggregate properties solely. For non-interacting particles the sensitivity is dominated by aggregate adaptability, allowing to make the assumption: a a proportional to 1/p*.)
[0036] The formula (*) is used to calculate aggregate adaptability from suspension flux, or more precisely from the corresponding penetrability (=P(p)=Flux/Pressure=Flux/p data).
[0037] This formula is explained, in more detail, in our co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/357,618 “Aggregates with increased deformability, comprising at least three amphipaths, for improved transport through semi-permeable barriers and for the non-invasive drug application in vivo, especially through the skin”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0038] The term “apparent dissociation constant” refers to the measured dissociation (i.e. ionisation) constant of a drug. This constant for many drugs, including NSAIDs, is different in the bulk and in the homo- or heteroaggregates. For ketoprofen, the pKa in the bulk is approx. 4.4 whereas the pKa value measured above the drug association concentration is approx. 5, and decreases approximately linearly with the inverse ionic strength of the bulk solution. pKa of ketoprofen bound to lipid bilayers increases with total lipid concentration as well, and is approx. 6 and 6.45 in suspensions with 5 w-% and 16 w-% total lipid in a 50 mM monovalent buffer, respectively. For diclofenac, the pKa in the bulk is around 4, whereas for this drug in lipid bilayers pKa ˜6.1 was determined. The bulk pKa reported in the literature for meloxicam, piroxicam, naproxen, indomethacin and ibuprofen is 4.2 (and 1.9), 5.3, 4.2-4.7, 4.5, and 4.3 (or in some reports 5.3), respectively.
[0039] The term aggregate “deformability” is closely related to the term “adaptability”. Any major change in aggregate shape that does not result in a significant aggregate fragmentation is indicative of sufficient aggregate deformability, and also implies a large change in the deformed aggregate surface-to-volume ratio. Deformability can therefore be measured in the same kind of experiments as is proposed for determining aggregate adaptability, or else can be assessed by optical measurements that reveal reversible shape changes.
[0040] The term “narrow” used in connection with a pore implies that the pore diameter is significantly, typically at least 30%, smaller than the diameter of the entity tested with regard to its ability to cross the pore.
[0041] The term “NSAID” (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) typically indicates a chemical entity which acts as cyclooxygenase-1 and/or cyclooxygenase-2 antagonist. Within the framework of this invention lipoxygenase inhibitors are also considered to be part of the class of NSAID's.
[0042] Examples include salts of substituted phenylacetic acids or 2-phenylpropionic acids, such as alclofenac, ibufenac, ibuprofen, clindanac, fenclorac, ketoprofen, fenoprofen, indoprofen, fenclofenac, diclofenac, flurbiprofen, pirprofen, naproxen, benoxaprofen, carprofen or cicloprofen; analgesically active heteroarylacetic acids or 2-heteroarylpropionic acids having a 2-indol-3-yl or pyrrol-2-yl radical, for example indomethacin, oxmetacin, intrazol, acemetazin, cinmetacin, zomepirac, tolmetin, colpirac or tiaprofenic acid; analgesically active indenylacetic acids, for example sulindac; analgesically active heteroaryloxyacetic acids, for example benzadac; NSAIDS from the oxicam family include piroxicam, droxicam, meloxicam, tenoxicam; further interesting drugs from NSAID class are, meclofenamate, etc.
[0043] The term “phospholipid” means, for example, compounds corresponding to the formula
in which one of the radicals R1 and R2 represents hydrogen, hydroxy or C1-C4-alkyl, and the other radical represents a long fatty chain, especially an alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy or acyloxy, each having from 10 to 24 carbon atoms, or both radicals R1 and R2 represent a long fatty chain, especially an alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy or acyloxy each having from 10 to 24 carbon atoms, R3 represents hydrogen or C1-C4-alkyl, and R4 represents hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-C7-alkyl or a carbohydrate radical having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms or, if both radicals R1 and R2 represent hydrogen or hydroxy, R4 represents a steroid radical, or is a salt thereof. The radicals R1, R2, R3, and R4 are typically selected so as to ensure that lipid bilayer membrane is in the fluid lamellar phase during practical application and is a good match to the drug of choice.
[0044] In a phospholipid of the formula 1, R1, R2 or R3 having the meaning C1-C4-alkyl is preferably methyl, but may also be ethyl, n-propyl, or n-butyl.
[0045] The terms alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkenyloxy or acyloxy have their usual meaning, expressed in detail in parallel patent application. The long fatty chains attached to a phospholipid can also be substituted in any of usual ways.
[0046] A steroid radical R4 is, for example, a sterol radical that is esterified by the phosphatidyl group by way of the hydroxy group located in the 3-position of the steroid nucleus. If R4 represents a steroid radical, R1 and R2 are preferably hydroxy and R3 is hydrogen.
[0047] Phospholipids of the formula 1 can be in the form of free acids or in the form of salts. Salts are formed by reaction of the free acid of the formula II with a base, for example a dilute, aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxide, for example lithium, sodium or potassium hydroxide, magnesium or calcium hydroxide, a dilute aqueous ammonia solution or an aqueous solution of an amine, for example a mono-, di- or tri-lower alkylamine, for example ethyl-, diethyl- or triethyl-amine, 2-hydroxyethyl-tri-C1-C4-alkyl-amine, for example choline, and a basic amino acid, for example lysine or arginine.
[0048] A phospholipid of the formula 1 has especially two acyloxy radicals R1 and R2, for example alkanoyloxy or alkenoyloxy, for example lauroyloxy, myristoyloxy, palmitoyloxy, stearoyloxy, arachinoyloxy, oleoyloxy, linoyloxy or linoleoyloxy, and is, for example, natural lecithin (R3=hydrogen, R4=2-trimethylammonium ethyl) or cephalin (R3=hydrogen, R4=2-ammonium ethyl) having different acyloxy radicals R1 and R2, for example egg lecithin or egg cephalin or lecithin or cephalin from soya beans, synthetic lecithin or cephalin having different or identical acyloxy radicals R1 and R2, for Example 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl lecithin or cephalin or dipalmitoyl, distearoyl, diarachinoyl, dioIeoyl, dilinoyl or dilinoleoyl lecithin or cephalin, natural phosphatidyl serine (R3=hydrogen, R4=2-amino-2-carboxyethyl) having different acyloxy radicals R1 and R2, for example phosphatidyl serine from bovine brain, synthetic phosphatidylserine having different or identical acyloxy radicals R1 and R2, for example dioleoyl-, dimyristoyl- or dipalmitoyl-phosphatidyl serine, or natural phosphatidic acid (R3 and R4=hydrogen) having different acyloxy radicals R1 and R2.
[0049] A phospholipid of the formula 1 is also a phospholipid in which R1 and R2 represent two identical alkoxy radicals, for example n-tetradecyloxy or n-hexadecyloxy (synthetic ditetradecyl or dihexadecyl lecithin or cephalin), R1 represents alkenyl and R2 represents acyloxy, for example myristoyloxy or palmitoyloxy (plasmalogen, R3=hydrogen, R4=2-trimethylammonium ethyl), R1 represents acyloxy and R2 represents hydroxy (natural or synthetic lys6lecithin or lysocephalin, for Example 1-myristoyl- or 1-palmitoyl-lyso-lecithin or -cephalin; natural or synthetic lysophosphatidyl serine, R3=hydrogen, R4=2-amino-2-carboxyethyl, for example lysophosphatidyl serine from bovine brain or 1-myristoyl- or 1-palmitoyl-lysophosphatidyl serine, synthetic lysophosphatidyl glycerine, R3=hydrogen, R4=CH 2 OH—CHOH—CH 2 —, natural or synthetic lysophosphatidic acid, R3=hydrogen, R4=hydrogen, for example egg lysophosphatidic acid or 1-lauroyl-, 1-myristoyl- or 1-palmitoyl-lysophosphatidic acid).
[0050] The term “semipermeable” used in connection with a barrier implies that a suspension can cross transbarrier openings whereas a suspension of non-adaptable aggregates 150-200% larger than the diameter of such openings cannot achieve this. Conventional lipid vesicles (liposomes) made from any common phospholipid in the gel lamellar phase or else from any biological phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol 1/1 mol/mol mixture or else comparably large oil droplets, all having the specified relative diameter, are three examples for such non-adaptable aggregates.
[0051] The terms “stable” and “sufficiently stable” mean that the tested aggregate does not change its diameter spontaneously or under relevant mechanical stress (e.g. during passage through a semipermeable barrier) to a practically (most often: pharmaceutically) unacceptable degree. A 2040% change is considered acceptable; the halving of aggregate diameter or a 100% diameter increase is not.
[0052] The term “sterol radical” means, for example, the lanosterol, sitosterol, coprostanol, cholestanol, glycocholic acid, ergosterol or stigmasterol radical, is preferably the cholesterol radical, but can also be any other sterol radical known in the art.
[0053] The term “surfactant” also has its usual meaning. A long list of relevant surfactants and surfactant related definitions is given in EP 0 475 160 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,500 which are herewith explicitly included by reference and in appropriate surfactant or pharmaceutical Handbooks, such as Handbook of Industrial Surfactants or US Pharmacopoeia, Pharm. Eu., etc. Surfactants are typically chosen to be in a fluid chain state or at least to be compatible with the maintenance of fluid-chain state in carrier aggregates.
[0054] The term “surfactant like phospholipid” means a phospholipid with solubility, and other relevant properties, similar to those of the corresponding surfactants mentioned in this application, especially in the claims 10 and 1 . A non-ionic surfactant like phospholipid therefore should have water solubility, and ideally also water diffusion/exchange rates, etc., similar to those of a relevant non-ionic surfactant.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0055] In the context of this description, the invention will be exemplified in the context of skin analgesia and inflammation, in the context of skin pigmentation, and in treating itch. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to such treatments, and in fact extends to all preventive and therapeutical treatments of the skin, especially the human skin, which involve correspondingly usable pharmaceutical actives.
[0056] In the preferred embodiments, the use of NSAIDs is exemplified. NSAIDs are a preferred class of drugs for practising this invention. It should be understood, however, that other classes of drugs can as well be used in similar treatments of pathological skin conditions. The invention is also not limited to analgesic applications, but extends to the treatment of all kinds of pathological conditions of the mammalian skin.
[0057] NSAIDs (“non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs”) are a class of drugs with many very well known members. A definition is provided below in the “Definitions” section.
[0058] The only currently marketed NSAID formulation in the US for the treatment of any pathological skin condition (Solaraze®) is a diclofenac product for use in actinic ceratosis (praecancerois). This product is reported to cause skin irritation in up to 60% of the treated patients, and seems to be unacceptable for use in inflamed skin conditions.
[0059] Sunburn is a model of skin inflammation and a major source of skin pain experienced by humans. It is a clinical response to acute cutaneous solar photo damage after an excessive exposure to ultraviolet, especially UVB light and ranges from mild, painless cutaneous erythema to painful erythemateous skin with associate oedema and blistering. There are no standard treatments for sunburn. A combination of non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment modalities is currently used to treat sunburn, including topical application of hydrocortisone, but none of these current therapies is considered to be sufficiently efficient.
[0060] It is basically known that painful, inflammatory skin conditions such as sunburn and other types of dermatitis, react to the use of NSAIDs, such as indomethacin (Khidbey and Kurban, Journal of Investigative Dermatology 66, 153-156 (1976); Farr and Diffey, British Journal of Dermatology (1986) 115, 453-456; Juhlin and Shroot, Acta derm. Venereol. (Stockh 1992); 72: 222-223). Herein, indomethacin was used in a gel base or in alcoholic solution, and found to provide some inhibition of the appearance of erythema.
[0061] Presently, no NSAID formulation is however approved for the treatment of any painful, inflammatory skin condition. In fact, NSAID formulations are contraindicated for the use on irritated and pre-damaged skin. While NSAIDs such as indomethacin may be (limitedly) effective, the irritation potential of corresponding preparations basically prevents use on irritated and predamaged skin.
[0062] Besides sunburn there are several comparable painful and often inflammatory skin conditions, which might benefit from anti inflammatory and analgesic treatments. Besides other forms of dermatitis, these include itching, skin damage and skin irritations caused by treatments such as laser therapy.
[0063] However (on top of their irritative properties), the known topical formulations are not sufficiently efficient. In the absence of penetration enhancers, such as alcohol, hardly any active actually passes the stratum corneum, which prevents the required pharmaceutical effect. The use of penetration enhancers, especially alcohol, is in itself detrimental where the skin is irritated or damaged, since the use of penetration enhancers then often leads to increased irritation. Even in the presence of penetration enhances, the actives do not penetrate the stratum corneum in sufficient concentrations, to provide the required pharmaceutical efficacy.
[0064] Mechanical and electrical methods for providing enhanced transdermal efficiency (iontophoresis, electroporation etc.) are generally unsuitable, because they again increase irritation and pain, where the skin is already irritated and/or damaged.
[0065] A need therefore exists for pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of pathological mammalian skin conditions, which may include skin irritation, skin inflammation and/or skin damage, which makes it possible to transport suitable pharmaceutical actives to their desired locus of activity, and which provides efficient transport of the pharmaceutical active through the stratum corneum, especially without the irritative side-effects of the known preparations.
[0066] One object of the invention is therefore to provide pharmaceutical preparations, which may provide a higher efficacy of active penetration through the stratum corneum, for the treatment of pathological mammalian skin conditions, including but not limited to inflammatory conditions, dermatitis, skin irritation, pain, hyperpigmentation and pigment cell proliferation, and itching.
[0067] Another important object of the invention is to provide such pharmaceutical preparations which are safe to be used on irritated and/or pre-damaged skin.
[0068] Yet another object of the invention is to provide such pharmaceutical preparations which can carry a sufficient drug load through the stratum corneum into the dermis.
[0069] In another aspect, the objectives of the invention comprise the provision of new or improved treatments for the above-outlined undesired skin conditions.
[0070] In one major aspect of the invention, these objectives are attained by the use of extended surface aggregates (ESAs) comprising at least one first amphipathic component which is a membrane forming lipid component and at least one second amphipathic component which is a membrane destabilising component, whereby the ESA is also capable of penetrating semi-permeable barriers with pores, the greatest diameter of said pores being at least 50% smaller than the average diameter of the ESAs before the penetration, without changing the average ESA diameter by more than 25%, in the manufacture of a pharmaceutical preparation for the treatment of pathological mammalian skin conditions including skin irritation, skin inflammation and/or skin damage.
[0071] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ESAs comprise at least one third amphipathic component which is also a membrane destabilising component.
[0072] In a highly preferred embodiment of the invention, one membrane destabilising component in the extended surface aggregate is itself an active, especially a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
[0073] The penetration capability of the ESAs is evaluated using semi-permeable barriers with pores, typically formed by synthetic membranes with known, sufficiently homogenous pore diameters.
[0074] The use of such semi-permeable synthetic membranes as a barrier model is described in the art, e.g. in the above mentioned article by Cevc et al. in Langmuir, Volume 19, Number 26, Pages 10753-10763. Such membranes preferably have pore diameters around 20 nm, since this corresponds to the pore size in mammalian skin when the hydrophilic skin pores are widened by the permeation of the inventive extended surface aggregates (ESAs), especially transfersomes.
[0075] Generally speaking, ESAs suitable for practicing this invention are known in the art, for different applications. Specifically, such ESAs are described in WO 2004/032900, as above mentioned, the complete contents whereof are therefore hereby incorporated by reference. Some parts of the disclosure of WO 2004/032900 are recited below.
[0076] The main difference between this art and the invention lies in the fact that in the reference, the specific use of ESAs to treat pathological mammalian skin conditions is not disclosed, and the preferred parameters which render this use most effective, are not specifically disclosed either. These parameters specifically include the preferred area doses, which differ in the inventive dermatological applications, from the area doses required for transdermal applications in deeper body tissues, such as muscle. The applied area doses suitable for practicing this invention vary, depending on the active used.
[0077] One highly preferred active for practicing the present invention is ketoprofen. Ketoprofen is especially preferred, since it is both a Cox 1 and Cox 2 inhibitor and inhibits lipoxygenase activity, so that it can reduce prostaglandin and leucotriene mediated inflammatory reactions.
[0078] Typical applied area doses for ketoprofen on human skin are above 0.005 mg per cm 2 of skin area, more preferably above 0.01 mg and even more preferably lie at 0.02 mg per cm 2 of skin area or above.
[0079] Typically, the applied area dose will not exceed 1 mg per cm 2 , more preferably 0.5 mg per cm 2 and even more preferred, not more than 0.25 mg per cm 2 .
[0080] In presently preferred embodiments, the applied area dose is between 0.01 and 0.07 mg, even more preferred between 0.02 and 0.06 mg ketoprofen per cm 2 of human skin. 0.06 mg/cm 2 is a highly preferred applied area dose.
[0081] Similar applied area doses may be used for diclofenac, flurbiprofen, piroxicam and other oxicam actives such as meloxicam, tenoxicam etc., as well as other actives with a potency comparable to ketoprofen.
[0082] Applied area doses for other NSAIDs, including indomethacin, ketorolac, ibuprofen and naproxen, would be higher, preferably up to and including 10 times higher than the above values given for ketoprofen. For other actives such as salicylates, pyrazalone derivatives (phenylbutazone etc.) or tolmetine, applied area doses would be even higher, up to and including 100 times the above given range for ketoprofen.
[0083] The formulations used will generally be as little skin irritating as possible. The ESAs used in accordance with this invention are by definition provided with transdermal activity, which involves the widening of skin pores and therefore some active interference with the epidermis. They generally do not need added penetration enhancers in order to perform. It is therefore possible, and also desirable, to keep the use, and respective concentration, of chemical skin irritants as components of these systems, as low as possible. Thus, formulations using e.g. very little alcohol or no alcohol (especially ethanol) as possible, may be beneficial.
[0084] The same applies with respective other potentials skin irritants.
[0085] The relatively small applied area does of this invention assist in avoiding skin irritation caused by the pharmaceutical preparation. The preferred use of low dosage formulations such as spray formulations contributes to irritation avoidance.
[0086] Quite detailed recommendations on the preparation of inventive combinations are given in EP 0 475 160 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,500, which are herewith included by reference, using filtering material with pore diameters between 0.01 μm and 0.1 μm, more preferably with pore diameters between 0.02 μm and 0.3 μm and even more advisable filters with pore diameters between 0.05 μm and 0.15 μm to homogenise final vesicle suspension, when filtration is used for the purpose. Other methods of mechanical homogenisation or for lipid vesicle preparation known in the art are useful as well.
[0087] The lipids and certain surfactants mentioned hereinbefore and hereinafter having a chiral carbon atom can be present both in the form of racemic mixtures and in the form of optically pure enantiomers in the pharmaceutical compositions that can be prepared and used according to the invention.
[0088] To manufacture a pharmaceutical formulation, it may advisable or necessary to prepare the product in several steps, changing temperature, pH, ion strength, individual component (e.g. membrane destabiliser, formulation stabiliser or microbicide) or total lipid concentration, or suspension viscosity during the process.
[0089] A list of relevant and practically useful thickening agents is given e.g. in PCT/EP98/08421, which also suggests numerous interesting microbicides and antioxidants; the corresponding sections of PCT/EP98/08421 are therefore included into the present application by reference. Practical experiments have confirmed that sulphites, such as sodium sulphite, potassium sulphite, bisulphite and metasulphite; and potentially other water soluble antioxidants, which also contain a sulphur or else a phosphorus atom (e.g. in pyrosulphate, pyrophosphate, polyphosphate), erythorbate, tartrate, glutamate, etc. or even L-tryptophan), ideally with a spectrum of activity similar to that of sulphites) offer some anti-oxidative protection to said formulations, final selection being subject to regulatory constraints. Any hydrophilic antioxidant should always be combined with a lipophilic antioxidant, however, such as BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) or BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole).
EMBODIMENT EXAMPLES
[0090] The invention will now be illustrated in more detail, based on the following examples.
Example 1
[0091] In a first embodiment example, a ketoprofen formulation for the topical treatment of painful skin conditions according to the invention is composed as in Table 1:
TABLE 1 Concentration Compound Function (mg/g) Ketoprofen, EP Active agent 23.82 Soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC) Carrier agent 71.46 Ethanol 96%, EP Solvent 35.00 Polysorbate 80, EP Carrier agent 4.72 Sodium hydroxide, EP Base 4.10 Disodium phosphate Buffering agent 16.39 dodecahydrate, EP Sodium dihydrogen phosphate Buffering agent 0.66 dihydrate, EP Sodium metabisulphite, EP Antioxidant 0.50 Disodium edetate, EP Chelator 3.00 Butylhydroxyanisole, EP Antioxidant 0.20 Methyl parahydroxybenzoate, EP Preservative 2.50 Ethyl parahydroxybenzoate, EP Preservative 1.70 Propyl parahydroxybenzoate, EP Preservative 0.50 Linalool, FCC Odor masking agent 1.00 Benzyl alcohol, EP (optional) Preservative and 5.25 stabiliser Glycerol 85%, EP Humectant 50.00 Water, purified, EP Solvent 779.20 Total 1000.00
Example 2
[0092] It will be noted that the composition of Example 1 comprises relevant amounts of lower aliphatic alcohol (ethanol) which may irritate the skin. A presently more preferred embodiment, comprising no ethanol, is shown in Table 2:
TABLE 2 Concen- tration Compound Function (mg/g) Ketoprofen, EP Active agent 4.76 Soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC) Carrier agent 14.30 Polysorbate 80, EP Carrier agent 0.94 Sodium hydroxide, EP Base 0.70 Disodium phosphate Buffering agent 8.20 dodecahydrate, EP Sodium dihydrogen phosphate Buffering agent 0.33 dihydrate, EP Sodium metabisulphite, EP Antioxidant 0.30 Disodium edetate, EP Chelator 1.00 Butylhydroxyanisole, EP Antioxidant 0.08 Propyl parahydroxybenzoate, EP Preservative 1.00 Butyl parahydroxybenzoate, EP Preservative 1.00 (optional) Linalool, FCC Odor masking agent 0.50 Glycerol 85%, EP Humectant 20.00 Water, purified, EP Solvent 946.89 Total 1000.00
Example 3
[0093] Another preferred embodiment, with a small ethanol content, has the following composition:
Compound Concentration (mg/g) SPC S100 14.30 Ketoprofen 4.76 Tween 80 0.94 Ethanol 3.00 Glycerol 20.00 Imidazolidinyl urea 2.50 BHA 0.04 Na-Metabisulfite 0.25 EDTA 3.00 Linalool 0.20 Na 2 HPO 4 × 12 H 2 O 8.34 NaH 2 PO 4 × 2 H 2 O 0.27 NaOH 1.13 Water, purified, EP 941.27 Total 1000.00
[0094] Total lipid concentration is 2 wt %. Active content (Ketoprofen) is 0.476 wt %. The final product has a pH of 7.9.
Example 4
[0095] A clinical trial was carried out, to study the effect of inventive treatments, on pathological skin conditions including pain and inflammation.
[0096] The preparation used was as described in Example 1 above.
[0097] The study had a randomised, double-blind, placebo and active controlled format. The primary objective was to compare the effects of a pharmaceutical preparation in accordance with this invention, with placebo, on UVB-skin inflammation. The study involved 25 volunteers.
[0098] The study included healthy volunteers of skin type II according to Fitzpatrick, aged 18-45 years. All subjects were non-smokers or infrequent smokers (less than 5 cigarettes per day) and willing not to smoke at least one hour before the procedure started. Exclusion criteria comprised sun tanning four weeks prior to study; pregnancy or lactation; dermal and systemic diseases; mental disorders; any other chronic or acute illness requiring treatment, including dysplastic naevi and praecancerosis. Exclusion criteria further comprised subjects who had used immuno-suppressants (e.g. corticosteroids) within two weeks prior to the study, or had a known sensitivity to NSAIDs, a known photo-allergen/light dermatosis, and substance abusers. The measure of the study was the effect on threshold to heat-induced local pain and erythema following specified UVB irradiation.
[0099] Further objectives included the comparison with an equal volume of a commercial product containing hydrocortisone-21-acetate (HC), as well as the testing of lower doses of the inventive preparation, and an evaluation of different application regimes—either immediately after UVB irradiation, or with a delay in treatment.
[0100] A comparison was made between skin areas receiving no treatment and no irradiation (control); areas receiving 20 μl of the formulation describes in Example 1 above; areas receiving 20 μl placebo, and areas receiving 20 μl of 0.25 wt % solution of hydrocortisone-21-acetate.
[0101] While some skin areas received their treatment directly after UVB irradiation another group received their treatment six hours after UVB irradiation.
[0102] In a dose finding part of the study, the amount of formulation according to Example 1 above was varied between 20 μl, 10 μl and 5 μl.
[0103] Pain threshold was evaluated in degrees centigrade, erythema and oedema were evaluated on a subjective categorical scale from 0 to 4.
[0104] In evaluating the study's primary objective, the effect of 20 μl of a preparation according to Example 1 above was compared to placebo on subjects with UVB-induced sunburn and corresponding induced hyperalgesia to heat.
[0105] FIG. 1 shows the result for treatment directly after UVB irradiation (3 MED). At 12-36 h read-out, the inventive treatment shows a statistically significant effect over control and placebo.
[0106] FIG. 2 shows the effect of 20 μl of the Example 1 formulation, on UVB (sunburn) induced hyperalgesia, again for treatment immediately after UVB exposure and at 12-36 h read-out, this time compared to the effect of 20 μl hydrocortisone-21-acetate solution. The effect provided by the invention, as compared to hydrocortisone, is statistically significant superior.
[0107] FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 show the results of dose-finding part of the study, again based on the formulation of Example 1, for immediate treatment (3 MED) and read-out at 12-36 h.
[0108] FIG. 5 compares applied doses of 5 μl, 10 μl and 20 μl of the inventive formulation, to, on the one hand, placebo and, on the other hand, 20 μl of 0.25 wt % hydrocortisone solution.
[0109] FIG. 3 shows the effect on pain threshold. All three doses tested are significantly superior to placebo and hydrocortisone; there is no relevant effect of dose variation within the tested limits. This may be due to a ceiling effect.
[0110] FIG. 4 shows the same comparison, this time in terms of the number of patients where the occurrence of erythema was fully or at least substantially suppressed. Again, the superiority of the invention over hydrocortisone and placebo is statistically significant.
[0111] FIG. 5 compares the invention to hydrocortisone and placebo, in terms of the average rank erythema scores, and those patients which produced erythema. It can be seen that only the invention produced any relevant improvement. Again, there is no significant relevance of the dose used.
[0112] The next aspect evaluated in the study was the effect of the various compared medications, when applied with delay after radiation exposure. All treatments were applied 6 hours after UVB exposure. FIGS. 6 and 7 show the results (read-out at 12-36 h).
[0113] Specifically, FIG. 6 showed that after delayed application of 20 μl of the formulation of Example 1, compared to placebo and hydrdcortisone, a statistical significant positive treatment effect on hyperalgesia was experienced by the patients (UVB: 3 MED), whereas hydrocortisone was not significantly different from placebo and control.
[0114] In FIG. 7 , the same treatments are compared in terms of average rank erythema scores. Again, an effect of any statistical significance is only provided by the invention, whereas hydrocortisone is ineffective at 6 hours delay of treatment.
[0115] Lastly, FIG. 8 shows the effect of the invention on oedema development. The number of observations of either oedema or erythema after UVB exposure (3 MED) is given, for read-out at 12-36 hours. All subjects developed either no or minor oedema, the majority of subjects developing no oedema at all, when treated with the inventive formulation.
[0116] As the study shows, the invention is comparable to the known hydrocortisone treatment in increasing the heat induced pain threshold, where the medication is applied immediately after UVB exposure. This is specifically shown in comparison to untreated but irradiated controls.
[0117] In the clinical more relevant situation where the medication occurs with delay (as shown in the 6 hours after UVB exposure tests), only the invention increases the pain threshold, whereas hydrocortisone is ineffective.
[0118] The invention prevents erythema development very effectively, both when used directly after UVB exposure and when used with 6 hours delay after the exposure. In both cases, hydrocortisone is ineffective.
[0119] The invention effectively prevents oedema formation.
[0120] No evidence of dermal intolerance or other adverse events were noted.
Example 5
[0121] Again using basically the formulation of Example 1 above, but at two different concentrations of ketoprofen, a study was carried out on the effect of inventive treatments on contact dermatitis in pigs.
[0122] Allergic contact dermatitis was induced in pigs by application of dinitrofluorobenzene on the skin. The resulting contact eczema were evaluated using the criteria in of Table 3:
TABLE 3 Criteria (max. score = 12) Score Extent Intensity Induration 0 no erythema no erythema normal finding 1 barely perceptible macules of pinhead nodules of pinhead eryth. size size 2 slight erythema lentil-sized macules doughy lentil-size nodules 3 moderate erythema confluent macules confluent firm nodules 4 severe erythema diffuse macules diffuse hard lesion
[0123] The effects observed at 24 hours post treatment are notable from FIG. 9 .
[0124] At both applied area doses of 120 μg per cm 2 and 480 μg per cm 2 , a significant effect was observed, with the higher dose somewhat more effective than the lower one.
Example 6
[0125] In another study, the development of ketoprofen skin concentration (ng/mg) with time was studied at two different applied area doses of a ketoprofen formulation, again as shown in Example 1 above.
[0126] At an applied area dose of 0.24 mg ketoprofen per cm 2 of pig skin, the skin concentration was significantly higher initially, falling off to basically the same skin concentration as provided by an applied area doses of 0.06 mg per cm 2 after 8 hours post application. The comparison is shown in FIG. 10 .
[0127] A comparison with orally administered ketoprofen is shown in Table 4. This lists the applied area dose, the applied total dose and the amount of ketoprofen found in various body tissues after application. The amount in the tissue is given in terms of the AUC (area under the curve) value, for the first 24 hours post application.
[0128] The data in Table 4 show the significantly higher skin concentration of active as compared to the concentration in subcutaneous fat, or even deeper lying body tissues such as superficial muscle and deep muscle. As expected, the data indicate that oral ketoprofen provides no topical effect in the skin.
TABLE 4 AUC 1-24 h [ng × h × mg −1 ] Product Ex. 1 Ex. 1 Ex. 1 oral KT Applied area dose (KT/cm 2 ) 0.5 mg 0.24 mg 0.06 mg n.a. Applied total KT dose 50 mg 24 mg 6 mg 50 mg AUC Skin n.d. 1022 539 n.d. AUC subcutaneous fat 710 140 104 11 AUC Superficial muscle 299 89 44 7 AUC Deep muscle 267 59 34 9 n.d. not determined due to inavailability of tissue samples
Example 7
[0129] Safety of the inventive preparation was studied in a dermal irritation/corrosion study according to Council Directive 92/69/EEC, Annex, Method B.4 in rabbits, which was performed with the clinical trial formulation. The rabbits were treated topically on upper dorsum twice daily ten hours apart for 42 consecutive days with an area: dose of 0.23 mg KT per cm 2 , the same area dose that has also been used in the clinical study Rabbits were Draize-scored (scores from 0 to 4) twice daily prior to test article application for erythema and oedema, also allowing half-value readings.
[0130] All animals showed only slight temporary signs of dermal irritation. At the end of the study (day 42) none of the rabbits showed signs of dermal irritation.
[0131] Due to the lower drug concentration and overall lower excipient concentrations in formulations as given in Example 2 it is expected that its skin tolerability will be further improved compared to Example 1.
Example 8
[0132] The relatively high drug concentration mediated by the invention's technology might be able to induce therapeutic effects unrelated to the well known prostaglandin-mediated pharmacology. Those effects would be related to direct effects to the nociceptors.
[0133] Histamine is often used in the art to induce a neurogenic flare reaction. Recent evidence suggests that there is an itch-specific neural pathway. Human histamine-sensitive C-fibers (small unmyelinated primary afferents) have been characterised by mechanical insensitivity, slow conduction velocity, and huge receptive fields [Schmelz et al., 1997].
[0134] The composition of Example 1 was used to study the effectiveness of inventive preparation in reducing histamine-induced itch. This test was part of the study described in Example 4.
[0135] The study involved 38 healthy volunteers, who received either an itch-inducing dose of histamine or placebo. Treatment with the formulation of Example 1 showed a trend towards reducing the itching caused by the histamine, as shown by the AUC for Example 1, least square mean: 45.15 (95% cl: 42.46-47.83) compared to placebo, least square mean: 47.83 (95% cl: 45.15-50.52).
Example 9
[0136] The depigmentation effect of the invention was seen in the context of a clinical trial. A 47 year old women with naturally pigmented, brown skin, used a 2.29% ketoprofen gel based on Transfersomes®, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/357,617. More specifically, the formulation was closely based on Example 32 of said US patent application, comprising
Weight-% 2.290 Ketoprofen 6.870 Soy Phosphatidylcholine (SPC) 0.850 Polysorbate (Tween 80) 3.651 Ethanol 96% 0.930 NaOH (sodium hydroxide) 0.235 Phosphate buffer salts 0.50 Sodium metabisulphite 0.20 Butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) 0.100 Disodium edentate (EDTA) 0.250 Methyl parahydroxybenzoate 0.525 Benzyl alcohol 0.100 Linalool 1.250 Carbomer (Carbopol 980) 3.00 Glycerol 79.879 Water
[0137] The test person was affected by epicondylitis of the right hand, and received concomitant corresponding medication that was unchanged during the time of treatment with the gel. The ketoprofen Transfersome-® gel was repeatedly used over a period of nine days.
[0138] Over this time period, a profound depigmentation of the skin topically treated with the ketoprofen gel, became visible. In the skin areas where the gel was applied, the pigmentation was largely destroyed, so that the skin took a white or “bleached” appearance.
[0139] After nine days, the use of the transfersome gel was discontinued. The depigmentation effect persisted for more than two months thereafter.
[0140] It is assumed that the usefulness of the invention is not limited to ketoprofen, and extends at least to the NSAIDs' class of pharmaceutically active substances. It may be expected that besides ketoprofen, those NSAIDs would be useful in the context of the present invention which show similar depigmentation effectiveness on damaged skin.
[0141] It is further expected that beyond NSAIDs, the invention can be used with other drugs that are known to cause depigmentation or hypopigmentation on damaged skin. It is generally assumed that the invention can be practiced with any type of active, in a suitable concentration, that may cause depigmentation, especially by inducing melanocyte apoptosis.
[0142] It is also expected that the invention can be used to stimulate pigmentation, where this is desired. This would likely require the application of suitable (low) doses of corresponding actives known to stimulate pigment production by the melanocytes.
[0143] The present invention therefore has important potential usefulness in cosmetic as well as medical applications, including the treatment of skin cancer.
[0144] Clinical details of the intended treatment will vary, depending on the desired effect, and still need to be studied. Presently, the available evidence is a case report, as described below. Based on general experience and skill, it is however expected that the presently available observations can be extended other patients, and are not limited to any specific patient group. | The invention relates to the use of extended surface aggregates (ESAs) comprising at least one first amphipathic component, which is a basic aggregate-forming component, and at least one second amphipathic component, which decreases aggregate sensitivity to physical stress, including stress created by enforced passage of said ESAs through pores with an average pore diameter at least 50% smaller than the average diameter of the ESAs before said passage, such that the average ESA diameter change induced by such physical stress is reduced by 10% or more, compared to the diameter change induced by such stress in a reference system comprising just the first or just the second aggregate component, in the manufacture of a pharmaceutical preparation for enduring treatment of pathological mammalian skin conditions, including skin irritation, skin inflammation and/or skin damage after topical application, for modifying skin pigmentation and/or for treatment of skin itch. | 57,909 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to urns for the cremated remains of people and pets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Someone who loses a loved one, such as a child, parent, or close friend, often needs to memorialize the strong emotional bond resulting from love or friendship. In a similar way, owners and pets usually have a strong emotional bond between them, and when an owner loses a pet, the owner often needs a fitting way to memorialize that loss, such as by formally burying the pet in a pet cemetery, or by suitable treatment of ashes produced by cremation of the pet remains. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,882 discloses a decorative housing in the general form of the deceased pet, and is constructed to hold pet ashes in a sealed chamber.
Although previous urns for holding ashes do memorialize a deceased person or pet, the effect is often not sufficient for those who wish to express more clearly the love and devotion that existed. This invention provides an urn which more nearly meets that need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides an urn for storing the ashes (cremated remains) of a deceased person or a pet. The urn includes a housing in the shape of a protective angel on a support having an outwardly extending shelf adjacent the angel, and on which a representation, such as a photograph or replica of the person or pet may rest. An outwardly opening cavity in the housing receives the cremated remains, and a cover secured over the cavity confines the cremated remains within the housing.
Preferably, the face of the angel shows loving concern, and the angel leans slightly over the shelf to present a sheltering and caring mien. In another preferred form, the angel looks down at the shelf which can hold a representation or replica of the deceased person or pet, and has outstretched wings to increase the expression of care and sheltering. Moreover, an outstretched arm from the angel further connotes loving concern. Preferably the housing includes a portion with an exterior surface shaped to replicate a structure of stones to impart an aura of durability. A recess in an exterior part of the housing is shaped to receive a label with information relative to the person or pet.
Preferably, the cavity opens out of the bottom of the housing, and the cover is secured to one edge of the cavity by a hinge. In one form, a magnetic closure holds the cover in a closed position over the cavity. In another embodiment, a mechanical latch releasably secures the cover in a closed position over the cavity. A gasket is disposed between the housing and cover to seal the cavity when the cover is in the closed position. The housing adjacent the unhinged portion of the cover has a recess to permit the edge of the cover to be grasped and pulled open against the force of the magnetic closure, or to facilitate the release of the mechanical latch. In one form, the mechanical latch has a slidable bolt which can be moved between a locked and an unlocked position for the cover. Opening of the cover is also facilitated by providing a notch in the free edge of the cover adjacent the recess in the bottom of the housing. The cover and surrounding portion of the bottom of the housing present a flat, smooth surface so the urn can be easily placed in a stable position.
These and other aspects of the invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front elevation of one embodiment of the urn;
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the urn;
FIG. 3 is a view taken on staggered line 3 — 3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view, partly broken away, taken in the area of the dotted circle A of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of the bottom of the urn showing an alternate latch for the cover; and
FIG. 6 is a view taken on line 6 — 6 of FIG. 5 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIG. 1, an urn 10 includes a molded housing 12 in the shape of an angel 14 sitting on a pedestal 16 formed integrally within the top of a base 18 having an outwardly extending flat shelf 20 . The pedestal, base and platform are molded so the exterior surfaces of those elements resemble stones 21 set with mortar 22 .
A recessed rectangular panel 23 in the front face of the base receives a label (not shown) with appropriate indicia. The recessed rectangular panel 23 , which is about 3 mm deep, permits the label to be mounted so that its exterior surface does not project beyond that of the base, thus protecting the label from accidental abrasion.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the angel leans slightly over the base, and gazes in the direction of the base. The left hand and forearm 24 of the angel extend outwardly over the rear portion of the base, and the right hand 25 of the angel is adjacent the chin of the angel.
A pair of wings 26 molded integrally with the back of the angel extend outwardly on each side of the angel and open toward the platform 20 , which is adapted to hold a representation on replica 30 of the deceased person or pet (shown only in phantom line). Thus, the effect of the angel sitting on the pedestal presents a protective pose and reverential contemplation of the space adapted to receive the replica of the person or pet.
As shown best in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bottom of the housing includes a downwardly opening cavity 32 adapted to hold a container 34 of ashes of the cremated remains of a deceased person or pet, or both of them. Preferably, the upper portion of the angel is solid, rather than hollow, as shown in FIG. 3, to provide greater strength for the urn. The container 34 can be any suitable device, such as a well-known Ziploc plastic bag. As shown in FIG. 2, the cavity 32 is of an elongated, generally rectangular shape, and includes an inwardly extending ledge 36 around the periphery of the opening of the cavity. A rectangular cover 38 is shaped to make a close fit within cavity 32 and rest on ledge 36 . As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a gasket 39 in an upwardly opening recess 40 around the top surface of the cover makes a hermetic seal between the cover and the housing ledge. A pair of hinges 42 secure one end of the cover to an adjacent end of the cavity.
A first magnet 44 embedded in the shelf 36 at the end of the cavity remote from the hinges mates with a second magnet 46 embedded in the upper surface of the end of the cover remote from the hinges, and holds the cover in the closed position shown in FIG. 3 .
A downwardly opening indentation 48 in the lower surface of the urn housing, and adjacent the free end of the cover, facilitates opening the cover against the force of the magnets. Opening the cover is further facilitated by an outwardly opening notch 50 in the free edge of the cover remote from the hinges. The indentation 48 is sufficiently large to permit one to insert a finger into that space, and engage notch 50 so that the cover can be pulled and pivoted about the hinges in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 3) to open the bottom of the urn so that the container with the ashes of the cremated remains of a person or pet can be inserted into the cavity 32 . Preferably, the cavity is sufficiently large to hold both the cremated remains of a pet and the owner of the pet. Thereafter the cover is moved to the closed position in FIG. 3, and held in that position by the magnets. More than one set of magnets can be used at the interface between the ledge 36 and cover 38 to provide additional force for holding the cover in the closed position.
If the weight of the cremated remains stored in the cavity is too large to be reliably held by magnets, a mechanical latch 60 (FIGS. 3 and 4) is secured by screws 62 through ears 64 on opposite sides of the latch to hold the latch against the upper surface 68 of the indentation 48 . The latch includes a slidable bolt 70 in a latch cylinder 72 . A compression spring 74 in the cylinder urges the latch to slide to the right (as viewed in FIG. 4) so the right end of the bolt fits snugly in a cylindrical bore 76 in the free edge of the cover. A downwardly extending pin 78 is threaded at its upper end into the lower portion of the bolt, and is adapted to travel in a longitudinal slot 80 in the cylinder, so the pin 78 can be moved to the left (as viewed in FIG. 4) to withdraw the bolt from bore 76 , and permit the cover to be pulled away from the cavity. The right (as viewed in FIG. 3) end of the bolt is curved to present a downwardly facing convex section 77 , which merges with an upwardly and outwardly sloping segment 78 , to engage a upwardly convex curved surface 84 at the upper edge of the free end of the cover so that closing and locking the cover in the closed position shown in FIG. 3 is easily done by pivoting the cover about the hinges in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 4) so that the curved surface 84 on the cover engages the convex section 77 and the sloping segment 78 on the right end of the bolt to force the bolt to the left so the cover can move to the closed position shown in FIG. 3 . Compression spring 74 snaps the bolt into the bore 76 so the cover is locked in the closed position.
The urn 10 can be made of any suitable material used for casting statues. However, I presently prefer to use unsaturated polyester resin pottery plaster, which simulates the appearance of marble. Any suitable pigment can be mixed with the casting material to give the urn any desired color.
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, which show the bottom of a base 90 of an alternate urn 91 of this invention, a cover 92 is secured at one edge by a hinge 93 to the bottom of the base to make a snug fit over an opening 94 in the base. A conventional two-piece latch 95 is secured by screws 96 to the base and cover. The piece of the latch secured to the base includes an elongated tongue 97 with a central opening 98 , which makes a snug fit over a downwardly extending latch post 99 on the piece of the latch secured to the lid. The upper surface of the perimeter of the lid (FIG. 6) makes a snug fit against a gasket 100 on a downwardly facing ledge 101 around a cavity 102 opening out of the bottom of the base. The gasket extends around the perimeter of the lid to seal the cavity from the elements. To release the cover from the closed position shown in FIG. 1, the tongue 97 is pulled downwardly (as viewed in FIG. 6) so the tongue pivots in a clockwise direction about the anchor piece secured to the base. Once the tongue clears the retaining pin 99 , the lid is free to swing to the open position. The lid is moved into and secured in the closed position by reversing the opening procedure just described. | An urn for storing the ashes of cremated remains of a person or a pet includes a housing in the shape of a protective angel on a support having an outwardly extending shelf adjacent the angel, and on which a representation of the person or pet may rest. An outwardly opening cavity in the housing receives the cremated remains, and a cover secured over the cavity confines the cremated remains within the housing. The arms and wings of the angel are disposed to symbolize loving concern for the deceased. | 11,060 |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0077016 filed on Jul. 31, 2007 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor technology, and, in particular, to a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor that has an expanded dynamic range.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, high-resolution camera-equipped apparatuses, such as digital cameras, camera-equipped cellular phones, and surveillance cameras, have become widespread. As an imaging device for such a camera, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor is used.
The CMOS image sensor has features of ease of manufacturing and low cost compared with the CCD, and thus it is popular in solid-state imaging. Further, a unit pixel of the CMOS image sensor is composed of MOS transistors, and thus it can be implemented in a smaller area than that of the CCD, thereby providing high resolution. In addition, signal-processing logic can be formed in an image circuit, in which pixels are formed, such that the image circuit and the signal-processing circuit can be incorporated into a single body.
Since the CMOS image sensor generally has a dynamic range of approximately 60 dB, there is a limit to generating an image in a wide illuminance range. For this reason, in a screen having a bright image and a dark image, a bright portion may be saturated and become white, and a dark portion may not be expressed.
In addition, as a digital camera or a camera-equipped cellular phone is reduced in size, low-voltage driving is performed due to demands for reducing a unit area in the pixels of the image sensor and realizing low power consumption, which makes it difficult to ensure a sufficient dynamic range.
In the related art, in order to solve the above-described problems, the structure shown in FIG. 1 is used to expand the dynamic range of the image sensor.
FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a unit pixel having a general 4-T structure in a CMOS image sensor.
Referring to FIG. 1 , the pixel having a 4-T structure is composed of one photodiode (PD) 110 , and four NMOS transistors, that is, a transfer transistor (Tx) 120 , a reset transistor (Rx) 122 , a drive transistor (Dx) 124 , and a select transistor (Sx) 126 .
In a state where the transfer transistor (Tx) 120 is turned off, if light is irradiated onto the surface of the photodiode (PD) 110 , holes and electrons are separated. Then, the holes flow to a ground to be then removed, and electrons accumulate in the photodiode (PD) 110 .
The transfer transistor (Tx) 120 functions as a transmission channel to apply a predetermined voltage to a gate 121 of the transfer transistor (Tx) 120 , and to transfer the electrons accumulated in the photodiode (PD) 110 by light to a floating diffusion region (FD) 130 . Further, the transfer transistor (Tx) 120 performs a reset function to completely remove the electrons from the photodiode (PD) 110 .
The reset transistor (Rx) 122 resets the floating diffusion region (FD) 130 by setting the potential of the floating diffusion region (FD) 130 to a desired value and eliminating charge. That is, the reset transistor (Rx) 122 eliminates the charge that has accumulated in the floating diffusion region (FD) 130 for signal detection.
The drive transistor (Dx) 124 operates according to the charge accumulated in the floating diffusion region (FD) 130 , and functions as a buffer amplifier having the configuration of a source follower. The select transistor (Sx) 126 is switched for addressing.
If charge accumulates in the photodiode (PD) 110 , a high voltage is applied to a gate of the reset transistor (Rx) 122 to set the voltage of the floating diffusion region (FD) 130 to V DD , and then a corresponding voltage value is read. Next, a high voltage is applied to the gate of the transfer transistor (Tx) 120 to transfer the charge that has accumulated in the photodiode (PD) 110 to the floating diffusion region (FD) 130 , a corresponding voltage value is read, and subsequently a difference between the read voltage values is read.
In this structure, in order to expand the dynamic range, the capacitance of the floating diffusion region (FD) 130 is increased to receive the charge from the photodiode (PD) 110 without overflow.
However, if the capacitance is increased, sensitivity of the CMOS image sensor is decreased, and a dark image may not be expressed. Therefore, it is not desirable to simply increase the capacitance of the floating diffusion region (FD) 130 .
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a CMOS image sensor, in which a plurality of floating diffusion regions are provided in a pixel, having the advantage of obtaining an expanded dynamic range without sacrificing sensitivity.
Objects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other objects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art through the following description.
According to the embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of floating diffusion regions are provided in a pixel to have different capacitance, and thus an expanded dynamic range can be obtained without sacrificing sensitivity.
According to the embodiments of the present invention, the floating diffusion regions are separated from each other. Therefore, at low illuminance, a vivid image can be obtained with high sensitivity. In addition, at high illuminance, a vivid image can be obtained without causing an image to be saturated and whitened.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by describing in detail preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a unit pixel having a general 4-T structure in a CMOS image sensor;
FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a unit pixel of a CMOS image sensor having two floating diffusion regions according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 2 ;
FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing the structure of a CMOS image sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a unit pixel of a CMOS image sensor according to still another embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 6 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 5 .
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Advantages and features of the present invention and methods of accomplishing the same may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art, and the present invention will only be defined by the appended claims.
FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a unit pixel of a CMOS image sensor having two floating diffusion regions according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 2 , a CMOS image sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention has a first floating diffusion region (FD 1 ) 230 a and a second floating diffusion region (FD 2 ) 230 b per unit pixel. FD 1 230 a and FD 2 230 b are separated from each other by a second transfer transistor (Tx 2 ) 220 b . In addition, a first transfer transistor (Tx 1 ) 220 a is disposed between a photodiode (PD) 210 and FD 1 230 a.
The photodiode (PD) 210 functions as a light-receiving unit that converts light into charge. It should be understood that any unit can be applied to the present invention insofar as it is a light-receiving unit that can convert light into charge.
FD 1 230 a is connected to a gate of a first drive transistor (Dx 1 ) 224 a and a first reset transistor (Rx 1 ) 222 a , and FD 2 230 b is connected to a gate of a second drive transistor (Dx 2 ) 224 b and a second reset transistor (Rx 2 ) 222 b.
A final image for a pixel is obtained by synthesizing signals Vout 1 and Vout 2 that are output from a first select transistor (Sx 1 ) 226 a and a second select transistor (Sx 2 ) 226 b.
The transfer transistors 220 a and 220 b , the reset transistors 222 a and 222 b , the drive transistors 224 a and 224 b , and the select transistors 226 a and 226 b shown in FIG. 2 have the same functions as the transistors shown in FIG. 1 .
Referring to FIG. 2 , FD 1 230 a is disposed close to the four transistors Tx 1 220 a , Tx 2 220 b , Rx 1 222 a , and Dx 1 224 a , and thus it has a capacitance larger than FD 2 230 b that is disposed close to the three transistors Tx 2 220 b , Rx 2 222 b , and Dx 2 224 b.
At this time, the capacitance of FD 1 230 a is maximized within a predetermined range to receive large amounts of charge while the sensitivity is low. Further, the capacitance of FD 2 230 b is minimized within the predetermined range to increase the sensitivity while not receiving large amounts of charge.
In such a manner, a signal having a wide dynamic range with respect to illuminance but low sensitivity can be acquired in FD 1 230 a , and a signal having a small dynamic range with respect to illuminance but high sensitivity can be acquired in FD 2 230 b.
That is, the charge accumulated in the photodiode 210 is transmitted to FD 1 230 a through the first transfer transistor (Tx 1 ) 220 a to obtain a wide dynamic range signal, and then the wide dynamic range signal is output as Vout 1 through Dx 1 224 a and Sx 1 226 a . Next, the wide dynamic range signal obtained in FD 1 230 a is transmitted to FD 2 230 b through the second transfer transistor (Tx 2 ) 220 b to obtain a high-sensitive signal, and then the high-sensitivity signal is outputs as Vout 2 through Dx 2 224 b and Sx 2 226 b.
The signals Vout 1 and Vout 2 are synthesized, thereby obtaining the final image for a pixel.
FIG. 3 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 2 .
Referring to FIG. 3 , Sx 1 226 a is turned on at time t 0 when a selection control signal rises, and a column including a corresponding CMOS pixel element is selected.
Next, Rx 1 222 a is turned on at time t 1 to reset FD 1 230 a to V DD , and then a corresponding voltage value is read.
At time t 2 , a high voltage is applied to a gate of the Tx 1 220 a to transmit the charge accumulated in the photodiode 210 to FD 1 230 a , and a corresponding voltage value is read. A difference between the two voltage values is output as a final signal value. That is, the output signal covers a wide range of illuminance, and thus a vivid image can be obtained with high illuminance without causing saturation.
After time t 2 , Sx 2 226 b is turned on, and a column including a corresponding CMOS pixel element is selected. In this case, the same column is selected by Sx 1 226 a and Sx 2 226 b.
At time t 3 , the Rx 2 222 b is turned on to rest FD 2 230 b to V DD , and then a corresponding voltage value is read. Next, at time t 4 , a high voltage is applied to a gate of the Tx 2 220 b to transmit the charge accumulated in FD 1 230 a to FD 2 230 b , and then a corresponding voltage value is read. A difference between the two voltage values is output as a final signal value. In FD 2 230 b , a high-sensitivity signal is output due to low capacitance, such that a vivid image can be obtained with low illuminance.
As a result, the two final signal values are synthesized after a time t 4 , such that an illuminance range can be expanded while the sensitivity of the CMOS image sensor can be maintained.
FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing the structure of a CMOS image sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4 , images from two pixels of the CMOS image sensor are processed by a single circuit.
That is, an image-processing circuit block 450 shown in FIG. 4 has the same configuration and function as the circuit shown in FIG. 2 . In FIG. 4 , however, a first floating region (FD 1 ) 430 a is connected to a third transfer transistor (Tx 3 ) 420 c , and Tx 3 420 c is connected to a second photodiode (PD 2 ) 410 b.
A first photodiode (PD 1 ) 410 a and a second photodiode (PD 2 ) 410 b respectively function as light-receiving units of first and second pixels in the CMOS image sensor.
For example, charge collected by the PD 1 410 a is transmitted to FD 1 430 a and FD 2 430 b under the control of Tx 1 420 a , thereby obtaining output signals Vout 1 and Vout 2 for the first pixel. In this case, since Tx 3 420 c does not operate, charge collected in the PD 2 410 b is not transmitted to FD 1 430 a.
Subsequently, the Tx 1 420 a does not operate and the Tx 3 420 c operates. Then, the charge collected in the PD 2 410 b is transmitted to FD 1 430 a and FD 2 430 b , thereby obtaining output signals Vout 1 and Vout 2 for the second pixel. In this case, since the Tx 1 420 a does not operate, the charge collected in the PD 1 410 a is not transmitted to FD 1 430 a.
That is, a single image-processing circuit block 450 is shared by two light-receiving units, and thus the integration of the CMOS image sensor can be increased.
FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a unit pixel of a CMOS image sensor according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 5 , it can be seen that the circuit shown in FIG. 5 has the same configuration as the circuit shown in FIG. 2 , excluding a capacitor 550 .
The capacitor 550 is connected to a gate of a Dx 2 524 b , that is, a FD 2 530 b , to increase capacitance of FD 2 530 b . Accordingly, FD 1 530 a functions as a high-sensitivity output unit, and FD 2 530 b functions as a wide dynamic range/low-sensitivity output unit, unlike the circuit shown in FIG. 2 , in which FD 1 230 a functions as a wide dynamic range output signal and FD 2 230 b functions as a high-sensitivity output unit.
Therefore, referring to FIG. 5 , the wide dynamic range signal is output as Vout 2 , and the high-sensitivity signal is output as Vout 1 .
FIG. 6 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 5 .
Referring to FIG. 6 , Sx 1 526 a and the Sx 2 526 b are simultaneously turned on at time t 0 when the selection control signal rises, and a column including a corresponding CMOS pixel element is selected.
Next, at time t 1 , the reset transistor (Rx 1 ) 522 a and the reset transistor (Rx 2 ) 522 b are simultaneously turned on to set FD 1 530 a and FD 2 530 b to V DD , and then a corresponding voltage value is read.
At time t 2 , a voltage V h is applied to the first transfer transistor (Tx 1 ) 520 a , and a voltage V m is applied to the second transfer transistor (Tx 2 ) 520 b . At this time, the voltage V m is lower than the voltage V h .
Subsequently, at time t 2 , FD 2 530 b receives the excessive charge in FD 1 530 a , such that a high-sensitivity signal is obtained from FD 1 530 a , and a low-sensitivity/wide dynamic range signal is obtained from FD 2 530 b . Next, the two signals are synthesized, thereby acquiring a wide dynamic range/high-sensitivity signal.
Similar to the CMOS image sensor shown in FIG. 4 , the circuit shown in FIG. 5 can be shared by at least two light-receiving units. This change can be easily made by those skilled in the art from FIG. 4 .
Although the present invention has been described in connection with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limitative, but illustrative in all aspects. | A CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor is provided. A CMOS image sensor includes a first light-receiving unit converting light into charge, a first floating diffusion region, in which a first potential corresponding to the converted amount of charge is generated and a second floating diffusion region, to which the charge in the first floating diffusion region is transmitted, and in which a second potential is generated, wherein a wide dynamic range signal is acquired from the first floating diffusion region, a high-sensitively signal is acquired from the second floating diffusion region, and the acquired signals are synthesized and output. | 17,256 |
This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 08/301,244 filed Sep. 6, 1994.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to devices for machining or rebuilding internal combustion engines and, more specifically, to devices for boring engine overhead camshaft cylinder heads.
The cylinder heads of overhead cam engines have bearings for supporting the camshaft. Each bearing is located in a tower that positions the camshaft relative to the cylinder head. The most commonly used type of bearing consists only of the interior surface of the tower. Typically, between two and seven bearings and corresponding towers are distributed along the length of the camshaft in the cylinder head. Each tower comprises a portion that is formed integrally with the remainder of the cylinder head. In a few types of cylinder heads, the entire tower is integrally formed with the cylinder head. Such a tower completely encircles the camshaft with the inner surface of the tower forming the bearing. However, in most types of cylinder heads, the tower is in two sections, the base portion of which is formed integrally with the cylinder head. The camshaft is supported between a semicircular bearing surface in the base portion and a corresponding semicircular bearing surface in the cap. The cap is secured to the base portion using two bolts.
The camshaft rotates smoothly so long as the bearings remain aligned along the camshaft axis of rotation. The cylinder head may, however, warp as a result of engine overheating. In every case, this warpage results in a concave deformation of the cylinder head. In addition, the bearings may wear over time as a result of use. Both cylinder head warping and bearing wear may cause the camshaft to vibrate and ultimately may prevent the camshaft from turning at all, or the camshaft bearings may wear so quickly and severely that the oil pressure drops, causing engine failure. Thus, it is apparent that when cylinder head warpage and bearing wear occurs, the camshaft bearings must be repaired in order to avoid costly repairs or engine replacement.
A line boring machine is a device having a table, a rotating steel boring spindle or boring bar, and a motor connected to the bar. The cylinder head is secured to the table, which functions as a reference plane. The boring bar is received horizontally through all the cylinder head bearings. The boring bar has mounting recesses distributed along its length for receiving cutting bits. In conventional boring bars, the mounting recesses are arranged along a common line parallel to the bar's axis. One bit is mounted adjacent each tower. The machine includes drive mechanisms for rotating the bar and moving the bar longitudinally along its axis of rotation. The bar is simultaneously rotated and fed longitudinally. Each cutting bit engages a bearing and removes metal to enlarge the bearing diameter. The cylinder head may then be removed from the machine. In order to provide the proper bearing diameter to meet OEM specifications, "repair bearings," which are annular inserts, usually made of steel, having an inside diameter equal to the proper diameter for the camshaft bearings and an outside diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the newly enlarged bearing, are inserted into the enlarged bearings and are retained by the resulting friction-fit. The camshaft may then be re-inserted through the repair bearings.
The use of repair bearings has several disadvantages. The friction-fit holding the repair bearings may loosen, allowing the repair bearings to rotate with respect to the cylinder head. Such rotation will quickly result in engine failure and require further repairs. In addition, heat conduction between the cylinder head, which is typically aluminum, and the steel repair bearings is poor and may prevent heat generated by the camshaft friction from dissipating properly into the cylinder head. The non-uniform heat distribution and the different coefficients of thermal expansion of the two metals increase the risk of loss of adhesion between the repair bearings and the cylinder head.
The use of the line boring machine described above to repair camshaft bearings creates a problem. The boring bar and its cutting bits must remain precisely axially aligned with the bearings during the process. In prior art line boring machines, the boring bar must be supported because the effect of gravity on the horizontal bar tends to sag or bow downward, thereby preventing it from boring along a perfectly straight axis.
Line boring machines attempt to minimize this problem by supporting the bar at multiple points along its length. The line boring machine includes multiple support arms that have bearings in which the bar rotates. When a cylinder head is mounted on the table of the machine, the arms extend between the towers. If the towers are spaced closely together, however, as is common in small engines, insufficient space exists between the towers to accommodate an arm. Moreover, both the distance between the arms and the distance between each arm and the table can be adjusted. It is therefore both time-consuming and difficult to obtain the required alignment among all of the arms.
Another solution that has been attempted involves supporting the boring bar by the two camshaft bearings at the extreme ends of the cylinder head. A bearing ring is inserted into each end bearing, and the boring bar is inserted through the bearing rings. This method is not effective, however, if the end bearings are themselves in poor alignment with each other. When this method is used, the end bearings tend to wear more quickly than the other bearings. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the method decreases with increasing cylinder head length.
These problems and deficiencies are clearly felt in the art and are solved by the present invention in the manner described below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an apparatus and method for repairing overhead cam engine cylinder heads. The method comprises the steps of removing the caps from the bases of the bearing towers or housings, removing material from the legs of the caps, replacing the caps on the bases, and boring the resulting bearings to produce bearings of the proper diameter. The apparatus comprises a device for machining a bearing cap and a device for boring the bearings.
Each bearing tower comprises a base and a cap. As originally manufactured, the bearing is defined by a semi-cylindrical surface inside the base and a corresponding semi-cylindrical surface inside the cap. When the cap is mounted on the base, the resulting bearing is cylindrical.
To remove a cap from its base, the bolts that extend downward through the legs of the cap are removed. The legs are then machined to remove a small amount of material to decrease the cap height. The present invention comprises a rotary cutting tool mounted on an axially movable carriage, a mounting block, and a suitable drive means such as an electric motor. The mounting block has two prongs or rods extending from it toward the cutting tool. To machine the legs of a cap, the rods are inserted into the bolt holes in the legs of the cap. The motor drives the cutting tool, which is advanced by a feed means such as a second electric motor, toward the bottom surfaces of the cap legs. When a sufficient amount of material has been removed from the cap legs, the cap is removed from the mounting and replaced on the tower base using the bolts.
When the cap is replaced on the tower base, the resulting bearing is asymmetrical because the portion of the bearing defined by the cap is no longer semi-cylindrical. The bearing is then bored to the diameter specified by the manufacturer, thereby restoring the cylindrical shape without requiring the insertion of repair bearings.
The present invention also comprises a line boring device that may be used for boring the bearings. The device has a boring bar that is supported for alignment with the drive motor by two half-shell inserts which are placed in the end bearings of the cylinder head. Once the proper height is determined, a pair of support stands, one at each end of the cylinder head, is adjusted in height to align the supports with the bar. Quick-release pillow blocks hold the boring bar onto the support stands so that the bar can rotate at the pre-determined height. The height of the drive motor is adjusted to align it with respect to the boring bar supported by the half shells. The boring bar does not require support other than at its ends because it is made of an extremely stiff, hard and dense material, preferably a dense tungsten alloy such as DENAL™ or a ceramic-coated metal. The high density and/or ceramic coating minimizes vibration. The boring bar receives cutting bits at multiple locations along its length which are radially staggered, i.e., not in a linear arrangement. The device has a drive means, such as an electric motor, which is attached by a universal joint to the bar for rotating the bar. A feed means, such as a second electric motor, advances the bar in an axial direction, thereby engaging each cutting bit with one of the bearings. All bearings may thus be bored simultaneously.
The carbide cutting bits are configured with an adjustable collar ring to permit the appropriate depth of the blade to be pre-set before installation in the boring bar. All blades are set to the same depth and may be inserted into any of the mounting locations within the boring bar. All blades are set to the same depth and may be inserted into any of the mounting locations within the boring bar.
The foregoing, together with other features and advantages of the present invention, will become more apparent when referring to the following specification, claims, and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a machine for boring multiple axially aligned bearings and for machining bearing caps, showing an overhead cam engine cylinder head mounted on the boring device and a bearing cap mounted on the cap machining device;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the boring bar taken on line 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the boring bar taken on line 4--4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the device for machining bearing caps;
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a bearing tower, showing removal of the cap;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the device for machining bearing caps, showing a cap mounted on the device prior to machining the cap legs;
FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a bearing tower, showing a cap re-mounted on the tower base following machining of the cap legs; and
FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the bearing tower of FIG. 8 following boring;
FIG. 10 is a side elevation of a universal joint for connecting the drive motor to the boring bar;
FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view of the cutter depth adjustment mechanism;
FIG. 12 is a side elevation of the boring bar;
FIG. 13 is a side elevation of a cutting bit; and
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a pillow block.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the present invention comprises a line boring machine 10 and a bearing cap machine 12. As described in further detail below, both machines 10 and 12 are powered by a common drive means.
Line boring machine 10 has a base 14, a drive housing 16, two workpiece mounts 18 and 20, a boring bar 22, two boring bar supports 24 and 26 and an electronic controller 28. A workpiece 30, such as an overhead cam engine cylinder head, may be mounted on workpiece mounts 18 and 20. A horizontal mount slot 32 that engages a portion of mounts 18 and 20 facilitates adjustment of the horizontal or axial position of mounts 18 and 20. Similarly, vertical bar slots 34, 36 and 38, in drive housing 16, support 24 and support 26, respectively, facilitate adjustment of the vertical position of boring bar 22.
Boring bar 22 is supported only by supports 24 and 26. Boring bar 22 is made of an extremely rigid and dense material, such as tungsten alloys having greater than 91% tungsten content. Typically the desired materials will have a modulus of elasticity on the order of 1.5 or more times that for a high strength steel. A preferred material is produced by the Cime Bocuze Company of Lyon, France under the trademark DENAL™. DENAL™ is a tungsten-nickel-iron alloy which increases in density and modulus of elasticity with increased tungsten content while showing little change in hardness. The preferred grade of DENAL™ has a density of between 17.6 and 18.5 g/cm 3 , a hardness of between 300 and 490 Hv, and a modulus of elasticity of between 1000 and 1350 MPa (145,000 psi-197,750 PSI). The use of DENAL™ in the prior art is believed to be almost exclusively for armor penetrators in military ordnance. It has been determined in the present invention that the same properties of extreme rigidity and density that render DENAL™ useful for military ordnance are useful in boring bars for minimizing sagging and the resulting vibration. When made of such a material, boring bar 22 will sag no more than 0.02 mm between supports spaced approximately 90 cm apart. Another suitable material that minimizes vibration in a boring bar is steel coated with a ceramic material. The ceramic coating imparts a sufficient degree of hardness and rigidity to the steel that it approximates the properties of the DENAL™.
The boring bar 22, illustrated in FIG. 12, has multiple mounting bores 44, each of which will accept one of the cutting bits 48. The spacing between the bores 44 is configured to match the spacing between the bearing towers of the cylinder head to be machined. In order to minimize torque on the boring bar, the bores 44 are staggered to distribute the torsional forces uniformly.
The cutting bits 48 are preferably carbide. The cutting edge 49, shown in detail in FIG. 13, is configured in an asymmetric paraboloid such that the rotational orientation of the cutting edge within the mounting bar is not critical and cutting can occur at any orientation of the bit.
Two electric motors 40 and 41 are disposed in drive housing 16. Motor 40 rotates boring bar 22 via a homo-kinetic coupling 42. Motor 40 may drive coupling 42 either directly or via suitable gearing (not shown) in drive housing 16. Motor 41 moves drive housing 16, which rides on a track or slot 43, in an axial or longitudinal direction. Boring bar 22 is, in turn, fed in the axial direction. Controller 28 controls these actions in response to commands entered by an operator. Controller 28 preferably maintains a rate of axial movement or feed rate that varies linearly with rotation speed. An operator may select a rotation speed, e.g., 600 RPM, and a feed distance per revolution, e.g., 0.02 mm per revolution. If the operator thereafter selects a different rotation speed, e.g., 400 RPM, controller 28 automatically adjusts the feed rate (from 12 mm/min. to 8 mm/min. in the present example) to maintain the selected feed distance per revolution. Persons of skill in the art will readily be capable of designing suitable electronics, including microprocessors and associated software or other computer components, to control motor speed and feed rate in the manner described above.
As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 and 12, boring bar 22 has multiple cutting bit mounting bores 44 distributed along its length. Each mounting bore 44 has a countersunk recess 46 at its upper end. Recesses 46 function as reference planes because all are located at precisely the same distance from the axis of rotation of boring bar 22. A carbide-tipped cutting bit 48 is disposed in one of mounting bores 44 which has sufficient length (depth) to accommodate varied lengths of cutting bits. A collar 50, disposed around cutting bit 48, determines the distance that cutting bit 48 extends with respect to recess 46. A set screw 52 disposed in a threaded bore in boring rod 22 perpendicular to cutting bit 48 retains cutting bit 48 in rod 22.
FIG. 5 illustrates bearing cap machine 12 in further detail. A drive shaft 54 is rotated by a third motor 56. Controller 28 controls the rotation speed of drive shaft 54 in the manner described above with respect to boring bar 22. A cutting wheel 58 is connected to the end of drive shaft 54. A carbide-tipped cutting bit 60, mounted on cutting wheel 58 at a suitable radius, rotates with shaft 54. A "L"-shaped brace 62 is mounted to base 14 with a pivot pin 64. An adjusting screw 66 extends through a threaded bore below pivot pin 64 and contacts base 14. An operator may thus adjust the pivot angle of brace 62 with respect to base 14 by rotating adjusting screw 66.
Brace 62 can be mounted on tracks which permit lateral movement of the brace 62 with respect to the base 14. Alternatively, cap block 72 can be mounted on rails or tracks to permit lateral movement relative to brace 62.
A cap mount 68 on the upper surface of brace 62 slides toward and away from cutting wheel 58 along a track or slot 70. Cap mount 68 comprises a cap block 72 and two arms 74, each having a rod 76 extending therefrom toward cutting wheel 58. The distance between arms 74 is adjustable by sliding them apart or toward one another. Pivoting a handle 78 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5 draws arms 74 toward cap block 72 and locks arms 74 in position at the selected separation distance. Similarly, the angular orientation of cap mount 68 with respect to a vertical axis 80 can also be adjusted by rotating cap mount 68 to a selected orientation and then pivoting a handle 82 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5 to lock cap mount 68 down against the surface of brace 62.
FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a method for repairing an overhead cam engine cylinder head using the apparatus described above. As illustrated in FIG. 6, a bearing cap 84 is removed from the base 86 of one of bearing housings or towers 77, 79, 81, 83 and 85 (FIG. 1) by removing two bolts 88. As illustrated in FIG. 7, cap 84 is mounted on cap mount 68 by inserting rods 76 into the bolt holes 90 of cap 84. The separation distance between rods 76 may be adjusted as described above to accommodate the dimensions of cap 84. It is important to assure that the bottom faces of the cap legs 94 are perpendicular to the cutting tool 58. This perpendicular alignment is facilitated by inserting the two rods 76 through bolt holes 90, making sure that the top of the cap is flush against the cap mount 68.
A thickness 92 of material is removed from each leg 94 of cap 84 using bearing cap machine 12. In response to commands entered by an operator, controller 28 starts motors 41 and 56. As described above, motor 41 advances drive housing 16. Cutting wheel 58, which is connected to drive housing 16 and is rotated by motor 56 inside drive housing 16, advances with drive housing 16. The rotating cutting bit 60 is thus moved into contact with legs 94 of cap 84 by the forward motion of drive housing 16. Controller 28 stops motors 41 and 56 in response to operator commands when machining of legs 94 is completed. Cap 84 is then removed from cap mount 68 and replaced on base 86 of the bearing tower using bolts 88. All of the bearing caps of the cylinder head are similarly machined in this manner.
If lateral movement is provided between brace 62 and base 14 or between cap block 72 and brace 62, the cap 84 can be slowly tracked radially across the cutting wheel 58 to assure the most uniform cut possible. During the cut, the cap 84 can be moved radially outward with respect to the cutting wheel 58, then moved back inward to assure uniformity. Using this technique, it takes approximately 40 seconds to machine one cap.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, the resulting bearing 95 is asymmetrical due to the reduced lengths of legs 94 and the arcuate bearing surface inside cap 84. (It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale, and the asymmetry is exaggerated for illustrative purposes.)
Line boring machine 10 may be used to bore bearing 95 as indicated in dashed line in FIG. 8. The cylinder head, i.e., workpiece 30, is loosely placed on workpiece mounts 18 and 20 of line boring machine 10. To aid aligning supports 24 and 26 with respect to boring bar 22, half-shell inserts 96, 97 shown in FIG. 2, may be inserted in the end bearing tower 85. Insert 96 has an outer diameter equal to that of the bearing and an inner diameter equal to that of boring bar 22.
With the half-shell inserts 96, 97 in place the supports 24, 26 are raised or lowered to align the boring bar 22 with respect to the corresponding channels 100, 102 in the inner halves 104, 106 of the pillow blocks which will rotatably retain the boring bar 22 during the machining process. Once aligned, the boring bar 22 is fixed in place by attaching the outer halves 108, 110 of the pillow blocks to the inner halves 104, 106. Providing more detail in FIG. 14, outer half 108 has a pair of bores 112, 113 which are connected to arcuate channels 114, 115. Pegs 116, 117 extend outward, perpendicular to the inside face of the inner half 104, and mate with bores 112, 113. The outer half 108 is rotated around center pin 118 to guide pegs 116, 117 into the channels 114, 115 until it locks into place. The cam configuration, along with needle pressure stops are used for quick attachment and to assure the correct pressure is applied to hold the bar in place while allowing bar 22 to rotate freely.
The supports 24, 26 are locked down the workpiece mounts 18 and 20 and the half-shells 96, 97 are removed. The top caps are remounted on each of the bearing towers 77, 79, 81, 83 and 85 and the nuts are torqued to OEM specifications. Inserts 96 are removed from beneath boring bar 22 after it has been aligned and supports 24 and 26 have been secured. The drive motor 41 is connected to the bar 22 by a universal joint 42 which is shown in detail in FIG. 10.
Universal joint 42 has ends 142 and 144 which mate with the ends of boring bar 22 and the drive shaft 146 of drive motor 40 respectively. Joint ends 142 and 144 are joined together to center segment 148 by pivot pins 149, 150, 151 and 152 to form a double homokinetic joint. This universal joint 42 permits a quick connection and also compensates concentricity differences of up to several millimeters between the bar 22 or drive motor 41, assuring that the bar 22 is fully centered during machining.
The drive motor 40 can be adjusted vertically to further align it with the boring bar 22. The vertical travel is controlled by linear ball bearing slides and linear ball bearing screws for a smooth feed.
The carbide cutting bits 48 are adjusted to machine the bearing caps to the OEM-specified diameter by placing the cutting bits 48, one-by-one, into the adjustment mechanism which may be built into the overall line boring system. The adjustment mechanism, shown in FIG. 11, comprises a micrometer 160 which is positioned in a fixed relationship to and above holder 162 in which is placed a cutting bit 48. The holder 162 has a spring 154 which pushes upward against the bottom of bit 48 to bias the top of bit 48 against the contact surface of the micrometer. Locking screw 164 is loosened to allow bit 48 to step within collar 50, so that collar 50 fits within the corresponding recessed area of holder 162. Spring 154 pushes the tip of bit 48 against the micrometer 160 which is adjusted as desired. Locking screw 164 is tightened to set the appropriate cutting depth and the cutting bit 48 is removed from the adjustment mechanism and dropped into any bit location in the boring bar 22.
Cutting bits 48 are secured in mounting bores 44 by tightening locking screws 52. In response to commands entered by an operator, controller 28 starts motors 40 and 41. As described above, motor 40 rotates boring bar 22 and motor 41 advances drive housing 16 to feed boring bar 22 at the selected feed rate. In the preferred embodiment, the motor 40 is a d.c. motor with variable speed (˜18-1800 rpm) and constant torque. Drive housing 16 has linear ball bearing slides and linear ball bearing screws to give a smooth feed. The feed may be automatically set in coordination with rotation speed or may be manual. Material is removed as cutting bits 48 contact the bearings. All bearings can thus be bored simultaneously, however, this arrangement also allows the bearings to be bored one at a time. Cutting bits 48 should be adjusted as described above to remove material to a depth that results in a bearing 98 having the diameter specified by the engine manufacturer, as illustrated in FIG. 9.
After the bearings have been machined the bearing caps are removed, the boring bar 22 is released from the pillow blocks and lifted away from the cylinder head. The cylinder head is released from the clamps and may be prepared for reassembly.
The novel method for repairing overhead cam engine cylinder heads is economical because it avoids the use of repair bearings. Moreover, it eliminates heat dissipation problems and other problems associated with the use of repair bearings. The present invention is also economical because the cutting tool feed for both line boring machine 10 and bearing cap machine 12 is provided by a common drive mechanism and because no intermediate supports are necessary to prevent sagging in boring bar 22. Furthermore, the present invention can be quickly and easily set up because there are no intermediate supports to align.
Obviously, other embodiments and modifications of the present invention will occur readily to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of these teachings. Therefore, this invention is to be limited only by the following claims, which include all such other embodiments and modifications when viewed in conjunction with the above specification and accompanying drawings. | A method and machine for repairing overhead cam engine cylinder heads. The method includes the steps of removing the caps from the bases of the bearing towers or housings, removing material from the legs of the caps to reduce their height, replacing the caps on the bases, and boring the resulting bearings to produce bearings of the proper diameter. The machine includes a device for machining a bearing cap and a device for boring the bearings. The device for boring the bearings has a boring bar that is supported only at opposite ends of the cylinder head. The bar does not sag or chatter because it is made of an extremely hard and dense material such as a dense tungsten alloy or a ceramic-coated metal. | 26,557 |
This is a division of application Ser. No. 08/815,110, filed Mar. 11, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,818, which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a multi-domain liquid crystal cell, and more particularly to a method for manufacturing a multi-domain liquid crystal cell in which the liquid crystal director is aligned by irradiating an alignment layer with light.
Liquid crystal displays, or LCDs, generally include two transparent substrates with liquid crystal material injected therebetween. The liquid crystal (LC) material typically includes anisotropic molecules, the average direction of the long axes which are referred to as the director of the LC material. The director distribution in bulk LC material is determined by its azimuthal anchoring energy of the LC molecules on the substrates and characterized, in part, by the axes of easy orientation, which correspond to the minimum surface energy of the LC material. Additional parameters determining the director distribution include the pretilt angle between the director and the substrate plane.
In order to obtain uniform brightness and high contrast ratio of the LCD, the LC molecules must be appropriately aligned or homogeneously aligned after being injected between the substrates of the display.
Alignment of the LC molecules is achieved by providing an alignment layer on the surface of the substrate. Preferably, the alignment layer includes a plurality of directional “domains” or regions having different alignment directions. If a plurality of binary domains, i.e., domains oriented in different directions, are provided on the surface of the alignment layer, a uniform viewing angle can be achieved. Both the value of the director tilt and the direction of this tilt (i.e., direction of the axis of easy orientation) are important for normal operation of LC devices having such binary, as well as multi-domain structures.
The alignment layer is typically fabricated by depositing a specially treated polymer on the surfaces of the substrates of the display. In accordance with one conventional technique, homogenous alignment is achieved by subjecting the polymer to a rubbing process to mechanically form alignment microgrooves in the polymer layer. The liquid crystal molecules are thus homogeneously or uniformly aligned due to the intermolecular interaction between the polymer of the alignment layer and the liquid crystal molecules.
In the above described rubbing process, however, defects are formed in the microgrooves which cause light scattering and random phase distortion. Moreover, dust and electrostatic discharges are produced in the alignment layer, so that the substrate is damaged and yield is decreased.
LC alignment by irradiation of photosensitive polymers with polarized UV light has been proposed as an alternative to rubbing (M. Schadt et al., Jpn. J. Appl. Phys., 31 (1992). p. 2155; T. Marusii and Yu. Reznikov et al., Mol., Master., 39, 1993, p. 161). The aligning ability of these photosensitive materials is determined by their anisotropic photo-induced properties. In the present invention, the photoalignment process is applied to create an array of domains where the easy orientation axes can possess two possible orthogonal directions.
Materials based on polyvinyl cinnamate, polysiloxane and polyamide are the most common photoaligning materials for LC displays. The directions of the easy axes in the plane of an aligning material were reported to be usually perpendicular to UV light polarized electron.
Such alignment techniques have advantages over the conventional rubbing method described above. In particular, electrostatic charges and dust are not produced on the aligning surface, as in the rubbing process. Further, by appropriate exposure of the photosensitive polymer, it is possible to control the direction of the easy orientation axis on the aligning surface and the azimuthal anchoring energy value. Further, the prescribed director distribution in an LC cell can be created.
Photoalignment techniques can also be used to generate a plurality of binary domains or a binary multi-domain structure. In one such technique described in W. Gibbon et al. (Nature, 351 (1991), p. 49), a first photosensitive substrate is rubbed unidirectionally, followed by irradiation of the substrate through a mask with polarized light to induce the easy axis perpendicular to the direction of rubbing. When the LC cell is assembled by injecting LC molecules between the first substrate and a second polymer-coated substrate which was rubbed in the same direction as the photosensitive material, the LC molecules are oriented with a 90°-twisted in regions corresponding to the transparent parts of the mask. Instead of a mask, an image formation optical system in the plane of the substrate can be used. The main drawback of this method is the necessity to use rubbing, which leads to the accumulation of dust and electrostatic charge, as well as the formation of distorted microgrooves on the aligning surfaces.
In another technique described in P. Shenon et al. (Nature, 368 (1994), p. 532), instead of rubbing the photoaligning surface, the photoalignment layer is exposed with polarized light to impart on an initial background alignment director. This method is free of the drawbacks described above, but has its own disadvantages. Namely, this method requires a double exposure of light with orthogonal polarization that requires rearrangement of the apparatus used to perform the optical exposure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a simple method for producing binary multi-domain directional alignment in an LC cell, which does not possess the drawbacks of the known methods. It is a further object of the present invention to create binary multi-domain directors in an alignment layer without any rearrangement of the optical scheme.
It has been discovered that the initial easy axis of the polymer fused in photoalignment techniques change sharply by 90° when the intensity or dose of incident light exceeds a particular threshold.
Thus, in accordance with the present invention a method for controlling the alignment direction is provided, comprising the steps of coating a substrate with an alignment layer of a photosensitive material; irradiating the alignment layer with a first energy dose of light to impart a first alignment direction; irradiating the alignment layer with a second energy dose of light to impart a second alignment direction, the second alignment direction being perpendicular to the first alignment direction.
In addition, the method for fabricating a multi-domain LC cell using the substrate made from the above method comprises the steps of providing a first substrate and a second substrate, the first substrate is covered with a first alignment layer and the second substrate is covered with a second alignment layer; irradiating the first and second alignment layers with light to impart different alignment directions depending upon the light energy dose absorbed in each domain; assembling a cell from two substrates where the alignment layers face one another; and injecting LC material between the first and second substrates. Control of the energy dose absorbed in each domain can be achieved by varying the radiation intensity or duration.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the photosensitive material for the alignment layer comprises polymers illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.
The invention will be set forth in part by the detailed description that follows and, in part, will be made obvious from this description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the actions action and their combinations pointed out in the appended claims.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows the chemical structure of photoalignment material PSCN- 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows the chemical structure of photoalignment material PSCN- 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 shows the chemical structure of photoalignment material PSCN- 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows the chemical structure of photoalignment material PSCN- 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows a device for controlling alignment direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows a partial perspective view of FIG. 5 .
FIG. 7 shows cross-sectional view illustrating a Two-Domain TN structure invention.
FIG. 8 shows a graph illustrating relationship between the photo-energy and alignment direction.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
It has been discovered that, in certain materials, the alignment axis can change depending on the intensity of incident light and/or duration thereof. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates the relationship between the alignment direction (φ) and the energy density of the incident light for a material such as PSCN- 1 . As seen in FIG. 7, φ is approximately zero for energy densities below range W. In range W, however, φ is indeterminate or undefined , and is some unstable angle other than zero, e.g., 90 degrees. Therefore, the direction of the alignment axis can vary in accordance with energy dose of incident light (D=I exp ×t exp ). For example, the direction of the orientation of standard LC molecules in contact with an alignment layer formed with a material, such as PSCN- 1 , can shift by 90° if the energy density of incident light exceeds a predetermined value.
Specifically, the irradiation of PSCN- 1 material (shown in FIG. 1) by polarized nonfiltered light emitted by an Hg lamp with intensity I exp =2 mW/cm 2 at wavelength 250 nm, for an expansion time t exp =5 min, results in a dose (D=0.6 J) creating an easy axis e parallel to the direction polarization of the light E exp . In contrast, for exposure time t exp =t thr >10 min (D thr =1.6 J), however the direction [e] becomes perpendicular to E exp . In the intermediate region, no stable alignment is found.
Instead of irradiation during t exp , one can change the intensity of light I exp to obtain the same effect. Accordingly, for example, PSCN- 1 material can have a light-induced easy axis e parallel to E exp at t exp =5 min and I exp =2 mW/cm 2 . However, an orthogonal direction can be obtained for the same t exp , i.e., t exp =5 min, but with I exp =4 mW/cm 2 .
Moreover, the exposure time needed to change the orthogonal position can be effectively controlled by doping PSCN- 1 with a material causing the PSCN- 1 to be more susceptible to only one easy axis direction. In addition, the exposure intensity is saved by doping PSCN- 1 with 10% by weight of the photoorientant PSCN- 2 , as shown in FIG. 2, herefore, having a stable easy axis perpendicular to E exp can be obtained with half the threshold dose D thr as that noted above. Thus, with an exposure energy density of 1 mW/cm 2 , the above described mixture of PSCN- 1 can be exposed for 5 minutes to impart an alignment direction parallel to the polarization of the incident light, and for 10 minutes to impart an alignment direction perpendicular to the polarization of the incident light. The same effect was observed for other photoalignment direction perpendicular to the polarization of the incident light.
The same effect was observed for other photoalignment materials, PSCN- 3 , PSCN- 4 , the chemical structures of which are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively.
In accordance with the present invention, these materials, and other such compounds, can thus be used to control the easy axes direction on an alignment surface by changing the irradiation dose of light to produce a binary multi-domain director orientation in an LC cell. Further, multi-domain LCDs can be readily created with wide viewing angle characteristics while reducing the number of photomasks used in the process, and without rearranging the optical scheme or exposure apparatus during domain fabrication. Moreover, the present invention can be used to manufacture high density optical information storage cells where information is encoded in accordance with the binary direction of the easy axis.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a device for controlling an alignment direction according to the present invention. Substrate 60 is covered with photosensitive material 50 preferably having an easy axis direction for the LC molecules which can be shifted depending upon the dose of incident UV light (D). Photosensitive material 50 is irradiating with the UV light from an Hg-lamp 10 transmitted through a lens 20 , polarizer 30 , and photomask 40 positioned close to the substrate 60 .
As shown in FIG. 6, Photomask 40 includes first regions having a first transmissivity T 1 , and second regions having a second transparency T 2 . The radiation dose transmitted through the first regions of photomask 40 is preferably smaller than the threshold D thr (a threshold dose of light, above which the alignment direction is perpendicular to E exp ), but is enough to produce a first alignment direction parallel to E exp in corresponding first portions of photosensitive mask 40 having transmissivity T 2 is larger than D thr . As a result, the first portions of layer 50 impart easy axes to the LC molecules parallel to E exp , and the second portions impart easy axes e perpendicular to E exp .
In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the first and second portions of photosensitive layer 50 are produced by controlling exposure time to match the conditions required for producing orthogonal easy axes. That is, the substrate can be irradiated twice through a photomask having “dark” and “transparent” regions. In the first step, the entire photosensitive material layer 50 is illuminated without a mask for a time necessary to establish the first alignment direction (E exp ). In the second step, using a mask, only portions of photosensitive layer 50 corresponding to “transparent” regions of the mask are illuminated for a time necessary to shift the first alignment direction to a second alignment direction E exp , which is perpendicular to the first alignment direction. As a result, regions of photosensitive layer 50 not exposed during the second step have the first alignment direction parallel to E exp while portions irradiated during the second step through transparent parts of the mask have the second alignment direction E exp perpendicular to E exp .
The method according to the present invention can be used for information storage in an LC well where optical information is recorded as a binary code by producing pixels with LC molecules oriented along orthogonal directions.
In accordance with the present invention, a binary domain LCD with wide viewing angle characteristics can be obtained. FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of two-domain TN (twisted nematic) structure of this invention. Each domain corresponds to an asymmetric viewing angle characteristic, but the total viewing characteristic, which is the sum of the asymmetric viewing angle characteristic of each domain, has a symmetric viewing angle. Thus, the main viewing angle is compensated.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be further described in reference to specific examples. It should be understood that these examples are intended to be illustrative only and the present invention is not limited to the conditions and materials noted therein. Various modifications can be achieved within the technical scope of the present invention. For example, as a modification of the proposed method, a scanned light beam can be used instead of the irradiation through a photomask. In which case, the intensity of the beam can be varied in order to deliver an appropriate energy dose to the desired portion of the photosensitive layer.
EXAMPLE 1
A solution polymer material PSCN- 1 in a 1:1 mixture of 1,2-dichloroethane an chlorobenzene was prepared. The concentration of the polymer was 10 g/l. A polymer film was then spin-coated onto a substrate with a rotation speed of 2500 rev/min. The substrate coated with the polymer film was prebaked after centrifuging at a temperature of 200° C. for 2 hours.
The substrate were then positioned in the set up depicted in FIG. 5 . The Hg-lamp 10 served as a source of the UV-light and the total power of the UV light in the plane of the photomask was 2 mW at 250 nm. A photomask having a binary transparent pattern was provided. Each square pattern of pixels of the mask had an area of 4 mm×4 mm. The illuminated area of the photomask was 2 cm×3 cm. The transparency of the “transparent” region was 85%, while transparency of the “semi-transparent” region was 30%. The substrate was irradiated for 10 minutes.
After irradiating and drying the substrates, the LC cell having a gap of 50 micrometers was assembled by a commonly used sandwich technique. The cell was filled with LC material, ZLI 4801-000, at room temperature, and the orientation was measured with a polarized microscope.
EXAMPLE 2
The process of the second example is identical to the first[,]. except the photosensitive materials includes 20% PSCN- 2 and 80% PSCN- 1 . The substrates were irradiated for 5 minutes with the same result as in the first example.
EXAMPLE 3
The process of the third example is similar to the first, except PSCN- 3 was used as the photosensitive material. The cell was filled at an evaluated temperature of 100° C. and the LC, ZLI4801-000, was injected while in an isotropic phase. The substrates were irradiated for 16 minutes and yielded the same result as in the first example.
EXAMPLE 4
The process of the fourth embodiment is the same as the first example[,]. except the cell was filled as an elevated temperature of 100° C. and the LC, ZLI4801-000, was injected in an isotropic phase. The substrates were irradiated for 20 minutes, and the same result was obtained as in the first example.
EXAMPLE 5
The substrates were first prepared as in the first example. At first, the entire substrates were irradiated without a photomask for 5 minutes. The substrates were then irradiated through a binary photomask for 10 minutes. The photomask has a pixel pattern having alternating opaque and transparent regions, with each square pixel occupying an area of 4 mm×4 mm, and illuminated area of the photomask was 2 cm×2 cm. The transmissivity of the “transparent” region was 98%, and the transmissivity of the “dark” or opaque region was 1%. The photomask was then removed and the LC cell was assembled and filled with LC, ZLI 4801 000, as described in the first example.
EXAMPLE 6
Two substrates were successively coated with a transparent electrode layer and photoalignment material were prepared as in the first example. The substrates were irradiated through a photomask having a checker board pattern of “semi-transparent (T=30%)” and “transparent (T=85%)” square regions, each with an area of 3 mm×3 mm. The substrate was irradiated for 15 minutes. The LC cell with a cell gap of 5 μm was assembled with domain twist structures having appropriate director orientations. The cell was filled at an elevated temperature of 100° C. and the injected LC, ZLI 4801-000, was in an isotropic phase.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims. | A method for fabricating a multi-domain liquid crystal cell is disclosed, wherein first and second alignment directions are formed in first and second portions of an alignment layer provided on a substrate by selectively subjecting the first and second portions to different energy doses of linearly polarized ultraviolet light. Liquid crystal material is then injected between the one substrate and another substrate and into contact with the alignment layer, thereby obtaining a wide viewing angle in the liquid crystal device. | 20,681 |
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/366,227, filed on Feb. 13, 2003, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/835,500, filed on Apr. 16, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,553,998, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/350,581, filed on Jul. 9, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,623, which is a continuation, under 35 U.S.C. §120 of PCT international application number PCT/GB98/02713 filed Sep. 9, 1998 and designating the United States, which claims priority to Great Britain patent application No. 9719520.0 filed Sep. 12, 1997. By this reference, the full disclosure of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/350,581, PCT international application No. PCT/GB98/02713, and Great Britain patent application No. 9719520.0 are incorporated herein as though fully set forth in their respective entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates in general to surgical drapes and heads, and more particularly but not by way of limitation, to surgical drapes and heads for wound treatment devices adapted to deliver fluid to a wound and to remove fluid from the wound.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Surgical drapes are widely used in surgical operations for the purpose of reducing infection and facilitating the handling of skin around incisions. Normally, they are transparent or translucent. Typically, they consist of a flexible, plastic film which is adhesive-coated and which is applied to the area of the operation, prior to making the incision. Surgical drapes are also used for attaching treatment devices to patients after an operation, such as catheters or drainage tubes.
[0004] A further, recently developed use is for connecting a suction tube to a wound for the purpose of stimulating healing of the wound. Such use is described in our earlier applications Nos. WO 96/05873 and WO 97/18007.
[0005] Various proposals have been made in the past to design the surgical drape so that handling of the sticky, flexible, plastic film is facilitated. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,622 describes a surgical drape which is a laminate of three materials. The first material comprises a transparent, thin plastic film which is adhesive-coated and the adhesive face protected with a layer of release-coated paper. The other face of the adhesive-coated film is strengthened with a reinforcing layer of a less flexible, plastic film. Handling bars or strips are attached to the flexible, plastic film at its lateral edge to facilitate handling of the flexible, plastic film after stripping away the protective releasable layer.
[0006] Where is it is desirable to use a surgical drape primarily to attach a device such as a catheter to a wound area after an operation or for long term treatment, it is inconvenient for the surgeon or nurse to have to adapt a standard surgical drape for this purpose. It would be more convenient to have a surgical drape which was suitable without adaptation to accommodate the treatment device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] One aspect of the present invention is directed to a solution to this problem. A second aspect provides a combined surgical drape and suction head for applying suction to a wound area to facilitate application of negative pressure therapy.
[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a surgical drape which comprises a thin, flexible, adhesive-coated plastic film and a strengthening layer applied to the face opposite to the adhesive coating, the strengthening layer being a plastic film which is thicker or less flexible than said adhesive-coated film, and a protective, releasable layer applied to the adhesive coating, the drape having an aperture through at least the strengthening and adhesive coated film to permit, in use, access to a wound area, a first edge of the drape having non-adhesive coated handling bars for separating the adhesive-coated film from the protective layer, and wherein the protective layer comprises a separate strip extending parallel to the first edge of the drape, and which protects the adhesive coating in the region of the aperture and carries a flap overlapping the adjacent portion of the protective layer, said flap constituting a handle for facilitating removal of said strip prior to use. Preferably, non-adhesive coated handling bars are positioned at opposite lateral edges of the drape.
[0009] In practice, surgical drapes may be manufactured by laminating an adhesive-coated flexible film, such as a polyurethane film, to a protective releasable layer, such as a siliconized paper. A strengthening layer of thicker plastic material, e.g. a polyolefin such a polyethylene, may be applied to the non-adhesive coated face of the flexible film, so that a three-layer laminate is produced. These laminates are produced in substantial width and may be slit longitudinally to the desired width and then laterally to form drapes of the desired size.
[0010] After slitting to a desired width, handling bars are normally applied to the adhesive-coated layers at one or both lateral edges to facilitate separation of the film from the protective, releasable layer. While an aperture could be cut at the desired position through the layers to accommodate a catheter or a device such as those described in our above-mentioned applications, it is difficult to handle the highly pliable and adhesive film after the releasable layer has been stripped off.
[0011] Although the strengthening layer does somewhat improve the handling characteristics, this is not a complete answer to the problem. However, the handling characteristics are substantially improved by providing a protective layer which is in at least two portions, one of which is in the form of a strip, e.g. one extending parallel to the lateral edges of the drape, and covering the peripheral area around the aperture through the drape. By providing a flap on this portion of the releasable layer, it can be stripped off initially so that the drape is first positioned around the device which is to pass through the aperture, and then the remaining part of the protective releasable layer is stripped off to adhere the drape to the patient's skin around the area to be treated.
[0012] In a preferred form of the invention in which negative pressure therapy is applied to a wound area, the surgical drape described above is combined with a suction head having a connector piece which is adapted to be connected to a suction tube. Thus, in this embodiment, the suction head can be adhered to the patient's skin in the area of the wound after removing the strip of protective releasable layer, and then the remaining part of the drape affixed to the patient's skin. In this way, the suction head is held firmly in place and, at the same time, seals the suction head to the wound area and prevents leakage of air from atmosphere into the wound area.
[0013] The invention also includes a suction head having a design which facilitates the suction of fluid from a wound area.
[0014] According to a further feature of the invention, therefore, a suction head for applying suction to a wound may also be used as a head to instill fluids to a wound from a fluid reservoir similar to an intravenous solution bag. The area of which comprises a generally planar flange portion and a tubular connector piece on a first face, for connecting a fluid reservoir tube to a fluid reservoir through the flange portion to the other face, said other face having projections defining flow channels facilitating flow of fluid towards a wound
[0015] According to a further feature of the invention, therefore, there is provided a suction head for applying suction to a wound area which comprises a generally planar flange portion and a tubular connector piece on a first face, for connecting a suction tube to an aperture through the flange portion to the other face, said other face having projections defining flow channels facilitating flow of fluid towards said aperture.
[0016] Preferably, the suction head described above is combined with a surgical drape, the drape comprising a thin, flexible, adhesive-coated plastic film, and the tubular connector piece extends through an opening in the plastic film with the adhesive coating adhered to said first face of the flange portion.
[0017] Preferably, the suction head is used in conjunction with an open-celled foam pad so that one surface of the foam pad is placed in contact with a wound area and the suction head applied to the other surface of the foam pad. In the case of deep wounds the foam may be shaped and placed so that it is packed into the wound cavity as described in our above-cited PCT applications. According to another technique, which is particularly applicable to superficial wounds, the foam pad may be a relatively thin pad which is placed over the wound. The suction head is placed in contact with the open face of the foam pad and the drape applied over the suction head to fix the assembly to the patient's skin.
[0018] Various types of open celled foams can be used as described in our above-cited PCT applications. The foam may be a polyurethane foam but polyvinyl acetate (PVA) foams are preferred, especially when used as a pad which placed over the wound. These are to some extent hydrophilic, which seems to exhibit beneficial comfort properties when applied to the skin. Wound healing is stimulated by maintenance of moist conditions in the wound area, and this is facilitated by using a hydrophilic foam.
[0019] Finally, many other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts, especially in light of the foregoing discussions and the following drawings, exemplary detailed description and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Although the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferred embodiment follows together with illustrative figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components, and wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1 represents a conventional design of surgical drape;
[0022] FIG. 2 represents a variation in the design of the handling bars at one end of the drape shown in FIG. 1 ;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of a surgical drape in accordance with the invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the surgical drape shown in FIG. 3 ;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a plan view from beneath of a suction head in accordance with the invention;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the suction head shown in FIG. 5 ;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but shows the suction head secured to a skin surface with the drape and with a foam pad located between the head and the skin surface;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the drape with a central strip portion of the protective sheet in the course of being removed; and
[0029] FIGS. 9 a through 9 c illustrate the steps of affixing the dressing assembly to a wound area on a patient's leg and attachment to a negative pressure assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0030] Although those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize many alternative embodiments, especially in light of the illustrations provided herein, this detailed description is exemplary of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scope of which is limited only by the claims appended hereto.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings, a conventional laminate for use as a surgical drape comprises a thin, flexible, transparent film 1 which is adhesive-coated on one face 2 , normally with a high-tack pressure-sensitive adhesive, and is protected with a releasable layer 3 . The thin plastic film is conveniently of polyurethane because is transmits moisture. Layer 3 is normally considerably thicker than film 1 and is coated on the surface adjacent to the adhesive with a releasable material such as a silicone to facilitate stripping away from the adhesive-coated film.
[0032] In order to facilitate removal of the adhesive-coated film prior to use of the device, handling bars 4 are bonded at each end to the adhesive-coated film 1 . Thus, by holding one of the bars 4 , the protective layer 3 can be stripped off and the adhesive face applied to the skin of the patient. To facilitate handling of the thin, flexible film 1 , a strengthening plastic film 5 is frequently applied to the free face of the plastic film 1 . This is generally also transparent or translucent. Film 5 is preferably not bonded with adhesive to film 1 , but may remain in contact by reason of electrostatic forces or because of close contact between the two conforming surfaces of film 1 and film 5 .
[0033] Usually, the surgeon or nurse will wish to strip off the protective layer 5 after the film 1 has been correctly placed on the patient's skin, and this can be facilitated by making partial cuts 6 through the film 1 and 5 , so that as the handling bar 4 is drawn upwards from the patient's skin, the adhesive film 1 remains adhered to the patient, while the patient, while the partial cuts 6 cause separation of the flexible film from the strengthening film 5 . Strengthening bars 7 may be provided to hold the lateral edges of the strengthening film 5 and film 1 together with their main parts.
[0034] An alternative arrangement is shown in FIG. 2 , in which the strengthening film 5 is provided with a separate overlapping handling bar 14 , to facilitate its removal from the flexible film 1 .
[0035] Further details of the make-up and manufacture of surgical drapes are given in U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,622 and European patent application No. 0161865 and the prior art referred to therein, by this reference, the full disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,622 and European patent application No. 0161865 are incorporated herein as though each now set forth in its respective entirety.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the surgical drape of the present invention comprises a protective outer film 20 , laminated to a thin, flexible film 21 . The flexible film includes an adhesive-coated layer which is protected with a release-coated sheet material 24 . Lateral edges of the flexible film 21 are provided with handling bars 23 . Thus far, the design is essentially the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
[0037] The drape of the present invention differs from the drape shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in that an aperture 25 is but through the strengthening layer 20 and through the flexible layer 21 . The other difference compared with the prior art drapes is that the protective releasable layer is formed in at least two sections.
[0038] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the central portion of the releasable layer comprises a strip 26 , having flaps 27 which overlap the remaining outboard portions of the releasable layer. The purpose of this is to enable the central strip 26 to be removed first, without disturbing the remaining portions of the releasable layer. The drape can then be fitted around the wound area and, if desired, a suction device or other treatment device passed through the aperture 25 and secured to the patient's skin with the peripheral areas of exposed adhesive coated film.
[0039] An example of a device for applying suction to the wound area is illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 , and 7 .
[0040] Referring to these figures, the suction head comprises a flange portion 30 having a tapered edge 31 , and a profile which may be of any desired shape but is generally rounded at its edges. On the face of the flange 30 intended for contact with the patient's skin or a foam pad are formed a series of projections 32 which are distributed over the surface of the flange apart from the peripheral edge portion 31 . The purpose of these projections is to provide fluid channels 33 facilitating the flow of fluids from any point of the flange to a central point 34 , from which it is intended to apply suction. The suction head includes a connector 35 , located above the aperture 34 , having a tubular end 36 adapted for receiving and connecting a catheter. The tubular end may have an outwardly tapered portion to facilitate feeding a catheter into the connector. The upper surface 37 of the suction head has a substantially smooth surface.
[0041] When used as a fluid instillation apparatus (e.g., when adapted to deliver fluid to a wound), and referring to these same figures, the suction head or head comprises a flange portion 30 having a tapered edge 31 , and a profile which may be of any desired shape but is generally rounded at its edges. On the face of the flange 30 intended for contact with the patient's skin, or a foam pad, are formed a series of projections 32 which are distributed over the surface of the flange apart from the peripheral edge portion 31 . The purpose of these projections in this embodiment is to provide fluid channels 33 facilitating the flow of fluids from a reservoir through a central point 34 , from which it is intended to be dispersed into or onto a wound. The head includes a connector 35 , located above the aperture 34 , having a tubular end 36 adapted for receiving and connecting a fluid reservoir tubing set. The tubular and may have an outwardly tapered portion to facilitate feeding a catheter into the connector. The upper surface 37 of the head has a substantially smooth surface.
[0042] The suction head may be adapted to both deliver fluid into or onto a wound, and to remove fluid from the wound in certain embodiments. In addition, the fluid may be medicated or otherwise treated to enable a more efficient healing process.
[0043] In use, the connector portion 35 is sized so that it extends through the aperture 25 in the surgical drape shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , with the adhesive surface around the aperture bonded to the smooth surface 37 of the flange 30 . The suction head may be packaged in this condition with the surgical drape so that in use, the strip 26 is removed by pulling on the handles 27 thus exposing the adhesive surface in the vicinity of and surrounding the suction head. The suction head can then be fixed in the desired position on the patient's wound and then the remaining portion of the protective film removed to fix the drape to the patient. The flange 30 of the suction head may be somewhat oval as shown in FIG. 5 , and have dimensions as indicated in this Figure, i.e. a longer dimension of about 95 mm and short dimension of about 70 mm. Alternatively, the flange may be circular and be smaller in plan view. For example, the diameter of a circular suction head may be from about 30 to 50 mm in diameter, e.g. about 40 mm. It has been found that the suction head flange should not overlap the area of the wound. Thus, in the case of smaller wounds a smaller head is indicated.
[0044] FIG. 7 shows the suction head attached to a wound area 71 of a patient 70 . The suction head is pressed into firm contact with a flexible, open-celled foam 73 , which is itself pressed into contact with a wound area 71 . The suction head and foam pad are pressed into contact with the wound area by a surgical drape 20 having an adhesive surface 74 . The adhesive surface is bonded to the patient's skin outside the periphery of the foam pad and suction head. It is also bonded to upper surface 37 of the suction head. An aperture is formed in the drape to permit the connector portion 35 to extend upwardly through the drape. In order to avert the danger of incorrect catheter tubes being fitted to the connector 35 , the latter may have a customized cross-section or internal projection such as a rib or key which cooperates with a corresponding slot, or key way in the catheter. Alternatively, the catheter may be molded with a projection or longitudinal rib which operates with a corresponding slot or key way in the aperture of the connector 35 .
[0045] The foam pad may be packaged in a plastic pouch, sterilized by gamma irradiation and supplied in the same box or in other packing units as the suction head and drape.
[0046] FIGS. 8, 9 a , and 9 b illustrate the way in which the drape-suction head combination is fitted to a wound on the patient's skin. In FIG. 8 , a backing sheet 101 having a release coated surface is removed in the first step from the adhesive face 102 of the drape to expose the face of connector 30 . A pad 103 of foam is positioned over the wound area and the drape placed over the foam pad, the drape being adhered to the skin above and below the pad ( FIG. 9 a ). The lateral protective strips 104 and 105 are removed in turn from the drape and the assembly adhered to the skin ( FIGS. 9 b and 9 c ). Finally, spout 36 is connected to a tube 106 which is then connected to a source of suction, e.g. a pump as described in our above PCT application, in order to apply negative pressure to the wound. The suction head and drape assembly as shown in FIG. 8 , with the smooth surface 37 adhered to the drape, is conveniently packaged in an easily openable plastic bag or pouch, and sterilized for immediate use.
[0047] While the foregoing description is exemplary of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize the many variations, alterations, modifications, substitutions and the like as are readily possible, especially in light of this description, the accompanying drawings and claims drawn thereto. In any case, because the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, the foregoing detailed description should not be construed as a limitation of the scope of the present invention, which limited only by the claims appended hereto. | A wound therapy device comprising a head and a surgical drape. The head comprises a planar flange portion and a tubular connector piece on a first face that communicates with an aperture extending to a second face. The second face is formed with projections that define flow channels for facilitating flow of liquids to and from the aperture. The device may provide medicated fluid to the wound evenly while withdrawing wound exudates | 22,779 |
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[[0001]] This invention was made with government support under contract number DMI-0216324 awarded by the National Science Foundation and contract number F49620-02-C-0028 awarded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. The Government has certain rights in this invention.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to solid state lasers that use novel glass compositions, comprising rare earth oxides and aluminum oxide (the REAl™ glasses) doped with optically active species, as the gain medium. It further relates to lasers based on these glass compositions that emit infrared light in the wavelength range from approximately 1000 to 3000 nm through the application of pump radiation at a wavelength of 970 nm to 990 nm, and preferably about 980 nm. It further relates to the use of REAl™ glasses that can be cast in the form of “blanks” that form components of laser gain media and windows, filters, or lenses that transmit infrared light.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0003] The composition range of the REAl™ glasses is stated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,758, Nov. 19, 2002 incorporated herein by reference.
[0004] Glass materials are generally manufactured by starting with a liquid, formed by melting solid crystalline starting materials. The liquid is cooled in a way that prevents crystallization. While there are other ways to make glass, forming it from the liquid provides a simple way to achieve large pieces of material that can readily be formed into products. Here we show that by virtue of their optical, mechanical and thermal properties and the ability to fabricate the glasses by casting from a liquid, the REAl™ glasses provide a novel material for the gain medium used to construct infrared laser devices and for optical elements such as windows and lenses.
[0005] It should be noted that certain fabrication, coating, and other operations that are well-known in the art are typically employed to prepare components of devices from the glass optical materials and optical gain media of this invention.
[0006] Lasers that produce infrared light (“infrared lasers”) are widely used in materials processing, optical communications, medical and dental diagnostics and surgical procedures, optical range finding and remote sensing, and numerous applications in analysis, marking, scribing, engraving and optical diagnostics. High power density lasers that provide a quality beam profile at infrared wavelengths are useful in materials processing operations including welding, metal cutting and metal forming operations, and medical procedures. Infrared lasers are also used in military applications for range finding, target designation, and missile guidance systems. Infrared lasers also have application in Homeland security, where sensors, laser-based detection, and laser-based defense systems that employ infrared lasers and laser technologies are being developed.
[0007] Many solid state lasers, for example the “neodymium:YAG” laser, employ trivalent rare earth ions distributed in a medium such as a crystal or a glass material that can be “pumped” to excite the laser active ions. Neodymium, erbium and ytterbium are widely used to generate light at infrared wavelengths. The gain medium provides a host for the laser active ions and forms a critical component of the laser. The gain medium must be able to transmit light at the laser wavelength with minimal losses. It may also provide a means to extract heat generated by the optical processes, and in some instances it provides a structural element of the laser itself. The gain medium may also be formed as the laser cavity by placing reflective coatings on various surfaces. Solid state lasers that employ a REAl™ glass doped with optically active species are within the scope of this invention.
[0008] The advent of high power density lasers based on Yb-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) crystals containing several percent ytterbium has shown the utility of Yb lasers that can be pumped over a narrow wavelength range by using commercially available infrared laser diodes. Ytterbium ions are a desirable dopant for laser applications because, unlike other optically active rare earth ions, electronically excited Yb ions do not suffer from energy-sapping cross relaxation and excited-state absorption processes. Pumping the strongly absorbing 2 F 7/2 state in trivalent Yb ions with laser diodes overcomes the limitation of low pump absorption with the broadband lamp pumping schemes commonly used in Nd-based lasers. The close spacing of the absorption and emission bands in Yb 3+ results in small conversion losses.
[0009] While the Yb lasers were first demonstrated as flashlamp-pumped devices in 1965, it is only recently that these lasers have acquired technological significance, through advances in pump sources, laser gain media, and laser output power that can be achieved. Small, diode-pumped Yb-doped rod lasers were first demonstrated at the Lincoln Laboratory around 1990. Subsequent laser development at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Raytheon and other laboratories in the US and abroad has increased the power output of small (˜5 mm diameter, 10 mm length) rod lasers towards 1 kW to provide an enormous specific power. The thin disk Yb:YAG laser was pioneered in Germany. Power output of ˜650 Watts has been demonstrated in 0.2 mm thickness disks pumped in a region a few millimeters in diameter. The disk laser is predicted to enable a power output of ca. 10 kW from a single small disk laser device. By providing a larger planar surface for heat extraction than is possible in a long cylinder, the disk laser has potential to achieve the maximum possible power density. The wide availability of inexpensive and electrically efficient InGaAs-based laser diodes which operate in the 940-980 nm pump wavelength range needed to realize Yb-based lasers has laid the foundation for new near IR power laser products. Optical efficiencies of around 50 % are achieved in disk laser configurations operating near room temperature; even higher efficiencies have been obtained using cryogenically cooled disks.
[0010] The present invention provides novel glass host materials for the Yb ions, i.e., the “REAl™” glasses comprised of rare earth oxides and aluminum oxide, that are used to make Yb: REAl™ glass laser devices. Technical drawbacks of crystalline Yb:YAG lasers relative to the lasers of the present invention are: (i) the Yb 3+ absorption band typically necessitates pumping at around 940 nm, rather than 980 nm where inexpensive and powerful diode laser pump sources are available, (ii) pumping at 940 nm rather than 980 nm, in combination with laser emission at a wavelength of ˜1030 run, leads to increased heat generation which limits the total power density that can be achieved, (iii) the smaller magnitude of the ground state absorption in Yb:YAG, reduces the efficiency of pump power utilization, and (iv) strain-induced birefringence in melt grown crystals due to growth stresses and lattice strain can produce beam deflection and instability in the laser cavity.
[0011] Lasers and devices that transmit infrared radiation that are based on REAl™ glasses also have potential cost advantages over the YAG- and other crystalline host-based devices because the glass forming operations are relatively inexpensive compared with crystal growing operations.
[0012] The use of REAl™ glasses for windows, lenses, filters, and other optical applications that require infrared transmitting material benefits from (i) the large Abbe number, (ii) the range of Abbe numbers, and (iii) the IR transmission to wavelengths of ˜5000 nm, and (iv) the large refractive index of these materials. The REAl™ glasses provide superior values of these properties relative to the familiar silicate glasses. The REAl™ glasses also provide thermal, chemical, and environmental stability that is superior to other infrared transmitting materials such as fluoride and tellurite glasses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The invention is an optical gain medium comprising a bulk single phase glass. The bulk single phase glass comprises 27 to 50 molar % RE203 and 50 to 73 molar % Al 2 O 3 , where RE is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu. The optical gain medium may be used in a manner such that gain is generated by application of light in the wavelength range from 970-990 nm. The optical gain medium may be doped with ytterbium ions or other dopant ions such as Er, Tm or Ho. Gain may be generated by electronic transitions of Yb or other dopant ions such as Er, Tm or Ho.
[0014] In a second aspect of the invention, the invention is an optical gain medium consisting essentially of a bulk single phase glass comprising one or more rare earth oxides, aluminum oxide and silicon dioxide wherein the composition of the bulk single phase glass lies substantially within the heptagonal region of the ternary composition diagram of the rare earth oxide-alumina-silica system defined by points having the following molar percent compositions: 1% RE 2 O 3 , 59% Al 2 O 3 and 40% SiO 2 ; 1% RE 2 O 3 , 71% Al 2 O 3 and 28% SiO 2 ; 23% RE 2 O 3 and 77% Al 2 O 3 ; 50% RE 2 O 3 and 50% Al 2 O 3 ; 50% RE 2 O 3 and 50% SiO 2 ; 33.3% RE 2 O 3 , 33.33% Al 2 O 3 and 33.33% SiO 2 ; and 16.67% RE 2 O 3 , 50% Al 2 O 3 and 33.33% SiO 2 . The optical gain medium may be used in a manner such that gain is generated by application of light in the wavelength range from 970-990 nm. The optical gain medium may be doped with ytterbium ions or other ions such as Er, Tm or Ho. Gain may be generated by electronic transitions of Yb, Er, Tm of Ho.
[0015] In a third aspect of the invention, the invention is an optical material consisting essentially of a bulk single phase glass comprising 27 to 50 molar % RE 2 O 3 and 50 to 73 molar % Al 2 O 3 , where RE is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu and wherein the glass is formed by casting of a molten material.
[0016] In a fourth aspect of the invention, the invention is an optical material consisting essentially of a bulk single phase glass comprising one or more rare earth oxides, aluminum oxide and silicon dioxide wherein the composition lies substantially within the heptagonal region of the ternary composition diagram of the rare earth oxide-alumina-silica system defined by points having the following molar percent compositions: 1% RE203, 59% Al 2 O 3 and 40% SiO 2 ; 1% RE 2 O 3 , 71% Al 2 O 3 and 28% SiO 2 ; 23% RE 2 O 3 and 77% Al 2 O 3 ; 50% RE 2 O 3 and 50% Al 2 O 3 ; 50% RE 2 O 3 and 50% SiO 2 ; 33.33% RE 2 O 3 , 33.33% Al 2 O 3 and 33.3% SiO 2 ; and 16.67% RE 2 O 3 , 50% Al 2 O 3 and 33.33% SiO 2 , where RE is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Th, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu and wherein the glass is formed by casting of a molten material.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of REAl™ glass as gain medium in a solid state laser.
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates the absorption cross section spectrum of a REAl™ glass containing Yb 3+ ions.
[0019] FIG. 3 shows the emission spectrum of a REAl™ glass doped with Yb 3+ ions and excited by a 980 nm diode pump laser.
[0020] FIG. 4 shows the fluorescence decay curve observed in a REAl™ glass doped with Yb 3+ ions, giving a fluorescence lifetime of Yb 3+ ions of approximately 800 microseconds.
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates change in fluorescence lifetime of Yb 3+ ions in REAl™ glass with changes in the Yb 3+ concentration and with the SiO 2 content of the glass.
[0022] FIG. 6 shows the fluorescence decay curves observed in a REAl™ glass doped with Er 3+ ions and with another REAl™ glass that was co-doped with Er 3+ and Yb 3+ ions.
[0023] FIG. 7 shows the emission spectrum of a REAl™ glass doped with Er 3+ and Tm 3+ ions and excited by a 980 nm diode pump laser.
[0024] FIG. 8 shows the emission spectrum of a REAl™ glass doped with Er 3+ and Ho 3+ ions and excited by a 980 nm diode pump laser.
[0025] FIG. 9 shows fluorescence decay curves for the emission of infrared radiation at wavelengths of approximately 1550 nm and approximately 3000 nm from Er-doped crystalline YAG and from Er-doped REAl™ glass.
[0026] FIG. 10 shows the infrared transmission as a function of wavelength for 2 mm thick samples of REAl™ glasses containing zero to 20 mole % SiO 2 , pure silica, and single crystal sapphire.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0027] This invention relates to the use of the REAl™ glass materials doped with up to 20 mole % Yb 2 O 3 as the gain medium in solid state infrared lasers. The invention further relates to REAl™ glass gain media containing additional optically active rare earth ions that may be optically excited by energy transfer from excited ytterbium ions, e.g. Er 3+ , Tm 3+ , Ho 3+ , and combinations thereof. By combing ytterbium and the additional optically active ions, the high efficiency of pump absorption at 980 nm by Yb 3+ can be exploited to provide a reservoir of energy to excite the additional dopants by energy transfer from the excited ytterbium ions.
[0028] The REAl™ glass materials are based on rare earth oxide and aluminum oxide, and may comprise up to 30 mole % of SiO 2 . In this disclosure, we show that these glasses have properties favorable to operation of novel laser devices and that they maintain these properties at the high dopant concentrations that are possible in the REAl™ glass family of materials. The glass materials have a wide homogeneity range so that the dopant concentrations are not restricted by stoichiometric considerations that may limit the concentrations of dopants in crystalline hosts. Further, unlike glass materials, high dopant concentrations tend to produce birefringence and strain in crystalline materials. The glasses can be cast into a variety of forms by melting starting materials in a platinum crucible. Some of the compositions have melting temperatures that exceed the approximately 1950K upper temperature limit for processing in platinum crucible. These higher-melting compositions may be cast into glass after melting in an iridium crucible. While casting is known in the art of glass making, its application in REAl™ glass synthesis is novel. Prior art syntheses of REAl™ glasses have employed high cooling rates to form the glasses. The prior art cooling rates exceed those achieved in the casting operations, and it has not been previously demonstrated that synthesis of bulk REAl™ glasses by casting operations used in the present invention is possible. Previously, the REAl™ glasses were synthesized using levitation melting techniques that avoided nucleation of crystals in the liquid. The new glasses can be cast to form rods, plates and a wide variety of shapes. These products may be finished if necessary, by polishing, machining, or other conventional operations, to form the laser gain block components, windows, and optical components such as lenses or filters that exploit absorption bands of optically active dopant ions. Tables I and II present compositions of REAl™ glasses that can be formed by casting from platinum or iridium crucibles.
TABLE I Examples of glass compositions. Balance is Al 2 O 3 in all cases. Chemical Composition, Mole Percent Example Y 2 O 3 La 2 O 3 Other Oxides I-A 10 20 20 SiO 2 I-B 25 30 SiO 2 I-C 20 30 SiO 2 I-D 20 25 SiO 2 I-E 10 15 25 SiO 2 I-F 10 10 30 SiO 2 I-G 7.5 15 2.5 Gd 2 O 3 20 SiO 2 I-H 9 15 1 Gd 2 O 3 10 SiO 2 I-I 7.5 15 2.5 Gd 2 O 3 15 SiO 2 I-J 7.5 15 2.5 Gd 2 O 3 20 SiO 2 I-K 7.5 15 2.5 Gd 2 O 3 15 SiO 2 I-L 5 15 2 Gd 2 O 3 2 ZrO 2 10 SiO 2 2 Sc 2 O 3 2 HfO 2 2 Lu 2 O 3 I-M 7 13.5 2 Gd 2 O 3 22.5 SiO 2 I-N 7.5 12 0.5 Gd 2 O 3 15 SiO 2 I-O 7.5 15 2.5 Gd 2 O 3 18 SiO 2 I-P 5.8 6.5 14.8 ZrO 2 21.1 SiO 2
[0029]
TABLE II
Examples of glass compositions that contain optically active dopants.
Balance is Al 2 O 3 in all cases.
Chemical Composition, Mole Percent
Example
Y 2 O 3
La 2 O 3
Other Oxides
II-A
14.6
0.4 Er 2 O 3
30 SiO 2
II-B
19
1 Er 2 O 3
25 SiO 2
II-C
5
15
5 Er 2 O 3
20 SiO 2
II-D
5
15
5 Nd 2 O 3
20 SiO 2
II-E
7.5
10
2.5 Gd 2 O 3
5 Nd 2 O 3
20 SiO 2
II-F
5
15
2 Gd 2 O 3
2 Er 2 O 3
10 SiO 2
2 ZrO 2
2 Ho 2 O 3
2 HfO 2
II-G
5.5
15
2.5 Gd 2 O 3
2 Yb 2 O 3
20 SiO 2
II-H
7
15
2 Gd 2 O 3
2 Yb 2 O 3
20 SiO 2
2 ZrO 2
2 HfO 2
II-I
4.5
15
2.5 Gd 2 O 3
3 Yb 2 O 3
20 SiO 2
II-J
3.5
15
2.5 Gd 2 O 3
4 Yb 2 O 3
20 SiO 2
II-K
9
18
3 Yb 2 O 3
15 SiO 2
II-L
7
15
3 Yb 2 O 3
20 SiO 2
II-M
7
15
2 Gd 2 O 3
5 Yb 2 O 3
15 SiO 2
1 Er 2 O 3
II-N
7
17
2 Gd 2 O 3
3 Yb 2 O 3
15 SiO 2
1 Er 2 O 3
II-O
7.5
15
2.5 Gd 2 O 3
3 Er 2 O 3
20 SiO 2
1 Tm 2 O 3
II-P
7.5
15
2.5 Gd 2 O 3
3 Er 2 O 3
20 SiO 2
1 Ho 2 O 3
II-Q
7.5
15
2.5 Gd 2 O 3
3 Er 2 O 3
20 SiO 2
1 Dy 2 O 3
[0030] When they are doped with ytterbium the glasses provide a high ground state absorption cross section for Yb 3+ ions that is approximately 2.5 times larger than for crystalline YAG. The Yb-dopant is added in this instance via ytterbium oxide Yb 2 O 3 . The Yb may be added by use of potentially any source or combination of sources of trivalent ytterbium such as a carbonate, oxalate, oxide, or other forms.
[0031] The ground state absorption cross section of ytterbium ions is shown as a function of wavelength for a Yb-doped REAl™ glass in FIG. 2 . The peak absorption is closely matched to the 980 nm laser diode wavelength which enables the use of inexpensive diode lasers for pumping. The fluorescence emission spectrum of the ytterbium ions is shown in FIG. 3 . In this figure, the off-scale peak at ˜980 nm is due to diode laser pump light used to excite the fluorescence. The small separation in wavelength between the pump and the Yb laser emission, which typically occurs at ˜1030 nm, means that the Yb:REAl™ glass laser can be more efficient than the Yb:YAG crystal devices. In particular, use of the longer wavelength 980 nm pump radiation in Yb:REAl™ glass will reduce heat generation in the gain medium. Heat in the gain medium results in changes in density and optical properties, wavefront distortion and ultimately limits the power that can be extracted from a device. The use of the new glass materials of this invention provides the basis for more-efficient lasers that employ gain media formed by glass casting operations that are inexpensive compared with the crystal growth operations required to make Yb:YAG lasers.
[0032] As shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,438,152, glasses have been made with up to 20 mole % Yb 2 O 3 and with mixtures of Yb 2 O 3 and other optically active dopants such as Er 2 O 3 . As described in the prior art, these glasses provide a high solubility of all the rare earths. A wide range of rare earth dopant compositions can be used, thus energy transfer processes between different rare earth ions can be exploited as a means to obtain high pump utilization efficiency. In addition, codoping with Yb and other rare earth ions enables the use of 980 nm laser diodes to excite laser action from species that do not absorb the 980 nm pump radiation.
[0033] A further property of ytterbium ions in the REAl™ glass that makes it useful in laser devices is the fluorescence lifetime of excited Yb 3+ ions. A measurement of the fluorescence lifetime of excited Yb 3+ ions in REAl™ glass is shown in FIG. 4 . A plot of the fluorescence lifetime of excited Yb 3+ ions in REAl™ glasses is shown as a function of Yb concentration in FIG. 5 . The lifetime is comparable to the Yb 3+ fluorescence lifetime in other hosts, i.e., 0.5 to 1 ms.
[0034] In addition to the advantageous spectroscopic properties of Yb-doped REAl™ glass, the materials can be formed using relatively low cost processes compared to those required to fabricate single crystal materials. The glasses can be cast in various forms by pouring molten material into molds. The molds can be maintained at an elevated temperature and allowed to cool slowly after the glass is formed to relieve stress in the as-formed glass. The glass may also be cast into a mold that is initially at room temperature. The glasses can be annealed at temperatures up to ˜1100K to relieve stresses. The addition of rare earth ions does not result in lattice strains in the amorphous hosts. The glasses are homogeneous. The use of Yb-doped REAl™ glass thus enables lasers with the following properties:
High optical conversion efficiency High laser power output Minimal operating temperature at given laser power output Wide range of compositions not restricted by crystal stoichiometry Easy fabrication of the gain medium Optically isotropic gain medium Efficient absorption of pump radiation Robust and compact devices
[0043] Table III presents properties of the REAl™ glass materials that have been measured on samples of materials formed either by levitation melting and cooling or by casting liquids formed in platinum crucibles.
TABLE III Properties of REAl ™ glass materials Property Range of values Major components Al 2 O 3 , RE 2 O 3 *, 0-35 mole % SiO 2 Solubility of rare earth oxides Up to 50 mole % RE 2 O 3 Spectral transmission range Near UV to ˜5500 nm Refractive index (n D , λ = 589 nm) 1.7 to >1.8 Abbe number (n D − 1)/(n F − n C ) 40-60 Hardness 800-1000 Vickers Devitrification temperature 950-1050° C. Thermal conductivity 0.01 W/cm · ° C. (at 20° C.) Thermal expansion coefficient ˜10 × 10 −6 /° C. Density 3.4-4.1 gram per cm 3 Young's modulus 110-130 GPa (16 MSI) Chemical stability (in water Dissolution rate <1 × 10 −8 g/cm 2 /min at 90° C.) *Oxides of elements: Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0044] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a solid state laser device that incorporates a doped REAl™ glass and illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention. Optical radiation 1 that excites the laser medium is provided by a pump light source 2 and directed to the laser gain medium 3 . Mirrors 4 are located at opposite ends of the laser gain medium, one of which is partially transmitting to yield the laser output 5 . Cooling means 6 may be incorporated to achieve increased laser power output from the device.
[0045] The pump light source 2 is preferably a 980 nm laser diode light source but it may be any light source capable of exciting the optically active ions in the gain medium 3 . The gain medium 3 is a REAl™ glass of composition within the phase field stated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,758, preferably a composition that contains approximately 10 mole % SiO 2 that can be melted in a platinum crucible and formed into a glass by conventional casting methods known in the art of glass making. The gain medium 3 is doped with optically active species, preferably rare earth ions such as Yb 3+ , Er 3+ , Tm 3+ , Ho 3+ , or combinations thereof. Any other dopant species capable of producing laser emission from a REAl™ glass, including other optically active rare earth ions may also be used. The partially reflecting output mirror is preferably constructed from REAl™ glass that is not doped with optically active species but it may be of any glass or crystalline material that exhibits high transmission at the wavelength of the laser radiation. Other components of the device are known in the prior art of lasers and optical devices. For example, the surfaces of the gain medium may be coated to reduce reflections.
EXAMPLE 1
Cast REAl™ Glasses
[0046] The cast REAl™ glasses were prepared from mixtures of fine powders of the constituent pure oxides. The oxides were first melted together in a laser hearth. The product of hearth melting was then pulverized, placed in a platinum crucible, and heated in a Deltech DT31FL high temperature furnace to a temperature of 1920 to 1950K to obtain a homogeneous molten oxide. The platinum crucible was then removed from the furnace and the liquid oxide was cast into a mold to produce the glass products. In some cases the mold was heated to allow in-situ stress relaxation of the as-cast glass by slowly cooling the mold. In other cases the glass was cast into a mold at room temperature and could later be annealed at temperatures up to approximately 1100K. Graphite molds were used for the casting operations. Other mold materials that are commonly used in the art of glass making are within the scope of this invention.
[0047] The process of hearth melting and pulverization of the hearth-melted product are not essential steps in the glass synthesis. They were used for convenience in the laboratory synthesis work, to (i) homogenize the materials, (ii) minimized the time at temperature required in the platinum crucible melting step, and to (iii) increase the density of the material placed in small platinum crucibles, and (iv) facilitate reaction of the high melting components to ensure complete melting at the process temperature for crucible melting.
[0048] Tables I and II list compositions that were cast into glasses and compositions for which the glass was obtained directly from the laser hearth melting operation. In all cases, a glass was obtained. Some crystalline material was often observed at the surface of the glass which, along with any glass whose composition is influenced by the crystallization, could be removed by grinding and polishing operations. Melting in a crucible, such as an iridium crucible, whose melting point exceeds that of pure platinum may be employed to cast glasses such as the REAl™ glasses containing less than approximately 5 mole % Sio 2 whose melting point exceeds the melting point of platinum.
[0049] It is known in the art that various starting materials may be used to obtain the final compositions of the REAl™ glasses. For example, sol gels may be used to achieve an intimate mixture of the glass components which will yield pure oxide liquid when heated and melted in air or oxygen. Carbonates and/or hydroxides may be used as starting materials, which will decompose to oxides, by the evolution of carbon dioxide or water vapor, respectively, when heated. Also, mixed rare earth oxides may be substituted for the pure oxides used in the present glass syntheses.
EXAMPLE 2
Glasses for Optical Property Investigations
[0050] Several hours are required to complete the procedure of casting a REAl™ glass from a crucible. Small glass samples that are sufficient for optical property investigations can be prepared in a few minutes, by containerless melting techniques. Therefore, many of the compositions of glass that were used to investigate the optical properties of REAl™ glasses as a function of glass composition were prepared by the containerless melting methods.
EXAMPLE 3
Yb Optical Properties in REAl™ Glass
[0051] FIGS. 2-5 illustrate various optical properties of Yb 3+ ions in REAl™ glass. The ground state absorption spectrum of Yb 3+ is shown in FIG. 2 . The peak absorption cross section is approximately 2×10 −20 cm 2 , at a wavelength of 980 nm. The absorption peak is quite narrow in a crystalline host material, such as the yttrium aluminum garnet crystals that are used in prior art Yb:YAG lasers. The absorption peak is broadened in a glass material, which facilitates laser pumping by increasing the pump laser waveband that can be used. Thus, Yb:YAG lasers typically use a pump laser operating at approximately 940 nm where a relatively narrow absorption peak occurs, with a much smaller absorption cross section than at the 980 nm peak in REAl™ glasses. The broadened 980 nm absorption peak of Yb 3+ ions in a REAl™ glass host have the benefits, relative to prior art Yb:YAG lasers, including that (i) more efficient laser pumping is possible, (ii) inexpensive and powerful diode lasers are available for operation at the 980 nm pump wavelength, and (iii) the typical Yb 3+ laser wavelength is approximately 1030 nm, and use of the 980 nm pump wavelength in Yb:REAl™ glass reduces heating of the gain medium.
[0052] The emission spectrum of Yb 3+ in REAl™ glass is shown in FIG. 3 . This spectrum was observed by exciting a sphere of the glass with the focused 980 nm diode laser beam and measuring the Yb 3+ fluorescence emission at an angle of 90° to the incident pump laser beam. Some of the pump radiation was internally reflected at the glass surface and scattered into the spectrometer, to give the off-scale peak at 980 nm in the emission spectrum. The emission spectrum shows strong emission in the approximately 1030 nm range that is typical of Yb 3+ lasers.
[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates a measurement of the Yb 3+ fluorescence decay rate. In this experiment, a disk of Yb-doped REAl™ glass, approximately 2 mm thick, was excited by the 980 nm pump laser and the emission decay was measured with an InGaAs detector when the pump laser was turned off. The pump laser path was co-linear with the axis on which fluorescence was measured. A single crystal silicon disk was placed in this path, to absorb the 980 run pump laser radiation while passing the longer-wavelength tail of the Yb 3+ fluorescence emission. The silicon filter avoided saturation of the detector with-pump light so that recovery from saturation would not limit measurements immediately when pumping was terminated. Pumping was terminated precisely at the point where the constant intensity begins to decrease, at approximately 70 ms as read on the horizontal axis of the plot. This experiment was performed on a glass whose composition, in mole %, was 4 Yb 2 O 3 , 62.5 Al 2 O 3 , and 33.5 La 2 O 3 . It can be seen that decay of the fluorescence signal is precisely exponential, i.e., a plot of the logarithm of intensity versus time is linear, with a slope corresponding to a decay time constant of approximately 0.80 ms.
[0054] FIG. 5 plots the fluorescence decay times for several Yb concentrations. The top part of this figure shows results for a glass free from SiO 2 and the bottom part of the figure shows results for a glasses containing 2 mole % Yb 2 O 3 and up to 20 mole % of SiO 2 . It can be seen that the fluorescence decay rates decrease with the SiO 2 content of REAl™ glass, and are typical of the 0.5 to 1.0 ms decay time constants observed in other Yb-doped host materials.
[0055] Larger lifetimes for the excited state facilitate storage of excited state energy and are generally advantageous to laser design. The results shown in FIG. 5 show that it is advantageous to minimize the SiO 2 content of the glass host material, to achieve longer lifetimes for the excited Yb 3+ ions. The increased lifetime of Yb 3+ in low-SiO 2 REAl™ glasses, relative to high-SiO 2 glasses, is a novel and useful property achieved in this invention. The invention provides bulk REAl™ glasses with only ˜10 mole % SiO 2 that can be melted and cast into bulk glass from platinum crucibles by conventional glass-making methods.
EXAMPLE 4
Co-Doped Materials
[0056] Co-doped REAl™ glass allows novel laser devices to be constructed based on the strong pump laser absorption property of Yb 3+ ions and the energy transfer processes that occur between the Yb 3+ ions and co-doped optically active species. The ability of REAl™ glass to maintain favorable optical properties such as large emission lifetimes with large dopant concentrations enables these devices because relatively large dopant concentrations are required to achieve rapid energy transfer between the optically active species. The glasses that comprise this set of materials include all of the single phase glasses lying in the phase field defined in U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,758. The dopants include, but are not limited to, optically active rare earth elements, such as the trivalent ions of Yb, Er, Tm, Ho, Dy, Nd, and Pr.
[0057] The fluorescence decay measurements described in the remainder of this example were, except as noted, performed in the same manner as the Yb 3+ fluorescence decay measurements described in example 3.
[heading-0058] REAl™ Glass Doped with Er and Yb
[0059] FIG. 6 illustrates the fluorescence decay curves of two REAl™ glass samples doped with Er 3+ ions and pumped with a 980 nm diode pump laser. Emission from the excited Er 3+ ions occurs in the well-known waveband of 1500 to 1600 nm that is used in Er-doped optical communications devices. Each of the REAl™ glasses for which data are given is doped with 1 mole % Er 2 O 3 . The figure at the top shows results for a glass that also contains 2 mole % Yb 2 O 3 . The results in FIG. 6 illustrate the following: First, the beginning of the decay curves shows a small and sudden decrease of intensity when the pump laser is turned off, at approximately 118 ms and approximately 52 ms on the horizontal axes of the top and bottom figures, respectively. This sudden decrease of intensity is due to the termination of the pump laser light, a small fraction of which is transmitted to the detector. This decrease is smaller for the Yb-doped sample because this sample transmits a smaller fraction of the incident pump light. Second, the Er 3+ emission intensity is greater for the Er/Yb co-doped glass than for glass doped only with Er. This result is also due to the increased absorption that occurs in Yb, which increases the level of excitation in the glass. It also demonstrates that transfer of excited state energy from the Yb 3+ ions to the Er 3+ ions is efficient; a substantial part of the pump energy absorbed by the Yb 3+ ions appears as emission from Er 3+ ions. Third, the large decay lifetimes observed in both sets of data, 5.9 ms for the Er-doped REAl™ glass and 6.6 ms for the co-doped glass shows that the observed emission must be from the Er ions, since emission from Yb ions has a much smaller lifetime of approximately 0.8 ms. The maximum possible Yb 3+ emission that could be detected from the co-doped sample is much smaller than the observed emission intensity because the silicon filter greatly reduces the Yb 3+ intensity and has only a small influence on the longer wavelength Er 3+ intensity. Thus, it is not known if the co-doped glass produced significant direct emission from the excited Yb 3+ ions.
[heading-0060] REAl™ Glass Doped with Er and Tm
[0061] FIG. 7 illustrates the emission spectrum from REAl™ glass containing 3 mole % Er 2 O 3 and 1 mole % Tm 2 O 3 , and pumped with a 980 nm diode laser. The spectrum shows relatively weak emission from Er 3+ , in the 1500-1600 nm waveband, and strong emission from Tm 3+ in the wavelength range from 1450-2000 nm. The spectrum was measured with an extended InGaAs detector with good sensitivity at wavelengths to more than 2050 nm. Since Tm 3+ does not absorb the pump radiation, the results given show efficient energy transfer from the excited Er ions that are produced by absorption of the pump light to the emitting Tm ions. This result shows that lasers and optical devices can exploit optical gain in REAl™ glass based on emission from Tm 3+ ions, while using absorption of pump laser radiation at 980 nm, which would not be possible in a glass doped only with Tm. Since excited Yb 3+ ions transfer energy to Er 3+ ions in REAl™ glass, it is also possible to build similar devices with REAl™ glass doped with Yb, Er, and Tm. Spectra similar to that shown in FIG. 7 were obtained for REAl™ glass compositions containing zero and 20 mole % of SiO 2 .
[heading-0062] REAl™ Glass Doped with Er and Ho
[0063] FIG. 8 illustrates the emission spectrum from REAl™ glass containing 3 mole % Er 2 O 3 and 1 mole % Ho 2 O 3 , and pumped with a 980 nm diode laser. The spectrum shows relatively weak emission from Er 3+ , in the 1500-1600 nm waveband, and stronger emission from Ho 3+ in the wavelength range from 1800-2050 nm. The spectrum extends only to approximately 2050 nm, which was the limit for the monochromator used in the experiments. Since Ho 3+ does not absorb the pump radiation, the results given show efficient energy transfer from the excited Er ions that are produced by absorption of pump light to the emitting Ho ions. This result shows the feasibility of lasers and optical devices that exploit optical gain based on emission from Ho ions, while using absorption of pump laser radiation at 980 nm, which would not be possible in a glass doped only with Ho. Since excited Yb 3+ ions transfer energy to Er 3+ ions in REAl™ glass, it is also possible to build similar devices with REAl™ glass doped with Yb, Er, and Ho. Spectra similar to that shown in FIG. 8 were obtained for REAl™ glass compositions containing zero and 20 mole % of SiO 2 .
EXAMPLE 5
Er Emission at a Wavelength of ˜3000 nm
[0064] Emission of infrared radiation from Er-doped REAl™ glass can be observed at a wavelength of approximately 3000 nm, in addition to the emission in the 1550 nm waveband. FIG. 9 illustrates the decay of fluorescence intensity for both of these emission wavelengths. The emission at ˜3000 nm was measured with a mercury cadmium telluride detector in combination with an interference filter that transmitted light in the wavelength range from 2690-3190 nm. An interference filter was also used to eliminate pump laser transmission to the detector for measurements in the 1550 nm waveband. The results in the top panel of the figure are for a YAG crystal doped with 2 mole % Er. The bottom panel shows results for a REAI™ glass doped with 3 mole % Er. In both cases, the emission at 1550 nm is plotted on the left-hand scale and shows a nearly linear decrease of log(intensity) with time. The emission at ˜3000 nm is plotted on the right hand scale. The time bases have been adjusted so that the fluorescence decay curves begin at the same point on the time axes, i.e., at zero ms.
[0065] The results given in FIG. 9 show several qualities of the 3000 nm emission from Er-doped materials. First, there is an initial fast decay of the ˜3000 nm emission, which occurs from the 4 I 11/2 excited state of Er 3+ . This excited state is formed by two processes: direct absorption of the pump laser radiation and cooperative upconversion of the lower, 4 I 13/2 Er 3+ excited state. The initial decay is from radiative loss by emission of the ˜3000 nm radiation and by quenching of the 4 I 11/2 Er 3+ ions to form 4 I 13/2 Er 3+ ions. Second, after the initial fast decay, the 3000 nm emission exhibits slower decay. On the scales used in the plot, the curve showing the slower decay of this emission is approximately parallel to that for the emission of ˜1550 nm light. The parallel nature of these curves is a consequence of the upconversion process, in which two 4 I 13/2 Er 3+ ions (the ˜1550 mu emitter) combine to form one 4 I 11/2 Er 3+ ion (the ˜3000 nm emitter) and one ground state Er 3+ ion. The rate of the cooperative upconversion is approximately proportional to the square of the 4 I 11/2 Er 3+ concentration, i.e., to the square of the ˜1550 nm emission intensity. Third, the ˜3000 nm emission is 4 to 5 times more intense from the REAl™ glass than from the crystalline YAG material. Part of this difference is due to a 50% greater Er concentration in the REAl™ glass. The remaining difference in the intensities can be attributed to differences in (i) the Er ion absorption cross sections, (ii) the 4 I 13/2 upconversion rates, and (iii) the 4 I 13/2 radiant emission and quenching rates for the two materials. The results show that the REAl™ glass materials are effective sources of the ˜3000 nm radiation by comparison with the prior art Er-doped crystalline YAG material.
EXAMPLE 6
Glass Properties
[0066] Properties of the bulk glass materials were measured using standard techniques. Density was measured by displacement using a 2 ml pycnometer, a microbalance and deionized water as the immersion fluid. Hardness was measured using a microhardness indenter. Glass transition and crystallization temperature ranges were measured by differential scanning calorimetry and differential thermal analysis. The dissolution rate of the glass was investigated by immersing samples in agitated deionized water at 363K (90° C.) and measuring the specific mass change at intervals of 2 days over a period of 16 days. Index of refraction was measured at wavelengths of 486, 589 and 659 nm (F, D and C Fraunhofer lines) using the Becke line method with index-matched oils. Abbe numbers were calculated from the measured refractive indices.
[0067] Table III presents properties of the REAl™ glass materials that have been measured on glasses formed either by levitation melting and cooling or by casting liquids melted in platinum crucibles.
[0068] The infrared transmission curves of 2 mm thick samples of two REAl™ glasses containing no optically active dopants are shown in FIG. 10 . The figure includes data from the literature for crystalline sapphire and pure silica glass of 2 mm thickness, for comparison purposes. The transmission curves for each material are: 11 silica, 12 REAl™ glass containing 20 mole % SiO 2 , 13 REAl™ glass containing 5 mole % SiO 2 , and 14 sapphire. The figure illustrates that good transmission is obtained at wavelengths beyond the infrared cut-off wavelength of silica glass. It is essential to minimize the silica content of glasses to obtain good infrared transmission in windows, lenses, and other optical elements beyond a wavelength of approximately 3 micrometers. This is possible in the family of REAl™ glasses, which contain from zero to 30 mole % of SiO 2 .
[0069] Refractive index values measured for the REAl™ glasses are in the range from 1.80 to 1.90, at the sodium D-line, 589 nm. Measurements at 486 and 656 nm were also obtained to determine the Abbe numbers of the glasses. The Abbe numbers determined for REAl™ glasses are in the range from approximately 32 to approximately 66, depending on the glass composition. These properties are important in optical lenses, since spherical aberration of the lenses is smaller for glasses with larger values of the refractive index, and chromatic aberration of the lenses is smaller for glasses with larger values of the Abbe number. Thus, novel lenses can be fabricated from the REAl™ glasses with reduced chromatic and/or spherical aberration relative to lenses of similar design that are fabricated from prior art materials.
[0070] Other modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention are contemplated which do not depart from the scope of the invention as defined by the foregoing teachings and appended claims. For example, the bulk single phase glass material used as the optical gain medium may be synthesized by any suitable method, including but not limited to the methods described herein and in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,758. Also, the gain medium may comprise well known optically active dopants other than the ones described herein. The gain medium may also be pumped by the application of light at wavelengths other than the ones described herein and where at least one of the optically active dopant species absorbs the light. It is intended that the claims cover all such modifications and alternative embodiments that fall within their scope. | This invention relates to the use of novel glass materials comprising rare earth aluminate glasses (REAl™ glasses) in the gain medium of solid state laser devices that produce light at infrared wavelengths, typically in the range 1000 to 3000 nm and for infrared optics with transmission to approximately 5000 nm in thin sections. The novel glass materials provide stable hosts for trivalent ytterbium (Yb 3+ ) ions and other optically active species or combinations of optically active species that exhibit fluorescence and that can be optically excited by the application of light. The glass gain medium can be configured as a waveguide or placed in an external laser cavity, or otherwise arranged to achieve gain in the laser waveband and so produce laser action. | 50,128 |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This is a continuation of copending application Ser. No. 07/578.699 filed on Sep. 4, 1991, now abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to memory expandable systems and more particularly, to a serial network architecture for controlling and configuring add-on memory modules.
It is well-known in the prior art to provide modular systems, such as computer peripherals, mini-computers and desktop personal computers, having expandable and flexible memory systems comprised of a plurality of memory modules. Typically, such modules are of the plug-in type in the form of printed circuit boards which have various electronic components mounted upon them, including integrated circuit chips which are also of the plug-in type. The typical design of a modern computer or microprocessor driven device includes a main printed circuit board with one or more female connectors, known as a mother board, to which one or more accessory or option boards including memory modules can be inter-connected. Generally the design features the mother board in a horizontal orientation at the bottom of a computer case with the plug-in memory modules or other accessory printed circuit boards or cards held in vertical slots in the computer case perpendicular to the mother board, and inter-connected to it by means of a mating pair of male and female parallel edge connectors, one of which is attached to the surface of the mother board and the other to the edge of the memory or accessory card.
Typically, a memory module consists of a plug-in printed circuit board which carries an addressable memory unit, memory address and control logic units and local interface units which provides interfacing between the module and the host device. The addressable memory unit will be comprised of one or more blocks or banks of memory cells having a standardized size such as 256 k-bytes. A standardized memory module printed circuit board may have a number of plug in sockets to accept blocks of memory in the form of integrated circuit chips. Thus a standardized plug in printed circuit board may provide memory modules with several different capacities.
In practice, the memory units of the various memory modules are so interconnected as to provide in effect a single addressable memory. The memory unit on each memory module has a starting address and an ending address. The memory modules are interconnected sequentially so that their address ranges are contiguous in order, or sequence, of connection. The starting address of each memory module forming a boundary between that module and any preceding module. Each memory module responds to a range of addresses that includes its starting address and its ending address. Typically, the ending address is determined by adding the memory module capacity to its starting address.
In prior art memory modules, the address range that a particular module will respond to is manually set utilizing toggle or slide switches. If a memory module was replaced with a memory module having a different memory capacity then the switches of all the higher order memory modules must be reset. The requirement for manual setting of address ranges introduces the possibility of human error and is, to say the least, inconvenient.
U.S. Pat. No. RE. 31,318 granted to Kaufman et al on Jul. 19, 1983 discloses a system for automatically setting the address ranges of respective memory modules of a continuous bank of memory modules. A modular minicomputer includes a central processing unit, a number of replaceable memory modules and input and output peripheral devices. Each of the memory modules includes an address range calculator, an address range detector, a local memory unit and memory cell selection logic. The address range calculator of each memory module includes a local memory capacity signal source which provides a signal representative of the capacity of the memory unit of the memory module on which it is mounted. A memory module of one local capacity may be replaced by a memory module of a different local capacity and memory modules of different capacities may be interchanged so long as the total memory capacity remains below the maximum allowable value. Whenever one or more memory modules are installed the ranges of addresses are assigned automatically to the individual modules. A processor module generates a starting address signal for the first installed memory module. The address range for an individual memory module is calculated by adding the local memory unit capacity to the module's starting address to arrive at the module's ending address. The last memory module generates an address signal which represents the upper boundary of the memory system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an expandable memory system for use in a computing system which comprises a plurality of plug-in memory modules coupled to a memory system controller in a serial network. The memory system network consists of a central memory system controller and at least one individually addressable memory module controller coupled serially to the memory system controller. Various command signals generated by the memory system controller and information or data signals generated either by the memory system controller or individual memory module controllers in response to commands transmitted from the system controller, are transmitted and received serially between the system controller and the memory module controllers. In the preferred embodiment, up to 7 module controllers and their associated memory modules may be configured in the serial network.
The expandable memory system of the present invention utilizes a plurality of plug-in, add-on memory modules or memory cards wherein each individual memory module comprises a module controller, a module memory address control logic block and at least one memory block having a number of individually addressable memory cells. Each memory module also includes a bi-directional 16-bit data bus, an address bus and an address control bus and primary and secondary module connectors respectively attached to opposite sides of the memory module card. Additional memory may be then added to the expandable memory system by merely plugging in additional memory modules. Upon power up, the memory system controller automatically configures the memory system assigning an address to each of the memory module controllers in the network and a base address for the memory on each of the memory modules in the system.
The serial network architecture utilized provides a memory control link (MCL) system for communications between the memory system controller and each plug-in memory module. The MCL communication is initiated and controlled by the memory system controller and is utilized to interrogate and configure each memory module via its module controller in turn. The memory system controller proceeds through the configuration process each time the system is powered up by first initializing the module controllers and then providing each module controller with its individual address. The interrogation process provides the system controller with the memory capacity of each memory module card installed as well as the type of memory module. During the memory configuration process, the memory system controller assigns a base or starting address to each memory module card in turn and defines the location of a logical address block associated with each memory module installed within the memory system map for the host system. In addition, the memory system controller allows testing of the individual memory module cards, removing or disabling a memory module which tests bad while maintaining the integrity of the remaining memory modules on the MCL system.
The present invention provides an expandable memory system wherein the total capacity of the memory system may be increased or changed by plugging in or removing memory module cards. The memory system controller via the MCL system serial architecture automatically assigns the base address for each memory. card and defines the memory block position in the total memory space without user intervention or the requirement to physically reposition toggle or slide switches. The system also includes the capability to bypass or disable bad memory modules and reassign memory addresses without leaving useable memory unallocated. One preferred embodiment of the present invention provides parallel pin connectors attached on both sides of a memory module board to allow the individual memory boards to be installed in piggy back fashion eliminating the need for a mother board having a plurality of connectors, one for each plug-in memory board.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
A fuller understanding of the present invention, will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing which forms a part of the specification and in which:
FIG. 1 shows a memory control link system arranged in the serial network architecture in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a plug-in memory module implemented in the memory control link system shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 illustrates a 16-bit data frame format utilized with the memory control link system shown in FIG. 1;
FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c illustrate the configuration of the memory control link system shown in FIG. 1 at various stages following power up;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the configuration process following power up for the memory control link system shown in FIG. 1; and
FIG. 6 is a plan view of a plurality of plug-in memory modules mounted on a mother board.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a memory control link (MCL) system arranged in a serial network architecture according to the principles of the present invention. The MCL system comprises a host or system controller 11 and one or more memory module MCL controllers 13, 15, and 17 connected together in serial fashion, the system controller 11 utilizing a three wire serial data bus for communication to and from the link controllers 13, 15 and 17. The present invention utilizes a basic method for communication in a serial network detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,794,592 entitled "Serial Network Architecture for User Oriented Devices" issued to Craine et al on Dec. 27, 1988, and is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an expandable memory system utilizing plug-in add-on memory modules wherein each individual memory module 20 comprises a module MCL controller 22, memory address control logic 21 (programmable array logic blocks) and one or more blocks of memory 23, 25, 27 and 29, each memory block comprising, for example, a 256 k-byte dynamic random access memory (DRAM) array. The memory module 20 also includes a bi-directional 16 bit data bus 32, an address control bus 28, and 2 module connectors (not shown).
While the preferred embodiment is limited to 7 plug-in modules 20 by the particular hardware utilized, any number of plug-in memory modules 20 having their MCL controllers 22 serially linked as shown in FIG. 1 may be utilized to configure an expandable memory system.
The MCL system 10 provides a serial architecture for communicating with each plug-in memory module 20. The MCL controller serial communication is initiated and controlled by the system controller 11 and is utilized to interrogate and configure each memory module 20 via its MCL controller 22 in turn. System microprocessor 11a is an integral part of the system controller 11. The system controller 11 proceeds through the configuration process each time the system is powered up by first initializing the MCL controllers 1 through N, 13, 15, 17, identifying each module 20 and checking the preprogrammed coding. The interrogation process provides the system controller 11 with the number of memory modules 20 installed as well as the type of memory module (features and speed) and memory size (memory capacity). During the memory configuration process, the system controller 11 sets the address range of each memory module 20, in turn, and defines the location of a soft address or logical address block within the memory system map for the host system. The host system 11 provides testing of the memory modules 20 during the configuration process. If a particular memory module 20 tests bad or is malfunctioning, the system controller 11 can logically remove the bad module while maintaining the integrity of the remaining memory modules on the MCL system. The MCL system 10 is used only to interrogate and configure the memory modules 20, and is not used during real time memory accesses by the host system. The system DRAM controller 33 provides the appropriate signals for controlling the individual memory blocks 23, 25, 27, 29 during real time memory accesses by the host system. The DRAM address, data and control signals are independent of the MCL system 10.
Each memory module 20 has 2 MCL interfaces which provide interconnection of multiple memory modules 20 in a daisy chain or serial fashion. The first or primary MCL interface is used for communication with the system controller 11 or the preceding memory module. The secondary MCL interface provides communication with the next succeeding memory module 20 in the memory control link (if present). The system controller 11 can communicate directly only with the first memory module 20 in the chain. System controller messages for memory modules further down the chain are relayed by the intermediate MCL controllers on each memory module 20. The memory configuration process defines where the memory space provided by a particular memory module 20 will reside within the host system memory space. Once the system controller 11 has interrogated the memory module 20 for memory size and type information, the system controller 11 will then specify the starting address for the memory module. Typically, the starting address of a memory module is the starting address of the immediately preceding already defined memory module, plus the size of that memory module thereby providing a contiguous memory space. While the system controller 11 attempts to provide contiguous memory, it is not required that the memory space may be defined with all address blocks assigned. Additional blocks of memory may be defined anywhere within the memory space if desired or necessary. Similarly, undefined blocks or space may be left in the memory space if necessary, for example, to bypass a failed memory block. As discussed above, the starting address of a newly added memory module 20 is calculated by adding the memory size of the preceding memory module to the starting address of that preceding memory module. The process is repeated for each memory module 20 in turn until the entire memory space is defined. The starting addresses that are assigned to each of the individual memory modules 20 are referred to as base addresses. A specific memory module 20 will respond to addresses defined from [BASE] to [BASE+SIZE].
When a memory module 20 has been configured and designated a base address, the 4-bit base address for that memory module is coupled on line 35 to the memory address control logic block 21. Combinational logic is utilized to control memory device selection based on the result of a logical address calculation involving the current physical address on lines 37a and b and the memory module base address. If the physical address falls within the range of [BASE] to [BASE+SIZE] then the memory module is enabled and memory accesses are allowed via the system DRAM controller 33. The logical addresses are the result of a real time substraction of the memory module base address from the current physical address on lines 37a and b provided by the system DRAM controller 33. The calculation of the logical addresses is a signed calculation since a negative result indicates that the current physical address is below the memory module base address and the particular memory module is not being accessed. The size of the accessible DRAM memory provided by the memory module determines the range of logical addresses that will be responded to for that memory module. Each memory module 20 includes subtraction logic and generates the local logical addresses for its on board DRAM.
For example, a 1 megabyte memory module 20 is configured with a base address D00000 (in the preferred embodiment, all addresses are represented by hexadecimal numbers). If the current physical address on lines 37a and b is less than D00000, than the local logical address calculation result is negative and the memory module is not addressed. Current physical address D00000 corresponds to a local logical address of 0 which addresses the first accessible memory location on the memory module. Increasing current physical addresses then will have a one-to-one correspondence to local logical addresses until the memory size of the memory module 20 is reached. When the current physical address exceeds DFFFFF, no memory will be addressed unless a second subsequent memory module is connected and configured at a base address of E00000.
In the preferred embodiment, the most significant address bus bits of the current physical address are coupled via bus 37b to the memory address control logic 21 to be compared to the base address bus 35. The real time logical combination between the physical address on bus 37b and the base address on bus 35 coupled with the DRAM column address strobe on bus 37a via the memory address control logic 21 provides the selection of the appropriate memory block 23, 25, 27 and 29. The least significant address bits of the current physical address are multiples and appear on the row/column address bus 28. The row address strobe (RAS) on line 26 latches the Row address and the column address strobe (CAS) on line 37a latches the column address. While the preferred embodiment is implemented with 4 blocks of 256 k-bit DRAM to provide 1 megabyte of memory on each memory module 20, the number blocks may be increased and the memory address control logic 21 may be extended to provide memory modules having larger total accessible total memory size.
With continuing reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the MCL controller 22 comprising a microprocessor or microcontroller having 1 KByte-bit of internal ROM, which holds program code in resident firmware which provides the MCL communication capability on 2 groups of I/O pins (a 4-bit microprocessor designated COP421 manufactured by National Semiconductor, Inc. is suitable for this purpose). Additional I/O pins provided on the MCL controller are defined as strappable options that are readable by the system controller 11 to provide memory module memory size and type information. Additional MCL controller 22 I/O lines are utilized to communicate either serially between other serial linked memory modules and to set and return base address and other information concerning the memory module 20.
The primary control signals from the system controller 11 are memory controller out (MCOUT) on line 18a, memory controller clock (MCCLK) on line 18b, memory controller N (MCIN) on line 18c and memory controller reset (nMCRST) on line 16. The MCOUT signal provides serial data to the first MCL controller 13 on the MCL system 10 from the system controller 11. The MCCLK signal provides the clock to synchronize outgoing (MCOUT) and incoming (MCIN) serial data between the system controller 11 and the first MCL controller 13. The reset signal is a common signal that will hardware reset all of the MCL controllers 13, 15, 17 on the MCL system 10 when the reset signal is set to logical 0. The system controller 11 signal descriptions are listed in TABLE VI. The system controller 11 output lines 18a, 18b and 16 are latched at block 31 and input line 18c is read through block 31.
The MCL system controller 11 control signal lines will be assigned to the memory module 20 MCL controller control lines in the following manner: nMCRST=nMCRST; MCOUT=TCIN; MCCLK=TCCLK; and MCIN=TCOUT. The MCL controller 22 control signal descriptions are listed in TABLE VI.
Referring now also to FIG. 3, a diagram illustrating the memory control link information frame format is shown. The MCL information frame 40 comprises 15 bits of information being with a signal bit start bit 41, 3 address bits 43, a command bit 45, 8 data bits 47, a parity bit 49 and a stop bit 48. The frame start bit is always a logic 0 while the frame stop bit is a logic 1. The parity bit is computed so that the total number of logic one bits in the 15-bit frame (including the start, address, command, data, parity stop bits) is odd. The most significant bit of the frame is the start bit 41, followed by the address bit A2-A0, followed by the command bit 45 followed by data bits D7-D0, followed by the parity bit and then the stop bit.
The system controller 11 initiates all command transfers and waits for the individual MCL controllers response. Each MCL controller on the control link is responsible for passing through a command and echoing back the returning command or data to the system controller 11. Each MCL controller 22 passing commands will provide the clock to send the command and receive the response to the command. The system controller 11 can freely clock the information frame 40. To prevent the possibility of the system controller 11 being interrupted during an information frame transfer, a minimum time for transmitting a subsequent information frame after receiving a previous information frame response is imposed on the system controller 11. Since the information frame clocking from MCL controller to MCL controller is independent of the system controller 11 transfer rate, the delay time imposed upon the system controller 11 prior to transmitting a subsequent information frame must be long enough to insure that the previously sent information frame has been received by the addressed memory module device 20 and all responses have been received back by the system controller 11.
The data bits D7-D0, 47, may contain a command or operation code (Opcode) or other data such as a response by a memory module 20 to a command sent by the system controller 11. Communication originates with the system controller 11 by transmitting an information frame containing 1 command at a time. The address bits 43 indicate which of the memory modules 20 on the memory command link that the information frame is being sent to. Each MCL controller 22 on the memory command link is responsible for passing the frame down the link to the appropriate memory module and returning the command or response to the system controller 11. When a command is being sent in the information frame 40, the command bit 45 must be set. Address 0 is the universal address and every memory module 20 on the memory command link will respond to this address.
Table 1 is a summary of each command and includes the command Opcode (in the preferred embodiment, all Opcodes are in hexadecimal numbers). The data return column in Table 1 indicates whether or not extra data bytes will be returned in response to the transmitted command. A yes indicates one or more data bytes will be returned prior to the initiating command returning. A no indicates only the command will be returning. The number next to the yes indicates the number of bytes being returned. The system controller 11 examines each returned frame 40 checking the command bit 45. If the command bit is set during an expected non-command data transfer, then the system controller 11 will assume a transmission error and reissue the initiating command or terminate MCL controller activity. The individual MCL controllers 22 on the memory link will not check for transmission errors on the return path from other MCL controllers.
TABLE 1______________________________________Command Device Data CommandOpcode Address Returned Description______________________________________00 Universal No Interface Clear01 Universal No Device Soft Reset02-07 Universal -- Reserved08-0F Universal No Address Configure10 Specific No Enter Pass-Thru Mode11-1F Specific -- Reserved20 Specific No Enter Loop-Back Mode21-2F Specific -- Reserved30 Specific No Memory Type31-3F Specific -- Reserved40-4F Specific No Write Memory Address Task50-5F Specific No Write Disable/Shadow Size60 Specific Yes 256 Read Program Code61-6F Specific -- Reserved70 Specific Yes 1 Memory Configuration Status71 Specific Yes 1 Read L-Part Status72-9F Specific -- ReservedA0 Specific No Controller StatusA1-AF Specific -- ReservedBO-EF Specific -- ReservedF0 Universal No Configuration ErrorF1 Specific No Transmission ErrorF2-FF -- -- Reserved______________________________________
Interface Clear (Opcode 00) is used to clear the power-up mode or to clear an error-condition resulting from a configuration or a transmission error or a prohibited Opcode detected by an individual MCL controller 22. The primary function of the Interface Clear command is to clear the power up mode in the MCL controllers and to verify the integrity of the control link as configured. Interface Clear is transmitted with a universal address. No configuration information is effected by Interface Clear. Upon receiving the Interface Clear command, each MCL controller 22 will clear the power up mode and then retransmit the command as received. Interface Clear command, each MCL controller 22 will clear the power up mode and then retransmit the command as received.
The Soft Reset (Opcode 01) instructs an MCL controller 22 to reset to the pass through mode and retransmit the command down the link, then place itself back into the loop back mode and enter the power up mode. The result is that all MCL controllers 22 on the control link will receive this command, but the command will not be returned to the system controller 11 since the last MCL controller 22 on the control link will enter the pass through mode and transmit the command frame "off the end" of the serial control link. After the system controller 11 has transmitted the Soft Reset command, it must delay for an adequate time to ensure propagation of the command through the control link. Once the Soft Reset command is propagated through the control link, the control link configuration will be in its power up state with all MCL controllers in the loop back mode and all range addresses cleared and disabled.
The Address Configure command (Opcode 08-0F) is utilized to assign unique match addresses to each MCL controller 20 on the control link and is always sent with the universal address. Although the Address Configure command is specified as a range of commands, the first Address Configure command transmitted is the Opcode 09. The MCL controllers interpret the lower 3 bits of the Opcode as the match address of the receiving MCL controller. The MCL controller will increment these 3 bits by 1 then retransmit the modified command. Thus, the first MCL controller receiving Opcode 09 assumes match address 1, then retransmits the command with Opcode 0A. The second MCL controller will receive Opcode 0A, match address 2 and retransmit Opcode 0B, and so on. In the preferred embodiment, since the number of MCL controllers on a control link is limited to 7, when a device receives Opcode OF it accepts match address 7 as expected but retransmits Opcode 08, consistent with the definition of only incrementing the lower 3 bits of the Opcode. An MCL controller receiving Opcode 08 leaves its match address unchanged then transmits the Configuration Error Opcode. The Address Configure command may also be used to determine the number of memory modules configured on the control link. The system controller 11 transmits the Opcode 09 and waits for the returning command from the last MCL controller on the control link. Each MCL controller configured on the control link will increment the Opcode 09 by 1. By subtracting the Opcode 09 from the returned Opcode, the system controller can determine the number of memory modules on the control link, except when the number of memory modules on the control link is 7. In this case the returned Opcode for the 7th memory module is Opcode 08.
The Pass-Thru Mode command (Opcode 10) instructs the addressed MCL controller to set itself to the pass-through mode which examines and passes all transmitted flames onto the next MCL controller on the control link. When used during the configuration process, the Pass-thru Mode command allows the system controller 11 to sequentially open up the control link to additional MCL controllers until the last MCL controller on the control link is determined. The Pass-Thru Mode command is always sent with a MCL controller specific address.
The Loop Back Mode command (Opcode 20) instructs the addressed MCL controller to set itself to the loop back mode, which effectively terminates the control link and then retransmits the command back to the system controller 11. When used during the configuration process, the Loop Back Mode command must be assigned to the last MCL controller on the control link while all others are in the pass through mode. The Loop Back Mode command is always transmitted with an MCL controller specific address.
The Read Memory Type command (Opcode 30) is transmitted with an MCL controller specific address and returns memory type information for the addressed memory module to the system controller 11. The Opcode 30 command will be returned to the system controller 11 with an increased value corresponding to the memory type of the addressed memory module. For example, a returned command of 31 would be a type 1 board.
The Memory Address Mask command (Opcode 40-4F) is utilized to assign the base address for the first memory module on the control link. The mask value corresponds to the upper 4 bits of actual addresses in a 16 megabyte memory system where a 1-megabyte block of memory equals 1 mask value. The mask command values range from 40 to 4F. The 0 to F hexadecimal values define the absolute starting block address in increments of 1 megabyte per block. If more than 1 megabyte of memory exists on a given memory module, the MCL controller 22 will sequentially build additional addressing for each additional block of 1 megabyte of memory. For example, if the system controller 11 defines a block of memory at address C00000, then the mask value will be C, and the memory address mask command will be Opcode 4C. To assign a mask value for the next memory module on the control link, the system controller 11 determines the memory size or capacity of the present memory module and then adds the number of memory blocks to the present memory module's memory address mask and assigns the resulting mask value to the next successive memory module memory address mask. If the present memory module's memory size is 2 megabytes, i.e., 2 memory blocks, the next successive memory module's Memory Address Mask Opcode will be 4E. Each MCL controller 22 is capable of controlling 1 to 8 memory blocks in a memory module 20. The system controller 11 properly assigns the MCL controller with the appropriate memory address mask values without assigning the same mask value to more than 1 memory module unless the proper memory disable control has been utilized. The memory address mask value consists of 4 bits which appear on line 35 and corresponds to the 4 bits representing the most significant bits of the physical address generated by the DRAM controller 33 (as shown in FIG. 2) on bus 37b.
The Write Disable/Shadow Size command (Opcode 50-5F) comprises a two part command. The variant part of the Opcode is the 4-bit nibble 0 to F. This nibble is composed of a memory module disable bit and 3 memory size bits. When the most significant bit of the nibble is set to one, the entire memory for the specified memory module is disabled. When the most significant bit is set to 0 (low) the entire memory of the memory module is enabled. The memory module disable bit is coupled on line 39 to the memory address control logic 21. The memory device disable bit is a dedicated output bit having no other uses; however, the lower 3 bits of the nibble provide input memory size information in response to another command (Opcode 71). Therefore, the memory size data must be read first then written back in the same form it was read with the disable bit set or cleared as required. For example, if the memory size value was 0 and the memory was to be enabled, then the Opcode would be 50. If the same memory was to be disabled, then the Opcode would be 58. The memory size value will be explained in greater detail in connection with Opcode 71 hereinbelow.
The Read Program Code command (Opcode 60) instructs the addressed MCL controller to return a portion of the MCL controller program code, 256 bytes for the preferred embodiment, to the system controller 11 to be compared to the program code stored by the system controller 11. The program code test comprises a process of reading a portion of the MCL controller processor code to determine if the correct and current code is present. If the correct code is not present, the addressed MCL controller and memory module may be disabled. The program code test is performed separately for each MCL controller on the memory command link and is independent of the memory address configuration process. The program code test may be performed at any time, either prior to or after the memory space has been configured.
The Memory Configuration Status command (Opcode 70) returns the status of a previously written Memory Address Mask command and Write Disable/Shadow Size command. The Memory Configuration Status command functions by transmitting an 8 bit status frame which instructs the addressed MCL controller to return the original command frame. The memory configuration status is stored and registered internal to the MCL controller that is updated after the Read L-Port command, or the Write Memory Address Mask command or the Write Disable/Shadow Size command. The Read L-Port command (Opcode 71) disables the output drivers at the L-Port and writes the data to the memory configuration status register described above. When this port is read, only the 3 memory size data bits (described above) can be regarded as valid input data. Prior to receiving Opcode 71, the specifically addressed MCL controller 22 must be in the loop back mode. As in the case of a Memory Configuration Status command, the system controller 11 expects to receive two frames in response to the Read L-Port Status command, the memory configuration status and the Opcode 7 frames. The logic levels on the memory size bits provide memory size identification. The memory size bit values range from 0 to 7 as defined in Table 2 below.
TABLE I______________________________________ Size Bits Memory Size 210 Definition______________________________________ 000 1 MByte 001 2 MByte 010 3 MByte 011 4 MByte 100 5 MByte 101 6 MByte 110 7 MByte 111 8 MByte______________________________________
The Controller Status command (Opcode A0) is transmitted by the system controller 11 to determine the status of the specifically addressed MCL controller. To indicate the status of the addressed MCL controller, the lower 4-bit nibble of the Controller Status command will be modified by the addressed MCL controller as shown in Table III. These 4-bits represent the current mode or state of the addressed MCL controller.
TABLE III______________________________________Opcode A0Data Bit Definition______________________________________0 LoopBack/Pass Thru Mode 11 Read Flag2 Power Up Mode--Clear3 L-Port Read______________________________________
Bit 0 indicates Loop Back or Pass Thru Mode. When this bit is a logical 1, the MCL controller is in the Pass Thru Mode. This bit is a logical 0 at Power Up or when in the LoopBack Mode. Bit-1 is the Read Program Code flag. This bit is a logical 1 when the proper program code has been read. Bit-2 indicates the state of the Power Up Mode. When bit-2 is logical 1, the MCL controller has received an interface clear command. Bit-2 is logical 0 at Power Up. Bit-3 is logical 0 at Power Up. When the L-Port has been read, Bit-3 is set to logical 1.
The Configuration Error command (Opcode F0) is returned to the system controller 11 when too many memory modules are attached in the control link at any one time (in the preferred embodiment, more than 7) and it is impossible to assign a unique address to all of the memory modules. The command is returned with the address of the attempted memory module.
The Transmission Error command (Opcode F1) will be returned to the system controller 11 with the address of an MCL controller detecting a parity error or an improper command. Proper response by the system controller 11 to the Transmission Error command is to issue an interface clear with a universal address, check the retransmitted command response to insure the integrity of the control link and then continue. The system controller 11 is responsible for checking the occurrence of transmission errors. The individual MCL controller will not check commands or data returning back to the system controller 11 on the control link.
Referring now also to FIGS. 4a-4c and FIG. 5, the MCL controller configuration is shown. As shown in FIG. 4a, following Power Up, hardware reset or a Device Soft Reset command, all MCL controllers 13, 15, 17 on the control link 10 are in the same basic configuration, with the match or range address reset to 0, Power Up Mode set, and each MCL controller set to LoopBack Mode. The goal of the control link configuration process is to assign a unique match address to each MCL controller on the control link 10. When completely configured, all but the last MCL controller 17 will be configured in the Pass Thru Mode.
The first command transmitted by the system controller 11 is Interface Clear, transmitted with a universal address. The first MCL controller 13 receiving the command clears Power Up Mode, then retransmits the command back to the system controller 11. Next the system controller 11 transmits the Address Configuration command, again with a universal address. The Address Configuration command assigns a match address of 1 to the first MCL controller 13 which then returns the Address Configuration command incremented by 1 (Opcode 0A). The system controller 11 may optionally at this time establish the complete configuration of the first MCL controller 13 and memory module 20 by also assigning and configuring the memory addresses (as shown in FIG. 5). Next the system controller 11 transmits the Pass Thru command address to the first MCL controller 13. The first MCL controller 13 then switches to pass through mode and passes on the Pass-Thru command to the next successive MCL controller 15 which returns the command via the first MCL controller 13 to the system controller 11. Since the Pass-Thru command was returned to the system controller, it indicates to the system controller 11 that additional MCL controllers exist on the control link beyond the first MCL controller 13. The configuration of the control link is now shown in FIG. 4b. The above process is then repeated. The system controller 11 transmits a interface clear command with the universal address to the first MCL controller 13. The Interface Clear command has no effect on the first MCL controller 13 which passes the command to the second MCL controller 15. The second MCL controller executes the interface clear by clearing the Power UP Mode and returning the command to the system controller 11. The system controller 11 follows with the Address Configure command (Opcode 0A). The nonconfigured second MCL controller 15 receives the Address Configure command and establishes match address 2, then increments the Opcode by 1, and returns Opcode 0B to the system controller 11. Next the system controller 11 transmits the Pass Thru command addressed to the second MCL controller 15. The second MCL controller 15 then switches to the pass through mode and retransmits the command to the next successive MCL controller. The process is repeated a sufficient number of times to achieve the control link configuration 10 as shown in FIG. 4c. The process continues, configuring n devices on the control link 10 until the Pass Thru command to a specific MCL controller is not returned, indicating that no additional MCL controllers are attached to the control link 10. Next the system controller 11 transmits the LoopBack command to the last addressed MCL controller 17, the MCL controller 17 switches to the loopback mode and returns the command to the system controller 11. The control link 10 is now terminated as shown in FIG. 4c and each MCL controller is assigned a unique match address.
In the above-described configuration process, each MCL controller on the control link 10 was assigned an MCL or match address. The MCL controller addresses are utilized to distinguish between individual MCL controllers. To complete the configuration of the memory system, the memory addresses must be defined for the memory space. FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the memory address configuration whereby the beginning address for the first block of memory on each memory module 20 is defined. The first MCL controller 13 on the control link 10 does not have to be associated with the first available memory address for the memory system. The memory addresses can be defined at the same time that the control link is being configured or, once all of the MCL controllers on the control link 10 have been initialized, the memory addresses can be assigned at a later time in any order desired. The first steps 51, 69, 73, 75 assigned the individual MCL controller addresses and configure the control link 10 as described above. The system controller 11 then transmits Opcode 30 addressed to a specific MCL controller to check the memory module type 52, 53. If the address memory module is not of a memory type which is consistent with the memory system, then the system controller transmits Opcode 5X setting the disabled bit-67 to remove the inconsistent memory module from the memory system. If the addressed memory module is of a consistent type, then the system controller 11 transmits Opcode 71 to interrogate the memory module for the memory size 55. As described above, the L-Port is a bi-directional shared I/O port where the memory size data is input data and the memory address mask bits and the memory module disabled bits are output data bits. Thus, to properly configure the memory, the Write Disabled/Shadow Size command, Opcode 5X, must have the memory size data as read by Opcode 71 in step 55 and memory module disable bit must be set (memory disabled) at this time. The Opcode 5X is transmitted to disable, 57, the memory module prior to transmitting the Write Memory Address Mask command Opcode 4X to configure the memory module base address 59. Once the memory module base address is set, Opcode 5X is again transmitted to enable, 61, the module memory. A test program may now be run, 63, to test the memory module for proper operation. The addressed memory module is now completely configured and the system controller 11 will repeat the process for the next successive memory module 20.
Referring now to FIG. 6, the components for each of the memory modules 20, as shown in FIG. 2, are mounted on separate circuit boards or cards forming removable or plug-in memory expansion boards 81, each board having a predetermined amount of memory on it; e.g., 1 MByte. Each of the plug-in memory boards includes a primary connector 85 on one surface for connecting the plug-in board to a system or formatter board 83 or to another memory expansion board 81. On its opposite surface, each plug-in memory expansion board 81 has a secondary connector to allow additional memory expansion boards to be connected. The apparatus envisions the use of a formatter or system mother board 83 to which is attached on one surface a male parallel pin connector assembly 87 having a plurality of male pins held in parallel orientation one to the other within the connector housing 87 and all parallel to the surface of the mother board 83. The male pins are organized into at least two and typically three separate buses, the first to provide electrical power to a plurality of plug-in memory expansion board assemblies 81 and address bus and a data bus. Each of the memory expansion boards 81 includes an attached female connector assembly 85 on one surface and a male connector assembly 87 on the opposite surface. The connector assemblies 85, 87 are disposed so as to allow interconnection of a plurality of memory expansion cards 81 as shown in FIG. 6, mechanically one to the other with the first of said plurality of memory expansion cards attached to the mother board 83. Ejector levers 89 are attached to the ends of the female connector housing 85 by means of cantilevered bridge assemblies formed on each side of the female connector. Ejector levers 89 facilitate removal or disconnection of an expansion card 81 without placing undue stress on the connector pins and the attached memory card. The pin designation for the primary female connector 85 are shown in TABLE IV. The secondary male connector pin designations are shown in TABLE V. Descriptions of the major system signals for both the primary and secondary connectors for the memory expansion cards are listed in TABLE VI.
TABLE IV______________________________________Memory Card Primary Connector PinoutConnectorPin # Signal Name______________________________________ 1 +5V 2 +5V 3 GND 4 GND 5 nMCRST 6 TCIN 7 nRRD 8 nBUWE 9 nBRAS10 GND(nA22L)11 nA20L12 MA813 MA614 MA415 MA216 MA017 D1418 D1219 D1020 D821 D622 D423 D224 D025 VCC26 VCC27 GND28 GND29 TCOUT30 TCCLK31 nBLWE32 nCAS33 nCOLEN34 GND(nA23L)35 nA21L36 nA19L37 MA738 MA539 MA340 MA141 D1542 D1343 D1144 D945 D746 D547 D348 D1______________________________________
TABLE V______________________________________Memory Card Secondary PinoutConnectorPin # Signal Name______________________________________ 1 +5V 2 +5V 3 GND 4 GND 5 nMCRST 6 NCIN 7 nRRD 8 nBUWE 9 nBRAS10 GND(nA22L)11 nA20L12 MA813 MA614 MA415 MA216 MA017 D1418 D1219 D1020 D821 D622 D423 D224 D025 VCC26 VCC27 GND28 GND29 NCOUT30 NCCLK31 nBLWE32 nCAS33 nCOLEN34 GND(nA23L)35 nA21L36 nA19L37 MA738 MA539 MA340 MA141 D1542 D1343 D1144 D945 D746 D547 D348 D1______________________________________
TABLE VI______________________________________Memory Connector Signal Description______________________________________MA[8:0] Multiplexed processor address lines of A[18:1]D[15:0] Bidirectional memory data bus.nA[23:19]L Upper non-multiplexed block address lines.nRRD Read signal which is used to control the output enable signal on the DRAMs. This signal is essential for controlling the data bus direction direction read-modify-write cycles.nBRAS This signal provides the DRAM row address strobe.nCAS This signal provides the DRAM Column address strobe.nCOLEN Column enable signal which is used to multiplex individual address lines for use by the DRAMs. nCOLEN is high when the row address is selected and low when the column address is selected.nBLWE,nBUWE Byte-oriented write enable signals.nMCLRST This signal is driven by the formatter and will reset all memory devices in the MCL chain.TCIN This is the primary MCL input for a memory device. It is driven by the MCL output of the previous memory device (NCOUT) or formatter (MCOUT).TCOUT This is the primary MCL output for a memory device. It drives the MCL input of the previous memory device (NCIN) or formatter (MCIN).TCCLK This is the primary MCL clock input for a memory device. It is driven by the previous memory device (NCCLK) or formatter (MCCLK).NCOUT This is the secondary MCL output for a memory device. It drives the MCL input of the next memory device (TCIN).NCIN This is the secondary MCL input for a memory device. It is driven by the MCL output of the next memory device (TCOUT).NCCLK This is the MCL clock driven of a memory device. It drives the MCL clock input (TCCLK) of the next memory device.______________________________________MK3-0--MasK 3-0: these signals provide an address mappingoverlay, unique to each memory module, so that each memorymodule enables memory when the system block address equals theaddress mask overlay.MS2-0--Memory Size 2-0: these signals provide memory sizestatus to the MCL Controller. The three signals provide eightpossible memory block sizes, to be interrogated by the MCLController. Each value defines a block of memory and a block ofmemory is defined as 1 megabyte of memory.MT1-0: Memory Type 1-0: these two signals indicate a typedesignation of a particular memory Device. These are fourpossible types that can be interrogated by the MCL Controller.MDD--Memory Device Disable: this signal is used to disable orenable the DRAM memory on the expansion memory board.Memory is disabled when this signal is at a logic 1 level./RESET--/RESET is a low true hardware reset signal to theMCL processor. The MCL system must wait at least 1 millisecondafter removing /RESET before initiating any MCL communi-cation activity./TRACE--/TRACE is pulsed true after /RESET to indicate theMCL controller is functioning.VCC +5V power supply for DRAMs. These lines provide 5V ± 5% to the memory devices.GND Power supply return and logic reference.______________________________________
While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it should be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. | An expandable memory system including a central memory controller and one or more plug-in memory modules, each memory module having an on-board memory module controller coupled in a serial network architecture which forms a memory command link Each memory module controller is serially linked to the central memory controller. The memory system is automatically configured by the central controller, each memory module in the system is assigned a base address, in turn, to define a contiguous memory space without user intervention or the requirement to physically reset switches. The memory system includes the capability to disable and bypass bad memory modules and reassign memory addresses without leaving useable memory unallocated. | 52,982 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention pertains to a sensor and method for detecting or quantifying analytes. More particularly the present invention is directed to the detection of analytes analyte-responsive gas bubble generation during analyte interaction with a immobilized binding agents on a sensor strip.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Chemical and biological sensors are devices that can detect or quantify analytes by virtue of interactions between targeted analytes and macromolecular binding agents such as enzymes, receptors, DNA strands, heavy metal chelators, or antibodies. Such sensors have practical applications in many areas of human endeavor. For example, biological and chemical sensors have potential utility in fields as diverse as blood glucose monitoring for diabetics, detection of pathogens commonly associated with spoiled or contaminated food, genetic screening, and environmental testing.
[0005] Chemical and biological sensors are commonly categorized according to two features, namely, the type of material utilized as binding agent and the means for detecting an interaction between binding agent and targeted analyte or analytes. Major classes of biosensors include enzyme (or catalytic) biosensors, immunosensors and DNA biosensors. Chemical sensors make use of synthetic macromolecules for detection of target analytes. Some common methods of detection are based on electron transfer, generation of chromophores, or fluorophores, changes in optical or acoustical properties, or alterations in electric properties when an electrical signal is applied to the sensing system.
[0006] Enzyme (or catalytic) biosensors utilize one or more enzyme types as the macromolecular binding agents and take advantage of the complementary shape of the selected enzyme and the targeted analyte. Enzymes are proteins that perform most of the catalytic work in biological systems and are known for highly specific catalysis. The shape and reactivity of a given enzyme limit its catalytic activity to a very small number of possible substrates. Enzymes are also known for speed, working at rates as high as 10,000 conversions per second per enzyme molecule. Enzyme biosensors rely on the specific chemical changes related to the enzyme/analyte interaction as the means for determining the presence of the targeted analyte. For example, upon interaction with an analyte, an enzyme may generate electrons, a colored chromophore or a change in pH (due to release of protons) as the result of the relevant catalytic enzymatic reaction. Alternatively, upon interaction with an analyte, an enzyme may cause a change in a fluorescent or chemiluminescent signal that can be recorded by an appropriate detection system.
[0007] Immunosensors utilize antibodies as binding agents. Antibodies are protein molecules that bind with specific foreign entities, called antigens, which can be associated with disease states. Antibodies attach to antigens and either remove the antigens from a host and/or trigger an immune response. Antibodies are quite specific in their interactions and, unlike enzymes, they are capable of recognizing and selectively binding to very large bodies such as single cells. Thus, antibody-based biosensors allow for the identification of certain pathogens such as dangerous bacterial strains. As antibodies generally do not perform catalytic reactions, there is a need for special methods to record the moment of interaction between target analyte and recognition agent antibody. Changes in mass (surface plasmon resonance, acoustic sensing) are often recorded; other systems rely on fluorescent probes that give signals responsive to interaction between antibody and antigen. Alternatively, an enzyme bound to an antibody can be used to deliver the signal through the generation of color or electrons; the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is based on such a methodology.
[0008] DNA biosensors utilize the complementary nature of the nucleic acid double-strands and are designed for the detection of DNA or RNA sequences usually associated with certain bacteria, viruses or given medical conditions. A sensor generally uses single-strands from a DNA double helix as the binding agent. The nucleic acid material in a given test sample is then denatured and exposed to the binding agent. If the strands in the test sample are complementary to the strands used as binding agent, the two interact. The interaction can be monitored by various means such as a change in mass at the sensor surface or the presence of a fluorescent or radioactive signal. Alternative arrangements provide binding of the sample of interest to the sensor and subsequent treatment with labeled nucleic acid probes to allow for identification of the sequences of interest.
[0009] Chemical sensors make use of non-biological macromolecules as binding agents. The binding agents show specificity to targeted analytes by virtue of the appropriate chemical functionalities in the macromolecules themselves. Typical applications include gas monitoring or heavy metal detection; the binding of analyte may change the conductivity of the sensor surface or lead to changes in charge that can be recorded by an appropriate field-effect transistor (FET). Several synthetic macromolecules have been used successfully for the selective chelation of heavy metals such as lead.
[0010] The present invention has applicability to all of the above noted binding agent classes.
[0011] Known methods of detecting interaction of analyte and binding agent can be grouped into several general categories: chemical, optical, acoustical, electrical, and electrochemical. In the last, a voltage or current is applied to the sensor surface or an associated medium. As binding events occur on the sensor surface, there are changes in electrical properties of the system. The leaving signal is altered as function of analyte presence.
[0012] While hundreds of sensors have been described in patents and in the scientific literature, actual commercial use of such sensors remains limited. In particular, virtually all sensor designs set forth in the prior art contain one or more inherent weaknesses. Some lack the sensitivity and/or speed of detection necessary to accomplish certain tasks. Other sensors lack long-term stability. Still others cannot be sufficiently miniaturized to be commercially viable or are prohibitively expensive to produce. Some sensors must be pre-treated with salts and/or enzyme cofactors, a practice that is inefficient and bothersome. To date, virtually all sensors are limited by the known methods of determining that contact has occurred between an immobilized binding agent and targeted analytes. Use of fluorescent or other external detection probes adds to sensor production requirements and reduces lifetimes of such sensor systems. Additionally, the inventor believes that there is no sensor method disclosed in the prior art that is generally applicable to the vast majority of macromolecular binding agents, including non-redox enzymes, antibodies, antigens, nucleic acids, receptors, and synthetic binding agents.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is therefore a primary object of some aspects of the present invention to provide an improved analyte detection system, in which a sensor strip composed of a base member and a binding agent layer is used in the detection of analyte through the generation of analyte-responsive gas bubbles.
[0014] It is a further object of some aspects of the invention to describe an optical detection system for gas bubbles generated by interaction of analyte with said sensor strip.
[0015] It is a still further object of some aspects of the invention to describe a detection system for gas bubbles that are physically located on a container in which sample and sensor strip reside.
[0016] It is an additional object of some aspects of the invention to improve the consistency and ease of use in detection of an analyte in a sensor system by performing biosensing in an optically clear disposable container such as a plastic cuvette or test tube.
[0017] It is yet an additional object of some aspects of the invention to improve the consistency and ease of use in detection of an analyte in a sensor system by performing biosensing in the presence of hydrogen peroxide for non-enzymatic generation of analyte-responsive gas bubbles.
[0018] The practice of the present invention does not require application of an external electrical signal, enzyme-based oxidation-reduction detection schemes, or the presence of an active electrode in an aqueous solution. Furthermore, the present invention does not rely on arrays or changes of applied electrical fields or signals as a function of analyte presence. In some embodiments, the present invention may be practiced in the absence of hydrogen peroxide.
[0019] The methodology of analyte detection described herewith is very sensitive. Using the method of the present invention, it is possible to detect specific pathogenic bacteria consistently in a complex matrix within three minutes at 20 cells per milliliter of sample.
[0020] In general, measurement of analyte-responsive gas bubbles according to the present invention allows for simple, rapid, specific, inexpensive and sensitive determination of analyte presence. Methods for detecting analyte-related gas bubbles in solution include but are not limited to optical and imaging methodologies. In some embodiments, a detection unit may be employed to detect optical or other signals associated with analyte-responsive gas bubble generation. In other embodiments, appearance of gas bubbles can be determined visually in the absence of any detection unit. These latter embodiments are particularly useful in low-technology settings as in the detection of malaria or meningitis in third-world countries. In embodiments in which hydrogen peroxide is present, peroxide presence additionally allows for sterilization of sample prior to the latter's disposal.
[0021] A sensor strip according to some aspects of the invention may contain a plurality of identical or unique sensor strips so as to increase system detection redundancy and/or multiple analyte detection capabilities. Component binding agent layers of a composite sensor strip may be individually monitored, each component strip forming a part of a single sensor strip.
[0022] In embodiments of the invention sensor strips are prepared from a portion of a container in which a biosensing experiment is performed. In such a case, binding agents specific for analyte are immobilized in proximity to a portion of the container in which sample of interest is added. Peroxide, generally hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), may optionally be added to sample prior to exposing sample to sensor strip in the container. Final H 2 O 2 concentrations should be less than 1% (volume to volume, v:v), but concentrations higher than 10% v:v have been successfully tested on different analytes. Optimal H 2 O 2 concentration is 0.3% v:v final concentration in sample. The present invention may be practiced in the absence of hydrogen peroxide, with analyte binding causing gas bubble formation through analyte-responsive precipitation of dissolved gas.
[0023] As analyte presence leads to presence of gas bubbles in solution, several methods are available for detecting the generated gas bubbles, the number of which is roughly related to the quantity of analyte in sample. In some cases, gas bubbles may be visualized directly on the container in which biosensing occurs. Alternatively, gas bubbles may be visualized directly on the sensor strip, when a sensor strip is separate from the container used in biosensing. Gas bubble detection may also be effected by the bubbles' scattering effect on light shown either on said container or on the sensor strip (when a separate element) itself. Alternatively, images of samples may be processed to identify the presence of analyte-responsive gas bubbles in sample container. Secondary phenomena related to gas formation such as solution convection or dissolved gas concentration/partial pressure may alternatively be monitored.
[0024] The invention provides a sensor for detecting an analyte, which minimally includes a base member, a binding agent layer associated with the base member and a gas bubble detector. The base member and the binding agent layer minimally define a sensor strip, while additional layers such as a protective packaging layer over the binding agents may be included in the term “sensor strip” if they are physically associated with the base member. Analyte presence is correlated to gas bubbles present in solution after interaction of a sample of interest with sensor strip.
[0025] One aspect of the sensor has sensor strip exposed to hydrogen peroxide during or after sensor strip exposure to sample.
[0026] Another aspect of the sensor has sample heated prior to sample exposure to sensor strip.
[0027] Still an additional aspect of the sensor has sample transiently exposed to high pressure gas prior to sample exposure to sensor strip.
[0028] An aspect of the sensor includes a chemical entity bound to the base member and disposed proximate the binding agent layer.
[0029] Yet another aspect of the sensor includes a container in which sensor strip and sensor strip are present during biosensing.
[0030] One aspect of the sensor includes a packaging layer disposed above the binding agent layer. The packaging layer is soluble in a medium that contains the analyte.
[0031] According to another aspect of the sensor, analyte presence is correlated to gas bubbles in said container. Said gas bubbles may be visually detected or may be identified by their perturbation or scattering of light directed at said container.
[0032] According to a further aspect of the sensor, analyte presence is correlated to changes in optical images of sample prior to and after sample addition.
[0033] According to a further aspect of the sensor, analyte presence is correlated to the affect of analyte-responsive gas bubbles on a Doppler ultrasound signal.
[0034] According to another aspect of the sensor, the analyte is a plurality of unique analytes for detection.
[0035] In another aspect of the sensor, said base member may actually be a portion of said container, with binding agents bound either directly or through the agency of a chemical layer to said portion of said container.
[0036] In still another aspect of the sensor, an inhibitor to the enzyme catalase is added to the sample prior to sample exposure to hydrogen peroxide, when employed.
[0037] The invention provides a method for detecting a predetermined analyte, including the steps of providing a base member, and forming a binding agent layer of macromolecules in proximity to the base member surface, wherein the macromolecules are capable of interacting at a level of specificity with the predetermined analyte. The method further includes steps of exposing said sample to said sensor strip, and detecting gas bubbles in said container.
[0038] One aspect of the method has the further step of binding a chemical entity to the base member and forming the binding agent layer proximate the chemical entity.
[0039] Another aspect of the method as the further step of exposing said sensor strip to hydrogen peroxide at a final concentration of 0.3% volume to volume, during or after sensor strip has been exposed to sample.
[0040] An aspect of the method includes detecting said gas bubble through visual observation or perturbation of light directed at said container.
[0041] An aspect of the method includes monitoring perturbations in light directed at said container holding sample as a function of gas bubble formation in said container.
[0042] In another aspect of the method, detecting analyte involves analyzing changes in optical images of sample to detect gas bubble presence.
[0043] In still another aspect of the method, multiple analytes are detected through the agency of a single or multiple sensor strips.
[0044] In a further aspect of the method, a portion of the container serves as the base member for binding agent layer formation.
[0045] One aspect of the method includes disposing a packaging layer above the binding agent layer. The packaging layer is soluble in a medium that contains the predetermined analyte.
[0046] According to another aspect of the method, the sensor strip includes a plurality of sensor strips.
[0047] According to yet another aspect of the method, sample is activated immediately prior to sensor strip exposure to said sample.
[0048] The invention further provides a sensor for detecting an analyte, which minimally includes a base member, a binding agent layer associated with the base member, hydrogen peroxide at concentration of 0.3%. The base member and the binding agent layer minimally define a sensor strip, while additional layers such as a packaging layer over the binding agents may be included in the term “sensor strip” if they are physically associated with the base member. Analyte presence is corrected to gas bubbles present after interaction of a sample containing hydrogen peroxide with sensor strip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] For a better understanding of these and other objectives of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention, by way of example, which is to be read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like elements differ by multiples of 100, and wherein:
[0050] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a sensor detection system 100 , which is constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, wherein a sensor strip 122 comprised of base member 120 , chemical entity 130 , binding agent layer 140 and packaging layer 150 rests in sample 180 in clear plastic container 185 ;
[0051] FIG. 2 is a schematic of a sensor detection system 200 that is constructed and operative in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention, wherein a portion of a clear plastic container 285 serves as the base member 220 on which binding agent layer 240 is constructed;
[0052] FIG. 3 is a schematic of a sensor detection system 300 that is constructed and operative in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention, wherein a disposable plastic container 385 is analyzed for gas bubbles 399 on its surface by an external light source 395 ;
[0053] FIG. 4 is a schematic of a sensor detection system 400 that is constructed and operative in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention, wherein an optical imaging apparatus 496 is used to image bubbles 499 generated through analyte 457 binding;
[0054] FIG. 5 is a schematic of a sensor detection system 500 that is constructed and operative in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. The sensor detection system 500 is similar to the sensor detection system 100 ( FIG. 1 ), and like elements have like reference numerals, advanced by 400 . In this sensor detection system 500 , an ultrasound device 592 is used to detect analyte-responsive gas bubbles 599 in sample 580 .
[0055] FIG. 6 is a schematic of a sensor detection system 600 that is constructed and operative in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. The sensor detection system 600 is similar to the sensor detection system 100 ( FIG. 1 ), and like elements have like reference numerals, advanced by 500 . In this sensor detection system 500 , a light source 697 and light detector 698 are used for the detection of bubbles 699 in solution.
[0056] FIG. 7 is a schematic of a sensor detection system 700 that is constructed and operative in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. The sensor detection system 700 is similar to the sensor detection system 600 ( FIG. 6 ), and like elements have like reference numerals, advanced by 100. In this sensor detection system 700 , a light source 797 and light detector 798 are used for the detection of bubbles 799 on sensor strip 522 base member 520 .
[0057] FIG. 8 is a photograph of an experiment performed with sensor strips corresponding to sensor detection system 100 ( FIG. 1 ) in which sensor strips were used for the unique detection of a specific bacterial target in accordance with a disclosed embodiment of the invention.
[0058] FIG. 9 is a photograph of an experiment performed with sensor strips corresponding to sensor detection system 400 ( FIG. 4 ) in which sensor strips were used for the unique detection of a specific bacterial target in accordance with a disclosed embodiment of the invention.
[0059] FIG. 10 is a photograph of results for detection of a pathogenic bacteria in a meat sample in accordance with a disclosed embodiment of the invention.
[0060] FIG. 11 is a photograph of overnight colony growths for the experiment whose results are shown in FIG. 10 , in accordance with a disclosed embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0061] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances well-known circuits and control logic have not been shown in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
Definitions
[0062] Certain terms are now defined in order to facilitate better understanding of the present invention.
[0063] An “analyte” is a material that is the subject of detection or quantification.
[0064] A “base member” is a solid element on which binding agents are immobilized. The term “base member” refers to a solid material on which binding agents are physically immobilized. Base members may be conductive or insulating in their electrical properties. “Macromolecules”, “macromolecular binding agents”, “binding agents” or “macromolecular entities” can be any natural, mutated, synthetic, or semi-synthetic molecules that are capable of interacting with a predetermined analyte or group of analytes at a level of specificity.
[0065] A “binding agent layer” is a layer composed of one or a plurality of binding agents. The binding agent layer may be composed of more than one type of binding agent. A binding agent layer may additionally include molecules other than binding agents. Crosslinking agents may be applied to bind separate components of a binding agent layer together.
[0066] A “chemical entity” is a chemical layer that is disposed proximate a base member either one or both sides of the base member. The chemical entity rests between the base member and the binding agent layer. The chemical entity serves to immobilize binding agents proximate base member. Chemical entities may be differentially deposited on opposite sides of a base member surface by any means or multiple layers on a given side of the base member may be considered a single chemical entity.
[0067] A “packaging layer” is defined as a chemical layer disposed above the binding agent layer. The packaging layer may aid in long term stability of the macromolecules, and in the presence of a sample that may contain analyte of interest, the packaging layer may dissolve to allow for rapid interaction of analyte and binding agents.
[0068] A “sensor strip” is defined as a minimum of a single base member and its associated binding agent layer. The base member surface and any macromolecular entities, chemical entities, packaging layers or other elements physically associated with the base member are included in the term “sensor strip”.
[0069] A “peroxide” refers to any material of structure R—O—O—R′. In hydrogen peroxide, R═R′=hydrogen. The expression “peroxide” refers to hydrogen peroxide and other members of this class of chemicals. “Degradation” with respect to hydrogen peroxide refers specifically to the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen gas. “Dissolved oxygen” has its normal meaning in the art and refers to oxygen dissolved in a solution and is generally reported in ppm. “Activation”, “activating” and “activated” with regard to the present invention refers to the optional process of imparting energy to sample immediately prior to sensor strip interaction with sample. Activation may be performed my mixing, stirring, heating, centrifugation, shaking, or the like.
[0070] A “gas bubble” has its normal meaning, referring to a thin, usually spherical or hemispherical film of liquid filled with air or gas A “gas bubble detector” refers to a device that can identify or quantify bubbles in a container with a liquid sample. “Catalase inhibitor” refers to a chemical that inhibits the enzyme catalase and thus prevents its catalytic degradation of hydrogen peroxide to oxygen and water.
[0071] Without being bound by any particular theory, the following discussion is offered to facilitate understanding of the invention. The sensor design disclosed herein is based on analyte-responsive generation of gas bubbles in an aqueous solution. The sensor utilizes a novel method of detecting an analyte wherein macromolecular binding agents are first immobilized as a binding agent layer proximate a solid base member. Base member may be any solid material to which binding agents may be directly or indirectly tethered. Binding of analyte causes thermodynamic changes, whose net impact is to cause dissolved gas to leave solution in the form of gas bubbles. To date, oxygen released from hydrogen peroxide has been the gas of choice for saturating sample solution, though other gases such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide could also be used. Increasing dissolved gas prior to biosensing can be performed through changes in sample temperature or through treatment of sample with pressurized gas. In some aspects of the present invention, the advantages of particular forms of sensor strip embodiments are disclosed. Specifically, a sensor strip may be a separate element of base member and binding agents or alternatively may be formed directly as part of a container in which a biosensing experiment according to aspects of the present invention is performed.
First Embodiment
[0072] Reference is now made to FIG. 1 , which is a schematic of a sensor detection system 100 that is constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Container 185 holds sample 180 that contains un-bound analyte (TOP, 155 ) and hydrogen peroxide, H 2 O 2 (not shown) at a concentration of greater than 0.1% (volume:volume) but not in excess of 10% (volume:volume). A sensor strip 122 composed of solid base member 120 , chemical entity 130 , binding agent layer 140 and packaging layer 150 is present in the container 185 when sample 180 is added. The packaging layer 150 dissolves (BOTTOM, FIG. 1 ) to allow for binding of analyte ( 157 , bound analyte). Bound analyte 157 leads to precipitation of dissolved gas. Gas bubbles may be detected by several known means such as Total Internal Reflection or through optical image analysis software.
[0073] The packaging layer 150 , shown on the TOP of FIG. 1 , is a layer of water-soluble chemicals deposited above the immobilized macromolecules of the binding agent layer 140 . The packaging layer 150 may be deposited by soaking or spraying methods. The packaging layer 150 serves to stabilize the binding agent layer 140 during prolonged dry storage. In the absence of a packaging layer, oil and dirt may build up on the hydrophilic binding agent layer 140 and may interfere with the rapid action of the sensor system. A commercial solution, StabilGuard (Surmodics, Inc., 9924 West 74 th Street, Eden Prairie, Minn., 55344, USA) is typically used for the packaging layer 150 so as to guarantee packaging layer dissolution in aqueous samples, and thus facilitate direct interaction between macromolecular binding agents of binding agent layer 140 and analytes 157 . Other chemicals may be chosen for use in the packaging layer. Water-soluble polymers, sugars, salts, organic, and inorganic compounds are all appropriate for use in preparation of the packaging layer 150 .
[0074] As shown on the TOP of FIG. 1 , free analyte 155 is disposed proximate the packaging layer 150 prior to the latter's dissolution. When the packaging layer 150 dissolves, the macromolecules incorporated in the binding agent layer 140 are free to immediately interact with analyte 157 , as shown on the BOTTOM of FIG. 1 . After dissolution of the packaging layer 150 , analyte 157 is shown interacting with the binding agent layer 140 on the BOTTOM of FIG. 1 . The analyte 155 , 157 can be a member of any of the following categories, listed herein without limitation: cells, organic compounds, antibodies, antigens, virus particles, pathogenic bacteria, toxins, metals, metal complexes, ions, spores, yeasts, molds, cellular metabolites, enzyme inhibitors, receptor ligands, nerve agents, peptides, proteins, fatty acids, steroids, hormones, narcotic agents, synthetic molecules, medications, enzymes, nucleic acid single-stranded or double-stranded nucleic acid polymers. The analyte 155 can be present in a solid, liquid, gas or aerosol. The analyte 155 could even be a group of different analytes, that is, a collection of distinct molecules, macromolecules, ions, organic compounds, viruses, toxins, spores, cells or the like that are the subject of detection or quantification. Some of the analyte 157 physically interacts with the sensor strip 122 after dissolution of the packaging layer 150 and causes an increase in gas bubbles present in solution. There is no requirement for application of a voltage or other electrical signal to the sensor strip 122 prior to or during biosensing.
[0075] Examples of macromolecular binding agents suitable for use as the binding agent layer 140 include, but are not limited to non-redox enzymes that recognize substrates and inhibitors, antibodies that bind antigens, antigens that recognize target antibodies, receptors that bind ligands, ligands that bind receptors, nucleic acid single-strand polymers that can bind to form DNA-DNA, RNA-RNA, or DNA-RNA double strands, and synthetic molecules that interact with targeted analytes. The present invention can be practiced with non-redox enzymes, peptides, proteins, antibodies, antigens, catalytic antibodies, fatty acids, receptors, receptor ligands, nucleic acid strands, as well as synthetic macromolecules as the binding agents in the binding agent layer 140 . Natural, synthetic, semi-synthetic, over-expressed and genetically-altered macromolecules may be employed as binding agents. The binding agent layer 140 may form monolayers, multilayers or mixed layers of several distinct binding agents or binding agents with other chemical components (not shown). A monolayer of mixed binding agents may also be employed (not shown). The binding agents in the binding agent layer 140 may be cross-linked together with glutaraldehyde or other chemical cross-linking agents.
[0076] The macromolecule component of the binding agent layer 140 is neither limited in type nor number. Non-redox enzymes, peptides, receptors, receptor ligands, antibodies, catalytic antibodies, antigens, cells, fatty acids, synthetic molecules, and nucleic acids are possible macromolecular binding agents in the present invention. The sensor detection system 100 may be applied to detection of many classes of analyte because it relies on the following properties shared by substantially all applications and embodiments of the sensor detection system according to the present invention:
[0077] (1) that the macromolecules chosen as binding agents are highly specific entities designed to bind only with a selected analyte or group of analytes;
[0078] (2) that analytes may interact at a level of specificity with the macromolecules;
[0079] (3) that binding of analyte with binding agent causes ion release; and
[0080] (4) that the ion release can lead to the precipitation of gas dissolved in solution. This gas release event can most readily be detected by the presence of gas bubbles in solution. These gas bubbles generally stick to the surface of the sensor strip used for biosensing or on the walls sample container. The gas bubbles may be detected on the strip, in sample or attached to the container in which biosensing occurs.
[0081] In order to increase the energy of sample components prior to biosensing, the sample may be activated. Activation is generally performed by rapidly mixing sample with a “vortex” mixer or the like. Alternatively, the sample may be shaken, heated, centrifuged or otherwise treated so as to increase the kinetic energy of the sample components immediately prior to sensor strip exposure to sample. After activation, sensor strip is placed in sample and gas bubble detection begins.
[0082] The broad and generally applicable function of the sensor detection system 100 is preserved during formation of the binding agent layer 140 in proximity to the base member 120 because the binding agent layer 140 formation can be effected by either specific covalent attachment or general physical absorption. A chemical entity 130 , such as a self-assembled monolayer, may be used in the physical absorption of the binding agent layer 140 proximate the base member 120 . It is to be emphasized that the catalytic degradation of hydrogen peroxide that is associated with analyte presence does not depend on any specific enzyme chemistries, optical effects, fluorescence, chemiluminescence or applied electrical signals. These features are important advantages of the present invention. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide kills pathogenic samples during biosensing.
Second Embodiment
[0083] Reference is now made to FIG. 2 , which is a schematic of a an alternative embodiment of a sensor detection system 200 that is constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Container 285 holds sample 280 that contains un-bound analyte (TOP, 255 ) and hydrogen peroxide, H 2 O 2 (not shown) at a concentration of greater than 0.1% (volume:volume) but not in excess of 10% (volume:volume). A sensor strip 222 composed a base member 220 made from a portion of the container 285 , optional chemical entity 230 , binding agent layer 240 and packaging layer 250 is present in the container 285 when sample 280 is added. The packaging layer 250 dissolves (BOTTOM, FIG. 2 ) to allow for binding of analyte ( 257 , bound analyte).
[0084] Binding of analyte 257 leads to ion release that causes dissolved gas to coalesce in the form of gas bubbles. The gas bubbles may be detected by several means, as discussed previously.
Third Embodiment
[0085] Reference is now made to FIG. 3 , which is a schematic of an alternative embodiment of a sensor detection system 300 that is constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Container 385 holds sample 380 that contains un-bound analyte (TOP, 355 ) in solution. A sensor strip 322 composed of solid base member 320 , chemical entity 330 , binding agent layer 340 and packaging layer 350 is present in the container 385 when sample 380 is added. The packaging layer 350 dissolves (BOTTOM, FIG. 3 ) to allow for binding of analyte ( 357 , bound analyte). Bound analyte 357 evolves gas that appear in the form of gas bubbles 399 . The gas bubbles are detected as gas bubbles 399 on the walls of container 385 containing sample 380 .
Fourth Embodiment
[0086] Reference is now made to FIG. 4 , which is a schematic of an alternative embodiment of a sensor detection system 400 that is constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Container 485 holds sample 480 that contains un-bound analyte (TOP, 455 ) and prior to biosensing, sample 480 was cooled to increase dissolved gas and then returned to room temperature (process not shown). A sensor strip 422 composed of solid base member 420 , chemical entity 430 , binding agent layer 440 and packaging layer is present in the container 485 when sample 480 is added. The packaging layer 450 dissolves (BOTTOM, FIG. 4 ) to allow for binding of analyte ( 457 , bound analyte). Binding of analyte 457 leads to increased precipitation of dissolved gas. Gas bubbles 499 are detected by an imaging gas bubble detector 496 . The imaging device may be a digital camera modified with image analysis software for gas bubble 499 detection. Gas bubbles 499 leave a unique imprint on images of the sample 480 taken by gas bubble detector 496 .
Fifth Embodiment
[0087] Reference is now made to FIG. 5 , which is a schematic of an alternative embodiment of a sensor detection system 500 that is constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Container 585 holds sample 580 that contains un-bound analyte (TOP, 555 ) and hydrogen peroxide, H 2 O 2 (not shown) at a concentration of greater than 0.001% (volume:volume) but not in excess of 10% (volume:volume). A sensor strip 522 composed of plastic base member 520 , optional chemical entity 530 , binding agent layer 540 and packaging layer 550 is present in the container 585 when sample 580 is added. The packaging layer 550 dissolves (BOTTOM, FIG. 5 ) to allow for binding of analyte 557 , bound analyte. Bound analyte 557 leads to increased gas bubble 599 presence in container. An ultrasound device gas bubble detector 592 is used to detect the gas bubbles 599 in solution.
Sixth Embodiment
[0088] Reference is now made to FIG. 6 , which is a schematic of an alternative embodiment of a sensor detection system 600 that is constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Optically clear container 685 holds sample 680 that contains un-bound analyte (TOP, 655 ) and buffered hydrogen peroxide, H 2 O 2 (not shown) at a concentration of greater than 0.1% (volume:volume) but not in excess of 10% (volume:volume). A sensor strip 622 composed of solid base member 620 , chemical entity 630 , binding agent layer 640 and packaging layer is present in the container 685 when sample 680 is added. The packaging layer 650 dissolves (BOTTOM, FIG. 6 ) to allow for binding of analyte ( 657 , bound analyte). Bound analyte 657 leads to evolution of gas in the form of gas bubbles. Gas bubbles 699 are detected by the interference of gas bubbles 699 with light propagated from a gas bubble detector light source 697 to a light detector 698 .
Seventh Embodiment
[0089] Reference is now made to FIG. 7 , which is a schematic of an alternative embodiment of a sensor detection system 700 that is constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Optically clear container 785 holds sample 780 that contains un-bound analyte (TOP, 755 ) and hydrogen peroxide, H 2 O 2 (not shown) at a concentration of greater than 0.1% (volume:volume) but not in excess of 10% (volume:volume). A sensor strip 722 composed of solid base member 720 , chemical entity 730 , binding agent layer 740 and packaging layer is present in the container 785 when sample 780 is added. The packaging layer 750 dissolves (BOTTOM, FIG. 7 ) to allow for binding of analyte ( 757 , bound analyte). Bound analyte 757 extrudes electric double layer ions and thus causes precipitation of dissolved gas. Gas bubbles 799 are detected by their effect on the optical properties of light propagated from a light source 797 , reflected off the sensor strip 722 base member 720 and measured in a gas bubble detector 798 as shown in FIG. 7 .
Example 1
[0090] The analysis in this example was performed using the embodiment of FIG. 1 . Testing for Pseudomonas aeruginosa was performed in phosphate buffer solution, pH 7.15. Aluminum foil having a matte surface and a shiny surface (Extra Heavy-Duty Diamond Foil, Reynolds Metals Co., 555 Guthridge Court, Norcross, Ga. 30092) was cut into 6 centimeter by 8 centimeter pieces and soaked in an ethanolic (Carmel Mizrahi, Rishon Letzion, Israel, 95%) solution of docosanoic acid (21,694-1, Aldrich Chemical Company, Milwaukee, Wis.) for 20 minutes and then rinsed with distilled water. The soakings were performed in 100 milliliter piranha-treated (70% sulfuric acid; 30% hydrogen peroxide) beakers, with the self-assembled monolayer (SAM) surfactant solution standing at 20 milliliters in the beaker. Hydrophobic SAM-coated foil pieces were rinsed in deionized water and next transferred to 20 milliliters of aqueous phosphate-buffered solutions (pH 7.2) of polyclonal antibodies specific for P. aeruginosa antigen (Product B47578P, Biodesign International, 60 Industrial Park Road, Saco, Me. 04072 USA) at an approximate concentration of 18 microgram per milliliter. The solution was kept in contact with the SAM-coated aluminum foil for approximately 20 minutes and then the coated aluminum foil was rinsed with phosphate buffer lacking antibody. The hydrophilic coated aluminum foil was next soaked for 3 minutes in 20 milliliters of StabilGuard (SG01-0125, Surmodics, 9924 West 74 th Street, Eden Prairie, Minn. 55344). After coating, the coated foil was dried at 37 degrees Celsius for approximately one hour, after which it was transferred to a sealed bag that contained calcium sulfate drying agent (238988-454G, “Drierite”, Aldrich Chemical Company). Prior to use, the coated foil was removed from its storage bag. 1 cm×10 cm rectangles of coated sensor strip 122 were cut and placed in plastic test tubes. Samples were prepared from phosphate buffer (8 mM) that contained hydrogen peroxide at 0.1% (v:v). One sample contained Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells at an approximate concentration of 10 4 cells per milliliter, while the other sample contained E. coli at a similar concentration. Each sample 180 was added to the appropriate container 185 containing the coated sensor strip 122 composed of aluminum base member 120 , SAM chemical entity 130 , a binding agent layer 140 composed of polyclonal antibodies and StabilGuard packaging layer 150 . As shown in FIG. 8 , the sample with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (right tube) showed significant gas bubble presence, while the sample that contained the non-target E. coli (left tube) showed no noticeable bubbling.
Example 2
[0091] The analysis in this example was performed using the embodiment of FIG. 5 . N-type silicon (Silicon Sense, N.H., USA) was cut into 1×1 cm 2 pieces and rinsed in 95% ethanol (Carmel Mizrahi, Israel). The chips were then rinsed in deionized water and placed in piranha solution. After piranha cleaning for 30 minutes at 80 degrees Celsius, the chips were rinsed in copious amounts of DI water, and then transferred to a 20 milliliter solution of ammonium fluoride (Aldrich product number 338869; 40% weight:volume in DI water). When the chips appeared hydrophobic due to the generation of silicon hydride on the chip surfaces, the chips were transferred to a phosphate-buffered solution of Pseudomonas -specific polyclonal antibodies (Biodesign, Product B47578P) mixed in a 1:100 ratio with bovine serum albumin (BSA, Sigma Chemical Co.). The chips readily became hydrophilic as phosphate and then protein bound to the surface. The chips were next transferred to StabilGuard for packaging layer formation and then allowed to dry at 37 degrees Celsius. In this example, silicon acts as base member 520 , phosphate serves as chemical entity 530 , polyclonal antibodies with BSA form the binding agent layer 540 , while StabilGuard is the packaging layer 550 . Dried chips were transferred to samples 580 in Eppendorf tube containers 585 that contained either sample 580 with either Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells ( FIG. 9 , left side) or E. coli ( FIG. 9 , right side) in addition to dilute amounts of hydrogen peroxide. A digital camera was used as an imaging device 592 to produce the photographic image shown in FIG. 9 . As is clear from the samples shown in FIG. 9 , the sample with Pseudomonas analyte 555 , 557 shows much greater gas bubble formation than does the sample that lacks analyte recognized by the binding agent layer 540 . No catalase was added to the samples described in this example.
Example 3
[0092] P-type silicon (Silicon Sense, N.H., U.S.A.), was scored with a diamond pen and cut into 0.5 cm by 0.5 cm square chips. The chips were placed in a 100-milliliter glass beaker. Two hundred such squares were rinsed in situ sequentially in chloroform, then ethanol and finally in deionized water. Excess water was removed and 60 milliliters piranha solution (70% sulfuric acid; 30% hydrogen peroxide) was added. The chips were left in piranha solution at 80 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. Solution was decanted, the chips were washed in situ with copious amounts of deionized water, and then treated with 20 milliliters of 40% weight to volume ammonium fluoride (Aldrich, product number 338869, Milwaukee, Wis. U.S.A.). The chips were left in the ammonium fluoride etching solution for twenty minutes. Removal of silicon oxide left the chips hydrophobic and many of them began to float. The solution was carefully decanted and the chips were rinsed with copious amounts of deionized water. The now hydrophobic chips, in the chemical form of Si—H (silicon hydride) were soaked in 20 milliliter potassium phosphate buffer (25 mM, pH 7.5) of bovine serum albumin (BSA, Sigma, 100 micrograms) and antibody ((0.2 micrograms of catalogue sample C65160M, Biodesign, Saco, Me., U.S.A.) for E. coli 0157:H7. The chips became hydrophilic and dropped to the bottom of the beaker. The chips were allowed to soak in protein solution for thirty minutes. Solution was discarded, the chips were rinsed with 25 mM potassium phosphate solution once and then treated with 20 milliliters of Stabilguard (SG01-0125, Surmodics, 9924 West 74 th Street, Eden Prairie, Minn. 55344). After ten minutes, Stabilguard was decanted, the chips were poured out onto paper and put into an incubator for fifteen minutes at 37 degrees Celsius to dry. Individual chips were used for experiments as described below.
[0093] E. coli 0157:H7 (ATCC strain 433894) grown overnight in tryptic-soy growth media (BS-376, Novamed, Jerusalem, Israel) was serially diluted in 10 mM potassium phosphate buffer. A 10 8 dilution of target bacteria was used. The bacteria were added to a 25 mM potassium phosphate solution (1.5 milliliters) that was 20 microgram per milliliter in catalase (Catalogue number C-40, Sigma). The bacteria were allowed to sit in buffer for two minutes and then hydrogen peroxide (Per-O-Flex, diluted in deionized water tenfold to 0.3% stock) was added to a final concentration of 0.001%. The solution was divided between two Eppendorf tubes. A coated chip was inserted into one of the tubes, while into the second was placed an uncoated silicon chip for the purposes of a control experiment. Thirty seconds after chip insertion bubbles were visible to the eye exclusively in the tube that had the chip coated with antibodies for E. coli 0157:H7. Two minutes later, a photographic image of the experiment was recorded, as shown in FIG. 10 .
[0094] In this example, based on the sensor detection system 400 embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , silicon serves as base member 420 for binding agents 440 , with phosphate moieties acting as chemical entity 430 between them. Sensor strip 422 includes silicon chip base member 420 , phosphate chemical entity 430 , antibody and bovine serum albumin binding agent layer 440 and Stabilguard packaging layer 450 . Eppendorf tube serves as container 485 for bacterial sample 480 , containing analyte 455 , 457 E. coli 0157 :H7. A Sony 2.1 megapixel digital camera serves as the optical imaging apparatus 496 .
[0095] FIG. 10 shows the results for the E. coli 0157:H7 detection experiment described above. The tube on the right side contains coated sensor chip and there are hundreds of bubbles visible in this image of the experiment. Tilting the tube 45 degrees helps in bringing the bubbles to the surface of the Eppendorf tube. Bubbles in positive experiments tend to be small and closely-spaced. Bubble size, bubble position or pattern in container, number of bubbles and/or speed of bubble appearance on container wall may all be considered in discriminating positive from negative samples. The negative control (left tube) showed no bubbling, though it was exposed to the identical solution as was present in the positive sample. Plating of a parallel sample not treated with hydrogen peroxide showed that only a few dozen cells were present in the experiment. Results of plating of the 10 8 dilution used in this example are shown in FIG. 11 .
[0096] The present invention may be performed either in a single or in multiple steps. If target is located in a sample that contains significant amounts of catalase, catalase inhibitor may be added to sample or alternatively, sensor strip may first be soaked in sample, then rinsed in deionized water and then soaked in a solution that contains hydrogen peroxide at 0.3% v:v. In the final soak with hydrogen peroxide, gas bubbles are identified as a function of analyte presence in the original sample. The strip may be manually moved between sample, rinse and hydrogen peroxide solutions or may be appropriately handled in a detection unit that automatically changes solution around the sensor strip.
SUMMARY
[0097] The implications of the invention described herein are that nearly any material that can be recognized at a level of specificity by a peptide, protein, antibody, non-redox enzyme, receptor, nucleic acid polymer, synthetic binding agent, or the like can be detected and quantified safely in food, body fluids, air or other samples quickly, cheaply, and with high sensitivity. Response is very rapid, generally less than 10 minutes. Cost of manufacture is low, and sensitivity has been shown to be very good.
[0098] The present invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, however those versed in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and alterations may be carried out without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims. Therefore, the embodiments and examples described here are in no means intended to limit the scope or spirit of the methodology and associated devices related to the present invention. Sample may be presented to the sensor strip by static or flow means, including but not limited to microfluidic delivery of sample to sensor strip. | The present invention describes a biosening device and method. Specifically, binding of target analyte perturbs the surface of a sensor strip so that gas bubbles are generated in solution. Said gas bubbles may be detected for determination of analyte presence in sample. | 52,445 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a cycloidal propeller.
2. Description of the Related Art
Cycloidal propellers serve mostly as marine major drives, but may be used also as auxiliary drives, namely whenever especially high maneuverability is required. One type of cycloidal propeller is described in Voith document reprint 9.94 2000. The wing mechanism disclosed therein serves to move the wings on the wing circle of the rotor in the necessary positions to generate propelling forces, and also to control forces. Feathering is effected by way of a central joystick, which is actuated by two servomotors arranged at right angles to one another. The rotor is generally powered via a diesel engine with a gear drive comprising a bevel ring gear and a bevel pinion.
DE-B 19 41 652 describes a cycloidal propeller serving only as a marine auxiliary drive and which at cruising speed of the ship, is operated exclusively as a rudder. Feathering of the individual wings is effected by suitable accessory apparatuses to a degree such that in the so-called nonbuoyant, i.e., nonpropelling sailing position, they are parallel to one another and can in this position be adjusted to the necessary angular position by rotation of the rotor element according to the required rotor position.
DE 36 06 549 A1 describes a system to generate motion, or also drive, which in the broadest sense could be described also as a cycloidal propeller with multiple-part wings, i.e., composite wing profile. Gear wheels are primarily used as an actuating drive for the wing components, and for one the rear wing part, in the last part of the drive train formed of a chain of gear/wheels, consists of a gear segment and a gear wheel mounted on the shaft end of the rear wing part.
DE-AS 11 92 945 is geared to safety against wing damage by foreign objects and provides safety valves for relieving the pressure spaces of the drive servomotors in case external forces exerted on the wings by foreign objects would cause an unallowable pressure increase in the pressure spaces.
In the case of the cycloidal propeller described in the not prepublished older document DE 196 02 043 C1, a large actuation option of the wing is achieved by a gear drive fitted between the linkages of the wing mechanism and the respective wing shaft consisting predominantly of a gear segment and a gear wheel.
But the design of the cycloidal propeller, notably concerning the configuration of the propeller mechanism and attachment to the wing shaft, results in relatively short feathering paths of the wings. Therefore, it is not possible to bring the rounded head end of the wings in a forward direction of travel. Therefore, wing profiles are used that deviate from the usual shape and have an essentially oval shape. At certain states of travel this is unfavorable, for example when the ship travels within narrow channels, in harbors or in the skerries. In such states of travel, it is advantageous to drive the ship using the cycloidal propeller, and not the main drive, which is configured for a considerably higher speed. The high maneuverability of the cycloidal propeller is utilized here.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention comprises a cycloidal propeller including a stator and a rotor mounted rotatably to the stator. The rotor has an axis of rotation and a plurality of wings having shafts pivotally mounted to the rotor with a swivel axis. The rotor axis of rotation and the swivel axes of the wings are substantially parallel to each other.
A propeller mechanism is included for actuation of the wings using a joystick connected to the wings by a linkage.
A means is also included for causing actuation of the wings to a sailing position where the wings are parallel to each other. The means is also able to actuate the wings from a sailing position to a rudder position, with the means coupled to a respective wing shaft by a releasable clutch.
An additional clutch is provided with each wing for separating the each wing from the propeller mechanism.
An objective underlying the invention is to design a cycloidal propeller such that a separation is brought about between the regular propeller mechanism and the accessory apparatuses.
This objective is intentionally satisfied by the features of offering the advantage that the usual propeller mechanism can be used and that the accessory apparatuses can be selectively configured.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is explained hereafter with the aid of the drawing figures, which show the following:
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of the rotor with the wings in normal position;
FIG. 2 is a similar plan view of FIG. 1, with wings feathered to sailing position, each wing in a basic view;
FIG. 3 is a cross section through the outer area of the rotor element;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the rotor in another embodiment with the wings in normal position;
FIG. 5 is a similar plan view of FIG. 4, with the wings feathered to sailing position, each in a basic view;
FIG. 6 is a cross section view through the outer area of the rotor;
FIG. 7 is a schematic of the controller for the rudder operation (i.e., for propellers with a dual mechanism) and,
FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a prior art cycloidal propeller with a stator 100.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to FIG. 1, five wings 1 are contained on the wing circle a of the rotor, or rotor element 50 (refer to FIG. 3). The arrangement is shown in the zero position, in which the individual wings, i.e., more exactly, the profile rails of the wings, extend tangentially to the wing circle a. The joystick with its center 8 is exactly in the center of the wing mechanism 2. Sketched here is the so-called slider-crank mechanism with the oscillating crank 51, connecting rod 52 and coupling rod 20 attaching by way of the wing drive lever 24 to the relevant wing 1.
FIG. 3 shows this structure still more accurately. The coupling rod 20 is hinged with its bearing eye 35, by means of bearing pin 33 secured by axle disk 34, by way of bearing 36 to the drive lever 24 of the wing. This connection is releasable in operation by the hydraulically actuated clutch 6. The configuration of said clutch may be, e.g., according to the German patent documents DE-C 40 19 746 or DE-C 40 19 747 or the U.S. Pat. No. 4,859,106. A number of releasable clutches are illustrated in Dubbel Taschenbuch des Maschinenbaus (Mechanical Engineering Handbook) on pages 746 through 750. But they are for the most designed only for axially aligned shafts or, except for the Airflex clutch illustrated in FIG. 82, not very well suited for other reasons for the purpose on hand here. However, the handbook refers in a note to other suitable hydrostatic clutches.
With the clutch released, the propeller mechanism, i.e., presently the drive lever 24, is detached from the propeller shaft, making the proper shaft, and thus the wing, freely movable by the accessory apparatuses, with the radially inner clutch part resting via the bearings 65 and 66 on the wing shaft. The wing drive according to the accessory apparatuses consists of the relevant hydraulic cylinder 5, which by means of bearing 41 and bearing pin 42 attaches to the fork of a gear segment 4. Said gear segment is mounted in the rotor element 50 by means of bearing pins 37 secured by screw 38, and by means of bearing 39. Its teeth mesh with those of a gear 3, which, in turn, can be locked to the wing shaft 22 by way of the clutch 6', which is configured the same as clutch 6. With the clutch disengaged, the radially inner part of the clutch and the gear 3 rest via bearing 68, or 69, on the wing shaft. Illustrated is yet another bearing 72 with bearing bushing 71, said bearing serving to mount the wing shaft on the rotor element. The bottom bearing of the wing shaft is referenced 73 here, the pertaining bearing bushing is reference 74. The radially outer boundary of the rotor element is the vertical wall 31. The gear drive has a large gear ratio, such that relatively small actuating motions of the hydraulic jack 5 produce a large swivel angle of gear 3, respectively the wing shaft 22 along with it, and thus of the wing 1, as can be seen from FIG. 2.
The illustrated measures make it possible to adjust each wing with normal profile to the desired rudder position without any impediment, and at that, with the thick rounded head end in the ship's direction of travel. The hydraulic fluid supply to the clutches 6 and 6' is effected here by way of clamping rings 61 and 62, to which the fluid supply is connected. The clutches are now either closed while the clutches 6' are released, allowing actuation of the wing shafts either by the regular propeller mechanism or by the accessory apparatuses. The procedure is practically such that the normal propeller mechanism sets the wings tangential to the wing circle, before the clutches pertaining to this mechanism are released. Next, the clutches 6' of the accessory apparatuses are closed, the propellers adjust first to the parallel sailing position and continue then adjusting to the required rudder position.
Another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 through 6, has the same components as the propeller mechanism 2 in FIG. 3 and 4 and the wings 1. Indicated additionally is a swivel motor 7 coordinated with the individual wing shafts, as can be seen in more detail in FIG. 6. Such motor have a very large swivel angle, for instance up to 270°, such as described, e.g., in the book "Hydraulik-Fluidtechnik" (Hydraulic Fluidics) by Thomas Krist, under 8.1 Thrust Piston Hydrocylinders, FIG. 8.1.2 d. Such swivel motor is basically illustrated also in the initially mentioned German disclosure, but is equipped there only for a limited swivel angle, of about 90°. The coupling to the wing shaft 22' is established here via an adapter sleeve 41. Contained between said sleeve and the wing shaft is the clutch 16'; a further clutch 16 is contained between the drive lever 24 of the wing shaft pertaining to the propeller mechanism 2 and is hinged to the coupling rod 20. This equals practically the structure relative to FIG. 3. Illustrated additionally, on swivel motor 7, is the connecting plate 40 for the hydraulic fluid lines. The hydraulic fluid supply and release is controlled with the aid of valves known from hydraulic engineering. Provided for the hydraulic fluid supply to the clutch 16 is the clamping ring 75. Applicable in the case of the present variant, analogous to the first variant, is that either the clutches 16 are closed and the clutches 16' released or vice versa.
The following addresses FIG. 7. Schematically illustrated, the cycloidal propeller comprises the following essential components:
______________________________________1 Wing2 Propeller mechanism3 Gear wheel4 Gear segment5 Hydraulic cylinder100 Switching system for clutches101 PLC controller102 Rudder wheel103 Control signal generator104 Input from compass105 Limit switch to lock the rotor106 Cam for locking the rotor107 Hydraulic fluid supply with hydraulic valves108 Electric terminal on stator109 Electric terminal on rotor110 Hydraulic connection on stator111 Hydraulic connection on rotor112 Pitch feedback113 Hydraulic fluid for hydraulic cylinder114 Hydraulic fluid for clutches______________________________________
Both the clutches and hydraulic cylinders are connected via hoses and piping with quick-action couplings attached to the outside of the rotor. The mating components to the quick-action couplings, the valves and the pertaining fluid supplies for the clutches and hydraulic cylinders are contained on the stator of the propeller. With the propeller operating in normal operation, i.e., the wing driven by the mechanism, no hydraulic fluid supply is required. Hence, no rotary hydraulic fluid couplings are required. The quick-action couplings are closed not until the propeller is at standstill, thereby establishing a connection of the clutches and hydraulic cylinders to their respective fluid supplies.
In the simplest case, the quick-action couplings are closed manually. The procedure can be automated easily, for example, by way of a hydraulically or pneumatically actuated apparatus.
The same is true for the electrical connection to the displacement transducers contained in the hydraulic cylinder. Here, too, the electrical connection is not required until the rotor is at standstill.
Description of Wheel Element Blocking
Stopping and blocking the rotor may be envisaged as follows:
The rotor features a cam for activation of a limit switch on the stator. As the propeller is shut down, the rotor stops at any point, but continues to be rotated then until the cam actuates the limit switch. Next, the propeller is locked against further rotation on the propeller input shaft, for example, by means of a disk brake or a plain mechanical lockout.
Description of Control
The propeller is in normal operation controlled via a known standard controller.
In the rudder operation, with the rotor at standstill, control is effected by means of a handwheel, which by means of a rotary potentiometer feeds control pulses to an PLC controller. The output signals control solenoid valves, which, in turn, effect the control of the hydraulic cylinders, and thus the required wing actuation. The control procedure can also be automated, using a signal from the ship's compass.
The description of the control and hydraulic fluid supply applies analogously also to the use of a swivel motor, instead of a hydraulic cylinder.
Accomplished with the proposed invention is a genuine sailing position, and additional rudder angles can be adjusted. The propeller is thus a substitute for an additional rudder, since all of the wings are rotated by a common angle, thus generating a thrust in a desired direction.
Major elements are the gear wheel 3, gear segment 4 or, alternatively, the swivel motor. These elements make it possible to swivel the wing to any desired position.
The wing actuation for rudder operation is carried out with the rotor at standstill. Hydraulic and electrical connections are required only with the rotor at standstill. Therefore, plain commercially available connectors (e.g., quick-action couplings) can be used.
While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims. | A cycloidal propeller to achieve strictly a rudder operation includes accessory apparatuses containing accessory drives. Clutches are used to couple the accessory drives to the propeller shafts, and additional clutches are provided to disengage the fixed connection of the normal propeller mechanism to the wing shafts in cruising operation. | 15,648 |
This application is a continuation, of application Ser. No. 08/516,248, filed on Aug. 17, 1995 entitled "Methods and Apparatus for Fault Diagnosis in Self-Testable Systems", now abandoned.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to scan based built in self test systems and to such systems for fault diagnosis in a VLSI application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Built-In Self-Test (BIST) is a widely accepted means for testing today's large and complex VLSI chips. In BIST, both test pattern generation and test response analysis are usually conducted on the same chip as the circuit under test (CUT). To efficiently analyze the test response in silicon, BIST schemes usually employ a data compaction technique called signature analysis to compress the large amount of test response from the CUT into a small signature of a few bits. At the end of a test session, the collected signature is compared against a fault-free signature to determine whether the CUT is good or not. Although signature analysis significantly reduces the complexity of test response analysis in BIST environments, it adds extra difficulties in fault diagnosis.
Fault diagnosis is a process of locating physical faults to one or a set of primitive components according to the incorrect behaviour observed from a CUT. The definition of primitive components varies according to applications. For example, at circuit board level, the primitive components are usually IC chips. At IC chip level, the primitive components can be flip-flops, gates or transistors, depending on the resolution requirements of the applications. Usually, the higher the resolution requirements, the higher the complexity of the fault diagnosis process.
Fault diagnosis can be used for different reasons. For example, at circuit board or multiple chip module level, fault diagnosis is normally used to assist repair. At IC chip level, fault diagnosis is usually used to identify design or process errors during the early phase of production. At this stage, the errors found in fault diagnosis can be used to assist debugging of the design or to guide the adjustment of the fabrication process to improve yield. Fault diagnosis can also be used to analyze the chips that failed in the field in order to provide information about the weakness of the design and manufacturing process.
The present application deals with the fault diagnosis problem at IC chip level. Specifically, a new analytical fault diagnosis methodology targeting for VLSI BIST environments is presented. Based on faulty signature information, the diagnostic methodology achieves two goals. Firstly, it correctly locates errors to the CUT's outputs that produce the errors, independently of the number of errors these outputs may produce; secondly, it is also able to identify the test vector or vectors under which these errors are generated, with better resolution than that achievable by existing diagnostic methodologies.
Prior Art
Signature analysis used in BIST has introduced extra challenges to the problem of fault diagnosis. All the challenges are due to the fact that the error sequence generated at the outputs of a CUT has been compressed into a small faulty signature. Therefore, to locate the actual fault that causes the failure in test, it is first necessary to decipher the faulty signature to identify which output or outputs of the CUT was actually producing errors during test. Furthermore, it is also necessary to identify the values of the errors and to determine under which test vector or vectors these errors were produced. It is then possible to use the diagnostic techniques for conventional non-BIST environments to further locate a fault down to gates for example. Unfortunately, during the test response compaction process, a lot of error information is lost, thus destroying the one-to-one correspondence between faulty signatures and error sequences. This problem is the same as the well-known aliasing problem encountered in BIST test quality assessment. Although probabilistic analysis has shown that the diagnostic aliasing probability, i.e., the probability of locating an incorrect error sequence for a given faulty signature, is very low, being essentially the same as aliasing probability for signature analysis, the number of error sequences that can produce a given faulty signature is enormous. For practical test lengths, this number is usually well beyond millions. For example, let l be the length of the sequence to be compacted, and k be the length of the signature. The number of error sequences that can produce a given faulty signature can be estimated to be 2 l-k , where l is in the order of hundreds of thousands or even millions and k is only about 16 to 32.
It can be seen from the above analysis that, given a faulty signature, correct fault diagnosis in BIST environments is a very challenging problem.
The possibility of using faulty signature information for fault diagnosis was first pointed out by McAnney and Savir in 1987 (Proc. Int. Test Conf., 1987, pp. 630-636). In this work, a fault diagnosis technique was developed. This technique was designed for single input signature analyzer implemented by a Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR), and guarantees correct fault diagnosis for single error sequences, i.e., sequences that only contain a single error bit. In Chan et al, (Proc. Int. Test Conf. 1990, pp. 553-561), a similar result was obtained for signature analyzers implemented with Multiple Input Shift Registers (MISR). Other techniques that use two LFSRs for fault diagnosis of sequences that contain single or double errors have also been reported. (Stroud et al, Proc. IEEE VLSI Test Symp. 1995, pp. 244-249, and Savir et al, Proc. Int. Test Conf., 1988, pp. 322-328.) The major deficiency of these techniques comes from their single/double error assumptions. Although these assumptions can be valid in some very extreme cases, e.g., for some very "hard" faults, these assumptions are in general unrealistic. In practical BIST environments, a single defect in a CUT can usually produce hundreds or thousands of errors in a test response sequence. Therefore, the techniques based on the single or double error assumptions are of little use in practice.
There is a simple relationship between single error signatures and multiple error signatures. For example, if a single error sequence e i (X)=X i (i.e., a single error at the bit position i in the sequence) produces signature S i (x) and another single error sequence e j (X)=X j produces S j (X), then a double error sequence e ij (X)=X i +X j will generate a faulty signature S ij (X)=Si(x)+S j (X), where "+" represents bit-wise XOR. This relationship is true in general for multiple errors. Based on the above observation, Chan et al (Proc. Int. Test Conf., 1989, pp. 935-936), developed a diagnostic technique for multiple error sequences. Unfortunately, the conclusion derived with this technique is very often misleading. It is easy to prove that this technique works only for sequences that contain fewer than t errors if the signature analyzer LFSR corresponds to a t-error correcting code, where t is very small compared to the number of possible errors in practice. In general, there are 2 l-k error sequences for every given faulty signature for a sequence length l and signature length k. Therefore, with the above techniques, it is impossible in general to correctly identify the real sequence that actually produced the faulty signature.
Another class of fault diagnostic methodologies was developed by Aitken et al (Proc. ICCAD, Nov. 1989, pp. 574-577) and Waicukauski et al (Proc. Int. Test Conf. 1987, pp. 480-484), based on post-test fault simulation. Compared to the available analytical techniques, these post-test simulation-based techniques can usually provide better resolution since they utilize more information from the faulty CUT. The major deficiency shared by the techniques in Aitken et al and Waicukauski et al is the large tester memory requirements. In addition, this technique also requires on-tester decision-making, i.e., it requires the test engineer to make the decision as to what to do next according to an intermediate result obtained during testing. This is undesirable in practice. Another deficiency is the lack of fault diagnostic capability for non-stuck-at faults.
Based on a complex coding technique, another type of diagnostic methodology was developed for circuit board level applications (Karpousky et al, Proc. FTCS, 1992, pp. 112-119). This method is capable of locating faults to the IC chips that produce errors during test. However, this methodology imposes substantial hardware overhead. Usually, it requires a dedicated ASIC chip to implement the coding technique. Therefore, this methodology is targeted only for circuit board level applications where the required amount of hardware overhead is allowed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is based on an analytical fault diagnostic methodology for chip level applications. This method requires little hardware overhead, thus making it feasible for chip level applications. The method assumes a scan design environment, and is capable of locating errors to the scan flops that capture the errors during test, independently of the number of errors that the CUT produces. Moreover, the proposed methodology is also capable of identifying the test vector or vectors under which the errors are generated, with better resolution than that achievable by existing analytical techniques. In addition, the proposed diagnostic methodology does not require any on-tester decision-making. Compared to prior research, the proposed methodology is practical in that it does not restrict the number of errors that a CUT can produce, and in that its hardware is small enough for chip level applications.
Therefore, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for diagnosing faults in an integrated circuit utilizing scan-based built-in self-test functions. The apparatus includes a signal generator to input a pseudo-random test vector to a plurality of scan chains in said integrated circuit; a programmable data compactor to analyze test response data from said scan chains and to compress said data into an intermediate signature; a secondary data compactor in communication with said programmable compactor, said secondary compactor compressing said intermediate signature; control means associated with said programmable compactor to cause said intermediate signature to be transferred to said secondary compactor and thereafter to instruct said signal generator to input a further test vector to said scan chains; and means to download the contents of said secondary compactor to off-chip storage means after a plurality of test vectors have been scanned.
In accordance with a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of diagnosing faults in an integrated circuit wherein the integrated circuit has scan based built-in self-testability, the method comprising:
(a) select a chain of processing elements in the integrated circuit to be scanned;
(b) scan a first test vector into a plurality of scan chains including said selected chain;
(c) capture scan test data in said selected chain;
(d) compress said scan test data in said programmable compactor to generate an intermediate signature;
(e) compress said intermediate signature in a secondary compactor;
(f) clear said intermediate signature from said programmable compactor;
(g) scan a further test vector into said scan chain and generate a further intermediate signature in said programmable compactor;
(h) compress said further intermediate signature in said secondary compactor; and
(i) download the contents of said second compactor to an external storage means for off-line analysis after a plurality of test vectors have been applied.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the attached drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the fault diagnosis circuit according to a first embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a second embodiment; and
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention utilizing two sets of diagnostic hardware.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the functional elements according to a first embodiment of the invention. These elements include pattern generator 12 which is capable of generating a plurality of pseudo-random test vectors. Scan chain 1 to scan chain m represent the circuit components within the CUT for which fault diagnosis is required. Programmable compactor 14 to be discussed in greater detail hereinafter analyzes and compacts test data from the scan chains to create an intermediate signature. Secondary compactor 16 accepts a sequence of the intermediate signatures from programmable compactor 14 and compresses these signatures further to generate a final fault signature.
In FIG. 1, the programmable data compactor 14 is a data compactor with a programmable feedback polynomial. For example, the programmable data compactor 14 can be a programmable LFSR (Linear Feedback Shift Register), a programmable MISR (Multiple Input Shift Register), a programmable CA (Cellular Automata), or a programmable GLFSR (Generalized Linear Feedback Shift Register). The secondary data compactor 16 is a multiple input data compactor, which can be a MISR, a multiple input CA or a GLFSR.
It is to be assumed that all the scan chains are of equal length. In this application a scan flop frame i is a set of scan flops that contains all the i th scan flops from all the scan chains. In addition, it is initially assumed that all the scan chains work at the same frequency, for simplicity.
The diagnostic methodology consists of two levels of data compaction. It first compresses the test response to a test vector into the programmable data compactor 14; and then it compresses the content of the programmable data compactor into a secondary data compactor 16 after all the test response to the test vector has been compressed. After the content of the programmable compactor 14 has been compressed, the programmable compactor 14 is cleared, and then used to compress the test response to a next test vector. After all test vectors have been applied, the signature obtained in the secondary compactor 16 is saved for off-line analysis. Then, the programmable compactor 14 is set to another feedback polynomial, and the whole process is repeated until an adequate number of signatures have been collected. The following procedure summarizes the process.
1. Set i=1;
2. Set the programmable data compactor 14 to polynomial f i (x);
3. Scan a test vector into the scan chains by setting the scan mode signal SM=1;
4. Capture the test response by setting SM=0;
5. Scan in another test vector by setting SM=1, and at the same time scan out the test response captured in the scan flops and compress them with the programmable register 14;
6. After all the test response to the test vector has been compressed into the programmable compactor 14 (in the meantime, a new test vector has been shifted into the scan chains), set SM=0 to capture the test response to the new test vector, and at the same time compress the content in the programmable compactor 14 into the secondary compactor 16;
7. Then, clear the programmable compactor 14 with the signal clr;
8. Go to Step 5, until all the test vectors are applied;
9. Save the signature collected in the secondary compactor 16 for off-line analysis;
10. Set i=i+1;
11. Go to Step 2, until an adequate number of signatures have been collected.
12. Stop.
The feedback polynomials used for the programmable data compactor 14 i.e., to implement a data compaction function are required to follow certain error control coding rules. For example, the feedback polynomial can be defined as f i (x)=x-α i where α is a primitive element over Galois field GF(2 m ).
It is usually required to repeat the same test vector set 2t times if up to t scan flop frames in the scan chains will capture or produce errors during test. Under single fault or single defect assumption, t can easily be determined by tracing the netlist of the CUT. In fact, in this case, t is equal to the maximum number of scan flops on a single chain that a single fault in the CUT may affect.
The hardware overhead imposed by the proposed methodology is very small. In the case shown in FIG. 1, the hardware overhead is the programmable compactor. As will be shown later, this programmable compactor can either be used for aliasing reduction in normal BIST mode or be shared by normal BIST circuitry. Obviously, another type of cost imposed by the proposed methodology is the extra tester time required to repeat the same test set 2t times. However, compared to hardware overhead, which imposes recurring silicon cost for every single chip, the tester time expenditure is just a one-time cost only for a few faulty chips that require fault analysis. Furthermore, the proposed diagnostic methodology is independent of specific CUT designs, i.e., it uses the same hardware for all CUT designs. In addition, in both the normal BIST mode and the diagnostic mode, the proposed methodology does not affect the at-speed operation provided by some BIST techniques.
Having collected enough signatures by applying the procedure described previously, the information of the collected signatures can be used to identify the locations of the failing scan flops or failing scan flop frames. Usually, if there can be up to t failing scan flop frames in the structure described in FIG. 1, 2t signatures are required.
Assuming that 2t signatures have been collected, the procedure can be represented by the following equations:
ΔS=H.sub.PC EH.sub.SC (Eq 1)
=H.sub.PC ΔS.sup.1.sub.sf, ΔS.sub.sj.sup.2 . . . ΔS.sub.sj.sup.n ! (Eq2)
where ΔS is the 2t error signatures collected; H PC represents the checking matrix of the code generator corresponding to the programmable compactor when it is used 2t times as previously described; H SC represents the checking matrix of the code generator corresponding to the secondary compactor; and E represents the error matrix where each entry E(τ,i) is the error from the i th scan flop frame in response to the test vector τ, E is of the size NxT, where N is the scan chain length, T is the number of test vectors in the test set, and ΔS SF i can be considered as the intermediate error signature for scan frame i.
The above equations consist of 2t equations if 2t signatures are collected. If there can be up to t failing scan flop frames, there are 2t unknown variables in the above equations. Therefore, the above equations provide a unique solution to these 2t unknown variables. Among the unknown variables, t of them are the locations of the failing scan flop frames and the others are the intermediate error signatures each for a failing scan flop frame.
Although this technique is able to identify the scan flop frames that captured errors during the test, we still do not know exactly which scan flops failed.
In a second embodiment of the invention an approach that correctly locates errors in the failing scan flops is provided.
In FIG. 1, all the scan chains are tested at the same time, and the test responses from all the scan chains are analyzed in parallel. Therefore, when the i th scan flop in the j th scan chain fails, the approach presented in FIG. 1 can only point out that the i th scan flop frame, which consists of all the i th scan flops from every single scan chain, contains errors, without knowing exactly which scan flop from which scan chain fails. To solve the resolution problem, an approach is to treat the multiple scan chains as multiple single scan chains, i.e., diagnose one chain at a time. In other words, the entire test set is applied to all the scan chains, but the test response from only a single chain is analyzed. This can be accomplished by gating the scan-out data as shown in FIG. 2. As shown, controller 18 is used to select the test responses.
Assume the maximum t for scan chain i to be t i , where 0≦i≦m-1. Under the single fault assumption, t i is equal to the maximum number of scan flops in the i th scan chain that can be affected by a single fault in the CUT. In this case, the test set to a CUT is repeated 2t i times to diagnose its i th scan chain. Each time the complete test set is applied to all the scan chains, but only the test responses from the i th scan chain are fed into the compactors.
Obviously, this approach guarantees correct fault diagnosis to failing scan flops at the cost of increased hardware requirements. In this case, the extra hardware requirements include a log 2 (m) bit counter plus some gates.
In terms of tester time, the test one chain at a time approach requires: ##EQU1## where T is the tester time to apply the test vector set once.
It is easy to show that Γ is the same as that required by the approach shown in FIG. 1 in the worst case. By worst case, it is meant that the t i scan flop frames from each chain are disjointed.
Therefore, as a guideline to the CUT design, t i should be minimized by partitioning the scan flops that can be affected by a single circuit node into different scan chains.
Tester time reduction for the approach shown in FIG. 2 is possible if the required tester time for the approach shown in FIG. 1 is less than Γ, i.e., less than the worst case tester time. In this case, we first fault diagnose all the chains in parallel as shown in FIG. 1, to identify the failing scan flop frames. Then, the scan chains are tested one at a time without fault diagnosis, simply to identify the failing chains. In this way, it is known that, in the failing scan flop frames, only those scan flops from the failing scan chains may produce errors. Thus, the total tester time is T(2t+m), where 2Tt is the tester time to identify the failing scan flop frames, and Tm is the tester time to identify failing chains.
After identifying the scan flops that capture errors during test, it is usually required to further locate the gates that actually produce the errors.
One approach follows the same strategy as other analytical BIST diagnostic techniques. That is, to identify the failing test vectors, and then analyze these vectors, by simulation for example, to identify the faulty gate or gates.
For scan chain j, after repeating the test set 2t j times, we know exactly the failing scan flop positions i 1 , i 2 , . . . , i t .sbsb.j, as well as the intermediate signatures ΔS sf i .sbsp.1, ΔS sf i .sbsp.2, . . . , and ΔS sf i .sbsp.t.sbsp.j, by solving Equation 1. In fact, ΔS sf i .sbsp.n, where 1≦n≦t j , is equivalent to the error signature calculated by the secondary compactor under the assumption that scan chain j consists of only a single flop, i.e., scan flop i n . With the intermediate signatures for the failing flop i n , it is possible to identify the test vectors that generate errors in scan flop i n , given that the number of such test vectors is small. In general, we can identify up to r such test vectors if the secondary data compactor implements a r-error correcting code.
Compared to existing analytical approaches, the presented approach yields better diagnostic capacity (measured by the number of failing test vectors that the approach guarantees to identify), and thus better resolution. This is because this approach is able to separate the failing scan flops and provides an independent error signature for each of these flops. In comparison, the existing approaches have only a single signature for all the failing flop i n . For example, if test vectors τ 1 and τ 2 generate two errors in scan flops i 1 and i 2 , respectively, the error sequence seen by the existing approaches is a double error sequence, while it is seen by our approach as two independent single error sequences, one generating ΔS sf i .sbsp.1, and the other generating ΔS sf i .sbsp.2.
After knowing the exact positions of the failing scan flops, another possible approach to locate faults is to analyze the structure of the CUT. Under the single fault assumption, the circuit node or nodes that exactly fanout to all the failing scan flops are the best candidate fault sites. If no such nodes exist, other circuit nodes, such as those that fanout to all the failing scan flops, can be used as a candidate, or multiple faults should be considered.
The programmable compactor required in the proposed diagnostic methodology can be used to reduce the aliasing in normal BIST operations. Since the programmable compactor can be set to a different primitive feedback polynomial than that for the secondary compactor, the aliasing probability achieved by a single compactor in normal BIST environments can be reduced from 2 -m to 2 -2m , assuming both compactors are of length m and primitive.
In this case, the only required modification to the approach shown in FIG. 1 is to enable the secondary compactor and disable the clr signal in the normal BIST mode.
If it is decided to diagnose one chain at a time, the extra compactor required by the proposed method can be shared with the normal BIST circuitry. In this case, we can use a m-stage compactor for normal BIST mode. In diagnostic mode, the m-stage compactor can be split into two, compactor 1 and compactor 2 . Compactor 1 can be used for the programmable compactor and compactor 2 for the secondary compactor. In this case, the total hardware overhead imposed by the proposed diagnostic approach is two controllers, one for the scan chain selection as shown in FIG. 2 and the other for the polynomial selection required by the programmable compactor. The controller for scan chain selection requires a log 2 (m) bit counter plus some gates if there exist m scan chains. The controller for polynomial selection requires a log 2 (N+1) bit counter plus some gates, if the longest scan chain consists of N scan flops. In this case, the length of the programmable compactor must be greater or equal to log 2 (N-1). The length of the secondary compactor must be long enough to guarantee satisfactory aliasing.
The methodology uses the same diagnostic hardware for all CUT designs. By specifying the t i 's for each specific CUT, this methodology also adapts very well to the different requirements of different CUTs. For different CUTs, the tester time requirement for diagnosis can be quite different although the diagnostic hardware is always the same. Compared to hardware overhead, which imposes recurring silicon cost to every single chip, the tester time expenditure is a non-recurring cost only for the few faulty chips that require fault analysis. However, in some special cases, the required tester time may become unacceptable. In this case, the proposed methodology allows trade-off between hardware overhead and tester time requirement.
For example, if it is advantageous to reduce the tester time by half, two sets of the diagnostic hardware can be used. Each set consists of a programmable compactor 14,24 and a secondary compactor 16,26. FIG. 3 shows such a configuration.
In diagnostic mode, the two programmable compactors 14,16 are set to different feedback polynomials f i (x) and f 2i (x), where 1≦i≦t j for scan chain j. The two secondary compactors 16,26 are always of the same feedback polynomial. In this case, to identify up to t j failing scan flops in a chain, we only need to repeat the test set t j times, as opposed to 2t j times.
In general, multiple copies of the diagnostic hardware can be used if the amount of hardware overhead is acceptable. In an extreme case, to locate up to t failing scan flops in a chain, one can use 2t sets of the diagnostic hardware.
In the multiple frequency BIST environment, all the flops on a same scan chain work at the same frequency. In this case, we can easily extend our diagnostic methodology to this environment if we analyze the test responses from one chain at a time.
The basic idea is that when we analyze the test responses from a scan chain working at clock clk i , we simply replace the signals clk and SM shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the signals clk i and SM i , respectively, where SM i is the scan mode signal for scan chains working at clock clk i . Since this modification is required only for diagnostic mode, the normal BIST operations will not be affected. In normal BIST mode, all the scan chains will still be analyzed at the highest clock frequency. It should be pointed out that the diagnostic mode can also run at speed.
The methodology guarantees correct identification of the scan flops that capture errors during test, independently of the number of errors the circuit under test (CUT) may produce. The proposed methodology is CUT independent in that it uses the same diagnostic hardware for all CUT designs. On the other hand, it is also a CUT-specific methodology because it assigns different tester time to different CUTs according to their structures. The methodology does not assume any specific fault model in the CUT. Thus, it can be used to diagnose non-stuck-at faults in a CUT, such as timing failures, for example. The methodology also supports at-speed BIST operations and fits well in the multiple frequency BIST environment.
In addition to the failing scan flops, the methodology is also able to identify the failing test vectors with a better resolution than existing analytical diagnostic methodologies.
Although specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that variations and alternatives to these embodiments are possible. It is to be understood, however, that such variations and alternatives may fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. | An analytical fault diagnostic methodology for use in complex VLSI chips. The method assumes a scan design environment and is capable of locating errors to the scan flops that capture the errors during test, independently of the number of errors that the circuit-under-test produces. The methodology is also capable of identifying the test vector or vectors under which the errors are generated. The apparatus which is designed to implement the method is also described. As the apparatus requires little hardware, the method is practical for chip level applications. | 30,627 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a shared cache memory, and more particularly to a multiprocessor system and to a method of controlling hit determination of a shared cache memory in a multiprocessor system that includes a plurality of processors that share a multiple-way (n-way) set-associative cache memory that includes a directory and a data array, the multiprocessor system being partitioned such that the plurality of processors each operate as independent systems.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In a multiprocessor system in which a plurality of processors share a cache, and moreover, in a multiprocessor system that has been partitioned to allow the plurality of systems to operate independently, each partition operates as an independent system (OS), and processors may therefore in some cases use the same address to refer to different memory sites.
[0005] Thus, when a different partition has registered a different memory block in the cache by the same address, a partition that refers to the cache at the same address may cause a conflicting cache hit.
[0006] An example of such a conflicting cache hit will be explained hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 1. It is first assumed that the system is partitioned such that partition K 1 is processor 0 and partition K 2 is processor 1 . Processor 1 (partition K 2 ) sequentially supplies as output addresses X, Y, P, and Q in memory blocks A, B, C, and D, following which processor 0 (partition K 1 ) sequentially supplies as output addresses R, Y, P in memory blocks E, F, and G. It is further assumed that each of the above-described blocks A-G are blocks in the same set i and that the cache memory is in the initial state.
[0007] When processor 1 (partition K 2 ) supplies addresses X, Y, P, and Q in blocks A, B, C, and D, copies of blocks A, B, C, and D are stored in ways 0 , 1 , 2 , and 3 of set i of data array 214 as shown in FIG. 1A.
[0008] The subsequent output of address R in block E by processor 0 (partition K 1 ) results in a miss, and the copy of block A that was stored in way 0 is replaced by the copy of block E.
[0009] The subsequent sequential output from processor 0 of addresses Y and P in blocks F and G (the same addresses as blocks B and C) results in a cache hit at ways 1 and 2 that were registered by partition K 2 , as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, resulting in a conflicting cache hit.
[0010] As one example for preventing such a conflicting cache hit, Japanese Patent laid-open No. 2001-282617 discloses a case in which bits for storing partition numbers are extended on all cache tags, and a comparison circuit, when carrying out hit determination, determines partitions that are registered in the cache. As a result, cache hits are guaranteed not to occur in cache blocks that are registered in other partitions, and conflicting cache hits are therefore prevented.
[0011] However, a method in which bits are added to a cache tag and shared cache areas are allocated to each partition such as the aforementioned Japanese Patent No. 2001-282617 also entails an increase in the hardware construction. The above-described method is therefore problematic because it does not allow miniaturization of the shared cache, miniaturization of an on-chip multiprocessor system having a limited chip area, or a reduction in costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a multiprocessor system and a method of controlling hit determination for a shared cache memory of the type initially defined, this system having the same amount of hardware as a system of the prior art and being capable of preventing conflicting cache hits of each partition, and further, being capable of both reducing costs and allowing miniaturization of a shared cache or miniaturization of an on-chip multiprocessor system having a limited chip surface area.
[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention hits of, of the ways in a set that have been designated at the time a processor of a particular partition accesses a shared cache memory, only those ways that have been allocated in advance in accordance with active signals that are supplied as output at the time of the access are determined.
[0014] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the multiprocessor system comprises a circuit for determining hits of, of the ways in a set that have been designated at the time of a processor of a particular partition accesses the shared cache memory, only those ways that have been allotted in advance in accordance with active signals that are supplied as output at the time of the access.
[0015] In a multiprocessor system that shares a cache among a plurality of processors and in which the multiprocessor system has been partitioned, allocating ways that correspond to each partition and removing from hit determination ways that are allocated to other partitions can prevent conflicting cache hits of each partition while using an amount of hardware that is equivalent to the prior art. This approach not only allows miniaturization of a shared cache or miniaturization of an on-chip multiprocessor system having a limited chip area, but also allows a reduction in cost.
[0016] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate examples of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] [0017]FIG. 1 is a view for explaining the operations of the prior art;
[0018] [0018]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the construction of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] [0019]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the construction of a cache controller and an on-chip cache memory;
[0020] [0020]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the construction of the replacement control circuit shown in FIG. 3;
[0021] [0021]FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining input/output signals of the comparison circuit that is shown in FIG. 3; and
[0022] [0022]FIG. 6 is a view for explaining an example of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 2, an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes on-chip multiprocessor system 110 , on-chip multiprocessor system 120 , off-chip cache memory 130 , main memory 140 , memory bus 150 , and memory bus 160 .
[0024] In the present embodiment, on-chip multiprocessor system 110 is divided into two systems, is in a state in which three systems operate including multiprocessor system 120 , partition numbers being allocated such that partition K 1 is allocated to processor core 111 , partition K 2 is allocated to processor core 112 , and partition K 3 is allocated to on-chip multi processor system 120 .
[0025] On-chip multiprocessor system 110 comprises processor cores 111 and 112 , cache controller 113 , and on-chip cache memory 114 . On-chip multiprocessor system 120 comprises processor cores 121 and 122 , cache controller 123 , and on-chip cache memory 124 . On-chip cache memory 114 and on-chip cache memory 124 are four-way set-associative cache memories.
[0026] [0026]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the construction of cache controller 113 and on-chip cache memory 114 that are shown in FIG. 2. Cache controller 123 and on-chip cache memory 124 are of the same construction.
[0027] Address register 201 is a register for holding physical addresses (assumed to be 32-bit addresses) when processor cores 111 and 112 access main memory 140 . These physical addresses are each composed of block address 202 (here assumed to be 18 bits), set address 203 (here assumed to be 8 bits), and in-block byte address 204 (here assumed to be 6 bits). The number of sets in directory 207 and data array 214 is therefore 256 .
[0028] A copy of an appropriate block of main memory 140 is stored in each of the areas (4 ways×256 sets) of data array 214 . Tags are stored in each of the areas (4 ways×256 sets) of directory 207 , these tags being composed of: the block addresses of blocks for which copies are stored in corresponding areas of data array 214 ; and effective bits that indicate whether these copies are effective or not.
[0029] Register 209 is a register for holding set addresses 203 . Decoder 210 decodes a set address that is held in register 209 and supplies as output a selection signal to select one of the 0th to the 255th sets of directory 207 .
[0030] Register 215 is a register for holding set addresses 203 . Decoder 216 decodes the set address that is held in register 215 and supplies as output a selection signal to select one of the 0th to the 255th sets of data array 214 .
[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, comparison circuit 208 receives as input: the content (tags) of the 0th to third ways in the sets that have been selected by decoder 210 from the 256 sets of directory 207 , block addresses 202 that are held in address register 201 , and active signals 401 . Active signals 401 are two-bit signals and are supplied from memory elements such as registers when partition K 1 or partition K 2 accesses the memory. In this embodiment, the content of active signals 401 is the number of the partition that requested memory access, this number being “01” for partition K 1 and “10” for partition K 2 .
[0032] Next, regarding the operation of comparison circuit 208 will be explained.
[0033] Operation when active signal 401 indicates partition K 1 :
[0034] Comparison circuit 208 compares block address 202 with the block addresses in the tag for which the effective bits of way 0 and way 1 , which have been allocated to partition K 1 , indicates that they are effective; and supplies as output a miss signal if matching does not occur and a hit signal if matching does occur.
[0035] Operation when active signal 401 indicates partition K 2 :
[0036] Comparison circuit 208 compares block address 202 with block addresses in the tag for which the effective bits of way 2 and way 3 , which have been allocated to partition K 2 , indicates that they are effective; and supplies as output a miss signal if matching does not occur and a hit signal if matching does occur.
[0037] Operation when active signal 401 indicates a non-partitioned state:
[0038] Comparison circuit 208 compares block address 202 with the block addresses in the tag for which the effective bits of way 0 , way 1 , way 2 and way 3 indicate that they are effective; supplies as output a miss signal if matching does not occur and a hit signal if matching does occur. In addition, the hit signal contains selection information indicating the way in which the matching block addresses are stored.
[0039] Register 211 is a register for holding hit signals and miss signals that are supplied as output from comparison circuit 208 .
[0040] If a hit signal is supplied as output from comparison circuit 208 , selection circuit 217 supplies the data that are stored in the area of data array 214 that is specified by the output of decoder 216 and the selection information that is contained within this hit signal.
[0041] When a miss occurs, cache tag register 205 holds the tag that is written to directory 207 . Data register 212 , on the other hand, holds a copy of the block that is written to data array 214 when a miss occurs.
[0042] When a miss signal is supplied as output from comparison circuit 208 , replacement control circuit 218 supplies a replacement way signal that indicates the way that is the object of replacement. The details of the construction and operation of replacement control circuit 218 will be explained hereinbelow.
[0043] In accordance with a replacement way signal from replacement control circuit 218 , selection circuit 206 supplies the tag that is being held in cache tag register 205 to, of the four ways of directory 207 , the way that is indicated by the replacement way signal. Directory 207 writes the tag that has been supplied from selection circuit 206 to the area that is specified by the way that is the output destination and by the set that is selected by decoder 210 (the set in which the miss occurred).
[0044] Selection circuit 213 , on the other hand, in accordance with the replacement way signal from replacement control circuit 218 , supplies the copy of the block that is being held in data register 212 to, of the four ways of data array 214 , the way that is indicated by the replacement way signal. Data array 214 writes the copy of the block that has been supplied from selection circuit 213 to the area that is specified by the way that is the output destination and the set that was selected by decoder 216 (the set in which the miss occurred).
[0045] [0045]FIG. 4 is a block diagram that shows an example of the construction of replacement control circuit 218 that is shown in FIG. 3. This replacement control circuit 218 comprises LRU bit updating circuit 301 , LRU bit holding unit 302 , and replacement object selection circuit 303 .
[0046] LRU bit holding unit 302 consists of the 256 sets from the 0th to the 255th set, and in each set, LRU bits are stored that indicate the order of reference of the four ways within that set. In the present embodiment, LRU bits are composed of 8 bits with two bits being allocated to each of way 0 , way 1 , way 2 and way 3 in that order starting from the leading bit. The bits that correspond to each way are set to “00”, “01”, “10”, and “11” in the order starting from the earliest reference.
[0047] When a hit signal is supplied as output from comparison circuit 208 , LRU bit updating circuit 301 updates, of the LRU bits that are being held in LRU bit holding unit 302 , the LRU bits in the set that is specified by set address 203 .
[0048] The miss signal from comparison circuit 208 , the output of LRU bit holding unit 302 (the content of the set that is selected by the set address), and the active signal are applied as input to replacement object selection circuit 303 . Replacement object selection circuits 303 manage the four ways of directory 207 and data array 214 by dividing the ways into groups: the ways for partition K 1 (way 0 and way 1 ) and the ways for partition K 2 (way 2 and way 3 ).
[0049] When a miss signal is supplied as output from comparison circuit 208 , replacement object selection circuit 303 carries out the following operations based on the processor core that is indicated by the active signal (the processor core that performed the memory access that caused the miss).
[0050] Operations when the active signal indicates partition K 1 :
[0051] Of the LRU bits of 8-bit structure that are supplied from LRU bit holding unit 302 , the bits that correspond to ways 0 and 1 that are group-allocated to partition K 1 are compared (in the present embodiment, the 0th and first bits are compared with the second and third bits) to check which of the ways was consulted earliest. A replacement way signal that indicates the way that was consulted earliest is then generated and supplied as output. For example, if the bits that correspond to ways 0 and 1 are “00” and “10” respectively, a replacement way signal indicating way 0 is supplied. This replacement way signal is supplied to selection circuits 206 and 213 in FIG. 3.
[0052] Operations when the active signal indicates partition K 2 :
[0053] Of the LRU bits of 8-bit structure that are supplied from LRU bit holding unit 302 , the bits that correspond to ways 2 and 3 that are group-allocated to partition K 2 are compared (in the present embodiment, the fourth and fifth bits are compared with the sixth and seventh bits) to check which of the ways was consulted earliest. A replacement way signal that indicates the way that was consulted earliest is then generated and supplied as output.
[0054] Operations when the active signal indicates a non-partitioned state:
[0055] The LRU bits of 8-bit structure that are supplied as output from LRU bit holding unit 302 are compared to check which of the ways of way 0 , way 1 , way 2 , and way 3 was consulted earliest. A replacement way signal that indicates the way that was consulted earliest is then generated and supplied as output.
[0056] The operation of the present embodiment will be described hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 6.
[0057] As an example, processor core 111 now successively supplies addresses X and Y in blocks A and B; followed by processor core 112 which successively supplies addresses P, Q, and X in blocks C, D, and E; following which processor core 111 again successively supplies addresses X and Y in blocks A and B. It is here assumed that all of the above-described blocks A-E are blocks within the same set i, and that the cache memory is in the initial state.
[0058] Processor core 111 supplies addresses X and Y in blocks A and B, following which processor core 112 supplies addresses P and Q in blocks C and D, whereupon copies of blocks A, B, C, and D are stored in ways 0 , 1 , 2 , and 3 of set i of data array 214 as shown in FIG. 6A.
[0059] Processor core 112 then supplies address X (the same address as block A) in block E, whereupon a miss occurs because the ways for processor core 112 are limited to ways 2 and 3 , and the copy of block C that was stored in way 2 is replaced by the copy of block E, as shown in FIG. 6B.
[0060] Despite the subsequent output from processor core 111 of addresses X and Y in blocks A and B, cache hits occur in ways 0 and 1 as shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D.
[0061] Although the number of processors sharing a cache is just two in the above-described embodiment, this number may be three or more. In addition, although the number of partitions of the parts that share the cache was just two in the above-described embodiment, this number may be three or more.
[0062] Finally, although the number of ways was four in the above-described embodiment, this number may be one, two, three, five, or more.
[0063] Although the cache described in the above-described embodiment was a primary cache, the cache may also be a lower-order cache. For example, this embodiment was applied to off-chip cache memory 130 shown in FIG. 2 (in which case, the number of partitions is three). In this embodiment, the active signal was information on the partitions, but the active signal may also be other information (for example, the processor number), and the logic of the corresponding hit determination circuit and replacement object selection circuit can also be applied to such a case.
[0064] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims. | A multiprocessor system includes a plurality of processors that share a multiple-way set-associative cache memory that includes a directory and a data array, the multiprocessor system being partitioned such that the plurality of processor operate as independent systems. The multiprocessor system also includes a hit judgement circuit that determines hits of, of the ways in the sets that are designated at the time a processor of a particular partition accesses the shared cache memory, only those ways that have been allocated in advance in accordance with active signals that are supplied as output at the time of the access. | 20,256 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/150,844, filed 12 Nov. 1993 now abandoned.
The present invention relates to a novel and useful exercise apparatus.
Dynamic exercising usually takes the form of running, walking, cycling, and the like. Persons engaging in such activities measure progress by distances or elapsed time over a certain course of travel. Persons training within a facility such as a stadium, or playing field are often limited by the perimeter of that area. In addition, time constraints require that exercising and training take place within as short a time period as possible, without overtaxing the trainees.
Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 4,527,794 which describes a novel wind resistance exercise device. Although successful, the device depicted in this patent requires the user to affix an airfoil by use of a belt and employ a shoulder harness therewith. In addition, reversing the connection procedure of the device is time consuming and difficult, especially in situations requiring disconnection of the device for safety reasons.
An exercise apparatus using air resistance which is easy to attach to the user and disconnect would be a notable advance in the physical training and therapy field.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a novel and useful exercise apparatus is herein provided.
The apparatus of the present utilizes a harness which may be in the form of a girth fitted about the waist of the user. The harness would include a cinching mechanism such as a buckle and the like.
A base or boss extends from the harness and may be engaged by a pin extending from a plate connected to the harness. The boss may be constructed with a multiplicity of angled bores that extend backwardly and outwardly relative to the harness.
A frame member is also found in the present invention and is connected or linked to the boss extending from the harness. The frame member may be formed with a plurality of rods or other elongated elements that are held within the multiplicity of bores formed in the boss. Such rods may be detachably held to the boss for the purpose of compactness during storage and shipping of the apparatus of the present invention. Such rods may be flexible and possess a high degree of durability and resilience under bending pressures.
A sheet or airfoil is connected to the frame member and is capable of exerting a force on the harness through the frame member and connected boss. Such force would be generated when the harness is moved due to air resistance on the sheet. The sheet may be connected and disconnected from the frame member with ease.
Locking means is also found in the present invention for detaching the sheet relative to the harness. Such locking means may take the form of providing a clip which is capable of affixing to the pin extending through a portion of the boss. In this manner, removal of the clip would permit the boss, and the connected frame and airfoil, to detach from the pin and the harness. A clip may be attached to a tether which is readily available to the user of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.
It may be apparent that a novel and useful exercise apparatus has been described.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus which is simple to assemble and transport to a training facility.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus which utilizes an airfoil or sheet to produce a resistance force which must be overcome by the user's physical effort during walking, running, cycling, and the like.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus which is relatively simple to manufacture and maintain.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus which utilizes the air resistance of an airfoil and permits the user the freedom of arm motion during such exercising.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus which allows a person running or walking to engage in such activity in a relatively small geographical area with a high degree of effort.
The invention possesses other objects and advantages especially as concerns particular characteristics and features thereof which will become apparent as the specification continues.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention in use on a runner shown in phantom.
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of the boss supporting a frame member at the rear of the harness.
FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of a portion of the apparatus of the present invention at the area of the harness to which the boss and frame member are connected.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial side view showing the interconnection of the airfoil with the frame member.
For a better understanding of the invention reference is made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof which should be referenced to the prior described drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Various aspects of the present invention will evolve from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which should be taken on conjunction with the previously discussed drawings.
The invention as a whole is depicted in the drawings by reference character 10. The exercise apparatus 10 includes as one of its elements a harness 12, FIGS. 1 and 2. Harness 12 is shown in the form of a band 14 having a belt 16 connected thereto. Belt 16 is formed with a bitter end 18 which is capable of mating with a buckle 20 on another end of belt 16. Thus, harness 12 is generally in the form of a girth which is capable of fitting around the waist of user 21, FIG. 1. Belt 16 permits the cinching of harness 12 to adjust to the size of a particular waist of user 21. Harness 12 is also formed with reinforced encircling loops 22 and 24 which extend around the rear portion of harness 12, as depicted in FIG. 1. Reinforcing loops 22 and 24 may be constructed of any suitable material such as cloth, wood, metal, and the like. A plurality of fasteners 26 extend through loops 22 and 24 to hold a plate 28 along the outer surface 30 of band 14 of harness 12. Salvage portions 31 and 33 extend along the edges of band 14 for the purpose of strengthening the same, FIGS. 4 and 5.
Boss or base 34 lies against plate 28 and is held thereto by a central pin 36 which extends through boss 34. Clip 38, in the form of a cotter pin, passes through an opening 40 of pin 36 and functions as a retainer for boss 34, in the position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. A plurality of bores 42 such extend into boss 34 at an angle which is oriented outwardly and backwardly from plate 28. Bore 44 represents the typical construction of any of the plurality of bores 42.
Frame member 46 is also found in the present invention. Frame member 46 includes a quartet of flexible rods 48, 50, 52, and 54 which are capable of entering any of the plurality of bores 42 and remaining thereat by a friction fit. With further reference to FIG. 4, it may be observed that plurality of rods 48, 50, 52, and 54 of frame member 46 extend outwardly and rearwardly from plate 28. FIG. 3 illustrates the full extension of plurality of rods 48, 50, 52, and 54 from boss 34.
Sheet or airfoil 56 fastens to the ends of rods 48, 50, 52, and 54. Sheet 56 is depicted in the drawings as having a trapezoidal-shape, however other shapes producing an air resistance would suffice. With reference to FIG. 6, it may be seen that fastening means 58 for holding sheet 56 to frame 46 is depicted with respect to rod 54. It may be apparent that fastening means 58 is also employed to hold sheet 56 to rods 48, 50, and 52. In this regard, rod 54 terminates in a cap 60 having a slot 62. Sheet 56 possesses a quartet of reinforced corners such as corner 64 having a protuberance such as ring 66 at the terminus thereof. Ring 66 fits in slot 62 and is held thereto by the flexing of rod 54. As noted in FIG. 3, 2 and 3, rods 48, 50, 52, and 54 possess a slight bow due to the sizing of sheet 56. Such bowing keeps sheet 56 under tension and permits the sheet to be affixed to frame 46.
Locking means 70 detachably connects sheet 56 to harness 12 by the use of boss 34, pin 36, and clip 38. Tether 72 extends forward to the user to permit the user to pull clip 72 from pin 36. At this point, boss 34 will slide from pin 36 such that sheet 56 is detached from harness 12.
In operation, the user assembles apparatus 10 by placing rods 48, 50, 52, and 54 within the bores 42 of boss 34, FIG. 4. Sheet 56 is then attached to the ends of rods 48, 50, 52, and 54 by the use of fastening means 58, FIG. 6. The user then straps harness 12 about his or her waist and cinches the same to a comfortable fit. The user 21 then moves by walking, jogging, cycling, and the like. Air resistance on sheet 56 subsequently produces a force against which the user must work. Such additional work, of course, adds to the exercise effort of user 21. Tether 72 may be yanked or pulled to immediately release sheet 56 from harness 12, as conditions dictate. It has been found that apparatus 10 permits the user 21 to exercise vigorously within a relatively small geographic perimeter, unlike the area required for normal walking, jogging, cycling, and the like.
While, in the foregoing, embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, it may be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such detail without departing from the spirit and principles of the invention. | An exercise apparatus utilizing a harness or girth which attaches to the central region of a user. A boss extends outwardly and rearwardly from the harness to support a frame member. The frame member is detachably connected to the boss and connected to a sheet or airfoil which is capable of creating air resistance and increases work to the user as the user travels in a certain direction. | 10,161 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/114,845, filed on Nov. 14, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This patent application relates generally to full-duplex digital communication, communication signal repeaters, and power line communications.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In some cases it is desirable to have uninterrupted two-way communication between two devices. For example, telephone calls typically allow uninterrupted two-way communication to simulate a face-to-face communication. Two-way communication can be achieved by dedicating separate communication media to signals in each direction. In some circumstances using separate media can be expensive or impossible. Full-duplex communications allow two devices to both send and receive signals at the same time on a single communication medium. The problem that arises when the devices transmit and receive simultaneously on a communication medium is that the transmitted signal may interfere with the received signal and prevent accurate reception. One way to achieve full-duplex communications is to allocate different frequency bands to each direction of transmission. Confining the transmissions in each direction to non-overlapping frequency bands prevents the signals from interfering with one another. Band-pass filters may be used to cleanly receive each signal while alternate direction transmission continues. This approach may have some draw-backs in certain circumstances, such as reducing the usable bandwidth on the medium available for transmissions in each direction and thus limiting the rate of data transfer.
[0004] Communications signal repeaters are devices used to relay signals between communication nodes that may share access to communication medium, but are still unable to communicate directly with each other because, for example, one node is out of range to reliably receive transmissions from another node. For example, repeaters are often employed in Power Line Communications (PLC) networks. Due to limited bandwidth (e.g., 2-80 MHz) and regulatory limits on radio frequency emissions, digital transmissions over power lines have limited range, typically 1-2 km. In order to propagate signals over longer distances on a power line, digital repeaters are mounted on pole tops at distances corresponding to the range limitations of the power line. Reaching customers located at the extreme end of a power line can require as many as 25 hops between repeaters.
[0005] Transmissions requiring several hops can incur significant delay and consume a relatively large amount of available bandwidth because each retransmission of a signal occupies bandwidth on the communication medium. PLC devices typically share the medium via a Carrier Sense Multiple Access—Collision Avoidance (CSMA-CA) mechanism. This is essentially a listen-before-talk scheme. If the medium is busy, a station will wait until the medium is idle before sending any queued data. Transmissions on a CSMA-CA network are broken up into units of limited duration called frames. When a station has data to transmit and detects the medium is idle it will contend for the medium by commencing the transmission of a frame. If no collision occurs, the station will complete transmission of the frame. Upon completion of the frame, the station will relinquish the medium for at least a predetermined period of time to allow other stations to contend for the medium with transmissions of appropriate priority level. After the period of time expires, the station may commence transmission of another frame as needed. Repeaters must contend for the medium in order to retransmit a frame of data that they have received. Repeaters receive one or more complete frames of data and store that data until the repeater is able to successfully contend for the medium and commence retransmission of the data in a new frame or frames. This store and forward method causes an additional delay of at least the frame duration for each repeater hop in the path of a message. Each retransmission along the path also occupies bandwidth on the medium for the entire duration of the frame or frames.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one aspect, in general, an apparatus includes a first modulator that converts a symbol to a waveform. The apparatus further includes a first non-linear filter, configured to at least partially compensate for non-linear distortions of a transmission signal path. The apparatus further includes a first medium coupling device for coupling signals to a communication medium. The apparatus further includes a second medium coupling device for coupling signals from the communication medium. The apparatus further includes summing circuitry with a first input connected to an output of the second medium coupling device. The apparatus further includes cancellation circuitry, connected to a second input of the summing circuit, that converts the symbol to an analog waveform that is substantially 180 degrees out of phase with the analog waveform encoding the symbol on the first input to the summing circuit.
[0007] Aspects can include one or more of the following features. The first non-linear filter may be cascaded after the first modulator and the first medium coupling device may be cascaded after the first non-linear filter. The waveform may be a digitally encoded waveform. The apparatus may further include a first digital to analog converter cascaded after the first non-linear filter. The apparatus may further include a first analog amplifier connected to the output of the first digital to analog converter. The apparatus may further include a second analog amplifier with an automatic gain control circuit with the input connected to the output of the summing circuit. The apparatus may further include an analog to digital converter connected to the output of the second analog amplifier, a digital filter that converts the symbol to a digitally encoded waveform that is substantially 180 degrees out of phase with a residual signal encoding the symbol on the output of the analog to digital converter, and a digital summer that adds the output of the digital filter to the output of the analog to digital converter. The cancellation circuitry may include a second non-linear filter configured to at least partially pre-compensate for non-linear distortions of the cancellation circuitry. The first non-linear filter may be a memory polynomial filter. The communication medium may be a power line. The first non-linear filter may have a plurality of sets of coefficients, wherein each set of coefficients is associated with a different phase of the power cycle on the power line and each set of coefficients is adapted independently of the other sets of coefficients. The first modulator may be an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing modulator. The apparatus may further include a second analog amplifier connected to the output of the summing circuit, an analog to digital converter connected to the output of the second analog amplifier, and a signal path estimation block configured to estimate the non-linear distortion in the transmission signal path and the linear distortion in the transmission signal path based on the signal at the output of the analog to digital converter and the symbol. The signal path estimation block may be configured to estimate the linear distortion first and use the linear distortion estimate to estimate the non-linear distortion. The non-linear distortion estimate from the signal path estimation block may be used to configure the first non-linear filter and the estimation process is repeated with a subsequent symbol. The first medium coupling device and the second medium coupling device may share one or more common components.
[0008] In another aspect, in general, a method includes filtering a transmission signal with a non-linear filter to at least partially pre-compensate for nonlinear distortion in a first signal path to generate a pre-compensated transmission signal. The method further includes coupling the pre-compensated transmission signal to a communication medium. The method further includes receiving, at a co-located receiver, an analog received signal from the communication medium that includes a component caused by the transmission signal. The method further includes filtering the transmission signal to generate an analog cancellation signal that is substantially 180 degrees out of phase with the component of the analog received signal that is caused by the transmission signal. The method further includes adding the analog cancellation signal to the analog received signal.
[0009] Aspects can include one or more of the following features. The non-linear filter may be a digital filter. The method may further include converting the pre-compensated transmission signal to an analog transmission signal. The method may further include converting the received signal resulting from analog cancellation to a digital received signal, filtering the transmission signal to output a digital cancellation signal that is substantially 180 degrees out of phase with a residual component of the digital received signal that is caused by the transmission signal, and adding the digital cancellation signal to the digital received signal. Filtering the transmission signal to generate an analog cancellation signal may include filtering with a non-linear filter configured to substantially pre-compensate for non-linear distortions of a cancellation path. The non-linear filter may be a memory polynomial filter. The communication medium may be a power line. The transmission signal may be an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing signal. The communication medium may be a coaxial cable. The communication medium may be a twisted pair cable. An estimate of an impulse response of a signal path including the communication medium may be used to filter the transmission signal to generate an analog cancellation signal.
[0010] In another aspect, in general, a method includes transmitting a plurality of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbols on a communication medium. The method further includes receiving the symbols from the communication medium at a co-located receiver. The method further includes applying a discrete Fourier transform to each of the received symbols to compute the frequency domain representation of the received symbols. The method further includes dividing the frequency domain representation of each of the received symbols by the frequency domain representation of the corresponding transmitted symbol. The method further includes averaging the quotients over all the symbols to estimate a transfer function of a first signal path. The method further includes dividing the frequency domain representation of each of the received symbols by the transfer function estimate and applying an inverse discrete Fourier transform to produce linear distortion compensated received symbols. The method further includes estimating the non-linear distortion in the first signal path based on the transmitted symbols and the linear distortion compensated received symbols.
[0011] Aspects can include one or more of the following features. The method may further include configuring a non-linear filter to pre-compensate for non-linear distortions in the first signal path based on the estimate of the non-linear distortion in the first signal path, applying the non-linear filter to a plurality of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbols, and iterating the path estimation process, using the pre-compensated symbols to estimate the linear distortion of the signal path. The method may further include calculating the change in the linear and non-linear channel estimates from the last iteration and continuing to iterate until the change in the linear and non-linear channel estimates is below a threshold, at which point the linear and non-linear channel estimates are stored. The non-linear distortion on the first signal path may be modeled as a memory polynomial for estimation. The coefficient estimates for the memory polynomial may be calculated using a gradient descent algorithm. The gradient descent algorithm may use different adaptation step sizes for each harmonic branch of the memory polynomial. The gradient descent algorithm may use smaller step sizes for higher harmonic branches of the memory polynomial. The method may further include passing a plurality of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbols through a second signal path that includes a cancellation path to an analog summer in the co-located receiver and iterating the estimation process to estimate the linear and non-linear distortions in the second signal path.
[0012] In another aspect, in general, a method includes transmitting a first multi-carrier signal on a communication medium and recovering a second multi-carrier signal from the communication medium, wherein the first multi-carrier signal and the second multi-carrier signal at least partially overlap in both frequency and time. Recovering the second multi-carrier signal includes adding a cancellation signal to a signal detected from the medium to suppress the first multi-carrier signal and recover the second multi-carrier signal.
[0013] Aspects can include one or more of the following features. Recovering the second multi-carrier signal may include calculating the cancellation signal to be substantially 180 degrees out of phase with the component of the signal detected from the medium that is caused by the first multi-carrier signal. The communication medium may be a power line. The communication medium may be a coaxial cable. The communication medium may be a twisted pair cable. An estimate of an impulse response of a signal path including the communication medium may be used to filter the transmission signal to generate an analog cancellation signal. The first and second multi-carrier signals may be orthogonal frequency division multiplexed signals. The set of carrier frequencies modulated by data in the first multi-carrier signal and the set of carrier frequencies modulated by data in the second multi-carrier signal may intersect. The first multi-carrier signal and the second multi-carrier signal may be synchronized. Symbol boundaries of the first multi-carrier signal and the second multi-carrier signal may be aligned in time at the receiver. The first multi-carrier signal and the second multi-carrier signal may be synchronized so that symbol boundaries are aligned in time at the receiver. The multi-carrier signals may be broadband signals. The first multi-carrier signal may encode data from a frame that is still being received from the second multi-carrier signal.
[0014] In another aspect, in general, an apparatus includes a modulator that converts a symbol to a digitally encoded waveform. The apparatus further includes a non-linear filter, configured to substantially pre-compensate for non-linear distortions of a transmission signal path, cascaded after the modulator. The apparatus further includes a digital to analog converter cascaded after the non-linear filter. The apparatus further includes an analog amplifier connected to the output of the digital to analog converter. The apparatus further includes a medium coupling device connected to the output of the analog amplifier. The apparatus further includes a receiver connected to the medium coupling device, receiving a detected signal appearing on a medium connected to the medium coupling device. The apparatus further includes a cancellation device that substantially cancels the representation of the symbol in the detected signal to determine a cancelled signal. The apparatus further includes an adaptation block that calculates new values for coefficients of the non-linear filter based in part on the cancelled signal.
[0015] Aspects can include one or more of the following features. The cancellation device may include an analog summing circuit that is used to add a cancellation signal to the detected signal. The non-linear filter may be a memory polynomial filter. The medium coupling device may be connected to a power line and couple signals to and from the power line. The medium coupling device may be connected to a coaxial cable and couple signals to and from the coaxial cable. The medium coupling device may be connected to a twisted pair cable and couple signals to and from the twisted pair cable. The first non-linear filter may have a plurality of sets of coefficients, wherein each set of coefficients is associated with a different phase of the power cycle on the power line and each set of coefficients is adapted independently of the other sets of coefficients. The first modulator may be an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing modulator.
[0016] In another aspect, in general, an apparatus includes a transmitter configured to modulate a first multi-carrier signal and couple the first multi-carrier signal to a communication medium. The apparatus further includes a receiver configured to couple signals from the communication medium and demodulate a second multi-carrier signal, wherein the first multi-carrier signal and the second multi-carrier signal at least partially overlap in both frequency and time. The apparatus further includes a processing device connected to both the transmitter and the receiver and configured to calculate a cancellation signal and add the cancellation signal to signals coupled from the communication medium by the receiver to suppress the first multi-carrier signal and recover the second multi-carrier signal.
[0017] Aspects can include one or more of the following features. The cancellation signal may be substantially 180 degrees out of phase with the component of the signals coupled from the communication medium that is caused by the first multi-carrier signal. The communication medium may be a power line. The communication medium may be a coaxial cable. The communication medium may be a twisted pair cable. The processing device may calculate an estimate of an impulse response of a signal path including the communication medium that is used to filter the transmission signal to generate the cancellation signal. The cancellation signal may be analog and the receiver may include an analog summer circuit that is used to add the cancellation signal to signals coupled from the communication medium. The first and second multi-carrier signals may be orthogonal frequency division multiplexed signals. The set of carrier frequencies modulated by data in the first multi-carrier signal and the set of carrier frequencies modulated by data in the second multi-carrier signal may intersect. The first multi-carrier signal and the second multi-carrier signal may be synchronized. Symbol boundaries of the first multi-carrier signal and the second multi-carrier signal may be aligned in time at the receiver. The first multi-carrier signal and the second multi-carrier signal may be synchronized so that symbol boundaries are aligned in time at the receiver. The multi-carrier signals may be broadband signals. The transmitter may include a non-linear filter, configured to at least partially compensate for non-linear distortions of a transmission signal path. The non-linear filter may include coefficients that are calculated by the processing device based at least in part on signals coupled from the communication medium by the receiver. The processing device may calculate a second cancellation signal that is digital, the receiver may further include an analog to digital converter connected to the output of the analog summer circuit, and the second cancellation signal may be added to digital signals from the analog to digital converter. The second cancellation signal may be substantially 180 degrees out of phase with a residual component of the signals coupled from the communication medium that is caused by the first multi-carrier signal that remains after addition of the analog cancellation signal. The first multi-carrier signal may encode data from a frame that has been partially demodulated and is still being demodulated by the receiver from the second multi-carrier signal.
[0018] In another aspect, in general, an apparatus includes a means for transmitting a first multi-carrier signal on a communication medium. The apparatus further includes a means for recovering a second multi-carrier signal from the communication medium, wherein the first multi-carrier signal and the second multi-carrier signal at least partially overlap in both frequency and time. Recovering the second multi-carrier signal includes adding a cancellation signal to a signal detected from the medium to suppress the first multi-carrier signal and recover the second multi-carrier signal.
[0019] Among the many advantages of the invention (some of which may be achieved only in some of its various aspects and implementations) are the following.
[0020] Transmission signals from a transmitter that are detected by a collocated receiver can be suppressed to enable simultaneous transmission and reception of signals on a communication medium while reusing bandwidth for both transmission and reception. For example, the described methods and apparatus may be applied in a full-duplex orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) communications system with upstream and downstream signals simultaneously occupying some or all of the same frequency spectrum. In another example, the described methods and apparatus may be applied in a communications signal repeater to reduce delay through a network without reducing throughput by allowing the repeater to begin the forwarding transmission of a frame of data before reception of the entire frame is completed, while reusing some or all of the same frequency spectrum on the communication medium. Furthermore, some of the methods and apparatus described in this application provide for effective local transmit cancellation in the presence of transmit amplifiers and transmission channels that have both linear and non-linear distortion components.
[0021] The transmit signal is pre-compensated for non-linear distortion such that the signal, when it reaches the communication medium, is cleaner in the sense that the non-linear distortions of the transmit amplifier are mitigated. By adding a cancellation waveform to the received waveform in the analog domain, the signal-to-noise ratio at the digital receiver is improved and the requisite dynamic range or required bits of the analog-to-digital converter are reduced. Estimating the linear distortion effects independently from the non-linear distortion effects, yields a highly computationally efficient cancellation model. The system allows for robust full duplex communication on a network with large distortions, attenuations and reflections that result in a reflected version of the transmit signal with power that is large relative to signal received from a remote transmitter.
[0022] Some of the foregoing method(s) may be implemented as a computer program product comprised of instructions that are stored on one or more machine-readable media, and that are executable on one or more processing devices. The foregoing method(s) may be implemented as an apparatus or system that includes one or more processing devices and memory to store executable instructions to implement the method.
[0023] The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Further features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital communication transceiver employing transmission suppression.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing signal paths and their associated distortions.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a data modulator used to generate an analog transmit-cancellation signal.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process for computing estimates of the non-linear and linear channel characteristics of a signal path.
[0028] FIG. 5 is block diagram a TX distortion measurement block.
[0029] FIG. 6 is schematic of a memory-polynomial based pre-distorter used for non-linearity compensation.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram of a digital communication transceiver employing transmission suppression.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a transmission line with repeaters.
[0032] Like reference numerals in different figures indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] There are a great many possible implementations of the invention, too many to describe herein. Some possible implementations that are presently preferred are described below. It cannot be emphasized too strongly, however, that these are descriptions of implementations of the invention, and not descriptions of the invention, which is not limited to the detailed implementations described in this section but is described in broader terms in the claims.
[0034] Cancellation techniques are used to achieve full-duplex communication or low-delay forwarding on a communication medium while allowing the transmitted and received signals to overlap in both time and frequency. When the transmitted signal is coupled to the medium, it is detected by a collocated receiver along with a desired signal from a remote device. A cancellation signal is generated based upon information about the transmitted signal and the signal paths. The cancellation signal is added to the detected signal to substantially suppress or eliminate the components associated with the transmitted signal and facilitate reception of the desired signal. The cancellation signal may be generated by applying adaptive linear and/or non-linear filters to a representation of the transmitted signal.
[0035] Non-linearities in the transmit signal path may be pre-compensated using a adaptive non-linear filter in the transmit path, thus simplifying the adaptation of the filters in the cancellation signal path. The non-linear pre-compensation filter may be adapted based on measurements of the detected signal, possibly after processing to remove linear distortions from the signal. The use of a non-linear pre-compensation filtering in the transmit path has the additional benefit of providing a cleaner transmitted signal on the medium, thus facilitating remote reception and regulatory compliance.
[0036] Some or all of the cancellation may be performed on the analog detected signal by using an analog summing circuit to apply an analog cancellation signal to the detected signal prior to analog to digital conversion. Applying a cancellation signal in the analog domain may allow the use of a digital to analog converter with a smaller dynamic range which is generally cheaper. This advantage is most pronounced when the power of the component of the detected signal corresponding to the transmitted signal is large relative to the power of the desired signal component. A digital cancellation signal may be applied to the received signal after analog to digital conversion to further suppress any residual components in the signal relating to the transmitted signal.
[0037] Some implementations of the physical (PHY) layer use OFDM modulation. In OFDM modulation, data are transmitted in the form of OFDM “symbols.” Each symbol has a predetermined time duration or symbol time T s . Each symbol is generated from a superposition of N sinusoidal carrier waveforms that are orthogonal to each other and form the OFDM carriers. Each carrier has a center (or “peak”) frequency f i and a phase Φ i measured from the beginning of the symbol. For each of these mutually orthogonal carriers, a whole number of periods of the sinusoidal waveform is contained within the symbol time T s . The symbol time T s does not include added time between symbols for features of a transmission protocol such as a guard band or cyclic prefix. Equivalently, each carrier frequency is an integral multiple of a frequency interval Δf=1/T s . The phases Φ i and amplitudes A i of the carrier waveforms can be independently selected (according to an appropriate modulation scheme) without affecting the orthogonality of the resulting modulated waveforms. The carriers occupy a frequency range between frequencies f 1 and f N referred to as the OFDM bandwidth.
[0038] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary transmit cancellation system where OFDM symbol data 10 , generated by a micro controller or other such data source, is passed to the TX Data Modulator 11 . The TX Data Modulator 11 digitally transforms the symbol data into a corresponding digitally represented spectrally encoded OFDM symbol. The TX Data Modulator 11 then converts this frequency domain symbol into a digitally encoded time domain symbol, and adds an appropriately sized guard interval to the time domain waveform. The digitally encoded time domain waveform data is then passed to the non-linear pre-compensation block 18 where the inverse of the nonlinearities of the system's transmit and receive signal propagation path H 1 36 ( FIG. 2 ), which has been measured by the TX Distortion Measurement block 13 , are applied to the transmit waveform. The digitally represented pre-compensated time domain symbol waveform data is then passed to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 16 where it is translated into a time domain voltage waveform. This voltage waveform is then amplified in the transmit amplifier TX AMP 20 to an appropriate power level and coupled by the coupler 23 to the communication medium 25 where the waveform will be observable by all receivers within range, including the local receiver which is co-located with the transmitter blocks. The transmitted signal that enters the co-located receiver may cause interference with the reception of a signal from a distant transmitter. The cancellation system is able to suppress any such interference.
[0039] The waveform used to cancel the transmitted waveform as it appears at the receive summer 22 is also computed from the same OFDM symbol data 10 used by the TX Data Modulator 11 . Much like the TX Data Modulator 11 the Cancellation (CX) Data Modulator 12 digitally transforms the symbol data into a corresponding digitally represented spectrally encoded OFDM symbol. This spectrally encoded symbol is then adjusted for the system's linear distortions by multiplying it's spectrally encoded representation by the spectral representation of the composite linear channel distortion computed by the TX Distortion Measurement block 13 . This composite linear channel distortion is equal to the linear spectral distortion experienced by path H 1 36 divided by the linear spectral distortion experienced by path H 2 37 . These distortions are measured by the TX Distortion Measurement block 13 and stored (e.g., in a memory within the block 13 ). After the spectrally encoded symbol has been compensated for the composite linear distortions of the system, it is transformed into the time domain, where the appropriate length guard interval is added to its time domain digital representation. Let h 1 and h 2 refer to the impulse response of the two paths H 1 and H 2 respectively. Let x refer to the spectrally encoded OFDM symbol in the time domain at the output of the TX Data Modulator 11 . Then the spectrally-encoded cancellation OFDM symbol in the time-domain, x c , is given by
[0000] x c =F N −1 ( F N ( x )* F N ( h 1)/ F N ( h 1))
[0040] In the above equation, N represents the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) size used in the OFDM system, and F N represents the N-point FFT operation. The inverse FFT (F N −1 ) operation above represents the N-point IFFT as defined by the system and could involve the conjugate symmetric extension of the argument.
[0041] Note that h 1 and h 2 or F N (h 1 ) and F N (h 2 ) may be computed and stored in the TX distortion measurement block 13 .
[0042] The time domain cancellation signal (x c ) in the above equation is then extended with a corresponding prefix for the guard interval. Thus, in essence, the CX data modulator filters the output of the TX data modulator 11 and performs the same operation as the TX data modulator on this filtered output. The described operation of the CX data modulator is depicted in FIG. 3 . The filter 46 in FIG. 3 is described in the frequency domain in the above equation. The system may reuse hardware by sharing building blocks, such as FFT engines, in the various digital signal paths for a more cost effective and efficient implementation. Though FIG. 1 shows one embodiment where the CX data modulator 12 receives its input from the output of the TX data modulator 11 , the CX data modulator could alternatively receive the input symbol data 10 directly in order to compute the cancellation signal.
[0043] The time domain signal at the output of the CX data modulator 12 is then pre-compensated for the nonlinearities experienced by path H 2 37 . These nonlinearities are measured by, and stored in, the TX Distortion Measurement 13 block and applied to the digitally represented time domain symbol by the CX Non-linear Pre-compensation 26 block. After the digitally represented time domain symbol has been fully compensated it is passed to the CX DAC 17 where it is translated into a corresponding analog voltage waveform. It should be noted that the time domain symbol transmitted from the CX DAC 17 is transmitted synchronously with the corresponding symbol which is transmitted from the TX DAC 16 . The analog voltage waveform coming from the CX DAC 17 is then amplified by the CX AMP 21 which drives the analog summer 22 . After the summing process, the signal leaving the analog summer 22 and driving the RX AMP 24 will contain all the signals found on the medium, with the exception of the all or part of the signals transmitted by the local transmitter (e.g., from any of the blocks 11 , 18 , 16 , or 20 ) which have been cancelled out in the summation process. Any residual signals from the output of the TX AMP 20 that remain at the output of the RX AMP 24 will be removed in the Digital TX signal cancellation block 14 .
[0044] In OFDM systems, the complexity of the transmission suppression system may be reduced by synchronizing the transmitted OFDM signal with the received OFDM signal to exploit the guard interval, or cyclic prefix. Synchronization allows the cancellation filtering to be performed on a symbol by symbol basis using cyclic convolution, instead of performing a more complex linear convolution on the sequence of OFDM symbols. When symbol by symbol cyclic convolution is used errors are created in the cancellation signal at the symbol boundaries due to the inaccuracy of the approximation of the transmitted signal as a periodic signal. These errors have a duration determined by the length of the impulse response of the channel estimate. In this case it is desirable to have a guard interval that is at least as long as the delay spread of the channel H 1 . When this condition on the guard interval is met and the symbols of the two OFDM signals are aligned at the receiver, the error in the cancellation signal occurs during the guard interval of the desired received signal, which is discarded by the receiver anyway. Thus, the cancellation approach described above exploits the guard interval in multicarrier systems to avoid cancellation at symbol boundaries, thereby greatly simplifying the cancellation process.
Measurement Process—Analog Cancellation Loop
[0045] In order for the aforementioned analog transmit power cancellation process to provide accurate cancellation, accurate linear and non-linear measurements of the transmit path H 1 36 and the cancellation path H 2 37 should be made and stored. This can be done, for example, in the following manner.
[0046] As the transmitted signal propagates from the TX DAC 16 to the RX ADC 19 along path H 1 36 , it experiences numerous linear and non-linear distortions. FIG. 2 shows a partial block diagram that depicts some representative distortions experienced by the signal that is transmitted from the TX DAC 16 as it propagates along propagation path H 1 36 to the RX ADC 19 , and some representative distortions 34 and 35 experienced by the cancellation signal transmitted from the CX DAC 17 as it follows path H 2 37 to the RX ADC 19 . Distortions caused by the TX AMP 20 , CX AMP 21 , and RX AMP 24 are represented by replacing those blocks with TX Dist block 32 , Cancel Dist block 34 and RX Dist block 35 , respectively. Distortions caused by the coupler 23 and communication medium 25 are represented as a single Coupler & Medium Dist block 33 . These distortions are varied in their nature and may be caused by these or other parts of the system in different proportions. In the illustrated example, the major source of non-linear distortion for path H 1 36 is generated by the transmit amplifier TX AMP 20 and the major source of non-linear distortion for path H 2 37 is generated by the cancellation amplifier CX AMP 21 . Additionally, in this example the major source of linear distortion for path H 1 36 is most often due to the effects of the communication medium 25 as it is coupled via the coupler 23 to the signal path. In other words, a reflected version of the transmitted signal travels through the channel before entering the co-located receive port leading to a linear distortion that is caused by the channel.
[0047] Accurate measurements of the linear and non-linear distortions in paths H 1 36 and H 2 37 can be attained by using the method described in the flowchart of FIG. 4 . The training process for measuring the linear and non-linear distortion of path H 1 36 will be used as an example. Similar techniques can also be employed to measure the distortion of path H 2 37 . Referring to FIG. 7 , during the training phase, switch 28 remains in the up position connecting the Rx ADC 19 to the TX distortion measurement block 13 . When the linear and non-linear distortions on path H 1 are being measured, switches 70 and 72 are closed and switch 71 is open. When measuring distortions on path H 2 , switches 71 and 72 are closed and switch 70 is open. To start the measurement process the channel under measurement, in this case H 1 36 , is assumed to be completely linear 51 , hence no non-linear pre-compensation is applied to the initial signal to be transmitted. First, a multi-symbol training waveform 52 is generated and transmitted 53 through path H 1 36 . Each symbol received at the RX ADC 19 is moved into the frequency domain and divided by the corresponding spectrum of the same symbol before it was transmitted (the undistorted spectrum of the original symbol). The quotient of this per-symbol division operation is then averaged over a sufficiently large number of symbols. The averaging process spreads the power of the noise and other uncorrelated signals and increased the accuracy of the linear channel distortion estimate 54 . The estimate of the linear distortion 54 is then saved for later use.
[0048] Let N s OFDM symbols be used to estimate H 1 . Let x i represent the time-domain OFDM symbol ‘i’ at the output of the TX data modulator 11 , and let y i represent the corresponding received symbol at the input of the RX ADC 19 . Then, the computation of the channel's linear spectral transformation (distortion) described above can be written as follows:
[0000] H 1=(1 /N s )*Σ i F N ( y i )/ F N ( x i ), i=1, 2, . . . , N s
[0049] After the linear channel distortion 54 has been computed, the effects of the linear channel are then removed from one or more of the received symbols 55 by dividing the spectral description of the received symbol by the estimated channel (H 1 ).
[0000] z i =F N −1 ( F N ( y i )/ H 1)
[0050] The linearly compensated RX symbol z i is then used to compute the inverse non-linearity 56 of the signal path being measured, which is, in this case, H 1 36 . Note that for signal path H 1 , x i is the input and z i represents the non-linear output (because the effect of the linear component of the channel has been removed in the computation of z i ). Thus,
[0000] x i =G ( z i ),
[0000] where G represents the inverse non-linearity function. The two quantities x i and z i are used to adaptively estimate the inverse non-linearity function G. The procedure to estimate G is presented later. The operation of the TX distortion measurement block 13 as described in FIG. 4 is shown in more detail in FIG. 5 . In this embodiment, an adaptive algorithm is used to estimate G in block 56 .
[0051] A new multi-symbol calibration waveform is then generated as before. This waveform is then moved into the digital time domain where it is pre-compensated for the systems nonlinearities 58 using the inverse non-linearity function, G, estimated by the non-linear distortion measurement block 18 . Suppose the calibration waveform consisted of a sequence of time-domain OFDM symbols {α i }, the pre-compensated transmit waveform is given by {G (α i )}.
[0052] The pre-compensated waveform is then transmitted 53 and received as before. The received linearized (pre-compensated) waveform is then used to compute a more accurate estimate of the linear channel characteristics 54 . The new, more exact, linear channel estimate is then removed from the signal, and, as before, the resultant signal is used to estimate the non-linear channel characteristics 55 and 56 , which can again be used to transmit another, more accurately pre-compensated 58 channel calibration waveform. This process is repeated until the accuracy of the linear and non-linear channel estimates are adequate for the application 57 , at which point the linear and non-linear channel estimates are stored for later use 59 and the calibration process is stopped 60 .
Measurement and Cancellation Process—Digital Loop
[0053] Due to imperfect measurements and imperfect device characteristics, the transmit power cancellation achieved at the analog summer 22 may be less than required for optimum performance. In order to further improve the removal of the transmitter's power from the received signal, digital cancellation loops can be implemented. These loops can include linear cancellation loops and/or non-linear cancellation loops.
[0054] FIG. 2 shows a representative digital linear cancellation loop. The remaining channel distortion H 3 40 is computed by taking the spectrum of the OFDM symbol received at the RX ADC 19 and dividing it by the original symbol spectral data Symbol Data 10 which was used by the transmitter when generating the symbol now being received. This value is then averaged over a number of symbols to improve its accuracy and to spread the power of noise and interfering signals. The computed remaining linear cancellation distortion H 3 42 is then multiplied by the negative of the original symbol's spectral data Symbol Data 10 yielding the inverse of the transmitted symbols remaining power. This cancellation spectral power is then added 43 to the spectrum of the received symbol, thereby further reducing the transmitted symbols power found in the received symbol data RXD 44 . The process is very similar to the one used to estimate H 1 and H 2 as described above. Referring to FIG. 7 , during the training phase for estimating H 3 , switch 28 is in the up position, switch 70 and 71 are closed, and switch 72 is open. Thus, the distortion measured by the TX distortion block 13 is the residual linear distortion (H 3 ) after non-linearity pre-compensated transmission and analog transmit signal cancellation.
[0055] For additional system performance digital non-linear cancellation loops can also be implemented. This digital non-linear cancellation will work in conjunction with the digital linear cancellation loop much like the non-linear estimation and cancellation process described in FIG. 4 and explained in the analog cancellation section.
[0056] Note that switches 70 , 71 , 72 , and 25 that are shown in FIG. 7 are only present to simplify exposition and to identify the path of signal-flows during different training and calibration modes of operation. Any implementation need not have any or all of these switches. These switches can be replaced with short-circuits and necessary paths can be turned on and off digitally.
Estimating the Inverse Non-Linearity Function
[0057] As mentioned earlier, training symbols are used to estimate the linear and non-linear components of the signal transmission path. Let x i be a transmitted OFDM symbol, and z i be the corresponding non-linear component at the output of the transmission path. In other words, z i is the received symbol from which the effects of the linear channel has been removed in block 55 . It has been said before that the relationship between x i and z i can be expressed as x i =G(z i ), where G represents the non-linear component of the transmission path.
[0058] The inverse non-linearity is modeled using memory polynomials (also known as non-linear tapped delay lines). Thus, the relationship between x i and z i explicitly be expressed as
[0000] x i ( n )=Σ k Σ q w kq z i ( n−q )| z i ( n−q )| k−1 , q= 0, 2 , . . . , Q− 1, and k⊂{1, 2, 3, . . . }.
[0059] In the above equation, k is the set of harmonics that we are trying to suppress, and Q−1 is the memory of the system. FIG. 6 illustrates the memory polynomial model of the non-linearity with Q=2 and k={1, 2, 3, 5}. During the training process, x i and z i are used to compute the weights w kq 61 . The weights are obtained using a gradient descent algorithm like the LMS (least-mean-squares) algorithm. In one embodiment of the algorithm that uses LMS, the weights are obtained in an iterative manner as follows:
[0000] w kq ( n+ 1)= w kq ( n )+μ k z i ( n−q )| z i ( n−q )| k−1 ( x i ( n )−Σ k Σ k w kq ( n ) kq ( n ) z i ( n−q )| z i ( n−q )| k−1 ),
[0000] where μ k represents the step size that is used to adapt the coefficients corresponding to the kth harmonic viz., w kq , q=0, 2, . . . , Q−1.
[0060] In one embodiment of the algorithm, every harmonic branch uses a different step size for faster convergence. Once the weights w kq are determined, the inverse non-linearity function is fully defined, and it can be used for non-linear pre-compensation on the transmit path.
[0061] A transceiver employing the transmission suppression method described above may be used by a communication signal repeater to reduce forwarding delay and enhance network throughput. An exemplary repeater application in a PLC network is depicted in FIG. 8 . The PLC network 800 includes a head end 810 and several stations (e.g. 811 , 812 , 813 , 814 , 815 , 816 , 817 , and 818 ) operating repeaters and positioned on poles spaced along the power line 820 such that only adjacent stations are within reception range of each other. The repeaters include transceivers with the transmission suppression capabilities described above. In the example scenario the head end 810 has data to transmit to station 815 . Head end 810 first partitions the data into one or more CSMA-CA frames and sets the destination field for the frame or frames to the address for station 815 . Head end 810 may also set the value of a control field in the frame header to indicate that immediate forwarding is enabled.
[0062] When head end 810 detects that the medium is idle, it transmits the first frame on the power line 820 using a PHY layer protocol such as, for example, OFDM. The repeater at station 811 begins reception of the frame and checks the destination address. Because station 811 is not the destination and the immediate forwarding is enabled, the repeater begins copying the incoming frame and commences retransmission of the frame before reception of the frame is complete. As it retransmits the frame, station 811 may clear the immediate forwarding control field to indicate that immediate forwarding for the next hop is disabled. Head end 810 is still transmitting the first frame and ignores the retransmission. Station 812 then begins reception of the retransmitted frame and engages its own repeater. Because the immediate forwarding is disabled, station 812 stores the frame until reception is complete and then commences retransmission of the frame. As it retransmits the frame, station 812 may set the immediate forwarding control field to indicate that immediate forwarding for the next hop is enabled. This process of reception and retransmission continues at each repeater 813 and 814 down the power line 820 until station 815 receives the retransmission of the frame from the repeater at station 814 . Station 815 checks the destination address for the frame and determines that it is the final destination of the frame. Thus station 815 does not retransmit the frame, completes reception and decode of the frame so the payload may be passed up for higher network layer stack processing at station 815 .
[0063] After head end 810 completes transmission of the first frame it will wait a length of time sufficient allow retransmission of the first frame by a non-adjacent station, in this case station 812 , or until an acknowledgment for the first frame is received. Head end 810 will then attempt to contend for the medium 820 in order to transmit the next remaining frame if any. The entire process will be repeated until all frames have been sent from head end 810 and received by destination station 815 .
[0064] The amount of time the head end 810 must wait after completion of its transmission of the first frame to start transmission of the next frame is reduced compared to a system that stores the entire frame before commencing retransmission from the repeater at station 811 , because a substantial portion of the frame may be retransmitted prior to completion of the first transmission. Thus head end 810 is able to transmit a sequence of frames faster and a higher network throughput is achieved by reusing the bandwidth on the medium 820 for simultaneous forwarding. The system may also achieve a higher data rate than a comparable system using non-overlapping frequency bands for the transmission and retransmission of a forwarded frame, because more of the usable bandwidth on the medium 820 may be used for each transmission.
[0065] Repeaters employing transmission suppression may reuse bandwidth used by an incoming transmission for concurrent retransmission as long as the destination node (e.g. the next repeater in the repeater chain or the ultimate destination node) is sufficiently remote from the source node (e.g. the previous repeater in the chain or the ultimate source node). If the source node is sufficiently remote from the destination node then interference from the incoming transmission will be small enough to allow reliable reception of the retransmission at the destination node. In this manner forwarding delay is reduced relative to a store and forward repeater scheme while data rates and network throughput may be kept high by efficiently reusing some or all available bandwidth on the medium.
[0066] Any processes described herein and their various modifications (hereinafter “the processes”), are not limited to the hardware and software described above. All or part of the processes can be implemented, at least in part, via a computer program product, e.g., a computer program tangibly embodied in an information carrier, such as one or more machine-readable media or a propagated signal, for execution by, or to control the operation of, one or more data processing apparatus, e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, multiple computers, and/or programmable logic components.
[0067] A computer program can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment.
[0068] Actions associated with implementing all or part of the processes can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform the functions of the calibration process. All or part of the processes can be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) and/or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).
[0069] Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. Components of a computer include a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data.
[0070] Components of different embodiments described herein may be combined to form other embodiments not specifically set forth above. Other embodiments not specifically described herein are also within the scope of the following claims. | A transmission suppression apparatus includes a first modulator that converts a symbol to a waveform. The apparatus further includes a first non-linear filter, configured to at least partially compensate for non-linear distortions of a transmission signal path. The apparatus further includes a first medium coupling device for coupling signals to a communication medium. The apparatus further includes a second medium coupling device for coupling signals from the communication medium. The apparatus further includes summing circuitry with a first input connected to an output of the second medium coupling device. The apparatus further includes cancellation circuitry, connected to a second input of the summing circuit, that converts the symbol to an analog waveform that is substantially 180 degrees out of phase with the analog waveform encoding the symbol on the first input to the summing circuit. | 54,822 |
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation, under 35 U.S.C. §120, of International Patent Application No. PCT/ZA02/00086, filed on May 24, 2002, under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), which was published by the International Bureau in English on Nov. 13, 2003, which designates the United States, and which claims the benefit of South African Patent Application No. 2002/3429, filed Apr. 30, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a method for reducing the toxicity of a mixture of hydrocarbons by means of fractional distillation, a distillate having a reduced toxicity and a composition including the distillate.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Refined crude or synthetic oils or, compositions which include refined crude or synthetic oils, released into the environment are toxic and/or detrimental to the environment and are often used in industry with negative effects to the environment, for example, drilling fluids (sometimes called muds) used in offshore oil and gas production and exploration. Drilling fluids are used to lubricate the drill bit and to carry the debris, such as drill cuttings, up to the surface for disposal. The debris is normally separated from the drilling fluids, however, the debris retain a layer of the drilling fluid. The oil covered debris resulting from such well boring operations need to be shipped to land for safe disposal or, if it were to be discharged onto the seabed or overboard into the sea, it needs to comply with strict environmental impact restrictions. Due to the high expense of shipping and disposing of the mud drilling compositions, a need exists to use drilling fluid which can be discharged onto the seabed or overboard and which complies with the strict environmental impact restrictions. One such requirement is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) LC 50 requirement of more than 30 000 result in a Mysid shrimp ( Mysidopsis Bahia ) bioassay prescribed in 1984 EPA-600/3-84-067. Generally, the Mysid shrimp bioassay measures the toxicity of the water column in which the shrimps live. Recently it became apparent that not only is the toxicity of the water column relevant, but even more so is the toxicity of the seabed sediment, onto which discharged debris settle after it has been discharged overboard. Therefore, more relevant for drilling fluids used where the debris is to be discharged overboard, is the requirement that oils used for the manufacture of such drilling fluids pass a stringent ten day marine amphipod ( Leptocheirus plumulosus ) acute sediment toxicity test in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Guideline E 1367, EPA 600/R-94/025, which tests the toxicity of the actual marine sediment. This test is especially relevant to all offshore drilling platforms since the discharge of toxic drilling mud compositions from a drilling platform onto the seabed would have a significant negative environmental impact on the seabed.
[0004] In this specification, the hydrocarbons will be understood to be a collective term for molecules comprising carbon and hydrogen only and include non cyclic saturated hydrocarbons referred to as “paraffins”, unsaturated hydrocarbons referred to as “olefins”, cyclic hydrocarbons referred to as “cycloparaffins” and aromatic hydrocarbons referred to as “aromatics”. Straight chain paraffins will be referred to as n-paraffins and branched paraffins referred to as iso-paraffins. Synthetic hydrocarbons will be understood to mean any hydrocarbons derived from a chemical process in which a chemical reaction takes place, as opposed to natural hydrocarbons, which is refined or distilled from crude oil.
[0005] Natural hydrocarbons, which are refined or distilled from crude oil are normally contaminated with high levels aromatics and are relatively toxic to marine life, making these drilling fluids that contain “natural” crude hydrocarbons environmentally unacceptable. High levels of n-paraffins in these fluids would have poor cold flow characteristics limiting their application in cold environments due to formation of waxy deposits.
[0006] The process for the preparation and use of plant or vegetable oil based environmentally friendly drilling fluid has been described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,136.
[0007] The use of synthetic hydrocarbons became popular due to their low aromatic content and availability. Several patents described the use of synthetic hydrocarbons for drilling fluids. U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,883 discloses the use of C 18 to C 40 hydrocarbons derived from dimerised 1-decene which is esterified. The good biodegradability of esters is well known, but esters are hydrolytically unstable. U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,442 discloses the use of non alpha, linear internal C 14 to C 18 olefins obtained by an alpha olefin isomerisation process. U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,642 discloses the use of a preferable C 14 to C 20 blend of n-paraffins and iso-paraffins. This patent also teaches that iso-paraffins having up to 40 carbon atoms per molecule are liquids over the temperature range of interest for drilling fluids, whereas, n-paraffins having more than about 16 to 23 carbon atoms per molecule are waxy solids. This is important with regard to the viscosity and rheology of drilling fluids. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,866,748 discloses the use of a mixture of C 8 to C 20 n-paraffins and iso-paraffins derived from hydro isomerisation of C8 to C 20 n-paraffins. U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,690 discloses, by way of example, the use of a mixture of C 13 to C 18 n-paraffins and iso-paraffins derived from hydro cracking of Fisher Tropsch waxes. This patent further claims that mono methyl iso-paraffins are less toxic than more branched iso-paraffins. U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,596 discloses the use of a mixture of C 10 to C 18 paraffins from mineral oils and poly(alpha olefins) derived from the dimer of decene. U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,012 and a related U.S. Registered Statutory Invention No. H1000 discloses the use of branched chain oligomers and unhydrogenated synthetic hydrocarbon compositions of C 9 to C 71 synthesized from oligomerization of C 2 to C 14 olefins. U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,457 discloses, in one embodiment, the use of a hydrocarbon mixture of which at least 95% has 11 or more carbon atoms and, in another embodiment, at least 95% has 10 or more carbon atoms.
[0008] Each of the above patents utilised a water column toxicity bioassay. All, except U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,596 which used a marine Copepod bioassay, used the Mysid shrimp bioassay.
[0009] The applicant has found that, for the ( Leptocheirus plumulosus ) acute sediment toxicity test, the toxicity rapidly decreases for a distillation fraction of hydrocarbons the higher its boiling point above about 270° C. A trend in toxicity reduction was noted for toxicity as the boiling range of the fluid increased.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method for reducing the sediment toxicity of a composition which includes a mixture of hydrocarbons, the mixture including hydrocarbons having a boiling point above about 270° C. and below about 340° C., the method including the steps of fractional distilling of the composition; and collecting a fraction of hydrocarbons having a boiling point above about 270° C. and below about 340° C.
[0011] It will be appreciated that the average molecular weight of the hydrocarbons of such collected fractions will depend on its isomeric content. In general, the more branched the hydrocarbons the higher its average molecular weight for a certain boiling point.
[0012] The sediment toxicity may be towards ( Leptocheirus plumulosus ) and the fraction of hydrocarbons may have a median lethal concentration (LC 50 ), in accordance with ASTM Guideline E 1367, EPA 600/R-94/025, of more than about 500 mg/kg and a Sediment Toxicity Ratio (STR) of greater than about 1.
[0013] The mixture of hydrocarbons may include hydrocarbons having a boiling point above about 280° C. and a fraction of hydrocarbons having a boiling point above about 280° C., a median lethal concentration (LC 50 ), in accordance with ASTM Guideline E 1367, EPA 600/R-94/025, of more than about 2000 mg/kg and a STR of about 1 or less, may be collected.
[0014] The mixture of hydrocarbons may include hydrocarbons having a boiling point above about 290° C. and a fraction of hydrocarbons having a boiling point above about 290° C., a median lethal concentration (LC 50 ), in accordance with ASTM Guideline E 1367, EPA 600/R-94/025, of more than about 2000 mg/kg and a STR of about 1 or less, may be collected.
[0015] The mixture of hydrocarbons may include hydrocarbons having a boiling point above about 300° C. and a fraction of hydrocarbons having a boiling point above about 300° C., a median lethal concentration (LC 50 ), in accordance with ASTM Guideline E 1367, EPA 600/R-94/025, of more than about 2000 mg/kg and a STR of about 1 or less, may be collected.
[0016] The mixture of hydrocarbons may include hydrocarbons having a boiling point above about 310° C. and a fraction of hydrocarbons having a boiling point above about 310° C., a median lethal concentration (LC 50 ), in accordance with ASTM Guideline E 1367, EPA 600/R-94/025, of more than about 2000 mg/kg and a STR of about 1 or less, may be collected.
[0017] The mixture of hydrocarbons may include hydrocarbons having a boiling point above about 320° C. and a fraction of hydrocarbons having a boiling point above about 320° C., a median lethal concentration (LC 50 ), in accordance with ASTM Guideline E 1367, EPA 600/R-94/025, of more than about 15000 mg/kg and a STR of about 1 or less, may be collected.
[0018] The composition may include isoparaffins and/or n-paraffins.
[0019] The composition may include aromatic hydrocarbons of up to about 0.1% maximum, preferably none.
[0020] The toxicity of the composition may be reduced for use in base oils and drilling fluids, or drilling mud compositions useful in the exploration for, and/or production of oil and gas.
[0021] The composition may be natural hydrocarbons selected from low aromatic crude derived diesels, mineral oils, hydrocarbons and/or n-paraffins derived from molecular sieving or extractive distillation processes.
[0022] The composition may also be synthetic hydrocarbons selected from a distillate product of an oligomerization of olefins process such as a Conversion of Olefins to Diesel (COD) process (SA Patent 92/0642), or other dimerised or trimerised olefins, which could be further hydrogenated if required. A zeolite type catalyst may catalyse such a conversion of olefins. Also, the composition may be iso-paraffins derived from skeletal isomerisation processes, and hydrocarbons derived from high or low temperature Fisher-Tropsch processes.
[0023] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for producing a base oil for use in manufacturing of a drilling fluid, the method including the method for reducing the sediment toxicity of a composition as described above.
[0024] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a drilling fluid, the method including the step of mixing the fraction of hydrocarbons, as described above, with one or more of diluents, synthetic or natural esters, plant oils, thinning agents, viscosifiers, emulsifiers, wetting agents, weighting agents, proppants, fluid loss control agents and/or particulate matter.
[0025] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of a fraction of hydrocarbons, collected from a method as described above, for the manufacture of a base oil and/or a drilling fluid, or a drilling mud composition useful in the exploration for, and production of oil and gas.
[0026] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a fraction of hydrocarbons, collected from a method as described above, for the manufacture of a base oil and/or a drilling fluid, or a drilling mud composition useful in the exploration for, and production of oil and gas.
[0027] The fraction may be a mixture of predominantly iso-paraffins and may have an initial boiling point as tested by ASTM D 86 of about 250° C., preferably at least about 260° C. and more preferably at least about 270° C. and even more preferably at least about 280° C. The fraction may have a final boiling point as tested by ASTM D 86 of between about 300° C. and 340° C., preferably about 330° C. The flash point of the fraction as tested by ASTM D 93 may be at least about 95° C., more typically above about 120° C. and most typically about 130° C. The viscosity of the fraction at 40° C. as measured by ASTM D 445 may fall between about 2 cSt and 5 cSt. The dynamic viscosity of the fraction at 0° C., as tested by the Brookfield Viscometer equipped with a UL adapter may be less than 20 cP, more typically less than 15 cP. Fractions with a Brookfield Viscosity of less than 10 cP at 0° C., 60 rpm may also be typical. The pour point of the fraction may typically be lower than −55° C., more commonly lower than −50° C. and most commonly lower than −40° C. The naphthene content of the fraction may be greater than 5% m/m as measured by 12×12 Mass Spectrometry (MS) analyses. The portion boiling above C 15 may contain a minimum of 60% iso-paraffinic molecules, more preferably more than 70% iso-paraffin's and most preferably more than 80% iso-paraffins. The average molecular mass of the detoxified fluid would be greater that 230.
[0028] The fraction may be a mixture of predominantly n-paraffins and may have an initial boiling point as tested by ASTM D 86 of about 250° C., preferably at least about 260° C., more preferably at least about 270° C. and even more preferably at least about 280° C. The fluid may have a final boiling point as tested by ASTM D 86 of between about 300° C. and 340° C., preferably about 330° C. The flash point of this material as tested by ASTM D 93 may be at least about 95° C., more typically above about 120° C. and most typically above about 130° C. The viscosity of the fluid at 40° C. as measured by ASTM D 445 may fall between about 2 cSt and 5 cSt. The pour point of this fluid may typically be lower than about 20° C. It will be appreciated that blends of this fraction with hydrocarbon mixtures having a lower pour point may be required to obtain a more suitable pour point, or solvents may be used where needed. The naphthene content of the well fluid may be greater than 5% m/m as measured by 12×12 MS analyses. The portion boiling above C15 may contain a minimum of 60% n-paraffinic molecules, more preferably more than 70% n-paraffin's and most preferably more than 80% n-paraffins. The average molecular mass of the detoxified fluid would be greater that 230.
[0029] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a base oil and/or a drilling fluid, or a drilling mud composition useful in the exploration for, and production of oil and gas, the base oil and/or a drilling fluid, or a drilling mud composition including a fraction of hydrocarbons collected from a method as described above.
[0030] The drilling fluid may include a fraction of hydrocarbons collected from a method described above, a C 12 -C 20 n-paraffin iso-paraffin mixture and a C 23 ester. The C 12 -C 20 n-paraffin mixture may be a commercially available mixture and could be up to about 30% volume of the drilling fluid and the ester may be up to about 10% volume of the drilling fluid.
[0031] The drilling fluid may include up to about 70% of the predominantly iso-paraffinic fraction described above and a portion containing up to about 30% C 11 to C 20 of n-paraffin's and not more than about 9.5% of a plant ester component. The C 11 to C 20 of n-paraffin's may be commercially obtained and may typically be derived from a Fisher-Tropsch process. The drilling fluid may have an initial boiling point as tested by ASTM D 86 of between about 210° C. and 250° C., preferably about 240° C. The drilling fluid has a final boiling point as tested by ASTM D 86 of about 300° C., preferably at least about 310° C., more preferably at least about 320° C. and even more preferably about 330° C. Fluids boiling above 340° C. may also be possible. The flash point of the drilling fluid as tested by ASTM D 93 is at least about 90° C., more typically above about 100° C. and most typically about 110° C. The viscosity of the fluid at 40° C. as measured by ASTM D 445 may fall between about 2 cSt and 5 cSt. The dynamic viscosity at 0° C., as tested by the Brookfield Viscometer equipped with a UL adapter may be less than about 20 cP, more typically less than about 10 cP, even more typically less than about 9 cP and most typically less than about 8 cP. The pour point of the drilling fluid is typically higher than about −20° C., more commonly higher than about −15° C. and most commonly higher than about −10° C. The naphthene content of the drilling fluid may be more than 5% m/m as measured by 12×12 MS analyses.
[0032] The portion of the drilling fluid boiling below C 15 may include a minimum of n-paraffin content of at least about 50%, more preferably more than about 60% n-paraffin's and even more preferably more than about 70% n-paraffin's. The portion of the drilling fluid boiling above C 15 may include a minimum of about 50% iso-paraffins, preferably more than about 60% iso-paraffins and more preferably more than about 70% iso-paraffins. The portion of the drilling fluid boiling above C 15 may contain a minimum of 2%-oxygenated molecules. The average molecular mass of the detoxified fluid would be greater than 230.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0033] The invention is now described in more detail and by way of non limiting examples.
[0034] In order for a drilling fluid to pass the stringent ten day marine amphipod ( Leptocheirus plumulosus ) acute sediment toxicity test in accordance with ASTM Guideline E 1367, EPA 600/R-94/025, a sample must exhibit a sediment toxicity ratio (STR) of less than or equal to 1.00 in order to pass the test. The STR was calculated using the following equation:
LC 50 of Reference Material LC 50 of NAF + ( 0.20 × LC 50 of Reference Material )
where LC 50 =median lethal concentration, Reference Material=C 16 -C 18 internal olefin, and NAF=non-aqueous fluid.
[0035] The LC 50 value for different samples may vary from one batch to the other of marine organisms tested, Leptocheirus in this case, and an internal standard has therefore been built in i.e. the C 16 -C 18 Internal Olefin.
[0036] Table 1 shows a typical sediment toxicity profile of fractions of a zero aromatic containing hydrocarbon mixture derived from a conversion of olefins to diesel process.
TABLE 1 Toxicity as LC 50 Ave Molecular Fraction mg/kg STR Weight Full boiling range <1000 2.84 221 Boiling range 200-210° C. 120 4.34 162 Boiling range 210-220° C. 117 4.35 169 Boiling range 220-240° C. 117 4.35 177 Boiling range 240-260° C. 131 4.29 196 Boiling range 260-280° C. 272 3.78 211 Boiling range 280-320° C. 2147 1.41 237 Boiling range above 320° C. 18227 0.22 298
[0037] Table 2 shows a typical sediment toxicity profile of fractions of a low aromatic content hydrocarbon mixture derived from a conversion of olefins to diesel process.
TABLE 2 Toxicity as LC 50 Ave Molecular Fraction mg/kg STR Weight Full boiling range <1000 >2 220 Boiling range 220-240° C. 117 4.35 180 Boiling range 240-260° C. 131 4.29 198 Boiling range 260-280° C. 290 3.92 212 Boiling range 280-320° C. 1784 1.61 238 Boiling range above 320° C. 19314 0.21 297
[0038] Table 3 shows a typical sediment toxicity profile of fractions of a synthetic mixture of n-paraffins.
TABLE 3 Toxicity as LC 50 Ave Molecular Fraction mg/kg STR Weight Full boiling range <1000 <2 200 Boiling range 220-240° C. <1000 >1.6 166 Boiling range 240-260° C. <1000 >1.6 171 Boiling range 260-280° C. 1299 1.33 183 Boiling range 280-320° C. 4064 0.52 208
[0039] Tables 1 to 3 clearly show a tendency of lower sediment toxicity for higher boiling hydrocarbons with a sharp decline in toxicity at about a boiling point of above about 270° C.
[0040] Table 4 gives the characterisation of an example of a typical fraction of predominantly iso-paraffins collected by means of the method for reducing the sediment toxicity of a composition which include a mixture of hydrocarbons, in accordance with the invention.
TABLE 4 Properties Units Test method Result Sediment Toxicity Ratio ASTM E 1367 <1.0 Sediment Toxicity mg/kg ASTM E 1367 >8000 Carbon Content % Carbon ASTM D 5291 85.16 Density @ 20° C. kg/L ASTM D 4052 0.8084 Flash point (PMcc) ° C. ASTM D 93 132.5 Aromatic content % m/m UOP 495 0.06 Total Sulphur ppm m/m ASTM D 3120 <0.30 Kinematic viscosity cSt ASTM D 445 4.565 @ 40° C. Kinematic viscosity cSt ASTM D 445 1.510 @ 100° C. Refractive Index ASTM D 1218 1.44726 Pour point ° C. ASTM D 97 <−51 Distillation ASTM D 86 Initial boiling point ° C. 275 Final boiling point ° C. 317 Average Molecular Mass 235
[0041] Table 5 gives the characterisation of an example of a typical fraction of predominantly n-paraffins collected by means of the method for reducing the sediment toxicity of a composition which include a mixture of hydrocarbons, in accordance with the invention.
TABLE 5 Properties Units Test method Result Sediment Toxicity Ratio ASTM E 1367 <1.0 Sediment Toxicity mg/kg ASTM E 1367 >3000 Carbon Content % Carbon ASTM D 5291 84.74 Density @ 20° C. kg/L ASTM D 4052 0.7759 Flash point (PMcc) ° C. ASTM D 93 136.5 Aromatic content % m/m UOP 495 <0.01 Total Sulphur Ppm m/m ASTM D 3120 <0.10 Kinematic viscosity @ 40° C. cSt ASTM D 445 3.168 Refractive Index ASTM D 1218 1.43583 Pour point ° C. ASTM D 97 15 Distillation ASTM D 86 Initial boiling point ° C. 276 Final boiling point ° C. 310 Average Molecular Mass 232
[0042] Table 6 gives the characterisation of an example of a typical drilling fluid, in accordance with the invention.
TABLE 6 Properties Units Test method Result Sediment Toxicity Ratio ASTM E 1367 <1.0 Sediment Toxicity mg/kg ASTM E 1367 >4000 Carbon Content % Carbon ASTM D 5291 84.44 Density @ 20° C. Kg/L ASTM D 4052 0.8980 Flash point (PMcc) ° C. ASTM D 93 110 Aromatic content % m/m UOP 495 0.06 Total Sulphur ppm m/m ASTM D 3120 <0.30 Kinematic viscosity @ 40° C. cSt ASTM D 445 3.470 Dynamic viscosity @ 0° C. cSt Brookfield 8.60 Pour point ° C. ASTM D 97 −19 Distillation ASTM D 86 Initial boiling point ° C. 244 Final boiling point ° C. 329 Average Molecular Mass 229
[0043] The applicant believes that the invention provides a flexible method for detoxifying hydrocarbons, which may be used in a variety of environmentally exposed applications. The invention also allows the rheology and other characteristics of such detoxified fractions, as described, to be manipulated for use in specific applications. | This invention relates to a method for reducing the toxicity of a mixture of hydrocarbons by means of fractional distillation, a distillate having a reduced toxicity and a composition including the distillate. | 25,463 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an NFC smart sign that can prevent damage to an NFC tag and allow an NFC tag to be easily replaced when the information in the NFC tag is required to be changed and supplemented.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In general, there are various signs for providing useful information to users in various facilities such as an amusement park, an arboretum, a museum, and a public place. For example, a user may need information about rides in an amusement park, information about exhibits in a museum, and information such as the names, scientific names, species, and lifespans of trees in an arboretum, so those facilities provide the information simply on signs.
[0005] In relation to this subject, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 in Korean Patent No. 10-1309378, generally, the information about a tree is shown on a display side 10 a of a sign and the sign is placed in front of or beside the tree.
[0006] However, according to the way of showing the information about a tree disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-1309378, simple letters or images are provided on the display side 10 a , so the amount of the information is limited and sufficient information cannot be provided for users. Further, users have to get close to the sign to read the information.
[0007] Furthermore, it is required to replace the entire display side 10 a in order to change the contents on the sign, so it is troublesome and expensive.
[0008] The information disclosed in the Background of the Invention section is only for the enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or as any form of suggestion that this information forms a prior art that would already be known to a person skilled in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the related art, and the present invention is intended to allow a user to be actively provided with sufficient information kept in an NFC tag by recognizing an NFC tag in a hole of a wood panel of a sign, using his/her portable terminal, and to keep checking information remaining in the portable terminal even if he/she moves away from the sign.
[0010] Further, the present invention is intended to propose an NFC smart sign that can prevent a damage to an NFC tag due to external factors such as rain and wind by shielding the NFC tag from exposure to the outside and that allows the NFC tag to be easily replaced when the information in the NFC tag needs to be changed or supplemented.
[0011] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an NFC smart sign that includes: a wood panel having a display part on a front side and a seat on a rear side; an NFC tag received in the seat and keeping information relating to the display part; and a cover closing the seat with the NFC tag in the seat of the wood panel.
[0012] The NFC tag may be detachably attached to a bottom of the seat of the wood panel.
[0013] The cover may be formed to correspond to the shape of the seat, received in the seat, and fixed to the wood panel.
[0014] A ferrite sheet may be disposed on an inner side of the cover.
[0015] The cover may be received in the seat and fixed to the wood panel by bolts or permanent magnets.
[0016] A first side of the cover may be hinge-fixed to the rear side of the wood pane at a first side of the seat.
[0017] Grooves may be formed at a second side of the bottom of the seat and projections inserted in the grooves may be formed at a second side of the cover.
[0018] The thickness between the front side of the wood panel and the bottom of the seat may be 10 mm˜20 mm.
[0019] According to the present invention, a user can be actively provided with sufficient information kept in an NFC tag by recognizing an NFC tag in a hole of a wooden panel of a sign, using his/her portable terminal, and can keep checking information remaining in the portable terminal even if he/she moves away from the sign.
[0020] Further, it is possible to prevent damage to an NFC tag due to external factors such as rain and wind by shielding the NFC tag from exposure to the outside and to allow the NFC tag to be easily replaced when the information in the NFC tag needs to be changed or supplemented.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an NFC smart sign according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear side of the NFC smart sign shown in FIG. 1 ;
[0024] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the NFC smart sign shown in FIG. 2 ;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 ;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a ferrite sheet attached to the inner side of a cover;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state when the cover with the ferrite sheet is fitted in a groove to which an NFC tag is attached;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing projections in the groove on a wood panel and grooves on the inner side of the cover;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly of the parts shown in FIG. 7 ;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing an NFC smart sign according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the rear side of the NFC smart sign shown in FIG. 9 ;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing a cover that is open; and
[0033] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 10 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and the present invention may be modified in various ways by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an NFC smart sign according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear side of the NFC smart sign shown in FIG. 1 , and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the NFC smart sign shown in FIG. 2 .
[0036] AN NFC smart sign according to an embodiment of the present invention is made of wood, can be used for various purposes, such as an information sign, a guide sign, and a directional sign, and includes a wood panel 10 , an NFC tag 20 , and a cover 30 , as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 .
[0037] First, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , a display part 110 providing information about an object is provided on the front side of the wood panel 10 and a seat 120 where the NFC tag 20 is disposed is formed on the rear side of the wood panel 10 .
[0038] The cover 30 for opening/closing the seat 120 is fastened to the rear side of the wood panel 10 .
[0039] An NFC indicator 112 that shows that the NFC tag 20 is in the wood pane 10 may be disposed on the front side of the display 110 .
[0040] As shown in FIG. 3 , the NFC tag 20 having information such as identification, explanation, and an URL of an object that is described on the display part 110 is disposed in the seat 120 on the rear side of the wood panel 10 .
[0041] The NFC tag 20 can be detachably attached to the bottom of the seat 120 by tape or Velcro having an adhesive layer on the rear side.
[0042] In detail, when a user tags the NFC guide 112 on the front side of the display part 110 with a portable terminal, the portable terminal can recognize the identification, explanation, and URL of the object stored in the NFC tag 20 in the seat 120 of the wood panel 10 .
[0043] Accordingly, the user can actively obtain sufficient information about the object, using the portable terminal, without getting close to the display part 110 and reading the contents provided on the sign.
[0044] The portable terminal may be a terminal having an exclusive application and a communication function, including a smartphone, a smart pad, and a PDA.
[0045] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 .
[0046] Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the cover 30 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the seat 120 to open/close the seat 120 with the NFC tag 20 therein.
[0047] The cover 30 can be fixed to the wood panel 10 by bolts 310 or permanent magnets, with the inner side in contact with the bottom of the seat 120 receiving the NFC tag 20 .
[0048] In detail, as shown in FIG. 3 , when the cover 30 is fixed to the wood panel 10 by the bolts 310 , bolt holes 320 for fixing the bolts 310 are formed at upper, lower, left, and right sides of the cover 30 . Threaded holes 122 in which the bolts 310 are inserted are formed at upper, lower, left, and right sides in the seat 120 to correspond to the bolt holes 320 of the cover 30 .
[0049] Further, though not shown in the figures, when the cover 30 is fixed to the wood panel 10 by permanent magnets, permanent magnets may be disposed at upper, lower, left, and right sides in the cover 30 . Magnetic bodies such as a magnet or metal having a polarity opposite to the permanent magnets may be disposed at upper, lower, left, and right sides of the bottom of the seat 120 to correspond to the permanent magnets in the cover 30 .
[0050] As described above, since the cover 30 is fixed to the wood panel 10 by the bolts 310 or permanent magnets, a manager can easily open/close the cover 30 to replace the NFC tag 20 . Further, when it is required to change the information about the object described on the display part 110 , it is possible to easily replace the NFC tag 20 in the seat 120 after opening the cover 30 .
[0051] Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , since the seat 120 is closed by the cover 30 with the NFC tag 20 therein, the NFC tag 20 is not exposed outside the wood panel 10 , so it is possible to prevent the NFC tag 20 from being damaged by external factors such as rain and wind.
[0052] In particular, in order to smoothly perform the communication function of the NFC tag 20 in the seat 120 and prevent the wood panel 10 from being damaged, the thickness (T in FIG. 4 ) between the front side of the wood panel 10 and the bottom of the seat 120 may be 10 mm˜20 mm.
[0053] When the thickness between the front side of the wood panel 10 and the bottom of the seat 120 exceeds 20 mm, the portion between the front side of the wood panel 10 and the bottom of the seat 120 is too thick, so a communication malfunction may be generated while the portable terminal of a user recognizes the NFC tag 20 , and an interrogation rate may decrease, so smooth communication cannot be made.
[0054] When the thickness between the front side of the wood panel 10 and the bottom of the seat 120 is less than 10 mm, the portion between the front side of the wood panel 10 and the bottom of the seat 120 is too thin, so the wood panel 10 may be easily broken.
[0055] FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a ferrite sheet attached to the inner side of a cover and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state when the cover with the ferrite sheet is fitted in a groove to which an NFC tag is attached.
[0056] Since the NFC technology is for local communication, when there is an obstacle, it means the available communication range decreases.
[0057] In order to remove this problem, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , a ferrite sheet 40 may be attached to the inner side of the cover 30 .
[0058] By the ferrite sheet 40 , it is possible to increase the available communication range by maintaining electron bonding between the NFC tag 20 and the portable terminal of a user, so it is possible to increase reliability and stability of NFC.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 6 , when the cover 30 with the ferrite sheet 40 is fixed to the seat 120 , the NFC tag 20 on the bottom of the seat 120 and the ferrite sheet 40 can be bonded and fixed. Accordingly, the ferrite sheet 40 supplements the communication range of the NFC tag 20 , so NFC can be amplified.
[0060] In particular, when it is required to replace the NFC tag 20 in order to correct or supplement the information in the NFC tag 20 , it is possible to replace only the NFC tag 20 without replacing both of the NFC tag 20 and the ferrite sheet, so replacement is easy and the replacement cost is reduced.
[0061] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing projections in the groove on a wood panel and grooves on the inner side of the cover and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly of the parts shown in FIG. 7 .
[0062] Next, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , projections 130 may be formed on the bottom of the seat 120 and grooves 330 in which the projections 130 are inserted may be formed on the inner side of the cover 30 .
[0063] In detail, as shown in FIG. 7 , the projections 130 may protrude at a predetermined distance away from the seat 120 from the bottom of the seat 120 in a rectangular shape, with the NFC tag 20 on the bottom of the seat 120 .
[0064] The grooves 330 may be formed at a predetermined depth in the inner side of the cover 30 in a shape corresponding to the shape made by the projections 130 .
[0065] In particular, as shown in FIG. 8 , the projections 130 in the seat 120 may be inserted in the grooves 330 of the cover 30 .
[0066] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent water from flowing into the gap, which is formed when the cover 30 is fixed to the seat 120 , so it is possible to prevent the NFC tag 20 and the ferrite sheet 40 from being damaged by water and the cover 30 can be more firmly fixed to the seat 120 .
[0067] FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing an NFC smart sign according to a second embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the rear side of the NFC smart sign shown in FIG. 9 .
[0068] An NFC smart signal according to a second embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the previous embodiment, but in which, as shown in FIG. 9 , the NFC guide 112 is formed at a lower portion on the front side of the display part 110 , and as shown in FIG. 10 , the cover 30 is disposed at a side on the rear side of the wood panel 10 .
[0069] FIG. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing a cover that is open and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 10 .
[0070] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 , a first side of the cover 30 may be hinge-fixed to the rear side of the wood panel 10 at a first side of the seat 120 and a second side of the cover 30 may be fixed to a side of the wood panel 10 by bolts.
[0071] A manager can open the cover 30 by holding the second side of the cover 30 and turning the cover 30 away from the wood panel 10 .
[0072] In detail, as shown in FIG. 11 , a plurality of bolt holes 310 for fixing bolts may be formed at the second side of the cover 30 and threaded holes 122 for receiving the bolts 310 may be formed at the side of the wood panel 10 to correspond to the bolt holes 310 .
[0073] Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , grooves 330 may be formed at a second side of the seat 120 and projections 130 that protrude toward the grooves 330 and are inserted in the grooves 330 may be formed at the second side of the cover 30 .
[0074] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative purposes, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims. | The present invention relates to an NFC smart sign that can prevent damage to an NFC tag and allows an NFC tag to be easily replaced when the information in the NFC tag is required to be changed or supplemented. | 17,461 |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is the national phase of International Application No. PCT/CN2015/000526, filed on 23 Jul. 2015, which is based upon and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. CN201410382583.9, filed on 6 Aug. 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] electronic frying, washing, cooking pot.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[0003] e-pressure cooker, e-oil fryer, washing machine's turning technology.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] A closed stir-frying pot used the turning principle to stir-fry the food, the structure & turning is similar as the washing machine (just with relative quick tempo), but smaller than the washing machine. It has two parts (the pot's size is similar as e-pressure cooker): the out shell and the inner tub, the inner tub can turning like the washing machine's inner tub. After connected with the energy the pot begins to heat, at the same time the inner tub begins to turn, by turning and also added the heat from the pot to stir-fry the food. Its inner tub can lying vertically turning can also standing transversely turning can also universally turning, the vertically turning direction is same as drum type washing machine's turning direction, the transversely turning direction is same as pulsator type washing machine's turning direction. It used the vertically turning gravity & turning power (throwing power), and also used the transversely turning turning power (throwing power) and added the heat from the pot sometimes also added the up & down, right & left jumping power, striking power to stir-fry the food. It doesn't need any frying ladle . . . , it just used the turning principle, by turning with relative quick (like the washing machine's turning) tempo & also with one tempo or different tempos, by turning also in one direction or in different directions to stir-fry the food. There are two bottoms on the pot: the temperature bottom & the time bottom (the time bottom can be also used as on/off bottom). On the pot there is also glass-cover, by which you can see the frying food clearly. The People can leave after that they have set the time & the temperature and when it is almost fried then come to check out awhile. There are also some full-automatical menus on it, e.g. (1) frying potato: small fire 5 minutes. (2) frying rice: middle fire 10 minutes. (3) frying noodle: big fire 15 minutes . . . . The food fried from this pot will be same crisp as fried from your hands. This pot has a lot of benefits: you don't need to stir-fry front the pot with the hands, and you don't need to open the smoke exhausting machine at the same time, because it is full-automatical mechanical working & it has no smoke any more . . . . Except the stir-frying pot also a closed washing pot, its structure is also similar as the washing machine & the front going stir-frying pot, but used the turning principle to wash the food. Except the washing pot there are also boiling pot & cooking, teaming pot.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] All the pictures only for the stir-frying pot, (picture=fig.).
[0006] FIG. 1 is the front of the pot.
[0007] FIG. 2 is the inner tub of the pot.
[0008] FIG. 3 is the front of the pot after taking out the inner tub.
[0009] FIG. 4 is turning stick.
[0010] FIG. 5 is the inner tub after taking out the handle.
[0011] FIG. 6 is the out door.
[0012] FIG. 7 is after closing the out door.
[0013] FIG. 8 & FIG. 9 are top connecting inner tubs.
[0014] FIG. 10 is top connecting inner tub after closing the out door.
[0015] FIG. 11 is the top connecting out shell after taking out the inner tub.
[0016] FIG. 12 & FIG. 13 are top & bottom connecting inner tub with changeable handle.
[0017] FIG. 14 is inner tub with changeable handle after closing the out door.
[0018] FIG. 15 is bottom connecting inner tub looking from the back.
[0019] FIG. 16 is axis connecting inner tub.
[0020] FIG. 17 is axis connecting out shell after taking out the inner tub.
[0021] FIG. 18 is axis connecting inner tub with changeable handle.
[0022] FIG. 19 is axis connecting inner tub with changeable handle after closing the out door.
[0023] FIG. 20 & FIG. 22 are completely connecting inner tub.
[0024] FIG. 21 & FIG. 23 are completely connecting out shell after taking out the inner tub.
[0025] FIG. 24 is completely connecting inner tub with changeable handle.
[0026] FIG. 25 is standable pot after closing the out door.
[0027] FIG. 26 is the standable pot after opening the out door.
[0028] FIG. 27 is the out shell opening from the top the inner tub opening from the side.
[0029] FIG. 28 is the inner tub opening from the side after taking it out from the pot can also standing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1. Stir-Frying Pot:
[0030] A closed stir-frying pot has two parts: the out shell and the inner tub, the out shell's heating principle is just similar as e-oil fryer, e-pressure cooker . . . (with resistance wire), its inner tub can turning and the stuff of the inner tub is non-stick stuff. On the inner wall of the inner tub there are some ridges, which are similar as the ridges on the inner wall of the washing machine's inner tub, just for making the inner wall not completely smooth. Because if you fry just a little food & use a lot of oil, the food maybe won't turning, therefore it's good for preventing adhesion (like FIG. 2A ). Inside there is a smoke filter-net (like the e-oil fryer) & it has also glass-cover, by which you can see it turning. But the difference is by stir-frying you don't need a lot of oil, therefore the smoke filter-net can be maybe overseen, if you can see the turning food clearly, then you don't need it, but a lot of cheap e-oil fryer they all have it, so if it's practical you can also add it. But one thing is clear you don't need to use the smoke exhausting machine any more, let alone to clean it & also an other thing is clear, your kitchen can't be where smoke any more, because they are all inside in this pot. Big or heavy food you can also fry by this pot, e.g. big pieces of chicken, frying noodle, big, meal . . . . And Any time if you want to stop the program, you can just easily turn the time bottom to 0, and the pot will be turned off. This stir-frying pot has the following forms:
[0000] (6) Inner Tub with Turning Stick:
[0031] The out shell can be cube standing on the table, it has a front door (side door, out door), the inner tub can turning like the drum type washing machine vertically turning. After sticking the inner tub into the out shell it looks like so (like FIG. 1 ), the inner tub looks like so (like FIG. 2 ), after taking out the inner tub, the out shell looks like so (like FIG. 3 ). On the cover of the inner tub there are glass & turning handle. Inside of the out shell there is a turning bottom (from an other angle can also say the top of the out shell), on this turning bottom there is a metal turning stick. This turning stick replaced the belt in the washing machine to bring the inner tub turning as the transmitting took (like FIG. 4 ), the turning direction can be sometimes in plus direction sometimes in minus direction turning or always in one direction, the turning tempo can be also sometimes with different tempo or always with one tempo. The connecting methods between the inner tub & the out shell can be: screw thread type, chute type, gear type, pin type. After connected with the energy the pot begins to heat & at the same time the inner tub begins to turn. But if you feel maybe the front of the pot not closed very well you can also use this structure: the inner tub has the changeable handle (like FIG. 5 ), after taking out the handle you can stick the inner tub completely into the out shell, the out shell has also glass (like FIG. 6 ), this time is completely closed, after finished frying you can stick the handle onto the inner tub & draw it out (like FIG. 7 ), so you can keep of being scalded from the pot. The out door's closing methods can be also: turning handle type (like e-pressure cooker's big turning handle), screw thread type, chute type, gear type, pin type or heat-resisting rubber band.
[0000] (7) The Inner Tub without Turning Stick:
[0032] The bottom (from an other angle can also say the top) of the inner tub is connecting part (like FIG. 8 , FIG. 9 ), after closing the out door the pot looks like so from the front (like FIG. 10 ), after taking out the inner tub the out shell looks like so from the front (like FIG. 11 ), the connecting methods can be also: screw thread type, chute type, gear type, pin type. This connecting part is also the transmitting tool, it can directly bring the inner tub turning, the connecting part can be one-ply or two-plies or more-plies, it can be on the top one ply on the bottom also one ply & from the back you can also see the turning food clearly (like FIG. 12 , FIG. 13 ), the out shell has also glass on the back, after taking out the handle & sticking the inner tub into the closed out shell the pot looks like so from the front (like FIG. 14 ), from the back (like FIG. 15 ).
(8) The Axis Brings the Inner Tub Turning:
[0033] The inner tub has a axis (like FIG. 16 ), the out shell has also a axis (like FIG. 17 ), the axis is the connecting part also the transmitting tool to bring the inner tubturning. If you feel only axis connected with each other maybe not enough fixed can also add the connecting top & connecting bottom (like the front going pot). After taking out the handle & sticking the inner tub into the out shell it looks like so (like FIG. 18 , FIG. 19 ).
[0000] (9) The Inner Tub Completely Connected with the Out Shell:
[0034] The out shell has two-plies, in the pot there is also an other out shell (from an other angle can also say the second inner tub), this ply can wrap the whole inner tub & can turning can also bring the inner tub turning. On this ply can be whole of (everywhere) screw thread, chute . . . to fix the inner tub (like FIG. 20 , FIG. 21 , FIG. 22 , FIG. 23 ), the inner tub in the out shell looks like so (like FIG. 24 )
(10) Standable Pot:
[0035] The pot can sometimes standing sometimes lying, when it's working, then is vertically turning, when you take out the food you can draw the pot standing & take the food out from the top door (out door). The door very closely connected the out shell with the inner tub, it can be such a machinery: a turning door, when you open the out door, you just turn it in minus direction & at the same time also brought the door of the inner tub with it, it is also parted from the inner tub, when you close the out door, you just turn it in plus direction & at the same time you also pressed it into the inner tub, the door of the inner tub is also closed (like FIG. 25 , FIG. 26 ).
[0000] (6) The Inner Tub with Side Door:
[0036] The out shell doesn't need to be sometimes standing sometimes lying, it is opening from the top door. The inner tub doesn't need to be sometimes standing sometimes lying either, but is opening from the side (just side door), when you open the door, the inner tub just stopped turning and its door just right aimed at the out door, to easily take the food out (like FIG. 27 ). If you want to clean it, the inner tub can be also taken out & washed and then it can also standing on the table usually like so (like FIG. 28 ).
[0000] (9) The Inner Tub is like Pulsator Type Washing Machine:
[0037] The inner tub can transversely turning like the pulsator type washing machine & the door is also on the top. But except turning the inner tub can also sometimes up and down jumping. The turning stick inside can be very thick to bring the inner tub sometimes turning sometimes jumping.
(10) Universally Turning Inner Tub:
[0038] The out shell doesn't move but the inner tub can sometimes vertically turning sometimes transversely turning, and when it is changing from vertical to transverse it can also turning, this time's turning is the universal turning (like a turning ball in every direction), or the form of the inner tub is just a ball to turn easily universally in every direction, except turning it can also sometimes up & down, right & left jumping.
2. Jumping Pot:
[0039] A closed stir-frying pot also has two parts: out shell and inner tub (the pot's size is similar as e-pressure cooker), the out shell is closed, the stuff of the inner tub is also not-stick stuff, the form of the inner tub can be any form can be like a tub can be also cube but it can't turning only up & down, right & left jumping, used the pumping power, gravity, striking power to stir-fry the food. If so except the (turning) stick on the bottom can also add a stick on the side & the turning stick has been named to rocking (or moving) stick.
3. Washing Pot:
[0040] A closed washing pot, its structure & the turning is similar as the washing machine (just with relative quick tempo) & the stir-frying pot described frontally in Detailed description of the invention: 1., but used the turning principle to wash the food, it has also out shell & inner tub, (the pot's size is similar as e-pressure cooker) the inner tub can also vertically like drum type washing machine turning can also transversely like pulsator type washing machine turning can also universally turning; used the gravity, the turning power (throwing power) and also the momentum by water-inpouring & water-outpouring; sometimes also added the up & down, right & left moving power to wash the food; the turning direction can be always in one direction or sometimes also in different directions, the turning tempo can be always with one tempo or sometimes with different tempo. The pot's detailed forms can also have some similar forms as the stir-frying pot described front, e.g.: The inner tub with turning stick, the top or bottom or axis connecting inner tubs & the inner tub with side door & universally turning inner tub . . . . But the inner tub can't maybe sometimes up & down, right & left jumping, because there is also momentum from the water, if so the power will be too big, therefore it can just sometimes by turning or between the turning up & down, right & left moving. The form of the inner tub can be also a tub or a ball etc. The stuff of the inner tub can be metal or plastic with a lot of holes or just completely gauze, or the non-stick stuff with some holes. The structure of the inner tub can be only one-ply or two-plies (inside & outside), or more-plies, the double plies can be so: the outside can be completely closed, the inside can be gauze & the outside turning in plus direction, the inside turning in minus direction & each with different tempo turning or the more plies (e.g. 3 plies) can be so: inside two plies are the gauze & outside is completely closed & each in different direction with different tempo turning. The pot can by water-inpouring also at the same time drain the water out & it can also by water-outpouring at the same time pour the water in (this time's momentum of the water is very big & the washing effect is very good), and by water-inpouring, water-outpouring the inner tub can also turning. You can pour the could water in it, you can also pour the hot, cooked water in, the inpouring-hole is on the top & the out door is also on the top, to easily add the forgotten foods. The washing program begins with water-inpouring, by inpouring also turning. The first inpouring can be so: after it poured in only the half (just by inpouring) begins to drain (almost 20 sec. after inpouring), used the momentum by water-inpouring & water-outpouring to wash the food, because it can also by water-outpouring pour the water in; the second inpouring can be so: once it finished inpouring just begins to drain (almost 40 sec. after inpouring); the third inpouring can be so: after it poured in also turning several turns, then drain (almost 60 sec. after inpouring); you can just add like so with your hands one time, two times . . . or by the full-automatical menus on the pot, e.g. one time washing with 3 times inpouring or one time washing with 4 times inpouring . . . . All together if you use this pot to wash the vegetables, almost within 2 minutes you will finish the washing, the more the momentum is the shorter the time is. This pot can also be used like so, by washing you can also cooking the water, e.g. after several times washing, at last the pot begins to heat, by heating also turning. There are also two other bottoms on the pot (for the heating): time bottom & temperature bottom & you can set them before you wash, and then it can heat at last to already set temperature and then can also turning to already set time. This pot can be also changed to the stir-frying pot described frontally just by some easy regulations, you need just easily to change this gauze inner tub to the non-stick inner tub back (like it in the stir-frying pot) then is ok, you can after washing stir-fry something.
4. Boiling Pot:
[0041] A boiling pot is for cleaning the food, you should add the water with the vegetables together into the pot, and when the water inside is cooked & the temperature reached 100° C., then disconnected (turned off) automatically. The form can be any form or similar as the front going pots. It also has out shell and inner tub (the pot's size is similar as e-pressure cooker). The stuff of the inner tub is non-stick stuff (the inner tub doesn't need a door). This pot is not completely closed, it has a top door (the door of the out shell), on the top door there are some small holes to dissipate the heat. This pot has a lot of useful functions: after boiled the meat will be disinfected; the shells of the vegetables (e.g. pumpkin . . . ) will be weak & very easy to shell; for some vegetables e.g. beans, turnips . . . after two times boiling can be directly eaten; some freezed food will be unfreezed, it can really replace some microwave's functions.
5. Cooking Pot:
[0042] A cooking pot is just the developed boiling pot, it is just so, after the water cooked & the temperature reached 100° C. can't disconnected (turned off) automatically but continuously cooking with small fire. On the top door there are also some small holes or sometimes you can also open the top door, because the fire is small. There are two choices on the pot: boiling, cooking. If you want to cook, the cooking choice has also two bottoms: the time bottom & the fire-power bottom. You can set, with 20% fire-power cooking for 10 min., or 30% fire-power cooking for 20 min . . . before you cook & then after the water cooked it will continuously cooking with your already set time & fire-power, you can also regulate them any time during the cooking, normally the cooking time can't be too long just about 30 min., because if longer you can use the e-pressure cooker. The biggest benefit of this pot is the cooking tempo will be much quicker then you cooking on the normal oven, because it's almost completely closed & the heat comes from all sides not only from the bottom.
6. Steaming Pot:
[0043] A steaming pot is just the developed cooking pot, the difference is just on its inner tub there are some fillisters and they have also the suitable grates, if you stick the gates into the fillisters you can steam the food on the grates.
7. Stir-Frying, Washing, Boiling, Cooking, Steaming United Universal Pot:
[0044] All the 5 pots: stir-frying, washing, boiling, cooking, steaming pot described frontally, they all have some same parts, therefore they can be with some small regulations easily changed to each other (so is 5 in 1 pots), or parted from each other and used as 5 extra independent pots, or freely combined with each other, e.g. stir-frying, washing, boiling 3 in 1 pots or washing, boiling 2 in 1 pots etc. You can make like so: After washing you can stir-fry something, if after then you want to boil something you can just easily change the door of the inner tube (you can just take the door off) or the door of the out shell (you can maybe only change a part of the out door, e.g. change the glass to the cover with a lot of holes) . . . . So you can change them all to each other, either change the whole inner tub, or the door or just a part of them. If the inner tub has two-plies, after washing the out shell will be also completely dry & you can after washing stir-fry something very safely. All these pots have a same benefit, they all can be disconnected (turned off) automatically & plus the already existed electronic equipments e.g. microwave, chopping machine, beating machine . . . so is really almost realized that, without handwork only mechanically full-automatically cooking, therefore it can be called universal pot. The cost of this pot is also very cheap, & it can be drived by electricity or other energy e.g. electromagnetic energy . . . . | A universal pot for stir-frying, washing, boiling, cooking or steaming food is provided. As a stir-frying pot, it stir-fries food in turning manner. The inner container of the stir-frying pot is turned like a washing machine, and stir-fries food by use of turning power, gravity, etc., and the heat of the pot. As a washing pot, it washes food in the same turning manner. As a boiling pot, it switches off the power supply automatically when the temperature reaches 100° C. The boiled vegetables peel easily. As a cooking pot or a steaming pot, it has part of functions of a microwave oven. All these five pots can be used independently, and they can also be easily transformed to each other and combined to be one pot. | 22,185 |
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to jewelry, and in particular to a new and useful process and product comprising an outer stone which embeds an inner, usually more precise stone.
The use of real and synthetic stones in rings, necklaces, broches and other jewelry settings is well known. This includes precious stones such as diamonds, as well as semiprecious stones and even synthetic stones. For instance, such stones can be cut or formed into gem shapes as can cubic zirconia and certain synthetic materials. The stones can be colorless or have a color tint.
The higher priced stones, such as diamonds, are usually available down to very small sizes whereas the semiprecious or synthetic stones are usually provided in larger sizes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an outer stone which contains one or more blind cavities that receives an inner stone. Generally the outer stone is either semiprecious or synthetic while the inner stone is a diamond or other precious yet smaller gem.
This produces a unique visual effect as one looks into the transparent outer stone and views the inner stone. The invention may also be used to produce an audible effect, if the inner stone is loosely held within its blind cavity so that it can move and produce a tapping sound as the outer stone is moved.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a unique process for manufacturing the product of the invention.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which the preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a raw stone before a first operating step of cutting it into two parts of the invention;
FIG. 1B is an exploded view showing two parts of the outer stone during a preliminary stage in the process of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a view of the bottom portion of the outer stone after at least one cavity has been formed in an exposed mating plane of the stone;
FIG. 3 is a view of inner mounted stones to be deposited into the cavity;
FIG. 4 is a view of the partially completed outer stone with the stone halves having been assembled; and
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the completed product according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings in particular, the invention embodied in FIG. 5 comprises a jewelry stone assembly generally designated 10 made up of an outer stone 12 and one or more inner stones 16 loosely or firmly held within at least one blind cavity defined within the body of the outer stone 12.
The jewelry stone assembly 10 is manufactured in accordance with the invention.
In an initial step of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1B, a raw material for the outer stone shown in FIG. 1A is selected. This may for example, be any one of a variety of semiprecious stones or synthetic material stones or even precious stone material. Examples of natural materials which can be used for the outer stone are amethyst, blue topaz, white topaz, citrine, garnet, tourmaline, white quartz, pink quartz, aquamarine and other semiprecious and precious gemstones.
Examples of synthetic or man-made raw materials are, cubic zirconia, yag, boules synthetics, synthetic quartz, etc.
After the raw material is selected, pieces of the raw material are preformed into desired shapes for an upper stone portion 14 and a lower stone portion 18. For example, the stone portions may be cut into round, oval, heart or other contours which roughly match the upper and lower portions of the outer stone 12 in its assembled state.
Advantageously, the raw material of upper and lower stone portions 14, 18 is transparent so that one can peer into the volume of the stone portions. Although this is a preferred embodiment of the invention, alternatively either one, preferably the upper stone portion is transparent while the lower stone portion 18 is translucent or opaque.
At this stage of the process, at least roughly planer mating surfaces 15 and 17 are provided on the underside of the upper stone portion 14, and the upper side of the lower stone portion 18 respectively. These will ultimately mate with each other to form the outer stone 12.
Depending on the raw material and the condition of the rough stone, the preforming process can either be done on a preforming machine of conventional design or totally by hand using appropriate grinding devices, depending on the rough stone. Although the process is done separately for both top and bottom portions, in an alternate embodiment of the invention, a single rough stone is cut into the approximate shape of FIG. 4, and then cut along a plane to divide the single outer stone into separate upper and lower stone portions with the flat surfaces 15, 17 as shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 1B also shows a subsequent step in the process where at least one or, if desired, a plurality of blind cavities 20 are formed in the upper surface 17 of stone portion 18. While in the example of FIG. 1B, one cavity is shown, more than one cavity may be used. To form the cavity or cavities, a cavity is first dug out using an ultrasonic drill. The ultrasonic drill is modified as follows:
The main problem with all ultrasonic drills in stock form is the vibrations that occur during the drilling process. Ordinarily for the processes that these machines were designed for these vibrations are not that important, but for the inventive production, that requires hollowing out the center of a small fragile stone leaving a thinner than normal wall, these excessive vibrations can cause chipping or breakage to the stone. For this reason, the first modification is to the drill head and the shaft attached to the head. Ordinarily, in stock form the moveable head of the machine is lowered onto the surface that it is supposed to cut. The moveable head is not as secure as a fixed head and neither is the shaft that the head is attached to. The first modification is replacing the shaft with a sturdier steel shaft and fixing the head to the shaft permanently for vibration free operation.
The next modification is creating a moveable platform to be raised incrementally toward the machine head. The moveable platform is the key to successful and accurate cavities. Not only should the rate of the raising be timed according to the excavating speed of the machine for different material, it should also be calibrated for the death of each cavity.
A next major difficulty is devising a system for holding the stones securely in place during the excavating operation. Both the hardness (or the lack of it) and the different forms and sizes combined with rounded surfaces of the stones plus variations in dimensions of height, length and width pose serious problems, and also the stones need to be perfectly centered before the drilling operation. For the purpose of holding the stones, a jig is used which comprises a stainless steel frame and base with vertical and lateral adjustments. The center of the frame is filled with a special type of stiff vulcanizing rubber first. Then a metal model of the stone is placed in the rubber and the whole jig is vulcanized. After vulcanization, one can remove the metal form and in its place there is an indentation within the rubber. In this indentation one can place the matching stone to be held securely for the excavating process. The same process should be repeated for each size and every shape of stone that is cut. The stiff vulcanized rubber is the heart of the jig, not only does the rubber hold the stone tightly without damaging the stone's surface, it also allows for small variations in the stone measurements while cushioning it during the excavation.
The next step is creating sized and shaped dies for creating the hole(s) in the stones.
Thus, during the drilling process, the stones are held in place in the specialized jig which although firmly holding the stones, does not scratch them or chip them.
After the rough cavity or cavities are formed, the interior surfaces are polished and evened out manually. This produces transparent walls to the blind cavity at 20a, so that its interior can be viewed from outside the outer stone, as shown in FIG. 2.
As shown in FIG. 3, the next step is to insert smaller or inner stones 16 into each of the polished, blind cavity 20a. Diamonds are the preferred stone and may be inserted by themselves or first mounted in a gold stone setting which is selected so that each diamond has an upper surface that is just slightly below the plane of mating surface 17 of lower stone portion 18. To adjust the level of the upper surface of the diamonds in their respective blind cavities 20, different thicknesses of the gold stone setting 23 may be used. In this way the height of the gem or gem plus setting can be adjusted to substantially match the depth of the cavity.
Instead of diamonds, alternate stones which can be inserted into the blind cavity 20 are ruby, sapphire, emerald or any of the aforementioned raw materials used for the outer stone portions 14 and 18. The stones may be set in gold setting 23 or can be rough, smooth or slightly polished stones which float freely in the cavities.
The bonding of the two parts 14 and 18 of the outer stone is one of the most critical steps in the process and is shown in FIG. 4.
As illustrated in FIG. 4 the cementing together of the upper and lower stone portions takes place at the now mated mating surfaces 15, 17, using a preferably transparent specialized cement which is selected depending on the material of the stone portions to be attached to each other. Examples of the specialized cements adhesives or glues used are, ultraviolet curing adhesives and heat curing adhesives. Example of the UV glue is LOCKTITE UV GLUE, a trade name for an ultraviolet curing glue, and 3M heat bonding glue. These are colorless, watertight and can be used with the materials of the outer stone according to the present invention.
A UV adhesive can be used which sets by exposing it to a selected frequency of UV light for a predetermined period of time. The exposure process is usually done in an enclosed box. The stones can be either placed individually in the box, or moved through the box on a conveyer belt with a set speed.
The bonding characteristics of the adhesive varies according to the type, color and size of the material being used. For example, a blue topaz 8 mm×10 mm oval stone requires an exposure time of 5.5 minutes to bond properly. An equivalent amethyst stone bonds in 3 minutes. If the amethyst is left any longer than 3 minutes the adhesive will start to form bubbles. This is due to the fact that the UV light also generates heat, and if the adhesive is over exposed its characteristics will change and the air trapped in the adhesive will start to expand. The bubbles affect the integrity of the adhesive or glue. Again, different sizes of the stones need different setting times, due to differences in surface areas to be bonded. As explained above, each kind of material and size of stone needs its own time calibration.
Another bonding problem occurs due to the color of the material being glued together. For, example the UV glue does not work properly with yellow colored stones like citrine. The bonding is generally weak and full of bubbles. Also the glue sometimes forms a rainbow effect which affects the stone's visual characteristics. In these cases, one must use other kinds of specialty adhesives. These adhesives also have to be calibrated according to the type and size of material used.
Another major problem is the actual application of the glue. This is important since if there is not enough glue, the bonding process will be weak and create an uneven seal. This would affect the strength and water tightness of the finished product. On the other hand, if too much glue is applied, even in minute quantities since it is still in liquid free form, at the time of joining the two halves together, the pressure will force a small quantity of the glue inside the cavity area where the free floating stones are. This usually goes un-noticed until the glue is set and the stone is finished. The glue inside the cavity would hinder the movement of the free-floating stones and in some cases they would stick to the bottom of the cavity, and since the stone has to be faceted and re-gridled after each gluing, the stone has to be totally rejected since one cannot re-gridle the stone at this point.
After the bonding process, the stones have to be checked for water-tightness with special equipment, like those used in the watch industry. As explained above, the water-tightness is dependant on proper application and setting of the glue, along with accurate re-gridling and faceting.
If the stone passes both tests for water tightness and bonding quality it continues to a final facetting and polishing step to produce the cut-stone effect shown in FIG. 5. After this, a final check for quality is conducted.
While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles. | A jewelry stone assembly comprises upper and lower stone portions which are adhesively attachable to each other at mating surfaces. One or more blind cavities are formed in the mating surface of the lower stone portion and a jewel alone or jewel with setting is dropped into the cavity. Thereafter, clear adhesive is used to attach the upper and lower stone portions at their mating surfaces and the outer surface of the assembled outer stone is further processed, for example by faceting, to produce an outer stone which contains at least one inner stone. | 13,901 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention generally relates to memory controllers utilized in computer systems, and more particularly, a single memory controller utilizing a plurality of input frequencies.
2. Description of the Related Art
The technology and capabilities of personal computer systems have generally been advancing at a fast pace for a number of years. However, the actual advancement of capabilities has not necessarily been uniform. For example, the capabilities and speeds of the microprocessor, the foundation of the personal computer, have dramatically increased in the last several years and appear to be continuing to increase at this high rate. On the other hand, a similar advancement curve has not been shown in memory devices, particularly in the effective speeds of memory devices, so that the disparity between the microprocessor speeds and the memory speeds has gotten larger. Further, other portions of the external constraints on a personal computer may also limit advancement in certain areas. For example, in many cases bus specifications were designed and developed for a particular time period, but as time progressed, devices which were much more powerful were developed. However, if those powerful devices were to be used in an interchangeable bus, such as one according to the ISA or Industry Standard Architecture, then some of the improvements could not be used and so designs can be standardized at lesser performance levels because of other limitations in the system.
One solution that has developed to these problems is the modular personal computer. In those designs many of the elements are located on interchangeable cards. For example, in most modular computers the processor system is located on an interchangeable card which can be readily replaced to allow the use of different microprocessors. Not only can types of microprocessors change but additionally so can the speeds of a particular microprocessor. For example, in many lines the Intel Corporation (Intel) 80386SX chip forms the low end either at 16 or 20 MHz versions, with a steady progression up through the compatible lines leading up to and ultimately concluding with 33 MHz or even 50 MHz 80486 microprocessors from Intel. By simply interchanging the processor card, the remaining components of the computer system can be reused and the theoretical cost of the performance increase is reduced.
However, there are certain disadvantages to this modular design. The most common disadvantage relates to the operation of the memory systems. In most high performance personal computers the memory is located on a bus which is tightly coupled to the processor and preferably is 32 bytes wide. The input/output (I/O) bus, such as the ISA or Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus is wholly separate from this tightly coupled, proprietary bus. More details on the EISA bus are available in Appendix 1 in application Ser. No. 431,741, filed Nov. 3, 1989, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The I/O bus is effectively constrained because of the standardization that has developed over the years, but it is satisfactory for this portion of the system to remain relatively static because optimizations can be developed on the proprietary bus. Therefore, the main memory is located on this proprietary bus, called the host bus in some cases.
Because of the great differences in speeds and addressing techniques of the microprocessors used in modular systems, actual access to the memory devices varies greatly between the various microprocessors. However, the memory is located over a shared bus, so that in many cases the memory interface is fixed at a single variation, which is optimal for only one particular microprocessor and reduces performance in all other cases. Therefore, depending upon the configuration of the computer system, overall system performance can often be increased only at levels much less than that theoretically possible based on just the change of capabilities from one microprocessor to another. The memory interface becomes a limiting factor, particularly as clock rates of the microprocessor change.
If the memory controller is located on the common system board used in modular designs or on the memory board itself, then it has been common that these particular limitation problems would automatically develop, because memory controllers are typically only single clock speed based devices. If the memory controller is actually located and interchangeable along with the processor card, then performance can be improved when the processor card is changed, but the design costs are increased because of the need to design a memory controller for each particular microprocessor. In addition, production volumes of the particular memory controller component would be reduced as compared to the situation where it was installed on the system board or on the memory board. Therefore, there are significant cost burdens when a memory controller is interchangeable with the processor card. A tradeoff must be made at design time between cost and performance, i.e. using a single memory controller for all systems or changing the memory controller with the processor card.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The computer system according to the present invention utilizes a memory controller capable of operating at a plurality of input frequencies as available for a series of different microprocessors in a modular computer, and yet providing effectively constant and high performance from the memory system. A synchronous, state machine-driven memory controller is preferably utilized, with certain states of the memory control operation being bypassed for given frequencies. In other cases, the memory controller operates at double the frequency of the general system clock when the frequencies are sufficiently close, so that again near optimal performance is obtained. Preferably the state machine is constructed such that events relative to the memory devices, such as the development of the row address strobe (RAS), column address strobe (CAS), and buffer output and latch signals are generally generated by the same states in the state machine, irrelevant of the input frequency. This simplifies external logic design and provides greater consistency in operation.
In the preferred embodiment the memory controller operates for three system frequencies, namely 16, 25 and 33 MHz effective processor speed. Therefore a single memory controller can be utilized to allow reduction of costs and simplifications of designs and yet high levels of performance can be achieved from the memory subsystem, the memory interface effectively being tailored for each particular microprocessor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained with the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment is considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective illustration of a modular computer system incorporating a memory controller according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a processor board incorporating a memory controller according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a memory board for use with the processor board of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a memory controller according to the present invention;
FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 are state machines illustrating operation of portions of the memory controller of FIG. 4; and
FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 are schematic illustrations of logic associated with the various state machines to produce the various signals necessary for operation of the memory subsystem.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A modular computer system generally referred to by the letter C is shown in FIG. 1. A system board S contains a number of devices and a series of connectors or slots 20. The circuitry located on the system board S includes items which are very fundamental and not likely to change without drastic change in the operation of the computer system C. For example, a bus controller 22 to control operations on the input/output (I/O) bus, such as the EISA bus, is located on the system board S. Related to the bus controller 22 is an integrated system peripheral (ISP) 24 which contains the interrupt controller, various timers, the direct memory access (DMA) controller, non-maskable interrupt logic refresh and EISA bus arbitration and prioritization logic. In addition, various data latches/buffers and address latches/buffers 26 and 28 are provided to couple to the EISA bus. Further, a random logic chip 30, commonly referred to as a system glue chip (SGC), is provided to reduce the overall space and component count of the system board S.
Connected to the system board S by a connector 32 is an I/O board I. The I/O board I contains certain input/output related functions and other functions as commonly developed on the X bus of a personal computer system according to the ISA or EISA architecture. For example, the read only memory (ROM) 34 is located on the I/O board I. Additionally the real time clock (RTC) and CMOS memory unit 36, the floppy disk controller (FDC) 38 and a multiple peripheral controller (MPC) 38, which incorporates two serial ports, a parallel port and a hard disk interface, are also located on the I/O board I. Further, a keyboard controller (not shown) is located on the I/O board I. These functions are preferably located on a separate board to allow this unit to be interchanged as desirable. For example, various I/O improvements could be developed, such as an improved audio section, a network interface and other variations, and therefore it is possible to replace the I/O board I with a newer enhanced version without thereby also requiring the change of the system board S as would conventionally be done.
In the computer system C according to the preferred embodiment, a processor card P is also located in an interchangeable slot. The processor card P contains the central processing unit or microprocessor 42 and miscellaneous related support logic 44. Further, the processor card P contains a memory controller 46 according to the present invention and a data buffer/latch 48. Additionally in the preferred embodiment, an amount of base memory 50 is preferably located on the processor board P, in the preferred embodiment 4 Mbytes of memory. This memory 50 is utilized with the buffer/latch 48 and is directly controlled by the memory controller 46. However, because of the limitations of space and the number of complex components on the processor board P is also desirable that a separate memory board M be located in an interchangeable slot 20. The memory board M preferably contains a pair of data buffers/latches 48. Additionally, RAS logic 52 and various other buffering logic 53 is located on the memory board M. Finally, a series of locations 54 for receiving memory are provided on the memory board M. Preferably the locations 54 are designed to receive single in-line memory modules (SIMMs), preferably up to eight SIMMs in the preferred embodiment. This allows memory expansion to be easily developed on the memory board M. The control signals for the memory board M must be transmitted from the memory controller 46 on the processor board P through the system board S and up to the memory board M.
The computer system C also may contain a plurality of input/output related interchangeable cards. For example in the system shown in FIG. 1, one of the interchangeable cards 56 preferably is a video card which is interconnected with a monitor. Numerous other cards can be installed as is conventional. Thus in the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the memory controller 46 is changed with each particular processor card P and is not located on the system board. This would conventionally allow very high optimization of the memory controller for the particular processor but would result in reduced production volumes and increased designed times. However, the memory controller according to the preferred embodiment is utilized on a series of different processor cards P so that volume increases and effective design time is reduced.
A block diagram of the processor card P is shown generally in FIG. 2. The CPU or microprocessor 42, preferably is one of the 80836/82395 microprocessor and cache controller pair, the 16 MHz or 25 MHz 80486SX microprocessor or the 33 MHz 80486DX microprocessor from Intel Corporation. The CPU 42 provides a series of signals referred to as the P bus, with the P bus including the PA address lines, PD data lines and the PC control lines. A series of these lines are converted to the HA host address and HD host data lines which form a host or proprietary H bus. The memory controller 46 utilizes the processor control bus PC and develops the HC or host control bus. Various CPU support logic 44 is connected to the control buses PC and HC and receives a bus referred to as the XD data bus. The CPU support logic 44 provides the miscellaneous registers and support functions necessary for operation of the computer system C. The memory controller 46 also provides as outputs the memory address and memory control or MA and MC buses. These are provided to the base memory 50 and externally for transmission to the memory board M. The base memory 50 receives the MD or M memory data bus which is connected to the data buffer/latch 48. The data buffer/latch 48 is also coupled to the host data bus HD to allow data transfer between the MD and HD buses.
The memory board M is shown in more detail in the block diagram of FIG. 3. The HD bus is provided to the buffer/latches 48, which are preferably each 32 bits wide. This produces a 64 bit wide memory card, when the multiplexing of the data buffer/latches is considered and allows for interleaving of the memory devices. Various of the control lines from the M control bus are provided to the RAS logic 52 and to the various buffers and conversion logic 53. In addition, the buffer logic 53 buffers the MA or memory address bus. The various data, address, RAS, CAS and write enable signals are provided from the buffer/latches 48, the RAS decode logic 52 and the buffer 53 to the plurality of SIMM locations 54 where the actual memory devices on the memory board M are located.
More details of the memory controller 46 are provided in FIG. 4. There are three main memory control blocks 100, 102 and 104 in the memory controller 46. The block 100 is the block which interfaces primarily between the host bus H and the memory devices; while the block 102 is the EISA block, which interfaces between the EISA bus specific signals and the memory devices. The block 104 is the ISA interface block which converts between the ISA standard signals and the memory devices.
The host block 100 includes a host front end interface 106 which receives various status signals from the host bus H and the various host bus addresses. A page hit detector is located in the host front end interface 106 to allow page mode operation of the memory devices. The host bus front end interface 106 is connected to a host control block 108 which provides certain logic to develop signals necessary for a host state machine 110. Pertinent signals developed by the host control logic 108 will be discussed in the operation of the host state machine 110.
Similarly, the EISA block 102 contains EISA control logic 112 which translates certain signals as necessary for use by an EISA state machine 114 and a refresh state machine 116. One input to the EISA block 102 is provided by the DDF or data destination facility control block 118. The DDF system is a memory translation and module addressing system and is more fully described in U.S. patent application 431,666 filed Nov. 3, 1989 and in its European Patent Office counterpart having an application number of 90 311 749.7 and a filing date of Oct. 26, 1990, which was published on May 8, 1991, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The ISA block 104 includes ISA control logic 120 to develop necessary signals from the ISA signals and from the DDF control unit 118 and to provide these signals to an ISA state machine 122.
A byte enable latch 124 latches the byte enable signals as generally developed in Intel microprocessors and as available on the host bus H. The memory controller 46 also contains clock generation logic 126 which receives a reference clock signal, the BCLK or bus clock signal from the EISA bus and the system reset signal. In addition, mode select decode logic 128 receives three select signals to determine the particular operating frequency of the system.
The four state machines 110, 114, 116 and 122 provide their outputs to a series of logic blocks such as the RAS control logic 130, the CAS control logic 132, snoop strobe logic 134 and data buffer control logic 136. The RAS control logic 130 develops the row address strobe (RAS) signals provided to the memory board M and used on the processor board P. The CAS control logic utilizes the output of the byte enable latch 124 and develops the particular column address select (CAS) signals used by the memory devices. The snoop strobe logic 134 develops a signal which is provided to the various cache systems on the CPU 42 to indicate when snooping of the address bus is appropriate for cache coherency reasons. The data buffer control logic 136 provides the various write enable, output enable and latch enable signals used with the memory devices and the various data buffers/latches 48.
The memory addresses on the HA bus and as developed by the DDF system are provided to an address block 138, which includes a CAS address latch 140 and a memory address multiplexer 142. The CAS address latch 140 is utilized because the addresses on the host bus HA may be removed prior to the completion of the cycle. Therefore latching is necessary. The memory address multiplexer 142 develops the row and column addresses from the full address provided on the HA bus and by the DDF system. The addresses provided by the memory address multiplexer 42 are the MA address lines provided on the MA bus.
The logical flow of the host state machine 110 is shown in FIG. 5. The host state machine 110 is capable of operating with 16 MHz, 25 MHz and 33 MHz system operating frequencies and is designed to work with page mode DRAMs. The host state machine 110 provides initial cycles, page hit cycles and page miss cycles. In addition, the host state machine 110 is designed to cooperate with the various burst cycles produced by the CPU 42. The host state machine 110 is clocked by a signal referred to as REFCLK, which is 32 MHz for 16 MHz system operation, 25 MHz for 25 MHz system operation and 33 MHz for 33 MHz system operation. Upon reset, control initiates at host state machine state HA. This is the initial state and a rest state. In the state machines of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 and the accompanying schematic diagram the signal mnemonic or state followed by an underline is the inverse of the same signal mnemonic or state without the underline. Additionally, the dot in the state machines of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 indicates the logical AND operation, while the+ signal indicates the logical OR operation.
Control proceeds from state HA to state HF if 25 MHz operation is selected, as indicated by the HOST25 signal being high; a write cycle is occurring, as indicated by the WRCYC signal being true; and the operation is being performed by the CPU 42 to the memory located on the processor card P or the memory card M, the host bus memory, as indicated by the true state of the HOSTCYC signal. Control proceeds from state HA to state HB for read or write cycles being performed by the CPU 42 on the host bus H which are not 25 MHz write cycles or if 16 MHz operation is indicated, a host cycle is occurring as indicated by the HOSTCYC signal, a write cycle is commencing as indicated by the HW -- R signal and an address status pulse is occurring as indicated by the ADS signal. For all other cases, control remains at state HA.
Control proceeds from state HB to state HF for write cycles. If the pending cycle is a read cycle, as indicated by the RDCYC signal being high or true, and either 33 or 16 MHz operation is indicated by the HOST33 or HOST16 signals being true, control proceeds to state HC. Control proceeds from state HC to state HD and then to state HE on successive REFCLK signal rising edges. If 25 MHz operation is indicated and a read cycle is occurring, control proceeds directly from state HB to state HE, thereby bypassing states HC and HD. Control proceeds from state HE to state HF.
Control proceeds from state HF to state HG if this is not the last transfer in a burst series of transfers, as indicated by the BLAST -- signal being high. Control proceeds from state HG to state HF. This state HF to state HG loop forms the burst loop and operates the memory devices in page mode due to the definition of a burst operation.
Control proceeds from state HF to state HH if this is the last operation in a burst operation as indicated by the BLAST signal being true. Control proceeds from state HH to state HI if the ADS signal is active, a column address strobe is not being provided and operation is not indicated at 16 MHz; if the ADS signal is true and a write cycle is commencing as indicated by the HW -- R signal being true; or if a memory page hit has occurred and this is a read cycle. Control proceeds from state HH to state HJ if 16 MHz operation is indicated, the operation is a read page miss, the ADS signal is true and the operation is being performed by the CPU 42 on the host bus H; or if the operation is a read miss cycle to the host bus memory by the CPU 42. If the HHLDA signal is asserted, indicating that the CPU 42 does not have control of the host bus H, control returns to state HA to set up an initial operation. In all other cases control loops at state HH, the second idle or reset state.
Control proceeds from state HI to state HJ if a page miss operation is indicated. Control proceeds from state HI back to state HH if the operation in progress is not indicated as being to host bus memory by the CPU 42. Control proceeds from state HI to state HE if 33 or 16 MHz operation is indicated, a read cycle is in progress and it is a page hit. Control proceeds from state HI to state HF for all 25 MHz operation hit cases and for 16 and 33 MHz write cycle hits.
Control proceeds from state HJ to state HB for 25 MHz write cycles. Control proceeds from state HJ to HK for all 16 and 33 MHz operations. Control proceeds from state HK to state HL in all cases. Control proceeds from state HJ directly to state HL, bypassing state HK, for 25 MHz read cycles. Control proceeds from state HL to HB in all instances. Thus the host state machine 110 compensates for the different operating frequencies and fixed memory device timing to produce optimal memory cycles.
The EISA master state machine 114 is shown logically in FIG. 6. The state machine 114 is clocked by the REFCLK signal but is also in many cases interlocked with the BCLK signal so that it is properly synchronized with the EISA bus. Upon computer system C reset, control starts at state EA. While the HHLDA signal is low, indicating that the CPU 42 is in control of the host bus H, control remains in state EA. Control also remains at state EA for all conditions not specified in transfers to states EB or EC. If the CPU 42 is not in control of the host bus; a refresh cycle is not occurring; a memory cycle is occurring; the cycle is starting; a 16 bit ISA master is not in control of the EISA bus as indicated by the EMSTR16 -- signal provided from the bus controller 22; and 25 MHz read operations are not occurring, control proceeds from state EA to state EB. Control remains in state EB if a write operation is occurring, as indicated by the LHW -- R or latched host write signal; the BCLK signal is low and 16 or 33 MHz operation is indicated and any other cases not indicating a transfer to state EC. If either 16 or 33 MHz operation is indicated, the LHW -- R or latched HW -- R signal indicates that a write operation is occurring, the BCLK signal is high and this is not the start of a sequence as indicated by the synchronized not START or SSTRT -- signal being true; if 16 or 33 MHz operation is indicated and a read operation is occurring; or for all 25 MHz write operations, control proceeds from state EB to state EC. Control proceeds from state EA to state EC when a cycle is starting, it is not a refresh cycle, the CPU 42 is not in control, a 16 bit ISA master is not in control, 25 MHz operation is indicated, a memory operation is occurring and it is a read cycle. Control remains in state EC while the BCLK signal is low and a write operation is occurring for 25 MHz operation. In all other cases control proceeds from state EC to state ED.
Control remains in state ED during read operations when the BCLK signal is in a low state. At other times, that is when the BCLK signal is high during read operations or in all write operations, control proceeds from state ED to state EE. Control remains in state EE when the synchronized EXRDY or SBEXRDY signal is not true, indicating that a delay or wait state is necessary, and a write cycle is occurring. Control proceeds from state EE to state EC for 25 MHz operation write cycles which are bursts, as indicated by the MSBURST signal being active, and a ready state is indicated. Control proceeds from state EE to state EB for 33 or 16 MHz operations which are writes, bursting and ready. For write, non-burst operations with the memory indicating ready, control proceeds from state EE to state EA.
Control proceeds from state EE to state EF for read operations which are being performed in 16 or 33 MHz operation or are not to the memory on the host bus H. Control proceeds from state EE to state EH for 25 MHz operation, non-host bus reads. Control proceeds from state EF to state EG for 16 or 33 MHz operations which are being performed to the host bus H. Control proceeds from state EG to state EH. Control proceeds directly from state EF to state EH for cases which are either 25 MHz operation or not to the host bus memory. Control remains at state EH while the EISA bus is indicated as not being ready by the SBEXRDY -- signal being true. When the bus becomes ready and it is not a burst operation, control returns to state ED from state EA. Alternatively, if a burst operation is indicated, control proceeds from state EH to state ED. Thus the EISA state machine 114 also compensates for the varying system operating speeds.
Operation of the ISA state machine 122 is shown in FIG. 7. The ISA state machine 122 is also clocked by the REFCLK signal. Upon reset of the computer system C, control proceeds to state IA. Control remains at state IA while a signal referred to as ISACMD -- is true, indicating that an ISA memory read or write operation is not occurring, or if a 16 bit ISA master is not operating. If an ISA memory read or write command is in progress, a 16 bit ISA master is in control and either 16 or 33 MHz operation is indicated, control proceeds from state IA to state IB. Control always proceeds from state IB to state IC. If an ISA command is active and being provided by a 16 bit ISA master and 25 MHz operation is indicated, control proceeds from state IA directly to state IC. Control proceeds from state IC to state ID. Control remains at a state ID while the ISA memory read or write command is in progress. Control proceeds from state ID to state IA when the ISA command is completed.
Operation of the refresh state machine 116 is shown in FIG. 8. The refresh state machine 116 is clocked by the REFCLK signal. Upon system reset, control proceeds to state RA. Control remains in state RA while the CPU 42 is in control of the host bus H, an EISA cycle has not commenced as indicated by the SSTRT -- signal being true or a refresh cycle is not occurring. If the CPU 42 is not in control of the host bus H, an EISA cycle has started, and it is a refresh cycle, control proceeds from state RA to state RB. Control then proceeds consecutively on REFCLK signal rising edges from state RB to RC to RD and returns to state RA. Thus it is noted that the refresh state machine is not frequency dependent.
As indicated in the block diagram of FIG. 4, miscellaneous logic is needed with the state machines 110, 114, 116 and 122 to develop the necessary signals both to drive the memory devices and the buffers and for development and control of the state machines.
Referring to FIG. 14, the clock dividing circuitry is shown. For 16 MHz system operation, a 32 MHz REFCLK signal is provided, while for 25 MHz operation the REFCLK signal is 25 MHz and for 33 MHz operation the REFCLK signal is 33 MHz. For 25 and 33 MHz cases the REFCLK signal can be used directly as the HCLK signal, which is provided to the host bus H as the master clock signal, while for the 16 MHz operation the REFCLK signal must be divided by two. This is done by the D-type flip-flop 172, which has the REFCLK signal providing the clocking signal. The non-inverted output is connected to the input of an inverter 174, whose output is connected to the D input. The HRESET signal, the system reset signal, is provided to an inverter 76, whose output is connected to the inverted set input of the flip-flop 172 for synchronization purposes.
The HOST16 signal, indicating 16 MHz operation, and the non-inverted output of the flip-flop 172 are the inputs to a two input NAND gate 178. The output of the NAND gate 178 is connected to one input of a two input NAND gate 180. The HOST16 signal is provided to an inverter 182, whose output is connected to one input of a two input NAND gate 184. The REFCLK signal provides the second input to the NAND gate 184, whose output is connected to the second input of the NAND gate 180. The output of the NAND gate 180 is the HCLK signal.
Referring now to FIG. 9, certain miscellaneous logic is shown which is used to develop some signals. For example, one signal which is developed for certain EISA read operations is the STRETCH -- signal, which is provided to the bus controller 22 so that a full BCLK signal wait state need not be applied, thus allowing a slight delay in memory operations without the full delay developed by a full wait state. For 33 MHz operation the HOST33 signal is provided as one input to a three input NAND gate 200. The LHW -- R -- signal, which indicates a read operation, is provided to a second input of the NAND gate 200, while the final input is a signal referred to as NEISASTG, which indicates that the next state of the EISA state machine 110 is state EG. The output of the NAND gate 200 is provided as one input to a three input NAND gate 202. The second input to the NAND gate 202 is provided by the output of three input NAND gate 204 which is used for the 25 MHz condition. The inputs to the NAND gate 204 are the HOST25 signal, the LHW -- R -- signal and a signal referred to as NEISASTF or EISA state machine next state EF signal. The third input to the NAND gate 202 is provided by the output of four input NAND gate 206. The inputs to the NAND gate 206 are the HOST16 signal, the LHW -- R -- signal, the NEISASTG signal and a signal referred to as STRTCH16. The STRTCH16 signal is developed at the inverted output of a D-type flip-flop 208. Two buffers 210 and 212 are connected from the STRTCH16 signal to the D input of the flip-flop 208. The inverted clock input of the flip-flop 208 is the SBCLK or synchronized BCLK signal. The CMD -- signal from the EISA bus is provided to an inverter 214, whose output is connected to the inverted reset input of the flip-flop 208. Therefore the STRTCH16 signal toggles on BCLK signal falling edges during burst operations at 16 MHz systems. This is because a full delay is not necessary in each particular cycle and thus performance can be increased in this manner.
The output of the NAND gate 202 is provided as one input to a two input NAND gate 216. The second input to the NAND gate 216 is the EXRDY signal from the EISA bus, which indicates that operations are ready to proceed. The output of the NAND gate 216 is provided to the D input of a D-type flip-flop 218. The REFCLK signal is provided to the clocking input of the flip-flop 218. The output of the flip-flop 218 is the STRETCH -- signal which is provided to the bus controller 22 to indicate when a stretch of the BCLK signal should be developed.
Referring to FIG. 10, a signal indicated as EBBEN -- is developed as the output of a D-type latch 220. The EBBEN -- signal is provided to the local data buffer latch 48 present on the processor board P so that data can be provided from the memory devices 50 to the host bus 42. The RASEN -- signal or not RAS enable signal is provided to the D input of the latch 220, while the IRAS or internal master RAS signal is provided to the input of a inverter 222 whose output is connected to the enable input of the latch 220.
Because the buffers 48 are bi-directional and have tristate outputs, output enable signals are necessary for each direction, that is from the memory data bus to the host data bus and from the host data bus to the memory data bus. The development of these signals is shown in FIG. 11. Additionally, FIG. 11 shows the development of the write enable signal which is applied to the memory devices. The RDCYC signal and the HOSTCYC signal are provided as the two inputs to a two input AND gate 230. The output of the AND gate 230 is provided to the D input of a D-type flip-flop 232. The REFCLK signal provided to the clocking input of the flip-flop 232, while the HRESET -- signal is provided to the inverted reset input of the flip-flop 232 to cause it to be reset during system reset. The inverted output of the flip-flop 232 is provided as one input to a three input NAND gate 234. A second input to the NAND gate 234 is provided by the output of a two input NAND gate 236, whose inputs are the non-inverted output of a D-type latch 235 and the HDEISAEN signal, which is provided to indicate that data is to be transferred from the host data bus to the EISA bus. This signal is provided by the bus controller 22. The EISARD signal, which indicates an EISA read cycle, is provided to the D input of the latch 235, while the HDEISAEN signal is provided to the enable input. The third input to the NAND gate 234 is provided by the output of an inverter 238 whose input is the ISARD signal, which is developed from the various ISA signals present, particularly the MRDC -- signal. The output of the NAND gate 234 is provided to one input of a two input NAND gate 240. The second input to the NAND gate 240 is provided by the HINHIBIT -- signal. This signal is present to allow a writeback cache to be utilized with the memory controller 46. The HINHIBIT signal is developed during delays in conventional signals to allow the direction of travel of the host bus H to be reversed to allow the cache controller to writeback data into the memory system. The output of the NAND gate 240 is the MDHDOE -- signal. Thus when this signal is active, the buffers 48 are transferring data from the memory devices to the host data bus.
The WRCYC signal and the non-inverted output of a D-type flip-flop 242 are provided as the two inputs to a two input NAND gate 244. The output of the two input NAND gate 244 is provided as one input to a two input NAND gate 246. The WRCYC and HOSTCYC signals are provided as the two inputs to a two input NAND gate 248, whose output is the second input to the NAND gate 246. The output of the NAND gate 246 is provided to the D input of the flip-flop 242. The REFCLK signal is provided to the clocking input, while the HRESET -- signal is provided to the inverted reset input of the flip-flop 242. The inverted output of the flip-flop 242 is provided to one input of a three input NAND gate 250. The second input to the NAND gate 250 is provided by the output of a two input NAND gate 252. The HDEISAEN signal, which indicates that the buffers are transmitting from the host data bus to the EISA data bus, and the non-inverted output of a D-type latch 251 are the inputs to the NAND gate 252. The EISAWR signal, which indicates that an EISA write operation is occurring, is provided to the D input of the latch 251, while the HDEISAEN signal is provided to the enable input. The ISAWR or ISA write signal is provided to the input of an inverter 254 whose output is the third input to the NAND gate 250. The output of the NAND gate 250 is provided to an inverter 253 whose output is the HDMDOE -- signal or the host data to memory data output enable signal. When this signal is low the outputs of the buffer 48 to the memory data bus are active.
The HDMDOE -- signal is provided to the input of an inverter 260. The output of the inverter 260 is one input to a two input NAND gate 262. The LHWP -- signal is the second input to the NAND gate 262. This signal when active low, indicates that the particular location is write protected, so that a write strobe is not developed even though data is being transferred to the data bus. The output of the NAND gate 262 is provided to the D input of a D-type transparent latch 264. The CAS -- signal is provided to the enable input of the latch 264. The non-inverted output of the latch 264 provides the MWEO -- or write enable signal to the memory devices, preferably 80 ns page node dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), such as those in SIMM modules such as the THM362500AS-80, the THM365120AS-80, the THM361020S-80, and the THM362020S-80 memory DRAMs manufactured by Toshiba. Thus the write enable signal is active during the CAS portion when data is being transferred from the host bus to the memory bus except to write protected locations.
In the like manner as there were two output enable signals for the two directions for the buffers 48, similarly there are also latch signals which are provided to the buffers 48 to latch in both directions. The development of the memory data to host data latch enable or MDHDLE -- signal is shown in FIG. 12, while the development of the host data to memory data latch enable or HDMDLE -- signal is shown in FIG. 13. The buffer/latches 48 are designed such that they are transparent when the latch enable signals are low and latch data on the rising edge of the latch enable signals.
Two signals referred to as HOSTSTE and HOSTSTG indicating the host state machine is in states HE or HG are provided to the inputs to a two input OR gate 276. The output of the OR gate 276 is provided as one input to a three input AND gate 278. The other two inputs to the AND gate 278 are the RDCYC signal, to indicate a read cycle, and the HOST25 signal, to indicate that 16 or 33 MHz operation. The output of the AND gate 278 is provided to the D input of a D-type flip-flop 280. The clock input of the flip-flop 280 receives the REFCLK signal, while the inverted reset input receives the HRESET -- signal. The non-inverted output of the flip-flop 280 is connected to one input to a four input OR gate 282.
A signal referred to as HOSTSTF, to indicate that the host state machine is in state HF, is one input to a three input AND gate 284. The other two inputs to the AND gate 284 are the RDCYC signal and the HOST25 signal. The output of the AND gate 284 is provided to the D input of a D-type flip-flop 286, whose inverted clock input receives the REFCLK signal and whose inverted reset input receives the HRESET -- signal. The output of the D-type flip--flop 286 is provided to one input of the OR gate 282.
The HOSTSTE and HOSTSTG signals are provided as the inputs to a two input OR gate 288, whose output is one input to a three input AND gate 290. The other two inputs of the AND gate 290 are the RDCYC and HOST25 -- signals. The output of the AND gate 290 is provided to the D input of a D-type flip-flop 292. The inverted clocking input is connected to the REFCLK signal and the inverted reset input of the flip-flop 292 is connected to the HRESET -- signal. The non-inverted output signal of the flip-flop 292 is provided as a third input to the OR gate 282.
A signal referred to as the NEISASTD or EISA state machine next state ED signal is provided to the D input of a D-type flip-flop 294. The clock input of the flip-flop 294 receives the REFCLK signal, while the inverted input reset input receives HRESET -- signal. The non-inverted output of the flip-flop 294 is provided as one input to a two input OR gate 296. The EISASTA or EISA state machine state EA signal is provided to the D input of a D-type flip-flop 298. The REFCLK signal is provided to the inverted clock input, while the HRESET -- signal is provided to the inverted reset input. The non-inverted output of the flip-flop 298 is provided as the second input to the OR gate 296. The output of the OR gate 296 is one input to a three input NAND gate 300. The HHLDA and EMSTR16 -- signals are the two remaining inputs to the NAND gate 300. The output of the NAND gate 300 is provided to the input of an inverter 302. The output of the inverter 302 provides the fourth input to the OR gate 282. The output of the OR gate 282 is the MDHDLE -- signal, which is provided directly to the input of the buffer/latch 48 as the active low latch enable signal. Thus the MDHDLE -- signal is active as appropriate to latch the data from the memory devices.
Proceeding now to FIG. 13, the CAS -- signal, which is active low when any individual CAS signal is being asserted, is provided to the input of an inverter 310. The output of the inverter 310 is provided as one input to a two input NOR gate 312. The HOSTSTF or host state machine state HF signal is provided to the D input of a D-type flip--flop 314. The inverted clocking input of the flip-flop 314 receives the REFCLK signal, while the inverted reset input receives the HRESET -- signal. The non-inverted output of the flip-flop 314 is provided to the second input of the NOR gate 312. The output of the NOR gate 312 is the HDMDLE signal. An inverted form of this signal is provided to the active low latch enable input for the host data to memory data direction of the buffer/latch 48.
As previously noted, three select inputs are provided to the memory controller 46 to indicate speed of system operation. If all three of the select inputs are low, the output of an AND gate 320, the HOST16 signal, is high, indicating 16 MHz operation. If the select inputs provide a binary value of 001, the output of an AND gate 322, the HOST25 signal, is high, indicating that 25 MHz operation is provided. If the binary value of the three select bits is 010, this is an indication of 33 MHz operation and so the output of a three input AND gate 324, the HOST33 signal, is true or high. It is noted the HOST16, HOST25 and HOST33 signals are utilized throughout the operation of the memory controller 46 and allow distinguishing between the various processor speeds.
One operation of the memory controller 46 is to provide a READY signal back to the CPU 42 to indicate that data is available. This is provided according to the common characteristics of the Intel processors previously described. To this end, a READY signal is generated internally by the memory controller for host bus operations. The circuitry is shown generally in FIG. 15.
A signal referred to as HERDY or host bus early ready is provided to the input of an inverter 334. The HERDY signal is provided by the bus controller 22 one clock cycle before the end of the memory cycle is to be sampled. The output of the inverter 334 is connected to one input of a three input NAND gate 336. The DDFRDY -- signal is provided as a second input to the NAND gate 336. This signal is provided when the DDF operation has completed. The HOST16 signal, the HHRDY signal and the HCLK or clocking signal on the host bus are provided as three inputs to a three input NAND gate 338. The output of the NAND gate 338 is the third input to the NAND gate 336. The output of the NAND gate 336 is connected to the D input of a D-type flip-flop 340. The REFCLK signal provides the clocking input for the flip-flop 340. The non-inverted output of the flip-flop 340 is the HHRDY or host bus ready signal while the inverted output is the HHRDY -- signal which is provided on the host bus H and to the CPU 42.
The RAS control logic 130 is shown generally in FIG. 16. Five outputs are provided by the RAS control logic 130. The outputs are the RAS10 -- , RAS20 -- , RASA -- , RASB -- and IRAS signals. The RASA -- and RASB -- signals are provided to the memory board M for combination with the various DDF signals to develop the proper module for selection. The RAS10 -- and RAS20 -- signals are utilized with the memory on the processor board P for 4 Mbyte and 8 Mbyte SIMMs. The IRAS signal has been utilized in previous circuitry and is the internal master RAS signal which is active when any RAS signal is active.
Two input signals, BRASSEL and BRASEN -- , are provided to indicate if the memory on the processor board P is enabled and if 4 Mbyte or 8 Mbyte SIMMs are being used. The BRASEN -- and BRASSEL signals are provided by the DDF circuitry. If the BRASEN -- signal is high or not active, then the processor board memory is disabled, except for receipt of REFRESH signals. If the BRASSEL signal is high, then the RAS10 -- signal may be active and the RAS20 -- signal is inactive. If the BRASSEL signal is low, then the RAS20 -- signal may be active and the RAS10 -- signal is inactive. This allows bank selection on 4 and 8 Mbyte SIMMs.
The RAS10 -- signal is provided by the output of a two input NAND gate 380. One input to the NAND gate 380 is provided by the output of a two input OR gate 382. One input to the OR gate 382 is the output of a two input NOR gate 384. The inverted output of a D-type latch 386 and the BRASEN -- signals are the inputs to the NOR gate 384. The second input to the OR gate 382 is provided by the non-inverted output of a D-type latch 388. The D input of the latch 388 is connected to the output of an inverter 389, whose input is the RFRSH -- or refresh active, when low, signal. The D input of the latch 386 receives the BRASSEL signal. The enable inputs of the latches 386 and 388 are provided by the output of an inverter 391, whose input is the IRAS signal which is provided as the output of a two input NAND gate 390. One input to the NAND gate 390 is inverted and receives its output from the non-inverted output of a D-type flip-flop 393. The D input of the flip-flop 393 is connected to the non-inverted output of a D-type flip-flop 392. The REFCLK signal is provided to the clock input of the flip-flop 393. The second input to the NAND gate 390 is developed by the output of a three input NOR gate 394.
One input to the NOR gate 394 is provided by the non-inverting output of the flip-flop 392. The REFCLK -- signal is provided to the inverted clocking input of the flip-flop 392, while the inverted reset input receives the output of an inverter 398. The HRESET signal is provided to the inverter 398. The D-input of the flip-flop 392 is connected to the output of a two input NOR gate 400. One input of the NOR gate 400 receives the REFSTA or refresh state machine state RA signal. The second input to the NOR gate 400 is connected to the output of a two input NOR gate 402. The REFSTB or refresh state machine state RB signal is connected to one input of the NOR gate 402 while the second input is connected to the non-inverting output of the flip-flop 392.
The second input to the NOR gate 394 is provided by the non-inverting output of a D-type flip-flop 404. The inverted clock input of the flip-flop 404 receives the REFCLK signal, while the inverted reset input receives the output of the inverter 398. The D input of the flip-flop 404 is connected to the output of a two input NOR gate 408. One input of the NOR gate 408 receives the EISASTA or EISA state machine state EA signal, while the second input is connected to the output of a two input NOR gate 410. One input of the NOR gate 410 receives the non-inverted output of the flip-flop 404. The second input of the NOR gate 410 is connected to the output of a two input AND gate 414. One input to the AND gate 414 is the EISASTC or EISA state machine state EC signal, while the second input is connected to the output of an inverter 416. The HLOCMEM -- or host bus memory access signal, when low, is provided to the input of the inverter 416.
The final input to the NOR gate 394 is provided by the non-inverting output of a D-type flip-flop 418. The inverted clock input receives the REFCLK -- signal, while the inverted reset input receives the output of the inverter 398. The D input to the flip-flop 418 is connected to the output of a two input NAND gate 420. One input of the NAND gate 420 is connected to the output of a two input NAND gate 422. One input to the NAND gate 422 receives the ISACMD or ISA cycle active signal. The second input of the NAND gate 422 is connected to the output of a two input OR gate 426. One input to the OR gate 426 is connected to the non-inverting output of the flip-flop 418. The second input of the OR gate 426 is connected to the output of a two input NOR gate 430. An inverted input of the NOR gate 430 receives the ISASTA or ISA state machine state IA signal. The second input of the NOR gate 430 is connected to the HLOCMEM -- signal.
The second input to the NAND gate 420 is connected to the output of a three input OR gate 432. The NHOSTSTJ or host state machine next state HJ and HHLDA signals are provided to the OR gate 432. The third input to the OR gate 432 is connected to the output of a three input NOR gate 436. The output of a two input AND gate 438 is connected to one input of the NOR gate 436. The NHOSTSTB or host state machine next state HB signal is connected to one input of the AND gate 438, while the output of a two input NAND gate 440 is connected to the second input. The HOST25 and WRCYC signals are connected to the inputs of the NAND gate 440. The second input of the NOR gate 436 is connected to the non-inverted output of the flip-flop 418, while the third input receives the NHOSTSTF or host state machine next state HF signal.
The second input to the NAND gate 380 is provided by the output of an inverter 444. The input of the inverter 444 is the RASA -- signal, which is provided as the output of a three input NOR gate 446. The inputs to the NOR gate 446 are the non-inverting output of the flip-flop 404, the non-inverted output of the flip-flop 392 and the non-inverted output of the flip-flop 418.
The RAS20 -- signal is developed at the output of a two input NAND gate 396. One input of the NAND gate 396 is connected to the output of a two input NAND gate 397. One input of the NAND gate 397 is connected to the inverting output of the latch 388, while the second input is connected to the output of a two input OR gate 399. One input of the OR gate 399 is connected to the non-inverted output of the latch 386, with the BRASEN -- signal being provided to the second input. The second input to the NAND gate 396 is inverted and connected to the output of a three input NOR gate 401. The RASB -- signal is the output of the NOR gate 401. The non-inverted outputs of the flip-flops 393, 404 and 418 are the inputs to the NOR gate 401.
The logic for the CAS control logic 132 is shown in detail in FIG. 17. What is shown in FIG. 17 is one channel or group block of four like sets of logic to develop the four individual CAS signals. This is indicated by the output signal being referred to as CAS -- n for the particular byte lanes 0-3 in the preferred embodiment. The CAS -- n signal is produced as the output of a three input NOR gate 460. One input to the NOR gate 460 is the REFCAS or refresh CAS signal which is provided as the output of a three input AND gate 462 (FIG. 9). Two of the inputs to the AND gate 462 are the RFRSH and HHLDA signals which indicate a refresh cycle is in operation. The third input is provided by the output of a two input OR gate 464. The START signal is provided as one input to the OR gate 464 to provide timing from the EISA bus, while the non-inverting output of a D-type flip-flop 466 is provided to the second input of the OR gate 464. The START signal is provided to the D input of the flip-flop 466, while the SBCLK signal is provided to the inverted clock input and the HRESET -- signal is provided to the inverted reset input of the flip-flop 466. Thus the REFCAS signal is lowered during the start portion of the bus cycle and raised shortly thereafter.
A second input to the NOR gate 460 is the CASPn signal or CAS signal based on the positive edges of the REFCLK signal. This signal is provided at the non-inverting output of a D-type flip-flop 468, whose clocking input receives the REFCLK signal. The D input receives the output of a two input AND gate 470. One input to the AND gate 470 is connected to the output of a two input OR gate 472. One input to the OR gate 472 is connected to the output of a three input AND gate 474. The three inputs to the AND gate 474 are the IRAS signal, LHWP -- signal and the CASEN<n>signal. The CASEN<n>signal is the latched version of the CAS enable as developed by the byte enable latches 124, and is used to decode which particular byte lane is being requested by the master device.
The second input to the OR gate 472 is provided by the output of a two input AND gate 476. One input to the AND gate 476 is the IRAS signal, while the second input is provided by the output of a four input OR gate 478. Three of the inputs to the OR gate 478 are the RDCYC, EISARD and ISARD signals, to indicate read cycles on the host, EISA or ISA buses. The fourth input to the OR gate 478 is provided by the output of a three input AND gate 480. The three inputs to the AND gate 480 are the ADS, CAS -- and HW -- R -- signals, which allow an earlier development of the CAS signals without the propagation delay required to develop the RDCYC signal.
The second input to the AND gate 470 is provided by the output of a five input OR gate 482. One input to the OR gate 482 is provided by the output of a two input AND gate 484, one of whose inputs is the ISACMD signal to indicate an active ISA operation. The second input is provided by the output of a two input OR gate 486 whose inputs are the ISASTC and CASPFB signals. The ISASTC signal indicates that the ISA state machine is in state IC, while the CASPFB signal is a logical OR of the four CASPn signals. A second input to the OR gate 482 is provided by the output of a two input AND gate 488. The WRCYC and HOSTSTF or host state machine state HF signals are the inputs to the AND gate 488. A third input to the OR gate 482 is provided by the output of a three input AND gate 490, whose input signals are the HOST25, RDCYC and HOSTSTB or host state machine state HB signals. A fourth input to the OR gate 482 is provided by the output of a three input AND gate 492. The HOST25, NHOSTSTI or host state machine next state HI and the HW -- R -- signals are the inputs to the AND gate 492. The final input to the OR gate 482 is provided by the output of a four input AND gate 494. The HOST25, RDCYC, BLAST -- and HOSTSTF signals are provided as the four inputs to the AND gate 494.
The third input to the NOR gate 460 is the CASNn signal or the negative or falling edge of the REFCLK signal based portion of the CAS signal. The CASNn signal is provided by the non-inverting output of a D-type flip-flop 500 whose inverted clock input is connected to the REFCLK signal. The D input of the flip-flop 500 is connected to the output of a two input AND gate 502. One input of the AND gate 502 is connected to the output of the OR gate 472, while the second input is connected to the output of a five input OR gate 504.
One input to the OR gate 504 is provided by the output of a three input AND gate 506, whose inputs are the HOST25, RDCYC and HOSTSTE or host state machine state HE signals. The second input to the OR gate 504 is provided by the output of a three input AND gate 508 whose inputs are the HOST25, RDCYC and HOSTSTG or state HG signals. The third input to the OR gate 504 is provided by the output of a three input AND gate 510 whose inputs are the RDCYC, HIT and HOSTSTI signals. The fourth input to the OR gate 504 is provided by the output of a three input AND gate 512. The RDCYC and HOST25 -- signals are provided to this AND gate as is the output of a two input OR gate 514. One input to the OR gate 514 is the HOSTSTD or host state machine state HD signal, while the other input is the output of a two input AND gate 516. The HOSTSTF and BLAST -- signals are provided to the AND gate 516. The final input to the OR gate 504 is provided by the output of a three input AND gate 518. Signals referred to as EISASTA -- and EISASTD -- are provided to the AND gate 518 to indicate that the EISA state machine is not in state A or state D, respectively. The third input is provided by the output of a two input OR gate 520. One input to the OR gate 520 is the CASNFB signal, which is the logic O-Ring of the 4 CASn signals. The second input to the OR gate 520 is the output of a two input AND gate 522 whose inputs are the EISASTE and SBEXRDY signals.
Attached as Appendix A is a series of timing diagrams showing the various cycles and the operations of the various outputs during portions of those particular cycles in conjunction with the states of the various state machines. Review of the timing diagrams in combination with the figures and this detailed description is believed to provide a more complete understanding of the operation of a circuit according to the present invention. Appendix A is hereby incorporated as though fully set forth herein.
The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape, materials, components, circuit elements, wiring connections and contacts, as well as in the details of the illustrated circuitry, construction and operation may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. | A synchronous memory controller capable of operating with three different frequency microprocessors and yet providing similar DRAM timings. Input frequencies of 32, 25 and 33 MHz correspond to 16, 25 and 33 MHz microprocessors. Various states are bypassed at certain frequencies to allow the various memory, latch and buffer control signals to be produced uniformly. The memory controller also handles operations from external buses, such as the EISA and ISA buses at the various input frequencies. These external bus cycles are controlled by separate state machines, which also have states bypassed for certain input frequencies. | 58,940 |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-421992, filed on Dec. 19, 2003, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cabinet configured to contain a desired device and to have, on a side portion thereof, an additional device which operates in association with or in parallel with the desired device, and it relates to the additional device.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, various operators employ cabinets in compliance with the EIA standard or the JIS standard to accommodate many devices such as routers and servers of a data communication network which are given maintenance and expansion when necessary, the cabinet containing these devices together in the same site or office premise (may be a single rack).
FIG. 10( a ) and FIG. 10( b ) show a structural example (1) of a conventional cabinet.
FIG. 11 shows a structural example (2) of the conventional cabinet.
As shown in FIG. 10( a ), FIG. 10( b ), and FIG. 11 , the conventional cabinet is composed of the following elements:
(1) A cylinder 52 made of metal (aluminum or the like) having: two apertures with one edge folded with a margin of a prescribed width (assumed here to be small to such an extent as not to close the aperture) at a right angle in a direction of the axis of the cylinder; attached thereto a printed board 51 with components constituting a desired device (a router or the like) mounted in a hollow portion thereof; and a cross section thereof in a rectangular shape; (2) A front cover 53 : connected to an electronic circuit (including later-described receptacles 51 R- 1 , 51 R- 2 ) on the printed board 51 ; having attached thereto electronic components used for connection of the electronic circuit to a man-machine interface and to an exterior; fitted (or fastened) to the aperture of the aforesaid cylinder 52 with no folded edge; having in advance a slit or the like corresponding to a ventilation path to the exterior in advance and preventable of radiation of electro magnetic interference generated in the electronic circuit to the exterior; (3) A decorative frame 56 having a cross section in a substantially U shape and covering the aforesaid cylinder 52 and both of cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 (assumed here that a width w thereof is half (=W/2) a width W (<19 inch) of the aforesaid aperture, and a thickness t thereof is equal to a thickness T of this aperture) containing later-described two power supply units 54 - 1 , 54 - 2 (the power supply unit 54 - 2 is omitted in FIG. 10( a ) and FIG. 10( b ) in order to clearly show the inside of the cylinder 52 ) adjacent to the aperture, the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 being made of metal in a rectangular parallelepiped shape to contain part of the power supply units 54 - 1 , 54 - 2 respectively.
The aforesaid cabinet 55 - 1 is formed in the following manner:
(1) A bending margin that is equal in size and shape to the aforesaid bending margin is reserved in an aperture at the one aperture of the cylinder 52 , and the bending margin is bent at a right angle in a direction so as to narrow this aperture. (2) A bottom of the cabinet 55 - 1 is formed as a detachable metal plate 55 B- 1 . (3) Two air vents 57 - 11 , 57 - 12 and two decorative screws 58 - 11 , 58 - 12 rotatable from an exterior are attached to predetermined positions of the plate 55 B- 1 , and fans 59 - 11 , 59 - 12 are mounted inside the air vents 57 - 11 , 57 - 12 . (4) Screw holes formed in the bending margins of the apertures of the cabinet 55 - 1 and the cylinder 52 , for a predetermined number of screws to screw-fix the cabinet 55 - 1 and the cylinder 52 to each other.
Further, the power supply unit 54 - 1 is constituted of the following elements:
(1) a printed board 61 fixed to the aforesaid plate 55 B- 1 at one end and having at the other end thereof a plug 60 P- 1 fitted to the receptacle 51 R- 1 ; and (2) a power supply circuit 62 - 1 formed on the printed board 61 - 1 to supply power to the circuit disposed on the printed board 51 via the aforesaid plug 60 P- 1 and receptacle 51 R- 1 and to drive the fans 59 - 11 , 59 - 12 .
Since the structures of the power supply units 54 - 2 and the cabinet 55 - 2 are the same as those of the power supply unit 54 - 1 and the cabinet 55 - 1 respectively, explanation and illustration thereof will be omitted here, and the same reference numerals and symbols with a suffix number ‘2’ instead of ‘ 1 ’ will be used to designate corresponding portions.
A device including the cabinet as configured above is assembled in the following procedure.
(1) The printed board 51 whose assembly has been finished is mounted in the hollow portion of the cylinder 52 . (2) The front cover 53 is attached to the other aperture of the cylinder 52 . (3) The decorative screws 58 - 11 , 58 - 12 , 58 - 21 , 58 - 22 are screwed off from the power supply units 54 - 1 , 54 - 2 whose assembly has been finished, and the plates 55 B- 1 , 55 B- 2 are detached from the bottoms of the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 . It is assumed that even during this process, power supply routes to the fans 59 - 11 , 59 - 12 are kept via lead wires connected to the power supply circuits 62 - 1 , 62 - 2 respectively. (4) Screws used for screw-fixing the apertures of the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 to the one aperture of the cylinder 52 from the bottom (holes formed by the aforesaid detachment of the plates 55 B- 1 , 55 B- 2 ) side of the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 . (5) The bottoms of the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 are closed with the plates 55 B- 1 , 55 B- 2 through performing the above procedure in reverse ( 3 ). (6) The decorative frame 56 is placed to cover an external wall except bottom faces of the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 and the cylinder 52 .
A prior art to enhance or maintain high stiffness of a cabinet similarly to the present invention is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-148578.
In the above-described conventional example, in order to prevent radiation of electronic magnetic interference generated in the electronic circuit disposed on the printed board 51 to the exterior of the cabinet, it is necessary to electrically tightly connect the cylinder 52 to the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 by the aforesaid screw-fixing or to similarly maintain stable and close electrical connection between the cylinder 52 and the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 via conductive springs 71 or the like as shown by ( 1 ) in FIG. 12 .
Further, the springs 71 give a strong pressure to the apertures of the cylinder 52 and the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 . Generally, however, the cylinder 52 and the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 are preferably thin and made of light-weight metal so that the cylinder 52 is required to have a reinforcing member 72 at least near the aperture in order to prevent it from deforming against the pressure as shown by ( 2 ) in FIG. 12 .
However, the bending margin of the aperture of the cylinder 52 reduces the volume of an available space in the hollow portion of the cylinder 52 in which desired components including the aforesaid printed board 51 are disposed. In addition, even without such a bending margin, the available space is narrowed by the aforesaid reinforcing member 72 and the springs 71 , which possibly prevents desired high density assembly and downsizing of the cylinder.
Moreover, in the conventional example, the cylinder 52 and the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 are electrically closely coupled in order to suppress radiation of the electro magnetic interference in a high-frequency band ranging from several mega hertz to several gigahertz generated in the electronic circuit on the printed board 51 and of the electro magnetic interference in a bandwidth of several hundred kilohertz or less generated in the power supply circuits 62 - 1 , 62 - 2 during the process of voltage conversion by switching.
Therefore, for example, with the power supply unit 54 - 2 detached for replacement or not mounted, the power supply and forced air cooling relies on the power supply unit 54 - 1 , so that an expensive shield has to be provided in order to prevent the radiation of the electro magnetic interference in a high-frequency band.
Moreover, in the conventional example, the heat release efficiency of the electronic circuit lowers if either of the power supply units 54 - 1 , 54 - 2 is not mounted or either of the fans incorporated therein is in fault. Therefore, it is required to set the performance or the rotation speed of the fans 59 - 11 , 59 - 12 , 59 - 21 , 59 - 22 with a sufficient margin so as to maintain the operational temperature of the electronic circuit while the power is continuously supplied to the electronic circuit.
Generally, when power supply units to be plugged into the cabinets of individual devices do not incorporate fans, the larger the number of devices contained in the rack and the thinner the thickness of the cabinets in which the bodies of the devices are mounted, with higher assembly density many power supply units and fans are mounted. Besides, it is difficult to make air exhaustion or suction in the same direction by the fans.
In such a case, it is likely that the size of the cabinets of the devices contained in the same rack increases since the rack needs to have complex ventilation paths for the purpose of compensating or adapting to the exhaustion and suction in various directions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a cabinet that can contain various devices and to which a desired additional device closely related to the contained devices is detachably, securely attached, without great increase in manufacturing cost or any structural complication, and to provide the additional device.
It is another object of the present invention to reduce the weight and size of a device and a system to which the present invention is applied and realize high density assembly thereof as well as to make the device and system be adaptable to various system configurations, without increasing manufacturing cost and restrictions on thermal design, and complexing the structure.
It is still another object of the present invention to stably and securely attach/detach the additional device to/from the cylinder (also referred to herein as a housing) of the cabinet even if the thickness or hardness of the cylinder is small because the cabinet of the additional device can have a resisting force against bending force physically acting on or around the aperture of the cylinder.
It is yet another object of the present invention to make a desired device contained in the cabinet of the present invention adaptable to not only various shapes and dimension of additional devices but also the system configurations and conditions thereof and to prevent abrupt or great decrease in efficiency of forced air cooling of an electronic device contained in the cylinder.
It is yet another object of the present invention to maintain high efficiency of the aforesaid forced air cooling without setting performance of a fan provided in each of the additional devices to an unnecessarily high level, or consuming large power for driving the fans.
It is yet another object of the present invention to improve efficiency and availability of the cabinet and additional device with regard to the maintenance and operation thereof and to enhance total reliability thereof.
It is yet another object of the present invention to increase, compared with conventional examples, upper limit values of the volumes of an electronic device contained in a cylinder and of an additional device attached to the aperture of the cylinder, or to decrease the size of the cabinet of the present invention and change the shape thereof freely.
It is yet another object of the present invention to suppress or reduce electro magnetic interference caused by an electronic device even while an additional device is not inserted into the aperture of the cylinder.
It is yet another object of the present invention to closely fit, with a strong pressure, the cabinet of an additional device into the aperture of a cabinet containing an electronic device with low cost and without structural complication, compared with a case where stiffness of the aperture of the cabinet containing the electronic device is not reinforced with having a folded edge.
It is yet another object of the present invention to make it possible to not only replace power sources according to difference or increase/decrease in load of electronic devices but also standardize the structure of the power sources and electronic devices.
It is yet another object of the present invention to perform air exhaustion or suction in the same direction or in an integrated manner with easiness during a process of forced air cooling of an electronic device.
The present invention is applied as follows.
A first cabinet according to the present invention has a conductive cylinder containing an electronic device. The cylinder has an aperture with a folded edge. Further, an additional device operating in parallel with the aforesaid electronic device is fitted into this aperture. A reinforcing member is supported with a portion of an inner wall of the cylinder and disposed on a boundary between two areas in the cylinder where the electronic device and the additional device are placed, respectively. The portion of the inner wall is more inside than a folded edge of the aperture.
Therefore, folding the edge of the aperture of the cylinder can increase the stiffness of the aperture, and the provision of the reinforcing member also heightens the physical strength of the inner wall of the cylinder including the vicinity of the folded portion of the aperture, even though the aperture is given pressure in an outward direction from the cabinet of the inserted additional device. Consequently, It is possible to stably and securely attach/detach the additional device to/from the cylinder even if the thickness or hardness of the cylinder is small because the cabinet of the additional device can have a resisting force against bending force physically acting on or around the aperture of the cylinder.
A second cabinet according to the present invention includes a conductive cylinder containing an electronic device. The cylinder has an aperture with a folded edge. Further, a plurality of additional devices operating in parallel with the aforesaid electronic device are fitted into the aperture with a folded edge. A reinforcing member is supported with a portion of an inner wall of this cylinder, and disposed on a boundary between two areas in the cylinder where the electronic device and all of the plurality of additional devices are placed, respectively. The portion of the inner wall is more inside than the folded edge of the aperture.
Therefore, folding the edge of the aperture of the cylinder can increase the stiffness of the aperture, and the provision of the reinforcing member also heightens the physical strength of the inner wall of the cylinder including the vicinity of the folded portion of the aperture, even though the aperture is given pressure in an outward direction from the cabinet of the inserted additional devices. Consequently, It is possible to stably and securely attach/detach the additional devices to/from the cylinder even if the thickness or hardness of the cylinder is small because the cabinet of the additional device can have a resisting force against bending force physically acting on or around the aperture of the cylinder.
A third cabinet according to the present invention includes a partitioning member which partitions the aforesaid aperture into areas into which the additional devices are fitted and is a bypass path for forced air cooling in these areas. Each of the plurality of additional devices has a fan used for the forced air cooling of the electronic device.
In other words, the partitioning member helps normally operating fans, of the fans provided in the aforesaid plural devices, distribute load of the forced air cooling even though the aperture of the cylinder is divided into a plurality of apertures in conformity with the shapes and dimensions of the devices inserted into the aperture. This makes it possible to allow a desired device contained in the cabinet of the present invention to be adaptable to not only various shapes and dimensions of additional devices but also the system configurations and conditions thereof and to prevent abrupt or great decrease in efficiency of forced air cooling of an electronic device contained in the cylinder.
A fourth cabinet according to the present invention includes a control unit which increases/decreases rotation speed of the fans provided in the plurality of additional devices, according to the number of the fans or operational conditions of the fans, to maintain efficiency of the forced air cooling within a prescribed range. In other words, fans provided in additionally devices actually mounted on the cabinet and normally operating can compensate all or part of loads of the forced air cooling if some of the plurality of additional devices are not actually mounted on the cabinet or they are mounted but the fans therein do not normally operate. Consequently, it is possible to maintain high efficiency of the aforesaid forced air cooling without setting performance of a fan provided in each of the additional devices to an unnecessarily high level, or consuming large power for driving the fans.
In a fifth cabinet according to the present invention, the cylinder includes a covering member having an edge that is all or part of the edge of the aforesaid aperture, and used for opening/closing the above-mentioned two areas, and detachably supporting the reinforcing member. Therefore, with the aforesaid covering member detached, it is more facilitated to attach/detach, adjust, inspect and so on the electronic device and additional devices than with no provision of such a covering member. Consequently, it is able to improve the efficiency and availability of the cabinet of the invention with regard to maintenance and operation and to enhance total reliability thereof.
In a sixth cabinet according to the present invention, the reinforcing member adjacent to the covering member has a specific edge which is shaped to be in parallel with the covering member. The covering member has a member to pinch the specific edge. Therefore, without any large member attached inside the cylinder it is able to give to the aperture stiffness and physical strength enough to securely, stably have the additional device attached thereto with low cost. Consequently, it is possible to increase, compared with conventional examples, upper limit values of the volumes of the electronic device contained in the cylinder and of the additional device attached to the aperture of the cylinder, or to decrease the size of the cabinet of the present invention and change the shape thereof freely.
In a seventh cabinet according to the present invention, the reinforcing member has an opening for heat release from the electronic device to the aforesaid aperture and for suppression of radiation of electro magnetic interference generated in the electronic device to the aperture. The reinforcing member acts as a shielding member to suppress the radiation of the electro magnetic interference generated in the electronic device without obstructing heat release from the electronic device. This makes it possible to suppress or reduce the electro magnetic interference by the electronic device even while the additional device is not inserted into the aperture of the cylinder.
A first additional device according to the present invention includes a first conductive cabinet containing an electronic device. The first conductive cabinet is provided with a second conductive cabinet having a first aperture to be fitted by inserting into an aperture with a folded edge. The second conductive cabinet further contains a circuit that operates in parallel with the electronic device. The first aperture of the conductive cabinet containing the circuit has a shape and dimension and made of materials to be fitted into the aforesaid aperture of the conductive cabinet with the folded edge containing the electronic device. Consequently, given a strong pressure, the above-mentioned aperture insertion is tightly made with low cost, without structural complication, compared with a case where stiffness of the aperture of the cabinet containing the electronic device is not reinforced with having a folded edge.
A second additional device according to the present invention has a circuit to supply power to the electronic device. In this case the power source to supply power to the electronic device is contained as an additional device in another cabinet that is to be fitted into the aperture of the first cabinet containing the electronic device. This makes it possible to replace the power source according to difference or increase/decrease in load among the electronic devices as well as to standardize the structure of the power source and electronic device, compared with a case where such a power source is integrally incorporated in the electronic device.
A third additional device according to the present invention uses a fan for forced air cooling of the electronic device via the first aperture. In other words the additional device contained in another cabinet fitted into the aperture of the cabinet containing the electronic device includes the fan used for the forced air cooling of the electronic device in addition to the circuit for supplying power to the electronic device. This realizes reduction in the types and number of the additional devices to be contained in another cabinet, and also realizes exhaustion or suction in the same direction, or integration of the exhaustion and suction during the process of the aforesaid forced air cooling the directions.
In a fourth additional device according to the present invention, the second conductive cabinet of the above-described third additional device has a second aperture to serve as a bypass path for ventilation in the process of the forced air cooling which is provided between the additional device and another additional device disposed adjacent to the additional device. When another additional device is disposed adjacent to the additional device according to the present invention, and one of the fans provided in these additional devices is in fault or in halt, the other fan in normal operation can compensate all or part of loads of the forced air cooling via the second aperture. This enables a desired device contained in the cabinet of the invention to be adaptable to not only various shapes and dimensions of the additional devices but also various system configurations and operational conditions thereof. Also, this results in preventing abrupt or great decrease in efficiency of the aforesaid forced air cooling.
A fifth additional device according to the present invention additionally includes a control unit which increases/decreases the rotation speed of fans according to operational conditions of the fans provided in a specific additional device of the present invention and in another additional device that is fitted into the aperture of the first cabinet, to maintain efficiency of the forced air cooling within a prescribed range. Accordingly, the fans provided in actually mounted additional devices and normally operating are able to compensate all or part of loads of the forced air cooling if some of the additional devices are not mounted or the fans in the mounted devices do not normally operate. Consequently, it is possible to maintain high efficiency of the forced air cooling without setting the performance of the fans to an unnecessarily high level, or consuming large power for driving these fans.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The nature, principle, and utility of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts are designated by identical reference numbers, in which:
FIG. 1 is an assembly view of first to third embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of an essential part of the first to third embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 3( a ) and FIG. 3( b ) show the detailed inner structure of the first to third embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 4( a ) and FIG. 4( b ) show the process of opening/closing a cabinet according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 5( a ) and FIG. 5( b ) show the process of mounting a power supply unit in the first to third embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 6( a ) and FIG. 6( b ) are charts to explain the operation of the first and second embodiments of the present invention
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the detailed structure of the third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a table to explain the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10( a ) and FIG. 10( b ) show a structural example (1) of a conventional cabinet;
FIG. 11 shows a structural example (2) of the conventional cabinet; and
FIG. 12 shows a problem of the conventional example.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail based on the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an assembly view of a first to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of an essential part of the first to third embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 3( a ) and FIG. 3( b ) are views showing the state in which a top cover is detached from a cabinet according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 4( a ) and FIG. 4( b ) are views showing the process of opening/closing the cabinet according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 5( a ) and FIG. 5( b ) are views showing the process of mounting a power supply unit in the first to third embodiments of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5( b ), the cabinet according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention is composed of a base 11 , a front cover 12 , and a top cover 13 , and the basic structures of the base 11 , front cover 12 , and top cover 13 are as follows.
The base 11 is composed of the following elements:
a bottom plate 111 BP being a rectangular metal plate having screw holes used for fixing the aforesaid printed board 51 , and two rectangular cutout portions 11 N-R, 11 N-L, in one of shorter sides thereof, arranged symmetrical with respect to the center of the shorter side, and the metal plate being used for grounding an electronic circuit disposed on the printed board 51 ;
a pair of side frames 11 SF-R, 11 SF-L being metal plates in a substantially U shape and joined to two longer sides of the aforesaid bottom plate 111 BP respectively;
partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-C, 11 P-L being made of metal or metal pieces in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having later-described first slits in lattice, and having the same length to set an interval between themselves and the printed board 51 to a predetermined value, and protrudingly provided in parallel with the longer sides of the bottom plate 11 BP with their ends on three protruding portions, which are other than the aforesaid cutout portions 11 N-R, 11 N-L, on the aforesaid shorter side of the bottom plate 11 BP; and
a reinforcing frame 11 ST: joined to the bottom plate 11 BP (( 1 ) in FIG. 2 ) with its one end; being a molded metal plate in a substantially L shape (( 2 ) in FIG. 2 ) including all of one ends and a predetermined length of top portions of the partitioning plates 11 P-R, 11 P-C, 11 P-L; fixed to the partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-C, 11 P-L by screwing or the like; and having later-described second slits in lattice.
Note that it will be hereinafter assumed that later-described connectors 11 J-R, 11 J-L are disposed on the printed board 51 in addition to the aforesaid circuit.
The front cover 12 has the following structure.
(1) It is formed as a molded conductive member with a shape and dimension to suppress radiation of electro magnetic interference caused by components on the printed board 51 used for man machine interface via the front cover 12 . (2) It has a groove fitted to one shorter side of the bottom plate 11 BP and to edges of the side frames 11 SF-R, 11 SF-L, more specifically, edges continuing from or close to this shorter side, and it also has a later-described suction port.
The top cover 13 is formed by machining a metal plate as follows.
(1) A pair of sidewalls 13 SW-R, 13 SW-L are formed, which are fixable to the side frames 11 SF-R, 11 SF-L by screws and slidable along external walls of the side frames 11 SF-R, 11 SF-L. (2) Bent portions 13 B-R, 13 B-L are formed that are abuttable on and screw-fixable to one ends of the partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-L, and coupled to the aforesaid sidewalls 13 SW-R, 13 SW-L respectively. (3) Cutout portions 13 N-R, 13 N-L and a bent portion 13 B-C are formed, positioning at the boundary between the cutout portions 13 N-R, 13 N-L, the cutout portions being abuttable on and screw-fixable to one end of the partitioning member 11 P-C and formed by extending the aforesaid cutout portions 11 N-R, 11 N-L toward a top portion of the top cover 13 . (4) An edge 13 E is formed that has a cross section in a substantially U shape and is fittable to the front cover 12 together with the bottom plate 11 BP and the side frames 11 SF-R, 11 SF-L.
Further, detachable power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L (also referred to herein as additional devices) are mounted in the aforesaid pair of cutout portions 11 N-R, 13 N-R and pair of cutout potions 11 N-L, 13 N-L, and the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L are composed of the following elements. Note that what are common to the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L are hereinafter denoted by reference numerals of corresponding elements with a suffix ‘b’ that can represent both the suffixes R and L.
(1) A power supply cover 14 C-b: formed of a metal plate which is bent in a U shape and whose edge is molded in a shape to be fitted into the cutout portions 11 N-b, 13 N-b; used for grounding a later-described power supply circuit; and having a fan 14 F-b, a radiation fin 14 R-b, a breaker 14 CB-b, and so on attached to a top portion thereof. (2) a printed board 14 PCB-b: fixed to the power supply cover 14 C-b; and on which disposed are a power supply circuit including the aforesaid radiation fin 14 R-b and the breaker 14 CB-b, a control circuit for driving the aforesaid fan 14 F-b, and a connector 14 P-b used for connection to physical lines necessary for power supply to the circuit disposed on the printed board 51 and for association with this circuit (both are achieved via the aforesaid connector 11 J-b).
Note that an exhaust port formed in the top portion of the power supply cover 14 C-b and used for exhaust via the fan 14 F-b is constituted as a set of slits that satisfy the same conditions as those of later-described first slits, or covered with a net-shaped member having such slits that are formed in advance.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 6( a ) and FIG. 6( b ) are charts to explain the operation of the first and second embodiments of the present invention.
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6( b ). Edges of the bottom plate 11 BP and the top cover 13 in which the cutout portions 11 N-b, 13 N-b are formed respectively are folded with predetermined margins as shown in (a) and (b) in FIG. 2 . Hereinafter, these edges will be referred to as folded portions.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2 , a support metal fitting 13 P is attached to an inner wall of the top cover 13 which is distant from the folded portion with a predetermined length. The support metal fitting 13 P is a metal piece with a shape and dimension to insert the reinforcing frame 11 ST thereto and support the edge.
The power supply cover 14 C-b is formed in a shape and dimension and of a material so as to ensure elasticity and stiffness to attach/detach the power supply unit 14 -b (also referred to herein as an additional device) from/to the edge thereof (hereinafter, referred to as an inserted portion) which is inserted into a space between the aforesaid folded portions of the bottom plate 11 BP and the top cover 13 .
An assembly process of the cabinet according to this embodiment is as follows:
(1) As shown in FIG. 3( a ) and FIG. 3( b ), the printed board 51 (a desired electronic circuit whose basic operation check has been finished is incorporated thereon) is mounted on the bottom plate 11 BP, and the front cover 12 is fitted to the bottom plate 11 BP by insertion. (2) The inner wall of the top cover 13 slides along the external walls of the side frames 11 SF-R, 11 SF-L and the top portion of the reinforcing frame 11 ST (the partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-C, 11 P-L) as shown in FIG. 4( a ) and FIG. 4( b ). The top cover 13 (which corresponds to the specific edge of the reinforcing member described in a sixth cabinet according to the present invention and the cabin in claim 7 ) is fitted with the front cover 12 as shown in FIG. 5( a ) and FIG. 5( b ), and the top cover 13 has the support metal fitting 13 P on its inner wall to pinch the edge of the reinforcing frame 11 ST between the inner wall and the support metal fitting 13 p shown in ( 3 ) in FIG. 2 . (3) The top cover 13 (including the aforesaid bent portions 13 B-R, 13 B-C, 13 B-L) is screw-fixed to the side frames 11 SF-R, 11 SF-L and the partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-C, 11 P-L. (4) The printed board 14 PCB-b is inserted into an aperture as the cutout portion 11 N-b or 13 N-b between the partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-C (or 11 P-C, 11 P-L), thereby fitting the aforesaid connector 14 P-b with the connector 11 J-b (mounted on the printed board 51 ) and inserting a portion of the power supply cover 14 C-b into a space between the aforesaid folded portions of the bottom plate 111 BP and the top cover 13 (( 4 ) in FIG. 2 ).
In the cabinet thus assembled, the folded portions of the bottom plate 11 BP and the top cover 13 is given a pressure in an outward direction of the cabinet by the inserted portion of the power supply covers 14 C-b (( 5 ) in FIG. 2 ). However, the folded portions are folded in a the above-described manner so that when they can have strength large enough to resist a physically acting bending force thereon due to the inserted power supply cover 14 C-b, even when the bottom plate 11 BP and the top cover 13 are made of thin metal plates.
Further, in the vicinity of the folded portion of the top cover 13 , a portion of the reinforcing frame 11 ST is inserted into an area sandwiched by the inner wall of the top cover 13 and the support metal fitting 13 P. The reinforcing frame 11 ST is fixed to the bottom plate 11 BP, the top portions of the partitioning plates 11 P-R, 11 P-C, 11 P-L attached to the bottom plate 11 BP, so that it is possible to prevent or sufficiently reduce the bending due to the aforesaid pressure with high reliability even when the bottom plate 11 BP and the top cover 13 are made of thin metal plates.
Further, the partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-C, 11 P-L includes the first slits with a pitch having such a shape and dimension as to suppress radiation of: electro magnetic interference to the power supply unit 14 - b , the electromagnetic magnetic interference (hereinafter, referred to as high-frequency electromagnetic interference) generated in the electronic circuit disposed on the printed board 51 and having a higher frequency band that is higher than that of electro magnetic interference (hereinafter, referred to as low-frequency electro magnetic interference) generated in the power supply circuit provided in the power supply unit 14 - b ; and contrariwise, the low-frequency electro magnetic interference to the printed board 51 ( FIG. 6( a )).
The reinforcing frame 11 ST has second slits with such a shape and dimension and at a pitch as to satisfy both of the following conditions.
(1) To suppress the radiation of both of the high-frequency electro magnetic interference to the power supply unit 14 b and of the low-frequency electro magnetic interference to the printed board 51 ( FIG. 6( a )). (2) Not to obstruct the airflow through ventilation paths (from the suction port formed in the front cover 12 to the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L) for the aforesaid forced air cooling of the electronic circuit, and the degree of obstruction being allowably low.
The inserted portion of the power supply cover 14 C-b is in physically and electrically close contact with the folded portions of the top cover 13 since the physical strength of the folded portions of the top cover 13 is secured by the folding as described above and a resisting force against the bending of the top cover 13 is ensured by engaging the support metal fitting 13 P with the edge of the reinforcing frame 11 ST.
Therefore, it is possible to reliably suppress the radiation of the low-frequency electro magnetic interference generated in the power supply cover 14 C-b to the exterior from spaces which are surrounded by the bottom plate 11 BP, the reinforcing frame 11 ST, the partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-C ( 11 P-C, 11 P-L), and in which the power supply units 14 - b are to be mounted, respectively.
Thus, this embodiment realizes enhancement in the mechanical strength and the stable efficiency of the forced air cooling as well as the shielding of the internally generated electro magnetic interference without greatly narrowing the inner space, even though the bottom plate 11 BP, the reinforcing frame 11 ST, the top cover 13 , and the power supply covers 14 C-b are formed of thin metal plates.
Therefore, an electronic device to which this embodiment is applied is able to reduce its size and weight with low cost without any deterioration in performance, and it also can have considerably higher density assembly than that in conventional examples with relaxation of restrictions on thermal design.
[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6( b ).
The characteristics of the second embodiment are the shape, dimension, and pitch of the first slits formed in the partitioning member 11 P-C.
The partitioning member 11 P-C has first slits having a shape and dimension, and with a pitch to suppress, as described above, the radiation of high-frequency electro magnetic interference to the power supply unit 14 - b and of low-frequency electro magnetic interference to the printed board 51 , and in addition, to form bypass paths coupled to each other with a desired degree of tightness between two ventilation paths from the suction port formed in the front cover 12 to the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L.
Incidentally, the first slits in the partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-L may be similarly formed with such shape and dimension and at such a pitch as described above.
In this embodiment, paths for bi-directional ventilation are also formed between the first and second ventilation paths formed respectively by the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L provided in the respective two power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L. For example, in any of the following conditions, these ventilation paths are substantially integrated by the fan 14 F-L in the power supply unit 14 -L via the first slits formed in the partitioning member 11 -C, as shown in FIG. 6( b ).
(1) Between the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L, to operate based on the active redundancy system, only the power supply unit 14 -L is mounted and is in normal operation. (2) Between the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L to operate based on active redundancy the fan 14 F-R mounted in the power supply unit 14 -R is in fault (stopped), and only the power supply unit 14 -L is mounted, and in normal operation.
Consequently, according to this embodiment, a fan provided in the power supply unit is able to stably continue forced air cooling with desired efficiency even while the operation relies only on a single power supply unit (including a period when the power supply unit 14 -R or 14 -L is given maintenance or replaced).
[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the detailed structure of the third embodiment of the present invention.
In the drawing, an office power source is connected to an input of a power supply circuit 14 PS-b provided in the power supply unit 14 - b (disposed on the printed board 14 PCB-b) via a not-shown terminal board (assumed here to be disposed on the power supply cover 14 C-b), and an output of the power supply circuit 14 PS-b is connected to the following terminals provided in the fan 14 F-b and to a corresponding pin of the connector 14 P-b.
(1) A terminal used for supplying power (power for fan driving) to the fan 14 F-b. (2) A terminal used for supplying a control signal indicating one of two different rotation speeds to be set for the fan 14 F-b (assumed here for simplicity to indicate that the rotation speed is to be set higher when its logical value is ‘1’ and indicate that the rotation speed is to be set low when its logical value is ‘0’). (3) A terminal used for supplying a warning signal indicating whether the fan 14 F-b is in normal operation. (4) A terminal used for applying a predetermined voltage (hereinafter, a signal indicating one of two different states, namely, whether such a voltage is applied or not, is referred to as a mount signal) to an exterior of the fan 14 F-b (power supply unit 14 - b ) only when the fan 14 F-b (power supply unit 14 - b ) is mounted.
On the printed board 51 disposed are the aforesaid electronic circuit to which power is supplied in parallel by the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L via the aforesaid connectors 11 J-R, 11 J-L, and a control unit 51 CNT supplied with power along with the electronic circuit and exchanging the aforesaid control signal, warning signal, and mount signal with the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L via the connectors 11 J-R, 11 J-L.
Note that, hereinafter, the control signal, the warning signal, and the mount signal supplied via a connector 14 P-R and the connector 11 J-R will be referred to as a control signal R, a warning signal R, and a mount signal R respectively, and the control signal, the warning signal, and the mount signal supplied via a connector 14 P-L and the connector 11 J-L will be referred to as a control signal L, a warning signal L, and a mount signal L respectively.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a table to explain the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention.
Hereinafter, the operation of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 as well as to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 .
The control unit 51 CNT monitors the aforesaid warning signal R, mount signal R, warning signal L, and mount signal L at a predetermined frequency and judges whether or not power is normally supplied by each of the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L. The control unit 51 CNT further performs the following operations according to the results of such monitoring and judgment.
(1) Determination of the system configuration of the power supply units
To judge whether or not voltages of the mount signal R, and the mount signal L are equal to the aforesaid predetermined voltage (( 1 ) in FIG. 8 ):
If the results of the judgments are YES, to determine that the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L are operating based on active redundancy (hereinafter, referred to as duplex operation) (( 2 ) in FIG. 8 ); and
If, on the other hand, one of the judgment results is NO, to discriminate the corresponding power supply unit (hereinafter, referred to as an unmounted power supply unit), and to determine that the electronic circuit operates with one of the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L not mounted (hereinafter, referred to as single system operation) (( 3 ) in FIG. 8 ).
(2) Judgment on whether or not the power supply units are in normal operation
To determine whether the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L are normally supplying power (hereinafter, referred to as normal power supply units) based on the difference between the voltages of power supply lines connected to outputs, and proper values of the voltages (( 4 ) and ( 5 ) in FIG. 8 ).
(3) Judgment on whether or not the fans are in normal operation:
To judge whether or not each of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L is in normal operation, based on the logical values of the warning signal R and the warning signal L; and
To discriminate the fan(s) with a negative judgment result (hereinafter, referred to as faulty fans) from the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L (( 6 ) and ( 7 ) in FIG. 8 ).
(4) In the single system operation, to set the logical value of the control signal to ‘1’ (indicating that the rotation speed is set high), the control signal being to be given only to either of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L which is provided in the one determined as normal and is not the faulty fan. (5) In the duplex operation, to determine in what state the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L are at this moment (hereinafter, referred to as a current state) from the following states (( 9 ) in FIG. 8 ):
A first state in which both of the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L are normal and neither of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L respectively provided therein are the faulty fans (( 3 ) in FIG. 9 );
A second state in which one of the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L is not normal and neither of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L respectively provided therein are the faulty fans (( 4 ) and ( 5 ) in FIG. 9 );
A third state in which one of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L is the faulty fan (( 6 ) and ( 7 ) in FIG. 9 ).
(6) To supply or stop power to each of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L according to the determined current state, and to set the logical value of the control signal (( 10 ) in FIG. 8 ):
If the current state is the first state, to supply power to both of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L in parallel and to set the logical value of the control signal to ‘0’ (indicating that the rotation speed is set low) and give the set signal to the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L;
If the current state is the second state, to supply power to both of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L by the normal power supply unit, and to set the logical value of the control signal to ‘0’ (indicating that the rotation speed is set low) and give the set signal to the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L; and
If the current state is the third state, to supply power only to one of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L, being not the faulty fan (hereinafter, referred to as a normal fan) and to set the logical value of the control signal to ‘1’ (indicating that the rotation speed is set high) and to give the set signal to this normal fan.
That is, one of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L in normal operation is continuously given power by the normal power supply unit(s) (both or one of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L), and is set to have a high operation speed only while the other fan is in fault in the duplex operation or during the single system operation. Thus, according to this embodiment, increasing the rotation speed of the normal fan can compensate a decrease in the efficiency of the forced air cooling due to the faulty fan.
Moreover, compared with the above-described second embodiment, according to this embodiment it is possible to maintain high efficiency of the forced air cooling of the electronic circuit disposed on the printed board 51 , or relax restrictions on the thermal design and component arrangement of the electronic circuit. It is also possible to enhance total reliability of the electronic circuit without excessive increase in power consumption or the provision of a large fan.
Note that in this embodiment, the control unit 51 CNT is mounted on the printed board 51 together with the aforesaid electronic circuit. However, the present invention is not limited to such structure, and, for example, the control unit 51 CNT may be disposed on a printed board different from the printed board 51 and supported by the reinforcing frame 11 ST or the like, or two control units are separately disposed on the printed board 14 PCB-R, 14 PCB-L provided in the power supply units 14 -R, 14 R-L respectively.
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L are provided in the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L respectively. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L may be structured without the respective fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L, and different fans are attached onto the bottom plate 111 BP instead together with any one of the partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-C, 11 P-L which may not have the aforesaid first slits formed therein.
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the reinforcing frame 11 ST is inserted between the inner wall of the top cover 13 and the support metal fitting 13 P, so as to secure the strength of the top cover 13 and electrically connect the reinforcing frame 11 ST, at low impedance, to the top cover 13 which is necessary for shielding the high-frequency electro magnetic interference.
However, the present invention is not limited to the above structure and, for example, it may be structured that in place of the support metal fitting 13 P, a conductive pin with the largest diameter at its top portion is protrudingly provided on the inner wall of the top cover 13 , and the reinforcing frame 11 ST may have a notch to be engaged with the side wall and the top portion of this pin.
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the partitioning member 11 P-C may not include the first slits if, for example, the electronic circuit only operates in the aforesaid duplex operation, or the first slots may be large enough to allow the low-frequency electro magnetic interference to propagate to/from the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L via the partitioning member 11 P-C.
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, in place of or in addition to the first slits formed in the partitioning member 11 P-C, for example, slits similar to the first slits may be formed in corresponding side faces of the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L.
Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the case where the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L operate based on active redundancy in principle, and is similarly applicable to a case where the number of power supply units mounted similarly to the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L is one, or to a case where a plurality of power supply units are provided and operate based on a system other than the active redundancy system (for example, standby redundancy or N+1 stand-by system).
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the top cover 13 is tightly fixed onto the base 11 by screwing. However, the present invention is not limited to such structure, and for example, the top cover 13 and the base 11 may be constituted as an integrated cylinder as long as the printed board 51 can be contained in a predetermined location of an inner portion (a hollow portion) thereof.
Moreover, in each of the above-described embodiments, the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L are mounted at a center portion of one face of the box-shaped cabinet with a predetermined interval. However, the present invention is not limited to such structure, and such power supply units are mounted at any one of the corners of the aforesaid box-shaped cabinet.
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the present invention is applied to the cabinet in a rectangular parallelepiped shape containing the printed board 51 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and applicable to a cabinet in any shape and dimension.
The invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Any improvement may be made in part or all of the components. | It is an object of the present invention to provide a cabinet capable of containing various devices and securely attaching/detaching an additional device thereto/therefrom, and to provide an additional device. In order to achieve the object, a cabinet according to the present invention includes: a conductive cylinder having an aperture into which the additional device is fitted by insertion and containing an electronic device, the aperture having a folded edge, the additional device operating in parallel with the electronic device; and a reinforcing member supported with a portion of an inner wall of the cylinder and disposed on a boundary between two areas inside the cylinder where the electronic device and the additional device are disposed respectively, the portion of the inner wall being more inside than the folded portion of the aperture. | 54,015 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to improvements for use in automatic sample changers and more particularly, relates to apparatus for preventing excessive friction among test tube holders in a turn having a relatively short radius in the track of an automatic sample changer of the type used in the radiopharmaceutical field. The present invention also relates to means to adjust the relative spacing among the test tube holders in the continuous track of such automatic sample changer.
There have recently become available for use by the health professions, automatic systems for performing radiopharmaceutical tests, such as gamma counting. Such tests typically are based upon detecting and determining the level of radioactivity in a test tube. The level of radioactivity may be used in tests where radioactive antibodies are introduced into a laboratory sample, another operation such as washing the sample is performed, and then the amount of radiation remaining in the test tube is measured. Presently, such radioactive tests are used in the detection of hepatitis. It has been known to perform such tests manually, wherein the necessary preliminary operations are performed on a test tube and then the test tube is either irradiated or the radiation of the test tube is measured in a specially shielded location.
The automatic sample changer provides a system whereby the laboratory technician may load the samples into a number of test tubes and insert such test tubes into holders in a track in the machine and then leave the machine unattended to perform the desired test. Examples of such automatic sample changers may be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,024,395, issued May 17, 1977, and also in 4,001,584, issued Jan. 4, 1977. Automatic sample changers typically employ a plurality of plastic rings or pucks which are adapted to slide along a continuous track. The plastic rings or pucks are provided with a inside diameter which is chosen to accept a standard size test tube. The continuous track is arranged in a serpentine fashion and the test tube holder pucks are positively driven along the track by a driving wheel which contacts the rings. An elevator housing is located along the track such that each puck will pass into the housing. The test tube in that puck will be lowered into a shielded safe chamber and then a counting operation performed. The elevator then returns the test tube and puck to the track and the next succeeding sample is lowered by the elevator.
Needless to say, such automatic sample changers have provided a great improvement in the efficiency of the typical radioactive testing operation. Furthermore, although the original automatic sample changers employ up to 50 pucks or rings, i.e., it was possible to load 50 different radioactive samples into the automatic sample changer and then leave the machine unattended, more recent sample changers have been expanded and enlarged in successive steps to accept 100, 150, 200 and 300 separate and discrete samples in one machine top. As might be expected, the automatic sample changer which is able to accept 300 separate individual test tubes will necessarily require a long continuous track and a relatively large amount of surface area upon which to arrange the track. In order to overcome this requirement for a large surface area, an extremely complex and circuitous serpentine, track arrangement is provided in the top of the automatic sample changer so that the 300 test tube holders may be accomodated on a machine surface of reasonable size. However, in using such complex, circuitous, and convoluted track arrangement, it has been found that in attempting to drive the rings or pucks through particularly sharp turns, that large frictional forces are present between the individual pucks and also between the pucks and the continuous track. Such sharp turns may be likened to switchbacks used by railroads in traversing mountains.
Additionally, in systems utilizing a large quantity of plastic ring sample holders or pucks, it has been found upon relocating the system from one ambient temperature to another, that the rings will necessarily expand or contract. The cumulative effect of 300 rings undergoing such expansion or contraction will obviously affect the spacing between each puck and thereby affect the overall puck train length. The spacing is critical since, as mentioned above, the potential for a large amount of friction to be present between the puck and between the pucks and the track is particularly great when negotiating the many small radius turns along the continuous track.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a non-driven, free-wheeling tooth sprocket or star wheel rotatably mounted, in a first instance, at turns in the continuous track which have relatively small radii and, in a second instance, at any substantially straight portion of the continuous track. In the second instance, the sprocket is rotatably mounted and is also movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the track, so as to adjust the extent of the engagement of the sprocket teeth with the plastic ring test tube holders, thereby adjusting the spacing between successive pucks. In the case where the free-wheeling sprocket or star wheel is mounted at a sharp turn or abrupt change of direction in the continuous track, the sprocket serves to prevent the pucks from binding in the track at the exit portion of the turn. This is accomplished by transferring the linear motion obtained from the moving pucks entering the turn, by causing the sprocket to rotate and linearly drive the pucks from the exit portion of the turn. Accordingly, a puck is never driven except in a relatively straight line since the sprocket prevents the puck train drive exerting forces on the pucks while they are in a turn, thereby avoiding excessive friction.
When using the idler positioner of the present invention in a substantially straight portion of the continuous track, the positioner is also star shaped and is provided with a predetermined number of fingers or teeth, and is also free-wheeling. The sprocket is mounted in a slot in the track plate so that the extent of penetration of the sprocket teeth into the gap between successive pucks may be adjusted. By moving the center of rotation of the idler wheel to varying distances from the center line of the continuous track, the idler sprocket is permitted to turn with the flow of the pucks yet to accurately control the individual puck spacing.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means for permitting test tube holders to circumnavigate a close radius turn without excessive frictional forces.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such low friction, short radius turning capability by utilizing the linear motion of the plastic ring test tube holders at the entry into a turn and transferring this linear motion to the plastic rings at the exit portion of the turn.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a suitable free-wheeling sprocket or star shaped idler wheel which can have a different number of teeth or points dependent upon the diameter of the test tube holders as well as the radius of the turn to be negotiated in the continuous track.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a free-wheeling star wheel which is useful in determining the spacing between the plastic ring test tube holders or pucks in the continuous puck train.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide such free-wheeling tensioning starwheel with a slotted mounting arrangement which is manually adjustable such that the tensioner may be easily brought into and out of engagement with the continuous flow of the pucks in the track.
These and other objects of the present invention, as well as many of the attendant advantages thereof, will become more readily apparent when reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an automatic sample changer of the type having a large number of test tube holders or pucks arranged in a continuous track configuration having small radius turns;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the inventive idler drive wheel shown in position in a continuous track having a small diameter radius;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a portion of the top surface of the automatic sample changer of FIG. 1 wherein the idler positioner wheel of the present invention is shown in cooperation with test tube holder rings arranged in a linear portion of the continuous track; and
FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the inventive idler wheel of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 shows an automatic sample changer 10, as discussed above, which is capable of accepting three-hundred samples in three-hundred individual test tubes. The test tubes are inserted into the plastic rings or pucks, which are shown typically at 12. The plastic rings are then caused to circulate along a continuous track of a highly circuitous nature. Because it is necessary to provide the longest possible length of track within the smallest possible surface area, a relatively large number of small diameter bends or switchbacks will be required in the track. A bend of extremely small diameter is shown typically at 14 while a bend of somewhat larger diameter, but still of a problmatic nature, is shown at 16. The inventive idler wheel, or sprocket, provided by the present invention, is located at points at the center of the diameter of these turns, typically shown at 14 and 16. Such inventive sprocket wheel is, however, utilized beneath the top surface plate, or track plate, 18 of the automatic sample changer 10. A typical straight portion of the continuous track wherein the tensioning or spacing function provided by the present invention might be utilized is shown typically at 20.
In operation, the automatic sample changer employing the large number of rings in a continuous track advances or drives the rings in discrete steps such that upon entry into an elevator station 22, the test tube in the plastic ring will be lowered into the chamber of the machine and a test performed. Upon completion of the test, the test tube and ring are raised again and the ring is sent on its way along the continuous track and the next successive test tube is operated upon.
FIG. 2 shows the inventive drive helper or idler sprocket of the present invention, located in the portion of the track having a bend or switchback of small radius, which was shown typically at 14 in FIG. 1. The plastic rings or pucks are located in the track or open channel 24 and the direction of travel of the pucks is shown by arrows 26 and 28. The inventive idler sprocket 30 of the preferred embodiment is a starwheel or toothed wheel having large scalloped recesses between the teeth. The scalloped region 32 is generally of the same radius as the radius of the plastic rings or pucks which are used in the system. The sprocket 30 is provided with six teeth shown typically at 34 and which engage the moving plastic rings. The sprocket 30 is mounted on a shaft 36 such that the wheel is free to rotate, in other words, the inventive sprocket is an idler wheel.
In the preferred embodiment, the sprocket 30 is of a thickness to provide a rigid element. The number of teeth or points 34 on the sprocket 30, and the attendant scalloped areas 32, is based upon the radius of the turn in the continuous track. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the radius is such that 6 points are required on the inventive starwheel 30. However, in the event that the radius of the turn was greater than that shown in FIG. 2, i.e., one shown typically at 16 in FIG. 1, a lesser number of points would be required. Referring to the automatic sample changer of FIG. 1, the inventive starwheel in location 16 would require only 5 points.
In the operation of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2, the sprocket 30 is mounted to freely rotate upon the axle or rotating shaft 36 and upon actuation of the drive means of the automatic sample changer, the following sequence will occur. The pucks 40, 42 and 44 are set in motion by being pushed one against the other, by the drive means of the sample changer. The pucks 40, 42 and 44 are thereby being driven into the turn of the relatively small radius. As may be seen, if driving and pushing of pucks 40, 42 and 44 were allowed to continue, there would be considerable binding of the pucks, one against the other, as well as against the track walls 24. However, by use of the present invention when puck 44 has reached the location shown generally at 46, puck 44 will contact the sprocket 30 and will begin to transfer the linear motion of the puck into rotary motion of the starwheel 30, in the direction of arrow 48. Moreover, as the sprocket 30 is driven into rotary motion, the sprocket teeth 34 will become inserted between the successive pucks such as the point 50, which has become inserted between pucks 44 and 52. Because the starwheel 30 is free-wheeling, i.e., is an idler element, the successive pucks being driven into contact with the sprocket teeth, such as puck 42 which is next in line, will drive the idler wheel and transfer the substantially linear motion of the puck 42 into rotary movement of the idler wheel 30. The linear motion, being in a relatively straight line, will necessarily involve the least amount of friction between the plastic rings and the continuous track 24. Additionally, the plastic rings which have been fed into the center of the turn, such as plastic ring 54, will be well separated from each other by the teeth 34 of the sprocket 30, and also will be driven through the turn not by the pushing action of the pucks one against the other, but rather by the rotary motion forces transferred to the sprocket 30. This rotary motion is ultimately transferred to the rings exiting the turn. Accordingly, pucks shown at 52, 54, and 56 may be said to float around the turn, since they are not being driven by pushing against one another but rather merely being urged along by the starwheel.
The additional advantage provided by the present invention is evidenced by the manner in which pucks 58, 60 and 62 are exited from the turn with a substantially linear force. This linear force is provided by the transfer of the rotary movement from the sprocket 30. Accordingly, the energy required by the system drive means to drive the plastic rings along the continuous track is determined only by the requirement for movement in a relatively straight line since the sharp bends 14 or 16 in FIG. 1, offer no direct resistance to the puck drive means.
FIG. 3 shows the inventive idler drive wheel of the present invention utilized as a ring positioner or slack tensioner in the automatic sample changer machine 10 of FIG. 1. In the preferred embodiment, the idler tension wheel assembly 70 is mounted beneath the track plate 18 of FIG. 1. The problem which is solved by the use of the inventive positioner 70 is, as mentioned above, related to the fact that the overall combined length of the plastic rings or pucks is a function of the ambient temperature and humidity. When abrupt or excessive temperature and humidity changes occur, the rings may swell or shrink, thereby jamming in the track, either due to the lack of space between each ring or the excessive space between the rings, which will cause binding in the turns. Utilization of the sprocket shown in FIG. 3 will aid in relieving binding in the turn.
Accordingly, as in FIG. 2, the positioner 70 is mounted beneath the track plate 18 a portion of which is shown removed in FIG. 3 so that the inventive positioner sprocket 70 may be seen. The manner of mounting the sprocket 70 will be shown in more detail in FIG. 4. However, in FIG. 3, it may be seen that the plastic rings, as they move along the continuous track 24, will contact the teeth 72 of the sprocket 70 and the rings will fit into the scalloped portions of the sprocket 70, shown typically at 74.
The sprocket 70 is freely mounted as an idler, i.e., it is not provided with an independent drive means. Accordingly, upon contact of the starwheel 70 by a plastic ring, such as the ring shown at 76, motion will be imparted to the wheel positioner 70 in the direction of arrow 78. By inserting the tooth 72 of the wheel 70 between successive pucks, such as 76 and 78, it may be seen that an amount of space is taken up in the overall length of the puck train equal to the width of the point 72. However, more importantly, is the ability of the present invention to vary the amount of penetration of the finger into the interstices which occur between successive pucks. The variable positioning capability of the present invention is made possible in part by the taper of the teeth 72 and by a slot 90 in the track plate 18. The slot 90 is shown in phantom and located beneath the sprocket 70. Once a position is selected for the sprocket 70, it may be secured by rotating a thumb screw or knurled knob 92. The interaction of the knurled knob 92 and the slot 90 will be discussed in more detail in relation to FIG. 4.
FIG. 4 is a cross section of the positioning sprocket of the present invention taken along section 4-4. In this cross section, the knurled knob 92 is located above the track plate 18. A threaded rod 94 having a shoulder portion 96 and a hub 98 is provided to cooperate with the knurled knob 92. The hub 98 is formed with a diameter greater than the axial bore of the inventive idler sprocket 70, while the shoulder portion 96 is of a diameter less than the axial bore through the center of the inventive sprocket 70. However, the shoulder portion is greater than the width of the slot 90 which has been milled into the track plate 18. A threaded portion 100 is provided at the end of the shaft portion 94 which protrudes through the slot 90. The shaft 94 is of a diameter which is less than the width of the slot 90.
In operation, the location for the inventive sprocket 70 is chosen in relation to the desired amount of penetration of the sprocket finger 72 into the interstices of the puck train, and upon rotating the knurled knob 92, the shoulder portion 96 is drawn up against the track plate 18 and secured thereto. However, since the shoulder portion 96 is of a smaller diameter than the axial bore in the sprocket, the inventive sprocket 70 is permitted to freely spin. In this manner, the length of the puck train may be controlled regardless of changes in temperature or humidity in the environment of the automatic sample changer.
It is understood, of course, that the foregoing description is given by way of example only, and that various other means may be utilized to embody the teaching of the present invention. For example, the sprocket wheel may have 5 or 6 or 7 teeth or arms and the specific locking apparatus using the threaded shouldered rod may be replaced by various other locking means. | A toothed sprocket wheel provides an idler for driving test tube holders into and out of sharp turns which occur in the track of an automatic sample changer employed in radiopharmaceuticals. The sprocket is provided with a selected number of well-defined teeth and is rotatably mounted at the center of a relatively sharp turn so as to transfer the linear motion from the test tube holder at its point of entry into the turn to the test tube holder at the point of exit from the turn. Also disclosed is a tensioner or positioner in a substantially linear alignment of the test tube holders such that, upon varying the degree of insertion of the sprocket teeth between successive test tube holders, the relative spacing between successive test tube holders, and the overall test tube holder train length may be adjusted to compensate for expansion/contraction of the holders due to environmental conditions. | 19,330 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to expanding the functionality of an electronic device(s) without necessarily requiring changes to firmware in the electronic device(s), and more particularly, relate to a method, device, and computer program product for generating and obtaining new attributes that may be utilized by the electronic device(s) to expand and/or change a current set of functionalities of the electronic device(s).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The modern communications era has brought about a tremendous expansion of wireline and wireless networks. Computer networks, television networks, and telephony networks are experiencing an unprecedented technological expansion, fueled by consumer demand. Wireless and mobile networking technologies have addressed related consumer demands, while providing more flexibility and immediacy of information transfer.
[0003] Current and future networking technologies continue to facilitate ease of information transfer and convenience to users by expanding the capabilities of mobile electronic devices. To facilitate easier or faster information transfer and convenience, many electronic devices utilize firmware which is a combination of software and hardware. For instance, firmware may be a computer program that is embedded in a hardware device. Additionally, firmware may be the programmable content of a hardware device, which may consist of machine language instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for a device. These settings may at least partially define the functionality of an electronic device. Currently, if a manufacturer of an electronic device desires to update the functionality of the electronic device because of changes or additions to the potential functionality of the electronic device that were introduced following the deployment of the electronic device or for some other reason, the parameters, settings, instructions or the like that define the updated functionality of the electronic device may need to be flashed to the firmware of the electronic device. In other words, the settings or parameters relating to the functionality of the electronic device that reside in the firmware (e.g., a read only memory (ROM) and/or flash memory) of the electronic device may need to be re-programmed to update the functionality of the electronic device.
[0004] Making changes to firmware such as by re-programming the firmware in an electronic device(s) to change the functionality of an electronic device may be an expensive and time consuming task for a manufacturer, service provider or the like, especially in situations where there are many electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones) deployed in the marketplace.
[0005] As such, there is an existing need to be able to update the functionality of an electronic device in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. For example, it would be desirable to be able to update the parameters, settings, instructions or the like that at least partially define the functionality of an electronic device in an efficient manner.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A method, apparatus, system and computer program product are therefore provided which permit the functionality of a device to be adapted or otherwise altered without requiring the device to be completely reprogrammed. In this regard, attributes which at least partially define the functionality of the device may be changed or supplemented in accordance with embodiments of the present invention in order to correspondingly alter the device functionality. As such, the functionality of a plurality of devices can be efficiently updated, even in instances in which a substantial number of devices are already deployed in the field by controllably altering or updating the attributes of the devices which define their functionality.
[0007] In one aspect, a method is provided for storing one or more initial attributes which correspond to one or more functions of a first device. In one embodiment, the initial attributes may include one or more Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs) having an associated value. The method may also receive at least one other attribute which corresponds to at least one different function of the first device. For example, the at least one other attribute may be received via short-range communication. The method may then store the at least one other attribute while maintaining at least one of the initial attributes. Even though at least one of the initial attributes is maintained, other initial attributes may be overwritten. Thereafter, the different function may be performed with that different function being at least partially corresponding to the at least one other attribute. While various functions may be defined and then performed, one function may include instructing a second device to perform an action.
[0008] In another aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes a processing element configured to store one or more initial attributes which correspond to one or more functions of a first device. In one embodiment, the initial attributes may include one or more Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs) having an associated value. The processing element may also be configured to receive at least one other attribute which corresponds to at least one different function of the first device. For example, the at least one other attribute may be received via short-range communication. The processing element may be configured store the at least one other attribute while maintaining at least one of the initial attributes. Even though at least one of the initial attributes is maintained, other initial attributes may be overwritten. Thereafter, the processing element may perform a different function with that different function at least partially corresponding to the at least one other attribute. While various functions may be defined and then performed, one function may include instructing a second device to perform an action.
[0009] In a further aspect, a computer program product is provided that includes at least one computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code portions stored therein. The computer-readable program code portions include a first executable portion configured to store one or more initial attributes which correspond to one or more functions of a first device. In one embodiment, the initial attributes may include one or more Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs) having an associated value. The computer-readable program code portions may also include a second executable portion configured to receive at least one other attribute which corresponds to at least one different function of the first device. For example, the at least one other attribute may be received via short-range communication. The computer-readable program code portions may further include a third executable portion configured to store the at least one other attribute while maintaining at least one of the initial attributes. Even though at least one of the initial attributes is maintained, other initial attributes may be overwritten. Thereafter, the computer-readable program code portions may include a fourth executable portion configured to cause a different function to be performed with that different function at least partially corresponding to the at least one other attribute. While various functions may be defined and then performed, one function may include instructing a second device to perform an action.
[0010] In yet another aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes a processing element configured to generate one or more initial attributes which correspond to one or more functions of a device. In one embodiment, the initial attributes may include one or more Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs). The processing element may also be configured to send the initial attributes to the device. The processing element may also be configured to generate at least one other attribute which corresponds to a different function of the device and may also send the at least one other attribute to the device. Upon receipt of the at least one other attribute, the device is configured to perform a different function with that different function at least partially corresponding to the at least one other attribute.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for generating one or more initial attributes which correspond to one or more functions of at least one device. In one embodiment, the initial attributes may include one or more Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs). The method may also send the one or more initial attributes to the at least one device and generate at least one other attribute which corresponds to a different function of the at least one device. The method may then send the at least one other attribute to the at least one device. Thereafter, the different function may be performed by the device with that different function at least partially corresponding to the at least one other attribute.
[0012] In yet another aspect, a method is providing for receiving at least one attribute which corresponds to at least one different function of an electronic device. The electronic device stores one or more initial attributes which correspond to one or more functions of the electronic device. The method further comprises sending the at least one other attribute to the electronic device, which performs the different function corresponding to the at least one attribute while maintaining at least one of the initial attributes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device, such as a mobile terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a system for updating/expanding attributes of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4A is a representation of Wibree™ attributes that define motion detection functionality of an electronic device(s) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4B is a representation of the Wibree™ attributes that define motion detection functionality of an electronic device(s) following updating of the attributes according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is another representation of a portion of an electronic device, such as a mobile terminal, which may communicate both via a wide area network, such as via TCP/IP, and via a short range communications link, such as via a Wibree™ protocol, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for updating/expanding attributes of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a mobile terminal 10 that may benefit from the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the mobile terminal illustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative of one type of electronic device that may benefit from the present invention and, therefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the present invention. While several embodiments of the electronic device are illustrated and will be hereinafter described for purposes of example, other types of electronic devices, such as portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, laptop computers, desktop computers, gaming devices, televisions, and other types of electronic systems, may employ the present invention.
[0024] As shown, the mobile terminal 10 includes an antenna 12 in communication with a transmitter 14 , and a receiver 16 . The mobile terminal also includes a controller 20 or other processor that provides signals to and receives signals from the transmitter and receiver, respectively. These signals may include signaling information in accordance with an air interface standard of an applicable cellular system, and/or any number of different wireless networking techniques, comprising but not limited to Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), wireless LAN (WLAN) techniques such as IEEE 802.11, and/or the like. In addition, these signals may include speech data, user generated data, user requested data, and/or the like. In this regard, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating with one or more air interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, access types, and/or the like. More particularly, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with various first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, third-generation (3G) communication protocols, fourth-generation (4G) communication protocols, and/or the like. For example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with 2G wireless communication protocols IS-136 (TDMA), GSM, and IS-95 (CDMA). Also, for example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with 2.5G wireless communication protocols GPRS, EDGE, or the like. Further, for example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with 3G wireless communication protocols such as UMTS network employing WCDMA radio access technology. Some NAMPS, as well as TACS, mobile terminals may also benefit from the teaching of this invention, as should dual or higher mode phones (e.g., digital/analog or TDMA/CDMA/analog phones). Additionally, the mobile terminal 10 may be capable of operating according to Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) protocols.
[0025] It is understood that the controller 20 may comprise the circuitry required for implementing audio and logic functions of the mobile terminal 10 . For example, the controller 20 may be a digital signal processor device, a microprocessor device, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, and/or the like. Control and signal processing functions of the mobile terminal may be allocated between these devices according to their respective capabilities. The controller may additionally comprise an internal voice coder (VC) 22 a , an internal data modem (DM) 22 b , and/or the like. Further, the controller may comprise functionality to operate one or more software programs, which may be stored in memory. For example, the controller 20 may be capable of operating a connectivity program, such as a Web browser. The connectivity program may allow the mobile terminal 10 to transmit and receive Web content, such as location-based content, according to a protocol, such as Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), and/or the like. The mobile terminal 10 may be capable of using a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) to transmit and receive Web content across Internet 50 .
[0026] The mobile terminal 10 may also comprise a user interface including a conventional earphone or speaker 24 , a ringer 22 , a microphone 26 , a display 28 , a user input interface, and/or the like, which may be coupled to the controller 20 . Although not shown, the mobile terminal may comprise a battery for powering various circuits related to the mobile terminal, for example, a circuit to provide mechanical vibration as a detectable output. The user input interface may comprise devices allowing the mobile terminal to receive data, such as a keypad 30 , a touch display (not shown), a joystick (not shown), and/or other input device. In embodiments including a keypad, the keypad may comprise conventional numeric (0-9) and related keys (#, *), and/or other keys for operating the mobile terminal.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1 , the mobile terminal 10 may also include one or more means for sharing and/or obtaining data. For example, the mobile terminal may comprise a short-range radio frequency (RF) transceiver and/or interrogator 64 so data may be shared with and/or obtained from electronic devices in accordance with RF techniques. The mobile terminal may comprise other short-range transceivers, such as, for example an infrared (IR) transceiver 66 , a Bluetooth™ (BT) transceiver 68 operating using Bluetooth™ brand wireless technology developed by the Bluetooth™ Special Interest Group, and/or the like. The Bluetooth transceiver 68 may be capable of operating according to Wibree™ radio standards. In this regard, the mobile terminal 10 and, in particular, the short-range transceiver may be capable of transmitting data to and/or receiving data from electronic devices within a proximity of the mobile terminal, such as within 10 meters, for example. Although not shown, the mobile terminal may be capable of transmitting and/or receiving data from electronic devices according various wireless networking techniques, including Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), WLAN techniques such as IEEE 802.11 techniques, and/or the like.
[0028] The mobile terminal 10 may comprise memory, such as a subscriber identity module (SIM) 38 , a removable user identity module (R-UIM), and/or the like, which may store information elements related to a mobile subscriber. In addition to the SIM, the mobile terminal may comprise other removable and/or fixed memory. In this regard, the mobile terminal may comprise volatile memory 40 , such as volatile Random Access Memory (RAM), which may comprise a cache area for temporary storage of data. The mobile terminal may comprise other non-volatile memory 42 , which may be embedded and/or may be removable. The non-volatile memory may comprise an EEPROM, flash memory, and/or the like. The memories may store one or more software programs, instructions, pieces of information, data, and/or the like which may be used by the mobile terminal for performing functions of the mobile terminal. For example, the memories may comprise an identifier, such as an international mobile equipment identification (IMEI) code, capable of uniquely identifying the mobile terminal 10 .
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2 , an illustration of one type of system that could support communications to and from an electronic device, such as the mobile terminal of FIG. 1 , is provided by way of example, but not of limitation. As shown, one or more mobile terminals 110 may each include an antenna 112 for transmitting signals to and for receiving signals from a base site or base station (BS) 44 . The base station 44 may be a part of one or more cellular or mobile networks each of which may comprise elements required to operate the network, such as a mobile switching center (MSC) 46 . As well known to those skilled in the art, the mobile network may also be referred to as a Base Station/MSC/Interworking function (BMI). In operation, the MSC 46 may be capable of routing calls to and from the mobile terminal 110 when the mobile terminal 110 is making and receiving calls. The MSC 46 may also provide a connection to landline trunks when the mobile terminal 110 is involved in a call. In addition, the MSC 46 may be capable of controlling the forwarding of messages to and from the mobile terminal 110 , and may also control the forwarding of messages for the mobile terminal 110 to and from a messaging center. It should be noted that although the MSC 46 is shown in the system of FIG. 2 , the MSC 46 is merely an exemplary network device and the present invention is not limited to use in a network employing an MSC.
[0030] The MSC 46 may be coupled to a data network, such as a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), and/or a wide area network (WAN). The MSC 46 may be directly coupled to the data network. In one typical embodiment, however, the MSC 46 may be coupled to a GTW 48 , and the GTW 48 may be coupled to a WAN, such as the Internet 50 . In turn, devices such as processing elements (e.g., personal computers, server computers or the like) may be coupled to the mobile terminal 110 via the Internet 50 . For example, as explained below, the processing elements may include one or more processing elements associated with a computing system 49 (two shown in FIG. 2 ), origin server 54 (one shown in FIG. 2 ) or the like, as described below.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 2 , the BS 44 may also be coupled to a signaling GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) support node (SGSN) 56 . As known to those skilled in the art, the SGSN 56 may be capable of performing functions similar to the MSC 46 for packet switched services. The SGSN 56 , like the MSC 46 , may be coupled to a data network, such as the Internet 50 . The SGSN 56 may be directly coupled to the data network. Alternatively, the SGSN 56 may be coupled to a packet-switched core network, such as a GPRS core network 58 . The packet-switched core network may then be coupled to another GTW 48 , such as a GTW GPRS support node (GGSN) 60 , and the GGSN 60 may be coupled to the Internet 50 . In addition to the GGSN 60 , the packet-switched core network may also be coupled to a GTW 48 . Also, the GGSN 60 may be coupled to a messaging center. In this regard, the GGSN 60 and the SGSN 56 , like the MSC 46 , may be capable of controlling the forwarding of messages, such as MMS messages. The GGSN 60 and SGSN 56 may also be capable of controlling the forwarding of messages for the mobile terminal 110 to and from the messaging center.
[0032] In addition, by coupling the SGSN 56 to the GPRS core network 58 and the GGSN 60 , devices such as a computing system 49 and/or origin server 54 may be coupled to the mobile terminal 110 via the Internet 50 , SGSN 56 and GGSN 60 . In this regard, devices such as the computing system 49 and/or origin server 54 may communicate with the mobile terminal 110 across the SGSN 56 , GPRS core network 58 and the GGSN 60 . By directly or indirectly connecting mobile terminals 110 and the other devices (e.g., computing system 49 , origin server 54 , etc.) to the Internet 50 , the mobile terminals 110 may communicate with the other devices and with one another, such as according to the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), to thereby carry out various functions of the mobile terminals 110 .
[0033] Although not every element of every possible mobile network is shown in FIG. 2 and described herein, it should be appreciated that electronic devices, such as the mobile terminal 110 , may be coupled to one or more of any of a number of different networks through the BS 44 . In this regard, the network(s) may be capable of supporting communication in accordance with any one or more of a number of first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, third-generation (3G), fourth generation (4G) and/or future mobile communication protocols or the like. For example, one or more of the network(s) may be capable of supporting communication in accordance with 2G wireless communication protocols IS-136 (TDMA), GSM, and IS-95 (CDMA). Also, for example, one or more of the network(s) may be capable of supporting communication in accordance with 2.5G wireless communication protocols GPRS, Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), or the like. Further, for example, one or more of the network(s) may be capable of supporting communication in accordance with 3G wireless communication protocols such as Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS) network employing Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) radio access technology. Some narrow-band AMPS (NAMPS), as well as TACS, network(s) may also benefit from embodiments of the present invention, as should dual or higher mode mobile terminals (e.g., digital/analog or TDMA/CDMA/analog phones).
[0034] As depicted in FIG. 2 , the mobile terminal 110 may further be coupled to one or more wireless access points (APs) 62 . The APs 62 may comprise access points configured to communicate with the mobile terminal 110 in accordance with techniques such as, for example, radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth™ (BT), infrared (IrDA) or any of a number of different wireless networking techniques, including wireless LAN (WLAN) techniques such as IEEE 802.11 (e.g., 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, etc.), Wibree™ techniques, WiMAX techniques such as IEEE 802.16, Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi) techniques and/or ultra wideband (UWB) techniques such as IEEE 802.15 or the like. The APs 62 may be coupled to the Internet 50 . Like with the MSC 46 , the APs 62 may be directly coupled to the Internet 50 . In one embodiment, however, the APs 62 may be indirectly coupled to the Internet 50 via a GTW 48 . Furthermore, in one embodiment, the BS 44 may be considered as another AP 62 . As will be appreciated, by directly or indirectly connecting the mobile terminals 110 and the computing system 49 , the origin server 54 , and/or any of a number of other devices, to the Internet 50 , the mobile terminals 110 may communicate with one another, the computing system, etc., to thereby carry out various functions of the mobile terminals 110 , such as to transmit data, content or the like to, and/or receive content, data or the like from, the computing system 49 . As used herein, the terms “data,” “content,” “information” and similar terms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of being transmitted, received and/or stored in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0035] Although not shown in FIG. 2 , in addition to or in lieu of coupling the mobile terminal 110 to computing systems 49 and/or origin server 54 across the Internet 50 , the mobile terminal 110 , computing system 49 and origin server 54 may be coupled to one another and communicate in accordance with, for example, RF, BT, IrDA or any of a number of different wireline or wireless communication techniques, including LAN, WLAN, WiMAX, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wibree™ and/or UWB techniques. One or more of the computing systems 49 may additionally, or alternatively, include a removable memory capable of storing content, which can thereafter be transferred to the mobile terminal 110 . Further, the mobile terminal 110 may be coupled to one or more electronic devices, such as printers, digital projectors and/or other multimedia capturing, producing and/or storing devices (e.g., other terminals). Like with the computing systems 49 , the mobile terminal 110 may be configured to communicate with the portable electronic devices in accordance with techniques such as, for example, RF, BT, IrDA or any of a number of different wireline or wireless communication techniques, including USB, LAN, Wibree™, Wi-Fi, WLAN, WiMAX and/or UWB techniques. In this regard, the mobile terminal 110 may be capable of communicating with other devices via short-range communication techniques. For instance, the mobile terminal 110 may be in wireless short-range communication with one or more devices 51 that are equipped with a short-range communication transceiver 80 . The electronic devices 51 can comprise any of a number of different devices and transponders capable of transmitting and/or receiving data in accordance with any of a number of different short-range communication techniques including but not limited to Bluetooth™, RFID, IR, WLAN, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) or the like. The electronic device 51 may include any of a number of different mobile or stationary devices, including other mobile terminals, wireless accessories, appliances, portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, laptop computers, motion sensors, light switches and other types of electronic devices.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 3 , a block diagram of a system 147 for updating the attributes of an electronic device is provided. As described below, the attributes of an electronic device generally define, or at least partially define, the functionality of the electronic device. The system 147 may include one or more electronic devices 102 and 104 as well as one or more intermediary devices 106 , such as one or more mobile terminals, and one or more servers 108 , although only one mobile terminal intermediary device and one server 108 are shown in FIG. 3 for illustration purposes. In an exemplary alternative embodiment, the intermediary device 106 and the server 108 may be embodied in a single component such as a computing device or an integrated circuit(s) such as for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Additionally, while two electronic devices 102 and 104 are shown in FIG. 3 , the system may include any number of devices which may communicate with each other and/or with the intermediary device 106 . As described below, the attributes of one or more of the electronic devices may be updated by the server, which provides the updated attributes to the intermediary device which, in turn, forwards the updated attributes to the electronic device(s).
[0037] As shown in FIG. 3 , the electronic device 102 (for example, a motion detector) may be capable of including a memory 82 which may comprise volatile and/or non-volatile memory, and may be capable of storing content, data, information and/or the like. For example, the memory 82 may store content transmitted from, and/or received by, the intermediary device 106 and/or another electronic device 104 . The memory 82 may include a profile 85 which may define, or at least partially define, a function of the electronic device 102 . In instances in which the electronic device 102 is a sensor, for example, the profile 85 may be a sensor profile. The profile 85 may be comprised of one or more attributes 83 that collectively define a function of the electronic device. The attributes, in turn, may be dictated by the protocol in accordance with the electronic device is designed to communicate and operate. For example, an electronic device 102 configured to communicate via Bluetooth™ technology may include a profile that includes store one or more Wibree™ attributes which define the functionalities of the electronic device 102 . In this example, these attributes may consist of Wibree™ attributes which consist of a standardized Wibree™ attribute protocol (ATP) for low power Bluetooth™ devices.
[0038] The electronic device 102 may also comprise a transceiver, such as a short range communication module 81 (also referred to herein, in one example, as a Bluetooth™ transceiver). The short range communication module 81 may also be capable of operating in one or more predefined frequency bands, such as the 2.4 GHz frequency band in one embodiment. The short range communication module 81 may be capable of communicating with other electronic devices, such as, for example, the intermediary device 106 and other electronic devices such as electronic device 104 , according to a predefined protocol. In embodiments in which the short range communication module 81 may communicate in accordance with Bluetooth™ techniques, for instance, the short range communication module 81 may be capable of transmitting/receiving data to/from the intermediary device 106 and/or the short range communication module 81 of another electronic device 104 according to a Wibree™ protocol. As shown in FIG. 3 , the electronic device 102 may comprise a profile adaptation layer (PAL) 87 , such as a Wibree™ Profile Adaptation Layer (PAL), which may be embodied by software, for facilitating communication by the short range module 81 in accordance with the attributes. As described below, the short range module 81 of electronic device 102 may also be capable of receiving attributes, such as for example Wibree™ attributes, from the intermediary device 106 for defining the functionality of the electronic device. The attributes that are received by the short range module 81 may then be provided by the protocol adaptation layer 87 to memory 82 for storage. In an exemplary embodiment in which the attributes are Wibree attributes, the Wibree™ attributes received by the short range module may be stored in memory as Wibree attributes which, in turn, at least partially define the profile 85 of the electronic device 102 .
[0039] The electronic device 102 may optionally comprise a processor 84 for controlling operations of the electronic device and a sensor 86 which may be capable of detecting motion of an entity, person or the like by sensing physical movement in a specified area. The sensor 86 may detect the motion and send signals to the processor 84 which may be capable of measuring change in speed and/or a vector of an object(s) in the field of view of the sensor 86 , for example. The data associated with the motion or movement detected by the sensor 86 may also be provided to and stored in memory 82 , such as in or in association with a profile 85 such as, for example, a sensor profile. The processor 84 may also be involved in the short range module 81 sending the data associated with detected motion or a movement to the intermediary device 106 , such as a mobile terminal. Additionally, profile 85 may contain instructions or otherwise define subsequent actions to be taken based on the detection of movement by the sensor 86 . For example, the profile may include directions to send a signal to another electronic device, such as electronic device 104 , when the sensor 86 detects movement. As such, when the sensor 86 of electronic device 102 detects movement, the processor 84 may reference the profile 85 to determine any subsequent action and, based on the profile, may send a signal to another electronic device, such as electronic device 104 , which may instruct the electronic device 104 to perform one or more actions. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the sensor 86 may optionally detect light as well as other forms of electromagnetic energy and when the sensor 86 detects a predetermined amount of light, the sensor is able to send an indication to the processor 84 of the electronic device 102 specifying that the predetermined amount of light has been detected. This indication may also serve as a trigger by the processor 84 to perform some action such as sending a message, command or signal to the intermediary device as described more fully below. Electronic device 104 may be any of a variety of devices, but in the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device 104 includes some of the same components as electronic device 102 , including, for example, a short range module 81 , a processor 84 , a memory 82 including a profile 85 and a number of attributes 83 and a protocol adaptation layer 87 . In contrast to a sensor, however, the electronic device 104 may comprise some other mechanism, such as a coffee maker 76 and/or a light 71 which make coffee in an automated fashion and which provide illumination, respectively, as known to those skilled in the art.
[0040] In one embodiment, when the sensor 86 of electronic device 102 detects movement of an object within the field of view of the sensor 86 , the processor 84 may retrieve instructions from or may otherwise reference the profile 85 and based at least in part on the direction provided by the profile, the processor may instruct the short range module 81 to send a command to another electronic device such as electronic device 104 to turn on the coffee maker 76 , or to perform any other suitable action. For instance, in an alternative exemplary embodiment in which the device 104 also includes a light 71 , the electronic device 102 may instruct the electronic device 104 to turn on the light 71 in response to the detection of movement of an object within the field of view of the sensor 86 . In this regard, it should be pointed out that the electronic device 104 may have various mechanisms capable of performing any suitable action and is not limited to making coffee or turning on a light. Rather these are examples for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.
[0041] While the functionality of the electronic devices 102 , 104 may be defined by any of a variety of types of attributes, the electronic devices of one embodiment may communicate in accordance with Bluetooth techniques and, as a result, may have functions defined by Wibree attributes. In an exemplary embodiment the functions defined by the attributes include but are not limited to: (1) changing a communication interval of the electronic devices; (2) changing parameter values that trigger a communication event with the electronic devices; (3) adding a new destination device for communication with an electronic device(s); (4) deleting a destination device for communication with an electronic device(s); (4) instructions for presenting a payload format to be transmitted by a device to one or more of the electronic devices; and (5) instructions regarding the manner in which to react to payload formats received from another device, as well as any other suitable functions.
[0042] An example of modifying the functionalities of the electronic devices by utilizing attributes according to an alternative exemplary embodiment will now be provided. In particular, electronic device 102 may store one or more attributes such as “MyWebPage” in its memory 82 . A user operating intermediary device 106 may utilize a short range transceiver such as a Bluetooth transceiver to connect the electronic device 102 with the intermediary device when the intermediary device is within a predetermined range of the electronic device 102 , for example. When the electronic device 102 is connected to the intermediary device 106 , the electronic device 102 may utilize its short range module 81 to send a value such as a uniform resource locator (URL) of the attribute “MyWebPage” to the intermediary device 106 . Once the intermediary device 106 receives the URL of the attribute “MyWebPage” the intermediary device may forward the URL to the server 108 which retrieves Web content such as a Web page associated with the received URL.
[0043] The server 108 may then send the retrieved Web page to the intermediary device 106 , which utilizes its Web browser to display the Web page that shows one or more choices for configuring the functionality of the electronic device 102 . These choices may be listed in a menu on a display such as display 28 for example. The choices may include but are not limited to data specifying that the sensor 86 of electronic device 102 may function as an alarm, siren, timer, etc. or operate according to any other suitable function. In this regard, the user of the intermediary device 106 may utilize the keypad 30 or the user input interface of the intermediary device 106 to select one of the choices. Each of the choices may correspond to one or more attributes that are associated with a functionality of the electronic device and which may be stored in a memory of the intermediary device 106 .
[0044] It should be pointed out that the Web browser of the intermediary device 106 may execute a code such as for example Java™ that modifies the attributes which are to be sent to electronic device 102 based on the selected choice. Additionally, the Web browser of the intermediary device 106 may install a host application on the intermediary device 106 in accordance with the selected functionality. Consider a situation in which the user of the intermediary device 106 selects a choice to change the functionality of the electronic device 102 to an alarm. In this regard, the sensor 86 may detect a predetermined amount of light such as for example a level of light generated by the sun during a particular time of the day (e.g., sunset) and may serve as a trigger to send a signal to the processor 84 of the electronic device 102 which instructs the electronic device 102 to send a message such as a multimedia messaging service (MMS) message, short message service (SMS) message, etc. to the intermediary device 106 . The SMS message may consist of any suitable message. For instance, in this example the SMS message may consist of an indication instructing a child of the user, who may currently have possession of the intermediary device 106 , that it is time to come home.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 4A , a representation of a number of Wibree™ attributes that may define the functionality of an electronic device(s) 102 , 104 is provided. The Wibree™ attributes may be pre-loaded in memory 82 of the devices 102 and 104 and may conform to a standardized Wibree™ Attribute Protocol (ATP) for Bluetooth™ devices. The Wibree™ attributes may at least partially define a function of an electronic device and each Wibree attribute may be identified by a universally unique identifier (UUID). The UUIDs may be used to uniquely identify every attribute of an electronic device and the UUIDs may be created by a person such as a network operator or the like and distributed to respective electronic devices such as, for example, electronic devices 102 and 104 . The UUIDs may consist of a predefined number of bits, such as 128 bits.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 4A , the Wibree™ attributes of one embodiment may have descriptions including but not limited to Vendor, Type, Version, Threshold, Delay, Last Activity, Event Action, Detection value, and Detection destination. In this exemplary embodiment, the Wibree™ attributes may also include nine different UUIDs corresponding to the nine attributes (e.g., Vendor, Type, Version, etc.). The Wibree™ attributes may comprise nine handles and one or more values corresponding to the descriptions. However, it should be pointed out that the Wibree™ attributes may consist of any suitable number of UUIDs, handles, values, descriptions and other data. As shown in FIG. 4A , a unique handle is assigned to each UUID, such as by mapping UUIDs to corresponding handles during the initialization of the electronic device. This mapping may be performed in various manners, but in one embodiment, the handles may be assigned based on the order of the UUIDs with the first UUID being associated with a handle having a value of 1, the second UUID being associated with a handle having a value of 2, and so on. Based on the unique relationship between a UUID and a handle, UUID(s) can be referenced, such as by the processor 84 , by using the attribute handle to identify the respective UUID.
[0047] With reference again to the example of the Wibree attributes provided by FIG. 4A , the value field of the Wibree™ attributes which may relate to the device 102 , 104 identifies the Vendor of the device as Nokia, the Type of the device as a motion detector and the Version of the motion detector as 1.2. The Threshold of the motion detector is defined to be 23%. In this regard, the motion detector may ignore any movement corresponding to a value that is less than or equal to 23% so that the motion detector is not overly sensitive. Additionally, the motion detector has a Delay of 3 seconds such that it typically does not perform an action (such as for example sending a command to device 104 to make coffee) until the time period associated with the delay has expired, in this example 3 seconds. Also, the Last Activity of the motion detector was Feb. 28, 2007 at 1:21 pm (i.e., 13:21). The values corresponding to the event action, detection value and detection destination descriptions may be empty, as shown in FIG. 4A .
[0048] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the server 108 of FIG. 3 may desire to modify, add to or otherwise change the attributes that govern the functionality of one or more of the electronic devices 102 . As such, the server 108 may provide the updated or otherwise different attributes to the intermediary device 106 via a wide area network. The intermediary device 106 may then transmit the updated or otherwise different attributes to the electronic device(s) 102 via a short range communications technique.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 5 , a block diagram of one example of a server, such as server 108 of FIG. 3 , is provided. Although the server may be located at different locations within the network, the origin server 54 and/or computer system 49 of the system depicted in FIG. 2 may function as the server in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5 , the server generally includes a processor 74 and an associated memory 76 . The memory 76 may comprise volatile and/or non-volatile memory, and may store content, data, and/or the like. For example, the memory may store content, data, information, and/or the like transmitted from, and/or received by, the server. The memory 76 may store one or more attributes that relate to the functionality of one or more electronic devices 102 , 104 . As described above, the attributes may be Wibree™ attributes that conform to a standardized Wibree™ attribute protocol (ATP) for Bluetooth™ devices in accordance with one embodiment. Also for example, the memory 76 may store client applications, instructions, and/or the like for the processor 74 to perform the various operations of the server in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0050] In addition to the memory 76 , the processor 74 may also be connected to at least one interface or other means for displaying, transmitting and/or receiving data, content, and/or the like. In this regard, the interface(s) may comprise at least one communication interface 78 or other means for transmitting and/or receiving data, content, and/or the like, as well as at least one user interface that may comprise a display 70 and/or a user input interface 75 . The user input interface 75 , in turn, may comprise any of a number of devices allowing the entity to receive data from a user, such as a keypad, a touch display, a joystick or other input device.
[0051] In order to update or change the attributes of an electronic device 102 , new and/or modified attributes relating to the functionality of an electronic device may be generated at the server of FIG. 5 by processor 74 , or by an operator or the like utilizing user input interface 75 , or the new and/or modified attributes may be provided to the server from another network entity. Alternately, the processor 74 may automatically generate new attributes based on, for example, rules that may be defined by an operator. The server, for example server 108 , may then transmit the attributes to an intermediary device, for example intermediary device 106 , via a wide area network, as shown in FIG. 3 . In one embodiment, the intermediary device 106 may be a mobile terminal, such as depicted in FIG. 1 and described above. The intermediary device 106 may be configured to receive the attributes from the server 108 via a wide area network and to then transmit the attributes to the electronic device 102 via a short range communication technique.
[0052] In one embodiment in which the server 108 and the intermediary device 106 communicate via the Internet or other packet switched network and the electronic device 102 and the intermediary device 106 communicate via Bluetooth techniques, that portion of the intermediary device that relates to the relay of the attributes may be schematically represented as shown in FIG. 6 . In this regard, the intermediary device 106 may include an antenna 140 for transmitting signaling information to and/or receiving signaling information from the server in accordance with at least one air interface standard of an applicable cellular system and/or a wireless networking technique, for example Wi-Fi, WLAN, IEEE 802.11, and/or the like. For instance, the server 108 may provide the intermediary device 106 with data that includes one or more attributes, such as one or more Wibree™ attributes that define or further define the functionality of one or more electronic devices. Although the server 108 and the intermediary device 106 may communicate in accordance with a variety of protocols, the server and the intermediary device may be configured to communicate via the Internet or other packet switched network in accordance with TCP/IP, as reflected by block 142 of FIG. 6 . The attributes provided by the server may then be stored by the intermediary device as reflected by block 144 . In some embodiments, the intermediary device may maintain a profile 146 of the associated electronic device and, as such, the intermediary device may update the profile in accordance with the attributes provided by the server. In embodiments in which a mobile terminal 10 of FIG. 1 serves as the intermediary device, the attributes and the profile may be stored in one or more of the memories 40 and 42 . Following receipt of the attributes, the intermediary device 106 may transmit the attributes to one or more electronic devices 102 via a short range communication technique. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6 , the intermediary device and the electronic devices may communicate via Bluetooth techniques with the attributes being correspondingly defined as Wibree attributes. As such, the intermediary device of the illustrated embodiment may include a profile adaptation layer (PAL) 148 , such as a Wibree™ Profile Adaptation Layer (PAL), a transceiver 150 , such as a Bluetooth transceiver, in order to send the attributes to the electronic devices, thereby permitting the electronic device(s) to update the attributes that define their functionality.
[0053] In order to provide an example, reference is made again to the Wibree attributes depicted in FIG. 4A and stored in electronic device 102 . However, in relation to the system architecture of FIG. 3 , it is now desired to modify the attributes to alter the functionality of the electronic device 102 such that the electronic device 102 will alert electronic device 104 in the event that the sensor detects motion and cause electronic device 104 to turn on a light. In this regard, the server may transmit updated attributes that define the UUID associated with the Event action to be the UUID associated with a light switch, e.g., 654321-0600-8000-1000-60025b000b00, define the detection value to be “Put On” and define the detection destination to be 1212ab43ff23, that is, the address of electronic device 104 . The intermediary device 106 may then transmit the updated attributes to electronic device 102 via short range communications, e.g., Bluetooth. The electronic device 102 , in turn, stores the updated attributes and updates the profile 85 . As shown in the example of FIG. 4B , the processor 84 of the electronic device 102 may receive the Wibree™ attribute(s) 53 from transceiver 80 and execute a write command to write the UUID for a light switch (e.g., 654321-0600-8000-1000-00025b000b00 in this example) to the Event action handle, e.g., handle 0007, to write “Put On” to the Detection value handle, e.g., handle 0008, and to write the address of the other electronic device 104 , e.g., 1212ab43ff2e, to the Detection destination handle, e.g., handle 0009. The value written to the Detection destination handle, e.g., handle 0009, may correspond to an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the electronic device 104 .
[0054] In this example, when the Wibree™ attribute(s) 83 have been updated as described above and as shown in FIG. 4B , the sensor 86 of electronic device 102 is capable of operating as a light switch. For instance, when the sensor 86 detects motion, the processor 84 is capable of sending a command to device 52 to turn on the light 71 .
[0055] Referring to FIG. 7 , a flowchart is provided for updating or otherwise modifying the attributes of an electronic device and, as a result, altering the functionality of the electronic device. Optionally, at operation 600 , one or more attributes are defined and stored by an electronic device such as for example electronic device 102 . It should be pointed out that the attributes may be pre-stored by the electronic device. In one embodiment, the attributes may be Wibree™ attributes which may consist of UUIDs and other data relating to the functionalities (e.g., a motion detector detecting movement/motion) of the electronic device, as discussed above. At operation 605 , one or more additional or different attributes 53 may be defined, such as by being generated by or provided to a server 108 . At operation 610 , the attributes may be sent from server 108 to one or more intermediary devices 106 , such as a mobile terminal 10 . At operation 615 , one or more of the attributes may then be sent from the intermediary device to the electronic device 102 .
[0056] At operation 620 , the electronic device 102 is capable of evaluating the received attributes and storing the corresponding attributes for future reference. At operation 625 , after storing the updated or otherwise modified attributes, the electronic device 102 may be capable of performing one or more different or new functions (e.g., turn on a light switch) based on the updated or modified attributes. At operation 630 , for example, the electronic device 102 of some embodiments may send a command, instruction or the like to another electronic device 104 to perform an action (e.g., turn on a light) based on the functionality defined by the updated or otherwise modified attributes.
[0057] It should be understood that each block or step of the flowchart, shown in FIG. 7 and combination of blocks in the flowchart, can be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, and/or software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the procedures described above may be embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions which embody the procedures described above may be stored by a memory device of the mobile terminal and executed by a built-in processor in the mobile terminal. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus (i.e., hardware) to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus (e.g., hardware) means for implementing the functions implemented specified in the flowcharts block(s) or step(s). These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the functions specified in the flowcharts block(s) or step(s). The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions that are carried out in the system.
[0058] The above described functions may be carried out in many ways. For example, any suitable means for carrying out each of the functions described above may be employed to carry out the invention. In one embodiment, all or a portion of the elements of the invention generally operate under control of a computer program product. The computer program product for performing the methods of embodiments of the invention includes a computer-readable storage medium, such as the non-volatile storage medium, and computer-readable program code portions, such as a series of computer instructions, embodied in the computer-readable storage medium.
[0059] According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention a device that has attributes that at least partially define the functionalities of the device may be overwritten or supplemented by newly received attributes. In this regard, new attributes can be sent to the device specifying one or more new functionalities of the device. Once the new attributes are received and stored in the electronic device, the electronic device has new functionality without making any changes to firmware.
[0060] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. | A method, apparatus, system and computer program product are provided which permit the functionality of a device to be adapted or otherwise altered without requiring the device to be completely reprogrammed. In this regard, attributes which at least partially define the functionality of the device may be changed or supplemented in order to correspondingly alter the device functionality which, in turn, at least partially depends upon the attributes stored by the device. | 59,145 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to moving walkways and, more particularly, to moving walkways having acceleration and deceleration regions.
A wide variety of moving walkways, some with and some without accelerating and decelerating regions, have been proposed. For a variety of reasons, prior art moving walkway proposals have been somewhat unsatisfactory when attempts have been made to implement them. For example, many prior art moving walkways are formed of platforms which move people and/or freight in one direction from an entry region to an exit region. The platforms return from the exit region to the entry region along a path located directly, vertically beneath the path along which the people or freight are moved, whereby the overall structure is relatively thick. Because it is thick, a substantial depression must be created where such a structure is to be installed, or relatively long and high entrance and exit ramps must be provided. Thus, such prior art walkways cannot be readily installed on an existing horizontal surface. In addition, such prior art moving walkways have the disadvantage that less than half of their path of travel is actually utilized to carry people or freight. Rather, over half of their path of travel is utilized to return platforms from the exit region to the entry region, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,488, for example.
Moving walkways which overcome some of these disadvantages have also been proposed. However, they have other types of disadvantages. For example, the passenger conveyor or moving walkway proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,583,543, has the disadvantage that it can only accelerate to approximately twice its entry speed, because of the mechanical nature of its platform coupling structure. Assuming that a safe boarding speed is 2.0 mph, this means that such as system can only move passengers at a maximum speed of 4.0 mph.
In addition, many prior art moving walkways are more complicated than desired. Thus, they are subject to frequent mechanical breakdowns. Moreover, many of them are not suitable for use between widely separated exit and entry regions, such as those separated by a quarter of a mile or more.
Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved moving walkway.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a new and improved moving walkway having acceleration and deceleration regions.
It is a still further object of this invention to provide a new and improved accelerating and decelerating moving walkway adapted to carry passengers or freight over a substantial portion of a planar path of travel.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a new and improved accelerating and decelerating passenger conveyor that is relatively uncomplicated, and therefore suitable for widespread use over extended distances.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with principles of this invention, an accelerating and decelerating moving walkway suitable for moving people or freight in either direction between two points is provided. The walkway comprises a plurality of overlapping platforms which move in an oval path of travel. The platforms are connected together by an extendable and retractable means, such as a chain or cable. The extension and retraction of the extendable and retractable means is controlled by a cam/cam follower arrangement such that during acceleration the extendable and retractable means is extended and during deceleration the extendable and retractable means is retracted. The extension and retraction of the extendable and retractable means cause the amount of platform overlap to decrease and increase, respectively, to thereby create acceleration and deceleration.
In accordance with other principles of this invention, the extendable and retractable means comprises a plurality of chain or cable sections, one secton interconnecting each platform with its adjacent platform. The interconnecting portions of the chain or cable section lie along the longitudinal centerline of the platforms in the direction of travel whereby all forces between the platforms are symmetrical, about the overall oval path of travel.
In accordance with further principles of this invention, the oval path of travel includes parallel sides joined by curved ends. The parallel sides are adapted to move people or freight in opposite directions and each includes an accelerating and decelerating region. Preferably the parallel sides are relatively long, in the range between one-quarter mile and several miles.
In accordance with still further principles of this invention, the cam/cam follower arrangement comprises a cam formed of a pair of diverging and converging rails located beneath the platform in the acceleration and deceleration regions or zones, and cam followers formed of members adapted to follow the rails. As the cam followers move inwardly and outwardly, as they follow the rails, the length of the interconnecting chain or cable extends and retracts to cause the desired decrease or increase in platform overlap.
In accordance with still other principles of this invention, a rotating means is located at the platform overlap region. The rotating means is pinned to one of the platforms and interacts with combs formed in the other platform in a manner such that the rotating means rotates with respect to one patform when the platforms pass through the curved portion of the oval path of travel.
In accordance with yet further principles of this invention, each platform includes a pair of wheels mounted on an axle affixed beneath one end of each platform. The other ends of the platforms ride on the upper surface of adjacent platforms above the region where the wheels and axle are located. Thus, each platform supports an adjacent platform in an overlapping manner.
It will be appreciated from the foregoing brief summary that the invention provides a new and improved accelerating and decelerating moving walkway. Because the walkway is relatively planar, no lengthy and extensive approach ramps or other means for raising people and/or freight to the elevation of the moving walkway are needed. Further, a major portion of the orbit of travel is used for moving people and/or freight, rather than only one-half or less.
The invention is relatively uncomplicated in that it merely requires a suitable track, platforms, means to interconnect the platforms and drive means. A suitable drive means may comprise a plurality of motor driven collars mounted beneath the platforms so that the collars sequentially move the platforms. Because of its unique arrangement of components, the invention can accelerate to a higher constant speed than can prior art devices. More specifically, moving walkways which operate at a uniform velocity are limited to a maximum boarding and alighting speed (approximately 2.0 mph) for their entire length of travel. Other walkways which have accelerating and decelerating regions have only been able to provide a twofold (or slightly greater) increase in this speed, i.e., to approximately 4.0 mph. On the other hand, this invention can accelerate passengers or freight smoothly and safely from a safe boarding speed to speeds up to 15 mph, and then decelerate to a safe alighting speed. Thus, the invention makes it practicable to provide moving walkway transportation between points separated by up to several miles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a plane view of a preferred embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view, partially broken away, illustrating a portion of the preferred embodiment of the invention in an accelerating zone;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of platforms, and their associated apparatus, formed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line 5--5 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a mechanism suitable for moving the platforms formed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of an interconnecting plate which allows platforms, formed in accordance with the invention, to move about the curved end of an oval track; and,
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating the interconnection between the interconnecting plate and the platforms illustrated in FIG. 7, in somewhat more detail.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a moving walkway formed in accordance with the invention and comprises a plurality of platforms 31 which move in an oval, substantially planar, track 11 formed in the housing 13. The oval planar, substantially planar, track includes two parallel sides 15 and 17 connected by curved end regions 19 and 21. The curved end regions 19 and 21 are covered by covers 23 and 25 forming part of the housing 13. Short ramps 27 and 29 lead up to and down from the covers 23 and 25. Each parallel side 15 and 17 is broken into three zones -- an acceleration zone; a constant speed zone; and, a deceleration zone. The zones run from left to right for the lower side 17 as viewed in FIG. 1 and vice versa (i.e., right to left) for the upper side 15, also as viewed in FIG. 1.
As will be better understood from the following description, the plurality of platforms 31 continuously move through the oval track 11. Thus, the platforms are continuously passing through the two accelerating zones, the two constant speed zones and the two decelerating zones; and, through the curved end regions 19 and 21.
Each end of the moving walkway illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes an entry region and an exit region. Entry is into the accelerating zones and exit is from the decelerating zones. Thus, people desiring to use the walkway illustrated in FIG. 1 or freight to be transported by the walkway, enter the side 17 of the oval track, illustrated in the lower position of the figure, from the left and exit from the right side and vice versa for the other side 15, as illustrated by the entry and exit arrows. Drive units, preferably of the type hereinafter described, are located at the beginning of each decelerating zone in regions 33 and 35. The drive units cause the platforms 31 to constantly move about the oval, substantially planar, track in the desired manner.
Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 2, accelerating and decelerating handrails 37 are located on either side of both of the parallel sides 15 and 17 of the oval track 11. Since the accelerating and decelerating handrails form no part of this invention, they are not further described herein. They may, however, be formed of suitable types of platform-like sections which accelerate and decelerate in zones corresponding to the platform acceleration and deceleration zones. In addition, side handrails 39, located on either side of the ramps 27 and 29 and the covers 23 and 25, may be included, if desired.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view, partially broken away, illustrating a plurality of platforms 31 in an acceleration zone. As also seen in FIG. 4, each platform is generally planar and includes a relatively thick front edge 41 and a rear edge which feathers into a tip 43. (As used herein, the terms "front edge" and "rear edge" relate to the illustrated direction of movement. Since the direction of movement can be reversed, these terms are reversible, i.e., what is recited as "front" will become "rear" and what is recited as "rear" will become "front" if the direction of travel is reversed.) More specifically, the platforms include relatively planar, parallel tops and bottoms, except near the rear end. Toward the rear end, the tops incline toward the bottoms so as to form the rear edge tip 43. In other words, the platforms are trapezoidal when viewed in cross section. In addition, as will be better understood from the following description, the upper surface of the platforms is "combined".
Mounted slightly rearwardly of the front edge of each platform are downwardly projecting flanges 45, one located on either side of the platform. The flanges 45 support an axle 46 having a longitudinal axis that is orthogonal to the axis of the path of platform movement. Mounted on the axle 46 so as to lie beyond the outer surfaces of the flanges 45 are a pair of wheels 47. Thus, the wheels 47 support the front edges 41 of the platforms 31.
The wheels 47 are arrayed in tracks 49, one located on either side of the orbit of travel of the platforms 31. The tracks 49 are channels, U-shaped in cross section, and rotated 90° so that their openings face one another. The channels 49 are affixed to a suitable base plate 51 and define an oval, substantially planar, path of travel about which the platforms 31 move. Both the channels 49 and the base plate 51 form a portion of the housing 13 (FIG. 1). While the base plate 51 is illustrated as solid, it may be formed of suitably located brace members, if desired.
Affixed to and extending downwardly from each platform 31, "behind" its associated axle 46, are a pair of support brackets 53. The support brackets 53 are also located on either side of the longitudinal centerline of the platforms 31, as defined by the oval planar path of travel 11. Rotatably attached to the lower end of each support bracket 53 and extending inwardly therefrom are a pair of arms 55. A vertical shaft 57 extends through the outer end of each arm 55. Rotatably mounted on each vertical shaft 57, beneath its associated arm 55, is a roller 59 that acts as a cam follower. Also rotatably mounted on each vertical shaft 57, above its associated arm 55, is a sheave 61.
Affixed to the base plate 51 on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis defined by the oval planar path of travel 11 are a pair of cams 63. While the cams 63 can take on a variety of shapes, preferably, as illustrated, they are straight, right angle (in cross-section), longitudinal members which are affixed along one side to the base plate 51. The rollers 59 forming the cam followers ride on the thusly created vertical surfaces of the cams 63.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the cams 63 diverge inwardly in the accelerated zones. Contrawise, in the deceleration zones, the cams diverge outwardly. While the cams can encompass the entire oval path of travel, as generally illustrated in FIG. 3, preferably, they only exist in the acceleration and deceleration zones. When the platforms 31 are in the constant speed zone, a suitable stop mechanism (not shown) locks the arms 55 in their most inward positions, which position, as will be better understood from the following description, allows the least amount of platform overlap to exist. The force created by the stop mechanism is overcome by any suitable mechanism (also not shown) when the platforms leave the constant speed zone and enter a deceleration zone. When in the curved end zones, the platforms are free to "float" with respect to one another.
Mounted slightly behind the support brackets 53, and projecting downwardly from each platform 31, is a pin bracket 65 which terminates in a tip 67.
Centrally located at the front edges of each platform, and projecting downwardly therefrom is a further support bracket 68. The further support bracket 68 is generally aligned along the longitudinal axis defined by the oval path of travel 11. The further support bracket 68 supports vertical shaft 70 on which a sheave 69 is rotatably mounted. Vertical shaft 70 is on one side of the longitudinal axis defined by the oval path of travel. A vertical pin 71 projects downwardly from an arm 72 affixed to the further support bracket 68 and lies on the other side of the same longitudinal axis. A suitable extendable and retractable member 79, such as a chain (illustrated) or a cable, extends from pin 67 to pin 71 about the three sheaves--the two mounted on the arms 55 and the one mounted on the further support bracket 68. More specifically, starting with the pin 67 mounted on the platform immediately in front of the platform of interest, the extendable and retractable member 79 extends along the longitudinal axis defined by the oval path of travel and then passes about the sheave 69 attached to the further support bracket 67. The extendable and retractable member 79 then pass outwardly around the sheave 61 mounted on the arm 55 illustrated on the left in FIG. 5. The member 79 then crosses through the longitudinal axis and passes about the sheave 61 mounted on the arm 55 illustrated on the right in FIG. 5. The member then extends to the pin 71, where it terminates. This path of the extendable and retractable member 79 is clearly shown in FIG. 3.
It should be noted that if the extendable and retractable member is a chain as illustrated, the various sheaves are, preferably, toothed sheaves. Contrawise, if the extendable and retractable member is a cable, such as a steel cable, the sheaves are not toothed.
From the foregoing description of the path followed by the extendable and retractable member 79, and viewing FIG. 3, it will be readily understood that, as the rollers 59 follow the cams 63 and the arms 55 are moved inwardly and outwardly, the member 79 extends and retracts. This extension and retraction causes the amount of platform overlap to decrease and increase, respectively. In this manner, platform acceleration and deceleration in the acceleration and deceleration zones, whereat the diverging cams are located, occurs.
A variety of devices can be utilized to move the platforms making up the moving walkway of the invention. One such device is illustrated in FIG. 6 and comprises an electric motor 81 adapted, through a gear box 83, to drive a drive shaft 85. The drive shaft 85 is orthogonally, rotatably mounted with respect to a pair of parallel side rails 87. Affixed to the shaft 85 are a pair of spaced drive gears 89. The spaced gears 89 are located between a pair of center support rails 91 lying parallel to the parallel side rails 87 and supported by cross rails 88. An idler shaft 93 lying parallel to the drive shaft 85 is also mounted between the pair of center support rails 91. Mounted on the idler shaft 93 are a pair of spaced idler gears 95. Chains or belts 97 mounted in parallel, side-by-side relationship so as to move in spaced, parallel vertical planes, pass about the drive gears 89 and the idler gears 93 on a one-to-one basis. Affixed between the chains or belts 97 are collars 99.
A drive mechanism of the type described above, or a similar drive unit, form the drive units located in regions 33 and 35, illustrated in FIG. 1. As the motor 81 rotates the drive shaft 85, the belts and collars 99 move in the desired direction.
The collars 99 coact with drive lugs 101 that project downwardly from support plates 102. The support plates are affixed to the lower ends of a vertical shaft 70 and pin 71. The coaction is such that each succeeding collar grips the lug of the next platform and moves the platform until the collar releases from the drive lug it has gripped. In this manner the platforms are constantly being moved through the deceleration zones. Undriven platforms located in the other zones are, of course, pushed "forward" by the driven platforms.
Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the upper surfaces of the platforms are comb like, i.e., they include a plurality of parallel raised members or "teeth" 103 arrayed in side-by-side relationship, parallel to the axis of the oval path of travel. One of the problems with the use of the comb-like platform surface, particularly if some of the teeth thereof intermesh to maintain lateral alignment, is that such surfaces will prevent the platforms from turning in the curved end regions 19 and 21 illustrated in FIG. 1. In order to overcome this problem without loss of the desired alignment, a correspondingly combed rotatable plate 105 (FIGS. 7 and 8) is located between the bottom rear end of one platform and the top front end of the adjacent platform. The combed rotatable plate 105, as best seen in FIG. 8, includes a combed lower surface. The combed lower surface meshes with the combs formed in the upper surface of the adjacent platform 31. The upper surface of the combed rotatable plate is flat (not combed) and is pinned to the bottom rear of its associated platform 31 by a pin 109. The pinned upper surface and the combed lower surface of the combed rotatable plate 105 prevent lateral movement between the associated platforms. However, swivel movement about the longitudinal axis of the pin 109 is not prevented. Thus, the platforms are free to swivel with respect to one another as they move through the curved end regions 19 and 21. Preferably, the joining surfaces of the plate 105 and the upper platform 31 are as friction free as possible. For example, they may be coated with teflon.
It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that the invention provides a new and improved accelerating and decelerating moving walkway. The apparatus is umcomplicated, yet, the walkway is movable in a substantially planar oval track. Thus, the overall structure has a relatively low silhouette which allows it to be easily installed on the present walkways, for example. Moreover, the unique apparatus of the invention allows people to be moved at speeds unobtainable with prior art apparatus. Thus, the invention is suitable for use over relatively long distances, such as one-quarter of a mile or greater. In fact, the invention can be extended up to several miles in length, if desired. Hence, the invention is suitable for widespread use. Although not illustrated in the drawings, if desired, certain regions of the platforms, such as the rear upper surfaces thereof, can be painted to provide "step-on" regions, if desired.
While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and others that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention. Hence, the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. | A moving walkway having accelerating and decelerating regions whereat people and/or freight board and alight from the walkway, respectively, is disclosed. The walkway comprises a plurality of overlapping platforms with a pair of wheels or rollers affixed beneath one end of each platform. The platforms move in an oval, substantially planar, track having lengthy sides joined by curved ends. Users (people or freight) are moved in opposite directions along the lengthy sides and board and alight from the walkway at entry and exit regions located at both curved ends. Acceleration occurs immediately subsequent to the entry regions and deceleration occurs just prior to the exit regions. The platforms are interconnected by chains or cables movably attached to cam followers. The cam followers follow acceleration and deceleration cams located beneath the platforms. Through the chains or cables this cam action causes the amount of overlapping to increase or decrease to create platform acceleration and deceleration. | 22,796 |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-124060, filed on May 31, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to short arc discharge lamps and, more particularly, to a short arc discharge lamp in which a cathode electrode is provided with a tip part containing thorium oxide.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, short arc discharge lamps filled with xenon, which are used as light sources for projectors, or short arc discharge lamps filled with mercury, which are used as light sources of semiconductor or LCD exposure apparatuses, DC discharge lamps.
FIG. 3 illustrates a representative example of such short arc discharge lamps. A discharge lamp 1 includes an arc tube 2 which has a light emitting part 3 and sealing parts 4 formed on opposite ends of the light emitting part 3 . A cathode electrode 5 and an anode electrode 6 are disposed opposite to each other in the light emitting part 3 . The discharge lamp 1 is turned on by a DC lighting system.
In this way, the discharge lamp is turned on, and the spot of arc is fixed at the front end of the cathode electrode so that it can be used as a point light source. Therefore, when the discharge lamp is combined with an optical system, high light utilization efficiency can be realized.
Cathode electrodes which are typically used in such DC discharge lamps constantly function to emit electrons when the discharge lamps are turned on stationarily. Therefore, cathode electrodes made of high melting point metal mixed with an emitter material are mainly used so as to facilitate emission of electrons.
In such a discharge lamp which requires a point light source and high luminance, thorium oxide which can increase the operating temperature of the front end of the cathode electrode is generally used as the emitter material. However, because thorium oxide is a radioactive material, there are many regulations these days with regard to handling it. Hence, if there is no choice but to use thorium oxide for the cathode electrode, it is required to reduce thorium oxide content to the minimum.
In this respect, as a method of manufacturing a cathode electrode that contains thorium oxide as emitter material, a technique in which a body part of the cathode electrode is made of tungsten and a tip part made of thoriated tungsten containing thorium oxide is solid-phase bonded to a front end of the body part was introduced in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2011-154927 (Patent document 1).
The structure of the cathode electrode according to this technique will be explained with reference to FIG. 4 . The cathode electrode 5 includes a body part 51 which is disposed at a rear position, and a tip part 52 which is bonded to a front end of the body part 51 . The body part 51 is made of pure tungsten, while the tip part 52 is made of thoriated tungsten which contains thorium oxide (ThO 2 ) as an emitter material. In detail, thorium oxide content ranges from 0.5% to 3 wt %, for example, 2 wt %.
Overall, the cathode electrode 5 has a cylindrical shape, and its front end that includes the tip part 52 is tapered.
While the lamp is being turned on, the thorium oxide that is contained in the tip part 52 of the cathode electrode 5 is heated and thus reduced so that thorium atoms are obtained. Thorium atoms which are formed by the reduction process in the cathode electrode 5 are moved to the surface of the cathode electrode 5 mainly by grain boundary diffusion among tungsten crystal grains and are exposed to the outside. Thereafter, the exposed thorium atoms move to the front end of the cathode electrode and cover the front end of the cathode electrode. The covering layer of thorium atoms, lowering the work function of the cathode, promotes emission of electrons, thus improving electron emission characteristics.
However, thorium oxide, which contributes to improvement in electron emission characteristics, is limited to existing only at a very shallow depth from the surface of the front end of the cathode electrode.
The reason for this is as follows: Although thorium is required to be continuously supplied to the front end of the cathode electrode because thorium is evaporated and consumed from the surface of the front end of the cathode electrode, if the lamp is in the turned on state over a long time, the reduction of the thorium oxide slows down and eventually stops, whereby the supply of reduced thorium is not performed enough. Therefore, even when the cathode electrode contains a sufficient amount of thorium oxide therein, the surface of the cathode electrode may enter a thorium-exhausted state.
Such stagnation of reduction pertains to the following idea.
When reduction of thorium oxide occurs due to C (Carbon) which is present in the arc tube (through the carburization of the cathode electrode, etc.), CO (carbon monoxide) gas is generated. The reduction occurs on the surface of the tip part of the cathode electrode or in the interior of the tip part. If CO is generated and accumulated in the cathode electrode and the pressure in the cathode electrode is increased, it becomes difficult to induce the reduction of thorium oxide. As a result, it may be impossible to supply thorium atoms to the surface of the cathode electrode.
FIGS. 5A and 5B schematically show the sectional structure of the front end of the cathode electrode. FIGS. 5A and 5B respectively illustrate an initial lighting state and a thorium-exhausted state after a predetermined time has passed.
As shown in FIG. 5A , in the initial lighting stage, both the tip part 52 and the body part 51 are in a small crystal grain state.
After a predetermined lighting time has passed, as shown in FIG. 5B , although thorium oxide is in the tip part 52 , tungsten crystal grains of the tip part 52 gradually coarsen compared to those in the initial lighting stage, because the tip part 52 is exposed to high-temperature heat by arc. Meanwhile, because the body part 51 , which is lower in temperature than the tip part 52 , has not been processed by doping, a recrystallization temperature of tungsten is lower than that of thoriated tungsten of the tip part 52 , and tungsten crystal grains of the body part 51 also coarsen as time passes.
As such, with the passage of time, tungsten crystal grains of both the body part 51 and the tip part 52 coarsen.
In this state, grain boundaries among crystal grains decrease. The grain boundary decrease reduces the area of a portion which can occlude CO which is generated by reduction of thorium oxide in the tip part 52 . Eventually, CO concentration increases, and reduction of thorium oxide is no longer conducted, whereby the supply of thorium is interrupted. Furthermore, even if the CO concentration in the body part 51 is comparatively low, crystal grains coarsen and decrease the area of the portion which can occlude CO. Thus, it becomes difficult for the body part 51 to occlude CO gas. As a result, CO gas is accumulated in the cathode electrode.
Thereby, CO pressure in the tip part 52 is increased, and reduction of thorium oxide in the tip part 52 is stagnated. Consequently, the surface of the cathode electrode enters a thorium-exhausted state.
PRIOR ART DOCUMENT
Patent Document
Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2011-154927
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a short arc discharge lamp which has a cathode electrode structure formed by solid-phase bonding a tip part made of thoriated tungsten to a body part made of tungsten, wherein thorium can be reliably diffused from the internal portion of the cathode electrode onto the surface thereof without stagnation of reduction of thorium oxide in the tip part made of thoriated tungsten, and the surface of the cathode electrode can be prevented from entering a thorium-exhausted state, whereby satisfactory electron emission characteristics can be reliably maintained for a long period of time.
In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a short arc discharge lamp, including: an arc tube; and a cathode electrode and an anode electrode disposed opposite to each other in the arc tube, the cathode electrode comprising a body part made of tungsten and a tip part made of thoriated tungsten, the body part and the tip part being solid-phase bonded to each other, wherein the cathode electrode is configured such that potassium concentration of the body part is higher than potassium concentration of the tip part.
The present invention provides a cathode electrode structure formed by solid-phase bonding a tip part made of thoriated tungsten to a body part made of tungsten. A tip part of the cathode electrode is exposed to arc and heated to a high temperature. Thus, tungsten crystal grains grow and coarsen as the lighting time passes. Due to the coarsening of crystal grains, thorium oxide grains are collected close to the front end of the cathode electrode, as tungsten grain boundaries reduce. This locally provides the same effect as an increase in the thorium concentration. Thus, reduced thorium can be easily supplied to the front end of the cathode electrode.
Meanwhile, because the concentration of potassium in the body part of the cathode electrode is higher than that of the tip part, the recrystallization temperature increases, thus restraining the growth and coarsening of tungsten crystal grains. The restraining of the coarsening of tungsten crystal grains makes it possible for grain boundaries between the crystal grains to be maintained in the multiple and multibranched state. These grain boundaries function as places to occlude CO gas generated by reduction of thorium oxide in the tip part of the cathode electrode. Therefore, CO gas generated from the tip part is occluded by the body part so that the reduction of the thorium oxide in the internal portion of the tip part can be prevented from being stagnated, and thorium can be reliably diffused and supplied onto the surface of the front end of the tip part over a long period of time. Thereby, the lifetime of the discharge lamp can be increased.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1A is sectional view showing the structure of a cathode electrode of a short arc discharge lamp at initial lighting stage, according to the present invention;
FIG. 1B is sectional view showing the structure of a cathode electrode of a short arc discharge lamp after predetermined lighting time, according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view of the cathode electrode of FIGS. 1A and 1B ;
FIG. 3 illustrates the construction of a typical short arc discharge lamp;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a cathode electrode of FIG. 3 ;
FIG. 5A is sectional view illustrating the structure of the cathode electrode of FIG. 4 at initial lighting stage; and
FIG. 5B is sectional view illustrating the structure of the cathode electrode of FIG. 4 after predetermined lighting time.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference now should be made to the drawings, throughout which the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components.
As shown in FIG. 1A , a cathode electrode 5 includes a body part 51 which is made of tungsten, and a tip part 52 which is made of thoriated tungsten and is solid-phase bonded to the body part 51 . The body part 51 is made of, for example, tungsten (pure tungsten) having purity of 99.99%, and the tip part 52 is made of tungsten (thoriated tungsten) containing, for example, thorium oxide (ThO 2 ) of 2 wt %.
The body part 51 contains a larger amount of potassium than does the tip part 52 . That is, the potassium concentration of the body part 51 is higher than that of the tip part 52 .
To produce the cathode electrode 5 , a tungsten (potassium-doped tungsten) rod which is processed by doping potassium is provided for the body part 51 . Meanwhile, a thoriated tungsten rod which is processed substantially by doping only thorium oxide rather than potassium is provided for the tip part 52 .
Thereafter, the tungsten rods which are provided for the body part 51 and the tip part 52 are put into surface contact with each other under pressure and maintained at a high temperature for a predetermined time. Then, atomic-level diffusion occurs on the junction interface so that the tungsten rods are strongly bonded to each other, thus forming the cathode electrode 5 in which the body part 51 and the tip part 52 are integrated with each other.
Thorium oxide and potassium which are added to tungsten are known to function to restrain growth of crystal grains of tungsten.
However, as shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 2 that is an enlarged view of a front end of the cathode electrode, when the tip part 52 of the cathode electrode that has been doped with thorium oxide is exposed to arc, it is heated to a very high temperature, and grain boundary diffusion of thorium oxide (or thorium) occurs on the tip part 52 . Therefore, although the tip part 52 contains thorium oxide, as time passes in the high temperature state, the growth of tungsten grains is induced, and crystal grains coarsen.
With regard to diffusion of thorium oxide (or thorium) along grain boundaries, the coarsening of the crystal grains reduces the distance of a path from the internal portion of the cathode electrode to the tip part. Therefore, this is preferable in terms of the diffusion of thorium oxide (or thorium).
In other words, in terms of the tip part 52 of the cathode electrode, it is not preferable to add a doping material such as potassium, which restrains growth of grains, thereto.
On the other hand, in the body part 51 of the cathode electrode, because the concentration of potassium contained in the body part 51 is higher than that of the tip part 52 , growth of crystal grains is restrained, whereby its recrystallization temperature is increased compared to that of tungsten having no doping material. Therefore, tungsten grains are restrained from coarsening.
In other words, crystal grains of tungsten of the body part 51 are controlled to be smaller than the crystal grains of tungsten of the tip part 52 . As a result, due to small crystal grains, many grain boundaries are formed to have a multibranching structure.
In the tip part 52 of the cathode electrode, CO gas is unavoidably generated by reduction of thorium oxide. CO gas is diffused through multibranching grain boundaries towards the body part 51 of the cathode electrode that has low CO concentration. Here, the body part 51 can sufficiently occlude CO gas, because it has a comparatively long diffusion path. Thanks to this, CO can be prevented from being accumulated in the tip part 52 of the cathode electrode, and reduction of thorium oxide is not disrupted. Hence, thorium can be reliably supplied to the tip part over a long time.
As described above, in the cathode electrode according to the present invention, since the concentration of potassium of the body part 51 is higher than the concentration of potassium of the tip part 52 , the crystal grains of tungsten of the body part 51 can be restrained from coarsening, and multibranched grain boundaries can be maintained. Therefore, the body part 51 can function as a part to occlude CO gas generated in the tip part 52 .
Furthermore, in the tip part 52 of the cathode electrode, because the pressure of CO gas can be restrained from being increased, the reduction of thorium oxide can be continuously conducted without being slowed or stopped, whereby thorium atoms can be reliably provided to the front end of the cathode electrode.
As a result, the present invention can provide a short arc discharge lamp in which supply of thorium as an emitter material is satisfactory and arc can be reliably maintained.
Hereinafter, an example of a method of manufacturing the cathode electrode of the short arc discharge lamp according to the present invention will be described.
A thoriated tungsten rod (W-2% ThO 2 ) for the tip part of the cathode electrode is machined by a lathe, for example, into a diameter of 15 mm and a length of 7 mm. Furthermore, a tungsten rod (99.99% pure tungsten) for the body part of the cathode electrode is machined by the lathe, for example, into a diameter of 15 mm and a length of 38 mm.
The concentration of potassium contained in the thoriated tungsten rod is, for example, 5 wt ppm or less. The concentration of potassium contained in the pure tungsten rod, for instance, ranges from 30 wt ppm to 40 wt ppm.
At least one of junction surfaces of the thoriated tungsten rod for the tip part and the pure tungsten rod for the body part is formed such that the surface roughness thereof, in detail, the center line average height roughness, ranges from 0.05 μm to 1.5 μm. Each junction surface is formed such that the surface planarity thereof ranges from 0.1 μm to 1.5 μm.
Subsequently, the thoriated tungsten rod for the tip part and the pure tungsten rod for the body part are disposed such that the junction surfaces thereof are brought into contact with each other. Thereafter, in a state in which compressive force of 50 MPa is axially applied to the rods under vacuum conditions, the rods are electrically heated such that the temperature of the junction surfaces becomes about 2000° C., and the heated state is maintained for approximately five minutes. Then, the thoriated tungsten rod and the pure tungsten rod are bonded to each other on the interface therebetween by solid-phase diffusion bonding, thus forming an integrated cathode electrode substance.
The cathode electrode material that has passed through the solid-phase bonding process is machined by cutting, thus forming the cathode electrode, in which the diameter of the front end thereof is φ1.6 mm, the angle of the front end is 60°, the length of the tip part is 7 mm, the length of the electrode is 45 mm, the front end is an emitter part (thoriated tungsten), and a rear part is the body part (pure tungsten) containing potassium ranging 30 wt ppm to 40 wt ppm.
As described above, the present invention provides a cathode electrode formed by solid-phase bonding a tip part made of thoriated tungsten to a body part made of tungsten. The cathode electrode is configured such that the concentration of potassium of the body part is higher than the concentration of potassium of the tip part. Thus, as the lighting time passes, in the tip part, tungsten crystal grains grow and coarsen, and internal thorium is diffused and is easily moved to the outer surface of the cathode electrode. Furthermore, in the body part, the crystal grains are restrained from coarsening, so that multibranched grain boundaries are formed, whereby CO gas which is generated by reduction of thorium oxide in the tip part can be effectively diffused to the body part without staying in the tip part. Thereby, reduction of thorium oxide in the tip part can be reliably performed for a long time without pausing. As a result, supply of thorium to the surface of the front end of the cathode electrode can be satisfied, whereby the arc can be stabilized.
Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims. | Disclosed herein is a short arc discharge lamp which has a cathode electrode structure formed by solid-phase bonding a tip part made of thoriated tungsten to a body part made of tungsten. In the present invention, thorium can be reliably diffused onto the surface of the cathode electrode over a long period of time without stagnation of reduction of thorium oxide in the tip part. Therefore, satisfactory emission characteristics can be provided, whereby the arc stability is more reliable. The cathode electrode of the present invention is characterized in that potassium concentration of the body part is higher than potassium concentration of the tip part. | 20,525 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to the field of light source used in illumination and display, and in particular, it relates to projection system, light source system and light source assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0002] Currently, projectors are widely used in various applications, including playing movies, meeting and public events, etc. Phosphor color wheels are often used as the light source of projectors for providing a color light sequence. In such a device, different segments of the phosphor color wheel are alternately and periodically provided in the propagation path of the excitation light, on which the phosphor material coated are excited by the excitation light in order to generate color fluorescent light. However, because the spectral range of the fluorescent light generated by the phosphor material is wide, the color purity of the fluorescent light is poor, which result in an insufficient color gamut of the light source. In this case, color filters are needed to filter the fluorescent light, so that the color purity of the fluorescent light can be improved. However, because the spectral ranges of different colored fluorescent light are partly overlapped, they cannot be filter using a same color filter, so that different colored fluorescent light needs different color filter. In a conventional device, a color filter wheel composed of different color filters is provided in the entrance of the light homogenization rob, and a driving device of the color filter wheel and a driving device the phosphor color wheel are synchronized by electronic circuits. The above method has the following disadvantages: the structure is complex, it is difficult to achieve, and the synchronization effect is poor.
[0003] As the projector industry is increasingly competitive, manufacturers have to improve the quality of the projector to enhance their competitiveness. The inventors of the present invention in the process of actively seeking to improve the quality of the projector found that: in the prior art, the synchronization architecture of the phosphor color wheel and the color filter wheel of the projector light source has the technical problem: the structure is complex, it is difficult to achieve, and the synchronization effect is poor.
[0004] So, a projection system, a light source system and the light source devices are needed to solve the above technical problem existing in the synchronization architecture of the phosphor color wheel and the color filter wheel of the projector light source in the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention seeks to solve the problem by providing a projection system, a light source system and light source assembly to simplify the synchronization architecture of the wavelength conversion device and the color filtering device, and improve the synchronization effect.
[0006] To solve the above problem, the present invention adopts a technical solution: providing a light source system, which includes an excitation light source, a wavelength conversion device, a color filter device, a driving device and a first optical assembly. The excitation light source is for generating an excitation light. The wavelength conversion device includes at least one wavelength conversion area. The color filter device is fixed with respected to the wavelength conversion device, and includes at least one color filter area. The driving device is for driving the color filter device and the wavelength conversion device and makes them move synchronously. The wavelength conversion areas are provided in the propagation path of the excitation light periodically in order to convert the excitation light into converted light. The first optical assembly is used to guide the converted light to the first color filter area, and the first color filter area filters the converted light to improve its color purity.
[0007] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device are two ring structures fixed coaxially.
[0008] In some embodiments, the driving device is a rotation device with a rotating shaft, and the two ring structures are coaxially fixed to the rotating shaft.
[0009] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion area and the first color filter area are located at 180-degree angle from each other with respect to a centre of the two ring structures. A light spot formed by the excitation light on the wavelength conversion device and a light spot formed by the converted light on the color filter device after being directed by the first optical assembly are located at 180-degree angle from each other with respect to the center of the two ring structures.
[0010] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion area and the first color filter area are located at 0-degree angle from each other with respect to a center of the two ring structures. A light spot formed by the excitation light on the wavelength conversion device and a light spot formed by the converted light on the color filter device after being directed by the first optical assembly are located at 0-degree angle from each other with respect to the center of the two ring structures.
[0011] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device are spaced apart along an axial direction of the driving device; the first optical assembly includes at least one light collecting device disposed between the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device; and the light collecting device collects the converted light so that an energy of the converted light incident on the color filter device with less than or equal to 60-degree incident angles is more than 90% of a total energy of the converted light.
[0012] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion area reflects the converted light so that a direction of the converted light emitted from the wavelength conversion area is opposite to a direction of the excitation light incident on the wavelength conversion area.
[0013] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion area transmits the converted light so that a direction of the converted light emitted from the wavelength conversion area is the same as a direction of the excitation light incident on the wavelength conversion area.
[0014] In some embodiments, the first optical assembly includes at least one light collecting device which collects the converted light so that an energy of the converted light incident on the color filter device with less than or equal to 60-degree incident angles is more than 90% of a total energy of the converted light.
[0015] In some embodiments, the first optical assembly includes at least one reflecting device which reflects the converted light to change a propagation direction of the converted light, and the reflecting device is a planar reflecting device or a semi-ellipsoidal or hemispherical reflecting device with a reflecting surface facing inside.
[0016] In some embodiments, the planar reflecting device includes a dichroic mirror or a reflecting mirror.
[0017] In some embodiments, the semi-ellipsoidal or hemispherical reflecting device with the reflecting surface facing inside is provided with a light entrance port through which the excitation light is incident on the wavelength conversion device.
[0018] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device further includes a first light transmission area which is periodically disposed in the propagation path of the excitation light under the driving of the driving device and which transmits the excitation light.
[0019] In some embodiments, the system further includes a second optical assembly which combines the excitation light transmitted by the first light transmission area and the converted light filtered by the first color filter area.
[0020] In some embodiments, the color filter device includes a second light transmission area or a second color filter area, and the first optical assembly guides the excitation light transmitted by the first light transmission area, along the same propagation path of the converted light, to the second light transmission area or the second color filter area to be transmitted or filtered.
[0021] In some embodiments, the system further includes an illumination light source which generates an illumination light; the wavelength conversion device further includes a first light transmission area which is periodically disposed in a propagation path of the illumination light under the driving of the driving device, the first light transmission area transmitting the illumination light; the color filter device further includes a second light transmission area or a second color filter area; and the first optical assembly guides the illumination light transmitted by the first light transmission area, along the same propagation path of the converted light, to the second light transmission area or the second color filter area to be transmitted or filtered.
[0022] In some embodiments, the system further includes: an illumination light source generating an illumination light, and a second optical assembly which combines the illumination light and the converted light filtered by the first color filter area into one beam of light.
[0023] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device is a cylindrical structure and the color filter device is a ring structure which is coaxial fixed with the cylindrical structure so that they rotate coaxially and synchronously under the driving of the driving device.
[0024] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion area is provided on an outer surface of a sidewall of the cylindrical structure and reflects the converted light, and the first color filter area is provided on the ring structure located outside of the cylindrical structure to receive the converted light.
[0025] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device are two cylindrical structures coaxially fixed and nested within each other to rotate coaxially and synchronously under the driving of the driving device; the wavelength conversion area and the first color filter area are respectively provided on sidewalls of the two cylindrical structure; and the converted light is transmitted by the wavelength conversion area and incident on the first color filter area.
[0026] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device are two strip structures adjoined side by side, on which the wavelength conversion area and the first color filter area are provided side by side, the two strip structures move in an oscillating linear translational motion under the driving of the driving device.
[0027] The present invention also provides a source module, which includes: wavelength conversion device including at least one wavelength conversion area, and a color filter device fixed with respected to the wavelength conversion device and including at least one color filter, where the wavelength conversion area and the color filter area move synchronously under the driving of a driving device.
[0028] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device are two ring structures fixed coaxially.
[0029] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device is a cylindrical structure and the color filter device is a ring structure which is fixed coaxially with the cylindrical structure.
[0030] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion area is provided on an outer surface of a sidewall of the cylindrical structure, and the color filter area is provided on the ring structure located outside of the cylindrical structure.
[0031] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device are two cylindrical structures which are fixed coaxially and nested within each other, and the wavelength conversion area and the color filter area are provided on sidewalls of the two cylindrical structures respectively.
[0032] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device are two strip structures adjoined side by side, on which the wavelength conversion area and the color filter area are provided side by side.
[0033] The present invention also provides a projection system, which includes a light source system described above.
[0034] The advantage of the present invention is: different from the prior art, in the projection system, the light source system and the light source assembly of the present invention, the color filter device and the wavelength conversion device are fixed with each other, and driven by the same driving device, which can bring the advantages: the structure is simple, it is easy to implement, and the synchronization effect is excellent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a front view of the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device of the light source system shown in FIG. 1 .
[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a front view of the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device of the light source system shown in FIG. 3 .
[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a front view of the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device of the light source system shown in FIG. 5 .
[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 8 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 9 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 10 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 11 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 12 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 13 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 14 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 15 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 16 is a front view of the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device of the light source system shown in FIG. 15 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0051] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , FIG. 1 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device in the light source system shown in FIG. 1 . As show in FIG. 1 , the light source system in this embodiment mainly includes an excitation light source 101 , a dichroic mirror 102 , a mirror 104 , lenses 103 and 105 , a wavelength conversion device 106 , a color filter device 107 , a driving device 108 and a light homogenization device 109 .
[0052] The excitation light source 101 is for generating an excitation light. In this embodiment, the excitation light source 101 is ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet laser diode or ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet light emitting diode, in order to generate ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet excitation light.
[0053] As show in FIG. 2 , the wavelength conversion device 106 has a ring structure, including at least one wavelength conversion area. In the present embodiment, the wavelength conversion device 106 includes a red wavelength conversion area, a green wavelength conversion area, a blue wavelength conversion area and a yellow wavelength conversion area, which are provided in circumferential subsections of the ring structure. Different wavelength conversion materials are coated on the wavelength conversion areas respectively (for example, phosphor materials or nanomaterials). The wavelength conversion materials can convert the ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet excitation light that illuminate them into the converted light of corresponding color. Specifically, the red wavelength conversion area converts the ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet excitation light incident to it into red converted light, the green wavelength conversion area converts the ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet excitation light incident to it into green converted light, the blue wavelength conversion area converts the ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet excitation light incident to it into blue converted light, and the yellow wavelength conversion area converts the ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet excitation light incident to it into yellow converted light. In the present embodiment, a reflective substrate is provided under the wavelength conversion materials in order to reflect the converted light generated by the wavelength conversion materials, so that the exit direction of the converted light output from the wavelength conversion area is opposite to the incident direction of the excitation light incident to the wavelength conversion area.
[0054] As show in FIG. 2 , the color filter device 107 has a ring structure, coaxially fixed with the wavelength conversion device 106 , and disposed outside the ring of the wavelength conversion device 106 . In other embodiments, the color filter device 107 can also be disposed inside the ring of the wavelength conversion device 106 . The color filter device 107 includes at least one color filter area. In the present embodiment, the color filter device 107 includes a red filter area, a green filter area, a blue filter area and a yellow filter area, which are provided in circumferential subsections of the ring structure. Each color filter area corresponds to a wavelength conversion area of the wavelength conversion device 106 . In the present embodiment, the color filter area and the wavelength conversion area of the same color are set at a 180-degree angle from each other with respect to the center of the ring structures of the wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter device 107 . The different color filter areas have different spectral responses, and filter the converted light of corresponding colors, in order to improve the color purity of the converted lights.
[0055] Of course, the color filter area and the wavelength conversion area of the same color can be set at angles with respect to the center of the ring structures of the wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter device 107 .
[0056] As show in FIG. 1 , the driving device 108 is a rotary device which has a rotary shaft 1081 , for example, a rotary motor. The wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter device 107 are coaxially fixed on the rotary shaft 1081 , and rotate synchronously under the driving of the rotary shaft 1081 .
[0057] In the working process of the light source system 100 shown in FIG. 1 , the ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet excitation light generated by the excitation light source 101 is transmitted through the dichroic mirror 102 , converged by the lens 103 , incident on the wavelength conversion device 106 , to form a light spot 101 A on the wavelength conversion device 106 as shown in FIG. 2 . The wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter device 107 rotate synchronously under the driving of the driving device 108 , so that the wavelength conversion areas of the wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter areas of the color filter device 107 can rotate synchronously. When the wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter device 107 rotate, the wavelength conversion areas of the wavelength conversion device 106 are disposed in the propagation path of the ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet excitation light generated by the excitation light source 101 sequentially and periodically, so that the ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet excitation light can be converted into the converted light of different colors sequentially by the respective wavelength conversion areas. The converted lights of different colors are further reflected by the wavelength conversion areas respectively, guided by the first optical assembly which is composed of lenses 103 and 105 , dichroic mirror 102 , and reflecting mirror 104 , then incident on the light filer device 107 and form a light spot 101 B as shown in FIG. 2 .
[0058] In the first optical assembly, the lenses 103 and 105 are used for collecting and condensing the converted light respectively, so that the divergence angle of the converted light can be decreased. The dichroic mirror 102 and the reflecting mirror 104 are used for reflecting the converted light, so that the propagation direction of the converted light can be changed. In the present embodiment, the dichroic mirror 102 and the reflecting mirror 104 are set at a 90-degree angle to each other and 45-degree angle to the incident direction of the converted light. In the present embodiment, because of the reflection of the dichroic mirror 102 and the reflecting mirror 104 , the propagation direction of the converted light is shifted by a predetermined distance and inverted by 180-degree angle, and the light spot 101 A is set at 180-degree angle to the light spot 101 B with respect to the center of the ring structures of the wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter device 107 .
[0059] In this case, the wavelength conversion device 106 is fixed with respect to the color filter device 107 , and the wavelength conversion areas of the wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter areas of the color filter device 107 with the same colors are set at 180-degree angle from each other with respect to the center of the ring structures of the wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter device 107 and rotate synchronously, so that the converted light of different colors generated by the wavelength conversion areas of the wavelength conversion device 106 are incident on the color filter areas of the color filter device 107 with the same colors after they pass through the dichroic mirror 102 and the reflecting mirror 104 , and the color purity is improved by the color filter area with the same color filtering the light. After filtering by the color filter area of the color filter device 107 , the converted light then is incident on the light homogenization device 109 to be made uniform.
[0060] In the light source system 100 of the present embodiment, the wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter device 107 are fixed with respect to each other and driven synchronously by the same driving device. At the same time, the wavelength conversion area and the color filter area of the same color are synchronized by the first optical assembly. It has the advantages that: the structure is simple, it is easy to implement and the synchronization effect is excellent. In addition, each element of the first optical assembly is stationary with respect to the excitation light source, and do not rotate with the rotation of the wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter device 107 , so the optical stability is improved.
[0061] Further, since the converted light generated through wavelength conversion generally has an approximately Lambertian distribution, if the converted light is directly incident on the color filter area, the incident angle will be distributed in the range of 0 degree to 90 degrees. However, the transmittance of the color filter area will shift with the increase of the incident angle, so in the present embodiment, the first optical assembly further includes a light convergence device (for example, a lens 105 ) to converge the converted light, which can decrease the incident angle of the converted light incidence on the color filter area and further improve the color filter effect. In a preferred embodiment, by adjusting the first optical assembly, the energy of the converted light that is incident on the light filter 107 with incident angles less than or equal to 60 degrees can be more than 90% of the total energy of the converted light. In the present embodiment, the dichroic mirror 102 and the reflecting mirror 104 can be replaced by other forms of planar reflecting device, and the lenses 103 and 105 can be replaced by other forms of optical devices. For example, the lens 105 may be replaced by various forms of light convergence devices like a solid or hollow tapered light guide, a lens or lens group, a hollow or solid composite light condenser, or a curved reflecting mirror, etc.
[0062] In addition, in the present embodiment, the wavelength conversion areas of the wavelength conversion device 106 can be a combination of one or more of the red wavelength conversion area, the green wavelength conversion area, the blue wavelength conversion area and the yellow wavelength conversion area, and the excitation light source can be another suitable light source. Alternatively, those skilled in the art can select the wavelength conversion area and the excitation light source with other colors as desired. In this case, the color filter areas of the color filter device 107 are configured according to the colors of the converted light generated by the wavelength conversion areas of the wavelength conversion device 106 , and the present invention shall not be limited to any specific arrangement.
[0063] Referring to in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , FIG. 3 is a schematic structural view of the second embodiment of the light source system of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a front view of the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device of the light source system shown in FIG. 3 . The light source system 200 of the present embodiment and the light source system 100 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 differ in that: the excitation light source 201 is a blue laser or blue light-emitting diode in order to generate a blue excitation light. As show in FIG. 4 , in the present embodiment, besides of a red wavelength conversion area, a yellow wavelength conversion area and a green wavelength conversion area, the wavelength conversion device 206 further includes a blue light transmission area. The color filter device 207 includes a red color filter area, a yellow color filter area and a green color filter area. In the present embodiment, the area of the color filter device 207 which is corresponding to the blue light transmission area of the wavelength conversion device 206 is not required to have a particular optical property, and it can be provided as a counterweight balance area for rotation balance, so it should have the same or similar weight as the other color filter areas. In the present embodiment, the wavelength conversion device 206 and the color filter device 207 rotate synchronously under the driving of the driving device 208 , so that the wavelength conversion areas and the blue light transmission area of the wavelength conversion device 206 are sequentially and periodically disposed in the propagation path of the blue excitation light generated by the excitation light source 201 . The wavelength conversion areas convert the blue excitation light incident on them into the converted light of corresponding colors and reflect them, and the blue light transmission area transmits the blue excitation light incident on it. The blue light transmission area can be provided with appropriate scattering materials to destroy the collimation of the blue excitation light. The converted light reflected by the wavelength conversion device 206 is guided by the first optical assembly comprised of lenses 203 and 205 , dichroic mirror 202 and reflecting mirror 204 and incident on the color filter area of corresponding color on the color filter device 207 , so that it is filtered by the color filter area to improve its color purity. The blue excitation light transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 206 is guided by the second optical assembly comprised of lenses 210 and 213 , reflecting mirror 211 and dichroic mirror 212 , and is combined with the converted light filtered by the color filter device 207 into one light beam, which is incident on the light homogenization device 209 to be made uniform.
[0064] Of the second optical assembly, the lenses 210 and 213 are used for collecting and converging the blue excitation light transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 206 , and the reflecting mirror 211 and the dichroic mirror 212 are used to reflect the blue excitation light transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 206 to change its propagation path. In the present embodiment, the reflecting mirror 211 and the dichroic mirror 212 are arranged in parallel with each other and they are set at 45 degrees to the incident direction of the blue excitation light so that the propagation direction of the blue excitation light is shifted by a predetermined distance but its propagation direction remains the same.
[0065] In the present embodiment, the blue excitation light generated by the excitation light source 201 is directly outputted as the blue light through transmission. In the present embodiment, the reflecting mirror 211 and the dichroic mirror 212 can be replaced by other forms of planar reflecting devices, and the lenses 210 and 213 can be replaced by other forms of optical devices. In addition, the above-described structure is also applicable to the light source system in which excitation light sources of other colors are used.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , FIG. 5 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a front view of the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device of the light source system shown in FIG. 5 . The light source system 300 of the present embodiment and the light source system 200 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 differ in that: the light source 300 further includes. in addition to the excitation light source 301 , a red illumination light source 315 (for example, a red laser or a red light emitting diode) in order to generate a red illumination light. The red illumination light source 315 and the excitation light source 301 are respectively provided on the opposite sides of the wavelength conversion device 306 and the color filter device 307 . The red illumination light generated by the red illumination light source 315 passes through the lens 314 , the dichroic mirror 311 , the lens 310 to be incident on the wavelength conversion device 306 ; its incident direction is opposite to that of the excitation light generated by the excitation light source 301 .
[0067] In the present embodiment, the wavelength conversion device 306 includes a red light transmission area, a yellow wavelength conversion area, a green wavelength conversion area and a blue light transmission area. The color filter device 307 includes a red light transmission area, a yellow color filter area, a green color filter area and a counterweight balance area. In the present embodiment, under the driving of the driving device 308 , the wavelength conversion device 306 and the color filter device 307 rotate synchronously, so that the wavelength conversion areas, the red light transmission area and the blue light transmission area of the wavelength conversion device 306 are disposed in the propagation path of the blue excitation light generated by the excitation light source 301 and the red illumination light generated by the red illumination light source 315 sequentially and periodically. The various wavelength conversion areas convert the blue excitation light incident on them into the converted light of corresponding color and reflect it, the blue light transmission area transmits the blue excitation light incident on it, and the red light transmission area transmits the red illumination light incident on it. The blue light transmission area and the red light transmission area can be provided with appropriate scattering materials to destroy the collimation of the blue excitation light and the red illumination light. The converted light reflected by the wavelength conversion device 306 is guided by the first optical assembly comprised of lenses 303 and 305 , dichroic mirror 302 and reflecting mirror 304 and incident on the color filter area of corresponding color on the color filter device 307 , so that it is filtered by the color filter area to improve its color purity. The red illumination light transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 306 is guided by the first optical assembly comprised of lens 303 and 305 , dichroic mirror 302 and reflecting mirror 304 and incident to the red light transmission area of the color filter device 307 along the same propagation path of the converted light, then transmitted by the red light transmission area. The blue excitation light transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 306 is guided by the second optical assembly comprised of lenses 310 and 313 , dichroic mirrors 311 and 312 , and combined with the converted light filtered by the color filter device 307 and the red illumination light transmitted by the color filter device 307 into one light beam, which is incident on the light homogenization device 309 to be made uniform.
[0068] In a preferred embodiment, in order to ensure that the light homogenization device 309 receives only one color light at any time, the rotation position of the wavelength conversion device 306 is detected, and a synchronization signal is generated based on the detection. The excitation light source 301 and the red illumination light source 315 are turned on and off in a time-division manner according to the synchronization signal. Specifically, the red illumination light source 315 is turned on only when the red light transmission area is in the propagation path of the red illumination light generated by the red illumination light source 315 , and is turned off when the yellow wavelength conversion area, the green wavelength conversion area and the blue light transmission area are in the propagation path of the red illumination light. The excitation light source 301 is turned on only when the yellow wavelength conversion area, the green wavelength conversion area and the blue light transmission area are in the propagation path of the blue excitation light generated by the blue excitation light source, and is turned off when the red light transmission area is in the propagation path of the blue excitation light. In addition, in another preferred embodiment, a dichroic filter which transmits the red illumination light and reflects the blue excitation light can be provided in the red light transmission area, a reflecting mirror which reflects the red illumination light can be provided for the yellow wavelength conversion area and the green wavelength conversion area on the side facing the red illumination light source 315 , and a dichroic filter that transmits the blue excitation light and reflects the red illumination light can be provided in the blue light transmission area.
[0069] In the present embodiment, the red light outputted from the light source system 300 is supplied directly by the red illumination light source 315 , which can avoid the problem of low conversion efficiency of the red wavelength conversion material. Of course, when it needs to improve the color purity, the red light transmission area can be replaced by a red color filter area. In the present embodiment, those skilled in the art can use other illumination light source to generate the illumination light of other colors.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 7 , FIG. 7 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The light source system 400 of the present embodiment and the light source system 300 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 differ in that: the excitation light source 401 of the present embodiment is an ultraviolet or blue excitation light source. At the same time, the wavelength conversion device 406 in the present embodiment is provided with a yellow wavelength conversion area, a green wavelength conversion area and a red light transmission area. So the excitation light source 401 is only used to excite the yellow wavelength conversion area and the green wavelength conversion area to generate yellow converted light and green converted light. The light source system 400 in the present embodiment further includes a blue illumination light source 416 in addition to the excitation light source 401 and the red illumination light source 415 . The blue illumination light generated by the blue illumination light source 416 passes through the second optical assembly comprised of lenses 417 and 418 and dichroic mirror 419 , is combined with the converted light filtered by the color filter device 407 and the red illumination light transmitted or filtered by the color filter device 407 into one light beam, which is incident on the light homogenization device 409 to be made uniform. In the present embodiment, the excitation light source 401 , the red illumination light source 415 and the blue illumination light source 416 can also be turned on and off in a time-division manner similar to the third embodiment.
[0071] In the present embodiment, the red light outputted from the light source system 400 is supplied directly by the red illumination light source 415 and the blue light outputted from the light source system 400 is supplied directly by the blue illumination light source 416 , which can avoid the problem of low conversion efficiency of the wavelength conversion materials, and is more suitable for the display field.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 8 , FIG. 8 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The light source system 500 of the present embodiment and the light source system 100 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 differ in that: the wavelength conversion device 506 converts the excitation light generated by the excitation light source 501 into the converted light and transmits it. The converted light transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 506 is guided by the first optical assembly comprised of lenses 503 and 505 and reflecting mirror 502 and 504 and incident on the color filter area of the same color on the color filter device 507 . After filtering by the color filter area it is incident on the light homogenization device 509 .
[0073] In addition, the excitation light source 501 can also be a blue light source. A light transmission area can be further provided on the wavelength conversion device 506 . The light transmission area is provided in the propagation path of the excitation light generated by the excitation light source 501 periodically and transmits it. After being transmitted by the light transmission area, the excitation light passes through the first optical assembly comprised of lenses 503 and 505 and reflecting mirror 502 and 504 , and is guided to another light transmission area or color filter area on the color filter device 507 along the same propagation path as the converted light, to be is transmitted or filtered.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 9 , FIG. 9 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The light source system 600 of the present embodiment and the light source system 500 shown in FIG. 8 differ in that: the light source system 600 of the present embodiment further includes, in addition to the excitation light source 601 , a red illumination light source 615 in order to generate a red illumination light. The red illumination light source 615 and the excitation light source 601 are provided on the same side of the wavelength conversion device 606 and the color filter device 607 . The red illumination light generated by the red light illumination light source 615 is reflected by the dichroic mirror 613 , converged by the lens 611 , then incident on the wavelength conversion device 606 along the same direction as the excitation light generated by the excitation light source 601 . The excitation light generated by the excitation light source 601 is converted into the converted light by the wavelength conversion area of the wavelength conversion device 606 , and is transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 606 . The red illumination light generated by the red illumination light source 615 is transmitted directly by the red light transmission area of the wavelength conversion device 606 . The converted light transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 606 and the red illumination light is guided by the first optical assembly comprised of reflecting mirror 602 and 604 and lenses 603 and 605 , and incident on the color filter area and the red light transmission area of the color filter device 607 . The converted light filtered by the color filter area and the red illumination light transmitted by the red light transmission area are further incident on the light homogenization device 609 . In addition, the red light transmission area can be replaced by a red color filter area. In addition, the excitation light source 601 and the red illumination light source 615 in the present embodiment can also be turned on and off in a time-division manner similar to the third embodiment.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 10 , FIG. 10 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The light source system 700 of the present embodiment and the light source system 600 shown in FIG. 9 differ in that: the light source system 700 of the present embodiment further includes a blue illumination light source 716 in addition to the excitation light source 701 and the red illumination light source 715 . The blue illumination light generated by the blue illumination light source 716 passes through the second optical assembly comprised of lens 717 and dichroic mirror 718 , and is combined with the converted light filtered by the color filter device 707 and the red illumination light filtered or transmitted by the color filter device 707 into one light beam, which is incident on the light homogenization device 709 to be made uniform. In the present embodiment, the excitation light source 701 , the red illumination light source 715 and the blue illumination light source 716 can be turned on and off in a time-division manner similar to the third embodiment.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 11 , FIG. 11 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. The light source system 800 of the present embodiment and the light source system 100 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 differ in that: in the present embodiment the excitation light generated by the excitation light source 801 is converged by the fly eye lenses 803 and 804 and converging lens 805 , then incident on the wavelength conversion device 806 through the light entrance port on the reflecting device 802 . The converted light reflected by the wavelength conversion device 806 is then reflected by the reflecting device 802 and incident on the color filter device 807 . The reflecting device 802 is semi-ellipsoidal or hemispherical and its reflecting surface faces inside. The converted light filtered by the color filter device 807 is further incident to the tapered light guide rod 809 . When the reflecting device 802 is semi-ellipsoidal, the converted light from the vicinity of one focus point of the reflecting device 802 can be reflected to the vicinity of the other focus point; when the reflecting device 802 is hemispherical, if two points are located near the center of the sphere and symmetrical with respect to the center of the sphere, then the reflecting device 802 can approximately reflect the converted light from one symmetrical point to the other. In addition, in other embodiments, the reflecting device 802 can be provided without a light entrance port, and the excitation light source 801 and the reflecting device 802 are provided on the opposite sides of the wavelength conversion device 806 . The excitation light generated by the excitation light source 801 is incident on the wavelength conversion device 806 and the converted light is then transmitted through the wavelength conversion device to the reflecting device 802 .
[0077] It's worth noting that, under the reflection of the reflecting device 802 , the light spot formed by the excitation light generated by the excitation light source 801 incident on the wavelength conversion device 806 and the light spot formed by the converted light incident on the color filter device 807 are located at 0 degree from each other with respect to the center of the ring structure of the wavelength conversion device 806 and the color filter device 807 ; thus, the wavelength conversion area and color filter area of the same color on the wavelength conversion device 806 and color filter device 807 also need to be set at 0 degree from each other with respect to the center of the ring structure of the wavelength conversion device 806 and the color filter device 807 .
[0078] Of course, in other embodiments, through appropriate optical arrangement, the light spot formed by the excitation light incident to the wavelength conversion device 806 and the light spot formed by the converted light incident to the color filter device 807 can be set at any angle from each other with respect to the center of the ring structure of the wavelength conversion device 806 and the color filter device 807 , so the wavelength conversion area and the color filter area of the same color on the wavelength conversion device 806 and color filter device 807 can be set at any angle with respect to the center of the ring structure of the wavelength conversion device 806 and the color filter device 807 .
[0079] Referring to FIG. 12 , FIG. 12 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. The light source system 900 of the present embodiment and the light source system 800 shown in FIG. 11 differ in that: the wavelength conversion device 906 and the color filter device 907 are fixed coaxially by the bracket 908 , and are spaced apart along the axial direction. A tapered light guide rod 909 is provided between the wavelength conversion device 906 and the color filter device 907 . The excitation light generated by the excitation light source 901 is converged by the fly eye lens 903 and 904 and the converging lens 905 , then incident on the wavelength conversion device 906 through the light entrance port on the reflecting device 902 . The converted light reflected by the wavelength conversion device 906 is incident on the reflecting device 902 and reflected. The converted light reflected by the reflecting device 902 is first incident to the light guide rod 909 . The light guide rod 909 collects the converted light in order to reduce the divergence angle of the converted light. After guided by the light guide rod 909 , the converted light is incident on the color filter device 907 , so that the incident angle on the color filter device 907 is smaller, and the filtering effect is improved. In the present embodiment, the light guide rod 909 can also be replaced by other optical device that is able to achieve the functions described above. Further, in the present embodiment, if the wavelength conversion device 906 is a transmission type, the reflecting device 902 can be omitted, and then the converted light is transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 906 and incident on the light guide rod 909 directly.
[0080] As described above, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 , an illumination light source can be further provided in addition to the excitation light sources 801 and 901 , such as a red illumination light source or a blue illumination light source.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 13 , FIG. 13 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. The light source system 1000 of the present embodiment and the light source system 100 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 differ in that: the wavelength conversion device 1006 of the present embodiment is a cylindrical structure, and the wavelength conversion areas are provided on the outside surface of the sidewall of the cylindrical structure. The color filter device 1007 has a ring structure. The wavelength conversion device 1006 and the color filter device 1007 are further coaxially fixed on the rotating shaft of the driving device 1008 , and rotate coaxially and synchronously under the driving of the driving device 1008 .
[0082] In the working process of the light source system 1000 according to the present embodiment, the excitation light generated by the excitation light source 1001 is transmitted by the dichroic mirror 1002 , converged by the lens 1003 , then incident on the outside surface of the sidewall of the wavelength conversion device 1006 . The wavelength conversion areas on the outside surface of the sidewall of the wavelength conversion device 1006 convert the excitation light into the converted light and reflect it. After reflected by the wavelength conversion device 1006 , the converted light is guided by the first optical assembly which is comprised of lens 1003 and 1004 and the dichroic mirror 1002 , and incident on the color filter device 1007 . The color filter areas on the color filter device 1007 are provided outside of the cylindrical structure of the wavelength conversion device 1006 , so that the converted light can be incident on them and filtered to improve the color purity. After filtered by the color filter areas of the color filter device 1007 , the converted light is further incident on the light homogenization device 1009 to be made uniform. In other embodiments, the wavelength conversion device 1006 can also transmit the converted light to the color filter device 1007 .
[0083] Referring to FIG. 14 , FIG. 14 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The light source system 1100 of the present embodiment and the light source system 100 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 differ in that: in the present embodiment the wavelength conversion device 1106 and the color filter device 1107 are two cylindrical structures which are fixed coaxially and nested within each other, and the wavelength conversion areas and the first color filter areas are provided on the sidewalls of the two cylindrical structures respectively. The color filter device 1107 is located outside of the wavelength conversion device 1106 . The wavelength conversion device 1106 and the color filter device 1107 are further coaxially fixed on the rotating shaft of the driving device 1108 , and rotate coaxially and synchronously under the driving of the driving device 1108 .
[0084] In the working process of the light source system 1100 according to the present embodiment, the excitation light generated by the excitation light source 1101 is reflected by the reflecting mirror 1102 , converged by the lens 1103 , then incident on the wavelength conversion device 1106 . The wavelength conversion areas of the wavelength conversion device 1106 convert the excitation light into the converted light and transmit it. After being transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 1106 , the converted light is guided by the first optical assembly comprised of lens 1104 and incident on the color filter device 1107 . The color filter areas of the color filter device 1107 filter the converted light to improve its color purity. After filtering by the color filter areas of the color filter device 1107 , the converted light is further incident on the light homogenization device 1109 to be made uniform.
[0085] Referring to in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 , FIG. 15 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is the front view of the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device of the light source system shown in FIG. 15 . The light source system 1200 of the present embodiment and the light source system 200 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 differ in that: in the present embodiment, the wavelength conversion device 1206 and the color filter device 1207 are two strip structures adjoined side by side, where the wavelength conversion areas and the first color filter areas are arranged side by side in the two strip structures. In the present embodiment, the wavelength conversion device 1206 includes a red wavelength conversion area, a green wavelength conversion area, a blue light transmission area and a yellow wavelength conversion area which are arranged side by side sequentially from top to bottom. The color filter device 1207 includes a red color filter area, a green color filter area, a blank area and a yellow color filter area which are arranged side by side sequentially from top to bottom.
[0086] The wavelength conversion device 1206 and the color filter device 1207 move in an oscillating linear translational motion under the driving of a suitable driving device (e.g. a linear motor), so that the red wavelength conversion area, the green wavelength conversion area, the blue light transmission area and the yellow wavelength conversion area of the wavelength conversion device 1206 are periodically provided in the propagation path of the blue excitation light generated by the excitation light source 1201 . The wavelength conversion areas convert the blue excitation light incident on them into converted light of corresponding colors and reflect them, and the blue light transmission area transmits the blue excitation light incident on it. The blue light transmission area can be provided with an appropriate scattering material to destroy the collimation of the blue excitation light. The converted light reflected by the wavelength conversion device 1206 is guided by the first optical assembly comprised of lenses 1203 and 1205 , dichroic mirror 1202 and reflecting mirror 1204 , then incident on the color filter area of corresponding color on the color filter device 1207 , so that it is filtered by the color filter area to improve its color purity. The blue excitation light transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 1206 is guided by the second optical assembly comprised of lens 1210 and 1213 , reflecting mirror 1211 and dichroic mirror 1212 , and combined with the converted light filtered by the color filter device 1207 into one beam of light, which is incident to the light homogenization device 1209 to be made uniform. In the present embodiment, the structure of the wavelength conversion device 1206 and the color filter device 1207 can also be applied to the other embodiments described above, which is not described.
[0087] The present invention further provides a light source assembly constituted by the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device which are described in the above embodiments.
[0088] In summary, in the light source system and the light source assembly of the present invention, the color filter device and the wavelength conversion device are fixed with respect to each other, and they are driven by a same driving device, which can bring the advantages that: the structure is simple, it is easy to implement, and the synchronization effect is excellent.
[0089] The invention is not limited to the above described embodiments. Various modification and variations can be made in the light source device and system of the present invention based on the above descriptions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, as well as the direct or indirect application of the embodiment in other related technical fields. | Provided is a projection system, a light source system, and a light source assembly. The light source system ( 100 ) comprises an excitation light source ( 101 ), a wavelength conversion device ( 106 ), a color filtering device ( 107 ), a drive device ( 108 ), and a first optical assembly. The wavelength conversion device ( 106 ) comprises at least one wavelength conversion region. The optical filtering device ( 107 ) is fixed face-to-face with the wavelength conversion device ( 106 ), and comprises at least a first optical filtering region. The drive device ( 108 ) drives the wavelength conversion device ( 106 ) and the optical filtering device ( 107 ), allowing the wavelength conversion region and the first optical filtering region to act synchronously, and the wavelength conversion region is periodically set on the propagation path of the excitation light, thereby converting the excitation light wavelength into converted light. The first optical assembly allows the converted light to be incident on the first optical filtering region. The first optical filtering region filters the converted light, so as to enhance the color purity of the converted light. The light source system is simple in structure, easy to implement, and highly synchronous. | 58,668 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to apparatus for electronically timing and recording a moving object as it travels over a measured course. More particularly, this invention relates to apparatus for establishing precision timing for athletic events in conjuncton with a video recording of the event.
The timing of certain athletic events is an important part of determining overall athletic prowess. An athlete's ability to run a fast forty-yard dash reveals his ability in other athletic endeavors according to leading biomechanists. In fact, athletic scholarships are often awarded with this single skill as an important factor in the selection. Therefore, it is of importance to standardize the technique for accurately and uniformally obtaining the time results of these tests. Further it is desirable to record the event with date, time and speed graphically displayed. In addition, it is desirable to record the event for archival purposes as well as to train the athlete.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided apparatus for electronically timing and recording a moving object as it travels over a measured course and especially for electronically timing and recording an athlete as he runs a prescribed distance. The apparatus is easy to use, rugged in construction, and adapted to be used in an outdoor environment. According to an aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a plurality of ultrasonic detectors positioned in predetermined, spaced relationship along a course which is to be traveled over by a moving object such as a running athlete. The detectors produce a sequence of RF detection signals which are sent to a timing circuit means. A video camera and recorder are provided for capturing and recording a sequence of video frames depicting the travel of the object over the course. Simultaneously, the timing circuit means computes the elapsed times of travel of the object over the course as a function of the sequence of detection signals and records the timing information along with the video information. Upon playback on a video monitor, the sequence of video frames depicting the travel of the object over the course is combined with the timing information relating to the captured scene. According to an aspect of the invention, the elapsed times are displayable in sequence in the corners of a displayed image. According to another aspect of the invention, the timing circuit is initiated either by means of a manually actuated control signal or by an RF detection signal produced by a detector which detects the start of travel of the object over the course.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the following description of the drawings, like elements are numbered with like numbers.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the apparatus of the present invention as used to electronically time and record an athlete running over a prescribed course;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing greater detail of certain components of the apparatus of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a block schematic diagram of the ultrasonic detector of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 5c are timing diagrams illustrating the operation of the ultrasonic detector of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a more detailed block diagram of the electronic timer circuit of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a format for displaying the timing information on a video monitor.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Although the preferred embodiment of the present inventon will be described with respect to a specific application, i.e. the timing and recording of an athlete who runs over a specific distance course, it will be understood that the apparatus of the present invention may be used in other applications in which it is desirable to electronically time and record any moving object as it travels over a measured course. As depicted in FIG. 1, an athlete 10 (such as a high school athlete being considered for an athletic scholarship, or for membership on an athletic team), is required to run over a sixty yard course as fast as he can. The course 12 is marked off in twenty-yard intervals and positioned at each interval is an ultrasonic detector for detecting the passage of athlete 10. Thus, ultrasonic detector 14 is located at the zero yard or start line. Ultrasonic detector 16 is located at the twenty yard line. Ultrasonic detector 18 is located at the forty yard line and ultrasonic detector 20 is located at the sixty yard line. Ultrasonic detectors 14, 16, 18, and 20 will be described in greater detail later, but in general, they emit an ultrasonic signal which is reflected by athlete 10 when he is intercepted by the signal. The reflected ultrasonic signal will be detected by the respective detectors 14-20 and an RF detecton signal will be sent to an RF receiver in video recording and timing apparatus 22. A video camera 24 is connected to apparatus 22 and mounted on a tripod 26. Camera 24 captures and records the run of athlete 10.
An operator 28 operates the electronic timing and recording apparatus 22 and communicates instructions to runners 10 by means of audio tones produced by audio box 30, which may be positioned close to the runner. The audio tones may be of different pitch or different quality to inform the runner that he is the next one up ("CALL"), that the should start running ("START") and that he has had a false start ("STOP"). According to an aspect of the invention, the start of timing may also be initiated by the runner as he is detected at the start or zero yard position by detector 14.
Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. As shown, camera 24 is connected through a video switch 32 to video cassette recorder (VCR) 34 and video monitor 36. A known type of character generator 37 generates data on each even to be recorded by VCR 34. Such data may include the time, date of an event, descriptive material relating to the event such as the athlete's name and identification number and the like. Character generator 37 is of any well known type used with video cassette recorders, video camcorders, television sets and the like, such as the KODAK MVS 80 Character Generator sold by the Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, N.Y.
As an athlete 10 is sequentially detected by detectors 14, 16, 18, and 20, a sequence of RF detection signals are transmitted to RF transmitter and receiver circuit 38. An electronic timer Circuit 40, which may, for example, include a microprocessor, computes the elapsed time of the runner as he passes the predetermined intervals. circuit 40 also computes the elapsed time between certain intervals. For example, the elapsed time it takes for the runner to run from the start line past the forty yard line may indicate certain athletic abilities, whereas the elapsed time that it takes the runner to run from the twenty yard line to the sixty yard line, may be useful in determining other athletic abilities. According to an aspect of the invention, the "standing start" forty yard time and the "running start" forty yard time are also recorded and displayed on monitor 36.
Timer circuit 40 also produces suitable video signals for displaying the timing information on video monitor 36 and for recording it along with the video recording to the athlete running the course produced by camera 24. Gen lock circuit 42 supplies horizontal and vertical sync signals to camera 24, to character generator 37 and to timer circuit 40 to synchronize the respective video signals produced thereby.
A remote start control 46 may be provided to start a timing sequence.
Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown in greater detail circuits 30, 38, and 46. As shown, audio circuit box 30 includes an RF receiver 48, RF signal decoder circuits 50, 52, and 54 and audio tone generators 56, 58 and 60 connected to speaker 62. Decoder 50 detects an RF "CALL" signal which actuates a "CALL" audio tone generator 56 to produce an autio tone which alerts the next runner to move up to the starting line to be ready to run the course. Decoder 52 detects an RF "START" signal which actuates audio tone generator 58 to produce an audio tone which starts the runner running the course. Decoder 54 detects an RF "STOP" signal which actuates audio tone generator 60 to produce an audio tone which stops the runner after he has made a false start, (i.e., started before the "START" tone is generated).
Circuit 38 includes a plurality of switches 64, 66 and 68 which respectively actuate coder circuits 70, 72 and 74 to produce a coded RF "CALL" signal, a coded RF "START" signal and a coded RF "STOP" signal. These coded RF signals are supplied to RF transmitter 73 for transmission to audio box 30.
Remote start control 46 includes manually actuatable switches 76 and 78, which respectively actuate coder 80 to produce a coded RF "START" signal and coder 82 to produce a coded RF "STOP" signal. These RF signals are transmitted by transmitter 84.
Circuit 38 also includes an RF receiver 86 for receiving either a coded RF "START" signal from remote start 46 or a coded RF detection signal from detector 14. These signals are decoded by decoder circuits 88 and 90. Start mode select circuit 91 in response to the respective signals decoded by decoders 88 and 90, sends a signal to electronic timer circuit 40 to indicate whether a runner is started by an audio tone or is self started.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown in greater detail a block diagram of ultrasonic detectors 14, 16, 18 and 20. As shown, transmitter one-shot multivibrator 92 produces a a signal S 1 which actuates ultrasonic generator 94 to produce an ultrasonic signal S 2 with a duration of S 1 . The ultrasonic signal is amplified by amplifier 96 and applied to ultrasonic transducer 98 which produces a highly directionaly ultrasonic beam which is reflected back to the detector by passage of runner 10. The reflected ultrasonic wave is detected by transducer 98. The pulse produced by one-shot 92 is also applied to receive on-shot multivibrator 102. Multivibrator 102 produces a delayed pulse which is applied to AND gate 104 along with the received detection pulse amplified by amplifier 100 and detected by detector 103. Coder 105 is actuated to cause RF generator 106 to send a burst of a coded RF detection signal to an antenna 108 for transmission to RF receiver circuit 38.
Referring to FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 5c, there is depicted signal diagrams illustrating the operation of the ultrasonic detector of FIG. 4. Signal S 1 (FIG. 5a) is the pulse produced by one-shot multivibrator 92. Signal S 2 (FIG. 5a) is the burst of ultrasonic frequency signal produced by ultrasonic generator 94 during the time period of signal S 1 . Signal S 3 (FIG. 5b) is the pulse produced by receive one-shot multivibrator 102 and signal S 4 (FIG. 5c) is the reflected burst of ultrasonic signal amplified by amplifier 100.
FIG. 6 shows in greater detail electronic timer circuit 40. Circuit 40 receives the RF detection signals from detectors 14, 16, 18 and 20; computes the elapsed times of the object moving over course 12 and produces appropriate video signals for recording and/or displaying the timing signals in combination with the video signals produced by camera 24 and character generator 37. Circuit 40 includes a microprocessor 110 (such as the Motorola MC6840), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM) 112 for storing the operating program of microprocessor 110 and Random Access Memory (RAM) 114 used for storing input-output (I/O) memory functions, program memory functions and display and timing memory functions.
A Peripheral Interface Adaptor (PIA) 116 (such as the Motorola MC6821) is used with microprocessor 110 to receive input signals from keypad 118 through keypad detector 120 and from RF circuit 38 and to send output signals to RF circuit 38. A Programmable Timer Module (PTM) 120 (such as the Motorola MC6840) provides the accurate timing necessary for computing the elapsed times of a moving object. A bus 122 provides a link between microprocessor 110, EPROM 112, RAM 114, PIA 116 and PTM 120.
Bus 122 is also linked to a Video Display Generator (VDG) 124 (such as the Motorola MC6847) which produces the video signals relating to timing information to be recorded and displayed with the video information produced by camera 24. The clock for VDG 124 is provided by synchronizer 126 which provides a clock signal which is synchronized with and which has a frequency which is a multiple of the V sync signal detected by V sync detector 128 from the composite sync signal produced by Gen Lock Circuit 42. A phase lock loop 130 locks the horizontal sync signals produced by VDG 124 and TV modulator 132 (such as Motorola MC1372) with the H sync signal detected by H sinc detector 134 from the composite sync signal from Gen Lock Circuit 42.
Programming of microprocessors including the use of various related peripheral devices is well known to those skilled in the art. A general description of the structure, operation and programming of microprocessors is presented in Chapter 11, "Microprocessors", pages 484-535. of the Harvard Textbook, "The Art of Electronics", by Horowitz and Hill, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1980. A description of the structure and operation of the Motorola Microprocessor MC6809 and related peripheral devices is presented in the data handbook "Eight-Bit Microprocessor & Peripheral Data", supplied by Motorola Semiconductor Products, Inc., Austin, Tex. Further, the general design and operation of graphics overlay circuitry is also generally known to those skilled in the art. General information is described in the article, "Display-Generator Chips Implement Smart Terminals", by Peter Bissmire et al., EDN Magazine, Nov. 20, 1980. Information relating to the Motorola MC6847 is described in the Motorola Data Handbook "Eight-Bit Microprocessor & Peripheral Data", referred to above.
In operation, at the start of an event to be recorded and time, the operator 28 (FIG. 1) enters identification information relating to a runner into apparatus 22 by means of character generator 37. The operator 28 alerts the runner 10 to proceed to the start line by actuating "CALL" switch 64 which causes the audio box 30 to sound the "CALL" tone. At this time, camera 24 and VCR 34 will be actuated to record the event. The operator then chooses the mode of starting the runner, i.e., either "self start" or "signal start". If the "self start" mode is chosen, timing is initiated when the runner is detected by detector 14. An RF detection signal is sent to circuit 38, which initiates timing of the event by circuit 40.
If the "signal start" mode is selected, actuation of either "START" switch 40 or remote switch 76 intiates timing of the event. In this mode, the reaction time of the runner to an external stimulus (audio tone) is determined by the elapsed time between the "START" signal and detection of the runner by detector 14. This time is displayed in the upper left hand corner of monitor 36 (FIG. 7) as "S 0.82". In the "self start" mode the time is displayed as "S 0.00".
In the "signal start" mode a "false start" is detected when detector 14 detects the runner at the start line but no "START" signal has been given. The operator actuates "STOP" switch 68 or 78 to sound the "STOP" tone by audio box 30 to signal return of the runner to the starting line.
As the runner traverses course 12, detectors 16, 18 and 20 sequentially detect the runner and send RF detection signals to apparatus 22. Microprocessor 110 in conjunction with PTM 120, EPROM 112 and RAM 114 computes and stores the elapsed times for the runner as he passes the 20 yd. 40 yd. and 60 yd. lines. This timing information is converted by VDG 124 into suitable video signals for display on monitor 36 and for recording by VCR 34. As depicted in FIG. 7, the "20 yd.", "40 yd." and "60 yd." times are respectively displayed on monitor 36 in the upper right hand corner (i.e., "20 2.58"); in the lower right hand corner (i.e., "40. 5.43"); and in the lower left hand corner (i.e., "60 7.10"). In each of the corner displays, the left hand field (e.g., "S" "20", "40", "60") depicts the yard line crossed by the runner whereas the right hand field (e.g., "0.82", "2.58", "5.43", "7.10") depicts the corresponding time of the runner.
At the center of the monitor display (FIG. 7), are depicted standing start and running start forty yard times computed by microprocessor 110. These times give an indication of different capabilities of an athlete. The standing start time is computed by determining the runner's elapsed time from the 0 yd. (S) line to the 40 yd. line (depicted in FIG. 7 as "40-S-4.61"). The running start time is computed by determining the runner's elapsed time from the 20 yd. line to the 60 yd. line (depicted in FIG. 7 as "60-20-4.52"). It will be appreciated that other elapsed times could be determined and shown in lieu of the depicted times.
The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention. | The disclosed apparatus electronically times and records a moving object as it travels over a measured course. The apparatus is especially useful in recording and timing an athlete running over a measured course in order to determine the overall athletic prowess of the athlete. The apparatus provides more accurate and uniform testing of an athlete's ability to run a predetermined distance as fast as possible. The apparatus includes a plurality of ultrasonic detectors positioned in predetermined spaced relationship along a course over which an athlete runs (object moves). A sequence of RF detection signals are sent to a timing circuit which computes the elapsed times of the athlete (object) over the course. The times are recorded along with video information produced by a video camera. When the timing information and recorded scene are played back on a video monitor, the timing information is displayed along with the video image to facilitate analysis of the recorded event. | 18,044 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0048348, filed on Apr. 22, 2014, and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. §119, the contents of which in its entirety are herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
The present disclosure relates to a hybrid electronic sheet and a method for preparing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Researches on flexible high-performance materials and devices such as wearable computers, bendable displays, wearable biomedical electrodes and biosensors for health monitoring, human-robot interfaces, etc. are rapidly increasing nowadays. For such applications, development of a material which has excellent electrical property as well as superior mechanical property and to which biochemical or biological property can be further provided in addition to the electrical property, e.g., as in wearable biosensors, is of great importance. In addition, for realization of a high-performance device composed of various constituents on a flexible substrate, low contact resistance is required between the constituents and superior contact property with the flexible substrate is necessary.
Since carbon nanomaterials such as carbon nanotube, graphene, etc. have excellent electrical, mechanical and chemical properties, use of the materials as an electrode of flexible electronic devices, flexible bioelectrodes, sensors, flexible energy devices, etc. is actively studied recently.
For application of graphene or carbon nanotube to flexible devices, a process of transferring the graphene or carbon nanotube synthesized at high temperature without decrease in electrical property is essential. In addition, for effective operation of a high-performance device, effective electrical contact property between the carbon nanomaterial and other constituents of the device and resistance property on the flexible substrate are very important. Carbon nanotube is commonly used by depositing a film on a substrate, for example, by spin coating the carbon nanotube dispersed in an organic solvent or by forming a film through vacuum filtration and dissolving out the filter membrane chemically to obtain a carbon nanotube film. However, these methods are problematic in that the performance of the device is decreased or contact property with a flexible substrate is unsatisfactory due to an organic solvent or a dispersant remaining after chemical etching. Also, transfer onto a substrate with a complex shape is impossible because of large film thickness and patterning which is essential for realization of the device is difficult.
Graphene is used by growing the graphene on the surface of a metal such as copper by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and transferring onto a desired substrate using an etching solution or by reducing chemically prepared graphene oxide through spin coating to obtain a reduced graphene oxide film. However, the CVD-grown graphene is disadvantageous in that use of an environmentally very harmful etching solution is necessary and effective surface area per unit area is very small because the graphene consists of a single or only a few layer(s). Further, because graphene is chemically stable, it is not easy to confer additional properties to the graphene. The reduced graphene oxide is disadvantageous in that electrical property is not excellent because a process of chemically reducing the graphene oxide which has been chemically oxidized is required.
When preparing a flexible electrode including a biomaterial such as a biosensor electrode, it is important to realize a high-performance flexible device without chemical etching. However, with the existing methods, it is difficult to realize a flexible device having superior electrical property wherein a biomaterial is nanohybridized.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure is directed to providing a hybrid electronic sheet which has superior and tunable electrical property, can be functionalized with a biomaterial and allows flexible device patterning. The present disclosure is also directed to providing a method for preparing the electronic sheet whereby a carbon nanomaterial having a graphitic surface is prepared into a thin hybrid electronic sheet with a large area in an aqueous solution without chemical etching.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a hybrid electronic sheet including a graphitic material and a biomaterial capable of binding to the graphitic material and an electronic device including the same.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for preparing a hybrid electronic sheet including a graphitic material and a biomaterial capable of binding to the graphitic material, including: preparing a mixture by mixing a colloid material including a graphitic material with a biomaterial capable of binding to the graphitic material; and forming an electronic sheet in an aqueous solution by dialyzing the mixture using a membrane.
In accordance with the present disclosure, a hybrid electronic sheet which exhibits superior, tunable electrical property and allows biomaterial functionalization and flexible device patterning may be provided by binding a graphitic material in colloidal state to a biomaterial capable of binding thereto specifically and nondestructively. Since the electronic sheet has a nondestructively controllable nanostructure, an electronic sheet having semiconductor property can be obtained from an electrically non-separated, hybrid single-walled carbon nanotube. Further, since the electronic sheet is an electronic sheet wherein a biomaterial and an electrical material (graphitic material) are hybridized, it exhibits good compatibility with biomaterials and can be further functionalized with, for example, an enzyme that selectively reacts with a biochemical substance. Accordingly, an electrical material and a chemical or biological material may be effectively nanostructurized. In addition, the electronic sheet is structurally stable and exhibits superior flexibility owing to good contact property after transfer onto a flexible substrate. Accordingly, it can be realized as a multi-functional, high-performance electronic sheet.
Furthermore, since the electronic sheet according to the present disclosure is prepared in an aqueous solution by dialyzing a mixture of the graphitic material and the biomaterial using a membrane, no chemical etching or additional carrier material layer is necessary for transference. Accordingly, it can be transferred even onto a polymer material with a complex shape (see FIG. 5 b ). In accordance with the present disclosure, a high-performance electronic sheet can be transferred onto various substrates. For example, a flexible electronic sheet exhibiting excellent electrochemical property, with 4 times or higher charging current even on a polymer substrate with a metal electrode layer than on Au, may be provided (see FIG. 7 ). Also, since patterning can be conducted easily using a substrate or a mask, a device can be prepared conveniently on a flexible substrate (see FIG. 9 ).
Accordingly, the hybrid electronic sheet can be usefully used in a flexible electronic device, an information processing or storage device or as a brain surface electrode, a flexible biosensor electrode an electrode for a flexible battery, etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 a schematically describes a process of preparing a hybrid electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1 b schematically describes the principle on which a hybrid electronic sheet is formed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 a shows an image of a hybrid electronic sheet formed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 b shows the dependency of electronic sheet formation on the ionic strength of a dialysis solution according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 a shows an image of a large-area freestanding hybrid electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 b shows an image of a sample prepared using a single-walled carbon nanotube without a phage as a comparison to the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 shows scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images comparing the nanostructure of an electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure (SWNT-M13 phage) and a comparative sample prepared using a single-walled carbon nanotube without a phage (SWNT-only).
FIG. 5 a shows an image of an electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure transferred onto a PES polymer substrate.
FIG. 5 b shows an image of an electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure transferred onto a plastic with a complex shape.
FIG. 6 schematically describes a method of forming a pattern of an electronic sheet using a stencil mask according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure as well as images of the formed pattern.
FIG. 7 shows a result of measuring contact angles to compare the change in hydrophilic property of an electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure depending on the molar ratio of a graphitic material (SWNT) and a biomaterial (p8 GB#1) in the electronic sheet (SWNT:p8 GB#1=4:1, 10:1 or 20:1).
FIG. 8 shows a result of comparing the electrochemical conductivity (current and voltage) of an electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure transferred onto a polymer or Au substrate (hybrid sheet on Au or hybrid sheet on PES) with that of a bare Au film (bare Au).
FIG. 9 shows an SEM image of an electronic device including an electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 shows a current-voltage (I-V) curve of an electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure depending on the molar ratio of a graphitic material (SWNT) and a biomaterial (p8 GB#1) in the electronic sheet (SWNT:p8 GB#1=1:2, 1:4 or 1:8) and gate voltage.
FIG. 11 shows a result of comparing the electrochemical conductivity of a hybrid electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure wherein a single-walled carbon nanotube and graphene are mixed (C:G:V=10:2:1) with one wherein only a single-walled carbon nanotube is present (C:G:V=10:0:1) (C: single-walled carbon nanotube, G: graphene, V: p8 GB#1).
FIG. 12 a schematically describes current biosensing using a hybrid enzyme electronic sheet functionalized with an enzyme according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12 b shows selective current response of a hybrid enzyme electronic sheet functionalized with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure to hydrogen peroxide.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the present disclosure, a “graphitic material” refers to a material which has a surface wherein carbon atoms are arranged in a hexagonal shape, i.e. a graphitic surface. It is used in the broadest concept including any material having a graphitic surface, regardless of physical, chemical or structural properties.
In the present disclosure, a “biomaterial” refers to a material derived from a biological source which is capable of binding to the graphitic material. It is used in the broadest concept including any biomaterial, e.g. nucleic acid, peptide or protein, which binds selectively and specifically to the graphitic material, regardless of the mode of binding and biological or structural properties.
Hereinafter, the present disclosure is described in more detail.
The present disclosure provides a hybrid electronic sheet including a graphitic material and a biomaterial capable of binding to the graphitic material.
The present disclosure also provides a method for preparing a hybrid electronic sheet including a graphitic material and a biomaterial capable of binding to the graphitic material, including: preparing a mixture by mixing a colloid material including a graphitic material with a biomaterial capable of binding to the graphitic material; and forming an electronic sheet in an aqueous solution by dialyzing the mixture using a membrane. FIG. 1 a schematically describes the preparation method according to the present disclosure and FIG. 1 b describes the principle on which the hybrid electronic sheet is formed.
In an exemplary embodiment, the colloid material is specifically an aqueous solution wherein a graphitic material is dispersed or dissolved. The colloid material may be prepared, before preparing the mixture, by adding a graphitic material to a solution containing a surfactant and stabilizing the same. The surfactant may be, for example, sodium cholate but is not limited thereto as long as it can stabilize a graphitic material and is biocompatible with a biomaterial.
In an exemplary embodiment, the graphitic material is not specially limited as long as it is a carbon nanomaterial. For example, it may be one or more selected from a group consisting of a graphene sheet, a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) sheet, a carbon nanotube such as a single-walled carbon nanotube, a double-walled carbon nanotube, a multi-walled carbon nanotube, etc. and fullerene. The graphitic material may be a metallic, semiconductor or hybrid material. More specifically, the graphitic material may be a mixture of a graphene sheet and a single-walled carbon nanotube.
For example, when a graphene sheet is used as the graphitic material, the 2-dimensional structure of the graphene sheet allows a larger contact area between constituent materials as compared to a material of 1-dimensional structure. Therefore, a hybrid electronic sheet of a larger area can be realized. And, when a mixture of a graphene sheet and a single-walled carbon nanotube is used as the graphitic material, the problem that a high concentration is necessary only when the graphene sheet is used can be solved while providing the advantage of the 2-dimensional structure of the graphene sheet. In addition, when a graphene sheet is mixed with a single-walled carbon nanotube, the size and thickness of the sheet become larger and, in this case, the effective area of a nanoelectrode per unit area is large. Therefore, the applicability as a flexible electrode is high.
In an exemplary embodiment, the biomaterial is a material capable of specifically and strongly binding to the graphitic material, in a nondestructive manner. For example, the biomaterial may be an M13 phage genetically modified to be capable of binding to the graphitic material. Specifically, the M13 phage genetically modified to be capable of binding to the graphitic material as an exemplary embodiment of the biomaterial may be one in which a peptide including one or more amino acid sequence selected from DSWAADIP (SEQ ID NO 1) and DNPIQAVP (SEQ ID NO 2) is displayed. The peptide may be displayed on the coat protein P3, P6, P7, P8 or P9 of the M13 phage. Among them, p3, p6, p7 and p9 are minor coat proteins and p8 is a major coat protein. The major coat protein p8 is advantageous in that, whereas the minor coat proteins have a very small copy number of 5 or smaller, it has a very large copy number of 2700 and provides a relatively very larger area for peptide display since it is located at the body of the phage. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, when a peptide of the present disclosure is displayed on the coat protein p8 located at the body of the M13 phage, the body of the phage itself, which is micrometers long (length: 880 nm, diameter ≦ 6 . 5 nm), may be used.
In an exemplary embodiment, the phage in which the peptide including one or more amino acid sequence selected from DSWAADIP (SEQ ID NO 1) and DNPIQAVP (SEQ ID NO 2) is displayed may be prepared by preparing an M13 phage display P8 peptide library and screening the same by binding it to a graphitic surface through biopanning. Alternatively, in another exemplary embodiment, it may be prepared directly through genetic recombination by introducing the peptide including one or more amino acid sequence selected from DSWAADIP (SEQ ID NO 1) and DNPIQAVP (SEQ ID NO 2) into the M13 phage itself.
In an exemplary embodiment, the mixing ratio of the colloid material and the biomaterial when preparing the mixture may be controlled as desired depending on the use of the electronic sheet. That is to say, it may be controlled depending on the desired properties of the electronic sheet, such as electrical conductivity, electrochemical charging current, hydrophilicity, etc. Further, the mixing ratio of the colloid material and the biomaterial may be controlled differently depending on the kind of the mixed biomaterial. For example, if the biomaterial is an M13 phage genetically modified to be capable of binding to the graphitic material, the colloid material and the biomaterial may be mixed with a molar ratio of from 20:1 to 1:30, more specifically from 20:1 to 1:20. More specifically, when the colloid material and the M13 phage genetically modified to be capable of binding to the graphitic material are mixed with a molar ratio of 4:1, the charging current of the electronic sheet may be improved greatly to 4 times or more as compared to a Au film. In this case, the electronic sheet may be usefully used as a flexible biosensor electrode, a brain surface electrode, an electrode for a flexible battery or a supercapacitor, etc.
Further, network formation of the graphitic material in the hybrid electronic sheet may be controlled by controlling the molar ratio of the colloid material and the biomaterial. In case of a hybrid single-walled carbon nanotube which is not electrically isolated, semiconductor property may be achieved by controlling the molar ratio of the graphitic material and the biomaterial. For example, when the hybrid single-walled carbon nanotube as the graphitic material and the M13 phage genetically modified to be capable of binding to the graphitic material are mixed with a molar ratio of 1:8, the hybrid electronic sheet may exhibit a p-type semiconductor property and thus can be used to prepare an active device. That is to say, a semiconductor or metallic hybrid electronic sheet can be obtained by controlling the molar ratio of the graphitic material and the biomaterial and, accordingly, a flexible electronic device or a transparent, flexible electronic device can be realized not only on a flat substrate but also on a non-conventional substrate.
If the molar ratio of the colloid material and the M13 phage genetically modified to be capable of binding to the graphitic material exceeds 20:1, formation of a large-area electronic sheet may be difficult due to decreased structural stability of the electronic sheet. And, if the molar ratio is lower than 1:30, application as an electrode may be difficult because the electrical resistance of the electronic sheet increases greatly. When the molar ratio is in the range between 20:1 and 1:30, a hybrid electronic sheet exhibiting superior electrical property and stable structural property may be formed.
In the method for preparing an electronic sheet according to the present disclosure, the step of forming the electronic sheet by dialyzing may include dialyzing a membrane tube to which the mixture has been added using the dialysis solution or dialyzing the mixture using the membrane itself. The membrane is not limited in shape or property as long as it is a semipermeable membrane capable of dialyzing the mixture. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the step of forming the electronic sheet by dialyzing may include: adding an ion to a dialysis solution; adding the resulting mixture to a membrane tube; and dialyzing the membrane tube to which the mixture has been added using the dialysis solution to which the ion has been added. And, the dialysis solution may be distilled water, more specifically triply distilled water (resistance >18 MΩ cm), when considering the stability of the biomaterial included in the mixture.
Specifically, if the membrane tube containing the colloid material including the biomaterial and the graphitic material is dialyzed using distilled water for about 16-36 hours, a thin electronic sheet is formed along the surface of the membrane tube. FIG. 2 a shows an image of the formed electronic sheet. The reason why such a thin electronic sheet is formed is as follows. While the dialysis proceeds, the concentration of the surfactant, which is attached on the surface of the graphitic material in the colloid material and stabilizes the carbonaceous material, in the tube decreases due to diffusion owing to the concentration difference inside and outside the membrane. This diffusion-driven dilution is the most prominent near the membrane. Since the biomaterial which exhibits strong binding ability to the graphitic material can begin reacting with the graphitic material only when the concentration of the surfactant surrounding the graphitic material is low, the binding occurs near the membrane where the dilution occurs the most actively. Based on this principle, a sheet may be formed through dialysis.
The concentration of the ion in the dialysis solution is more than or equal to 0 mM and less than 10 mM. The concentration of the ion can be controlled by adding a monovalent electrolyte to the dialysis solution. For example, 0.1 mM NaCl may be added to triply distilled water as the dialysis solution.
To form a sheet-type hybrid electronic material, i.e. a hybrid electronic sheet, through dialysis, it is important to form binding between the graphitic material and the biomaterial mostly along the membrane of the membrane tube. In this regard, the ionic strength (i.e., ion concentration) of the distilled water is a very important factor. If the ionic strength of the distilled water satisfies the above range, continuous sheet formation is possible since the graphitic material remains dispersed well in the membrane tube while the sheet is formed through strong binding between the graphitic material which is negatively (−) charged owing to the adsorbed surfactant and thus exhibits strong electrical repulsion and the biomaterial along the membrane. In contrast, if the ionic strength is higher than the above range, aggregation may occur between the graphitic materials in the membrane because of decreased stabilization by the surfactant adsorbed on the graphitic material and, in an extreme case, only severe aggregation may occur in the tube without sheet formation. FIG. 2 b shows the dependency of electronic sheet formation on the ionic strength of the distilled water. Referring to FIG. 2 b , an electronic sheet is formed normally when the ion concentration of the distilled water is 0 (DI) or 0.1 mM, but an electronic sheet is not formed when the ion concentration of the distilled water is 10 mM (sheet thickness=0). The molar ratio of SWNT:p8 GB#1 is 4:1.
In an exemplary embodiment, the preparation method according to the present disclosure may further include, after said forming the electronic sheet by dialyzing, separating the formed electronic sheet in an aqueous solution. The separation may be accomplished, for example, by twisting the membrane tube used for the dialysis to separate the electronic sheet formed along the membrane. A freestanding electronic sheet can be easily obtained by controlling the membrane clip in an aqueous solution. FIG. 3 a shows an image of a freestanding electronic sheet prepared and separated according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The prepared and separated freestanding electronic sheet maintains its shape through strong binding between the graphitic material and the biomaterial. If dialysis is conducted without adding the biomaterial, an electronic sheet is formed near the membrane but is limited in application because it is brittle. FIG. 3 b shows an image of an electronic sheet prepared by dialysis without using a biomaterial. To compare FIG. 3 a and FIG. 3 b , it can be seen that, whereas the electronic sheet of FIG. 3 a prepared using a biomaterial is formed stably with a large area due to the binding between the graphitic material and the biomaterial, the electronic sheet of FIG. 3 b prepared without a biomaterial is broken into pieces during the preparation process. In addition, since the formation of the electronic sheet simply depends on the aggregation of the graphitic material by a dilution effect, a microstructure with severe bundling is obtained. In contrast, when a biomaterial is used as in the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a nanostructure wherein the graphitic material is uniformly dispersed is obtained due to the binding of the graphitic material with the biomaterial. As a result, a large-area, ultra-flexible electronic sheet having a thickness of 350 nm or smaller and an area of tens of cm 2 can be prepared. For example, the electronic sheet prepared according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may have an area of 0.0001-1000 cm 2 , 0.0001-100 cm 2 , more specifically 1-20 cm 2 , and a thickness of 40-350 nm. However, the size of the electronic sheet produced according to the method of the present disclosure is not specially limited. The produced electronic sheet may be torn during detachment or transfer. The tendency of tearing is less for an electronic sheet having a larger thickness (about 350 nm). If the concentration of the mixture is increased to increase thickness, aggregation may occur and a nonunform electronic sheet may be formed.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method for preparing an electronic sheet may further include replicating the separated hybrid electronic sheet in the aqueous solution using a suitable substrate or mask. The replicated and dried electronic sheet may be used for various materials and devices without chemical etching. In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure may provide an electronic device including the electronic sheet. The electronic device may include, for example, an information processing device, an information storing device, a biodevice such as a biosensor and a bioelectrode or an energy device.
Further, since the electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is transparent, it may be widely applied to applications requiring transparent electronic devices (see FIG. 6 a ).
In an exemplary embodiment, the preparation method according to the present disclosure may further include, before the step of preparing the mixture or after the step of forming the electronic sheet, functionalizing the biomaterial capable of binding to the graphitic material with an enzyme. In this case, since the electronic sheet includes a biomaterial capable of binding to the graphitic material and further functionalized with a biochemical enzyme, a nanohybrid enzyme electrode wherein the biochemical enzyme and a nanoelectrode material are effectively nanostructured may be provided. Accordingly, a high-performance flexible biosensor which is selective for an analyte and can operate without a mediator that helps electron transport between the enzyme and the electrode may be provided. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the enzyme may be horseradish peroxidase (HRP). If the electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is functionalized with HRP, the electronic sheet reacts selectively with hydrogen peroxide since HRP is an enzyme that reduces hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) to water (H 2 O). In an exemplary embodiment, the step of functionalizing the biomaterial of the electronic sheet of the present disclosure with the enzyme may include, for example, conjugating the biomaterial with the enzyme, specifically using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC), N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (sulfo-NHS) or glutaraldehyde.
The substrate or mask may be prepared from a metal, a semiconductor, an insulator, a polymer, an elastomer, etc. For example, a flexible electronic device may be prepared by replicating the electronic sheet using a flexible polymer substrate.
In an exemplary embodiment, a pattern may be formed on the electronic sheet by replicating the separated electronic sheet using a patterned substrate or mask. For example, if a patterned stencil mask is used, the pattern is formed on the electronic sheet when the mask is detached after the electronic sheet is completely dried. Accordingly, a device can be realized on a flexible electronic sheet without additional physical or chemical etching.
Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail through examples and test examples. However, the following examples test examples are for illustrative purposes only and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the examples test examples.
Preparation Example 1
Preparation of Hybrid Electronic Sheet 1
As an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a hybrid electronic sheet was prepared as follows.
Preparation of Colloid Solution
First, an aqueous solution was prepared by adding 2% w/v sodium cholate as a surfactant to distilled water and a colloid solution was prepared by stabilizing a single-walled carbon nanotube (SuperPure SWNT, solution type, 250 mg/mL, Nanointegris) as a graphitic material with the sodium cholate by dialyzing for 48 hours.
Assuming that the average length and the average diameter of the carbon nanotube (CNT) are 1 μm and 1.4 nm, respectively, the number of the single-walled carbon nanotube included in the colloid solution can be calculated according to the following equation.
Number of single-walled carbon nanotube (/mL)=concentration (μg/mL)×3×10 11 [Equation 1]
The number of the single-walled carbon nanotube included in the colloid solution was calculated as 7.5×10 13 /mL.
Preparation of Biomaterial
An M13 phage in which the peptide DSWAADIP (SEQ ID NO 1) is displayed (p8 GB#1) and an M13 phage in which the peptide DNPIQAVP (SEQ ID NO 2) is displayed (p8 GB#5), wherein the peptides are capable of strongly binding to a graphitic surface, were prepared as follows.
First, an M13HK vector was prepared by site-directed mutating the 1381st base pair C of an M13KE vector (product # N0316S, SEQ ID NO 3, NEB) into G.
The M13KE vector (product # N0316S, NEB) is a cloning vector consisting of a 7222-bp DNA and its genetic information is available from the Internet (https://www.neb.com/-/media/NebUs/Page%20Images/Tools%20and%20Resources/Interactive %20Tools/D NA%20Sequences %20and %20Maps/Text %20Documents/m13kegbk.txt). The base sequences of oligonucleotides used for the site-directed mutagenesis are as follows:
(SEQ ID NO 4)
5′-AAG GCC GCT TTT GCG GGA TCC TCA CCC TCA GCA GCG
AAA GA-3′.
(SEQ ID NO 5)
5′-TCT TTC GCT GCT GAG GGT GAG GAT CCC GCA AAA GCG
GCC TT-3′.
Phage display p8 peptide libraries were prepared from the M13HK vector using the restriction enzymes BspHI (product # R0517S, NEB) and BamHI (product # R3136T, NEB).
The base sequences of oligonucleotides used for the preparation of the phage display p8 peptide libraries are as follows:
(SEQ ID NO 6)
5′-TTA ATG GAA ACT TCC TCA TGA AAA AGT CTT TAG TCC
TCA AAG CCT CTG TAG CCG TTG CTA CCC TCG TTC CGA TGC
TGT CTT TCG CTG CTG-3′.
(SEQ ID NO 7)
5′-AAG GCC GCT TTT GCG GGA TCC NNM NNM NNM NNM NNM
NNM NNM NCA GCA GCG AAA GAC AGC ATC GGA ACG AGG GTA
GCA ACG GCT ACA GAG GCT TT-3′.
The base sequences of the prepared phage display p8 peptide libraries have a diversity of 4.8×10 7 plaque-forming units (PFU) and each sequence has a copy number of about 1.3×10 5 .
Then, the prepared phage display p8 peptide libraries were bound to a graphitic surface by biopanning so as to screen the phage in which the peptide as the biomaterial according to the present disclosure is displayed. Specifically, the biopanning was conducted as follows.
First, a fresh surface was detached from a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG, product #439HP-AB, SPI) as a material having a graphitic surface using a tape to minimize defects due to, e.g., oxidation of the sample surface. A HOPG substrate with a relatively large grain size of 100 μm or smaller was used.
Then, the prepared 4.8×10 10 (4.8×10 7 diversities, 1000 copies per each sequence) phage display p8 peptide libraries were prepared in 100 μL of Tris-buffered saline (TBS) and conjugated with the HOPG surface in a shaking incubator for 1 hour at 100 rpm. 1 hour later, the solution was removed and the HOPG surface was washed 10 times with TBS. The washed HOPG surface was reacted with pH 2.2 Tris-HCl as an acidic buffer for 8 minutes to elute the non-selectively reacting peptide and then XL-1 blue E. coli culture in mid-log state was eluted for 30 minutes. A part of the eluted culture was left for DNA sequencing and peptide identification and the remainder was amplified to prepare sub-libraries for the next round. The above procedure was repeated using the prepared sub-libraries. The left plaques were subjected to DNA analysis to identify the p8 peptide sequence. As a result, a phage in which the peptide DSWAADIP (SEQ ID NO 1) is displayed (p8 GB#1) and a phage in which the peptide DNPIQAVP (SEQ ID NO 2) is displayed (p8 GB#5), wherein the peptides are capable of strongly binding to a graphitic surface, were obtained.
Preparation of Hybrid Electronic Sheet
The colloid solution prepared above and a phage solution containing the M13 phage (p8 GB#1) capable of strongly binding to a graphitic surface were mixed with a molar ratio of 4:1 (Example 1), 10:1 (Example 2), 20:1 (Example 3), 1:2 (Example 4), 1:4 (Example 5) or 1:8 (Example 6).
Next, each of the mixtures was added to a semipermeable dialysis membrane tube (MWCO 12,000-14,000, product #132 700, SpectrumLab) and each membrane tube was dialyzed using triply distilled water. About 16 hours after the dialysis was started, a thin electronic sheet was formed along the surface of the membrane tube. FIG. 2 a shows an image of the formed electronic sheet of Example 1.
Next, each membrane tube was transferred to triply distilled water and the electronic sheet was detached by twisting the membrane of the membrane tube and then dried. FIG. 3 a shows an image of the detached electronic sheet of Example 1. The prepared electronic sheet of Example 1 had a thickness of about 100 nm.
Preparation Example 2
Preparation of Hybrid Electronic Sheet 2
As another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a hybrid electronic sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Preparation Example 1 except that the biomaterial was prepared by genetic recombination as follows.
Preparation of Biomaterial
M13HK was prepared directly by genetic recombination using the restriction enzymes BspHI (product # R0517S, NEB) and BamHI (product # R3136T, NEB). The base sequences used to prepare the M13 phage in which the peptide DSWAADIP (SEQ ID NO 1) is displayed on the body (p8 GB#1) were as follows.
(SEQ ID NO 8)
5′ [Phos] CATGAAA AAGTCTTTTG TCCTCAAAGC
CTCTGTAGCC GTTGCTACCC TCGTTCCGAT GCTGTCTTTC
GCTGCTGATT CTTGGGCTGC GGATATTCCG 3′.
(SEQ ID NO 9)
5′ [Phos] GATC CGGAATATCC GCAGCCCAAG AATCAGGCAGC
GAAAGACAGC ATCGGAACGA GGGTAGCAAC GGCTACAGAG
GCTTTGAGGA CAAAGACTT TTT 3′.
The base sequences used to prepare the M13 phage in which the peptide DNPIQAVP (SEQ ID NO 2) is displayed on the body (p8 GB#5) were as follows.
(SEQ ID NO 10)
5′ [Phos] CATGAAA AAGTCTTTTG TCCTCAAAGC
CTCTGTAGCC GTTGCTACCC TCGTTCCGAT GCTGTCTTTC
GCTGCTGATA ATCCGATTCA GGCTGTTCCG 3′.
(SEQ ID NO 11)
5′ [Phos] GATC CGGAACAGCC TGAATCGGAT TATCAGGCAGC
GAAAGACAGC ATCGGAACGA GGGTAGCAAC GGCTACAGAG
GCTTTGAGGA CAAAGACTT TTT 3′.
The DNAs of SEQ ID NOS 8 and 9 were annealed at 95° C. for 2 minutes and cooled to 25° C. at a rate of 0.1° C./s. Then, the M13HK vector digested with the restriction enzymes BspHI and BamHI (after reaction with the enzymes at 37° C. for 2 hours, the enzymes were inactivated at 65° C. for 20 minutes) and then reacted T4 DNA ligase (product # M0202S, NEB) at 16° C. for 12 hours to obtain a circular vector. The ligated circular DNA was inserted into electro-competent E. coli (XL-1 Blue cell line, product #200228, Agilent) through electroporation and genetically recombined M13 phage was amplified by culturing in a shaking incubator at 37° C. for 6 hours (following the instruction of the product manual for product #200228, Agilent). In order to purify the phage from the culture wherein the phage and E. coli are mixed, the culture medium was centrifuged at 8000 rpm for 30 minutes and only the supernatant was taken. Since the phage was include in the supernatant, the separated supernatant was mixed with 20% w/v polyethylene glycol (molecular weight 8000, product # V3011, Promega Corporation)/NaCl solution, with a volume of ⅙ of that of the supernatant solution, and centrifuged at 12000 rpm for 30 minutes after reaction at 4° C. for about 16 hours. After discarding the supernatant from the resulting solution, the remaining phage was dissolved in Tris-buffered saline (TBS, product # S3001, Dako) to obtain a phage solution. The concentration of the phage solution was calculated according to Equation 2.
Phage concentration (viral particles/mL)=1.6×10 16 ×O.D. viral solution /7237 [Equation 2]
The obtained phage solution can be amplified repeatedly using E. coli . The phage was amplified using E. coli (XL-1 blue cell line) in early-log state (overnight culture diluted to 1/100). The amplified phage was purified in the same manner as described above.
Comparative Example 1
Preparation of Electronic Sheet
As a comparative example of the present disclosure, an electronic sheet not including a biomaterial was prepared as follows.
First, an aqueous solution was prepared by adding 2% w/v sodium cholate as a surfactant to distilled water and a colloid solution was prepared by stabilizing a single-walled carbon nanotube (SuperPure SWNT, solution type, 250 mg/mL, Nanointegris) as a graphitic material with the sodium cholate by dialyzing for 48 hours.
Next, 0.4 mL of the colloid solution diluted with 10 mL of 1% w/v sodium cholate aqueous solution was added to a semipermeable dialysis membrane tube (MWCO 12,000-14,000, product #132 700, SpectrumLab) and the membrane tube was dialyzed using triply distilled water.
About 24 hours after the dialysis was started, an electronic sheet was formed along the surface of the membrane tube. Next, the membrane tube was transferred to triply distilled water and the electronic sheet was detached by twisting the membrane of the membrane tube. FIG. 3 b shows an image of the detached electronic sheet of Comparative Example 1.
FIG. 4 shows scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images comparing the nanostructure of the electronic sheets Example 1 (SWNT-M13 phage) and Comparative Example 1 (SWNT-only). As seen from FIG. 4 , the electronic sheet of Comparative Example 1 (SWNT-only), which does not include a biomaterial, showed severe bundling due to aggregation of single-walled carbon nanotubes. In contrast, the electronic sheet of Example 1 (SWNT-M13 phage) had a nanostructure in which the biomaterial and the single-walled carbon nanotube are strongly bound and uniformly distributed.
Test Example 1
Comparison of Hydrophilicity of Electronic Sheet Depending on Mixing Ratio of Graphitic Material and Biomaterial
The electronic sheets of Examples 1-3 prepared in Preparation Example 1 were transferred onto a polymer (polyethersulfone; PES) substrate (hybrid sheet on PES) and their hydrophilic property was compared with the electronic sheets of Examples 1-3 not transferred onto the polymer substrate (bare PES polymer). The result is shown in FIG. 7 . FIG. 5 a shows an image of the electronic sheet of Example 1 transferred onto the polymer substrate.
The hydrophilic property of the electronic sheets was compared by measuring contact angles since a large surface contact angle indicates stronger hydrophobicity and a smaller contact angle indicates stronger hydrophilicity. After dropping 20 mL of distilled water on the substrate onto which the electronic sheets of Examples 1-3 had been transferred, contact angles were measured 5 minutes later.
As seen from FIG. 7 , the contact angle was about 2-3 times smaller when the electronic sheets of Examples 1-3 were transferred onto the polymer substrate (hybrid sheet on PES) than when the electronic sheets of Examples 1-3 were transferred (bare PES polymer). Accordingly, it can be seen that the electronic sheet according to the present disclosure has high hydrophilicity.
Test Example 2
Comparison of Electrochemical Property of Electronic Sheet
The electronic sheet of Example 1 prepared in Preparation Example 1 was transferred onto a polymer (PES) substrate and a gold (Au) film and their charging current (current density) was compared as follows.
The charging current was measured using a potentiostat/galvanostat (VersaStat 3, Princeton Applied Research (PAR)). Pt wire and Ag/AgCl (3 M KCl saturated, K0260, PAR) were used as a counter electrode (K0266, PAR) and a reference electrode, respectively, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; 0.1 M phosphate, pH=7.4) was used as an electrolyte. The measurement was made in a voltage range of 0-0.6 V at a scan rate of 250 mV/s. The result is shown in FIG. 8 .
Since higher charging current for the same sample area indicates better conductivity and good formation of a nanostructure, it can be seen from FIG. 8 that the electronic sheet according to the present disclosure exhibits superior conductivity and has a well-defined nanostructure. In addition, the fact that the electronic sheet exhibits about 4 times higher charging current on a transparent insulating polymer substrate without a metal film (hybrid sheet on PES) than on a metal film (bare Au) shows that the electronic sheet can also be used for electrochemical electrodes which require not only flexibility but also transparency.
Test Example 3
Comparison of Electrical Conductivity of Electronic Sheet Depending on Mixing Ratio of Graphitic Material and Biomaterial
Patterns of the electronic sheets of Examples 4-6 prepared in Preparation Example 1 were formed on a SiO 2 (300 nm)/Si substrate (EPI-Prime Si wafer, Siltron Inc.) using a stencil mask. Then, a 100-nm Au electrode was formed as an electrode for measurement by sputtering using another stencil mask. FIG. 9 shows an SEM image of an electronic device prepared by transferring the electronic device of Example 4.
FIG. 10 shows a current-voltage (I-V) curve of the electronic sheets as a function of applied back gate voltage. The electronic sheets exhibit p-type semiconductor properties because the current increased (i.e., resistance decreased) when the (−) gate voltage was applied. Also, better semiconductor property (on/off current ratio and off current) was exhibited as the molar ratio of the biomaterial increased. Since the hybrid single-walled carbon nanotube exhibited little tube bundling and semiconductor property near the threshold nanotube network density, it can be seen that the electrical conductivity of the electronic sheet can be controlled by controlling the mixing ratio of the graphitic material and the biomaterial. Accordingly, the electronic sheet of the present disclosure is applicable not only as an electrode but also as information processing and information storing devices.
Preparation Example 3
Preparation of Hybrid Electronic Sheet 3
As an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a hybrid electronic sheet was prepared using a mixture of a graphene sheet and a single-walled carbon nanotube as a graphitic material as follows.
Preparation of Colloid Solution
First, an aqueous solution was prepared by adding 2% w/v sodium cholate as a surfactant to distilled water and a colloid solution was prepared by stabilizing a single-walled carbon nanotube (SuperPure SWNT, solution type, 250 mg/mL, Nanointegris) and a graphene sheet (PureSheets QUATTRO, solution type, 50 mg/mL, Nanointegris) as graphitic materials with the sodium cholate by dialyzing for 48 hours.
Assuming that the average length and the average diameter of the carbon nanotube (CNT) are 1 μm and 1.4 nm, respectively, the number of the single-walled carbon nanotube included in the colloid solution is calculated as 7.5×10 13 /mL according to Equation 1.
The number of the graphene sheet can be calculated as follows.
(1) It is assumed that, since the graphene sheet (Puresheets QUATTRO, Nanointegris) is composed of single layers (6%), double layers (23%), triple layers (27%) and quadruple layers (44%), it is 3.09 layers on average.
(2) Since the area of the graphene unit lattice is about 0.0524 nm 2 and there are two carbon atoms per lattice, the area occupied by one carbon atom is 0.0262 nm 2 .
(3) Since each graphene sheet has an average area of 10,000 nm 2 , there are (10,000 nm 2 /0.0262 nm 2 )×3.09=1.18×10 6 carbon atoms per graphene sheet.
(4) The average weight of a graphene sheet is {1.18×10 6 /(6.02×10 23 mol −1 )×12 g/mol=2.35×10 −17 g. Accordingly, the number of graphene sheets per 1 mg is 1×10 −6 g/2.35×10 −17 g=4.3×10 10 .
The following equation can be derived from above.
Number of graphene nanotube (/mL)=concentration (μg/mL)×4.3×10 10 [Equation 3]
Since the concentration of the graphene sheet (Puresheets QUATTRO) solution was 50 μg/mL, it can be assumed that 1 mL of the solution contain (50×10 −6 g)/(2.35×10 −17 g) 2.13×10 12 graphene sheets.
Preparation of Hybrid Electronic Sheet
The colloid solution prepared above and a phage solution containing the M13 phage (p8 GB#1) capable of strongly binding to a graphitic surface of Preparation Example 1 were mixed with a molar ratio of SWNT:graphene:p8 GB#1=10:2:1.
Next, each of the mixtures was added to a semipermeable dialysis membrane tube (MWCO 12,000-14,000, product #132 700, SpectrumLab) and each membrane tube was dialyzed using triply distilled water.
About 24 hours after the dialysis was started, a thin electronic sheet was formed along the surface of the membrane tube. Each membrane tube was transferred to triply distilled water and the electronic sheet was detached by twisting the membrane of the membrane tube and then dried. The prepared electronic sheet had a thickness of about 230 nm.
When compared with the electronic sheet of Example 2, which was prepared using a colloid solution containing only the single-walled carbon nanotube without graphene (C:G:V=10:0:1), the addition of graphene (C:G:V=10:2:1) resulted in increased sheet thickness and increased charging current per unit area ( FIG. 11 ).
Preparation Example 4
Preparation of Hybrid Enzyme Electronic Sheet Functionalized with Biochemical Enzyme
As an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a hybrid enzyme electronic sheet including a biochemical enzyme and a nanoelectrode material was prepared as follows and a biosensor electrode which is selective for an analyte and can operate without a mediator that helps electron transport between the enzyme and the electrode was prepared using the same.
Preparation of Colloid Solution
First, an aqueous solution was prepared by adding 2% w/v sodium cholate as a surfactant to distilled water and a colloid solution was prepared by stabilizing a single-walled carbon nanotube (SuperPure SWNT, solution type, 250 mg/mL, Nanointegris) as a graphitic material with the sodium cholate by dialyzing for 48 hours.
Assuming that the average length and the average diameter of the carbon nanotube (CNT) are 1 μm and 1.4 nm, respectively, the number of the single-walled carbon nanotube included in the colloid solution is calculated as 7.5×10 13 /mL according to Equation 1.
Preparation of HRP-p8 GB#1 Conjugate Wherein p8 GB#1 Phage is Functionalized with Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP)
The phage surface was functionalized with the enzyme HRP (product # P8375-5KU, Sigma-Aldrich) using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (sulfo-NHS). 4 mg of EDC (product # E1769, Sigma-Aldrich), 11 mg of sulfo-NHS (product #56485, Sigma-Aldrich) and 1 mg of P8 GB#1 were mixed in 0.5 mL of 0.1 mM MES buffer (pH 6.0, Sigma-Aldrich) and reacted at room temperature for 30 minutes under mild shaking. Then, 1.4 μL of 2-mercaptoethanol (2ME; product #35602, Pierce) was added to stop the EDC reaction. Subsequently, after adding 0.5 mL of 0.1 M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.2) solution in which 1 mg of HRP was dissolved, the mixture was reacted overnight. Then, the reaction was stopped by adding hydroxylamine (product #26103, Pierce) to a final concentration of 10 mM. The HRP-functionalized p8 GB#1 phage, i.e., HRP-p8 GB#1 conjugate, was purified using PEG/NaCl as described in Preparation Example 1.
Preparation of Hybrid Enzyme Electronic Sheet Functionalized with Biochemical Enzyme
The prepared colloid solution and a solution containing the prepared HRP-p8 GB#1 were mixed at a molar ratio of 2:1. Then, the mixture was added to a semipermeable dialysis membrane tube (MWCO 12,000-14,000, product #132 700, SpectrumLab) and the membrane tube was dialyzed using triply distilled water with an ionic strength of 0.1 mM.
About 16 hours after the dialysis was started, a thin electronic sheet was formed along the surface of the membrane tube. The formed membrane tube was transferred to triply distilled water with an ionic strength of 0.1 mM and a freestanding hybrid enzyme electronic sheet was prepared by twisting the membrane of the membrane tube.
Test Example 4
Selective Current Biosensor without Electron Mediator
The prepared freestanding hybrid enzyme electronic sheet was transferred onto a Au substrate and hydrogen peroxide was detected by current biosensing. HRP is an enzyme which reduces hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) to water (H 2 O) and reacts selectively with hydrogen peroxide. Since the reduction occurs only when the enzyme receives an electron, the measured reduction current is proportional to the amount of hydrogen peroxide (see FIG. 12 a ). The biosensing was conducted using the enzyme electronic sheet as a working electrode and using Pt wire and Ag/AgCl (3M KCl saturated, K0260, PAR) respectively as a counter electrode (K0266, PAR) and a reference electrode. Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; 0.1 M phosphate, pH=7.4) was used as an electrolyte. The measurement was made at a voltage fixed to −200 mV. Current was measured while injecting the analyte with 100-second intervals to a final concentration of 0.1 mM. As seen from FIG. 12 b , the enzyme electronic sheet functionalized with HRP responds only to hydrogen peroxide and does not respond to ascorbic acid or uric acid, which are widely known as interfering factors in current biosensing. Hydrogen peroxide could be detected effectively without using a mediator commonly used to improve the electron transport efficiency between the enzyme and the electrode. Accordingly, it was clearly demonstrated that the enzyme electronic sheet according to the present disclosure not only exhibits very superior selectivity but also can be used as an electrode of a high-performance current biosensor since the enzyme functionalized on the biomaterial surface and the carbon nanotube nanoelectrode exchange electrons directly. Also, a multienzyme electronic sheet functionalized with other biochemical enzymes whose product is hydrogen peroxide may be realized. For example, GOx-HRP-p8 GB#1, prepared by further functionalizing HRP-p8 GB#1 with glucose oxidase which oxidizes glucose to hydrogen peroxide, may be used to detect glucose by current biosensing. Accordingly, a flexible current glucose biosensor may be realized. In addition, a biosensor may also be prepared by selectively functionalizing the surface of the biomaterial in the hybrid electronic sheet formed in Preparation Example 1 or 2 with an enzyme. | In accordance with the present disclosure, a hybrid electronic sheet which exhibits superior electrical property and allows biomaterial functionalization and flexible device patterning may be provided by binding a graphitic material in colloidal state to a biomaterial capable of binding thereto specifically and nondestructively. Since the electronic sheet is an electronic sheet wherein a biomaterial and an electrical material (graphitic material) are hybridized, it exhibits good compatibility with biomaterials and can be further functionalized with, for example, an enzyme that selectively reacts with a biochemical substance. Accordingly, an electrical material and a chemical or biological material may be effectively nanostructurized and it can be realized as a multi-functional, high-performance electronic sheet. | 56,045 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a non-provisional application based upon U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/524,726, filed Nov. 25, 2003, now pending.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a method for treating human tumor cells to induce apoptotic cell death thereof with a Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) strain and, more particularly, to a method for treating human tumor cells with a combination of a Newcastle Disease Virus strain and a chemotherapeutic agent.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It has already been demonstrated that the viral vaccine known as MTH-68/H, developed by United Cancer Research Institute (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) and available from UCRI Hungary Ltd. of Budapest, Hungary, containing highly purified, attenuated, mesogenic Herefordshire Newcastle Disease virus strain (hereinafter “Herefordshire strain”), has significant oncolytic capacity. The strain is nonpathogenic in humans and was found to have antineoplastic effects in patients with certain therapy resistant tumors, such as glioblastoma, colorectal cancer, melanoma and hematological malignancies. This oncolytic effect is, at least in part, due to its direct cytotoxicity. Cell death caused by this strain of Newcastle Disease Virus comes in the form of apoptosis. As used herein, the vaccine designation “MTH-68/H” refers to the aforementioned viral vaccine containing highly purified, attenuated Herefordshire strain.
[0004] Notwithstanding the acknowledged oncolytic effect of this Newcastle Disease viral strain it is believed that it can be a still more effective therapeutic agent against human tumor cells when used in combination with other oncolytic agents and that the combination will demonstrate a synergistic cytotoxicity which is more effective than either agent alone
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to characterize the oncolytic capacity of a purified, attenuated Herefordshire strain.
[0006] It is also an object of the present invention to demonstrate the effect of the Herefordshire strain on cell lines originating from human tumors.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to demonstrate the cytotoxic effect of the Herefordshire strain in combination with chemotherapeutic agents in cell lines originating from human tumors.
[0008] The foregoing and other objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention by providing a method for treating human tumor cells to induce apoptotic cell death thereof comprising the step of infecting the tumor cells with the Herefordshire strain.
[0009] In another aspect of the present invention there is provided another method for treating human tumor cells to induce apoptotic cell death thereof comprising the steps of infecting the tumor cells with a combination of the Herefordshire strain and a chemotherapeutic agent.
[0010] In still another aspect of the present invention, the chemotherapeutic agents which evidence a synergistic cytotoxic effect, in combination with Herefordshire strain, on human tumor cells include: cisplatin, methotrexate, vincristine, bleomycin and dacarbazine.
[0011] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the ratio of chemotherapeutic agent to Herefordshire strain in the combination is in the range of 100:1 to 1:1.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H on control cells.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H on melanoma cell lines.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H on human colorectal cancer cell lines.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H on human prostate cancer cell lines.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H on human pancreas cancer cell lines.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H on human lung cancer cells.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H on human astrocytoma cells.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H on human A431 cancer cells.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a graphical representation of various NDV preparations on PANC-1 cells.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a graphical representation of various NDV preparations on HeLa cells.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of the MTH-68/H/cisplatin combination on NCI-H460 cells.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of the MTH-68/H/methotrexate combination on NCI-H460 cells.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of the MTH-68/H/bleomycin combination on NCI-H460 cells.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of the MTH-68/H/vincristine combination on HCT-116 cells.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of the MTH-68/H/bleomycin combination on HCT-116 cells.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of the MTH-68/H/dacarbazine combination on PC-3 cells.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of the MTH-68/H/bleomycin combination on HeLa cells.
[0029] FIG. 18 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of the MTH-68/H/bleomycin combination on HT-29 cells.
[0030] FIG. 19 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of the MTH-68/H/chlorpromazine combination on PC-12 cells.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0031] To demonstrate the cytotoxicity of the Herefordshire strain and the synergistic cytoxicity of combination of the Herefordshire strain with chemotherapeutic agents, several studies were conducted on various human cell lines. The main features of the cell lines used in these studies are summarized in Table I. The cell lines were cultured in media described in Table I. Cultures were infected with freshly suspended batches of virus preparations.
[0032] The following Newcastle disease virus strains were utilized:
[0033] Herefordshire Strain
[0034] The H (Herefordshire) strain of Newcastle Disease Virus was used in the form of the vaccine product MTH-68/H, obtained from UCRI Hungary Limited. The titre of the vaccine was 10 8.3 EID in one ml. The vaccine was stored at −20° C. and protected from light. The lyophilized vaccine was dissolved in 1 ml sterile saline immediately prior to use.
[0035] LaSota
[0036] LaSota is an avirulent (lentogenic) ND vaccine virus strain. The titre of the vaccine was approximately 10 9 -10 10 particles/ml. The vaccine was stored at −80° C.
[0037] Vitayest
[0038] Vitapest is an avirulent lentogenic ND vaccine virus strain. The titre of the vaccine was approximately 10 9 particles/ml. The vaccine was stored at −80° C.
[0039] The following procedures were employed:
[0040] Cell Proliferation Assay
[0041] Proliferation and viability of cell lines under various experimental conditions
TABLE I Cell lines used in this study Species of Cell line origin Tissue of origin Comment Culture medium Source Non-cancerous cell lines NIH 3T3 mouse normal fibroblast — DMEM, ATCC 10% calf serum Rat-1 rat normal fibroblast — DMEM, ATCC 10% calf serum CHO hamster ovarian cells — DMEM, from J. Szekeres 20% FBS human foreskin fibroblast primary culture DMEM, from G. Sáfrány 20% FBS Cancer cell lines PC12 rat phaeochromocytoma — DMEM, from G. M. 10% horse serum, Cooper 5% FBS PC12- rat phaeochromocytoma expresses DMEM, from M. Pap dn-p53 dominant 10% horse serum, negative p53 5% FBS PC12- rat phaeochromocytoma overexpresses DMEM, from Zs. Fábián p53 + wt-p53 10% horse serum, 5% FBS HeLa human cervix low p53 DMEM, ATCC adenocarcinoma expression 10% FBS MCF-7 human breast p53-positive DMEM, ATCC adenocarcinoma 10% FBS 293T human kidney transformed DMEM, ATCC with adenovirus 10% FBS 5 DNA Cos-7 African kidney SV40- DMEM, ATCC green transformed 10% FBS monkey PANC-1 human pancreas epitheloid RPMI1640 from Schering carcinoma 10% FBS supplemented with non-essential amiono acids and Na-pyruvate DU 145 human prostate carcinoma brain metastasis DMEM Ham′F12 from Schering 10% FBS NCI- human large cell lung cancer positive for c- DMEM Ham′F12 from Schering H460 myb, v-fes, v- 10% FBS fms, c-raf 1, Ha- ras, Ki-ras and N-ras mRNA HT-29 human colorectal cancer p53 mutation, DMEM Ham′F12 from Schering truncated c-Met 10% FBS PC-3 human prostate bone metastasis DMEM Ham′F12 from Schering adenocarcinoma 10% FBS B16 mouse melanoma DMEM, from J. Szekeres 10% FBS HCT-116 human colorectal cancer activated ras RPMI1640 from Schering 5% FBS U373 human astrocytoma DMEM, from G. Sáfrány 10% FBS HT-25 human colorectal cancer DMEM Ham′F12 from J. Timár 10% FBS HT-199 human melanoma truncated c-Met DMEM Ham′F12 from J. Timár 10% FBS WM983B human melanoma truncated c-Met DMEM Ham′F12 from J. Timár 10% FBS HT-168- human melanoma truncated c-Met DMEM Ham′F12 from J. Timár M1 10% FBS A431 human epithelial cancer HPV + DMEM Ham′F12 from J. Timár low p53 5% FBS
were analyzed using the WST-1 kit of Roche Molecular Biochemicals following the manufacturers instructions. Optimal cell culture and assay conditions were determined in preliminary experiments. 1-4×10 4 cells/well were seeded in standard culture medium in 24-well plates. Cultures were infected with the virus preparations at different titres (ranging from 100/1 to 1/100 cell/particle ratios) for 72 hours. WST-1 assays were performed for 120 minutes and light absorption (A 440 ) of media were taken in 96-well plates using an ELISA reader.
[0042] No-treatment and anisomycin-treated (1 μg/ml) cultures were used for negative and ctytotoxicity-positive controls, respectively.
[0043] Analysis of Virus Replication
[0044] Cells were cultured in 1 ml standard medium (see Table I) at a density of 4×10 4 cells/well in 24-well dishes. Cells were infected with MTH-68/H, La Sota or Vitapest NDV strains at various cell/particle ratios. Incubations were performed for 72 hours, media were harvested and stored at −80° C. until titration. No treatment and anisomycin (1 μg/ml) treatment were used as controls.
[0045] Detection of DNA Fragmentation
[0046] 2-5×10 6 cells were cultured in DMEM (Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium) containing serum for 24 hours. Treatments were carried out as indicated in the legends of each of the Figures. Four positive control samples were incubated for 24 hours in serum-free DMEM or with anisomycin (1 μg/ml); for negative control they were kept in high-serum DMEM. After incubation for the time periods indicated in the Figures, cells were collected by scraping them into their own medium and then centrifuged at 1000 rpm for 5 minutes. The soluble DNA of these cells was extracted by the following method. Collected cells were solubilized on ice in extraction solution containing 0.5% Triton X-100, 5 mM TRIS pH 7.4, 5 mM EDTA for 20 minutes. Soluble DNA in the supernatant rsulting from centrifugation at 13500 rpm for 20 minutes at 4° C. was extracted with phenol/chloroform, chloroform, and finally precipitated with ethanol. The precipitates were treated with DNase free RNase A (Sigma-Aldrich, Steinheim, Germany (2 mg/ml) at 37° C. for 1 hour. DNA fragments were separated by electrophoresis in 1.8% agarose gels, and visualized on a UV transilluminator after staining the gel with SYBR Gold (Molecular Probes, Eugene, Oreg.).
[0047] Western Blot Analysis
[0048] Immunoblot analysis using antibodies against proteins indicated was performed as described by the manufacturers Cell Signaling (Beverly, Mass.) and Transduction Labs.
[0049] Protein concentrations were determined using the Bio-Rad Protein DC assay, and equivalent amounts of protein were resolved by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using either 12% or 16% polyacrylamide gel. The proteins were transferred to an ECL membrane (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech AB., Uppsala, Sweden). Immune complexes were visualized using an enhanced chemiluminescence detection kit (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech AB) following the manufacturer's instructions. The following antibodies were used: Cleaved Caspase-3 (Rat specific), Cleaved Caspase-9 (Rat specific) from Cell Signaling (Beverly, Mass.) and PK R from Transduction Labs.
[0050] Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA)
[0051] Nuclear extracts were prepared as described by Xu & Cooper in “Identification of a candidate c-mos repressor that restricts transcription of germ cell-specific genes”; Mol Cell Biol 1995; 15: 5369-5375. All subsequent steps were performed at 4° C. Cell pellets were washed twice in ice cold phosphate-buffered saline (1× PBS) and resuspended in 10 volumes of buffer containing 10 mM HEPES pH 7.9, 1.5 mM MgCl 2 , 10 mM KCl, 0.5 mM dithiothreitol (DTT), protease inhibitors (Complete, Mini EDTA-free tablets, Boehringer Mannheim), phosphatase inhibitors (Phosphatase Inhibitor Cocktail, Sigma) and placed on ice for 10 minutes. After vigorous vortexing, nuclei were collected by centrifugation in a microcentrifuge and resuspended in 2 volumes of buffer containing 20 mM HEPES pH 7.9,25% glycerol, 420 mM NaCl, 1.5 mM MgCl 2 , 0.2 mM EDTA, 0.5 mM DTT, protease inhibitors, phosphatase inhibitors and placed on ice for 20 minutes. After centrifugation in a microcentrifuge, the supernatants were saved, aliquoted and stored at −80° C. Protein concentrations were determined with the Bio-Rad Protein Assay Kit (Coomassie Brilliant Blue dye).
[0052] 5′-end labeling of oligonucleotides was performed using [γ- 32 P]-ATP and T4 polynucleotide kinase (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech Inc.) according to the manufacturer's protocol. After reconstitution of Ready-To-Go T4 polynucleotide kinase by adding 25 μl water and incubation at room termperature for 2-5 minutes, 5-10 pmol of 5′-ends of oligonucleotide, 22 μl water and 2 μl of [γ- 32 P]-ATP (3000 Ci/mmol, 10 μCI/μl) were added, mixed gently and incubated at 37° C. for 30 minutes. The reaction was stopped by adding 5 μl of 250 mM EDTA. Labelled oligonucleotides were collected by Spin Column 10 (Sigma).
[0053] The protein-DNA binding reaction was performed as follows: 10-20 μg nuclear proteins were mixed with 1 μg poly(dI-dC), 100 ng nonspecific single-stranded oligonucleotide and 4 μl buffer containing 10 mM HEPES pH 7.5, 10% glycerol, 1 mM EDTA, 100 mM NaCl. Sufficient amount of distilled water was added to bring the reaction volume to 18 μl. After 15 minutes incubation at room temperature the mixture was completed with 2 μl, approximately 100 000 cpm of 32 P-labelled oligonucleotide (total reaction volume was 20 μl) and incubation at room temperature was continued for another 30 minutes.
[0054] DNA-protein complexes were electrophoresed in 5% non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel (5 ml 30% acrylamide-bisacrylamide mixture, 2.5 ml 10× Tris Base, Borate, EDTA buffer pH 8.3, 17.5 ml distilled water, 20 μl TEMED, 50 μl 25% ammonium per sulphate) using the Tris Base, Borate, EDTA buffer system (pH 8.3) for 2.5 h at 200V. Gels were dried and analyzed by a Cyclone Phosphorlmager system (Packard Instrument Co. Inc., Meriden, Conn.).
[0055] With reference to FIGS. 1-8 and Table II there can be seen the results obtained by infecting various tumor cell lines with the Herefordshire strain utilized in the form of the MTH-68/H vaccine.
[0056] WST-1 Proliferation Assays
[0057] Control and tumor cell lines were tested for MTH-68/H cytotoxicity using the WST-1 kit. The results are summarized in Table II. Human fibroblasts were completely resistant to MTH-68/H even at very high virus titers (800 particles for 1 cell, see FIG. 1 ). This resistance was probably not caused by the high concentration of serum (20% FBS) used to grow the cells, since the presence of serum did not inhibit the cytotoxic effect of MTH-68/H on three tumor cell lines tested (PANC-1, HeLa, MCF-7). In contrast, Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO cell line) displayed moderate sensitivity to MTH-68/H, comparable to certain tumor cell lines (See FIG. 1 and Table II).
[0058] Melanoma Cell Lines
[0059] All three human melanoma cell lines tested (HT-199, WM983B and HT168-M1) are highly sensitive to MTH-68/H. See FIG. 2 and Table II.
[0060] Human Colorectal Cell Lines
[0061] All three human colorectal cancer cell lines tested are sensitive to MTH-68/H (HT-29>HCT-116>HT-25). See FIG. 3 and Table II.
[0062] Human Prostate Cancer Cell Lines
[0063] Both cell lines tested are sensitive to MTH-68/H (PC3>DU-145). See FIG. 4 and Table II.
[0064] Human Pancreas Cancer Cell Line
[0065] The PANC-1 cell line is one of the most MTH-68/H sensitive cell lines. See FIG. 5 and Table II.
[0066] Human Large Cell Lung Cancer Cell Line
[0067] The NCI-H460 cell line is quite sensitive to MTH-68/H cytotoxicity. See FIG. 6 and Table II.
[0068] Human Astrocytoma Cell Line
[0069] U373 cells have moderate sensitivity to MTH-68/H. See FIG. 7 and Table II.
[0070] A431 Human Carcinoma Cell Line
[0071] The A431 human epithelial cancer cell line is moderately sensitive to MTH-68/H. See FIG. 8 and Table II.
[0072] To provide a basis for comparison, the NDV strains LaSota and Vitapest were also tested for their oncolytic potential. Liquid, unpurified batches of MTH-68/H, LaSota and Vitapest preparations that were isolated under identical conditions were tested on human tumor cells and compared. The preparations had the following approximate titers:
MTH-68/H 10 8.8 particles/ml LaSota 10 9 -10 10 particles/ml Vitapest 10 9 particles/ml
[0073] The fresh virus preparations were tested on PANC-1(see FIG. 9 ) and HeLa cells (see FIG. 10 ). On both cell lines all three NDV preparations were found to be cytotoxic, but MTH-68/H was 10 3 -10 4 times more effective than LaSota or Vitapest.
TABLE II The cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H in various cell lines MTH-68/H titer causing 50% Semiquantitative cytotoxicity* assessment of Cell line Source (cell/particle) cytotoxicity Experiment Non-cancerous cell lines Rat-1 normal rat fibroblasts <1/100 − #32 NIH3T3 normal mouse fibroblasts <1/100 − #34 CHO chinese hamster ovary 10/1-1/1 ++ #66, #68 human fibroblasts <1/800 − #86 Cancer cell lines PC12 rat pheochromocytoma 1/10 + #45 HeLa human cervical cancer >100/1 ++++ #18 MCF-7 human breast cancer 1/10 + #19 293T adenovirus-transformed >100/1 ++++ #20 human kidney Cos-7 SV40-transformed 1/1 ++ #22 monkey kidney PANC-1 human pancreas cancer >100/1 ++++ #80 DU 145 human prostate cancer 5/1-1/1 ++ #81 NC1-H460 human large cell lung 50/1-10/1 +++ #82 cancer HT-29 human colorectal cancer 10/1 ++ #83 PC-3 human prostate cancer 50/1-10/1 +++ #84 B16 mouse melanoma 1/10-1/50 + #54 #58 HCT-116 human colorectal cancer 10/1-5/1 ++ #100, #105, #106 U373 astrocytoma 1/5 + #107 HT-25 human colorectal cancer 5/1 ++ #116 HT-199 human melanoma >10/1 +++ #116 WM 983B human melanoma >10/1 +++ #119 HT168-M1 human melanoma 5/1 ++ #119 A431 human epithelial cancer 5/1 ++ #119 *Control: 0% cytotoxicity; anisomycin (1 μg/ml): 100% cytotoxicity.
Synergism Between MTH-68/H and Chemotherapeutics
[0074] A potential clinical application of MTH-68/H is its use in combination with other therapeutic regimens, especially chemotherapeutic treatments, to increase efficacy and reduce toxicity. Therefore, several cytostatic agents were tested in combination with MTH-68/H on various tumor cell lines. The highest nontoxic concentrations of the drugs for each cell line were determined in preliminary experiments, and then these concentrations were used in combination with MTH-68/H to demonstrate synergy. The results of these tests are summarized in Table III. Graphical representations of the cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H/chemotherapeutic agent combinations on human tumor cell lines are shown in FIGS. 11-18 . Each of these Figures shows the cytoxicity of the chemotherapeutic agent alone, of chemotherapeutic agent/MTH-68/H combinations in ranges from 100/1 to 1/1 and of MTH-68/H alone. In each case, it can be seen that the cytotoxicity of the combination was better than each agent alone, demonstrating the synergy of their combination.
[0075] Interestingly, when similar tests were conducted using MTH-68/H and chlorpromazine on PC12, MCF-7, B16, CHO, 293T and HeLa cells, no significant synergy between chlorpromazine and MTH-68/H was observed. See Table III and FIG. 19 .
[0076] While the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that no limitations are intended to the details of the disclosed methods other than as defined in the appended claims.
TABLE III Cytotoxicity of Chemotherapeutic/MTH-68/H combinations in Various Cell Lines MTH-68/H + Cisplatin Methotrexate Vincristine 5-Fluorouracil Chlorpromazine Dacarbazine BCNU Bleomycin PC12 ++ − + # 46 # 50 #52 MCF-7 ++ − + − + − + # 47 # 47 # 47 #47 # 75 # 103 # 103 # 103 B16 ++ − − # 58 # 73 # 54 # 64 # 56 # 65 CHO +- # 66 # 72 293T ++ − + + − − − # 101 # 101 # 101 # 101 # 67 # 92 # 93 HeLa + + − − − ++ # 98 # 98 # 74 # 125 # 94 # 95 HCT-116 + ++ + + ++ # 105 # 106 # 105 # 105 # 106 Panc-1 − − − − # 125 # 109 # 125 # 109 HT-29 − − + − − ++ # 117 # 122 # 117 # 122 # 122 # 117 NCI-H460 ++ ++ − + − − ++ # 118 # 126 # 118 # 126 # 126 # 126 # 126 # 126 PC-3 ++ − # 124 DU-145 − + − + − # 124 # 124 # 124 − no synergy + weak synergy ++ significant synergy | A method for treating human tumor cells to induce apoptotic cell death thereof includes the step of infecting the tumor cells with a combination of the Herefordshire strain of Newcastle Disease Virus and a chemotherapeutic agent. The range of concentrations of chemotherapeutic agent/Herefordshire strain is in the range of 100/1 to 1/1. Illustrative chemotherapeutic agents include cisplatin, methotrexate, vincristine, bleomycin and dacarbazine. | 25,713 |
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority benefit, under the national stage entry under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Application No. PCT/US14/18654, filed on Feb. 26, 2014 the contents of which application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/791,427 filed Mar. 15, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to cosmetic powder compositions for topical application to a keratinous surface, as well as to the delivery of cosmetic actives using the cosmetic powder compositions. In particular, the cosmetic powder compositions of the present invention comprise actives for delivery to the skin, such actives providing aesthetic and therapeutic benefits to the skin, such as, by improving the condition and appearance of skin affected by signs of chronological, hormonal, or photo-aging.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Powder-based cosmetics such as eye shadows and blushes typically comprise cosmetic particulates (e.g., pigments, fillers, talc, and mica) pressed into a cake with the aid of a dry or wet binder. However, the use of powder-based compositions has been limited to achieving optical effects and absorbing sebum. Unlike liquid cosmetic forms, however, powders have not been successfully used to deliver actives to the skin. There is therefore a need for powdered cosmetic compositions that can deliver effective amounts of cosmetic actives to the skin.
[0004] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide cosmetic powder compositions comprising active agents, as well as methods for delivering active agents to the skin comprising applying the cosmetic powder compositions to the skin. It is another object of the invention to provide cosmetic powder compositions that are capable of delivering effective amounts of active agents to the skin. It is a further object of the invention to provide powdered compositions and methods of using the same for combating signs of skin aging and to improve the overall appearance of skin.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with the foregoing objectives and others, it has surprisingly been found that cosmetic actives can be delivered to the skin in effective amounts from powdered (e.g., non-liquid) vehicles. The powdered composition may be composed of a cosmetic particulate such as talc or mica, and may include additional cosmetic particulates such as pigments, lakes, fillers, polymeric powders, and the like. The cosmetic particulate material has an active agent (e.g., antioxidants, retinoids, depigmenting agents, anti-aging agents, humectants, etc.) and a liquid adsorbed, coated, or otherwise adhered to the surface of the particulates. The liquid is a solvent for the active and may suitably be any liquid that is safe and non-irritating for contact with a human integument. For example, the liquid may comprise a polyterpene oil, such as squalene, which is anticipated to improve transfer of the active to the skin and penetration of the active into the skin. The liquid is added in amounts effective to solubilize the active and facilitate transfer of the active to the skin, but no so much as to alter the free flowing characteristics of the powder. For example, the weight ratio of the particles to the liquid solvent may be about 9:1 to about 30:1, or about 15:1 to about 25:1, or from about 18:1 to about 22:1. The liquid may be applied to the powder by, for example, spraying it onto an agitated mass of the powder or mixing it with the powder under conditions of high shear or milling (e.g., in a ball mill).
[0006] The cosmetic powder composition may be, for example, in the form of a free flowing powder or a pressed powder cake which may include a binder. The composition is capable of transferring effective amounts of said active agents on rubbing the powder topically on a keratinous surface.
[0007] These cosmetic powder compositions are contemplated to be useful for delivering a variety of active agents that are beneficial in treating numerous skin disorders such as acne and blemishes, as well as signs of intrinsic aging and photo-aging of skin, skin hyperpigmentation, among others.
[0008] The active agent in the cosmetic powder compositions of the invention may comprise one or more of antioxidants, alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, retinoids, humectants, organic sunscreens, depigmenting agents, desqumating agent, anti-acne agents, anti-cellulite agents, collagenase inhibitors, elastase inhibitors, collagen stimulators, elastin stimulators, thiodipropionic acid and esters thereof, glycolic acid, N-Acetyl Tyrosinamide, and other anti-aging ingredients.
[0009] These and other aspects of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates the concentration of caffeine found in forearm skin after having a cosmetic powder composition of the invention applied to the forearm.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] All terms used herein are intended to have their ordinary meaning unless otherwise provided. All ingredient amounts provided herein are by weight percent of the total composition unless otherwise indicated. As used herein, the term “consisting essentially of” is intended to limit the invention to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention, as understood from a reading of this specification.
[0012] It has surprisingly been found that cosmetic actives can be delivered to keratinous surface such as the skin in effective amounts from powered (e.g., non-liquid) vehicles. Such active agents may be transferred from the compositions of the invention to a keratinous surface by, for example, applying the powder topically onto the keratinous surface. The actives are delivered to the skin in effective amounts, by which is meant amounts sufficient to accomplish the purpose for which the active is intended.
[0013] Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it believed that the actives are in equilibrium between an adsorbed state on the particles and in a solvated state in a thin layer of solvent coating the particles. When contacted with the skin, a second equilibrium between the solvated state and the skin is established. Moreover, the terpenoid oils solvents are believed to facilitate penetration of the actives into the skin, by softening the stratum corneum, thereby allowing the actives to be more efficiently delivered.
[0014] The cosmetic powder compositions comprise cosmetic particulates. In one embodiment, the cosmetic particulate includes talc. In another embodiment, the cosmetic particulate includes mica. The cosmetic particulates may include additional particulates such as pigments (e.g., pigments, pearls, and lakes), fillers, polymeric powders, and other cosmetic particulates. The talc and/or mica may comprise from 25% to 100% (or 50% to about 90%) by weight of the particulates. The pigments, fillers, and additional cosmetic powers may comprise from 1% to about 75% (or 10% to about 35%) by weight of the particulates.
[0015] Suitable pigments include those known in the art and may include those disclosed in the C.T.F.A. Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, First Edition, 1988, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Exemplary pigments include, but are not limited to, metal oxides and metal hydroxides such as magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxides, aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide, iron oxides (α-Fe 2 O 3 , β-Fe 2 O 3 , Fe 3 O 4 , FeO), red iron oxide, yellow iron oxide, black iron oxide, iron hydroxides, titanium dioxide, titanium lower oxides, zirconium oxides, chromium oxides, chromium hydroxides, manganese oxides, cobalt oxides, cerium oxides, nickel oxides and zinc oxides and composite oxides and composite hydroxides such as iron titanate, cobalt titanate and cobalt aluminate. Other suitable pigments include ultramarine blue (i.e., sodium aluminum silicate containing sulfur), Prussian blue, manganese violet and the like. The term “pigments” includes pearlescent or nacreous pigments. Suitable pearlescent agents may include, for example, bismuth oxychloride.
[0016] Suitable fillers may include talc, silica, zinc stearate, mica, kaolin, nylon (in particular orgasol) powder, polyethylene powder, polypropylene powder, acrylates powders, Teflon, starch, boron nitride, copolymer microspheres such as Expancel (Nobel Industrie), Polytrap (Dow Coming), and silicone resin microbeads (Tospearl from Toshiba).
[0017] Other fillers that may be used in the compositions of the invention include inorganic powders such as chalk, fumed silica, fumed alumina, calcium oxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, Fuller's earth, attapulgite, bentonite, muscovite, phlogopite, synthetic mica, lepidolite, hectorite, biotite, lithia mica, vermiculite, aluminum silicate, aluminum magnesium silicate, diatomaceous earth, starch, alkyl and/or trialkyl aryl ammonium smectites, chemically modified magnesium aluminum silicate, organically modified montmorillonite clay, hydrated aluminum silicate, hydrated silica, fumed aluminum starch octenyl succinate barium silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, strontium silicate, metal tungstate, magnesium, silica alumina, zeolite, barium sulfate, calcined calcium sulfate (calcined gypsum), calcium phosphate, fluorine apatite, hydroxyapatite, ceramic powder, metallic soap (zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, zinc myristate, calcium palmitate, and aluminum stearate), colloidal silicon dioxide; organic powder, cyclodextrin, methyl polymethacrylate powder, copolymer powder of styrene and acrylic acid, benzoguanamine resin powder, and poly(ethylene tetrafluoride) powder.
[0018] The powders in the cosmetic powder compositions of the invention may comprise any shape (spherical, amorphous, platelet, etc.); particle structure (porous and non-porous), and size. The powders will typically have a median particle size greater than about 5 nm and less than about 300 microns, and more typically will range from about 0.1 microns to about 150 microns, and preferably from about 1 micron to about 75 microns. In one embodiment, the powder will have a multimodal particle size distribution. Interstitial spaces typically occur in powders having particles of equal diameter, and in powdered compositions these spaces may impair the delivery of actives by interrupting the substantial contact the cosmetic has with the underlying integument and reducing the surface area over which the liquid solvent may adsorb the active. Thus, it may be advantageous to have a powder with a multimodal size distribution to avoid air pockets and provide additional surface area over which the active may be adsorbed thereby enhancing the delivery of these actives to the surface of the underlying integument. The powder may have at least a bimodal particle size distribution, but trimodal and greater size distributions are contemplated as well. The smaller particles should be present in such quantity and size range to fit into the interstitial spaces between the larger particles as they pack together.
[0019] The cosmetic particulates have dispersed thereon an active agent and a liquid solvent for the active agent. The actives can be added first (i.e., dissolved or dispersed) in the liquid solvent. The mixture can then be sprayed onto, or admixed with the particulates. When it is sprayed onto the particulates, the mixture may be sprayed onto an agitated mass of the particulates, for example in a ribbon blender or the like. The liquid mixture can also be added to the particulates at once or slowly over a period of time, and the resulting composition mixed, for example under high shear or milling (e.g., in a ball mill) to uniformly disperse the liquid and active across the surface of the particles.
[0020] The weight ratio of the particles to the liquid solvent may be about 9:1 to about 30:1. In another embodiment, the weight ratio of the particles to the liquid solvent is about 10:1 to about 25:1. In other embodiments, the weight ratio of the particles to the liquid solvent is about 15:1 to about 25:1. In other embodiments, the weight ratio of the particles to the liquid solvent is about 18:1 to about 22:1.
[0021] The liquid solvent for the active and may suitably be any liquid that is safe and non-irritating for contact with a human integument. In some embodiments the solvent is a liquid terpenoid. The terpenoid may be a hemiterpene (e.g., prenol), a mono terpene (e.g., geraniol), a sesquiterpene (e.g., Farnesol), a triterpene (e.g., squalene), and the like. For example, the liquid may comprise a polyterpene oil, including polyterpenes of the form:
[0000]
[0022] where x and y are independently 1-4. One example of such as polyterpene is squalene. Other polyterpene oils suitable for use as liquid solvents in the cosmetic powder compositions of the invention include terpenols, including those of the form:
[0000]
[0023] which is anticipated to improve transfer of the active to the skin and penetration of the active into the skin. Derivatives of terpenes, including phytol , are also contemplated.
[0024] In other embodiments, suitable liquid solvents are oils are selected from the group consisting of esters, particularly fatty acid esters; silicone oils; and hydrocarbons.
[0025] Ester oils include any non-polar or low-polarity ester, including fatty acid esters. Special mention may be made of those esters commonly used as emollients in cosmetic formulations. Such esters will typically be the etherification product of an acid of the form R 4 (COOH) 1-2 with an alcohol of the form R 5 (OH) 1-3 where R 4 and R 5 are each independently linear, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon groups, optionally containing unsaturated bonds, and having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 30 carbon atoms, and more preferably, from 3 to 30 carbon atoms, optionally substituted with one or more functionalities including hydroxyl, oxa, oxo, and the like. Preferably, at least one of R 4 and R 5 comprises at least 8, and more preferably, at least 15, 16, 17, or 18 carbon atoms, such that the ester comprises at least one fatty chain. The esters defined above will include, without limitation, the esters of mono-acids with mono-alcohols, mono-acids with diols and triols, di-acids with mono-alcohols, and tri-acids with mono-alcohols.
[0026] Suitable fatty acid esters include, without limitation, butyl acetate, butyl isostearate, butyl oleate, butyl octyl oleate, cetyl palmitate, ceyl octanoate, cetyl laurate, cetyl lactate, cetyl isononanoate, cetyl stearate, diisostearyl fumarate, diisostearyl malate, neopentyl glycol dioctanoate, dibutyl sebacate, di-C.sub.12-13 alkyl malate, dicetearyl dimer dilinoleate, dicetyl adipate, diisocetyl adipate, diisononyl adipate, diisopropyl dimerate, triisostearyl trilinoleate, octodecyl stearoyl stearate, hexyl laurate, hexadecyl isostearate, hexydecyl laurate, hexyldecyl octanoate, hexyldecyl oleate, hexyldecyl palmitate, hexyldecyl stearate, isononyl isononanaote, isostearyl isononate, isohexyl neopentanoate, isohexadecyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, n-propyl myristate, isopropyl myristate, n-propyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, hexacosanyl palmitate, lauryl lactate, octacosanyl palmitate, propylene glycol monolaurate, triacontanyl palmitate, dotriacontanyl palmitate, tetratriacontanyl palmitate, hexacosanyl stearate, octacosanyl stearate, triacontanyl stearate, dotriacontanyl stearate, stearyl lactate, stearyl octanoate, stearyl heptanoate, stearyl stearate, tetratriacontanyl stearate, triarachidin, tributyl citrate, triisostearyl citrate, tri-C.sub.12-13-alkyl citrate, tricaprylin, tricaprylyl citrate, tridecyl behenate, trioctyldodecyl citrate, tridecyl cocoate, tridecyl isononanoate, glyceryl monoricinoleate, 2-octyldecyl palmitate, 2-octyldodecyl myristate or lactate, di(2-ethylhexyl) succinate, tocopheryl acetate, and the like.
[0027] Other suitable esters include those wherein R 5 comprises a polyglycol of the form H—(O—CHR*-CHR*)n- wherein R* is independently selected from hydrogen or straight chain alkyl, including methyl and ethyl, as exemplified by polyethylene glycol monolaurate.
[0028] Salicylates and benzoates are also contemplated to be useful esters in the practice of the invention. Suitable salicylates and benzoates include esters of salicylic acid or benzoic acid with an alcohol of the form R 6 OH where R 6 is a linear, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon group, optionally containing unsaturated bonds, and having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to 22 carbon atoms, and more preferably from 12 to 15 carbon atoms. Suitable salicylates include, for example, octyl salicylate and hexyldodecyl salicylate, and benzoate esters including C 12-15 alkyl benzoate, isostearyl benzoate, hexyldecyl benzoate, benzyl benzoate, and the like.
[0029] Other suitable esters include, without limitation, polyglyceryl diisostearate/IPDI copolymer, triisostearoyl polyglyceryl-3 dimer dilinoleate, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, and lanolin, to name but a few.
[0030] The oil may also be a volatile or non-volatile silicone oil. Suitable silicone oils include linear or cyclic silicones such as polyalkyl- or polyarylsiloxanes, optionally comprising alkyl or alkoxy groups having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Representative silicone oils include, for example, caprylyl methicone, cyclomethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane, diphenyl dimethicone, dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane, dodecamethylpentasiloxane, heptamethylhexyltrisiloxane, heptamethyloctyltrisiloxane, hexamethyldisiloxane, methicone, methyl-phenyl polysiloxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, octamethyltrisiloxane, diphenyl dimethicone perfluorononyl dimethicone, polydimethylsiloxanes, and combinations thereof. The silicone oil will typically, but not necessarily, have a viscosity of between about 5 and about 3,000 centistokes (cSt), preferably between 50 and 1,000 cSt measured at 25° C.
[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, the silicone oil is a fluorinated silicone, preferably a perfluorinated silicone (i.e., fluorosilicones). Fluorosilicones are advantageously both hydrophobic and oleophobic and thus advantageously contribute to a desirable slip and feel of the product. Fluorosilicones also impart long-wearing characteristics to the product. The preferred fluorosilicone is a fluorinated organofunctional silicone fluid having the INCI name perfluorononyl dimethicone. Perfluorononyl dimethicone is commercially available from Phoenix Chemical under the trade name PECOSIL.
[0032] The liquid solvent may also comprise hydrocarbon oils. Exemplary hydrocarbon oils are straight or branched chain paraffinic hydrocarbons having from 5 to 80 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 40 carbon atoms, and more preferably from 10 to 16 carbon atoms, including but not limited to, pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, decane, undecane, dodecane, tetradecane, tridecane, and the like. Preferred hydrocarbon oils are highly branched aliphatic hydrocarbons, including C8-9 isoparaffins, C9-11 isoparaffins, C12 isoparaffin, and C20-40 isoparaffins and the like. Special mention may be made of the isoparaffins having the INCI names isohexadecane, isoeicosane, and isododecane.
[0033] Also suitable as hydrocarbon oils are polyalphaolefins, typically having greater than 20 carbon atoms, including C24-28 olefins, C30-45 olefins, hydrogenated polyisobutene, hydrogenated polydecene, polybutene, mineral oil, pentahydrosqualene, squalene, squalane, and the like. The hydrocarbon oil may also comprise higher fatty alcohols, such as oleyl alcohol, octyldodecanol, and the like.
[0034] Other suitable oils include without limitation castor oil, C10-18 triglycerides, caprylic/capric/triglycerides, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, mink oil, olive oil, palm oil, illipe butter, rapeseed oil, soybean oil, sunflower seed oil, walnut oil, avocado oil, camellia oil, macadamia nut oil, turtle oil, mink oil, soybean oil, grape seed oil, sesame oil, maize oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, jojoba oil, peanut oil, olive oil, and combinations thereof
[0035] Any one of the foregoing terpenoids, ester oils, silicone oils, and hydrocarbon oils are contemplated to be useful in the practice of the invention. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the compositions comprise at least one oil selected from the terpenoids, ester oils, silicone oils, and hydrocarbon oils described above. In one embodiment, the liquid solvent will comprise a terpenoid, optionally in combination with at least one additional oil selected from hydrocarbon oils, silicone oils, and combinations thereof
[0036] The liquid is added in amounts effective to solubilize the active and facilitate transfer of the active to the skin, but no so much as to alter the free flowing characteristics of the powder. The cosmetic powder composition may be in the form of a pourable, free flowing powder. In some embodiments, the cosmetic particulate substantially retains its flow properties after addition of the liquid solvent and active. In other embodiments, the cosmetic powder may be pressed powder cake according to conventional practice, in which case it may include may include a binder (e.g., powder, liquid, or oils binders) to facilitate adhesion of the particles into a unitary cake.
[0037] The cosmetic powder compositions of the invention are particularly effective in delivering active agents to keratinous surface such as the skin. Such active agents may be transferred from the compositions of the invention to a keratinous surface by, for example, by contacting the keratinous surface with the powder, or by rubbing or pressing the powder topically onto the keratinous surface. The active agent or agents in the cosmetic powder compositions of the invention may comprise, for example, one or more of antioxidants, alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, retinoids, humectants, organic sunscreens, depigmenting agents, desqumating agent, anti-acne agents, anti-cellulite agents, collagenase inhibitors, elastase inhibitors, collagen stimulators, elastin stimulators, thiodipropionic acid and esters thereof, glycolic acid, N-Acetyl Tyrosinamide, and other anti-aging ingredients.
[0038] An antioxidant functions, among other things, to scavenge free radicals from skin, protecting the skin from environmental aggressors. Examples of antioxidants that may be used in the compositions of the invention include compounds having phenolic hydroxy functions, such as ascorbic acid and its derivatives/esters; thiodipropionic acid and its esters; vitamins A, C, or E; polyphenols, beta-carotene; catechins; curcumin; ferulic acid derivatives (e.g. ethyl ferulate, sodium ferulate); gallic acid derivatives (e.g., propyl gallate); lycopene; reductic acid; rosmarinic acid; tannic acid; tetrahydrocurcumin; tocopherol and its derivatives; uric acid; or any mixtures thereof. Other suitable antioxidants are those that have one or more thiol functions (-SH), in either reduced or non-reduced form, such as glutathione, lipoic acid, thioglycolic acid, and other sulfhydryl compounds. The antioxidant may be inorganic, such as bisulfites, metabisulfites, sulfites, or other inorganic salts and acids containing sulfur. Compositions of the present invention may have an antioxidant preferably from about 0.001 weight % to about 10 weight %, and more preferably from about 0.01 weight % to about 5 weight %, based on the total weight of the composition.
[0039] Suitable retinoids include, without limitation, retinoic acid (e.g., all-trans or 13-cis), derivatives thereof, and salts thereof, retinaldehyde, retinol (Vitamin A) and esters thereof, such as retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate and retinyl propionate. Retinoids may comprise from about 0.001 weight % to about 10 weight %, and more typically from about 0.01 weight % to about 5 weight %, based on the total weight of the composition or formulation.
[0040] Hydroxy acids may include, for example, alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids.
[0041] Any anti-acne agents may be used in the cosmetic powder compositions of the invention, including, for example, salicylic acid, alkyl salicylates, triclosan, benzoyl peroxide and other peroxides, sulfur and the like.
[0042] Desquamating agents may include, for example, salicylic acid.
[0043] Suitable anti-cellulite agents may include, for example, perilla oil and other unsaturated fatty oils and omega-3 fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid; caffeine; theophylline; xanthines; retinoids (e.g., retinol); and the like.
[0044] The active agents in the compositions of the invention may also be dipigmenting agents that are useful for treating hyperpigmentation or otherwise unwanted pigmentation. Suitable depigmenting agents may include, for example, tyrosinase inhibitors and/or melanosome transfer inhibitors. In particular, the suitable depigmenting agents may include thiodipropionic acid and esters thereof (notably, di-lauryl esters); hydroquinone and the monobenzyl ether thereof; hydroquinone-beta-D-glucopyranoside; retinoids (e.g., retinoic acid); tretinoin; azelaic acid; Kojic acid (5-hydroxy-4-pyran-4-one-2-methyl); Mequinol (4-hydroxyanisole); Niacinamide; soy protein and other serine protease inhibitors; paper mulberry extract; Glabridin (licorice extract); Arctostaphylos patula and Arctostaphylos viscida extracts; Magnesium-L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (MAP); 4-Isopropylcatechol; Aleosin; N-acetyl-4-S-cysteaminylphenol and N -propionyl-4-S-cysteaminylphenol; N-acetyl glucosamine; and Tranexamic acid (trans -4-aminomethylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid); to name a few.
[0045] Suitable humectants may include, for example, glycerin, caprylyl glycol, or polyols.
[0046] Collagen or elastin stimulators are effective in, for example, providing improvement in procollagen and/or collagen production and/or improvement in maintenance and remodeling of elastin. A compound or substance is determined to be a collagen and/or elastin upregulator by, for example, assaying keratinocytes and/or fibroblasts of the skin and determining whether the candidate substance upregulates cellular mRNA encoding collagen and/or elastin.
[0047] Suitable anti-aging agents may include, without limitation, botanicals (e.g., Butea frondosa extract); phytol; thiodipropionic acid (TDPA) and esters thereof; retinoids, exfoliating agents (e.g., glycolic acid, 3,6,9-trioxaundecanedioic acid, etc.), estrogen synthetase stimulating compounds (e.g., caffeine and derivatives); compounds capable of inhibiting 5 alpha-reductase activity (e.g., linolenic acid, linoleic acid, finasteride, and mixtures thereof); and barrier function enhancing agents (e.g., ceramides, glycerides, cholesterol and its esters, alpha-hydroxy and omega-hydroxy fatty acids and esters thereof, etc.), to name a few.
[0048] The active agents of the compositions may also include exfoliation promoters. Suitable examples of exfoliation promoters include alpha hydroxy acids (AHA); benzoyl peroxide; beta hydroxy acids; keto acids, such as pyruvic acid, 2-oxopropanoic acid, 2-oxobutanoic acid, and 2-oxopentanoic acid; oxa acids as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,847,003 and 5,834,513 (the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference); salicylic acid; urea; or any mixtures thereof. Some preferred exfoliation promoters are 3,6,9-trioxaundecanedioic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, or any mixtures thereof. When an embodiment of the invention includes an exfoliation promoter, the composition may have from about 0.1 weight % to about 30 weight %, preferably from about 1 weight % to about 15 weight %, and more preferably from about 1 weight % to about 10 weight %, of the exfoliation promoter based on the total weight of the composition.
[0049] Additional actives agents may, include botanicals, keratolytic agents, keratinocyte proliferation enhancers, anti-inflammatory agents, steroids, desthiobiotin, piperazine carboxamide, cis-6-nonenol, caffeine, arginine, glucosamine, algae extract, chlorphenesin, advanced glycation end-product (AGE) inhibitors, and PLOD-2 stimulators (e.g., N-acetyl amino acid amides, such as N-Acetyl Tyrosinamide).
[0050] Suitable botanicals include, without limitation, Abies pindrow, Abrus fruticulosus, Acacia catechu, Acacia melanoxylon, Alisma orientate, Amorphophallus campanulatus, Anogeissus latifolia, Archidendron clypearia, Asmunda japonica, Averrhoa carambola, Azadirachta indica, Berchemia lineate, Breynia fruticosa, Butea frondosa, Butea monosperma, Caesalpinia sappan Linn, Calatropis gigantean, Cayratia japonica, Cedrus deodara, Celosia argentea, Cistanche tubulosa, Clerodendron fragrans, Clerodendrum floribundum, Clinacanthus nutans, cola, Commersonia bartramia, Dendranthema indicum, Derris scandens, Desmanthus illinoensis, Dianella ensifolia, Dodonaea viscose, Duboisa myoporoides, Eclipta prostrate, Ehretia acuminate, Emblica officinalis, Erthrina Flabelliformis, Erythina indica, Fibraretinum resica Pierre, Ficus benghalensis, Ficus coronata, forskohlii, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Gomphrena globosa Linn, Goodenia ovata, Gynandropsis gynandra, hawthorne, Helichrysum Odoratissimum, Heliotropium indicum, Humulus japonicus, Hymenosporum flavum, Ilex purpurea Hassk, Innula racemosa, Ixora chinensis, Justicia ventricosa, Lavatera plebeian, Ligusticum chiangxiong, Ligusticum lucidum, Loropetalum chinense, Maesa japonica, Mallotus philippinensis, Mammea siamensis, Medemia nobilis, Melaleuca quinquernervia, Melicope hayesii, Mimusops elengi, Morinda citrifolia, Moringa oleifera, Naringi crenulata, Nerium indicum, Omolanthes populifolius, Operculina turpethum, Orthosiphon grandiflorus, Ozothamnus Obcordatus, Physalis minima, Portulaca oleracea, Pouzolzia pentandra, Psoralea corylifolia, Pteris semipinnata, Raphia farinifera, Sambucus chinensis, Sapindus rarak, Scoparis dulcis, Sesbania grandiflora, Stenoloma chusana, Tagetes erecta Linn, Terminalia bellerica, Tiliacora triandra , tomato glycolipid, Vernonia cinerea Linn. Less , yohimbine, aloe, chamomile, and combinations thereof.
[0051] A skin plumper serves as a collagen enhancer to the skin. A suitable skin plumper, for example, is palmitoyl oligopeptide. Other skin plumpers may include collagen and/or glycosaminoglycan (GAG) enhancing agents. The skin plumper is preferably present from about 0.1 weight % to about 20 weight % of the total weight of the composition or formulation.
[0052] The cosmetic powder compositions of the invention may be in the form of face powders, eye shadows, mineral powders, pressed powder, loose powder, mosaic powder, multi-color powder, powder blush, powder foundation, body talc powder, fragrance talc powder, or other powder-based cosmetic or personal care product. The cosmetic powder compositions are applied to the keratinous surface in the conventional manner, that is by sprinkling, rubbing coating or otherwise contacting the surface with the composition, which is intended to remain on the surface for a period of time, typically for at least one hour, for two hours, for three hours, for four hours, or even longer.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the composition is in the form of a pressed powder cake. The powder cake may include a binder the adhere the particles into a unitary mass. The binders for forming a powder cake include, without limitation powder binders, which are solid (non-liquid) materials. Powder binders may include, for example, sodium stearyl fumarate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, and calcium stearate. The binders for forming a powder cake include, without limitation, liquid binders, including silicone oils (e.g., dimethicones, dimethicone copolyols, etc.), hydrocarbons (e.g., mineral oil; paraffin oil; petrolatum; squalane, polybutene and other polyolefins; dodecane, isododecane, hexadecane, isohexadecane, eicosane, isoeicosane, tridecane, tetradecane and other C 12-36 hydrocarbons), ester oils (e.g., caprylic/capric acid triglyceride, etc.), and vegetable oils (e.g., castor oil, jojoba oil, etc.), waxes, lanolin, liquid lanolin, to name a few.
EXAMPLES
[0054] The following examples describe specific aspects of the invention to illustrate the invention but should not be construed as limiting the invention, as the examples merely provide specific methodology useful in the understanding and practice of the invention and its various aspects.
Example 1
Tape Stripping
[0055] The efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of an active, caffeine, by the compositions of the current invention was evaluated using a tape stripping experiment. An eye shadow composition was prepared in accordance with the current invention using the formulation detailed within Table 1.
[0000]
TABLE 1
EYE SHADOW COMPONENTS
Amount
(Wt. %)
Fillers
Talc
6.00
Lauroyl Lysine
1.00
Boron Nitride
6.00
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
10.00
Mica Magnesium Myristate
16.00
Total Fillers
33.00
Powder Binders
Magnesium Myristate
4.0
Total Powder Binders
4.0
Pigments/Pearls
Pigments
0.20
Pearlescent Pigments
45.50
Total Pigment/Pearls
45.70
Active Ingredient
Caffeine
2.0
Total Active Ingredient
2.0
Liquid Solvent for Active
Squalene
2.00
Cholesterol Esters
2.20
Myristyl Myristate
2.64
Isononyl Isononanoate
7.25
Total Liquid Solvent for Active
14.10
Preservatives
Caprylyl Glycol
1.00
Disodium EDTA
0.20
Total Preservatives
1.20
[0056] The eye shadow composition was prepared by mixing the fillers, powder binder, pigments (excluding pearls), active ingredient, and dry preservative (Disodium EDTA). A premix of the liquid solvent for the active with the solid preservative (Caprylyl Glycol) was also prepared by mixing at temperature of 55° C. The powder pre-mix and liquid solvent for the active/ preservative pre-mix were sprayed and then processed in a hammer mill. The pearlescent pigments were then mixed into the composition. The tape stripping test was performed by applying the above-noted eye shadow composition to the forearm of a test subject. The eye shadow composition remained on the forearm for a period of four (4) hours at which time the eye shadow composition was removed from the forearm using a cleaning solution. A 1 inch circular Dsquame tape strip (Strip #1) was applied to the area of the forearm and was smoothed out using hand pressure. The tape was then removed in one fluent motion. Portions of the skin, the stratum corneum—the outer layer of the epidermis specifically, are attached to the tape after removal. Nine more strips of tape (Strips 2-10) were applied and removed from the same area of the forearm in sequence. The stratum corneum on each of the tape strips was tested for the concentration of caffeine contained therein. The results are depicted in FIG. 1 , clearly illustrating that the active ingredient penetrated into the stratum corneum.
Example 2
Franz Cell Experiment
[0057] A Franz Cell experiment was conducted to determine the penetration of actives from cosmetic compositions of the current invention into an integument. Five formulations were prepared. A control formulation of water and 10% glycerin, a first filler only composition of talc and 10% glycerin, and a second filler only composition of Nylon powder and 10% glycerin were prepared. A negative control of a finished powder base without oil having the formulation of Table 2 listed below was prepared.
[0000]
TABLE 2
NEGATIVE CONTROL COMPOSITION
Amount
(Wt. %)
Fillers
Talc
49.89
Nylon Powder
0.76
Treated Talc
1.40
Sericite
13.00
Treated Sericite
13.74
Silica
0.40
Total Fillers
79.19
Powder Binders
Zinc Stearate
0.01
Total Powder Binders
0.01
Pigments/Pearls
Pigments
2.00
Pearlescent Pigments
10.00
Total Pigment/Pearls
12.00
Active Ingredient
Glycerin
7.50
Total Active Ingredient
7.50
Preservatives
Caprylyl Glycol/Phenoxyethanol Blend
1.00
Disodium EDTA
0.20
Tetrasodium EDTA
0.10
Total Preservatives
1.30
TOTAL
100.00
[0058] The cosmetic composition of Table 2 was prepared by mixing the fillers, powder binder, pigments (excluding pearls), and dry preservatives (D-EDTA & T-EDTA). A premix of the liquid preservative (Caprylyl Glycol) and active ingredient was also prepared by mixing. The powder pre-mix was then combined with the preservative pre-mix through spray drying and further processed in a hammer mill. The pearlescent pigment was then added with mixing.
[0059] A composition in accordance with current having the formulation of Table 3 was prepared.
[0000]
TABLE 3
INVENTIVE COMPOSITION
Amount
(Wt. %)
Fillers
Talc
43.89
Nylon Powder
5.76
Treated Talc
1.40
Sericite
13.00
Treated Sericite
13.74
Silica
0.40
Total Fillers
78.19
Powder Binders
Zinc Stearate
0.01
Total Powder Binders
0.01
Pigments/Pearls
Pigments
2.00
Pearlescent Pigments
10.00
Total Pigment/Pearls
12.00
Liquid Solvent for Active
Isopropyl Isostearate
3.05
C12-15 Alcohol Benzoate
1.70
Total Liquid Solvent for Active
4.75
Active Ingredient
Glycerine
3.75
Total Active Ingredient
3.75
Preservatives
Caprylyl Glycol/Phenoxyethanol Blend
1.00
Disodium EDTA
0.20
Tetrasodium EDTA
0.10
Total Preservatives
1.30
[0060] The inventive cosmetic composition of Table 3 was prepared by mixing the fillers, powder binder, pigments (excluding pearls), and dry preservatives (D-EDTA & T-EDTA). A premix of the liquid solvent for the active with liquid preservative (Caprylyl Glycol) and active ingredient was also prepared by mixing. The powder pre-mix was then combined with the liquid solvent for the active/preservative pre-mix through spray and then processed in a hammer mill. The pearls were then mixed into the composition.
[0061] The relative permeation of the active ingredient, glycerin, from each of the five compositions: the control, first filler, second filler, negative control, and inventive composition were tested within a Franz Diffusion Cell apparatus. The Franz Diffusion Cell apparatus has a donor chamber positioned over a receptor chamber with a membrane, which in this case was Invetro skin, positioned between the two chambers. The donor chamber contains the composition to be tested and positions the composition over the membrane. The receptor chamber is filled with water heated to between 37° C. to 40° C. using means such as a water jacket with a water jacket and heater/circulator . At predetermined periods the water from the receptor chamber may be sampled through the sampling port.
[0062] The compositions of the current example were charged into the donor chamber of the Franz Cell apparatus on top of the membrane. The receptor chamber was filled with water at 40° C. and the apparatus was allowed to stand for a period of four (4) hours. The receptor chamber was then drained of water and the concentration of the active within the water was determined using gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GCMS). The results of the Franz Cell experiment are illustrated in Table 4 below and clearly demonstrate that the current powdered composition provides for enhanced delivery of actives.
[0000]
TABLE 4
Results of Franz Cell
Conc. (mg/ml)/
% per
glycerin in
control
Formula
Description
formula*
level
Control (Water + 10%
Water Dispersion
4.2
100%
Glycerin)
Negative Control
Contains no Liquid
1.06
25%
Composition (Table 2)
Solvent for Active
Inventive Composition
With Liquid Solvent
6.1
146%
(Table 3)
for Active
*Levels of glycerin found to penetrate were normalized given that the different formulas contained different levels of glycerin.
[0063] All references including patent applications and publications cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Many modifications and variations of this invention can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific embodiments described herein are offered by way of example only, and the invention is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. | The present invention relates generally to cosmetic powder compositions for topical application to a keratinous surface, as well as to the delivery of cosmetic actives using the cosmetic powder compositions. In particular, the cosmetic powder compositions of the present invention comprise actives for delivery to the skin, such actives providing aesthetic and therapeutic benefits to the skin, such as, by improving the condition and appearance of skin affected by signs of chronological, hormonal, or photo-aging. | 52,153 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of Ser. No. 13/270,272, filed Oct. 11, 2011, which is a continuation application of Ser. No. 12/979,721, filed Dec. 28, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,064,784, which is a continuation application of Ser. No. 12/683,199, filed Jan. 6, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,890,001, which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 from U.S. application Ser. No. 11/619,359, filed Jan. 3, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,672,601, which is based on Japanese Priority Patent Application No. 2006-009259, filed on Jan. 17, 2006, with the Japanese Patent Office. The entire contents of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to an image forming apparatus and an output setting method of the consumed status of consumable items of the image forming apparatus.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Conventionally, there is an image forming apparatus which outputs the consumed status of a consumable item and a message for exchanging the consumable item. The consumed status and the message of the consumable item are displayed on an operating panel of the image forming apparatus, on a screen of a computer connected to the image forming apparatus via a network by using a HTTP protocol, or are printed on a recording medium such as a paper by a printer engine of the image forming apparatus.
[0006] In addition, as a maintenance system of the image forming apparatus, there is a system in which a seller or a manufacturer of the image forming apparatus maintains performance and output quality of the apparatus and exchanges a consumable item for achieving the performance and for maintaining the output quality. In the following description, the above maintenance system is referred to as a performance maintenance system, a person who maintains the apparatus is referred to as a manager, and a person who uses the apparatus is referred to as a user.
[0007] When a consumable item is used up, not only can an image forming process not be executed but also this may cause a breakdown of the apparatus. Therefore, messages on the consumed status of a consumable item and on an exchange of the consumable item must be suitably output. In several cases, the messages on the consumed status of the consumable item and on the exchange of the consumable item which messages are important to maintain the performance of the apparatus are output with higher priority than a message on an error of software, for example, application software.
[0008] In Patent Document 1, a consumable item managing method is disclosed. In the method, an apparatus of a user side informs a managing apparatus of a manager side about the consumed status of a consumable item. With this, the manger side can supply the consumable item to the user side based on an agreement between the user and the manager.
[0009] In Patent Document 2, an image forming apparatus and a managing method thereof are disclosed. In the apparatus, output timing of messages concerning the status of the apparatus, the consumed status of a consumable item, and the exchange of the consumable item is managed based on the following information items. That is, the information items are a used period of the apparatus, a remaining amount of the consumable item, an exchanged history of the consumable item, and a printed history on a recording medium.
[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2003-280865
[0011] [Patent Document 2] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2005-84611
[0012] However, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, when the apparatus is manufactured, output contents and an output I/F (interface) are determined. Therefore, when the same I/Fs are used in the apparatuses of the user and the manager, the user and the manager obtain the same contents. In the performance maintenance system, when the user does not exchange a consumable item, that is, the manager exchanges the consumable item, a message to request the exchange of the consumable item is displayed on the operating panel of the user. That is, not only is a message unnecessary to the user displayed but also the unnecessary message is output with higher priority than a message on an error of software which message is more important for the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus and an output setting method of the consumed status of consumable items of the image forming apparatus in which output messages on the consumed status of a consumable item and on an exchange of the consumable item can be suitably set by the manager or the user.
[0014] Features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings, or may be learned by practice of the invention according to the teachings provided in the description. Features and advantages of the present invention will be realized and attained by an image forming apparatus and an output setting method of the consumed status of consumable items of the image forming apparatus particularly pointed out in the specification in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention.
[0015] To achieve one or more of these and other advantages, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus which uses a consumable item. The image forming apparatus includes a consumed status detecting unit which detects a value of the consumed status of the consumable item, a determining unit which determines to output an exchange message of the consumable item by comparing the value of the consumed status of the consumable item detected by the consumed status detecting unit with a predetermined value, an exchange message output setting unit which sets presence or non-presence of an output of the exchange message, and a consumed status output setting unit which sets presence or non-presence of an output of the consumed status of the consumable item detected by the consumed status detecting unit.
[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an output setting method of the consumed status of a consumable item of an image forming apparatus. The output setting method includes the steps of detecting a value of the consumed status of the consumable item, determining whether to output an exchange message of the consumable item by comparing the detected value of the consumed status of the consumable item with a predetermined value, setting presence or non-presence of an output of the exchange message, and setting presence or non-presence of an output of the detected consumed status of the consumable item.
Effect of the Invention
[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an image forming apparatus can be obtained in which apparatus a manger or a user of the apparatus can easily set an output of the consumed status of each consumable item and can easily set a message concerning an exchange of each consumable item.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a color laser printer according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow of an electrophotographic process in a printer engine shown in FIG. 1 ;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram in which an intermediate transfer belt is used in the electrophotographic process shown in FIG. 2 ;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a part of a tandem-type color laser printer in which the electrophotographic process is used;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the color laser printer shown in FIG. 1 in which an output setting table is used;
[0024] FIG. 6 is the output setting table in a case where there is a single exchange message;
[0025] FIG. 7 is an output setting table in a case where there are plural exchange messages;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a table showing combinations of output contents in the output setting table;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the color laser printer shown in FIG. 1 in which a modified output setting table is used;
[0028] FIG. 10 shows examples of the plural consumable-item output setting tables;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processes to output information of a consumable item according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processes to output information of a consumable item in a case where plural exchange messages exist corresponding to values of the consumed status of the consumable item according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 13 is another flowchart showing processes to output information of a consumable item in a case where a single exchange message exists corresponding to a value of the consumed status of the consumable item according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 14 is a table showing “PRESENCE” and “NON-PRESENCE” of exchange messages to be output based on the consumed status of the consumable item;
[0033] FIG. 15A is a flowchart showing processes for outputting exchange messages of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 15B is a flowchart showing processes for outputting the consumed status of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 15C is a flowchart showing processes for outputting a list of the consumed status of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 16 is a list of the consumed status of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 17 is a table in which remaining amount information of each consumable item is shown; and
[0038] FIG. 18 is another list of the consumed status of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Best Mode of Carrying Out the Invention
[0039] The best mode of carrying out the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, as an image forming apparatus, a color laser printer is described, and as consumable items of the printer, a photoconductor body and toner are described. However, the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to other image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine and a facsimile apparatus. In addition, as the consumable items, other consumable items such as a developing unit, a transfer unit, and a fixing unit can be used.
[0041] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a color laser printer according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 1 , a color laser printer 1 includes a controller 2 , an operating panel 4 , and a printer engine 13 . The color laser printer 1 is connected to a host computer 3 and a network 15 . The controller 2 controls all the elements in the color laser printer 1 and includes a host I/F 5 , a program ROM 6 , a font ROM 7 , a panel I/F 8 , a CPU 9 , a RAM 10 , an NV-RAM (non-volatile RAM) 11 , an engine I/F 12 , an HDD 14 , and a network I/F 16 . The controller 2 can further include an additional RAM (not shown).
[0043] A manager or a user inputs several settings on the operating panel 4 . In addition, several operations of the color laser printer 1 are displayed on the operating panel 4 .
[0044] The printer engine 13 outputs control signals and print data from the controller 2 onto a recording medium (paper).
[0045] The host computer 3 transmits control signals and print data to the color laser printer 1 , and processes signals to perform the several operations of the color laser printer 1 .
[0046] One or more computers (not shown) are connected to the network 15 , and print data and control signals from the computers are transmitted to the color laser printer 1 via the network 15 . The computers receive output signals of the several operations of the color laser printer 1 via the network 15 .
[0047] The host computer 3 transmits the control signals and the print data to the color laser printer 1 via the host I/F 5 . The color laser printer 1 outputs signals of the several operations of the color laser printer 1 to the host computer 3 via the host I/F 5 .
[0048] In the program ROM 6 , programs are stored in which programs a data processing method and a data managing method in the controller 2 and a module controlling method of modules (not shown) in the color laser printer 1 are described.
[0049] In the font ROM 7 , various fonts which are used for printing are stored.
[0050] The controller 2 is connected to the operating panel 4 via the panel I/F 8 , and the panel I/F 8 receives signals input from the operating panel 4 and outputs the signals of the several operations of the color laser printer 1 to the operating panel 4 .
[0051] The CPU 9 executes data processing in the color laser printer 1 , data processing between the color laser printer 1 and external apparatuses, and controls the processes by using the programs stored in the program ROM 6 .
[0052] In the RAM 10 , data processed by the CPU 9 , print data, and image data which the print data are converted into are temporarily stored.
[0053] The NV-RAM 11 stores data even if a power source of the color laser printer 1 is turned off.
[0054] The controller 2 is connected to the printer engine 13 via the engine I/F 12 . The engine I/F 12 outputs print data and control signals output from the controller 2 to the printer engine 13 , and receives control signals output from the printer engine 13 .
[0055] The printer engine 13 executes a printing process by using the print data and the control signals received from the controller 2 .
[0056] The HDD 14 stores, for example, print data when the print data are large.
[0057] The controller 2 is connected to the network 15 via the network I/F 16 . The network I/F 16 receives print data and control signals from the computer (not shown) connected to the network 15 and transmits signals of several operations of the color laser printer 1 to the computer.
[0058] [Data Receiving Process]
[0059] The print data and the control signals are input to the color laser printer 1 from the host computer 3 via the host I/F 5 , or from the computer (not shown) connected to the network 15 via the network I/F 16 , and are separated into letter print data, letter print control data and so on. The separated data are stored in a buffer (not shown) in the RAM 10 .
[0060] [Image Data Forming Process]
[0061] The CPU 9 executes programs stored in the program ROM 6 one by one. With this, the data stored in the buffer are taken out element by element and are processed. For example, from the letter print data, an intermediate code is generated which code provides a letter print position, a letter print size, a letter code, and font information. The generated intermediate code is stored in an intermediate buffer (not shown). A predetermined process is applied to the letter print control data, and the processed data are stored in an intermediate buffer. The definitions of the processes are described in the program stored in the program ROM 6 .
[0062] When the amount of the processed data becomes an image forming amount of one page, or a print command is received from the computer which transmits the print data, the data stored in the intermediate buffer are converted into image data.
[0063] [Image Data Outputting Process]
[0064] The controller 2 transmits a print start command and the image data synchronized with the print start command to the printer engine 13 via the engine I/F 12 .
[0065] [Electrophotographic Process]
[0066] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow of an electrophotographic process in the printer engine 13 shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a diagram in which an intermediate transfer belt is used in the electrophotographic process shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a part of a tandem-type color laser printer in which the electrophotographic process is used.
[0067] In FIG. 2 , when processes from step S 1 through S 7 are applied to an organic photoconductor drum 1301 and a paper 1302 , the image data input to the printer engine 13 are printed on the paper (recording medium) 1302 .
[0068] Referring to FIG. 2 , the above processes are described in detail.
[0069] First, negative electric charges are applied on the organic photoconductor drum 1302 (step S 1 ).
[0070] Next, image data are exposed by removing the electric charges at parts where the image data do not exist by irradiating laser beams on the organic photoconductor drum 1301 based on the image data (step S 2 ).
[0071] Next, the image data are developed by adhering positive toner to the electric charges remaining on the organic photoconductor drum 1301 (step S 3 ).
[0072] Next, the paper 1302 is carried to the organic photoconductor drum 1301 on which the image data are developed and negative electric charges are applied from the paper 1302 . With this, the toner adhered on the organic photoconductor drum 1301 is transferred onto the paper 1302 (step S 4 ).
[0073] Next, an image is fixed on the paper 1302 by fixing the transferred toner on the paper 1302 (step S 5 ).
[0074] Next, after transferring the toner onto the paper 1302 , toner remaining on the organic photoconductor drum 1301 is removed by using a brush, a magnetic brush, or a blade, that is, the surface of the organic photoconductor drum 1301 is cleaned (step S 6 ).
[0075] Next, the electric charges remaining on the organic photoconductor drum 1301 are discharged (erased) (step S 7 ).
[0076] In FIG. 3 , as an example, an intermediate transfer body is used when the toner is transferred from the organic photoconductor drum 1301 to the paper 1302 .
[0077] As shown in FIG. 3 , a first transfer step is executed by transferring the toner adhered on the organic photoconductor drum 1301 onto the intermediate transfer belt 1303 . The toner transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 1303 is transferred onto the paper 1302 by a second transfer step. The toner transferred onto the paper 1302 is fixed by a fixing step.
[0078] In the difference of the processes shown in FIG. 3 from the processes shown in FIG. 2 , in FIG. 3 , an intermediate transfer body is used, that is, the intermediate transfer belt 1303 is used. The first transfer step is similar to the steps S 1 through S 4 , S 6 , and S 7 shown in FIG. 2 . The fixing step is similar to step S 5 shown in FIG. 2 . Therefore, the same description is omitted.
[0079] In FIG. 4 , a tandem-type color laser printer is shown in which an electrophotographic process is applied to each color image of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black).
[0080] A toner cartridge 1304 stores K toner, a toner cartridge 1305 stores Y toner, a toner cartridge 1306 stores M toner, and a toner cartridge 1307 stores C toner.
[0081] A writing optical unit 1308 forms a latent image by charging the surface of an organic photoconductor drum and exposing an image formed by laser beams irradiated onto the organic photoconductor drum 1301 .
[0082] A developing unit 1309 develops the latent image by adhering toner to the latent image formed on the organic photoconductor drum 1301 .
[0083] A transfer unit 1310 transfers the developed toner image onto the paper 1302 . Paper feeding cassettes 1311 and 1322 store papers on which no image is printed.
[0084] A fixing unit 1313 fixes the toner image transferred onto the paper 1302 .
[0085] [Detection and Output of Consumed Status of Photoconductor Body]
[0086] In the electrophotographic process, a charging process, an exposing process, a toner adhering process, an image transferring process, a cleaning process, and a discharging (erasing) process are applied to a photoconductor body. When the electrophotographic process is repeated, the surface of the photoconductor body is worn and marks of the wearing appear thereon, and this leads to lowering the optical conductivity. That is, the surface of the photoconductor body is degraded. The degradation leads to lowering the image quality, to excessively consuming toner, and to generating failures such as paper jamming. Therefore, when the wearing (consumed) status of the surface of the photoconductor body becomes a predetermined value or more, printing operations are restrained, for example, the printing operations are stopped, or information about the wearing status of the surface of the photoconductor body is output. With this, the user is requested to exchange the photoconductor body.
[0087] The information on the consumed status of the photoconductor body can be estimated from, for example, accumulated driving hours of a motor which drives the photoconductor body. When the accumulated driving hours of the motor are stored in the NV-RAM 11 , even if the power source of the color laser printer 1 is turned off, the accumulated driving hours can be maintained. When the accumulated driving hours exceed a predetermined value, a message showing that the exchanging time will be soon is output. Further, when the accumulated driving hours exceed a predetermined value, a message showing that the exchanging time is right now is output, and the printing operations are stopped.
[0088] The accumulated driving hours of the motor can be converted into the number of printed papers by using a predetermined method. In the conversion, for example, an A4 size paper (210 mm×297 mm) is used and an image is printed on the A4 size paper in its long length direction. Then, the number of the printed A4 size papers is counted.
[0089] [Detection and Output of Consumed Status of Toner]
[0090] Toner is consumed by adhering onto a photoconductor body when a latent image is developed in the electrophotographic process. Further, when a developing unit is operated, since the toner is used as a buffer between the developing unit and the surface of the photoconductor body, a small amount of the toner is consumed regardless of image forming operations.
[0091] When the toner is used up, there is a risk that jamming may occur due to abnormal contact of the photoconductor body with a recording medium (paper) upon transferring an image onto the paper. In addition, when the toner as the buffer is used up, there is a risk that abnormal degradation of the surface of the photoconductor body may occur due to direct contact of the photoconductor body with the developing unit. In order to solve the above problems, re-supply of the toner is requested by the user based on detecting the remaining amount of toner.
[0092] Detection of the remaining amount of toner is executed by measuring the mass of the remaining toner in the apparatus, or is executed by detecting the upper surface of the toner in a toner container by a sensor. When it is determined that the toner container is full of toner as a reference, the remaining amount of the toner is detected at several intervals from full to vacancy. The intervals are determined, for example, every 5%, 10 or 20% of full. When the remaining amount of the toner is smaller than a predetermined value, a message showing that toner must be re-supplied soon is output. When the remaining amount of the toner is further smaller than the predetermined value, a message is output showing that toner must be re-supplied right now or printing operations will be restricted or stopped.
[0093] When the remaining amount of the toner is output, supplying the toner can be easily executed.
[0094] [Setting of Output of Consumed Status of Consumable Items]
[0095] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the color laser printer 1 shown in FIG. 1 in which an output setting table is used. The output setting table is described below in detail.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 5 , the color laser printer 1 includes the controller 2 , the operating panel 4 , the printer engine 13 , a consumed status detecting unit 101 , and consumable items 102 a through 102 c.
[0097] The controller 2 further includes a determining unit 201 , an exchange message output setting unit 202 , a consumed status output setting unit 203 , a consumable-item output referring unit 204 , an output setting table storing unit 205 , an output setting table 206 , and an output selecting unit 207 . As described above, as the output I/Fs, the controller 2 includes the host I/F 5 , the panel I/F 8 , the engine I/F 12 , and the network I/F 16 . The output selecting unit 207 selects one of the output I/Fs.
[0098] The consumed status detecting unit 101 detects the consumed status of the consumable items 102 a through 102 c , and sends the name of the consumable item and a value indicating the consumed status to the determining unit 201 . The name of the consumable item is also sent to the consumable-item output referring unit 204 .
[0099] The determining unit 201 determines the consumed status of the consumable item by using a predetermined value Va which is determined for each consumable item, based on the value indicating the consumed status of the consumable item received from the consumed status detecting unit 101 . For example, when the consumable item is a photoconductor body and the accumulated driving hours of the motor exceed a predetermined value, or when the consumable item is toner and the mass of the remaining toner is less than a predetermined value, the determining unit 201 sends a signal to the exchange message output setting unit 202 which signal requests to output an exchange message of the consumable item.
[0100] In addition, when plural exchange messages are set (prepositioned) for a consumable item, the determining unit 201 determines the consumed status of the consumable item by using predetermined values set for plural consumed status, and requests to output an exchange message corresponding to the value to the exchange message output setting unit 202 .
[0101] When the exchange message output setting unit 202 receives the signal which requests to output an exchange message of the consumable item from the determining unit 201 and an output setting signal of the exchange message received from the consumable-item output referring unit 204 is “PRESENCE”, the exchange message output setting unit 202 sets the output of the exchange message of the consumable item as “PRESENCE”. Then the exchange message output setting unit 202 outputs the exchange message with the name thereof to the host I/F 5 , the panel I/F 8 , the engine I/F 12 , or the network I/F 16 .
[0102] When the output setting signal of the exchange message received from the consumable-item output referring unit 204 is “PRESENCE”, the consumed status output setting unit 203 sets the output of the consumed status of the consumable item as “PRESENCE”. Then, the consumed status output setting unit 203 outputs the exchange message with the name thereof and a value indicating the consumed status of the consumable item to the host I/F 5 , the panel I/F 8 , the engine I/F 12 , or the network I/F 16 .
[0103] The consumable-item output referring unit 204 selects “PRESENCE” or “NON-PRESENCE” of the output for each consumable item based on the name of the consumable item received from the consumed status detecting unit 101 . Then, the consumable-item output referring unit 204 sends the selected one of “PRESENCE” or “NON-PRESENCE” to the exchange message output setting unit 202 and the consumed status output setting unit 203 .
[0104] FIG. 6 is an output setting table in a case where there is a single exchange message. As shown in FIG. 6 , in a photoconductor body, only the consumed status is output, and an exchange message is not output. In toner, both the consumed status and the exchange message are output.
[0105] FIG. 7 is an output setting table in a case where there are plural exchange messages. In FIG. 7 , an exchange message 1 indicates that a consumable item must be exchanged right now (in some cases, hereinafter referred to as “END”) and an exchange message 2 indicates that the exchange time will be soon (in some cases, hereinafter referred to as “NEAR END”).
[0106] In the description, “message” includes not only a message by letters and numerals but also by signs.
[0107] The settings in the output setting tables shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be changed at any time by the manager or the user. The manager or the user instructs the consumable-item output referring unit 204 to change the setting from the host computer 3 , the operating panel 4 , or any one of the computers 151 a through 151 c via a connection route (not shown).
[0108] The output selecting unit 207 sets “PRESENCE” or “NON-PRESENCE” of the output of the exchange message and the consumed status in each I/F, regardless of the output from the consumable-item output referring unit 204 . When the output from the output selecting unit 207 does not coincide with the outputs from the exchange message output setting unit 202 and the consumed status output setting unit 203 , the output from the output selecting unit 207 is used as the higher priority.
[0109] [Modified Example of Process in Consumable-Item Output Referring Unit]
[0110] The consumable-item output referring unit 204 can select a combination of the consumable items in the output setting table which is stored in the output setting table storing unit 205 .
[0111] FIG. 8 is a table showing combinations of output contents in the output setting table. In FIG. 8 , four combinations A through D are shown. The consumable-item output referring unit 204 selects a combination in the four combinations.
[0112] The names of the combinations are not limited to the signs A through D, and can be modes such as “customer engineer mode”, “user mode”, “performance maintenance mode”, and “normal maintenance mode” for the convenience of the manager or the user.
[0113] The combination of the consumable items can be changed at any time by the manager or the user. The manager or the user instructs the consumable-item output referring unit 204 to change the setting from the host computer 3 , the operating panel 4 , or any one of the computers 151 a through 151 c via a connection route (not shown).
[0114] [Modified Example of Output Setting Table]
[0115] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the color laser printer 1 shown in FIG. 1 in which a modified output setting table is used. That is, in the modified output setting table, plural output setting tables are used.
[0116] As different points from those shown in FIG. 5 , in FIG. 9 , a plural consumable-item output selecting unit 208 , a plural consumable-item output setting table storing unit 209 , and plural consumable-item output setting tables 210 are newly added.
[0117] The plural consumable-item output selecting unit 208 selects one of the plural consumable-item output setting tables 210 stored in the plural consumable-item output setting table storing unit 209 based on an instruction of the manager or the user. Then, the plural consumable-item output selecting unit 208 sends the selected one of the plural consumable-item output setting tables to the consumable-item output referring unit 204 .
[0118] The consumable-item output referring unit 204 selects a combination of output settings of a consumable item of a name received from the consumed status detecting unit 101 from the plural consumable-item output setting tables 210 selected by the plural consumable-item output selecting unit 208 . Further, the consumable-item output referring unit 204 sends “PRESENCE” or “NON-PRESENCE” of the output contents to the exchange message output setting unit 202 and the consumed status output setting unit 203 in the selected combination of the output settings by referring to the output setting table 206 stored in the output setting table storing unit 205 for every output content.
[0119] When one of the plural consumable-item output setting tables 210 is selected, the manager or the user instructs the consumable-item output referring unit 204 from the host computer 3 , the operating panel 4 , or any one of the computers 151 a through 151 c via a connection route (not shown).
[0120] FIG. 10 shows examples of the plural consumable-item output setting tables 210 . In FIG. 10 , the combination name shown in FIG. 8 is used.
[0121] When the manager or the user selects the plural consumable-item output setting table shown in FIG. 10( a ), the manager or the user can obtain the output contents of the consumable items in the selected table 210 at the same time. In FIG. 10( a ), since the manager of both the photoconductor body and the toner is the user, the output contents shown in FIG. 7 are needed for the user.
[0122] In FIG. 10( b ), a case is shown. In this case, the manager of the photoconductor body is not the user, and the manager of toner is the user. Therefore, with respect to the photoconductor body, only the exchange message 1 is needed for the user, and with respect to the toner, all of the output contents are needed for the user.
[0123] In FIG. 10( c ), a case is shown. In this case, the manager of the photoconductor body and toner is not the user. Therefore, with respect to both the photoconductor body and the toner, only the exchange message 1 is needed for the user.
[0124] As described above, when the combination names are assigned as modes such as “customer engineer mode”, “user mode”, “performance maintenance mode”, and “normal maintenance mode”, the manger and the user can easily select one of the plural consumable-item output setting tables 210 by using one of the assigned modes.
[0125] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processes to output information of a consumable item according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0126] Referring to FIG. 11 , the processes are described.
[0127] First, the consumed status detecting unit 101 detects the consumed status of each consumable item (step S 11 ).
[0128] Next, the determining unit 201 determines whether an exchange message of the consumable item is to be output by comparing the consumed status of the consumable item detected by the consumed status detecting unit 101 with a predetermined value determined for each consumable item (step S 12 ).
[0129] Next, when the determining unit 201 determines to output the exchange message of the consumable item, the exchange message output setting unit 202 sets an output of the exchange message of the consumable item (step S 13 ).
[0130] Next, the consumed status output setting unit 203 sets an output of the consumed status of the consumable item detected by the consumed status detecting unit 101 (step S 14 ).
[0131] In steps S 13 and 14 , with respect to “PRESENCE” or “NON-PRESENCE” in the output contents, the consumable-item output referring unit 204 can refer to the output setting table 206 stored in the output setting table storing unit 205 .
[0132] When the processes in steps S 11 through S 14 are repeated, the outputs of the exchange message and the consumed status of each consumable item can be set corresponding to a change of the consumed status of the consumable item.
[0133] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processes to output information of a consumable item in a case where plural exchange messages exist corresponding to values of the consumed status of the consumable item according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0134] Referring to FIG. 12 , the processes are described.
[0135] First, the determining unit 201 determines whether a value detected by the consumed status detecting unit 101 shows a predetermined value (step S 121 a ). In this, when accumulated driving hours of a motor which drives the photoconductor body exceeds the predetermined value, the detected value shows the predetermined value, and when the mass of the remaining toner is less than a predetermined value, the detected value shows the predetermined value.
[0136] When the determining unit 201 determines that the consumed status value shows the predetermined value (YES in step S 121 a ), the determining unit 201 further determines whether the consumed status value is in a range where the exchanging time will be soon (step S 122 a ).
[0137] When the detected value is in the range where the exchanging time will be soon (YES in step S 122 a ), the exchange message output setting unit 202 sets an output of the exchange message 2 (step S 131 a ).
[0138] When the detected value is not in the range where the exchanging time will be soon (NO in step S 122 a ), the exchange message output setting unit 202 sets an output of the exchange message 1 (step S 132 a ).
[0139] FIG. 13 is another flowchart showing processes to output information of a consumable item in a case where a single exchange message exists corresponding to a value of the consumed status of the consumable item according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a table showing “PRESENCE” and “NON-PRESENCE” of exchange messages to be output based on the consumed status of the consumable item.
[0140] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14 , the processes are described.
[0141] First, the determining unit 201 determines whether a value detected by the consumed status detecting unit 101 shows a predetermined value (step S 121 b ). In this, when accumulated driving hours of a motor which drives the photoconductor body exceeds the predetermined value, the detected value shows the predetermined value, and when the mass of the remaining toner is less than a predetermined value, the detected value shows the predetermined value.
[0142] When the determining unit 201 determines that the detected value shows the predetermined value (YES in step S 121 b ), the determining unit 201 further determines whether the detected value is in a range where the exchanging time will be soon (step S 122 b ).
[0143] When the detected value is in the range where the exchanging time will be soon (YES in step S 122 b ), since the exchange message 2 does not exist in the table shown in FIG. 14 , the consumed status output setting unit 203 sets an output of the consumed status of the consumable item detected by the consumed status detecting unit 101 (step S 14 of FIG. 11 ).
[0144] When the detected value is not in the range where the exchanging time will be soon (NO in step S 122 b ), the exchange message output setting unit 202 sets an output of the exchange message 1 based on the table shown in FIG. 14 , and outputs the exchange message 1 to the host I/F 5 , the panel I/F 8 , the engine I/F 12 , or the network I/F 16 (step S 132 b ).
[0145] FIG. 15A is a flowchart showing processes for outputting exchange messages of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the processes, messages are output based on the table shown in FIG. 7 .
[0146] First, the determining unit 201 determines whether a value showing the consumed status of a photoconductor body is a predetermined value (step S 21 ).
[0147] When the determining unit 201 determines that the value showing the consumed status of the photoconductor body is the predetermined value (YES in step S 21 ), the determining unit 201 further determines whether the consumed status is “NEAR END” (step S 22 ). When the consumed status is “NEAR END”(YES in step S 22 ), the process goes to step S 01 (described below). When the consumed status is not “NEAR END” (NO in step S 22 ), that is, the consumed status is “END”, the exchange message output setting unit 202 sets to output a message that the photoconductor body must be exchanged right now and outputs the message to the host I/F 5 , the panel I/F 8 , the engine I/F 12 , or the network I/F 16 (step S 23 ).
[0148] Next, when the determining unit 201 determines that the value showing the consumed status of the photoconductor body is not the predetermined value (NO in step S 21 ), the determining unit 201 further determines whether a value showing the consumed status of toner is a predetermined value (step S 31 ).
[0149] When the value showing the consumed status of the toner is the predetermined value (YES in step S 31 ), the determining unit 201 determines whether the consumed status is “NEAR END” (step S 32 ). When the consumed status is “NEAR END” (YES in step S 32 ), the exchange message output setting unit 202 sets to output a message that the toner must be exchanged soon and outputs the message (message 2 ) to the host I/F 5 , the panel I/F 8 , the engine I/F 12 , or the network I/F 16 (step S 33 ).
[0150] When the consumed status is not “NEAR END” (NO in step S 32 ), that is, the consumed status is “END”, the exchange message output setting unit 202 sets to output a message that the toner must be exchanged right now and outputs the message (message 1 ) to the host I/F 5 , the panel I/F 8 , the engine I/F 12 , or the network I/F 16 (step S 34 ).
[0151] FIG. 15B is a flowchart showing processes for outputting the consumed status of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention. That is, in FIG. 15B , the process starts from step S 01 shown in FIG. 15A .
[0152] First, the consumed status output setting unit 203 sets to output the consumed status of the photoconductor body, and when the output of the consumed status of the photoconductor body exists (YES in step S 41 ), the consumed status output setting unit 203 outputs the consumed status of the photoconductor body to the host I/F 5 , the panel I/F 8 , the engine I/F 12 , or the network I/F 16 (step S 42 ).
[0153] Next, when the output of the consumed status of the photoconductor body does not exist (NO in step S 41 ), the consumed status output setting unit 203 sets to output the consumed status of toner, and when the output of the consumed status of the toner exists (YES in step S 43 ), the consumed status output setting unit 203 outputs the consumed status of the toner to the host I/F 5 , the panel I/F 8 , the engine I/F 12 , or the network I/F 16 (step S 44 ).
[0154] When the output of the consumed status of the toner does not exist (NO in step S 43 ), the process goes to step SO 2 (described below).
[0155] Setting conditions of the outputs in steps S 41 and 43 can be arbitrarily changed by the manager or the user by using the input I/F such as the operating panel 4 .
[0156] FIG. 15C is a flowchart showing processes for outputting a list of the consumed status of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention. That is, in FIG. 15C , the process starts from step SO 2 shown in FIG. 15B .
[0157] First, it is determined whether an output request for the list of the consumed status of the consumable items exists (step S 51 ).
[0158] Next, the consumed status output setting unit 203 sets an output of the consumed status of the consumable items based on an output of each consumable item which is referred to by the consumable-item output referring unit 204 . At the same time, the determining unit 201 compares a value showing the consumed status of each consumable item with a predetermined value, and the exchange message output setting unit 202 sets an output of a message regarding the consumed status, based on the determination of the determining unit 201 and the output of each consumable item which is referred to by the consumable-item output referring unit 204 . Based on the determined output of the consumed status and the output of the message regarding the consumed status, a list of the consumed status of the consumable items is formed (step S 52 ).
[0159] Next, the engine I/F 12 outputs the formed list of the consumed status of the consumable items to the printer engine 13 (step S 53 ). The printer engine 13 prints the list of the consumed status of the consumable items on a recording medium and outputs the printed list.
[0160] FIG. 16 is a list of the consumed status of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 16 , an example of a normal maintenance system is shown.
[0161] In FIG. 16 , the remaining toner amount of each color, conditions of a waste toner bottle, and the remaining service life of each developing unit, a transfer unit, an intermediate transfer unit, a fixing/secondary transfer unit, a fixing unit, and a fixing oil unit are printed on a paper.
[0162] In addition, the remaining amount (consumed status) of each consumable item is shown by the length of a bar having intervals. When the consumed status becomes “NEAR END” or “END”, a letter string of “NEAR END” or “END” is used instead of the bar, and when the consumed status is not available, a dashed line is used instead of the bar.
[0163] FIG. 17 is a table in which remaining amount information of each consumable item is shown. As shown in FIG. 17 , toner can be displayed in two expressions of black and color, or in four expressions of black, yellow, cyan, and magenta. The remaining amount of the toner is expressed at intervals of 10% or 20%. In addition, when the exchange time of toner will be soon, the letter string “NEAR END” is displayed (printed), and when the toner must be exchanged right now, the letter string “END” is displayed (printed).
[0164] In the case of a waste toner bottle, the remaining amount information is displayed (printed) in three steps, some vacancy, NEAR END, and full.
[0165] In case of the developing units, the transfer unit, the intermediate transfer unit, the fixing and secondary transfer unit, the fixing unit, and the fixing oil unit, the manager can determine whether the consumed status thereof is to be output for the user. Since the user does not exchange the above items, it is enough that the manager can obtain the information. In addition, the display (printing) of each of the developing units, the transfer unit, the intermediate transfer unit, the fixing and secondary transfer unit, the fixing unit, and the fixing oil unit can be turned on/off in the customer engineer system.
[0166] The table shown in FIG. 17 is an example, and the consumed items of the table are different among apparatuses. In addition, the intervals in the remaining amount information can be set arbitrarily.
[0167] In the remaining amount information, at 10% intervals, for example, when the remaining amount is 1% to 100 , the bar is at the 10% point. The concept is the same as at 20% intervals. In addition, in the remaining amount information, when the remaining amount becomes 0%, “END” is displayed, and becomes almost 0%, “NEAR END” is displayed.
[0168] FIG. 18 is another list of the consumed status of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 18 , an example of a performance maintenance system is shown. In this case, since the toner is exchanged by the user, the toner is not displayed.
[0169] Further, the present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiment, and variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. | An apparatus in which a plurality of consumable items are loadable to the apparatus. The apparatus includes a consumption status detecting unit to detect a respective consumption status of each of the consumable items, a consumption information output setting unit to set whether an exchange message for each of the consumable items is to be output, and a consumable item information output unit to output the exchange message, which is indicative of an exchange time of the respective consumable item, based on the respective consumption statuses detected by the consumption status detecting unit and the setting of the consumption information output setting unit. | 50,370 |
This application is a continuation of International Application No. CT/CN2006/001308, filed Jun. 13, 2006. International Application No. PCT/CN2006/001308 claims the priority of Chinese patent application No. 200510115535.4 submitted with the State Intellectual Property Office of P.R.C. on Nov. 4, 2005, entitled “Method for Reducing Service loss in Interworking between SS7 Signaling Network and M3UA”, the content of which is incorporated in entirety herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of network communication technology, and particularly, to a method for reducing the service loss in interworking between Signaling System 7 (SS7) signaling network and Message Transfer Part 3 User Adaptation Layer (M3UA).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Signaling systems are critical to the modern communication networks. The good performance of a telecommunication networks depends on the reliable transmission of signaling messages through the telecommunication equipment. A series of specifications and techniques, such as the matured narrow-band No. 7 signaling system, have been introduced in the conventional telecommunication networks to ensure the reliability of a signaling system.
With the gradual maturity of the Internet Protocol (IP) packet-based network technology, it becomes possible to utilize the IP packet-based network to transmit services such as voice service, data service, and multimedia service, etc. This requires combining the IP packet-based network with the conventional circuit switched network for service transmission. In order to achieve the interworking between the conventional circuit switched network and the IP packet-based network, a set of Signaling Transport (SIGTRAN) protocols was constituted by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) for transmitting the signaling of the conventional circuit switched network over the IP network. The MTP3 User Adaptation Layer (M3UA) protocol is a protocol in the set of the SIGTRAN protocols for adaptation of the interface primitive between the Message Transfer Part 3 (MTP3) layer and the upper layer users of the MTP3 layer. M3UA is designed to enable the transparent transmission of messages between the MTP3 (Message Transfer Part 3) and the upper layer users of the MTP3 layer.
The M3UA protocol is used for interworking between SS7 signaling and IP network as well as the transmission of MTP3 user messages over the IP network. The basic application model of the M3UA protocol is as shown in FIG. 1 . From the viewpoint of the Telephone User Part (TUP)/ISDN User Part (ISUP)/Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP) (TUP/ISUP/SCCP . . . ), the Message Transfer Part (MTP) is only a channel for message transmission, i.e., the Message Transfer Part (MTP) is used to ensure the reliable and accurate transmission of user part messages to the user part of the destination signaling point (SP). The MTP includes 3 parts, i.e., Message Transfer Part 1 (MTP1), Message Transfer Part 2 (MTP2), and Message Transfer Part 3 (MTP3). While the M3UA is used for implement user adaptation function of the MTP3.
In the M3UA protocol, several SS7 signaling network management messages are specified as follows:
Destination Unavailable (DUNA): when a related signaling point of an SS7 signaling network has a failure and thus becomes unavailable, the M3UA of the Signaling Gateway (SG) will send the DUNA message to notify the relevant Application Server Process(es) (ASP(s));
Destination Available (DAVA): when a related signaling point of an SS7 signaling network recovers from a failure and thus becomes available, the M3UA of the SG will send the DAVA message to notify the relevant ASP(s);
Destination State Audit (DAUD): this message is used for the ASPs to audit the state of a related signaling point of the related SS7 signaling network to the SG;
Signaling Congestion (SCON): when a related signaling point of the SS7 signaling network is congested, the M3UA of the SG will send the SCON message to notify the relevant ASP(s);
Destination User Part Unavailable (DUPU): when the MTP user part of a related signaling point of the SS7 signaling network becomes unavailable, the M3UA of the SG will send the DUPU message to notify the relevant ASP(s).
As described above, in the specification for SS7 signaling network management messages in M3UA protocol, it is specified explicitly that the signaling gateway (SG) should use the corresponding SS7 signaling network management messages in the M3UA to notify the relevant ASPs whenever the state of a signaling point in SS7 signaling network changes.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the application of the SS7 signaling network management messages in M3UA. As shown in FIG. 2 , whenever the state of an SS7 signaling point “A” changes, the relevant SS7 Signaling Transfer Point (STP) will notify the SG by using the SS7 MTP3 signaling network management messages, such as Transfer Prohibit (TFP)/Transfer Allowed (TFA)/Transfer Congestion (TFC)/User Part Unavailable (UPU). Then, the SG notifies the relevant ASPs by using the M3UA SS7 signaling network management messages, such as DUNA/DAVA/SCON/DUPU. In this way, the ASPs may learn about the state of the relevant signaling points in the SS7 signaling network quickly. However, though the M3UA protocol specifies explicitly the SS7 signaling network management messages and the corresponding processing schemes as described above, the relevant SS7 signaling points can not learn about the change in the states of the signaling points at the ASP side of M3UA when the states of the signaling points at the ASP side changes, because the M3UA does not notify the SS7 network of the change. Accordingly, an upper layer service user of the signaling points at SS7 side may not know the state change in the signaling points at the ASP side of M3UA, e.g., a failure in a signaling point at the ASP side of M3UA. This may result in a loss of service sent from an SS7 signaling point to the ASP side of M3UA, i.e., the loss of the relevant signaling services. Therefore, the reliability of communication can not be guaranteed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a method for reducing service loss in interworking between Signaling System 7 (SS7) signaling network and Message Transfer Part 3 User Adaptation Layer (M3UA), which may effectively reduce the service loss from an SS7 signaling point to a signaling point at M3UA ASP side and ensure the reliability of communication.
The embodiments of the present invention provides the following technical solutions:
A method for reducing service loss in interworking between a Signaling System 7 (SS7) signaling network and Message Transfer Part 3 User Adaptation Layer (M3UA), includes: determining whether there is a state change of an M3UA signaling point, obtaining the content of the state change of the signaling point; and sending, by a signaling gateway (SG), a message indicating the state change of the M3UA signaling point to the SS7 signaling network in accordance with the content of state change of the M3UA signaling point.
When discovering the state change of the M3UA signaling point or when receiving a notification indicating the state change of the M3UA signaling point, M3UA of the SG determines that state of the M3UA signaling point has changed.
The notification indicating the state change of the M3UA signaling point may be a Destination Unavailable message, or a Destination Available message, or a Signaling Congestion message, or a Destination User Part Unavailable message.
the M3UA signaling point is an ASP-related signaling point, when M3UA of the SG discovers that the ASP-related signaling point has a failure, or when the M3UA of the SG receives a message indicating that the ASP-related signaling point is unavailable, the content of the state change of the signaling point is Application Server Process, ASP, related signaling point having a failure or being unavailable.
The M3UA signaling point is an ASP-related signaling point, when M3UA of the SG discovers that an ASP-related signaling point has recovered from a failure, or when the M3UA of the SG receives a message indicating that the ASP-related signaling point is available, the content of the state change of the signaling point is ASP-related signaling point being recovered from a failure or being available.
The M3UA signaling point is an ASP-related signaling point, when M3UA of the SG discovers that an ASP-related signaling point is congested, or when the M3UA of the SG receives a message indicating that the ASP-related signaling point is congested, the content of the state change of the signaling point is ASP-related signaling point being congested.
the M3UA signaling point is an ASP-related signaling point, when M3UA of the SG discovers that upper layer service user of an ASP-related signaling point has a failure, or when the M3UA of the SG receives a message indicating that the upper layer service user of the ASP-related signaling point is unavailable, the content of the state change of the signaling point is ASP-related signaling point upper layer user having a failure or being unavailable.
An SS7 signaling network management message indicating the state change of the M3UA signaling point may be sent by the SG to the SS7 signaling network, in accordance with the content of the state change of the M3UA signaling point.
the M3UA signaling point is an ASP-related signaling point, When the content of the state change of the signaling point is Application Server Process, ASP, related signaling point having a failure or being unavailable, the SG notifies the SS7 signaling network that the ASP-related signaling point is unavailable by using a Transfer Prohibit message of SS7 signaling network management messages.
the M3UA signaling point is an ASP-related signaling point, When the content of the state change of the signaling point is ASP-related signaling point being recovered from a failure or being available, the SG notifies the SS7 signaling network that the M3UA ASP-related signaling point is available by using a Transfer Allow message of SS7 signaling network management messages.
the M3UA signaling point is an ASP-related signaling point, When the content of the state change of the signaling point is ASP-related signaling point being congested, the SG notifies the SS7 signaling network that the M3UA ASP-related signaling point is congested by using a Transfer Congestion message of SS7 signaling network management messages.
the M3UA signaling point is an ASP-related signaling point, When the content of the state change of the signaling point is ASP-related signaling point upper layer user having a failure or being unavailable, the SG notifies the SS7 signaling network that the upper layer service user part of the M3UA ASP-related signaling point is unavailable by using a User Part Unavailable message of SS7 signaling network management messages.
A new message indicating the state change of the M3UA signaling point may be sent by the SG to the SS7 signaling network, in accordance with the content of the state change of the M3UA signaling point.
An embodiment of the invention provides a signaling gateway, which includes: means for determining whether there is a state change of a Message Transfer Part 3 User Adaptation Layer, M3UA, related signaling point, means for obtaining the content of the state change; and means for sending a message indicating the state change of the M3UA signaling point to the SS7 signaling network in accordance with the content of the state change of the M3UA signaling point.
As can be seen from the technical solution described above, the method according to the embodiments of the present invention may be applied in the next generation network (NGN). During this application, when the SS7 signaling gateway implements the interworking between SS7 signaling service and M3UA, the information that a signaling point at M3UA ASP side in IP domain has a failure or becomes congested may be notified to the SS7 signaling network in time. Therefore, the loss in transmission of SS7 signaling services due to the state change of the relevant signaling points at M3UA ASP side may be reduced as far as possible, and thereby the demand in actual networking applications may be satisfied better. Furthermore, the method according to the embodiments of the present invention may meet the demand in the SS7 networking applications and improve the reliability of the SS7 signaling network while being compatible to the protocol standards.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the basic application model of the M3UA protocol in the prior art;
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the application of the SS7 signaling network management messages in M3UA in the prior art;
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the application of the SS7 signaling network management messages when an M3UA ASP signaling is unavailable according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the application of the SS7 signaling network management messages according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a processing flow diagram showing the method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for notifying a signaling point in an SS7 signaling network of the state change of a signaling point at the ASP side of M3UA (abbreviated as ASP-related signaling point) by using the messages defined for the existing protocols or other messages when the state of the ASP-related signaling point changes, so as to ensure that the SS7 signaling network will not perform service interaction with the ASP-related signaling point when the state of the ASP-related signaling point becomes unavailable or the state of the upper layer service user of the ASP-related signaling point becomes unavailable, while the SS7 signaling network will perform service interaction with the ASP-related signaling point when the state of the ASP-related signaling point becomes available or the state of the upper layer service user of the ASP-related signaling point becomes available. In this way, the service loss in interworking between SS7 signaling network and M3UA may be reduced in the case of the normal interworking between the SS7 signaling network and M3UA.
The implementation of the method for reducing the service loss in interworking between an SS7 signaling network and the M3UA according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the application of the SS7 signaling network management messages when an M3UA ASP-related signaling point is unavailable according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3 , upon discovering that a relevant ASP-related signaling point has a failure, or upon receiving a message (such as DUNA) indicating that the relevant ASP-related signaling point is unavailable, the M3UA of a signaling gateway SG should analyze the state change of the signaling points relevant to the ASP. If the states of the signaling points relevant to the ASP (M3UA signaling point management cluster, SPMC) change to “unavailable”, the M3UA should notify the SG. The SG notifies the relevant signaling points in the SS7 signaling network that the ASP-related signaling point is unavailable by sending an SS7 signaling network management message “TFP”.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the application of the SS7 signaling network management messages according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4 , upon discovering a relevant ASP-related signaling point recovers from a failure, or upon receiving a message (such as DAVA) indicating that the relevant ASP-related signaling point becomes available, the M3UA of a signaling gateway SG will analyze the state change of the signaling points relevant to the ASP. If the states of the signaling points relevant to the ASP (M3UA signaling point management cluster, SPMC) change to “available”, the M3UA will notify the SG. The SG in turn notifies the relevant signaling points in the SS7 signaling network that the ASP-related signaling point recovers and thus be available by sending an SS7 signaling network management message “TFA”.
Upon discovering a relevant ASP-related signaling point is congested, or upon receiving a message (such as SCON) indicating that the relevant ASP-related signaling point is congested, the M3UA of the signaling gateway SG will analyze the state change of the signaling points relevant to the ASP. If the states of the signaling points relevant to the ASP (M3UA signaling point management cluster, SPMC) change to “congested”, the M3UA will notify the SG. The SG in turn notifies the relevant signaling points in the SS7 signaling network that the ASP-related signaling point is congested by sending an SS7 signaling network management message “TFC”.
When discovering the upper layer service user of a relevant ASP-related signaling point has a failure, or When receiving a message (such as DUPU) indicating that the upper layer service user of the relevant ASP-related signaling point is unavailable, the M3UA of the signaling gateway SG will analyze the state change of the upper layer service user of the ASP-related signaling points. If the state of an upper layer service user of the ASP-related signaling points relevant to the ASP changes to “unavailable”, the M3UA will notify the SG. The SG in turn notifies the relevant signaling points in the SS7 signaling network that the upper layer service user of the ASP-related signaling points is unavailable by sending an SS7 signaling network management message “UPU”.
FIG. 5 is a processing flow diagram of a method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5 :
Step 51 : it is determined whether the state of M3UA ASP-related signaling point has changed;
Usually, upon discovering a state change of an ASP-related signaling point, or upon receiving a notification indicating the state change of the ASP-related signaling point, the M3UA of a signaling gateway SG may determine that the state of the ASP-related signaling point has changed;
Step 52 : the content of the state change of the ASP-related signaling point is analyzed and obtained, so as to determine the content of the message to be sent to the SS7 signaling network in accordance with the content information of the state change;
The content of the state change of the signaling point may include: the ASP-related signaling point having a failure or being unavailable, the ASP-related signaling point being recovered from a failure or being available, the ASP-related signaling point being congested, or the upper layer service user of the ASP-related signaling point having a failure or being unavailable;
Step 53 : the SG notifies the SS7 signaling network of the event indicating the state change of the ASP-related signaling point by sending a corresponding message based on the content of the state change of the ASP-related signaling point, so as to ensure that the state change of the ASP-related signaling point may be known by the SS7 signaling network. Thus, the SS7 signaling network may perform service interworking with the M3UA in accordance with the states of ASP-related signaling points. As a result, the service loss due to the lack of knowledge of the states of the ASP-related signaling points may be avoided effectively.
As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 , in order to ensure the compatibility between the present invention and the existing network protocols, the event indicating the state change of an M3UA ASP-related signaling point may be sent to the SS7 signaling network by using the SS7 MTP3 signaling network management messages TFP/TFA/TFC/UPU correspondingly. For the different contents of the state changes of an ASP-related signaling point, the specific processing manner of sending a message to the SS7 signaling network may be as follows:
The M3UA of an SG analyzes the state of an ASP-related signaling point. When the state of the ASP-related signaling point becomes “unavailable”, the M3UA will notify the SG. In this way, when the M3UA of the SG discovers that an ASP-related signaling point has a failure, or when the M3UA of the SG receives a message indicating that the ASP-related signaling point is unavailable, the SG will notify the SS7 signaling network that the ASP-related signaling point is unavailable by using the SS7 signaling network management message “TFP”, that is, the SG will send a TFP message to the SS7 signaling network. Accordingly, the SS7 signaling network may know that the ASP-related signaling point is unavailable, and therefore will not perform service interaction with the ASP-related signaling point, so as to avoid the service loss in these cases.
Similarly, when the ASP-related signaling point that had a failure and was unavailable recovers from failure and becomes available, the M3UA will notify SG. In this way, when the M3UA of the SG discovers that the ASP-related signaling point has recovered, or when the M3UA of the SG receives a message indicating that the ASP-related signaling point is available, the SG will notify the SS7 signaling network that the ASP-related signaling point is available by using the SS7 signaling network management message TFA, that is, the SG will send an TFA message to the SS7 signaling network. Accordingly, the SS7 signaling network may perform service interaction with the ASP-related signaling point.
When the state of an ASP-related signaling point becomes “congested”, the M3UA will notify the SG that the ASP-related signaling point is “congested”. In this way, when the M3UA of the SG discovers that an ASP-related signaling point has become congested, or when the M3UA of the SG receives a message indicating that the ASP-related signaling point is congested, the SG will notify the SS7 signaling network that the ASP-related signaling point is congested by using the SS7 signaling network management message “TFC”, that is, the SG will send a TFC message to the SS7 signaling network. Accordingly, the SS7 signaling network may know that the ASP-related signaling point is congested, and therefore may choose to perform or not perform service interaction with the ASP-related signaling point. Thus, the possibility of service loss may be reduced.
When the state of the upper layer service user of an ASP-related signaling point becomes “unavailable”, the M3UA will also notify the SG. In this way, when the M3UA of the SG discovers that the upper layer service user of an ASP-related signaling point has a failure, or when the M3UA of the SG receives a message indicating that the upper layer service user of that ASP-related signaling point is unavailable, the SG will notify the SS7 signaling network that the upper layer user of the ASP-related signaling point is unavailable by using the SS7 signaling network management message “UPU”, that is, the SG will send a UPU (User Part Unavailable) message to the SS7 signaling network. Accordingly, the SS7 signaling network will not perform service interaction with the upper layer service user of the ASP-related signaling point, so as to avoid the service loss in this case.
In another embodiment of the present invention, in the step 52 , a newly created message may be used alternatively by the SG to notify the SS7 signaling network of state change of an M3UA ASP-related signaling point in accordance with the content of state change of the ASP-related signaling point. However, the use of a new message for notifying the state change of an ASP-related signaling point requires a greater modification to the existing network protocols, and thereby will result in an increased difficulty in implementation of the method according to the embodiments of the present invention. In consideration of this, the first implementation solution described above is more preferred. However, the protection scope of the present invention should not be limited unduly to the first implementation solution.
The method for reducing the service loss in interworking between an SS7 signaling network and the M3UA according to the embodiments of the present invention may be applied in the next generation network (NGN). In this application, when the SS7 signaling gateway implements the interworking between SS7 signaling service and M3UA, the information that a signaling point at M3UA ASP side in IP domain has a failure or becomes congested may be notified to the SS7 signaling network in time. Therefore, the loss in transmission of SS7 signaling services due to the state change of the relevant signaling points at M3UA ASP side may be reduced as far as possible, and thereby the demand in actual networking applications may be satisfied better. Furthermore, the method according to the embodiments of the present invention is implemented conforming to the protocol standards, thereby may further meet the demand in the SS7 networking applications and improve the reliability of the SS7 signaling network.
While the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to some preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these. Various variations and modifications recognized readily by those skilled in the art should be covered within the scope of the present invention as defined by the accompanying claims. | The invention discloses a method for reducing service loss in interworking between SS7 signaling network and M3UA. In the method, when state of an M3UA ASP-related signaling point changes, the SS7 signaling network may be notified by using messages defined in existing protocols or other messages. Thus, when performing service interworking with M3UA, the SS7 signaling network determines whether service interaction may be performed with M3UA in accordance with the state of current ASP-related signaling point. If the current ASP-related signaling point is unavailable, the SS7 signaling network will not perform service interaction. As a result, the service loss in interworking between SS7 signaling network and M3UA may be reduced without any affect on the normal service interworking between SS7 signaling network and M3UA. In addition, the method may conform to existing protocol standards, and implemented in a simple and easy way. | 25,947 |
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a mechanism for furling a jib; and it is particularly suited for furling the jib of a catamaran sailboat.
In a catamaran sailboat of the type having separate hulls joined by a trampoline, and provided with a jib sail, the forward portion of the foot of the jib is held by a pair of bridle wires forming an inverted V and connecting the forward portion of the foot of the jib respectively to the forward portions of the hulls. In this type of structure, if it is desired to provide for furling of the jib, heretofore, the furling mechanism has been incorporated into the structure at a location between the bridle junction and the foot of the jib. This has the disadvantage of raising the front of the foot of the jib at least by a height of the furling mechanism.
Although the front of the foot of the jib may be raised only in the order of four-six inches, it nevertheless can have substantial effect on the power and control of the catamaran because effective sail area is lost at a location (along the foot of the jib) most critical to increasing power and control through the jib.
Because of the particular construction used in connecting the front of the foot of the jib to the hulls of the catamaran employing bridle wires, this "lost" effective sail area cannot be regained merely by lowering the bridle junction because as the bridle junction is lowered, an undue force is induced in the bridle wires when the jib is under sail, tending to pull the forward portions of the hulls toward each other. This not only places undue stress on the fittings, but performance and speed are reduced substantially if the hulls are not parallel to each other.
This problem, of course, is of much less consequence in the case of a mono hull sailboat, and mechanisms for furling and hoisting a jib are known in these boats, see for example U.S. Pat. No. 3,958,523.
In accordance with the present invention, the forestay is secured at its top to a halyard block by a first swivel. The top of the block is attached to a second swivel which, in turn, is secured to the mast by a wire. The luff of the jib is mounted to the forestay by means of a zippered sleeve or other means which permits it to be raised and lowered. A jib halyard extends from the head of the jib, over the block, and thence downwardly through the luff sleeve to permit the jib to be raised and lowered without detaching the forestay.
The bridle wires are joined by a link which is integral with and located above a housing for a roller furling mechanism. Thus, the link forms a structural element at the bridle junction for securing the bridle wires together, and it also serves to hold the furling mechanism beneath the bridle junction. A drum rotatably mounted in the housing telescopically receives a forestay adjuster secured to the bottom of the forestay for adjusting mast rake. Thus, the luff of the jib is permitted to extend to the bridle junction because the furling mechanism is located beneath the bridle wires. Further, the furling mechanism provides an integral structural element for joining the bridle wires as well as for connecting the jib. In addition, the jib may be raised and lowered without detaching the forestay, and the forestay may be adjusted in its attachment to the furling mechanism to adjust mast rake without affecting the vertical position of the jib.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment accompanied by the attached drawing wherein identical reference numerals will refer to like parts in the various views.
THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is an upper forward perspective view of a catamaran sailboat incorporating the present invention with the jib furled;
FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with the jib unfurled for use;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a housing assembly for the furling mechanism incorporated in the boat of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a housing assembly oF FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a vertical cross sectional view taken through the sight line 5--5 of the housing assembly of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the unfurled jib, together with the hoisting apparatus and furling mechanism, taken from the right side of the jib and to the rear of the bridle wires; and
FIGS. 7 and 8 are close-up perspective views of the furling mechanism with the jib respectively in the unfurled and furled positions, taken from approximately the same perspective as in FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring first to FIG. 1, a catamaran sailboat is generally designated by reference numeral 10; and it includes left and right hulls 11, 12 respectively. The hulls are joined together by a frame which includes a forward cross bar 13 and a rear cross bar 14 which are also adapted to support a trampoline for occupants of the boat.
A mast 16 is attached at the center of the forward cross bar 13, and a conventional boom 17 is secured to the mast 16. A mainsail 18 is attached to the mast 16 and the boom 17. Located forward of the mast 16 is a jib sail 20 (see in the unfurled or use position in FIG. 2).
As seen in FIG. 1, the jib 20 is furled about a forestay 21 which is connected between the upper portion of the mast 16 and a junction generally designated 22 between two bridle wires 23, 24. The lower ends of the bridle wires 23, 24 extend laterally and are secured by conventional means to the forward portions of the decks of the hulls 12, 11 respectively. Thus, the bridle wires form a general inverted-V shape. A furling mechanism generally designated by reference numeral 25 is located beneath the bridle junction 22.
Referring now to FIG. 6, the structure which permits mounting of the furling mechanism 25 beneath the bridle junction 22 is seen more clearly. It includes a housing assembly generally designated 27 and before describing the structure of the housing assembly 27 in detail, its principal functions will be discussed. One of the functions of the housing assembly 27 is to telescopically receive a forestay adjuster 29, which is secured by means of a pin 30 to a jaw 31 attached to the bottom of the forestay 21. The top of the forestay 21 is attached by a pin 33 to a first swivel connector 33A, the top of which is connected to the bottom of a jib halyard block 34. The top of the block 34 is connected by means of a pin 35 to a second swivel 36, the top of which is connected to the mast by means of a headstay 37.
The jib 20 has a leading edge or luff 38 which is provided with a zippered sleeve generally designated 39. The forestay 21 passes through the zippered sleeve 39 on the luff of the jib. The head of the jib, designated 40 is attached by means of a connector 41 to a jib halyard 42 which passes over the block 34 and is routed through the zippered sleeve 39. The jib is held in the raised position by tying the bottom, free end of the jib halyard about the jib tack shackle after the jib is raised. This is not illustrated in the drawing for clarity. The front of the foot of the jib 20 is provided with a grommet 44 through which a shackle 45 passes for securing the jib to the housing assembly 27, as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8.
Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a pin 46 passes through the shackle 45, and also through aligned apertures in the stay adjuster 29 and a pair of spaced tabs 48, 49 adapted to receive the stay adjuster 29.
Referring now to FIG. 5, the tabs 48, 49 are seen to be formed as flat extensions of a tubular element 50 extending through the center of the housing assembly 27 and adapted to telescopically receive the stay adjuster 29. Torque is transmitted to the forestay because the stay adjuster 29 is flat and received between the flat, spaced tabs 48, 49.
The tabs 48, 49 are provided with a first pair of aligned apertures 52 for receiving a pin 53 (see FIG. 8) in securing the housing assembly 27 to the stay adjuster 29. A second pair of similarly aligned apertures 54 receives the previously described pin 46.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, a solid yoke generally designated 56 includes a tubular neck 57 and integral side ears or dogs 58, 59. The yoke 56, by provision of the ears 58, 59 forms a solid link for joining the adjacent ends of the bridle wires 23, 24 which are pinned respectively to the ears 59, 58 through the apertures 59A and 58A.
A drum 60 is secured to the bottom of the tubular assembly 50 by means of a screw 61 which extends through an annular spacer 62 interposed between the tubular assembly 50 and the drum 60. A line 63 is wound around the drum and secured to it for turning it. Turning of the drum, of course turns the tubular assembly 50, the tabs 48, 49, the stay adjuster 29 and the forestay in unison. Referring now to FIG. 7, the line 63 extends through an elongated opening 64 in a housing element 65 with surrounds the drum 60.
As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the housing element 65 includes a raised ridge 66 which is held to the yoke 56 by means of a retainer ring 68 (FIG. 5). The raised ridge 66 is slotted on either side as at 70 and 71. These slots receive the ears or link elements of the yoke (see FIGS. 4 and 5), and thereby prevent rotation of the housing element 65 relative to the yoke 56.
The central opening of the yoke 56 is provided with a sleeve bearing 75; and a flanged liner 76 of low friction material such as nylon is interposed between the tube 50 and the bearing 75. A retainer ring 77 holds the tube 50 inside the yoke 56 and sleeve 75. An annular sleeve bearing 79 is also placed around the tube 50 beneath the liner 76 and immediately inward of the sleeve bearing. A thrust bearing 80 is interposed beteen the spacer 62 and the sleeve bearing 75.
OPERATION
With the mast in a generally upright position, the stay adjuster 29 is positioned relative to the housing assembly 27 to achieve a desired mast rake, and when this is achieved, the clevis pin 53 secures the stay adjuster to the tabs 48, 49 of the tubular assembly 50. The shackle 45 is then secured to the housing assembly and the stay adjuster 29 by means of the pin 46. This adjustment is ordinarily made on initial raising of the mast, and need be made thereafter only to adjust mast rake. The mast is secured and positioned by conventional shrouds secured to the hulls behind the forward cross bar.
To raise the jib, the jib halyard 42 is entrained over the pulley in the block 34 and pulled, thereby raising the head of the jib, and causing the sleeve 39 to slide upwardly along the forestay 21. The jib halyard is preferably routed through the zippered sleeve and tied to the shackle 45.
To furl the jib, the line 63 is pulled, thereby rotating the drum 60, tubular assembly 50 and the forestay 21, as described above. As the jib is furled, the forestay 21 has a tendency to twist under the torque applied in furling because it is a wire. Hence, the top of the forestay will lag the motion of the bottom, and the swivel 33A is considered an important feature because it permits the forestay to twist along its length independently of the jib luff and the jib halyard block 34 which is twisted under action of the head of the jib. The halyard block may also twist independently of the headstay 37 due to the swivel 36. The jib is unfurled by means of a jib sheet line and block connected to the tack of the jib.
It will thus be appreciated that the forward portion of the foot of the jib is connected to the mainstay immediately adjacent the bridle junction (see FIGS. 7 and 8). This is facilitated by placing the furling mechanism beneath the bridle junction, and by providing an integral link (comprising the yoke 56 and ears 58, 59) joining the bridle wires. At the same time, the housing assembly includes a central opening for telescopically receiving a stay adjuster to vary mast rake.
Having thus described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention, persons skilled in the art will be able to modify certain of the structure which has been illustrated and to substitute equivalent elements for those disclosed while continuing to practice the principle of the invention; and it is, therefore, intended that all such modifications and substitutions be covered as they are embraced within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. | The jib furling mechanism is located beneath the junction of the bridle wires which hold the forestay to permit the forward portion of the foot of the jib to extend to the bridle junction and increase jib area. The bridle wires are joined by a structural link integrally formed with the housing for the furling mechanism. This housing telescopically receives a forestay adjuster for adjusting mast rake. The jib may be lowered without removing the forestay, or it may be furled about the forestay using the furling mechanism. | 12,563 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This patent application is the U.S. national stage of International Patent Application No. PCT/AU2010/001504, filed Nov. 11, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/260,253, filed Nov. 11, 2009, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD
THIS INVENTION relates to syringes. More particularly, this invention relates to a retractable syringe that includes a replaceable, retractable needle and a plunger capable of engaging the replaceable, retractable needle to facilitate retraction of the needle.
BACKGROUND
The practice of sharing syringes without adequate sterilization between successive users is a major contributor to the transfer of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C with subsequent severe repercussions for the sufferer and at a high cost to society for supporting and providing medical attention to sufferers. Further problems arise for health professionals administering medicines to infected individuals, where accidental needle stick injury by a used syringe can lead to infection.
In response to this problem, syringes have been developed which provide a needle sheathing mechanism and/or a needle retraction mechanism to prevent re-use and/or needle stick injury.
However, many such syringes have fixed needles or highly specialized needle assemblies that are not amenable to replacing needles which have been bent or burred or for allowing a user to select alternative needle sizes for filling and injection.
SUMMARY
The invention is therefore, at least in part, broadly directed to a replaceable needle assembly for a retractable syringe, whereby a retractable needle can be replaced by a user without affecting the retraction mechanism.
The invention is also broadly directed to a barrel suitable for mounting the replaceable needle assembly.
The invention further provides an improved plunger comprising a plunger seal that improves the efficiency of fluid delivery from a retractable syringe.
In a first aspect, the invention provides a replaceable needle assembly for a retractable syringe comprising a plunger and a barrel, said replaceable needle assembly comprising: a mounting member removably mountable to the barrel; a retractable needle mount removably mounted to the mounting member and engageable by said plunger; and a needle mounted to the needle mount.
In one embodiment the mounting member comprises a female member which receives a male member of said barrel.
Preferably, the mounting member comprises a screw-thread which receives a complementary screw thread of said barrel.
In a second aspect, the invention provides a barrel for a retractable syringe to which is removably mountable a replaceable needle assembly.
In one embodiment, said barrel comprises a male member receivable by a female member of said replaceable needle assembly.
Preferably, said barrel comprises a screw thread receivable by a complementary screw thread of the replaceable needle assembly.
In one embodiment, the barrel further comprises a needle mount retainer.
Preferably, the releasing member comprises fingers that retain said needle mount until retraction. In one particular embodiment, said fingers are movable radially outwardly to release said needle mount for retraction.
In one embodiment, the barrel further comprises a seal.
In one embodiment, the barrel further comprises a releasing member.
In a third aspect, the invention provides a plunger for a retractable syringe, said plunger comprising: a biasing means; a plunger inner; a plunger outer; and a collapsible seal mounted to the plunger inner; wherein the plunger inner and plunger outer co-operate to maintain said biasing means in an initially energized state prior to retraction.
Preferably, said plunger inner comprises a means for engaging a retractable needle mount of said replaceable needle assembly. More preferably, a needle is mounted to the retractable needle mount.
In a particular embodiment, said means for engaging the retractable needle mount comprises one or more barbed arms.
In a preferred embodiment, the plunger inner further comprises a trigger which initially engages said plunger outer to retain said biasing means in an initially energized state prior to retraction. Preferably, disengagement of said trigger from said plunger outer facilitates release of energy from said biasing means which facilitates retraction of said needle mount when coupled to said plunger inner.
Suitably, said biasing member is any device which can store energy in a releasable form, such as a spring, elastic or the like.
Preferably, said biasing means is a spring.
In one embodiment, the collapsible seal comprises an internal hollow chamber.
In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a retractable syringe kit comprising the barrel of the second aspect and the plunger of the third aspect in combination; and a plurality of replaceable needle assemblies according to the first aspect.
In one embodiment of the retractable syringe kit, the plurality of replaceable needle assemblies respectively comprise a 0.5 inch needle, a 1.0 inch needle and a 1.5 inch needle.
In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a retractable syringe comprising: the replaceable needle assembly of the first aspect removably mounted to the barrel of the second aspect; and/or the plunger of the third aspect.
In one embodiment, the retractable syringe further comprises a lock formed between said plunger outer and said barrel which prevents or hinders removal of the plunger outer from the barrel after retraction of the retractable needle mount.
In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a method of operating a retractable syringe including the step of removably mounting a replaceable needle assembly to a barrel of a retractable syringe after filling the barrel with fluid contents for subsequent delivery.
In one embodiment, the method includes the step of screw-threadedly mounting the replaceable needle assembly to the barrel.
Throughout this specification, unless otherwise indicated, “comprise”, “comprises” and “comprising” are used inclusively rather than exclusively, so that a stated integer or group of integers may include one or more other non-stated integers or groups of integers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Non-limiting embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the following drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a retractable syringe;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a plunger;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a replaceable needle assembly mounted on a barrel;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a retractable syringe during filling with fluid contents;
FIG. 5A is a sectional view of an embodiment of a barrel after filling with fluid contents and after removal of a replaceable needle assembly; and FIG. 5B is a sectional view showing the same embodiment where the replaceable needle assembly has been replaced by another replaceable needle assembly mounted to the barrel mounting member;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a plunger inner engaging a needle mount prior to needle retraction;
FIG. 7 is shows an embodiment of a retractable syringe lock formed between plunger outer and barrel and release of plunger inner from plunger outer;
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a plunger outer comprising hooked teeth and FIG. 8B is a sectional view of an embodiment of a retractable syringe during needle retraction;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a retractable syringe; and
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a plunger.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIG. 1 , an embodiment of syringe 10 comprises barrel 11 and plunger 20 having plunger inner 50 and plunger outer 21 . Plunger seal 80 is mounted to plunger inner 50 . Plunger 20 is slidably, axially moveable within barrel 11 with plunger seal 80 forming a fluid-tight seal against inside wall 18 of barrel 11 and against plunger inner 50 . Replaceable needle assembly 30 comprises needle 31 that comprises cannula 32 and needle body 33 mounted to retractable needle mount 34 and mounting member 40 . Barrel 11 comprises plunger end 12 at which is located releasing member 13 , locking pawls 17 A, 17 B and finger grips 14 A, 14 B. Barrel 11 also comprises mounting portion 105 comprising “male” screw thread 1051 at needle end 15 onto which can be mounted complementary “female” screw thread 41 of mounting member 40 of replaceable needle assembly 30 . It will also be appreciated that this male-female orientation may be reversed. Barrel seal 42 is also mounted at needle end 15 of barrel 11 to provide a seal between mounting member 40 and barrel 11 . Barrel 11 further comprises needle mount retainer 60 at needle end 15 and fluid space 19 . Needle cover 95 is also shown, which is removed in use.
Referring now to FIG. 2 , plunger 20 comprises plunger outer 21 comprising body 22 , inner shoulder 23 and flange 24 having inner lip 25 , rim 26 and button recess 27 . Plunger inner 50 further comprises needle mount-engaging portion 51 that comprises needle mount release in the form of head 52 and arms 53 A, 53 B that respectively comprise barbs 54 A, 54 B. Plunger inner 50 further comprises abutment 55 , inner ledge 56 , button 57 operable by a user and trigger 58 comprising notch 59 . Initially, notch 59 of trigger 58 engages inner lip 25 of plunger outer 21 to retain spring 70 in an initially compressed state, compressed between inner shoulder 23 of plunger outer 21 and inner ledge 56 of plunger inner 50 . In this context, “initially compressed” means that spring 70 is compressed (i.e. energized) prior to use of retractable syringe 10 .
Plunger seal 80 is mounted to plunger inner 50 and located between head 52 and abutment 55 . Plunger seal 80 is collapsible or otherwise compressible or axially deformable by way of internally-located hollow chamber 81 and further comprises sealing ribs 82 A, 82 B which seals against inside wall 18 of barrel to prevent fluid leaking from fluid space 19 .
As shown in FIG. 3 , replaceable needle assembly 30 comprises needle 31 that comprises cannula 32 and needle body 33 mounted to retractable needle mount 34 comprising annular base 35 . Cannula 32 is glued to, or co-moulded with, needle body 33 . Needle body 33 is glued to, interference fitted into, or co-moulded with, retractable needle mount 34 . Needle mount retainer 60 comprises bore 61 and fingers 62 A, 62 B that bear against annular base 35 of needle mount 34 to prevent inadvertent axial movement of needle 31 and retractable needle mount 34 toward plunger end 12 of barrel 11 . This could occur, for example, when a user applies a force to cannula 32 such as when piercing skin during injection.
Referring now to FIG. 4 , fluid space 19 of barrel 11 is filled with fluid contents by a user by moving plunger 20 axially away from needle end 15 of barrel 11 . Optionally, particularly in the case of viscous fluid, the user may choose to fill barrel 11 using needle 31 having a larger cannula 32 and then replace needle 31 with a needle 31 having a smaller cannula 32 for injection. As is evident in FIGS. 5A and 5B , replaceable needle assembly 30 may be unscrewed from barrel 11 and another needle assembly 30 (e.g. with a needle 31 having a smaller cannula 32 or to replace a bent or burred cannula 32 ) screwed onto barrel 11 , as indicated by the curved arrow in FIG. 5A .
Referring to FIG. 6 , to deliver fluid contents of syringe 10 , plunger 20 is moved axially by the user in the direction of the hatched arrow toward needle end 15 of barrel 11 . Towards the end of plunger 20 depression, collapsible seal 80 “bottoms out”, but continued movement of plunger 20 in the direction of the hatched arrow in FIG. 6 is allowed by compression of seal 80 . This continued axial movement of plunger 20 and collapsible seal 80 facilitates “squeezing out” remaining fluid to thereby assist delivery of the last remaining fluid contents of syringe 10 . As evident in FIG. 6 , this continued axial movement of plunger 20 allows arms 53 A, 53 B of needle mount engaging portion 51 to enter bore 61 in needle retainer 60 , followed by head 52 , until barbs 54 A, 54 B engage base rim 35 of needle mount 34 . Head 52 acts to move fingers 62 A, 62 B of needle mount retainer 60 radially outwardly in the direction of the solid arrows in FIG. 6 out of contact with annular base 35 of retractable needle mount 34 , thereby forming an unobstructed passageway in bore 61 of retainer 60 , through which retractable needle mount 34 can be retracted.
Reference is now made to FIG. 7 , FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B . At the end of plunger 20 depression to deliver fluid contents of syringe 10 when needle mount engaging portion 51 of plunger inner 50 and needle mount 34 are coupled, a releasing member in the form of release ring 13 bears against trigger 58 of plunger inner 50 , thereby moving trigger 58 radially inwardly in the direction of the solid arrow in FIG. 7 . This disengages notch 59 from inner lip 25 of plunger outer 21 , which thereby triggers release of plunger inner 50 from plunger outer 21 and allowing compressed spring 70 to decompress and forcibly bear against inner ledge 56 of plunger inner 50 to thereby retract plunger inner 50 and needle mount 34 coupled to needle mount engaging portion 51 of plunger inner 50 . As best seen in FIG. 8A , plunger outer 21 comprises one or more locking elements in the form of hooked teeth 28 A, 28 B in underside of flange 24 . As best seen in FIG. 8B , at the end of plunger 20 depression and before plunger inner 50 retraction, hooked teeth 28 A, 28 B of plunger outer 21 form lock 90 with one or more locking elements 17 of barrel 11 , in the form of locking pawls 17 A, 17 B located at plunger end 12 of barrel 11 , to thereby prevent withdrawal of plunger outer 21 from barrel 11 . This also effectively prevents removal of plunger inner 50 . In this regard, axial travel of retracting plunger inner 50 is limited by seal 80 bearing against locked plunger outer 21 , so that plunger inner 50 and decompressed spring 70 cannot be removed from barrel 11 .
As also shown in FIG. 8B , following retraction of plunger inner 50 , needle mount 34 , needle body 33 and cannula 32 are retracted into barrel 11 while retainer 60 , mounting member 40 and barrel seal 42 remain at needle end 15 of barrel 11 .
It will be appreciated from the foregoing that syringe 10 is arranged so that disengagement of plunger inner 50 from plunger outer 21 to allow decompression of spring 70 occurs only when fluid contents have been delivered and after needle mount engaging means 51 and needle mount 34 are coupled. This prevents inadvertent triggering of the retraction mechanism and ensures that needle mount 34 and needle 31 mounted thereto are retracted when the retraction mechanism is triggered.
The embodiment described in FIGS. 1-8 is particularly suited to a 3 mL or 5 mL capacity syringe 10 .
Reference is now made to FIGS. 9 and 10 which describe a related embodiment particularly suited to a 1 mL capacity syringe 110 comprising barrel 111 and plunger 120 having plunger inner 150 and plunger outer 121 . Plunger seal 180 is mounted to plunger inner 150 . Replaceable needle assembly 130 comprises needle 131 that comprises cannula 132 and needle body 133 mounted to retractable needle mount 134 and mounting member 140 . Barrel 111 comprises plunger end 112 which comprises flared portion 900 which accommodates body 122 of plunger outer 121 and comprises inner waist 901 that limits axial travel of plunger 120 when delivering fluid contents of syringe 110 . Plunger end 112 of barrel further comprises releasing member 113 , locking pawls 117 A, 117 B and finger grips 114 A, 114 B.
Barrel 111 also comprises mounting portion 1105 comprising “male” screw thread 11051 at needle end 115 onto which can be mounted complementary “female” screw thread 141 of mounting member 140 . Seal 142 is also mounted at needle end 115 of barrel 111 to provide a fluid-tight seal between mounting member 140 and barrel 111 . Barrel further comprises needle mount retainer 160 at needle end 115 . Needle cover 195 is also shown, which is removed in use.
Referring particularly to FIG. 10 , plunger 120 comprises plunger outer 121 comprising body 122 , inner shoulder 123 and flange 124 having inner lip 125 , rim 126 and button recess 127 . Plunger inner 150 further comprises needle mount engaging portion 151 that comprises head 152 and arms 153 A, 153 B that respectively comprise barbs 154 A, 154 B. Plunger inner 150 further comprises abutment 155 , inner ledge 156 , button 157 operable by a user and trigger 158 comprising notch 159 . Initially, notch 159 of trigger 158 engages inner lip 125 of plunger outer 121 to retain spring 170 in an initially compressed state, compressed between inner shoulder 123 of plunger outer 121 and inner ledge 156 of plunger inner 150 .
Plunger seal 180 is mounted to plunger inner 150 and is located between head 152 and abutment 155 . Plunger seal 180 is collapsible or otherwise compressible or axially deformable by way of internally-located hollow chamber 181 and further comprises sealing ribs 182 A, 182 B which seal against inside wall 118 of barrel to prevent fluid leaking from fluid space 119 of barrel 111 . Seal 180 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is relatively elongate in structure compared to seal 80 shown in FIGS. 1-8 given the relatively narrower internal diameter of barrel 111 of 1 mL syringe.
Needle mount 134 engagement and retraction by plunger inner 150 is essentially as described for the syringe 10 embodiment described in FIGS. 1-8 . Similarly, lockdown of plunger outer 121 onto barrel 111 is also as described in FIGS. 1-8 . Although not shown in FIG. 9 or 10 , hooked teeth 128 A, 128 B of plunger outer 121 form lock 190 with locking pawls 117 A, 117 B located at plunger end 112 of barrel 111 , to thereby prevent withdrawal of plunger outer 121 from barrel 111 .
In light of the foregoing it will be appreciated that the present invention provides a relatively simple, robust and inexpensive syringe that is automatically disabled with little or no assistance from the user to thereby prevent, or at least minimize the likelihood of, re-use of the syringe or needle-stick injury to the user.
Furthermore, the replaceable needle assembly allows a user to select a needle of appropriate size of gauge or needle length and/or to replace a needle that becomes bent or burred. Another advantage of the retractable syringe described herein is that it can accommodate and fully encapsulate on retraction, needles of varying length up to 1.5 inches (˜3.8 cm) in length, thereby providing great flexibility to the user.
It will also be appreciated that the collapsible plunger seal improves the efficiency of fluid delivery from the retractable syringe.
Throughout the specification, the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described and illustrated without departing from the present invention.
The disclosure of each patent and scientific document, computer program and algorithm referred to in this specification is incorporated by reference in its entirety. | A replaceable needle assembly is provided for a retractable syringe comprising a barrel and a plunger, whereby the retractable needle can be replaced by a user without affecting the retraction mechanism. A mounting member is removably mountable to the barrel by way of a screw-thread connection and a needle mount is removably coupled to the mounting member. A needle is mounted to the needle mount. The barrel comprises a needle mount retainer that comprises a plurality of fingers that engage the retractable needle mount to prevent inadvertent retraction. The plunger comprises a collapsible seal which maximizes the efficiency of fluid delivery prior to the plunger engaging the retractable needle mount for retraction. An initially compressed spring decompresses to drive retraction of the plunger and the engaged needle mount. A lock formed between the plunger and barrel prevents further use of the plunger after retraction. | 20,522 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to animal care, and more particularly to containers for litter for receiving the waste of household pets.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
Litter boxes are well known to urban pet owners, and in particular cat owners. Litter boxes typically contain a granular adsorbent material for adsorbing pet waste and the accompanying odors. Often an open box is used, with the result that odor control is at best only partially effective, whatever the specific material used as an adsorbent. Animals are apt to scatter soiled litter and waste from open boxes when entering or leaving the boxes, and by instinctively "digging" into the adsorbent.
The animal waste itself represents a potential health hazard to the pet owner and others, and especially to pregnant women.
Closed boxes large enough to accommodate household pets such as cats can be difficult and uneconomical to manufacture, store and ship. On the other hand there is a need for an easy to use enclosed container for pet litter which can reduce the potential health hazards associated with contact with the animal waste, and which can be readily disposed of after use. Numerous attempts have been made to address the problem. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,581,977, 4,711,198, 4,782,788, 4,846,103, and 4,940,016 each provide collapsible, disposable litter boxes. However, each of these has significant shortcomings. For example, the litter box shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,016 requires multiple tabs between sides and portions of the top of the container to be engaged when the container is opened, and disengaged when the container is closed prior to being discarded. This can be time-consuming and potentially very frustrating. Similarly, the box shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,103 requires several steps to set up or take down. The box shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,198 appears very easy to set up and take down, but provides only limited room for the animal inside the box, given the amount of floor space it requires. The boxes of U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,581,977 and 4,782,788 are each only partially enclosed. There is a continuing need for an easy-to-use disposable litter container, which protects against exposure to soiled litter and the dust associated with it.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an extensible disposable litter container for receiving the waste of household pets, such as cats. The container is extensible from a closed position to an open position, and includes a rectangular tray having a floor and opposing sides and ends for containing litter material, as well as a rectangular cover member having opposing sides and ends. The cover member has a handle which is releasably attached to the tray when the container is in the closed position. In addition, the cover member has at least one vent communicating with the atmosphere for equalizing pressure inside and outside the container when the container is opened or closed. A generally cylindrical, collapsible wall extends between the rectangular tray and the cover member and encloses the interior of the container. The wall has a door formed therein for entry and egress of household pets. The container also includes at least one spring means extending between the tray and the cover member. The spring means is compressed when the container is in the closed position, and extends between the cover member from the tray when the cover member is released from the tray and the container assumes the open position. Preferable, the door is preformed in the wall by a plurality of perforations, and the pet owner tears open the door along the perforations after opening the container. The door is preferably provided with resealable adhesive for affixing the door to the container to hold the door either open or closed. Preferably, the container also includes detent means for releasably attaching the cover member to the tray when the container is in the closed position, so that the container can be closed and sealed when the litter inside is no longer effectively adsorbing the animal waste or its odor, and the used container easily disposed of.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a first embodiment of the container of the present invention shown in a closed position.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the container of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 shown in an open position.
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of the container of the present invention shown in an open position.
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a third embodiment of the container of the present invention shown in an open position.
FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the container of FIG. 5 shown in an open position with its door open.
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary isometric view of the container of FIG. 1 showing a detent for sealing the closed container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements in each of the several views, reference is first made to FIG. 1, wherein a container 10 according to the present invention is shown in a front elevational view in a closed position The container 10 is preferably shipped to the consumer encased in a flexible packaging material such as cellophane or the like (not shown), which is removed by the consumer prior to use.
The container 10 includes a rectangular lower tray 12 containing an adsorbent litter material such as clay (not shown) and a rectangular cover member or cover 14. A pair of paper seals 15 adhere to the sides of both the tray 12 and the cover 14 during shipment. These are broken by the consumer after the container 10 is removed from its packaging.
The rectangular tray 12 can be about twelve inches by sixteen inches, and deep enough to contain about two inches of litter material. The rectangular cover 14 has a pair of opposed sides 16, a pair of opposed ends 20 and a top 24 from which extends a handle 26 for opening and carrying the container 10. After the container 10 is removed from the packaging and the seals 15 are broken, the consumer lifts on the handle 26 to pull the cover 14 away from the tray 12 to open the container 10.
A vent or air valve 28 is formed in the top 24 to permit air to enter the container 10 when it is opened and to escape when it is closed. The vent 28 can simply be a hole cut in the top 24 of the cover 14; however, a one-way valve responsive to a pressure difference between the interior of the container 10 and the atmosphere is preferably employed. A filter 22 formed from a circle of fiberous filter material adhered to the underside of the cover 14 over the vent 28 restrict litter dust from being forced out the vent 28 when the container 10 is closed.
The rectangular lower tray 12 has pairs of opposed sides 30 and ends 32 and a floor 34, and is sized to fit within the cover 14 when the container 10 is closed. The sides 30 of the tray 12 have a plurality of detents 36 formed therein for securing the cover 14 to the tray 12 when the container 10 is closed after the litter material has become soiled. The sides 16 of the cover 14 include a plurality of cutouts 38, each for receiving a corresponding detent 36. As shown in the plan view of FIG. 2, under the top 24 of the cover 14 there are a pair of helical spring means or springs 40 extending from the underside of the top 24 of the cover 14 to the floor 34 of the tray 12. When the container 10 is closed, these springs 40 are compressed. However, as soon as the seals 15 are broken, the springs 40 bias the container 10 to an open position, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 3. The handle 26 can be simply cut from the top 24 of the cover 14, as shown in FIG. 2, with the handle 26 being bent upward (as shown in FIG. 1) just prior to initially opening the container 10.
As seen in FIG. 3, a generally cylindrical, collapsible wall 42 extends between the tray 12 and the cover 14, enclosing the interior of the container 10 when the container is in the open position. The wall 42 has perforations 44 extending in a pair of generally parallel vertical lines in a portion of the wall 42 extending between corresponding ends 20, 32 of the cover 14 and tray 12 respectively, the vertical lines being connected by a horizontal line of perforations positioned proximate the end 32 of the tray 12. A tab 48 is permanently affixed to the wall 42 within the perforations 44, and releasably affixed with a resealable adhesive to the end 32 of the tray 12. To open the container 10 to permit an animal to enter, the tab 48 is firmly grasped and lifted upward to tear the perforations 44 to form a door 46 in the wall 42. The tab 48 has resealable adhesive on both its inside and outside surfaces, permitting the door 46 to be fastened in a open position by lifting the door 46 up and back over the top 24 of the cover 14 and adhering the tab 48 to the cover 14 (not shown). If desired, the perforations can be arranged so that the door opens to the side (not shown). Alternatively, a hook or latch can be can by substituted for the tab 48 so that the door 46 can be secured in an open or closed position (not shown).
To close the container 10 prior to disposal after the litter within it has been soiled, the tab 48 is lifted from the cover 14, and the door 46 is closed and the tab 48 is reattached to the tray 12. The cover 14 is then simply pushed down, compressing the springs 40, until the detents 36 engage their corresponding cutouts 38, the collapsing wall 42 being guided inward away from the detents 36.
The tray 12 and cover 14 are preferably formed from a lightweight, rigid material such as cardboard or a rigid plastic material, while the wall 42 of the container shown in FIGS. 1-3 is preferably formed from flexible plastic film stock. If cardboard is used to form the tray 12, it is preferably treated with a moisture barrier-forming substance such as a wax coating, or lined with a moisture-impervious plastic sheet, so that moisture is retained within the container 10. Alternatively, the wall 42 is closed at its bottom. The wall 42 is secured to the cover 14 and the tray 12 by conventional means, such as by an adhesive, by ultrasonic welding, or the like.
FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention. The container 50 has a door 56 formed in wall 42 between corresponding sides 16, 30 of the cover 14 and tray 12 respectively. In this case, the door 56 is bounded by an arc of perforations 54 and set in the upper two-thirds of the wall 42, and the additional height of the door 56 above the tray 12 reduces the amount of litter 58 which is scattered out of the container 50 by an animal using the container 50.
A third embodiment of the container of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5. In this case, the container 60 has a wall 62 formed with a plurality of concertina pleats or folds 64 and from a semi-rigid plastic material. The rigidity of the wall 62 opposes compression, and wall 62 itself serves as a biasing or spring means to push the container 60 and keep the container 60 in an open position when the detents 36 have been released. Accordingly, there is no need for internal springs to accomplish this function in this version of the container. The container 60 has a door 66 formed in wall 62 and having a tab 68 releasably and resealably securing the door 66 to one of the sides 30 of the tray 12. The tab 68 has a piece of release paper 70 covering a pad of adhesive material adhered to the outside surface of the tab 68. When the door 66 is opened, such as shown in FIG. 6, the release paper 70 is removed to permit the door to be bent back over the wall 62 and the cover 14 and secured to the cover 14 with the pad of adhesive material. After the litter 58 inside the container 60 has become soiled, the door 66 is closed, and the cover 14 is pressed down onto the tray 12 until the detents 36 engage the corresponding cutouts 38. The accordion-pleated wall 62 is compressed, with the folds 64 advantageously opposing the increased pressure within the container 60 as it is compressed, so that the no portions of the wall 62 become positioned between the detents 36 and the cutouts 38 as the container 60 is closed.
FIG. 6 is a expanded, fragmentary view of one of the interengaging detents 36 and cutouts 38 shown as the container is being closed.
Various modifications can be made in the details of the embodiments of the container of the present invention, all within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, the cover and the tray can be circular or elliptical in shape rather than being rectangular. Similarly, the litter can be packaged separately from the container, with the container being filled with litter only after it is opened up, thus reducing the shipping weight of the container. | An extensible disposable litter container receives the waste of household pets, such as cats. The container is extensible from a closed position to an open position, and includes a rectangular tray for litter, and a cover with a handle which is releasably attached to the tray when the container is closed. A collapsible, pleated wall with a door extends between the tray and the cover, the wall biasing the container open. Detents maiantain the container in a closed position after use. | 13,138 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application JP 2008-107308 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Apr. 16, 2008, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
Wireless networks have been getting attention as a system that frees people from traditional wired communication systems. Typically, the wireless networks adopt such wireless LAN standards as IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, and IEEE 802.1g. Wireless LANs enable flexible Internet connections that not only replace the existing wired LANs but also provide Internet access at such public facilities as hotels, airport lounges, train stations, and cafes. By offering such advantages, the wireless LANs have gained widespread acceptance already. It is becoming customary to install wireless LAN capabilities not only in information processing equipment such as personal computers (PCs) but also in CE (consumer electronics) appliances including digital cameras and music players.
Ordinarily, a single unit of equipment serving as a control station called an access point (AP) or a coordinator is set up within an area constituting a wireless LAN, the control station providing overall control on the network. The control station coordinates the access timings of a plurality of terminals on the network, allowing the terminals to operate in synchronized fashion.
Illustratively, NTT Communications Corporation in Japan is offering a public wireless LAN service called Hot Spot (registered trademark). This service permits users' communication terminals to connect with access points set up by Internet service providers in such places as hotels, airport lounges, train stations, and cafes. Thus connected, the terminals allow their users to make use of the Internet in a wireless broadband environment.
For example, a user on the road may use the public wireless LAN service to transmit the data of pictures that he or she took with a digital camera (or a digital camera-equipped mobile phone) to a desired destination or place an order with a printing establishment for having the picture data printed on photographic paper. An imaging apparatus has been proposed (e.g., see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-289619, hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) which allows the user to prepare order information while not communicating with any wireless LAN communication apparatus and to send desired picture data and the prepared order information to a printing establishment when subsequently moving into a public wireless LAN service area. The proposed apparatus thus allows its user to place an order for picture printing in a steady communication state while the user is on the road.
Where a traditional wireless LAN communication setup is in effect, each communication terminal scans usable nearby networks for the network of a particular Internet service provider to which the terminal subscribes. The network of the ISP has a particular service set identifier (SSID) for identification purposes.
Illustratively, a group of wireless LAN operators called the “Wi-Fi Alliance” has worked out a user authentication program known as Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). This program is designed to facilitate the connection of wireless LAN devices to access points and the establishment of a security setup. As for WPS, see “Wi-Fi Protected Setup Specification (Version 10.h, December 2006)” for example. According to WPS, the apparatus for registering clients is called the registrar. At present, two kinds of methods are provided for authentication: a pushbutton method, and a PIN (personal identification number) code method. With the pushbutton method in effect, a dedicated pushbutton at an access point communicating with the registrar is to be pushed in conjunction with a similarly dedicated pushbutton on a client. The dual operations of the pushbuttons complete the security setup as per ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier) and WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2). Where the PIN code method is in use, on the other hand, each client is to have a previously assigned four-digit or eight-digit number registered with the registrar by way of an apparatus connected to the network of interest. According to the latter method, the client is connected to an access point where the ESSID and WPA2 setups are in effect.
The Wi-Fi Alliance has additionally worked out a so-called NFC (Near Field Communication) setup method whereby a token or a card need only be brought close to suitable equipment for completing the connection setup. NFC is an RFID (radio frequency identification) communication standard for permitting two-way communications over very short distances (e.g., about 10 cm) using a radio wave at 13.56 MHz. As such, NFC was adopted as an international standard “ISO/IEC IS 18092” in December 2003. Today, NFC is utilized extensively in such applications as personal authentication and settlement of electronic payments.
Many of the above-mentioned public LAN services are available on a chargeable basis. This means that each user needs to follow predetermined steps to settle charges when subscribing to the service (i.e., follow the steps to settle the service charge) besides setting up the wireless LAN connection. When settling the service charge, the user generally needs to access the Web page of the selected Internet service provider and input necessary information (e.g., credit card number) or go to the provider's service counter to make payments directly.
FIG. 19 schematically shows a typical structure of a public wireless LAN service. The public wireless LAN environment includes access points and user terminals. Each access point is connected to the Internet service provider (ISP) in question via the network. Each user of the service needs to register beforehand at a service counter of the ISP or at one of its similar outposts and pay the charge. Some ISPs may require the user to establish connection with their wireless LANs before proceeding to follow the above-mentioned steps at their Web pages.
When starting to use the public wireless LAN service, the user thus needs to take a great deal of trouble to set up connection with the wireless LAN through WPS or similar authentication procedures in addition to separately settling the service charge as outlined above. Such bothersome chores can be a substantial impediment to the user's decision to subscribe to the wireless LAN service.
There has been proposed a wireless LAN system (e.g., see Patent Document 1) which, when offering a Hot Spot-based service, identifies clients using identification information such as MAC (media access control) addresses. Upon elapse of a predetermined time period, the proposed system gives a new password solely to each legitimate client for password alteration at short notice in order to prevent illicit access. However, the proposed wireless LAN system has no capabilities allowing user terminals to settle service charges. Each user must register at a counter of the ISP or at one of its similar outposts and settle the service charge beforehand.
Furthermore, there has been proposed a wireless LAN access system (e.g., see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-117488, hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 2) made up of user terminals, a plurality of authentication and billing agency servers, and public wireless LAN Hot Spots. The user terminals each contain a server selection section for selecting one of the authentication and billing agency servers, and a server authentication section for authenticating the selected authentication and billing agency server. Each of the authentication and billing servers includes an agency section for taking over user authentication and billing steps, and a user authentication section for authenticating the users attempting access. The public wireless LAN Hot Spots are capable of connecting the authentication and billing agency servers with the user terminals having successfully undergone both server authentication and user authentication. According to the proposed wireless LAN access system, each user terminal can access secure and extensive networks without resorting to a prepaid scheme. However, the user of each user terminal is apparently required to set up a wireless LAN connection to search for SSID while separately following predetermined steps to select the server. Related techniques are disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-260518.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure relates to a communication system and a communication apparatus for allowing a user terminal to connect with a wireless LAN (local area network) service after completing the steps to gain access to an access point of that service. More particularly, the invention relates to a communication system and a communication apparatus for allowing the user terminal to connect with a wireless LAN service offered at public facilities after completing the steps to settle the charge of the service in question.
The present disclosure is in of the above circumstances and provides a communication system and a communication apparatus for allowing a user terminal to connect properly with a wireless LAN service after following predetermined steps to connect to an access point of that service.
The present disclosure also provides a communication system and a communication apparatus for enabling a user terminal to connect properly with a public wireless LAN service or the like offered at public facilities after following predetermined steps to settle the charge of the service.
The present disclosure further provides a communication system and a communication apparatus for allowing users utilizing a public wireless LAN service or the like to make a wireless LAN setup and to settle the charge of the service easily and securely.
According to one embodiment, there is provided a communication system including: a service terminal configured to have a wireless LAN access point capability and a proximity communication capability, the wireless LAN access point capability enabling the service terminal to act as a wireless LAN access point to be connected via a network to a service provider providing a network connection service on a chargeable basis, the service terminal thereby offering the chargeable network connection service; and a user terminal configured to have a wireless LAN terminal capability and a proximity communication capability, the wireless LAN terminal capability enabling the user terminal to connect with the wireless LAN access point, the user terminal further connecting to the network using the chargeable network connection service.
The term “system” in this specification refers to a logical configuration of a plurality of component devices or a plurality of functional modules for bringing about specific functions. Each of the devices or functional modules may or may not be housed in a single enclosure.
Recent years have witnessed widespread acceptance of public wireless LAN services that allow user terminals to connect to networks via access points set up at public facilities. These connections, however, demand the users to follow predetermined steps to settle the service charge in addition to separately performing the steps to set up a public wireless LAN connection with the service. These troublesome chores may well pose a substantial impediment to the user's decision to subscribe to the wireless LAN service.
The communication system of the present embodiment, by contrast, is suitable for public wireless LAN services and allows the user to make a wireless LAN setup and to settle the service charge securely and easily.
In an embodiment, the communication system includes a service terminal configured to have a wireless LAN access point capability and a proximity communication capability, the wireless LAN access point capability enabling the service terminal to act as a wireless LAN access point to be connected via a network to a service provider providing a network connection service on a chargeable basis, the service terminal thereby offering the chargeable network connection service. The communication system also includes a user terminal owned by a user and configured to have a wireless LAN terminal capability and a proximity communication capability, the wireless LAN terminal capability enabling the user terminal to connect with the wireless LAN access point, the user terminal further connecting to the network using the chargeable network connection service.
That is, the access point offering the chargeable network connection service has the proximity communication (NFC) capability to set up a wireless LAN connection in accordance with the WPS NFC scheme. The access point further allows the service charge to be settled on the network by use of NFC-based electronic money technology.
Preferably, upon authentication with WPS, identification information unique to the wireless LAN terminal capability of the user terminal and identification information of the user terminal for use in charge settlement may be used in combination as identification information of the user terminal. When the combined identification information is exchanged between the access point and the user terminal by use of secure NFC technology, it is possible for the user to minimize the dangers of suffering a man-in-the-middle attack or sustaining leaks of authentication information through WPS technology.
Preferably, upon completion of the wireless LAN connection setup in accordance with the WPS NFC scheme, the service terminal may send the identification information of the user terminal to the service provider. The service provider may receive the identification information of the user terminal and, upon completion of settlement of the service charge, may allow the user terminal to connect to the network within a time limit corresponding to the service charge having been settled.
Preferably, with the wireless LAN connection disconnected, the user terminal may send a connection request over a wireless LAN directly to the service terminal that has the previous wireless LAN connection setup stored therein, without following predetermined steps to set up the wireless LAN connection in accordance with the WPS NFC scheme.
In the case above, the service terminal may send the identification information of the user terminal to the service provider for inquiry. When the time limit corresponding to the service charge having been settled is found yet to expire, the service provider may allow the user terminal to connect to the network within the remaining time limit. If the time limit corresponding to the previously settled service charge is found to have expired, the service provider may allow the user terminal to connect to the network within the remaining time limit reflecting the service charge which is settled thereafter.
The present embodiment thus provides a communication system and a communication apparatus for allowing the user terminal to connect properly to a wireless LAN service after taking steps to connect to an access point of that service.
The present embodiment also provides a communication system and a communication apparatus for permitting the user terminal to connect properly to a public wireless LAN service offered at public facilities after taking steps to settle the service charge.
The present embodiment further provides a communication system and a communication apparatus for enabling the user intent on utilizing a public wireless LAN service to set up a wireless LAN connection and settle the service charge easily and securely.
The communication system of the present embodiment includes access points which provide a network connection service on a chargeable basis and which are each furnished with a proximity communication (NFC) capability to let service charges be settled over a network as outlined above. Each access point is capable of having a wireless LAN connection established according to the WPS NFC scheme. When the identification number unique to each wireless LAN terminal and the identification number for settlement of service charges by the terminal are combined for WPS-based authentication, it is possible for the user to minimize the dangers of suffering a man-in-the-middle attack or sustaining leaks of authentication information through WPS technology.
Implementation of the present embodiment only involve installing noncontact IC reader/writers additionally at the facilities where public wireless LAN services have been made available. The ease of reader/writer installation translates into appreciable savings in labor costs and in the cost of equipment.
Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Further advantages will become apparent upon a reading of the following description and appended drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a typical configuration of a public wireless LAN system in an embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a functional structure of a service terminal and a user terminal of the system in FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of steps performed by the user terminal to set up a wireless LAN connection with the service terminal and to settle the charge of the service therewith in the communication environment outlined in FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of steps performed by the service terminal to set up the wireless LAN connection with the user terminal and to settle the service charge therewith in the communication environment outlined in FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of steps performed by the Internet service provider in FIG. 1 to set up the wireless LAN connection and settle the service charge between the user terminal and the service terminal in the communication environment outlined in FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a typical screen that inquires of the user whether or not to start setting up a wireless LAN connection;
FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a typical screen displaying an error message telling the user that the attempt to set up the wireless LAN connection has failed;
FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a typical screen displaying an error message telling the user that the wireless LAN connection service is not available because of an insufficient balance;
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a typical screen which notifies the user of establishment of the wireless LAN connection and which inquires of the user whether or not to settle the service charge;
FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a typical screen displaying a message indicating that the service charge for the wireless LAN connection has been settled;
FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a typical screen displaying an error message indicating that the attempt to settle the service charge for the wireless LAN connection has failed;
FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a typical screen showing details of the wireless LAN connection service;
FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a typical screen displaying a message indicating that the wireless LAN connection is being set up;
FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a typical screen displaying a message indicating that the attempt to set up the wireless LAN connection has succeeded;
FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a typical screen displaying an error message indicating that the attempt to set up the wireless LAN connection has failed;
FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing how the user terminal, service terminal, and Internet service provider typically communicate with one another when the user terminal makes use of the wireless LAN service for the first time;
FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing how the user terminal, service terminal, and Internet service provider typically communicate with one another when the previously registered user terminal reconnects to the wireless LAN service after settling the service charge again (i.e., connection permitted within the remaining time limit);
FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing how the user terminal, service terminal, and Internet service provider typically communicate with one another when the previously registered user terminal reconnects to the wireless LAN service upon elapse of the remaining time limit; and
FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing a typical configuration of a traditional public wireless LAN service.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments will now be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 schematically shows a typical configuration of a public wireless LAN system practiced as one embodiment. In the public wireless LAN environment of FIG. 1 , an access point 11 and a user terminal 20 exist. The access point (AP) 11 is connected to an Internet service provider (ISP) 30 via a network. The difference of the configuration of FIG. 1 from that of FIG. 19 is that an NFC reader/writer (simply called the reader/writer hereunder) is connected to the access point 11 . Whereas the reader/writer 12 and access point 11 are typically interconnected by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, the connection may be accomplished by other suitable section for user convenience. In the ensuing description, the access point and the NFC reader/writer will be jointly referred to as the service terminal 10 . The service terminal 10 is installed at various public facilities to provide a public wireless LAN service to the user terminals 20 .
FIG. 2 shows a typical functional structure of the service terminal 10 and user terminal 20 . The service terminal 10 is made up of a storage section 13 that stores wireless LAN setup information as well as information necessary for settling service charges; a display section 14 that displays status of this terminal 10 ; a LAN block 15 that communicates with the ISP; a wireless LAN block 16 that functions as an access point communicating with the user terminal 20 ; the NFC reader/writer 12 ; and a control section 17 that controls these components.
The LAN block 15 is a functional module that complies illustratively with IEEE 802.3. The wireless LAN block 16 is a functional block illustratively compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n and functions as an access point. NFC setups come in three types by connection distance: contact type (0 to 2 mm in distance), proximity type (0 to 10 mm), and nearby type (0 to 70 mm). Depending on the type, the NFC reader/writer 12 complies with ISO/IEC 10536, ISO/IEC 14443, or ISO/IEC 15693.
The user terminal 20 is a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or a notebook PC incorporating wireless LAN and NFC capabilities. The user terminal 20 in FIG. 2 is constituted by a storage section 21 that stores electronic money information and wireless LAN setup information; a display/touch panel section 22 (or an alternative user interface) that accepts user input and displays input and terminal status; a wireless LAN block 23 and an NFC reader/writer block 24 equivalent to their counterparts in the service terminal 10 ; and a control section 25 that controls these components.
The wireless LAN block 25 is a functional module that complies illustratively with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n and functions as a communication terminal to be accommodated onto the network of access points. Depending on the type, the NFC reader/writer 24 complies with ISO/IEC 10536, ISO/IEC 14443, or ISO/IEC 15693 as with the NFC reader/writer 12 above.
The Internet service provider 30 is illustratively a host device networked with the service terminal 10 through a LAN interface. The ISP 30 may be constituted by a general-purpose computer and thus will not be discussed further.
In the example of FIG. 2 , the authentication program “Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)” provided by the Wi-Fi Alliance is used to set up a wireless LAN connection and security settings easily between the access point capability in the service terminal 10 and the user terminal 20 . WPS covers such authentication methods as the pushbutton method, PIN code method, NFC method, and USB method. While setting up the wireless LAN connection using a four-digit or eight-digit number (PIN code method), an eight-digit fixed number “00000000” (pushbutton method), or a randomly generated hexadecimal number (NFC and USB methods) of 16 to 32 bytes, these methods share the same authentication protocol called EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol)-WPS. With this embodiment, the service terminal 10 and user terminal 20 using their NFC capabilities carry out WPS-based authentication therebetween by resorting to the NFC method.
In the example of FIG. 2 , the proximity communication between the service terminal 10 and the user terminal 20 is assumed to be a passive communication between two reader/writers. However, this is not limitative of the present invention. Alternatively, the user terminal 20 may be constituted not by an NFC reader/writer but by a noncontact data carrier (transponder) that allows the NFC reader/writer of the service terminal 10 to write and read data thereto and therefrom.
Traditional public wireless LAN services have required the user to set up the wireless LAN connection through WPS authentication or the like and to settle service charges separately. By contrast, the public wireless LAN service according to this embodiment is designed to let the user set up the wireless LAN connection and settle the service charge easily and securely.
Both the service terminal 10 and the user terminal 20 have NFC communication capabilities. The two terminals serve to let the user settle the charge of the public wireless LAN service using electronic money technology established for NFC. There are two methods for settling the service charge: a network-based method whereby the charge is settled over a network such as a wireless LAN, and an NFC method whereby the charge is settled via a noncontact transmission channel based on NFC. While both settling methods are usable in the communication environment shown in FIG. 2 , the ensuing description will focus on how the service is operated through network-based charge settlement.
In this embodiment, the service terminal 10 and user terminal 20 using their NFC capabilities exchange authentication information therebetween in accordance with the WPS NFC scheme and enable the service charge to be settled by utilizing NFC-based electronic money technology. The service terminal 10 acting as an access point can thus associate the user terminal 20 connected via the wireless LAN with the user terminal 20 that settles the service charge. This feature makes it easy for the access point to manage the connected users. The identification information unique to an electronic money terminal is typically made up of eight-byte binary data. The identification information in hexadecimal may be expressed illustratively as “0102030405060708h.”
Many of the traditional public wireless LAN services utilize six-byte wireless LAN hardware addresses called MAC (media access control) addresses for connected user identification and utilization time limit management (e.g., see Patent Document 2). Likewise, the service terminal 10 of this embodiment may perform MAC address-based time limit management on the user terminal 20 which connected to the service terminal 10 via a wireless LAN and which has settled the service charge. Illustratively, the time limit management may be carried out using both the MAC address of the user terminal 20 and the terminal identification information of the user terminal 20 necessary for charge settlement in combination as the authentication information to be exchanged in accordance with the WPS NFC scheme.
Suppose that the MAC address is a six-byte hexadecimal number “112233445566” (simply called MAC hereunder) and that the electronic money identification information is an eight-byte hexadecimal number “0102030405060708h” (simply called EID hereunder). In that case, the identification information needed for the WPS NFC scheme can be made available by combining MAC and EID supplemented with two-byte data to constitute 16-byte data (MAC+EID+2 bytes), i.e., “11223344556601020304050607080000h.” According to the WPS specifications, the authentication information (Out of Band Device Password) to be exchanged in NFC must have a minimum length of 16 bytes. For this reason, MAC and EID are combined into 14-byte data (MAC+EID) which is further padded with two bytes (0000h) in order to make up 16-byte authentication information.
The combination 16-byte identification information constituted as described above may be exchanged between the service terminal 10 and the user terminal 20 using NFC-based proximity communication technology. This makes it possible for the user to minimize the dangers of suffering a man-in-the-middle attack or sustaining leaks of authentication information through WPS technology. As a result, when making use of a public wireless LAN service, the user can set up the wireless LAN connection and settle the service charge easily and securely.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of steps performed by the user terminal 20 to set up a wireless LAN connection with the service terminal 10 and to settle the service charge therewith in the communication environment outlined in FIGS. 1 and 2 . In practice, the steps in FIG. 3 are carried out by the control section 25 executing a suitable processing routine.
The processing routine is started illustratively when the user terminal 20 is turned on or when the user terminal 20 in operation is given the user's instruction (e.g., to start an application that makes use of a public wireless LAN service).
When the processing routine is started, step S 1 is repeated until detection is made of an NFC target device (e.g., a reader/write or a setup NFC card of a public wireless LAN service) or until the user terminal 20 is turned off or its relevant application is deactivated.
When the NFC target device is detected (“Yes” in step S 1 ), the user terminal 20 goes to step S 2 . In step S 2 , the user terminal 20 sends its own identification information to the detected service device through NFC communication and inquires of the user whether or not to start setting up a wireless LAN connection. The identification information is made up of 16-byte data (MAC+EID+2 bytes) as mentioned above. For inquiry, the display/touch panel section 22 is caused to display an inquiry screen such as one shown in FIG. 6 .
Through the inquiry screen of FIG. 6 , the user may enter “Yes” to give an instruction to start setting up the wireless LAN connection (i.e., “Yes” in step S 2 ). In that case, the user terminal 20 goes to step S 3 . In step S 3 , the user terminal 20 notifies the service terminal 10 acting as an access point that the user will start setting up the wireless LAN connection, and proceeds to make the wireless LAN connection setup in accordance with the WPS NFC scheme. If, through the inquiry screen of FIG. 6 , the user enters “No” to withhold the instruction to start setting up the wireless LAN connection, then the control section 25 skips all the remaining steps and brings the processing routine to an end.
Suppose that an attempt was made to set up the wireless LAN connection but failed (“No” in step S 4 ). In such a case, step S 12 is reached. In step S 12 , the display/touch panel section 22 is caused to display an error message indicating a failure of the attempt to set up the wireless LAN connection. The control section 25 then skips all the remaining steps and terminates the processing routine. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a typical screen displaying an error message telling the user that the attempt to set up the wireless LAN connection has failed.
When the attempt to set up the wireless LAN connection has succeeded (“Yes” in step S 4 ), step S 5 is reached. In step S 5 , the user terminal 20 notifies the user that the wireless LAN connection setup has been completed. Following the wireless LAN connection setting, also in step S 5 , the user terminal 20 of this embodiment receives service information through wireless LAN communication and checks to determine whether the balance of the remaining electronic money is sufficient to make use of the wireless LAN connection service. The service information typically specifies the service charge per utilization time unit (e.g., \500 for two hours of use, \2000 for 24 hours of use). The electronic money balance left in the storage section 22 of the user terminal 20 (of this user) is compared with the service charge of the selected utilization time.
If the electronic money balance in the user terminal 20 is insufficient for settling the service charge of any utilization time option (“Yes” in step S 6 ), then step S 12 is reached. In step S 12 , the display/touch panel section 22 is caused to display an error message (see FIG. 8 ) indicating that the wireless LAN connection service is not available because of an insufficient balance. The control section 25 then skips all the remaining steps and brings the processing routine to an end. Alternatively, in case of the insufficient balance, the wireless LAN service may not be denied immediately. Instead, the user may be prompted to recharge the user terminal 20 with electronic money before the balance is checked again to see if the service is available.
If the user terminal 20 is found to have a sufficient electronic money balance (“No” in step S 6 ), then step S 7 is reached and the user is asked to designate the service charge option. FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a typical screen which notifies the user of establishment of the wireless LAN connection and which inquires of the user whether or not to settle the service charge. The screen example of FIG. 9 presents the user with the buttons for three service charge options: \500 to be settled for two hours of use, \2000 for 24 hours of use, or cancellation of the wireless LAN connection service.
If the user selects the Cancel button on the selection screen in FIG. 9 , then the control section 25 skips all the remaining steps and terminates the processing routine.
When one of the buttons for setting service charges is selected on the selection screen in FIG. 9 , step S 9 is reached. In step S 9 , the selected service charge is settled by subtracting the amount from the electronic money balance left in the user terminal 20 . When settlement of the service charge is successfully completed (“Yes” in step S 10 ), step S 11 is reached. In step S 11 , the display/touch panel section 22 is caused to display a message such as one shown in FIG. 10 , indicating that the charge for the wireless LAN connection service has been settled. The control section 25 then brings the processing routine to an end. Thereafter, the user terminal 20 is allowed to access the network (i.e., Internet) via the service terminal 10 representing the public wireless LAN service during the utilization time period for which the charge was settled.
It might happen that the attempt to settle the service charge has failed because of the insufficient balance or other reasons (“No” in step S 10 ). If that is the case, the display/touch panel section 22 is caused to display an error message (see FIG. 11 ) indicating that the attempt to settle the charge for the wireless LAN connection setup has been unsuccessful. The control section 25 then terminates the processing routine. If the balance is found insufficient for the charge option corresponding to the selected button, either the option may be denied, or the user may be asked to recharge the user terminal 20 with electronic money before the balance is checked again to see if the service is available.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of steps performed by the service terminal 10 to set up the wireless LAN connection with the user terminal 20 and to settle the service charge therewith in the communication environment outlined in FIGS. 1 and 2 . In practice, the steps in FIG. 4 are carried out by the control section 17 executing a suitable processing routine.
The processing routine is started illustratively when the service terminal 10 is turned on. When the processing routine is started, step S 21 is repeated (“No” in step S 21 ) until detection is made of the user terminal 20 as an NFC target device. Illustratively, until the user terminal 20 is detected, the display section 14 may be caused to output a screen showing details of the wireless LAN connection service. FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a typical screen showing details of the wireless LAN connection service. The screen of the example in FIG. 12 gives a message prompting the user to hold his or her user terminal over the service terminal 10 along with indications saying that the charge is \500 for two hours of use of the wireless LAN connection service and \2000 for 24 hours of use.
When the target device is detected (“Yes” in step S 21 ), step S 22 is reached. In step S 22 , the service terminal 10 receives the identification information of the detected device (i.e., user terminal 20 ) through NFC communication. The identification information is made up of 16-byte data (MAC+EID+2 bytes) as mentioned above.
Also in step S 22 , the service terminal 10 is notified that the wireless LAN connection has been started (corresponding to step S 3 in FIG. 3 ) by the user terminal 20 . In turn, step S 23 is reached and the service terminal 10 starts a wireless LAN setup process. Illustratively during the process, the display section 14 may be caused to display a message such as one shown in FIG. 13 , on the screen saying that the setup process is currently underway.
When the wireless LAN connection with the user terminal 20 is successfully set up in step S 24 , the service terminal 10 causes the display section 14 to output on its screen a process complete message such as one shown in FIG. 14 . In step S 25 , the service terminal 10 notifies the Internet service provider 30 of the identification information from the user terminal 20 with which the connection has been set up. The control section 17 then brings the processing routine to an end. Thereafter, the user terminal 20 is allowed to access the network (i.e., Internet) via the service terminal 10 representing the public wireless LAN service during the utilization time period for which the charge was settled.
If the attempt to set up the wireless LAN connection with the user terminal 20 has failed, then the service terminal 10 causes the display section 14 to display on its screen an error message such as one shown in FIG. 15 , indicating that the attempt to establish the connection has been unsuccessful. The control section 17 then terminates the processing routine. Since the service terminal 10 needs to keep providing the service continuously, the terminal 10 again starts detecting an NFC target device immediately after termination of the processing routine.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of steps constituting a processing routine performed by the Internet service provider 30 to set up the wireless LAN connection and settle the service charge between the user terminal 20 and the service terminal 10 in the communication environment outlined in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
It is assumed that the Internet service provider 30 possesses a customer database for managing the identification information about the users subscribing to the wireless LAN connection service provided by this ISP. The identification information on each user is made up of 16-byte data (MAC+EID+2 bytes) as mentioned above.
The Internet service provider 30 starts the processing routine upon receipt from the service terminal 10 of the identification information about the user terminal 20 with which the wireless LAN connection setup has been completed.
In step S 31 , the Internet service provider 30 checks the customer database to determine whether the information about the customer (i.e., user terminal 20 ) as part of the received identification information is registered therein.
If the identification information of the user terminal 20 in question is found registered in the customer database (“Yes” in step S 32 ), then step S 33 is reached. In step S 33 , a check is made to determine if the service utilization time requested by the user terminal 20 falls within the time limit for which the service charge was settled. If the requested time period falls within the time period (“Yes” in step S 33 ), then step S 34 is reached. In step S 34 , the Internet service provider 30 notifies the service terminal 10 that the user terminal 20 in question is allowed to make use of the wireless LAN connection service. Thereafter, the user terminal 20 is allowed to access the network (i.e., Internet) via the service terminal 10 representing the public wireless LAN service during the utilization time period for which the charge was settled.
If the identification information of the user terminal 20 is not found registered in the customer database (“No” in step S 32 ) or if the service utilization time requested by the user terminal 20 exceeds the time limit for which the service charge was settled, then step S 35 is reached. In step S 35 (corresponding to step S 5 in FIG. 3 ), the Internet service provider 30 sends wireless LAN service information to the user terminal 20 via the service terminal 10 .
Through the charge settlement screen such as one shown in FIG. 9 , the user at the user terminal 20 may settle the service charge using an NFC electronic money capability (corresponding to step S 9 in FIG. 3 ). In that case, the Internet service provider 30 receives the service charge via the service terminal 10 in step S 36 . Upon receipt of the service charge, the Internet service provider 30 goes to step S 37 , settles the account of the user terminal 20 in question using the received charge, and updates the customer database so as to reflect the result of the settlement. In step S 38 , the Internet service provider 30 sends a settlement complete notice to the service terminal 10 . Thereafter, the user terminal 20 is allowed to access the network (i.e., Internet) via the service terminal 10 representing the public wireless LAN service during the utilization time period for which the charge was settled.
FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing how the user terminal 20 , service terminal (AP) 10 , and Internet service provider (ISP) 30 typically communicate with one another when the user terminal 20 makes use of the wireless LAN service for the first time. It is assumed that arrowed solid lines in FIG. 16 stand for wireless LAN communications and arrowed broken lines for NFC communications. Detailed communication steps involved in NFS authentication are standardized and well-known to those skilled in the art and are thus excluded from FIG. 16 for purpose of simplification.
The user terminal 20 intent on starting to use the wireless LAN connection service initially sends identification information including the MAC address and electronic money identification information (EID) of the terminal 20 to the service terminal 10 using the NFC capability. The user terminal 20 proceeds to start setting up the wireless LAN connection and inquires of the service terminal 10 about permission to start the connection. Then a wireless LAN connection setup process based on the WPS NFC scheme is carried out between the user terminal 20 and the service terminal 10 acting as an access point.
Upon completion of the WPS processing, the service terminal 10 notifies the user terminal 20 that the wireless LAN connection has been completed. At the same time, the service terminal 10 forwards the identification information received from the user terminal 20 to the Internet service provider 30 .
The Internet service provider 30 checks to determine whether the information on the user terminal 20 included in the received identification information is registered in the customer database. Following the check on customer registration, the Internet service provider 30 sends wireless LAN service information including a charge system of wireless LAN services (e.g., \500 for two hours of use, \2000 for 24 hours of use) to the user terminal 20 via the service terminal 10 .
Upon acquiring the service information, the user terminal 20 checks the balance of the electronic money currently left inside and inquires of the user about the preferred charge (i.e., utilization time) option of the wireless LAN service through the inquiry screen such as one shown in FIG. 9 . The user-selected service charge is then settled by subtracting the amount from the electronic money balance in the user terminal 20 . Information about the settled charge is sent to the Internet service provider 30 via the service terminal 10 .
The Internet service provider 30 settles the service charge regarding the user terminal 20 based on the received service charge information, and updates the customer database to reflect the result of the settlement. The Internet service provider 30 then sends a settlement complete notice and service use permission to the user terminal 20 via the service terminal 10 . Thereafter, the user terminal 20 is allowed to access the network (i.e., Internet) via the service terminal 10 representing the public wireless LAN service during the utilization time period for which the charge was settled.
FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing how the user terminal 20 , service terminal (AP) 10 , and Internet service provider (ISP) 30 typically communicate with one another when the previously registered user terminal 20 reconnects to the wireless LAN service after settling the service charge again (i.e., connection permitted within the remaining time limit). It is assumed that all arrowed solid lines in FIG. 17 stand for wireless LAN communications. Detailed communication steps involved in NFS authentication are standardized and well-known to those skilled in the art and are thus excluded from FIG. 17 for purpose of simplification.
The user terminal 20 may keep the wireless LAN connection setup with the service terminal 10 stored in the storage section 21 . If that is the case, the user terminal 20 sends a connection request directly to the service terminal 10 over the wireless LAN, not through the NFC capability (i.e., without going through the wireless LAN setup process based on the WPS NFC scheme).
Meanwhile, the service terminal 10 can acquire the identification information (MAC) of the user terminal 20 by use of a probe request frame sent from the user terminal 20 and in accordance with ARP (Address Resolution Protocol). In response to the request from the user terminal 20 for connection within the remaining time limit, the service terminal 10 sends to the Internet service provider 30 an inquiry about permission to use the connection service together with the MAC address of the user terminal 20 . The probe request is a frame which the terminal uses to carry out active scan for a network (i.e., access point) and which is defined by IEEE 802.11. ARP is a protocol under which a MAC address is obtained from a given IP (Internet protocol) address over a TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/Internet protocol) network.
The Internet service provider 30 checks to determine whether the received MAC address of the user terminal 20 is registered in the customer database. If the user terminal 20 is found registered in the customer database and if the service utilization time for which the charge was settled has yet to expire, then the Internet service provider 30 notifies the user terminal 20 of permission to use the connection service via the service terminal 10 .
In the manner described above, the user terminal 20 can make use of the network (i.e., Internet) via the service terminal 10 representing the public wireless LAN service within the remaining utilization time period for which the service charge was settled. If the user terminal 20 does not keep the wireless LAN connection setup with the service terminal 10 stored inside, then the user terminal 20 is required to establish a wireless LAN connection using WPS in accordance with the communication sequence shown in FIG. 16 .
FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing how the user terminal 20 , service terminal (AP) 10 , and Internet service provider (ISP) 30 typically communicate with one another when the previously registered user terminal 20 reconnects to the wireless LAN service upon elapse of the remaining time limit. It is assumed that all arrowed solid lines in FIG. 18 stand for wireless LAN communications. Detailed communication steps involved in NFS authentication are standardized and well-known to those skilled in the art and are thus excluded from FIG. 18 for purpose of simplification.
As in the communication sequence shown in FIG. 17 , the user terminal 20 may keep the wireless LAN connection setup with the service terminal 10 stored in the storage section 21 . If that is the case, the user terminal 20 sends a connection request directly to the service terminal 10 over the wireless LAN, not through the NFC capability (i.e., without going through the wireless LAN setup process based on the WPS NFC scheme). In turn, the service terminal 10 inquires of the Internet service provider 30 about the access right of the user terminal 20 as well as the identification information acquired from the user terminal 20 .
The Internet service provider 30 checks to determine whether the received MAC address of the user terminal 20 is registered in the customer database. If the user terminal 20 is found registered in the customer database, the Internet service provider 30 further checks to see if there remains any service utilization time period left for which the charge was settled.
It might happen that the user terminal 20 has exhausted the service utilization time allotted thereto. In that case, the Internet service provider 30 sends wireless LAN service information instead of the use permission notice to the user terminal 20 via the service terminal 10 .
Upon acquisition of the service information, the user terminal 20 checks the balance of the electronic money left inside. At the same time, through the inquiry screen such as one shown in FIG. 9 , the user terminal 20 inquires of the user about the preferred charge (i.e., utilization time) option of the wireless LAN service. The user-selected service charge is then settled by subtracting the amount from the electronic money balance in the user terminal 20 . Information about the settled charge is sent to the Internet service provider 30 via the service terminal 10 .
The Internet service provider 30 settles the service charge regarding the user terminal 20 based on the received service charge information, and updates the customer database to reflect the result of the settlement. The Internet service provider 30 then sends a settlement complete notice and service use permission to the user terminal 20 via the service terminal 10 .
In the manner described above, the user terminal 20 is allowed to access the network (i.e., Internet) via the service terminal 10 representing the public wireless LAN service during the utilization time period for which the charge has been again settled.
Although the foregoing description has focused on the embodiments wherein the user terminal and service terminal are connected using two kinds of communication capabilities, i.e., wireless LAN and NFC proximity communication, this is not limitative of the present invention. Alternatively, the user terminal may be connected over a network to the service provider through setups furnished easily and securely according to the invention and in a manner combining appropriate communication capabilities with electronic money technology.
It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factor in so far as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. | A communication system includes: a service terminal configured to have a wireless LAN access point capability and a proximity communication capability, the wireless LAN access point capability enabling the service terminal to act as a wireless LAN access point to be connected via a network to a service provider providing a network connection service on a chargeable basis, the service terminal thereby offering the chargeable network connection service; and a user terminal configured to have a wireless LAN terminal capability and a proximity communication capability, the wireless LAN terminal capability enabling the user terminal to connect with the wireless LAN access point, the user terminal further connecting to the network using the chargeable network connection service. | 53,947 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to testing of well bore fluids and, more particularly, a method of measuring changes in the well bore fluid due to dilution from connate water invasion or surface dilution.
2. Description of the Background
In well drilling, completion and workover operations, particularly well drilling operations, there is a need to know whether there has been any dilution of the well bore fluid, e.g. the drilling mud, from downhole formation water, i.e. connate water, or from surface dilution. Such dilution can change the density of the well bore fluid rendering it unsuitable for use and, in many cases, unsafe. For example, dilution of the drilling mud may lower its density to the point where it cannot maintain sufficient hydrostatic pressure in the well bore to prevent a blowout. Dilution by connate water may also be important as an indication of the nature of the formation through which the drilling is taking place. Furthermore, in workover and completion operations, it is desirable and often times necessary to know whether there has been invasion of connate water into the completion or workover fluid.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,407,042, there is described a method of testing well samples, such as a fluid or core material, to determine whether there has been invasion of the well sample by the drilling fluid. In the method described in the patent, nitrate ion is added to the drilling mud and the concentration of nitrate ion found in the well sample compared with the concentration of that originally in the drilling mud. In the method described in the patent, the well sample is tested to determine invasion from the drilling mud. However, there is no testing of the drilling fluid per se to determine dilution by invasion either from surface fluids or connate water. Moreover, the method described in the patent utilizes a colorimetric test method which can pose difficulties when the drilling fluid contains colored additives.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method of determining the dilution of a well bore fluid by connate water or surface invasion.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of determining the dilution of a drilling mud which can be conducted in whole mud or mud filtrate.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a well bore fluid which can be easily analyzed to determine dilution by connate water or surface invasion.
The above and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description given herein and the claims.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of determining the dilution of a well bore fluid, e.g. a drilling mud, by connate water or surface invasion. In the method, a well bore fluid having a known concentration of bromide ion is prepared. The well bore fluid is then used in an earth borehole, such as in a drilling, completion or workover operation, and a sample of the thus used well bore fluid recovered. The recovered sample is analyzed to quantitatively determine the concentration of the bromide ion in the recovered sample, which is then compared with the known concentration of the bromide ion in the well bore fluid to thereby determine any dilution of the well bore fluid.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a well bore fluid comprising water, a water-soluble source of bromide ion and a well treating agent selected from the class consisting of weighting materials, viscosifiers, fluid loss control additives and mixtures thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The method of the present invention is applicable to a number of well bore fluids. The term "well bore fluids," as used herein, refers to any fluid which is commonly used in drilling, completion or workover operations in the oil and gas industry. The method is especially useful with drilling fluids or muds to determine dilution from formation water, e.g. connate water, or surface dilution. The well bore fluids are those which are water based or have an aqueous phase in which can be dissolved a water-soluble source of bromide ion.
In the method of the present invention, a well bore fluid is prepared and is admixed with a suitable source of a water-soluble bromide ion, the well bore fluid being thoroughly mixed to ensure that the bromide ion source is dissolved and the bromide ion is uniformly distributed throughout the well bore fluid. It will be appreciated that insufficient mixing or distribution of the bromide ion in the drilling fluid and the well bore fluid will lead to errors in determining any dilution of the well bore fluid.
The source of bromide ion can be any water-soluble compound which will provide a source of bromide ions in the desired range. Thus, water-soluble bromide salts, such as alkali metal bromides, alkaline earth metal bromides, etc. can be employed. Generally speaking, the alkali metal bromides, such as sodium bromide, potassium bromide, etc. are preferred. The amount of water-soluble bromide added to the well bore fluid will generally be in an amount sufficient to provide a bromide ion concentration of from about 20 to about 10,000 parts per million by weight.
In order to practice the method of the present invention, it is desirable to prepare a series of calibration standards of the well bore fluid to be monitored containing various amounts of bromide ion. To this end, samples of fresh well bore fluid are admixed with varying amounts of a source of water-soluble bromide ion. These various calibration standards are then analyzed for bromide ion content and a suitable calibration curve which relates bromide ion concentration to a determinable parameter made. While other analysis techniques can be employed, the method of the present invention is particularly adapted to an electrochemical method of measuring the bromide ion concentration using a bromide ion sensitive electrode and developing a calibration curve or a plot of relative millivolts (Rel mv), the determinable parameter, versus bromide ion concentration. In developing the calibration curve, it is generally preferred to prepare, on semilog paper, a graph of millivolts versus bromide concentration. Ion sensitive electrodes are well known and widely used in analytical techniques. Such ion sensitive electrodes employ potentiometric analysis wherein direct measurement of an electrode potential from the ion sensitive electrode is directly related to the concentration of the ion under consideration. For a discussion of the method of analysis and the specific use of bromide ion sensitive electrodes, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,563,874, incorporated herein by reference. Suitable commercially available apparatus for conducting bromide ion analyses include an Orion Model 90-01 reference electrode, an Orion Model 94-35 bromide electrode and an Orion Model 901 Digital Ionalyze.
Once a suitable calibration curve has been prepared, the well bore fluid containing a known amount of bromide ion is prepared and can then be used in normal well operations, e.g., drilling, completion or workover activities. Periodically, a sample of the "spiked" well bore fluid which has been prepared can be taken and the bromide ion concentration measured. By comparing the concentration of the sampled well bore fluid with the calibration curve, the content of the bromide ion in the "used" well bore fluid can be determined, i.e. since the concentration of the bromide ion in the "spiked" well bore fluid originally prepared is known, by comparing the concentration of the bromide ion in the "used" well bore fluid with the calibration curve, it can be determined whether the bromide ion concentration has decreased from the known value thereby indicating dilution of the well bore fluid.
Compositions of well bore fluids made in accordance with the present invention are those well bore fluids which contain water, a water-soluble source of bromide ion and a well treating agent which can be a weighting material, e.g. barite, illmenite, etc., a viscosifier such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, etc. or any one of numerous fluid loss additives commonly employed in drilling, completion or workover operations. The well treating agents can be present in the well bore fluids alone or in combination depending upon the specific type of well bore fluid being formulated. The well bore fluid can also contain non-bromide ion, water-soluble salts, such as sodium chloride, calcium chloride, zinc chloride, etc. Such salts are commonly used as weighting agents, alone or in admixture with viscosifiers and fluid loss control additives, in completion and workover fluids.
To more fully demonstrate the invention, the following non-limiting examples are presented. In all cases, bromide ion measurements were made using an electrode pair of an Orion Model 90-01 Single-Junction Reference Electrode and a Model 94-35 Bromide Electrode using an Orion Model 901 Digital Ionalyzer.
EXAMPLE 1
Different amounts of dry sodium bromide were dissolved in samples of ten different well bore fluids identified as Mud G-524 and Mud G-490, so as to form mud samples containing from about 50 parts per million to about 10,000 parts per million of bromide ion on a weight basis. The samples were thoroughly stirred using a GKH-heavy duty stirrer for two minutes. Potentiometric measurements were then made on the various samples with the electrode pair with continuous stirring. Properties of Mud G-524 and Mud G-490 are listed below in Table 1. Table 2 shows a comparison of bromide ion concentration (ppm) versus Rel mv for the different samples.
TABLE 1______________________________________ Mud G-524 Mud G-490______________________________________Initial PropertiesDensity, lb/gal 16.3 12.1Color Dark Brown BlackOdor Lignosulfonate NoneSettling None NoneMethylene Blue Capacity, 4.0 0.5ml/ml MudEquivalent Bentonite, lb/bbl 20.0 2.5RetortWater, % by Volume 68 83Oil, % by Volume 0 TraceSolids, % by Volume 32 18Properties After Stirring 15 Min.Plastic Viscosity, cp 60 at 80° F. 11 at 85° F.Yield Point, lb/100 sq ft 33 1410-sec gel, lb/100 sq ft 8 210-min gel, lb/100 sq ft 36 3pH 10.4 9.1API Filtrate, ml 2.8 13.4Anaylsis of Soluble ConstituentsMud Alkalinity, Pm, 0.90 1.9N50 Acid, mlCalcium Sulfate, lb/bbl 0.80 None ListedSoluble Total 2.60 None ListedFiltrate PropertiesChloride, ppm 1300 163,000Sulfate, ppm 16,250 None ListedHydroxyl, ppm 0 68Carbonate, ppm 60 1,320Bicarbonate, ppm 549 None ListedCalcium, ppm 1,000 40Magnesium, ppm 0 None Listed______________________________________
TABLE 2______________________________________ppm of Received Mud Received MudBromide G-524 Rel mv G-490 Rel mv______________________________________10,000 -134.3 -125.58,000 -129.2 -120.44,000 -113.3 -104.72,000 -95.0 -89.61,000 -77.7 -88.2 800 -71.8 -85.6 400 -56.2 -82.3 100 -20.1 -72.0 50 3.1 -74.5______________________________________
Using linear regression, the following calibration equation for Mud G-524 was determined: ##EQU1## where y is the concentration of bromide ion and x if the Rel mv. The equation is found to be linear in the range from 100 ppm to 10,000 ppm of bromide ion.
The calibration curve of Mud-490 was two linear parts --one being from 2,000 ion to 10,000 ppm of bromide and the other from 100 ppm to 2,000 ppm of bromide ion. The calibration equation for 2,000 to 10,000 ppm of bromide ion is ##EQU2## where x is the Rel mv and y is the concentration of bromide ion in ppm.
The calibration equation for 100 ppm to 2,000 ppm is ##EQU3## where y is a bromide ion concentration in ppm and x is Rel mv. The calibration curve of Mud G-490 is thus formed to have two linear parts, i.e. from 2,000 to 10,000 ppm bromide ion and from 100 to 2,000 ppm bromide ion.
EXAMPLE 3
Mud G-490 was filtered with an API filter press to obtain a filtrate The filtrate was diluted 50% by weight with deionized water and different amounts of dry sodium bromide dissolved in the diluted filtrate to obtain samples containing from about 50 ppm to 10,000 ppm of bromide ion on a weight basis. The samples were then measured as per the procedure of Example 1 to determine bromide ion concentration versus Rel mv. Table 3 below shows the results.
TABLE 3______________________________________ ppm of Filtrate of Bromide Mud G-490______________________________________ 10,000 -95.2 8,000 -90.1 4,000 -74.0 2,000 -66.7 1,000 -56.7 800 -58.7 400 -54.7 100 -50.9 50 -18.4______________________________________
When plotted on semilog graph paper, a smooth calibration curve is obtained using the data in Table 3.
EXAMPLE 3
To further demonstrate that the method of the present invention can be used both on the "whole" mud and the mud filtrate, measurements were made on Mud G-524 and its filtrate, Mud G-490 and its filtrate and a third mud, Mud G-619 and its filtrate. In all cases, the bromide ion concentration in the filtrate was 500 ppm by weight. The results are shown in Table 4 below.
TABLE 4______________________________________COMPARISON OF RELATIVE MILLIVOLTSFOR Br.sup.- IN MUDS AND FILTRATES Rel mv Rel mv fromMud No. from Mud Mud Filtrate Cl.sup.- % in Mud______________________________________619 -73.1 -74.6 0.14524 -57.8 -61.7 0.13490 -91.2 -99.1 16.40______________________________________
As can be seen, the relative millivolts between Mud G-619 and its filtrate and Mud G-524 and its filtrate are within 4 mv, but 8 mv for Mud G-490 and its filtrate. As can also be seen from Table 4, the chloride ion content in Mud G-490 is very high indicating that at high chloride levels, interference from chloride must be taken into account in conducting the measurements.
As can be seen from the data above, bromide ion concentration variation in well bore fluids, e.g. drilling muds, can be detected potentiometrically by establishing a calibration curve of bromide ion versus relative millivolts for the mud. If the calibration curve is linear (Example 1), linear regression can be used to obtain a calibration equation. If not, the curve can be treated linear in some region and calibration equations can still be obtained by linear regression (Example 2). If interfering ions are not present, the bromide electrode readings directly from whole mud is about the same as that from mud filtrate. However, as seen from Example 4, when chloride interference is strong, the difference in readings between the whole mud and its filtrate are considerably greater.
EXAMPLE 4
A calibration curve on a drilling mud is prepared as per the procedure of Example 1. A known amount of bromide ion is then added to the drilling mud which is used in the conventional downhole drilling operation. Periodically, samples of the drilling mud returned from downhole are analyzed by the procedure of Example 1 and the results obtained compared with the calibration curve established. From the comparison, the concentration of bromide ion in the used drilling mud samples is determined, and it is determined whether there has been any dilution of the drilling mud from connate water or from surface invasion.
The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the method steps may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention. | A method of determining dilution of a well bore fluid, such as a drilling fluid, comprising preparing a drilling fluid having a known concentration of bromide ion, using the drilling fluid, recovering a sample of the used drilling fluid, determining quantitatively the concentration of bromide ion in the used drilling fluid, comparing the concentration of bromide ion in the sample drilling fluid with the known concentration of bromide ion in the drilling fluid and determining the dilution of the drilling fluid. | 16,514 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to trailer doors, and more particularly to a mechanism to control the locking/unlocking of a door for closing the back end of a refuse trailer.
Refuse trailers are used in an environment that requires a highly reliable mechanism that will operate under rugged conditions. The mechanisms used to lock the rear doors of such refuse trailers may be subject to failure with the highly undesirable result that refuse can spill from the trailer. Locking mechanisms controlled by pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders can fail if the cylinders or the cylinder pressure source becomes inoperative. Additionally, adjustable links, such as turnbuckles, used in an active part of the locking mechanism can become worn and contribute to a locking failure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a novel mechanism to lock/unlock a trailer door.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel mechanism to lock/unlock a trailer door that utilizes a fluid actuated cylinder combined with a novel geometric arrangement of rotatable members.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel mechanism to lock/unlock a trailer door that utilizes a double-acting pneumatic cylinder.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a novel mechanism to lock/unlock a trailer door that provides continuous positive locking even if the fluid actuated cylinder controlling the mechanism or its pressure source fails.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a novel mechanism to lock/unlock a trailer door that does not utilize an adjustable member as an active part of the mechanism.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a novel mechanism to lock/unlock a trailer door that can be manually operated by a switch located in the truck cab or by a switch located on the trailer adjacent the door.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a novel mechanism to lock/unlock a trailer door that includes a safety system to prevent operation of a walking floor in the trailer when the trailer door is locked in its closed position.
The present invention utilizes a novel geometric arrangement of a fluid actuated cylinder in combination with various rotatably connected members to provide a novel mechanism to lock/unlock the trailer door. This arrangement provides positive locking even if the fluid actuated cylinder or its pressure source fails. This is achieved by geometrically arranging the rotatably connected members so they resist unlocking of the door unless such unlocking is specifically sought by actuating the fluid cylinder. This is especially important for refuse trucks which are used in an extremely rugged environment which increases the likelihood of mechanical mechanisms failing.
The invention features apparatus for locking a trailer door. It includes a trailer, a door rotatably connected to the trailer, apparatus for locking/unlocking the door in a closed position, and a control mechanism for selectively locking/unlocking the door in its closed position.
The apparatus for locking/unlocking the door further includes a fluid actuated cylinder having a free end and a fixed end with the fixed end being rotatably connected to the trailer; a control member rotatably connected to the trailer that has a locked position for locking the door in its closed position; a control link having a first end rotatably connected to the control member and a second end rotatably connected to the fluid actuated cylinder free end, so that the second end of the link is beyond top dead center when the door is locked in its closed position; and an adjustable link having a fixed end rotatably connected to the trailer, and a free end rotatably connected to both the free end of the fluid actuated cylinder and the second end of the control link.
In preferred embodiments of the invention, the door is rotatably connected to the trailer by a plurality of hinges. The door is located at the trailer back end so that it is capable of providing access to the trailer interior in its opened position and capable of sealing the trailer back end in its closed position. The fluid actuated cylinder is preferably a pneumatic cylinder and the free end of the cylinder is the end from which the cylinder piston extends. The control member is rotatably connected to the trailer at a point closer to the door than to the control link. The second end of the control link is located adjacent a rigid stop when the control member is in its locked position. The stop is positioned to impede longitudinal translation of the link away from the door. The rigid stop is, in the preferred embodiment, provided by a structural rib of the trailer. The adjustable link is substantially vertical and capable of impeding vertically upward translation of the control link when the control member is in the locked position.
The means for locking/unlocking the door in a closed position further includes a pin extending from the end of the door. The pin is substantially parallel to the plane created by the door and is capable of engaging an upwardly extending opening in the end of the control member adjacent the door. The opening in the control member engages the pin when the control member is in the locked position in response to the fluid actuated cylinder piston being substantially fully extended. The opening in the control member disengages from the pin when the control member is moved to the unlocked position in response to the fluid actuated cylinder piston being substantially fully retracted.
The apparatus for locking/unlocking the door in a closed position further includes: a plurality of pins extending from the distal end of the door that are substantially parallel and in a plane created by the door; a plurality of locking members located substantially parallel to the control member and arranged so that both the control member and the locking members are rotatably attached to the trailer along a vertical line transverse to the bottom edge of the trailer; an upwardly extending opening in the end of the control mechanism and the ends of the locking members that are capable of engaging one of the pins; and a connecting member rotatably connected to the ends of each of the locking members furthest from the door and to the control member so they operate substantially together, so that all the locking members and the control member engage one of the pins when the control member is in the locked position.
The apparatus for locking a trailer door further includes a switch for actuating a walking floor in the trailer. The switch, which is actuated by an actuation lever attached to the control member, is only capable of being actuated when the control member is in its unlocked position. Therefore, the walking floor is operable only when the control member is in the unlocked position.
All features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and from the claims.
For a full understanding of the present invention, reference should now be made to the following description and to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention shown on a truck trailer.
FIG. 2 is an end view of the truck trailer shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a partially cut away side view of the truck trailer shown in FIG. 1, showing the invention in more detail.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial view of the invention shown in FIG. 3, showing the locked position.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial view of the invention shown in FIG. 3, showing the unlocked position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention mounted on a refuse trailer 10. The invention comprises a rear door 12, attached to trailer 10 by hinges 13 (shown in FIG. 2), which closes the back end of refuse trailer 10, and a novel mechanism for controlling locking/unlocking of door 12.
FIG. 3 shows the novel locking/unlocking mechanism in more detail. The mechanism includes a control locking member 14 and three parallel-controlled locking members 16 which are rotatably linked by connecting member 18. Connecting member 18 can typically comprise three rods 20, two box fittings 22, and two U-shaped fittings 24 as shown in FIG. 1. Control member 14 and locking members 16 are rotatably connected to the side of trailer 10 by pivots 26 which are aligned vertically along a line transverse to the bottom edge of trailer 10. The pivots are all located closer to door 12 than the connecting member 18. Additionally, control member 14 and locking members 16 all have an upwardly extending generally U-shaped opening at their ends nearest door 12. These openings are all capable of engaging pins 30 which extend from the distal end of door 12 and are transverse to the longitudinal axis of control locking member 14.
Control locking member 14 is rotatably connected, at its end furthest from door 12, to a control link 32. The opposite end of control link 32 is rotatably connected to both piston 34 of fluid actuated cylinder 36 and the bottom end of adjustable link 38. The top end of adjustable link 38 is rotatably attached to flange 40 which is rigidly affixed to trailer 10. Adjustable link 38 typically comprises a rod 42 with threaded ends and end fittings 44 and 46 for receiving threaded rod ends.
Fluid actuated cylinder 36 is rotatably connected to flange 48 which is rigidly affixed to trailer 10. One suitable fluid actuated cylinder 36 is a double-acting pneumatic cylinder such as Model 248-DPS manufactured by Bimba Manufacturing Company, Monee, Ill. 60449. Actuation fluid is provided to cylinder 36 via hoses 50 and 52 from an external pressure source (not shown). The pressure source for the actuation fluid may be provided by a tractor (not shown) adapted to pull trailer 10, or a separate pressure source (not shown) in combination with trailer 10.
The operation of the invention will now be described with reference to the figures. In FIGS. 3 and 4 the novel locking/unlocking mechanism is shown in its locked position with door 12 locked and closing the back end of trailer 10. In this position, piston 34 of cylinder 36 is fully extended and pins 30 are engaged by U-shaped openings 28 of control member 14 and locking members 16.
In FIG. 5, the locking/unlocking mechanism is shown in its unlocked position with door 12 free to be opened. In this position, piston 34 of cylinder 36 is fully retracted and pins 30 are not engaged by U-shaped openings 28 of control member 14 and locking members 16.
If the locking/unlocking mechanism is locked (as shown in FIGS. and 3 and 4) and the operator wishes to unlock door 12 the operator actuates manual switch 54. Upon actuation of switch 54, pressure is provided to cylinder 36 via hose 50 causing piston 34 of cylinder 36 to retract. Upon retracting, piston 34 causes both control link 32 and adjustable link 38 to rotate. Additionally, control link 32 translates towards cylinder 36 causing control locking member 14 to rotate about pivot 26. As shown in FIG. 5, when the locking/unlocking mechanism is in its unlocked position the end of member 14 nearest door 12 has rotated downward so its U-shaped opening 28 is disengaged from corresponding pin 30 extending from door 12. Additionally, the rotational movement of member 14 causes identical coordinated movement of locking members 16 due to connecting link 18 and therefore when opening 28 of control member 14 is disengaged from pin 30 the openings 28 in locking members 16 are also disengaged from pins 30.
To change the status of the locking/unlocking mechanism from its unlocked state (shown in FIG. 5) to its locked state (shown in FIG. 4) the operator again actuates manual switch 54. Upon actuation of switch 54, pressure is provided to cylinder 36 via hose 52 causing piston 34 of cylinder 36 to extend. Upon extending, piston 34 causes both control link 32 and adjustable link 38 to rotate. Additionally, control link 32 translates away from cylinder 36 causing control member 14 to rotate about pivot 26. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the locking/unlocking mechanism is in its locked position the end of control member 14 nearest door 12 has rotated upward so its U-shaped opening 28 has engaged corresponding pin 30 extending from door 12. Additionally, the rotational movement of control member 14 causes identical coordinated movement of locking members 16 due to connecting link 18, and therefore when opening 28 of control member 14 engages pin 30 the openings 28 in locking members 16 also engage pins 30.
One of the important advantages that arises from the novel geometric arrangement of the locking/unlocking mechanism is that it provides a positive door lock even if cylinder 36 or its pressure source (not shown) fails. When trailer 10 is at rest, gravity will hold control member 14 and locking members 16 in their locked positions since pivots 26 are located closer to door 12 than to connecting member 18. Additionally, when trailer 10 is moving with door 12 locked the locking/unlocking mechanism will resist moving to its unlocked state because the top end of control link 32 is rotated beyond top dead center and adjustable link 38 is substantially vertically oriented. In this position, if vibration urges the end of control locking member 14 that contains opening 28 downward, the opposite end of control member 14 will have its corresponding upward movement impeded. This upward movement of the end of control member 14 would cause the top end of control link 32 to move away from cylinder 36, but such motion is blocked by fixed rib 56 and by adjustable link 38 which cannot translate upward due to its rotatable connection to flange 40. Consequently, door 12 when locked, will tend to remain locked even if trailer 10 is both subjected to motion and cylinder 36 fails to forcibly hold its piston 34 in the fully extended position. Additionally, adjustable link 38 is not an active part of the locking/unlocking mechanism since its only purposes are to be stabilize the mechanism and to impede upward translation of control member 14 when it is in its locked position. Therefore, inevitable wear of adjustable link 38 will not detrimentally effect operation of the locking/unlocking mechanism.
An additional feature incorporated in the preferred embodiment is a safety system to prevent operation of a walking floor (not shown) when door 12 is locked in its closed position. Typically, such a refuse truck trailer would use a walking floor for removal of a load from trailer 10. Operation of such a walking floor, however, when door 12 is locked in its closed position could damage the floor being moved and door 12. Therefore, referring to FIGS. 3-5, microswitch 58, activated by actuation lever 60, is used to prevent operation of the walking floor when door 12 is locked. In FIG. 4, microswitch 58 is shown in its "off" position when door 12 is locked. When door 12 is unlocked, as shown in FIG. 5, member 14 moves actuation lever 60 upward so to make microswitch 58, thereby permitting operation of the walking floor.
In alternate embodiments of the invention, the door locking/unlocking mechanism can be operated from the truck cab in lieu of or in addition to being operable from switch 54 located on trailer 10. Cylinder 36 can be an appropriate hydraulic cylinder so the door locking/unlocking mechanism can be operated with hydraulic pressure instead of pneumatic pressure.
There has thus been shown and described a novel mechanism to control locking/unlocking of a trailer door which fulfills all of the objects and advantages sought. Any changes, modifications, variations or other uses and applications of the subject invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon considering the specification and the accompanying drawings which disclose the preferred embodiments. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications within the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow. | An apparatus for securing a rotatable trailer door is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid actuated cylinder having a free end and a fixed end with the fixed end being rotatably connected to the trailer; a control member, rotatably connected to the trailer, locks the door in its closed position; a control link, having a first end rotatably connected to the control member and a second end rotatably connected to the fluid actuated cylinder free end; and, an adjustable link, having a fixed end rotatably connected to the trailer and a free end rotatably connected to both the free end of the fluid actuated cylinder and the second end of the control link. | 16,591 |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/545,320, filed Apr. 7, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,545, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/128,113, filed Apr. 7, 1999. The disclosures of the '320 and '113 applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present application relates to a low profile fusion cage and an insertion set for the low profile fusion cage.
Known spinal implants, such as those used for vertebral fusion, are often used in pairs to provide adequate, evenly distributed support and fusion inducement. Because of limited space for implantation and for surgical maneuvering, it is sometimes difficult or unfeasible to implement a pair of implants that otherwise have desirable dimensions and attributes. Certain existing implant designs are configured for close, adjacent placement to other implants, but none achieve optimum performance, versatility or ease of insertion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an implant design, and associated instruments and methods, that provide optimum configurations for placement of adjacent implants in close proximity with optimum performance. These objects and others are achieved through the present invention implant configuration and associated instruments and method.
In a preferred embodiment, a fusion implant according to the present invention is provided with a concave cut-away portion on a circumferential surface of an elongated implant. The concave portion accommodates the outer contour of an adjacently placed implant having a corresponding concave surface. A novel dual tang distractor tool is provided with two over-lapping cross-sectional configurations to facilitate close insertion and placement of implants according to the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the fusion cage of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the fusion cage of FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 3 a is a cross-sectional view of the fusion cage taken along lines B—B of FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 3 b is a cross-sectional view of the fusion cage as shown in FIG. 3 a , with a conventional implant cage of similar view placed adjacently thereto.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tang retractor of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the guide of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating attachment of the guide to the tang retractor,
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the plate of the impactor;
FIG. 8 is a front, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 9 is a front, perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIGS. 1-3 a illustrate perspective, side and end views of the low profile fusion cage ( 10 ) of the present invention. The present invention cage ( 10 ) is of the type known commercially as the Ray TFC™ Fusion Cage currently marketed by Surgical Dynamics, Inc. The Ray TFC™ Fusion Cage is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,740, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The fusion cage ( 10 ) disclosed herein can be implemented with another fusion cage to reduce the total amount of space occupied by two conventional fusion cages placed side by side. The fusion cage ( 10 ) has a helical thread ( 14 ) for facilitating insertion and securing of the cage ( 10 ) in a vertebral disc space. The thread ( 14 ) is carved out to form concave portions ( 16 , 17 ) to reduce the profile of the thread. As shown, the concave portions ( 16 , 17 ) are preferably provided 180 degrees apart. If desired, only one concave portion is necessary to carry out the present invention. It is possible, also, to provide more than two concave portions if desired. The concave portions ( 16 , 17 ) allow two or more cages ( 10 , 11 ) to be placed close together as the radiused portion of one cage ( 11 ) is placed within the concave portion ( 17 ) of an adjacent cage ( 10 ), as shown in FIG. 3 b . As can be appreciated, the combined width (transverse space) of the two low profile cages ( 10 , 11 ) placed in this fashion is less than the combined width if two conventional cages without at least one of them having a concave portion were placed side by side.
FIGS. 4-7 b illustrate an insertion instrument set for fusion cages according to the present invention. The instrument set includes a tang retractor ( 20 ), a guide ( 30 ) and an impactor ( 40 ) and impactor plate ( 41 ). The tang retractor ( 20 ) includes a pair of spaced apart tangs ( 21 ) which are dimensioned and configured as wedges at the distal end for insertion into and distraction of the disc space. The configuration of the tangs ( 21 ) and the manner in which they distract the disc space is described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/889,661, filed Jul. 8, 1997, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The tang retractor ( 20 ) includes a pair of proximally extending slotted tabs ( 22 ) for mounting the tabs ( 42 ) of the impactor plate ( 41 ) when the impactor plate ( 41 ) is mounted to the proximal end of the distractor ( 20 ). The tabs ( 42 ) are inserted into the slots ( 23 ) of the tabs ( 22 ) to mount the impactor plate ( 41 ) and the elongated integral impactor ( 40 ), which is connected to the impactor plate ( 41 ) by threads ( 43 , 45 ), to the tang retractor ( 20 ). The impactor ( 40 ) can then be impacted or tapped at its proximal end ( 47 ) by a suitable tool, such as a hammer, to insert the tang ( 21 ) into a vertebral space. After insertion, the tabs ( 42 ) are slid out of engagement with slots ( 23 ) to separate and remove the impactor ( 40 ) and impactor plate ( 41 ), leaving the tang retractor ( 20 ) in place with the tangs ( 21 ) inserted in the vertebral space.
The guide ( 30 ) is then attached to tang retractor ( 20 ) by inserting the distal end pin ( 32 ) into the longitudinal slot ( 25 ) of the retractor ( 20 ). The distal end pin ( 32 ) is seated within the slot ( 25 ) 50 that the guide ( 30 ) can be pivoted, about the pin ( 32 ), with respect to the fixed tang retractor ( 20 ) between alignment with each of the two openings ( 26 , 27 ) of the tang retractor ( 20 ), respectively. Each of the openings ( 26 , 27 ) is configured to receive a fusion cage along with a conventional cage insertion tool (not shown). The guide ( 30 ) is rotated about pin ( 32 ) 50 that its axial bore ( 34 ) is aligned with one of the openings ( 26 , 27 ) of the tang retractor ( 20 ) during hole preparation through a respective one of the openings. Suitable tools, such as those described in the aforementioned application Ser. No. 08/889,661, are inserted through the bore ( 34 ) to prepare the space for fusion cage insertion. Fusion cages such as the type of the present invention, are then inserted via an elongated insertion tool through the bore ( 34 ) and the respective tang retractor opening ( 26 , 27 ) for placement within the vertebral space. Each cage is placed so that one of the concave portions ( 16 , 17 ) faces the adjacent opening or bore in the vertebral space. The guide ( 30 ) is subsequently rotated so that axial bore ( 34 ) is aligned with the other opening ( 26 , 27 ) in the retractor 20 . Another fusion cage, either with or without concave portions, is inserted in a similar manner as described above so that its outer circumferential portion fits within the concave portion ( 16 , 17 ) of the first-inserted fusion cage.
It is contemplated that an interlocking device ( 33 ) be provided to retain the guide ( 30 ) in each of its two aligned positions relative to the tang retractor ( 20 ) during site preparation and insertion of a fusion cage therethrough.
Alternate embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 8-9 , include variously Configured implant bodies having-a concave portion to facilitate close, adjacent placement with additional implant bodies. For instance, the implant body ( 100 ) in FIG. 8 is a half-oval having a central opening ( 102 ) to facilitate bone fusion, and a concave side wall ( 104 ) configured to matingly receive a circumferential, convex wall ( 106 ) of an adjacent, oval implant ( 108 ). The oval implant ( 108 ) is larger than the half-oval implant ( 100 ). The oval implant ( 108 ) also has a different size than the half-oval implant ( 100 ). The implant body ( 200 ) of FIG. 9 , is generally cylindrical and has a concave channel ( 202 ) aligned generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis running between open ends ( 204 , 206 ).
It can be appreciated that the tang retractor ( 20 ) having a length approximately equal to its width increases visibility as well as enables the user to more easily remove extraneous disc tissue because of the increased mobility of instruments, e.g. rongeurs, inserted through the retractor 20 . While this is the preferred embodiment, the length of the retractor ( 20 ) may be varied as desired to achieve different advantages.
While the preferred embodiment has been disclosed herein, it is understood and contemplated that modifications and variations may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. | A bone fusion implant system including a first implant body having substantially flat top and bottom surfaces for engaging opposing vertebrae and a side wall extending between the top and bottom surfaces, the side wall including a concave recess and a second implant body having substantially flat top and bottom surfaces for engaging the opposing vertebrae and a side wall extending between the top and bottom surfaces thereof, the side wall of the second implant including an arcuate portion adapted to be received within the concave recess for enabling the first and second implant bodies to be positioned in nested side-by-side relation between the opposing vertebrae. | 9,702 |
This application is a continuation of application No. 07/868,688, filed Apr. 15, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,450.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a new and improved press section of a papermaking machine for pressing and dewatering a paper web.
Generally speaking, the press section of a papermaking machine for dewatering a paper web, as contemplated by the present development, is of the type comprising two separate successively arranged press locations. Each press location is formed between an upper extended press surface and a lower extended press surface forming extended or wide press nips. The press section contains at the first press location and at the second press location at least one respective separate felt guided in conjunction with the paper web through the press locations. The second press location contains a cylindrical counter roll or roller extending essentially beneath the second press location and an extended nip press roll extending essentially above the second press location. This extended nip press roll forms the extended nip of the second press location and is essentially accommodated to the contour of the counter roll.
2. Discussion of the Background and Material Information
Press sections or press arrangements of the aforementioned type for pressing and dewatering a paper web possess the decisive advantage that by using press structures which, as viewed in the direction of travel of the paper web, have an extended or wide press length, that is, an extended press nip, there is available a relatively large amount of time for expressing liquid out of the paper web. As a result, such a press section can operate with relatively few press locations and nonetheless can achieve a high dewatering effect or capacity even with relatively rapid throughpass or high speed travel of the paper web. The presently known press apparatuses or arrangements containing an extended press nip are frequently constructed such that there is provided a press roll equipped with a flexible shell or jacket which is pressed from internally of the press roll by means of an essentially only radially movable press element against a rigid counter roll, and the flexible shell or jacket, at the region of the extended press nip, can snugly bear against the rigid counter roll. However, other constructions are possible for achieving an extended press nip or press surface.
In order to obtain as great as possible operational reliability of the press section, at high speed papermaking machines it is strived to continuously maintain the paper web in contact with at least one felt, in order to thus avoid a so-called free or open draw where the paper web would be exposed to the danger of tearing. What is disadvantageous with such arrangements is especially that, following departure of the paper web from the press nip, there occurs remoistening or rewetting of the paper web by the water entrained by the felt.
In the commonly assigned German Published Patent Application No. 3,742,848, published Jun. 29, 1989, and the cognate U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,790, granted Apr. 10, 1990, there is disclosed an arrangement intended to solve the aforementioned problem, wherein special measures are undertaken in order to raise at least one felt very rapidly away from the paper web after the latter emerges from the press nip.
Furthermore, solutions have become known in the papermaking art where only a single felt is present in the second press nip. If this felt is located at the top of the paper web, then such paper web can drop off such felt much too easily prior to entering the second press location or press nip. On the other hand, if such felt is located at the bottom of the paper web, especially in the form of a continuous felt which spans both press locations or press nips, then the paper web co-travels throughout its full width, following exit from the second press location or press nip, upwardly together with the top or upper roll, and is then difficult to handle. Moreover, at this location there also exists a greater tendency of the paper web to again suck up water from the felt behind the press nip.
German Published Patent Application No. 3,815,278, published Nov. 16, 1989, discloses a press arrangement containing two successive roll presses each provided with an extended press nip. While here there exist favorable conditions for dewatering the paper web, on the other hand, the paper web is transported by one felt through both roll presses or press locations. It is not possible to condition the paper web between both of the roll presses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, with the foregoing in mind, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved press section or press arrangement of a papermaking machine for pressing and dewatering a paper web, which is not afflicted with the aforementioned limitations and drawbacks of the prior art.
Another and more specific object of the present invention aims at improving upon the dewatering effect or capacity of press sections containing two successively arranged extended or wide press nips, without impairing the operational reliability as concerns guiding the paper web through both extended or wide press nips.
Still a further noteworthy object of the present invention is directed to the provision of an improved press section or press arrangement of a papermaking machine for pressing and dewatering a paper web, which is relatively simple in construction and design and exceedingly reliable and efficient in operation.
Now in order to implement these and still further objects of the present invention, which will become more readily apparent as the description proceeds, the press section of the present development for dewatering a paper web is manifested, among other things, by the features that behind or downstream of the first press location, as viewed in the predetermined direction of travel of the paper web, the upper felt--to the extent present--of the first press location is removed or separated from the paper web located beneath such upper felt, thereafter the paper web is further guided from the first press location to a web removal or pickup device operated under vacuum conditions and contacted by the upper felt of the second press location, and the paper web can travel from such web removal or pickup device to the second press location.
A particular advantage which is realized with the solutions proposed by the present invention resides in the fact that different felts or felt belts are used in each case for both of the press locations. Therefore it is possible to newly condition each felt or felt belt following passage thereof through the associated press location, in other words, it is possible to make each such felt or felt belt available with a relatively low water content for accomplishing a new pressing operation at the paper web. The transfer of the paper web from the first lower felt to the second upper felt is performed with the aid of a felted and vacuum-operated web removal or pickup device. There is also ensured that the wet or moist paper web is positively guided between the first and second press locations and can be retained at the felt.
According to a further feature of the present invention, the at least one separate felt provided for the first press location and guided in conjunction With the paper web through the first press location defines a lower felt, and the paper web is transferred by the lower felt of the first press location to the vacuum-operated web removal device which is contacted by the upper felt of the second press location.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the web removal device is advantageously located between the first press location and the second press location, and the substantially cylindrical counter roll of the second press location defines a lower counter roll. The paper web is transferred by such web removal device, after moving through at most a substantially short travel distance, into contact with the lower counter roll of the second press location and then the paper web is guided in conjunction with the upper felt through the second press location.
Still further, there can be specifically provided an upper felt for the first press location, and the web removal device directly removes the paper web from the first press location. Also, in this regard there can be provided a lower counter roll for the first press location, and the web removal device directly removes the paper web from such lower counter roll.
Moreover, a vacuum-operated suction box can be located above the upper felt of the second press location for transferring the paper web between the web removal device and the lower counter roll of the second press location. The paper web is transferred by the web removal device located between the first press location and the second press location to the upper felt of the second press location and then to the lower counter roll of the second press location such that the suction box retains the paper web against the upper felt of the second press location.
According to a further embodiment, a transport wire is located beneath the upper felt of the second press location and the paper web for transferring the paper web between the web removal device and the lower counter roll of the second press location. The paper web is transferred by the web removal device located between the first press location and the second press location to the upper felt of the second press location and then to the lower counter roll of the second press location such that the transfer belt retains the paper web against the upper felt.
A further design envisions that a blow box is located above the paper web for transferring the paper web between the web removal device and the lower counter roll oft he second press location. This blow box directs an air current in a direction away from the upper felt of the second press location. The paper web is transferred by the web removal device located between the first press location and the second press location to the upper felt of the second press location and then to the lower counter roll of the second press location such that the blow box retains the paper web against the upper felt. This blow box can comprise slot means, and thus, constitutes a slotted blow box for producing an injector action which directs the air current in the direction away from the upper felt.
Another feature of the present invention contemplates arranging an additional web removal device downstream of the second press location with respect to the direction of travel of the paper web, and a further upper felt cooperates with the additional web removal device. A suction box operated under vacuum conditions is arranged above this further upper felt. The additional web removal device guides the paper web, following the second press location, at the further upper felt such that the suction box retains the paper web against the further upper felt.
According to a further modification of the present invention, a blow box is arranged above the further upper felt, this blow box directs an air current in a direction away from the further upper felt. The additional web removal device guides the paper web, following the second press location, at the further upper felt such that the blow box retains the paper web against the further upper felt. Once again, such blow box can comprise slot means to define a slotted blow box for producing an injector action which directs the air current in the direction away from the further upper felt.
Still further, the first press location can contain a substantially cylindrical counter roll extending beneath the first press location and an extended nip press roll extending above the first press location. This extended nip press roll forms the extended nip of the first press location and is essentially accommodated to the contour of the substantially cylindrical counter roll of the first press location.
Moreover, the successively arranged first press location and second press location can be positioned at substantially the same elevation or height.
According to a further embodiment, the substantially cylindrical counter roll of the second press location defines a lower counter roll, and an additional web removal device is arranged downstream of the second press location with respect to the direction of travel of the paper web. There also are provided means for providing a web drying section arranged downstream of the additional web removal device. A further upper felt cooperates with the additional web removal device. The upper felt of the second press location is guided, following passage through the second press location, such that it detaches from the paper web which remains adhering to the lower counter roll. Moreover, the additional web removal device removes the paper web from the lower counter roll and transfers the removed paper web to the drying section.
Furthermore, this additional web removal device which cooperates with the further upper felt can be advantageously mounted to be pivotable towards and adjustable in position with respect to the lower counter roll.
Still further, the drying section can be structured to provide a continuous closed guidance or closed draw guidance of the paper web through the drying section.
It is also possible to arrange a waste or broke pulper or the like beneath the second press location for collecting and forming a suspension therein from broke or paper web material formed upon tearing or transfer of the paper web.
According to another aspect, the press section can be devoid of means upstream of the second press location for forming transfer tails, so that transfer of the paper web through the first press location and the second press location occurs throughout the full width of the paper web.
It is also possible to have means arranged downstream of the first press location for removing or separating the upper felt of the first press location from the paper web in order to prevent rewetting or remoistening of the paper web.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above, will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein there have been generally used throughout the different Figures the same reference characters to denote the same or analogous components or parts, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a press section of a papermaking machine for pressing and dewatering a paper web, containing first and second press locations;
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a press section of a papermaking machine for pressing and dewatering a paper web, likewise containing first and second press locations;
FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a third exemplary embodiment of a press section of a papermaking machine for pressing and dewatering a paper web, again containing first and second press locations;
FIG. 4 is a schematic fragmentary side view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a press section of a papermaking machine for pressing and dewatering a paper web, equally containing first and second press locations; and
FIG. 5 is a schematic fragmentary side view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a press section of a papermaking machine for pressing and dewatering a paper web, once again containing first and second press locations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Describing now the drawings, it is to be understood that only enough of the construction of the different exemplary embodiments of press sections of a papermaking machine for pressing and dewatering a paper web has been depicted therein, in order to simplify the illustration, as needed for those skilled in the art to readily understand- the underlying principles and concepts of the present invention.
Turning attention to the first exemplary embodiment of press section 100 of a papermaking machine as depicted in FIG. 1, it will be seen that a paper web, only generally indicated by reference character PW, is delivered, for instance, by a longitudinal wire 21 through a pickup roll 22, such as a suction roll 22a, into the press section 100. This press section 100 is here shown to comprise two successively arranged press locations 1 and 2, defining a first press location 1 and the downstream situated second press location 2 as viewed with respect to a predetermined direction of travel 102 of the paper web PW through the press section 100.
It will be seen that the first press location comprises press surfaces 3 and 4, and equally, the second press location 2 comprises press surfaces 5 and 6. It also will be recognized, as viewed in the direction of travel 102 of the paper web PW, the press surfaces 3 and 4 of the first press location 1 and the press surfaces 5 and 6 of the second press location 2 each have an extended shape, to thus define the respective extended or wide press nips 104 and 106. In the exemplary embodiment under discussion the first and second press locations 1 and 2 comprise the respective lower situated counter rolls 7 and 9 and the respective upper situated extended nip press rolls 8 and 10. Moreover, as depicted solely by way of example, the successively arranged first press location and the second press location 2 can be positioned at substantially the same elevation or height.
At the site of the first press location 1 there are here shown to be used two looped or endless felts or felt belts 11 and 12 which travel conjointly with the paper web W sandwiched therebetween through the first press location 1. It will be observed that the upper felt is trained about a displaceable deflection or turning roll 90. It is here also noted that under certain circumstances the upper felt 11 might even be omitted. Regarding the second press location 2, only a single looped or endless felt or felt belt 13 is guided through such second press location 2. The removal or pickup of the paper web PW from the lower felt 12 is undertaken by a web removal or pickup device 15, here constructed, for instance, as a suction or vacuum roll 15a about which partially wraps upper felt 13.
The paper web PW which is lifted or picked off from the lower felt 12 by the web removal device 15 is delivered through a short travel path or while in direct contact with the suction roll 15a to the lower counter roll 9 of the second press location 2, so that there is practically precluded dropping of the paper web PW due to its weight off of the upper felt 13 of the second press location 2. Behind or downstream of the extended or wide press nip 106, as viewed with respect to the direction of travel 102 of the paper web PW, such paper web PW remains adhering to the lower counter roll 9, whereas the upper felt 13 travels over a deflection or turning roll 92 and is raised away from the paper web.
By means of a further web removal or pickup device 18, here constructed, for instance, as a suction roll 18a which can be shifted or displaced towards the lower counter roll 9, the paper web PW is deposited at a further upper looped or endless felt or felt belt 14 and then moves in conjunction therewith to the starting region of a subsequently arranged web drying section, generally indicated by reference numeral 108, of the papermaking machine. In the event that the paper web tears or during transfer in the case of start-up of the papermaking machine, the not further transported paper web or paper web strips can be deposited with the assistance of doctor blades or scrapers 19 and 20 into the waste or broke pulper or receiver 23 or the like without any problems arising.
A further advantage can be realized if upon start-up of the press section 100 the paper web PW can be guided in its full width through the first and second press locations 1 and 2, because that measure serves to protect the sometimes sensitive structural parts of the extended nip press rolls 8 and 10. When the paper web PW then departs from the last extended nip press roll there can be formed a transfer tail or strip, for instance for the subsequently situated drying section. The thus formed waste or broke is deposited in the below situated waste or broke pulper 23. More specifically, in such waste or broke pulper 23 which is arranged beneath the second press location 2 there is formed a suspension from the collected broke or paper web material resulting during tearing or transfer of the paper web.
With respect to the modified exemplary embodiment of press section 100A depicted in FIG. 2, the operationally reliable transfer of the paper web PW between the first press location 1 and the second press location 2 is ensured by a suction box 16. This suction box 16 exerts a negative pressure or vacuum action from above the upper felt 13 upon such upper felt 13, and thus, retains the paper web PW situated therebelow against this upper felt 13. From the location of the suction box 16 the paper web PW arrives together with the upper felt 13 at the second press location 2. Instead of using the suction box 16, it would be possible to also provide a special, for instance, slotted blow box, schematically represented in broken lines by reference numeral 110. This slotted blow box 110 operates according to the injector principle and produces an air current or flow through narrow slots having a flow direction extending away from the upper felt 13, and thus, exerts a retaining force or adhering action upon the paper web PW. Such a slotted blow box 110 also can be provided for the suction box 16 cooperating with the further upper looped or endless felt or felt belt 14 with which coacts the web removal or pickup device 18.
Another possible construction of press section 100B is depicted in FIG. 3, where, instead of or in addition to the suction box 16 located upstream of the second press location 2, there is used a transport or transfer wire 17 or the like which presses the paper web PW from below against-the upper felt 13. This modified construction also affords an operationally reliable transfer of the paper web PW between the first press location 1 and the second press location 2. A further advantageous constructional possibility, useful for the same purpose, would entail the use of a blow box beneath the paper web PW, again schematically represented by the broken or dashed lines 110.
Apart from the different constructions of press sections 100, 100A and 100B, as respectively depicted and considered with respect to FIGS. 1 to 3, employing the upper situated extended nip press rolls 8 and 10 in the first press location 1 and the second press location 2, respectively, FIG. 4 depicts a variant construction of press section 100D employing an arrangement containing a lower situated extended nip press roll 8 arranged at the first press location 1 and on top of which there is arranged an upper counter roll 7. Similar to the previously considered embodiments, the paper web PW can be transferred by means of two looped or endless felts 11 and 12 from the first press location 1 and the upper looped or endless felt 11 can be raised or lifted away from the paper web PW. A suction roll 24 is mounted beneath the lower felt 12 to ensure for positive entrainment of the paper web PW. This solution can be advantageously combined with the different constructions previously discussed for transfer of the paper web PW to the second press location 2. In the depicted arrangement there is shown, by way of example and not limitation, a web transfer structure composed of the web removal device 15 like that considered with regard to the prior discussion of the embodiment of FIG. 1. Here also, the successively arranged first press location 1 and the second press location 2 are shown, by way of example, positioned at substantially the same elevation or height.
FIG. 5 depicts a further construction of press section 100E according to the present invention. There is illustrated therein an exceedingly compact arrangement of the entire press section 100E. The web removal device 15, operated under vacuum or suction conditions, directly transfers the paper web PW from the lower counter roll 7 belonging to the first press location 1 to the lower counter roll 9 belonging to the second press location 2. After travel through the second press location 2 the paper web PW remains at the lower counter roll 9 until reaching the further web removal or pickup device 18, here constructed, for instance, as a suction roll 18a, whereas the upper felt 13 is picked-off or removed from the paper web PW immediately after emerging from the extended press surfaces 5 and 6. This further web removal or pickup device 18 directly delivers or transfers the paper web PW to the subsequently situated drying section 108. Moreover, such additional web removal device 18, which cooperates with the further upper felt 14, is advantageously mounted to be pivotable towards and adjustable in position with respect to the lower counter roll 9, for which purpose there can be used any suitable roll pivot structure as schematically represented by reference numeral 112. Additionally, the drying section 108 can be structured to provide a continuous closed guidance or closed draw guidance of the paper web through such drying section. Once again, it is possible for the successively arranged first press location 1 and the second press location 2 to be positioned at substantially the same elevation or height.
While there are shown and described present preferred embodiments of the invention, it is distinctly to be understood the invention is not limited thereto, but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims. | The press section of a papermaking machine for dewatering a paper web comprises two separate, successively arranged extended nip press locations. Both of the extended nip press locations contain at least one respective felt which travels together with the paper web through the associated extended nip press location. The paper web is guided from the first extended nip press location to a web removal device contacted by an upper felt of the second extended nip press location, and from that location the paper web can move to the second extended nip press location. | 26,350 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to lampshades and methods of making them and, more particularly, to an improved lampshade and a novel process of manufacturing the same.
2. The Prior Art
Lighting a home or an office must be safe, convenient, efficient and ought to suit the functions of the room. Lighting brings a home or an office to life since color is only present when and where there is light. Colors and textures are affected by the intensity and color temperature of light available. The textures of furnishings, pictures and other objects in theorem can be emphasized or subdued by the choice of lighting. Light from a lamp can be warm or cool, bright or dim, depending on the type of lampshade employed. Lampshades are lighting accessories that re both functional and decorative, so that they play an important part in the appearance of a room. A lampshade demands a high standard of workmanship and a meticulous attention to detail, since any defects and/or imperfections can become immediately apparent when the lamp is on. Further, fashions in lampshades change constantly, so that the manufacturing process must be both economical and easily adapted for change.
Of the several known methods for producing lampshades, the following three can be mentioned. The first method involves hand-sewing, which produces shades that are beautifully-carded, smooth-paralleled, carefully-stretched, and fully lines. Being labor intensive, hand-sewn lampshades are among the most expensive. A second metro involves less handwork, for example employing jigs for retaining the components, machinery for stretching the fabrics, and special sewing machines for stitching the fabrics, linings and trimmings. This technique, being less labor intensive, is less expensive, but results in lampshades that often lack the aesthetic appeal of hand-sewn lampshades. A third method, inter alia, relies more explicitly on shaping fabrics with the aid of a wire cage, and applying straps or pleats to mask or hide supporting struts.
Such shortcomings are pronounced in the case of the so-called coolie shade and the like, which typically feature a smooth, tight, conical outer cover and a bell-shaped lining. In the past, high quality coolie shades have been hand-sewn because independent stretching and shaping of the cover and the lining have been difficult to achieve. Such a construction, aside from being hand-crafted, also has involved pleats, wrangles and a multiplicity of seams and treatments, for masking the struts of associated wire cages. Hence, in particular, an economical practical, highly aesthetic version of the coolie-type lampshade, i.e., a lampshade having a taut conical cover and a bell-shaped lining, has eluded workers in the field.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a principal object of the present invention to overcome the above disadvantages by providing an improved lampshade, including a coolie-type lampshade, and an economical process of fabricating the same. More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a lampshade having a novel elegant look that is provided by the unbroken or continuous geometry of the outer surface of a relatively stiff shell, and the soft contours of an inner fabric lining that are determined by the upper and lower perimeters of the shell to which the upper and lower borders of the lining are attached, and the tailoring and composition of the fabric.
Essentially the lampshade of the present invention has a configuration that is defined by a pair of perimeters that are concentrically spaced form each other in parallel planes. In one form these perimeters are established by a pair of mounting rings, at least one of which is provided with a fitting for positioning the lampshade on a support. Mounted to and between the pair of mounting rings are an outer cover and an inner lining. The cover, which constitutes a semi-rigid shell that extends between the aforementioned perimeters, typically is composed of a laminate having an exterior cloth stratum and an interior plastic stratum. The lining is stretched between the perimeters and is shaped at least at the lower perimeter by an annular form, the under side of which is convex in cross-section. The inner stratum of the laminate is a relatively stiff shell that ensures rigidity and integrity of the lampshade configuration. The upper portion of the lining is scrolled outwardly, downwardly and reversely to form a welt which is cemented at the upper rim of the outer border of the cover. The lower portion of the lining is scrolled outwardly, upwardly and reversely to form a welt which is cemented at the lower rim of the outer border of the cover. The resulting lampshade provides an aesthetic visual effect that results from a novel interaction between the geometry of the lampshade and the interior and exterior luminosity by which it is observed.
Other objects of the present invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference is to be made to the following detailed description, which is to be taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is is an exploded perspective of an embodiment of a lampshade according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lamp featuring the lampshade of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary vertical section on an enlarged scale, with parts broken away, of the lampshade of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a plan view along the line 4--4 of the lampshade of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of an operative part of the lampshade of FIG. 1 in flat, spread out position;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary vertical section, on an enlarged scale, illustrating how the part of FIG. 5 is secured to another operative part of the lampshade;
FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but showing another operative part of the lampshade of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but illustrating the part of FIG. 7 as also secured thereto;
FIG. 8A is a view similar to FIG. 8 but illustrating a different embodiment of lampshade construction;
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view, on an enlarged scale, illustrating the securing of the lampshade of FIGS. 1 and 2 to its fitting;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an operative part of the structure illustrated in FIG. 9; and
FIGS. 11 through 16 illustrate several shapes of lampshades, including fittings, to each of which the invention is equally applicable.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In general, a lampshade 10 having a construction according to the invention is illustrated in exploded perspective view in FIG. 1. The illustrated lampshade 10, which is of the coolie shape type, is shown in FIG. 2 as being mounted to a base 12 to form a table lamp 14. The lampshade 10 of the invention is characterized by an understated element look, by virtue of the interacting appearance of its cover and lining, which results for the construction now to be described.
As may be observed, the lampshade 10 of the invention looks as if it were stretched on the outside, as expansive lamps of like appearance in fact are. Lampshade 10, furthermore, does feature a lining 16, bell-shaped as at 17, and stitched together along a vertical line 18. Lining 16, as shown, is formed of two parts, an upwardly diverging skirt 20 and a downwardly diverging skirt 24, stitched together along a horizontal annular seam 22.
Basically, the lampshade 10 of the invention comprises a frame including a pair of mounting rings 26 and 28 concentrically spaced from each other in parallel geometrical planes, and a fitting 30, secured to the upper one of the pair of mounting rings 26 and 28. The illustrated fitting 30 is of a 3-arm pendant variety. In alternative embodiments, the fitting 30 also is formed as a 2-arm pendant, a wire drop pendant, a strip-flush pendant, a bulb clip, a candle cup, or a reversible gimbal type, all as known. It will be observed that the illustrated pair of mounting rings 26 and 28 are designed to form a coolie shape of the type shown in FIG. 11. Accordingly, the lower of the pair of rings 26 and 28 is formed with a larger diameter than the upper one.
A laminate 40 is designed to be circumferentially secured to the pair of rings 26 and 28, forming thereby the shade proper of the lampshade 10. The laminate 40 is formed of an external cloth structure 42, secured, preferably by a suitable transparent adhesive 43, to an internal plastic structure 44. The securing of the two sheets 42 and 44 to each other so as to form the laminate 40, as shown, is effected in the flat position, after the respective sheets 42 and 44 have been cut and with the transparent adhesive 43 applied to the sheet 42, by an appropriate cold or hot press operation. It will be noted, observe FIG. 5, that the laminate 40 is formed with a semi circular bottom edge 46, a semi-circular top edge 48 and straight edges 49, 49 connecting with the edges 46 and 48. These edges 46, 48 and 49, 49 are formed of the cloth structure 42 only. The adhesive layer 43 can be conveniently spread on one side of the sheet of cloth 42, or if desired, the sheet of cloth 42 can be impregnated, as by being dipped into a liquid adhesive designed to form the layer 43 when dry.
With the laminate 40, cut and assembled as shown in FIG. 5, the same is folded into a cone, i.e., the coolie-shape, with the adjacent straight edges 49, 49 placed in overlapping relation and adhered to one another in a way that the straight edges of the sheet of plastic 44 either are abutting or also are overlapping slightly. The now cone-shaped laminate 40 constitutes a semi-rigid or rigid shell, i.e. a substantially rigid shell, that is then secured to the pair of mounting rings 26 and 28 by first folding the bottom edge 46 over the ring 26 to form a welt, followed by folding the top edge 48 over the ring 28 to form another welt, and securing the folded-over edges 46 and 48 to the inside surface of the sheet of plastic 44, as illustrated in FIG. 6.
Forms or other spacer means 50 and 52, each provided with a curved profile 54, are mounted adjacent the pair of mounting rings 26 and 28, observe FIG. 3. As shown, each of the forms 50 and 52 is constructed from a flexible tube, which is secured in place preferably by being glued in place, observe FIG. 8. As shown, the form 50 is constructed from a single tubular element whose ends are glued to one another. As shown, form 52, however, is constructed in segments to seat within the illustrated 3-arm pendant fitting 30. The gluing preferably is effected by the same transparent adhesive which is used to impregnate the sheet of cloth 42. In the alternative, an adhesive layer also can be provided about at least a part of the surface of the forms 50 and 52 which are designed to come into contact with the reversely folded edges 46 and 48. In either event, the forms 50 and 52 are pressed and thus anchored into place. Forms 50 and 52 serve to space the lining from the laminate to define the configuration of the lining.
The bell-shaped lining 16, which previously has been sewn into the shape as illustrated in FIG. 1, is thereafter secured about the mounting rings 26 and 28 and the forms 50 and 52. In order to attach the lining 16 to the shell, the borders of the skirt 20 and the skirt 24 are impregnated with a suitable transparent adhesive, note also FIG. 7. The impregnated skirts 20 and 24 are, respectively, folded over both the curved profiles 54 of the forms 50 and 52 as well as over the pair of mounting rings 26 and 28 and respectively secured to the outside edges of the laminate 40, note FIG. 8. In an alternative embodiment, form 52, but not form 50, is omitted from the structure of the lampshade 10. Such an embodiment is illustrated at 40a in FIG. 8A in relation to elements 16a, 20a, 22a, 28a, which correspond to their counterparts in FIG. 8.
Once the lining 16 is properly secured in place in between and to the parallel spaced pair of mounting rings 26 and 28, the lining 16 is further secured in place by trimmings 56 and 58. Although the trimmings 56 and 58 can take any appropriate form and shape, preferably they are formed as tapes of cloth, note FIGS. 3 and 4. The tapes of cloth, in various alternative embodiments, are folded over one another and comprise more than one layer, with each layer being of different texture and/or color, or featuring varying patterns or combinations of patterns. Thus the function of the trimmings 56 and 58 is two-fold: they serve to anchor both the lining 16 and the laminate 40 in and to the pair of mounting rings 26 and 28; and additionally, they serve a decorative purpose. In an alternative embodiment, the trimmings 56 and 58 also include a decorative ribbon 60, of the same or a different color and preferably mounted adjacent the tapes and forming a part thereof prior to their being mounted to the outside of the laminate 40.
In order further to secure the lampshade 10 of the invention to the fitting 30, herein illustrated as a 3-arm pendant, a plurality of folded pieces of cloth 64, as many in numbers as there are arms of the particular fitting used, are employed, note FIGS. 9 and 10. The respective pieces of cloth 64 are first folded and then wrapped about each of the respective arms of the particular fitting, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The free ends of the pieces 64 preferably are secured, as by gluing, to the outside of the collar 20 and before the top trimmings 58 are secured in place.
The frame of the lampshade 10 of the invention, comprising the pair of mounting rings 26 and 28 and the fitting 30, are formed either of metal or a dimensionally stable plastic. The fabric 42 of the laminate 40 preferably is formed of one of a group consisting of silk, wild silk, shunting, cotton, satin, crepe de China and crepe-backed satin. The plastic preferably is composed of a clear or translucent polymer so as to allow maximum light to penetrate through the laminate 40. If the laminate 40 is formed of silk, the use of clear plastic allows the viewing of the pinholes in the silk material, giving rise to a pleasing appearance for the shade 10. The fabric of lining 16 preferably is composed of a member of the group consisting of silk, cotton, rayon, dupion, jap silk, silk shunting, silk chiffon, cotton chiffon and polyester-cotton.
In an alternative embodiment, the shell of the cover, together with the lower form which is inwardly directed as a downward ridge in cross-section, are cast in a die, and thereafter are faced with a fabric. In this embodiment the upper and lower perimeters of the shell are established inherently and no discrete mounting rings or forms are required. In another embodiment, the shell of the cover is constructed from a stiff cardboard.
By selecting the respective diameter sizes for the respective pair of rings 26 and 28, the shape of a particular lampshade can be determined. For example, lampshade 10 of FIGS. 1-4 is of the coolie type exaggeratedly illustrated in FIG. 11. FIGS. 12-16 illustrate other known shapes of lampshades embodying the present invention. Specifically: FIG. 12 illustrates an empire shape 80 with a bulb clip fitting; FIG. 13 illustrates a drum shape 82 with a hanging fitting; FIG. 14 illustrates an American drum shape 84 with a strip pendent fitting; FIG. 15 illustrates a cylinder shape 86 with a hanging fitting; and FIG. 16 illustrates an oval shape 88 with a reversible fitting.
OPERATION
The following steps and characteristics explain the illustrated process of the present invention and the operation of the resulting product. The process of making a lampshade comprises: providing a frame including a pair of spaced rings and a fitting secured to one of the pair of spaced rings; providing a laminate; cutting the laminate to size; forming the sized laminate into the desired shape and securing it to and between the pair of spaced rings; mounting a form having a curved profile adjacent at least one of the pair of spaced rings; providing a lining; and securing the lining to the pair of spaced rings while enveloping the lower form. In one embodiment, the laminate is shaped from a sheet of cloth and a sheet of plastic. The lining is shaped from a pliable material which is cut to size and stitched to provide a bell shape on the inside surface of the lampshade. As shown, securing the laminate and the lining to the pair of spaced rings is effected by folding the respective edges thereof over the pair of spaced rings, gluing the folded edges in place, and gluing a tape over the folded edges. As shown, trimmings are provided as tapes circumferentially secured to the laminate in the vicinity of the pair of spaced rings. In one embodiment, the tapes are decorated with ribbons, at least one of which is of a color different from the laminate. In one embodiment, one of the ribbons is secured to the tapes by being glued thereto. In one form securing the laminate to and between the pair of spaced rings is effected by tapes overlapping the edges of the laminate, folded over the pair of spaced rings, and adhering to the inside of the laminate. The operation of the resulting lamp is such that moire or other interesting optical effects resulting from the optical interaction between the facing fabric of the cover and the fabric lining is not inhibited by the clear plastic shell.
Thus it has been shown and described an improved lampshade featuring a stretched, elegant look and a novel process of its manufacture, which process and lampshade satisfy the objects and advantages set forth above.
Since certain changes may be made in the present disclosure without departing form the scope of the present invention, it is intended that all matter described in the foregoing specification or shown in the accompanying drawings, be interpreted in an illustrative and not in a limiting sense. | An novel lampshade and process of its manufacture are disclosed. The lampshade is characterized by an understated elegant look. The lampshade looks as if stretched on the outside, and features a contoured lining. Essentially, the lampshade comprises a cover that serves as a rigid shell that defines upper and lower perimeters. The lining is secured at the perimeters to the shell and is separated therefrom by a form. | 18,268 |
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
[0001] This invention relates to the field of artificial joint prostheses and, in particular, to an improved instrument for broaching a cavity in bone for receiving a prosthesis.
[0002] For implantation of prosthetic stems, such as hip stems, accurate preparation of the bone or intramedullary canal is important in order to guarantee good contact between the prosthesis stem and sleeve and the bone. The underlying concept behind precise preparation is that a precise bone envelope reduces the gaps between the stem and sleeve of the implant (i.e. prosthesis or prosthetic component) and the bone, thereby improving the initial and long-term bone ingrowth/fixation. The bone canal is presently prepared for implantation of a prosthetic stem by drilling and reaming a resected end of a bone, such as a femur, and then preparing an area adjacent the drilled hole to provide a seat for the prosthetic stem or a proximal sleeve coupled to the stem of a modular prosthetic system. A sleeve of modular prosthesis system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,694, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this reference.
[0003] Preparation of the area adjacent the reamed intramedullary canal may be accomplished by broaching or by milling. Currently available broaches or rasps used for bone preparation have limitations. Some such broaches or rasps rely solely on the surgeon for guidance. Currently available broaches and rasps suffer from a tendency to be deflected by harder sections of bone so that they do not create a precise triangular cavity for receipt of the stem or sleeve of the prosthesis.
[0004] Thus, milling is currently the preferred method of bone preparation in many orthopaedic applications because it is a precise method of bone preparation. A limitation of milling systems today is that they are typically formed so that the drive shaft extends at an angle relative to the remainder of the frame from the end of the miller cutter machining the bone. A fairly large incision must be made to accommodate such milling assemblies. A typical incision for preparing a femur for a total prosthetic hip replacement using a standard triangle miller system is nine inches long. It is not uncommon for incisions as large as 12 inches to be used in a total hip replacement procedure. Efforts have been made to configure triangle miller systems to reduce the size of the incision required to accommodate a triangle miller during a prosthetic operation. However, to accommodate any miller, it is necessary to make an incision which may be undesirably large for cosmetic or other reasons.
[0005] In a hip replacement operation, initially, an incision large enough to expose the proximal end of the femur and to accommodate the instruments to be used in the operation is made in the upper thigh of the patient. Then, the neck of the femur is resected at the appropriate varus-valgus and anterior-posterior locations (typically determined using a template) with a resection instrument such as an oscillating saw. Then the femoral canal is opened up and the femoral cortex is reamed in preparation for receipt of the distal stem component of the prosthesis. Typically a stepped starter drill is utilized to generate an initial hole in the intramedullary canal. The stepped starter drill is positioned to open the trochanteric region to guard against varus positioning of the reamer and prosthesis. To further protect against varus positioning a box osteotome can be used to remove additional bone from the medial aspect of the greater trochanter.
[0006] Once the femoral canal has been appropriately opened, reaming begins utilizing a straight reamer. Distal reaming is done using a series of sequentially larger reamer diameters. The final straight reamer utilized should be ½ mm larger than the minor diameter of the selected femoral stem. The initial reamer is typically different from the rest in that it is an end cut reamer utilized to assist in canal finding, while the remaining reamers are blunt tipped side cutting reamers. The reamers are passed into the canal until a witness mark associated with the length of the stem component of the prosthesis to be utilized is adjacent the greater trochanter. The surgeon then works up progressively until cortical contact is made. Distal reaming is complete when the surgeon has reamed out to cortical bone in the shaft region.
[0007] The proximal or cone portion of the femoral metaphysis is then performed. Progressively larger cone reamers attached to an appropriately sized pilot stem are utilized to perform the cone portion of the femoral metaphysis. The cone reamer is advanced until an appropriate witness mark on the shaft is adjacent the greater trochanter. Successively larger cone reamers are used until cortical contact is achieved in the proximal femur.
[0008] Once cone reaming is completed calcar preparation is performed. Calcar preparation has been performed using triangular miller, broaches and reamers. When hand guided broaches or rasps or triangular millers are utilized for calcar prepartion, the initial incision must be fairly larger to accommodate these instruments. Following calcar preparation, a trial sleeve and trial implant are inserted into the proximal end of the femur. The trial sleeve is utilized to determine if anteversion or version must be changed in the prosthesis by performing trial reductions and adjusting the version and anteversion of the proximal trial component appropriately. Based on the trials, the final prosthesis components are selected assembled and inserted into the bone.
[0009] Since the oscillating saw used for neck resection and the straight reamers and conical reamers used for canal preparation are typically smaller than the instrument used for calcar preparation, the calcar preparation instrument often dictates the size of the incision required to perform the operation. When a patient undergoes total hip replacement (THR) it is common for the patient to stay in the hospital for one to two weeks. Rehabilitation therapy lasts months and many patients do not fully recover for years. Some patients never fully recover. This recovery process poses a substantial psychological and financial strain on THR patients. Many patients are in the latter years of their lives and this recovery period represents a significant portion of the remaining years. Current trends in joint replacement surgery suggest that smaller incision size can lead to faster recovery, improved quadriceps function and increased patient satisfaction.
[0010] When the calcar preparation is performed using a guided calcar broach, minimally invasive surgery can be performed. The disclosed broaching system is utilized for the calcar preparation in a hip prosthesis operation.
[0011] In view of the above, it would be desirable to have a calcar preparation instrument that can be utilized through a smaller incision during a surgical process.
[0012] According to one aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for creating a cavity in a bone, said cavity (i) having a cross section which has a generally triangular profile having a first side generally parallel with an axis of the bone and a second side forming an acute angle with the first side, and (ii) being contiguous with a pre-existing conical cavity in the bone. The apparatus comprises as shaft and a broach. The shaft has a longitudinal axis. The broach is mounted to the shaft and has a first cutting side mounted at the acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The first cutting side is formed to include teeth. The shaft and broach are configured so that when the longitudinal axis of the shaft is advanced into the bone along the axis of the bone, the teeth of the broach form the triangular cavity.
[0013] According to a second aspect of the disclosure an apparatus for creating a cavity in a bone for receiving a prosthesis which has a conical portion and a projection of a generally triangular profile is provided. The apparatus comprises a shell, a shaft and a broach. The shell comprises a conical portion which defines a longitudinal axis and a shaft-receiving cavity for receiving a shaft. The shaft is configured to be received in the shaft-receiving cavity and be movable with respect to the shell along the longitudinal axis when so received. The shaft is configured to carry a broach having a cutting surface disposed at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The broach has a generally triangular profile and includes oppositely facing spaced apart triangular shaped side walls between which the cutting surface extends. The broach is mounted to the shaft.
[0014] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a method for cutting a triangular cavity in bone is provided. The method comprises a providing a shaft step, an incising step and a cutting step. The provided shaft is configured to be movable relative to the bone to be prepared and includes a broach coupled thereto to dispose a cutting surface of the broach at an acute angle relative to the shaft. The shaft and broach have a width defined by the distance between the shaft and the outer most portion of the cutting surface. The incising step includes incising the patient adjacent the bone to be prepared to form an incision having a length approximating the width of shaft and broach. The cutting step includes cutting the cavity by driving the broach by moving the shaft relative to the bone.
[0015] The disclosed broaching system is configured to reduce the size of incision required for preparation of a bone to receive a prosthetic stem therein.
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification, illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. It is to be understood, of course, that both the drawings and the description are explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The illustrative devices will be described hereinafter with reference to the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples only, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a view with parts broken away of a broach assembly formed form components of a broaching system inserted through an incision into a resected femur of a patient using a selected broach shell and pilot stem and a selected guided broach received in the selected broach shell;
[0019] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the broaching system of FIG. 1 showing the guided broach with the driver component disassembled from the broach tool, two broach tools intended to represent a plurality of broach tools each configured to be coupled to the driver component, two shells intended to represent a plurality of shells each configured to slidably receive a broach tool and two pilot stems each configured to mount to each shell;
[0020] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the guided broach of FIG. 1 ;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the guided broach of FIG. 3 ;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 4 of the guided broach;
[0023] FIG. 6 is an end elevation view of the broach toll of the guided broach of FIG. 3 ;
[0024] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the portion of the guided broach enclosed in phantom circle 7 in FIG. 5 ;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8 - 8 of the broach tool of FIG. 3 ;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a view with surrounding skin and tissue removed of a patient's resected a femur with parts broken away showing the final straight reamer used to prepare the intramedullary canal for a prosthesis;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the final conical reamer used to prepare a conical cavity in the intramedullary canal for a prosthesis; and,
[0028] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 showing a broach assembly including a broach shell and a pilot stem inserted in the straight and conical cavities formed in the femur and a guided broach positioned for insertion into or removal from the broach shell.
[0029] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Like reference characters tend to indicate like parts throughout the several views.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in the following written specification. It is understood that no limitation to the scope of the invention is thereby intended. It is further understood that the present invention includes any alterations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and includes further applications of the principles of the invention as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.
[0031] The disclosed broaching system 10 allows a surgeon to prepare bone for receipt of an implant through a smaller incision 12 compared to existing surgical instruments. In the illustrated embodiment, the incision 12 has a width 13 . Illustratively, the disclosed broaching system 10 can be utilized with an incision having a width 13 of less than two and a half inches. In one preferred embodiment, the width 13 of the incision 12 is two inches. The disclosed broaching system 10 is typically used for broaching of a triangular space 14 in a bone 16 adjacent the intramedullary canal 18 to facilitate receipt of a sleeve of a prosthesis that fits accurately in the intramedullary canal 18 , distributes loads evenly and provides rotational stability to the prosthesis.
[0032] The disclosed broaching system 10 is particularly useful for preparing a bone 16 for receipt of a modular prosthesis having a plurality of stem components, a plurality of sleeves and a plurality of body components that may be assembled to provide a prosthesis appropriately sized and configured for a patient's specific anatomy. The disclosed broaching system 10 includes a plurality of broach shells 26 , a plurality of pilot stems 42 , and a plurality of guided broaches 20 . In one illustrated embodiment, the plurality of guided broaches 20 comprises a single driver component 24 configured for mounting to any one of a plurality of broach tools 22 .
[0033] With reference now to the drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shown in FIG. 2 an exploded view of selected components of a broaching system 10 constructed in accordance with the invention. Broaching system 10 includes the plurality of guided broaches 20 for cutting the desired triangular-shaped cavity 14 , the plurality of broach shells 26 for registering the broaching system 10 with a pre-existing conical cavity in the patient's bone 16 , and the plurality of pilot stems 42 configured to be attached a broach shell 26 for insertion in a prepared medullary canal 18 of the patient's bone 16 . Indicators 28 , 30 are provided for indicating the longitudinal location of guided broach 20 relative to the broach shell 26 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 , the plurality of guided broaches 20 comprises a single driver component 24 configured to be removably coupled to any one of the plurality of broach tools 22 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that a plurality of integrally formed driver components 24 and broach tools 22 could be provided as a plurality of guided broaches 20 within the scope of the disclosure. Providing a plurality of integrally formed guided broaches 20 makes it easier for instruments to be selected during the surgical procedure.
[0034] While in the illustrated embodiment, only two broach shells 26 , two pilot stems 42 , and two broach tools 22 are shown, it is to be understood that a plurality of broach shells 26 , pilot stems 42 and broach tools 22 may be made available to the surgeon using the disclosed broaching system 10 . Each broach tool 22 is configured to be coupled to the driver component 24 . Thus a plurality of guided broaches 20 may be formed each utilizing the same driver component 24 . Each broach shell 26 is configured to slidably receive a portion of the broach tool 22 and act as a guide therefore during calcar preparation of the bone 16 . Each pilot stem 42 is configured to mount to each broach shell 26 to facilitate stable seating of the broach shell 26 and pilot stem 42 in the prepared bone 16 . Thus, the appropriate instrumentation for broaching the triangular cavity 14 can be selected and assembled by a surgeon to form a broach assembly 19 during a prosthetic operation.
[0035] As shown, for example in FIGS. 1 and 2 , broach shell 26 has a longitudinal axis 40 . Pilot stem 42 is removably attached to the main body of the broach shell 26 by, for example, a threaded shaft 38 extending from the proximal end of the pilot stem 42 which is configured to be received in a threaded cavity in the distal end of the broach shell 26 . The broach shell 26 also has an external frustoconical surface 44 which engages the wall of the pre-existing conical cavity, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 . In addition, the broach shell 26 has shaft-receiving cavity 46 formed concentrically about the longitudinal axis 40 for receiving the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 and allowing the longitudinal axis 66 of the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 to move along longitudinal axis 40 . In the illustrated embodiment, shaft-receiving cavity 46 is a cylindrical cavity extending longitudinally within the shell 26 from a circular opening in the proximal end of the shell 26 to adjacent the distal end of the shell 26 . In the illustrated embodiment, shaft-receiving cavity 46 has a diameter of approximately 0.375 inches.
[0036] The broach shell 26 includes a laterally opening slot 76 communicating with the shaft-receiving cavity 46 and extending through the side wall of the shell 26 adjacent the proximal end of the shell 26 . A laterally opening channel 77 communicating with the shaft-receiving cavity 46 and the slot 76 extends through the side wall of the shell 26 below the slot 76 . Channel 77 is wider than slot 76 to allow triangular broaches 34 to ride in the channel 77 but not in the slot 76 . A triangular broach 34 riding straight upwardly in the channel 77 eventually engages a broach engaging wall 74 at the upper wall of channel 77 where the channel 77 and slot 76 form a junction. In the illustrated embodiment, slot 76 has a length 75 from the proximal end of the shell 26 to the wall 74 . The length 75 of slot 76 facilitates insertion and removal of broach tools 22 from the shell 26 without requiring removal of the shell 26 from the bone 16 , as described more fully below.
[0037] Broach shell 26 can include indicia 82 which relate to the geometry of the neck of the femoral prosthesis which is to be implanted. As shown in FIG. 1 , these indicia are referenced to the most proximal portion 84 of the great trochanter 86 of the patient's femur 16 . The index 82 which lines up with proximal portion 84 provides the surgeon with information regarding selecting the appropriate neck geometry for the femoral component. Additional notations can be included on broach shell 26 to indicate the sleeve cone sizes for which the broach shell 26 is appropriate (see reference numeral 88 in FIG. 1 ). A general reference number 90 to the cone size can also be imprinted on the broach shell 26 .
[0038] The broach shells 26 and pilot stems 42 utilized with the present invention, are similar to miller shells and pilot stems utilized with triangular millers. Miller shells and pilot stems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,694, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, broach tool 22 includes a shaft 48 having a longitudinal axis 66 and a triangular broach 34 extending laterally from the shaft 48 . The proximal end 52 of the shaft 48 is configured to couple to the distal end 54 of the driver component 24 . In the illustrated embodiment, as shown, for example, in FIG. 5 , the distal end 54 of the driver component 24 is formed to include a threaded shaft 53 configured to be received in a threaded cavity 51 formed in the proximal end 52 of the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 . The distal end 56 of the shaft 48 is configured to be slidably received in the shaft-receiving cavity 46 of the broach shell 26 . The shaft 48 includes an intermediate anti-rotation plate portion 58 disposed between a distal rod portion 60 and a proximal rod portion 62 . The plate portion 58 is symmetrical about the plane of symmetry 33 of the triangular broach 34 .
[0040] The longitudinal axis 66 of the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 , when the shaft 48 is received in the broach shell 26 , as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 , coincides with the longitudinal axis 40 of broach shell 26 . Shaft 48 is sized to fit and slide longitudinally within shaft-receiving cavity 46 of broach shell 26 . When shaft 48 is received in shaft-receiving cavity 46 of the broach shell 26 , the anti-rotation plate 58 extends through the slot 76 formed in the upper portion of the broach shell 26 for longitudinal movement relative to the slot 76 . To that end, anti-rotation plate 58 has a thickness 59 that is slightly less than the width 96 of the slot 76 . In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness 59 of anti-rotation plate 58 is approximately 0.1965 inches while the width 96 of slot 76 is 0.1975 inches. Thus, the side walls of anti-rotation plate 58 and the walls forming slot 76 cooperate to guide the triangular broach 34 and prevent it from rotating while it is being driven through the bone 16 to form the triangular cavity 14 .
[0041] Near the distal end 56 of shaft 48 the hypotenuse 35 of the triangular broach 34 is coupled to the shaft 48 . The hypotenuse 35 of the triangular broach 34 forms an angle 99 with respect to the longitudinal axis 66 of the shaft 48 . Angle 99 corresponds to the angle the projection, or spout, forms with the body of the sleeve of the prosthesis and the angle of the triangular cavity 14 to be formed in the bone. Illustratively, angle 99 is approximately thirty one and eighty-three hundredths degree (31.83°).
[0042] In the illustrated embodiments, the triangular broach 34 is configured as a right triangle having its hypotenuse side 35 extending at an acute angle 99 from adjacent the distal tip 56 of the shaft 48 upwardly and outwardly from the shaft 48 . The upper surface 36 of the triangular broach 34 is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 66 of the shaft 48 . The upper surface 36 of the triangular broach 34 is displaced longitudinally from the distal end of the proximal rod portion 62 by a distance 43 . In the illustrated embodiment, distance 43 is greater than the length 75 of slot 76 to facilitate insertion and removal of a broach tool 22 into the shell 26 without removal of the shell from the bone 16 , as shown, for example, in FIG. 11 . The side surface 39 of the triangular broach 34 is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 66 and is displaced therefrom by a distance 41 approximately equal to the radius of the proximal rod portion 62 of the shaft 48 .
[0043] At the corner 37 of the triangular broach 34 formed by the upper surface 36 and hypotenuse side 35 , the broach tool 22 has a maximum width 32 (measured from the shaft 48 to the apex 37 of the triangular broach 34 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 66 of the shaft 48 ). It is this maximum width 32 that dictates the minimal size of the incision 12 required to perform a prosthetic surgery. Thus, the surgical incision 12 required to use the disclosed guided broach 20 need only be large enough to allow retraction to a width only slightly larger than the maximum width 32 of the guided broach 20 .
[0044] Triangular broach 34 is formed symmetrically about a plane 33 including the longitudinal axis 66 of the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 . The hypotenuse wall 35 of the triangular broach 34 is curved to smoothly join with the oppositely facing side walls 45 of the triangular broach 34 . The oppositely facing triangular shaped side walls 45 are generally parallel to the plane of symmetry 33 of the triangular broach 34 . The triangular broach 34 is formed to include a plurality of rows of broach teeth 47 formed in the side walls 45 and hypotenuse wall 35 . Illustratively, the each row of the plurality of rows of broach teeth 47 is formed in a plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry 33 of the triangular broach 34 and the longitudinal axis 66 of the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 . A plurality of chip breakers 49 are formed in the side walls and hypotenuse wall 35 of the triangular broach 34 . In the illustrated embodiment, each chip breaker 49 is a full rounded channel, as shown for example, in FIG. 8 . In the side walls 45 each chip breaker 49 runs at an angle with respect to the top surface 36 of the triangular broach 34 . Illustratively, the chip breaker angle is approximately forty-five degrees.
[0045] The disclosed plurality of broach tools 22 include differently sized triangular broaches 34 coupled to the shaft 48 to allow calcar preparation of the femur for receipt of prosthesis having differently sized sleeves or projections from the stem component. Illustratively, broach tools 22 for calcar preparation of a femur for receipt of sleeves of the S-ROM modular prosthesis which includes a plurality of differently sized sleeves have maximum widths 32 of approximately 1.789 inches. For example, seven differently sized broach tools 22 designated 7×12, 9×14, 1 1×1 6, 13×18, 15×20, 17×22 and 19×24, respectively, are provided for use with the S-ROM modular prosthesis system. In such broach tools 22 , the thickness 94 of the triangular broach 34 varies depending on the size of triangular cavity 14 to be prepared. The triangle broaches 34 of broach tools 22 for utilization with the S-ROM modular prosthesis system for example have thicknesses 94 of approximately 0.315, 0.394, 0.472, 0.551, 0.630, 0.709, and 0.787 inches, respectively, to accommodate the plurality of differently sized sleeves provided in such modular prosthesis system. In such broach tools 22 , the length 98 of the triangular broach 34 varies depending on the size of triangular cavity 14 to be prepared. The triangle broaches 34 of broach tools 22 for utilization with the S-ROM modular prosthesis system for example have lengths 98 of approximately 1.780, 1.780, 1.780, 1.780, 1.820, 1.880, and 1.880 inches, respectively, to accommodate the plurality of differently sized sleeves provided in such modular prosthesis system.
[0046] The driver component 24 includes a strike plate 50 coupled to a shaft 68 . Shaft 68 includes a proximal end 70 , a distal end 54 and a longitudinal axis 72 . The strike plate 50 is coupled to the proximal end 70 of shaft 68 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-5 . In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 68 includes a proximal portion 71 adjacent the proximal end 70 that is a larger diameter than the distal portion 55 adjacent the distal end 54 . The proximal portion 71 is knurled to facilitate gripping the shaft 68 as it is being used to drive the guided broach 20 into the bone 16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal portion 71 of the shaft 68 terminates at a location that would not require insertion of the proximal portion 71 into the incision 12 during the surgical operation.
[0047] The distal portion 55 of the shaft 68 may be partially inserted into the incision 12 during the surgical procedure and portions of the distal portion 55 may even be received in the shaft-receiving cavity 46 of the broach shell 26 . Thus, the distal portion 55 of the shaft 68 has a diameter 57 approximately equal to the diameter 63 of the proximal rod portion 62 and the diameter 61 of the distal rod portion 60 of the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 . In the illustrated embodiment, diameters 57 , 61 and 63 are approximately 0.372 inches to facilitate receipt of the distal portion 55 of the shaft 68 and the proximal rod portion 62 and distal rod portion 60 of the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 in the shaft-receiving cavity 46 of the broach shell 26 for longitudinal movement of the guided broach 20 relative to the shell 26 .
[0048] The distal portion 55 of the illustrated shaft 68 is formed to include witness marks 30 . The witness marks 30 are utilized in the same manner as witness marks are utilized in currently available triangle milling devices. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, three witness marks 30 are provided on the distal portion 55 of the shaft 68 corresponding to three differently sized sleeves available in the modular prosthesis (small, large and double extra large). The small sleeve witness mark 27 is located closest to the distal end 54 of the shaft 68 with the large sleeve witness mark 29 disposed between the double extra large witness mark 31 and the small sleeve witness mark 27 .
[0049] When the triangular broach 34 contacts bone 16 during calcar preparation, broaching is stopped if a witness mark 30 is currently adjacent an indicator mark 28 (illustratively the proximal end of the broach shell 26 ) and the sleeve corresponding to that witness mark 30 is utilized during prosthesis installation. Otherwise, broaching is continued to remove enough of the bone 16 to bring the next witness mark 30 adjacent the indicator mark 28 and the sleeve corresponding to that witness mark is utilized during prosthesis installation.
[0050] Thus, if for example, a surgeon through pre-surgical analysis determines that a small sleeve of a modular prosthesis system, should be utilized in the prosthesis, the surgeon would initially drive the guided broach 20 into the bone 16 until the small sleeve witness mark 27 is adjacent the indicator mark 28 on the shell 26 . If at this time, the broach 34 has contacted bone 16 of the appropriate consistency, broaching would be stopped and the small sleeve would be utilized with the modular prosthesis. If bone has not been contacted by the triangular broach 34 or the contacted bone is not of the appropriate consistency, broaching would be continued until the large sleeve indicator mark 29 is adjacent the indicator mark 28 on the shell 26 . If at this time, the broach 34 has contacted bone 16 of the appropriate consistency, broaching would be stopped and the large sleeve would be utilized with the modular prosthesis. If at that time bone has not been contacted by the triangular broach 34 or the contacted bone is not of the appropriate consistency, broaching would be continued until the double extra large sleeve indicator mark 31 is adjacent the indicator mark 28 on the shell 26 and the double extra large sleeve would be utilized with the modular prosthesis.
[0051] As discussed above, broach tool 22 and broach shell 26 include indicators 28 , 30 . The illustrated indicators or witness marks 30 comprise three indices 27 , 29 , 31 corresponding to three different triangles, referred to as small (“SML”), large (“LRG”), and double extra large (“XXL”) in the figures. More or less indices can be used as desired and, of course, can be otherwise designated. Illustratively, indicator 28 comprises the upper end of broach shell 26 . However, it is within the scope of the disclosure for broach shell 26 to include other structures or indicia thereon acting as indicator 28 for alignment with indicators 30 of guided broach 20 .
[0052] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the position of the witness marks 30 may be varied to permit the witness marks to be aligned with other indicia of the appropriate size of sleeve to be selected. For instance, the witness marks may be positioned along the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 to align with indicia on the broach shell 26 , witness marks may be provided on the broach tool 22 that align with indicia on the broach shell 26 or witness marks may be provided on the broach shell 26 that align with indicia on the broach tool 22 . It is within the scope of the disclosure for other indicia to be provided from which the surgeon can determine when to stop broaching the bone and from which the surgeon can determine the appropriate sleeve to select from a modular prosthesis system.
[0053] The strike plate 50 is a rounded circular plate including a top surface 78 configured to be struck by a mallet and a planar bottom surface 80 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 72 of the driver 24 . In the illustrated embodiment, shaft 68 is welded to strike plate 50 . The top surface 78 of the strike plate 50 facilitates exerting downward pressure on the guided broach 20 during the broaching process. The strike plate 50 can also be used to remove the broach tool 22 . Removal of the broaching system 10 from the bone cavity may be accomplished by striking the bottom surface 80 of the strike plate 50 with a mallet. The strike plate 50 also facilitates extraction of the broach tool 22 , broach shell 26 and pilot stem 42 following bone cutting (see below).
[0054] As mentioned previously triangular broach 34 has a thickness 94 that is greater than the width of the slot 76 . Illustratively, thickness 94 of triangular broach 34 is equal to or exceeds approximately 0.315 inches. Thus, when the guided broach is slid upwardly within the broach shell 26 , the triangular broach 34 cannot fit within slot 76 . Therefore, the top surface 36 of the triangular broach engages broach engagement surface 74 adjacent the distal opening of slot 76 during upward movement of the guided broach 20 . The engagement of top surface 36 of the triangular broach 34 with broach engagement surface 74 transfers removal forces applied to the guided broach 20 to the broach shell 26 facilitating removal of the broach shell 26 and the pilot stem 42 coupled thereto from the bone 16 .
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown a broach assembly 19 formed from a broach shell 26 , a broach tool 22 , a pilot stem 42 and a driver component 24 of the broaching system 10 . The broach tool 22 is slidably received in the broach shell 26 for reciprocal movement along the longitudinal axis 40 of the broach shell 26 . The pilot stem 42 is received in a previously reamed cylindrical cavity. Pilot stem 42 is coupled to broach shell 26 to align the axis 40 of broach shell 26 relative to the cylindrical cavity. The frustoconical surface 44 of the broach shell 26 is received in the previously reamed conical cavity. The pilot stem 42 and broach shell 26 are selected from the plurality of pilot stems 42 and broach shells 26 based on the size of the reamers used to form the cylindrical and conical cavities, respectively.
[0056] As shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-6 , the broach tool 22 includes a distal rod portion 60 and proximal rod portion 62 coupled to the anti-rotation plate 58 to which the triangular broach 34 is coupled. Anti-rotation plate 58 and the distal portion 60 and proximal portion 62 of the shaft 48 , are all aligned as shown, for example, in FIG. 4 , so that they slide within the shaft-receiving cavity 46 and slot 76 formed in broach shell 26 . Anti-rotation plate 58 engages the walls of the laterally opening slot 76 in broach shell 26 to prevent rotation of the triangular broach 34 with respect to the shell 26 during calcar preparation. As the broach tool 22 is reciprocated upwardly (proximally) within the broach shell 26 , the top surface 36 of the triangular broach 34 comes into engagement with the broach engagement surface 74 adjacent the distal end of the slot 76 in the broach shell 26 . Thus, removal of the broach tool 22 from the calcar cavity induces the broach shell 26 and pilot stem 42 to be removed from the straight and conically reamed cavities in the intramedullary canal 18 .
[0057] During assembly of a broach assembly 19 from components of the broaching system 10 , an appropriately sized broach shell 26 is selected and an appropriately sized pilot stem 42 is coupled to the distal end of the broach shell 26 . The broach shell 26 and pilot stem 42 are selected based on the size of the straight and conical reamers used to prepare the intramedullary canal 18 . The driver component 24 is coupled to the broach tool 22 which is assembled into broach shell 26 . Illustratively, a threaded shaft 53 extends from the distal end 54 of the driver component 24 that is configured to be received in a threaded cavity 51 formed in the proximal end 52 of the broach tool 22 .
[0058] As shown, representatively by two broach tools 22 in FIG. 2 , a family of broach tools 22 is preferably provided to the surgeon with all members of the family having commonly sized shafts 48 to permit assembly of any on of the broach tools 22 with any one of the broach shells 26 . Each broach tool 22 of the family also includes a commonly sized threaded cavity 51 to facilitate assembling any broach tool 22 of the family to the driver component 24 to form a guided broach 20 .
[0059] The broach tool 22 and broach shell 26 are configured so that the guided broach 20 may be inserted and removed from a broach shell 26 seated in the prepared cavities of the bone 16 . As shown, for example, in FIG. 11 , the longitudinal axis 66 of the broach tool 22 may be tilted at an angle with respect to the axis 40 of the broach shell and the distal rod portion 60 of the shaft 48 may be inserted through the channel 77 into the shaft-receiving cavity 46 . The anti-rotation plate 58 of the broach tool 22 may be slid into the slot 76 in the broach shell 26 while the upper surface 36 of the triangular broach 34 is disposed below the broach engagement surface 74 and the distal end of the proximal rod portion 62 of the shaft is disposed above the proximal end of the broach shell 26 . The guided broach 20 may then be tilted to align the longitudinal axes 66 , 72 of the broach tool 22 and driver component 24 , respectively, with the longitudinal axis 40 of the broach shell 26 . Once the axes 66 , 72 and 40 are aligned, the guided broach 20 may be reciprocated longitudinally with respect to the broach shell 26 with the proximal rod portion 62 of the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 and portions of the distal portion 55 of the driver component 24 being received in the shaft-receiving cavity of the shell 26 . Removal of the guided broach 20 from the broach shell 26 is accomplished in the opposite fashion when it is desired to remove the guided broach 20 from the broach shell 26 while leaving the broach shell seated in the bone 16 .
[0060] The overall procedure in which broaching system 10 is used is similar in most steps to those described in greater detail in the Background of the Invention. Generally, an incision 12 large enough to receive the maximum width 32 of the broach tool 22 is made through which the patient's femur 16 is prepared. The head of the femur 16 is resected using an osteotome, oscillating saw or other instrument. An osteotome may be utilized to open the femoral canal 18 . The femoral canal 18 is then reamed with a straight reamer 100 to establish an extended cavity and center line for receipt of the distal stem of the femoral prosthesis and the pilot stem 42 of the broaching system 10 , as shown, for example, in FIG. 9 . As described in the Background and Summary, the straight reaming step may be accomplished utilizing a plurality of straight reaming steps in which reamers 100 having progressively larger diameters are utilized.
[0061] Next, the intramedullary canal 18 of the proximal femur 16 is reamed with conical reamers 102 to form a cavity for receiving the conical portion of a sleeve or a stem of a prosthesis and the frustoconical portion 44 of the broach shell 26 of the broaching system 10 , as shown, for example, in FIG. 10 . This conical cavity is on the same center line as the straight cavity and the reaming is conducted until the proximal end of the reamer 102 is even with the proximal end of the resected femur. As described in the Background and Summary, the conical reaming step may be accomplished utilizing a plurality of conical reaming steps in which conical reamers 102 having progressively larger maximum and minimum diameters are utilized.
[0062] Components of the broaching system 10 in its assembled form are shown in FIG. 1 inserted into the proximal end of the femur 16 . The assembled instrument, or broach assembly 19 , includes a guided broach 20 , broach shell 26 and a pilot stem 42 . The guided broach includes a broach tool 22 and a driver component 24 . The broach tool 22 , broach shell 26 and pilot stem 42 are appropriate to 1) the size of the triangular projection of the sleeve which the surgeon wishes to implant, and 2) fit within the straight and conical cavities formed in the bone. As described below, this calcar preparation step may be performed using a single guided broach 20 or a plurality of guided broaches 20 having triangular broaches 34 with progressively increasing thicknesses 94 .
[0063] Specifically, the broach assembly 19 is selected based on the width W of the triangular projection (or spout) of the sleeve which is to be implanted (see FIG. 1 of incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,694). The broach shell 26 is selected based on the size of the conical reamer used in step 2 . Specifically, frustoconical portion 44 of broach shell 26 has the same taper and same maximum diameter as the conical reamer. The height of frustoconical portion 44 is preferably slightly less than the height of the conical reamer so that the proximal end of the frustoconical portion 44 can be aligned with the resected end of the femur 16 without bottoming out in the reamed conical cavity. The pilot stem 42 is selected based on the size of the final straight reamer used in step 1 which in turn is selected by the surgeon based on the inside diameter of the patient's femur 16 .
[0064] To provide the surgeon with the ability to match the finished prosthesis to various patient requirements, sleeves of various sizes and configurations and femoral prostheses having various proximal and distal diameters are provided to the surgeon along with corresponding sets of guided broaches 20 , pilot stems 42 , broach shells 26 , straight reamers and conical reamers. Guided broaches 20 may comprise a plurality of integrally formed broach tools 22 and driver components 24 or a plurality of broach tools 22 and a single driver component 24 configured to mate with each of the plurality of broach tools 22 within the scope of the disclosure.
[0065] The initial insertion of broach assembly 19 into the cavity in the femur brings the proximal end of frustoconical portion 44 into alignment with the proximal end of the resected femur 16 . At this point, the surgeon can use indicia 82 to confirm his or her selection of a neck geometry for the femoral prosthesis. Calcar broaching is accomplished using an appropriately sized pilot stem 42 for the distally reamed canal, an appropriately sized broach shell 26 for the size of the cone milling performed and a guided broach 20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the threaded proximal end of the pilot stem 42 is screwed into a threaded aperture in the distal end of the broach shell 26 . The pilot stem 42 is inserted into the reamed canal 18 until the frustoconical portion 44 of the shell 26 is seated in the conical aperture created during cone milling. The guided broach 20 is configured to be slidably received in the shell 26 . Once the broach 20 is partially inserted into the shell 26 , the assembly 19 is rotated to position the triangular broach 34 of the broach tool 22 over the best available host bone, which may or may not be in the calcar.
[0066] The guided broach 20 is then lowered until the triangular broach 34 of the broach tool 22 makes contact with the cancellous bone. Once in contact with the cancellous bone, a hammer is used to strike the strike plate 50 on the proximal end of the guided broach 20 to drive the triangular broach 34 of the broach tool 22 into the femur until the cortical bone is contacted. Once the cortical bone is contacted, the surgeon examines the witness marks 30 on the shaft 68 of the broach 20 to determine which mark is most closely aligned with the proximal end of the shell 26 . In one embodiment of a method of calcar preparation, three increasingly larger guided broaches 20 are utilized to create the triangular calcar cavity.
[0067] Triangular broach 34 is then driven into the bone 16 by impacting the driver component 24 with an appropriate instrument or tool, such as a mallet, while broach tool 22 is moved along longitudinal axis 40 of broach shell 26 . This process is continued until the appropriate index 30 on broach tool 22 is aligned with reference surface 28 , e.g., until the “LRG” index 29 is aligned if the sleeve to be inserted is to have a “LRG” triangular projection. In some cases, the original choice of triangular projection may be too small to reach the patient's hard calcar bone at the proximal end of the femur 16 , in which case the cutting of the triangular cavity 14 would be continued to the next index mark 30 and a further evaluation would be made at that point. If suitable at this point, a sleeve having a triangular projection portion or spout corresponding to the index mark 30 to which the cutting was continued would be used. Depending upon the circumstances, all or portions of the process may be repeated until a suitable fit is achieved.
[0068] The broach assembly 19 is removed from the patient's femur by pulling guided broach 20 straight out using the strike plate 50 of the driver component 24 . During removal the top surface 36 of the triangular broach 34 engages with surface 74 of broach shell 26 . A light tap on the strike plate 50 from below with a hand, mallet, or other instrument, is usually sufficient to release broach shell 26 from the patient's bone allowing complete removal of the broach assembly 19 . Implantation of the femoral prosthesis then follows.
[0069] In one embodiment of a method of broaching the triangular cavity 14 in a bone 16 , guided broaches 20 having triangular broaches 34 with progressively wider thicknesses 94 are utilized sequentially to form the triangular cavity 14 . As described above, in one embodiment of the broaching system 10 for use in preparation of a bone for receipt of an S-ROM modular prosthesis, seven broach tools are provided designated sizes 7×12, 9×14, 1 1×16, 13×18, 15×20, 17×22 and 19×24. These sizes correspond to the sizes of sleeves available in the modular prosthesis system. Thus, if the surgeon intends to utilize a size 13×18 sleeve, the initial guided broach 20 selected for calcar preparation would include the size 9×14 broach tool 22 . After broaching the triangular cavity 14 to the appropriate depth using the 9×14 broach tool 22 , the guided broach 20 would be removed from the broach shell 26 and the 9×14 broach tool 22 would be replaced with the 11×16 broach tool 22 . The guided broach 20 including the 11×16 broach tool 22 would then be inserted into the broach shell 26 and driven into the bone 16 to the appropriate depth. The guided broach 20 would then again be removed from the broach shell 26 and the 11×16 broach tool 22 would be replaced with the 13×18 broach tool 22 . The guided broach 20 including the 13×18 broach tool 22 would then be inserted into the broach shell 26 and driven into the bone 16 to the appropriate depth. The guided broach 20 would then be pulled straight up until the top surface 36 of the triangular broach 34 engages the broach engagement surface 74 of the broach shell 26 and the guided broach 20 , broach shell 26 and pilot stem 42 would be removed from the femur 16 .
[0070] Broaching system 10 is fabricated using conventional techniques used in the manufacture of surgical instruments. Similarly, the broaching system 10 , is composed of conventional stainless steels or other materials employed in constructing surgical instruments.
[0071] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein, other embodiments may be perceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, although the invention has been described in terms of the implantation of the femoral portion of a hip prosthesis, it can be used with prostheses for other joints such as the shoulder, knee, or elbow. | A broaching system is disclosed for creating a cavity in a bone. The cavity has a cross section which has a generally triangular profile having a first side generally parallel with an axis of the bone and a second side forming an acute angle with the first side. The cavity is contiguous with a pre-existing conical cavity in the bone. The apparatus comprises as shaft and a broach. The shaft has a longitudinal axis. The broach is mounted to the shaft and has a first cutting side mounted at the acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The first cutting side is formed to include teeth. The shaft and broach are configured so that when the longitudinal axis of the shaft is advanced into the bone along the axis of the bone, the teeth of the broach form the triangular cavity. A method for cutting a triangular cavity in bone is also described. The method comprises a providing a shaft step, an incising step and a cutting step. The provided shaft is configured to be movable relative to the bone to be prepared and includes a broach coupled thereto to dispose a cutting surface of the broach at an acute angle relative to the shaft. The shaft and broach have a width defined by the distance between the shaft and the outer most portion of the cutting surface. The incising step includes incising the patient adjacent the bone to be prepared to form an incision having a length approximating the width of shaft and broach. The cutting step includes cutting the cavity by driving the broach by moving the shaft relative to the bone. | 51,015 |
The present invention relates to an improved clamp particularly suited for clamping a flange assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Clamp devices utilizing spring biasing arrangements to provide a closing force on an object being clamped are well known. U.S. Pat. No. 2,482,374 to Ruschmeyer illustrates one such device utilizing a spring biased bolt extended through a pair of eye members mounted on opposite ends of a clamping member. Closure of the clamp compresses the spring against the bolt and urges the eye members toward each other to clamp the object.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,133,060 to Stephens relates to a closure device for pressure cookers, including a flexible band which is drawn together to seal the cover and the cooker body by a toggle arrangement consisting of a handle, a pair of pivotally connected linkage members and a spring contained in a housing formed at one end of the flexible band. Closure of the toggle arrangement compresses the spring and exerts a closing force to seal the cooker. Failure of the spring results in a shift of the flexible band equivalent to the space existing between the turns of the spring which is not sufficient to break the seal and cause loss of pressure existing within the cooker.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,324,356 to Brown discloses a clamping arrangement for use in connection with cover structures for tank truck covers, manhole covers, and the like. The clamping arrangement includes a pivotally mounted arm extending diametrically over the cover, and a closure arrangement having a biasing element for forcing the arm downwardly over the cover and exerting a pressure on the cover when in the closed position.
Other spring biased clamping arrangements are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 889,042 to Powers and 1,564,837 to Edeborg.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect, the present invention provides a toggle clamp comprising first and second clamping means pivotally connected together for receiving objects to be clamped therebetween; a handle pivotally mounted with respect to one of the clamping means; a bail including a force generating means where the bail is so mounted with respect to the handle that upon movement of the handle from a first position to a second position, the force generating means is moved to a first position to generate a force for clamping the objects together with a first clamping force; and means, upon weakening or failure of the force generating means, for permitting movement of the force generating means to a second position where the objects remain clamped together with a force less than that of the first clamping force whereby a fail-safe operation is provided.
According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the objects to be clamped together comprise a pair of flange assemblies where each assembly includes means for accommodating a centering ring having a spacing portion having a predetermined width where the spacing portion includes means for receiving an elastic seal and where, in response to the force generating means being in its first position, the seal is compressed to the width of the spacing portion to effect a fluid tight seal and where, in response to the force generating means weakening or failing, the compression of the seal is decreased but is still sufficient to maintain the fluid tight seal.
According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the clamping force generating means comprises a T-shaped member, the cross-piece of which is engageable with the other of the clamping means, and a biasing means in biasing engagement with the T-shaped member for urging the T-shaped member towards the first clamping position. Preferably, the bail includes spaced-apart side walls defining opposed elongate slots, and the cross-piece of the T-shaped member is mounted for reciprocal movement in those slots, with the extent of reciprocal movement being defined by the length of the slots.
According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the toggle means includes a locking means for locking the handle and bail together to prevent relative movement therebetween when the toggle means is in its closed clamping position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION ON THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the clamp of the invention with the toggle means in a closed configuration;
FIG. 2 is an end elevation of the clamp of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the clamp of FIG. 1 showing the toggle means in a disengaged configuration;
FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the clamp of the invention showing a flange in clamped engagement with the clamp;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional elevation taken along the line of V--V shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a front elevation of the flange shown in FIG. 4; and
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional elevation of the flange assembly of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the clamp of the invention, generally referenced 2, includes first and second clamping means 4,6 hingedly connected together at hinge point 8. A toggle means, generally referenced 10, is pivotally connected to the first clamping means 4 at pivot point 12 in end portion 13 of clamping means 4, and includes a handle 14 and a bail 16 pivotally mounted to the handle 14 at pivot point 18. The bail 16 includes a clamping force generating means, generally referenced 20, comprising a T-shaped member 22 having a cross piece 24 which is engageable in a recess 26 formed in end portion 28 of the clamping means 6. The clamping force generating means 20 also includes a biasing means which in the drawings is illustrated as comprising a compression spring 30, although it will be appreciated that any resilient biasing means may be employed, and this is not limited to a compression spring.
Alternatively, although not shown, other arrangements of the toggle mechanism are within the scope of the present invention. Thus, for example, the relative positions of pivot point 18 and recess 26 may be changed such that the pivot point for bail 16 is on end portion 28 of clamping means 6 while the recess 26 is on the outer periphery of handle 14.
As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the bail 16 includes spaced-apart side walls 32,34 defining therein opposed elongate slots 36,38 and the cross-piece 24 of the T-shaped member 22 is mounted for reciprocal movement in those slots. The bail 16 also includes a base member 40 extending between the side walls 32,34, and this serves to support the compression spring 30. A centralizing means 42 is mounted on the underside of the cross-piece 24 for maintaining the T-shaped member 22 centrally disposed within the compression spring 30, and the compression spring abuts against the centralizing means 42. As can be clearly seen from FIG. 2, the central member 44 of the T-shaped member extends through an aperture 45 in base member 40 and this maintains the T-shaped member 22 centrally disposed within the bail 16. The centralizing means 42 and the central member 44 also serve to retain the compression spring within the bail, and thereby prevent the spring from becoming disengaged from the bail.
Referring to FIG. 3, disengagement of the clamping force generating means 20 from the second clamping means 6 is achieved by pivoting the handle 14 about pivot point 12 from left to right as seen in FIG. 3. When this is done, the bail is initially moved to the right as a result of pivotal movement about pivot point 18, and that is followed by downward movement of the bail as the handle 14 approaches the position shown in FIG. 3 where pivot points 12 and 18 are approximately laterally disposed with respect to each other. In this position, the bail has moved downwardly with respect to the second clamping means 6 by sufficient distance to allow the cross piece 24 to become disengaged from the recess 26, and permit free pivotal movement of the bail 16 about pivot point 18. The clamping means 4,6 can then be freely moved with respect to each other about hinge point 8, and this facilitates introduction or removal of an object to be clamped, as discussed in more detail below.
In FIG. 4, an illustrative flange assembly 46 is shown in clamped engagement with the clamp 2. The flange assembly 46 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 6 and 7, and includes a pair of side members 48,50 having a cylindrical portion 52,54 and a flange portion 56,58 of larger diameter than the respective cylindrical portions. Each side member 48,50 has a cylindrical recess 59,60 shown in FIG. 7 which houses a centering ring 62 which may include a spacing portion 62a having vertical side walls 63a and 63b and a groove 62b for supporting an elastic sealing ring 64. As shown in FIG. 7, sealing ring 64 is supported on the centering ring 62, and is sandwiched between inner faces 66,68 of the flange portions 56,58. Each side member 48,50 may have a frusto-conical surface extending between the cylindrical portion 52,54 and the flange portion 56,58, and those frusto-conical surfaces 70,72 are receivable for clamping engagement within the clamping means 4,6, as discussed in detail below. It should be understood the above flange assembly is but typical and numerous other types of such assemblies may be used in accordance with the invention.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, illustrative clamping means 4,6 are shown which may include an arcuate internal clamping surface 74,76 having a base surface 78,80 and inclined clamping surfaces 82,84 which are clampingly engageable with the frusto-conical surfaces 70,72 of the flange. As will be seen from FIG. 5, the clamping means 4,6 are each essentially U-shaped in cross section, and the side walls on either side of the internal clamping surfaces 74,76 are thinner in cross-section and define inclined surfaces 86,88 on either side of the inclined clamping surfaces 82,84. As a result the primary clamping force on the flange assembly is exerted by the internal clamping surfaces 82,84. Again, it should be understood the above clamping means are but illustrative and numerous details of the illustrative clamping means may be varied in accordance with the invention.
In use, the flange assembly 46 is inserted into the clamping means 4, and the clamping means 6 is closed around the flange assembly, followed by pivoting the bail 16 about pivot point 18 into overlapping engagement with the end portion 28 of clamping means 6 so that the cross piece 24 is aligned with recess 26. The handle 14 is then rotated from right to left towards its closed position as shown in FIG. 4, and this results in the cross-piece 24 engaging with the recess 26. As the handle 14 is closed, the clamping means 4 and 6 are urged towards each other into clamping engagement about the flange assembly 46, and the cross-piece 24 is urged, against the biasing force of the compression spring 30, along the elongate slots 36,38 from the position 89 shown in FIG. 1 where the cross-piece is in abutting engagement with the ends of the elongate slots 36,38 to a first clamping position 90 as shown in FIG. 4. In this closed configuration, the inclined clamping surfaces 82,84 press against the frusto-conical surfaces 70,72 and urge the side members 48,50 towards each other to compress the sealing ring 64 and generate a fluid tight seal.
In the event of failure or weakening of the compression spring 30 while the clamp is in the closed clamping position (as shown in FIG. 4), the cross-piece 24 of the T-shaped member 22 moves along the elongate slots 36,38 from the first clamping position 90 towards a second clamping position 94 shown in dotted relief in FIG. 4. When this occurs, end portions 13,28 of clamping means 4 and 6 move away from each other and the compressive force on the flange portions 56,58 is reduced allowing the side members 48,50 to move axially away from each other in view of the expansive force of the compressed resilient sealing ring 64. However, the extent to which the side members 48,50 become axially displaced from each other upon movement of the T-shaped member from the first clamping position to the second clamping position is not sufficient to break the fluid tight seal between the side members 48,50 and the sealing ring 64. This is despite the reduced clamping force being exerted on the frusto-conical surfaces 70,72 by the clamping means 4,6 when the T-shaped member 22 is in the second clamping position 94. Thus, the elongate slots 36,38 are positioned so that the sealing ring 64 is partially compressed to maintain the seal even when the spring 30 has failed or weakened sufficiently to permit movement of the T-shaped member 22 from the first clamping position 90 to the second clamping position 94.
Arrangements other than the movement of T-shaped member 22 in elongate slots 36,38 may also be employed to establish the first and second clamping positions. Thus, for example, the slots 36,38 may be eliminated where the width of cross-piece 24 would be less than the distance between the inner surfaces of side walls 32,34. In place of the eliminated slots would be a reduced diameter portion having upper and lower shoulders on the central member 44 where the reduced diameter portion would be disposed within aperture 45. The diameter of aperture 45 would, of course, be greater than that of the reduced diameter portion but less than the diameter of the remainder of central member 45. Thus, in the first clamping position, the lower shoulder of the reduced diameter portion would engage or be near base member 40 while in the second clamping position, the upper shoulder would engage the base member.
As a safety feature, the clamp 2 has a locking means provided in the toggle means 10 for locking the toggle means in its closed position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. The locking means includes apertures 96,98 extending through the the bail 16 and the handle 14 respectively which come into axial alignment when the toggle means is is in its closed position, and a split pin or cotter pin 100 receivable through the apertures 96,98, as shown in FIG. 2. When the pin 100 is in place, the handle cannot be moved from its position shown in FIG. 1, so that accidental or unwanted opening of the clamp is avoided.
From the above, it will be clear that the clamp of the present invention enjoys several advantages over prior known clamps which make it a useful advance over the art. In particular, the clamp embodies a simple and inexpensive toggle arrangement including a clamping force generating means which maintains a clamping force on the objects being clamped even in the event of failure or weakening of the biasing means. Since springs or other biasing means are always subject to fatigue failure, which in turn can result in loss of work in progress, this is a most valuable feature. The clamp is especially adapted for use in clamping flange assemblies, in which the clamp in its closed position generates a fluid tight seal which is maintained in the event the spring weakens or fails. Of course, such an arrangement also avoids the situation where the clamp fails entirely permitting potentially damaging leakage at the flanges. Furthermore, with the present arrangement, a simple spring such as compression 30 may be employed to effect the toggle clamp of the present invention within acceptable tolerances without resorting to more expensive, intricate leaf-type springs that characterize certain toggle clamps of the prior art.
It is also to be noted that the toggle means is pivotally mounted to only one of the clamping means so that, in its open position, the toggle arrangement can be moved out of the way and the second clamping means is freely movable, which facilitates easy engagement and disengagement of the flange with the clamp. Furthermore, the movability of the clamping force generating means between the first and second clamping positions provides increased tolerance flexibility with respect to size variations in the various parts of flange assemblies. The clamping force generating means is thus capable of providing a closing clamping force over the full range of flange assembly tolerances.
It will be understood that the invention as described above may be modified without departing from the principles thereof as has been outlines and explained in this specification. The present invention should be understood as encompassing all such modifications as are within the spirit and scope of the following claims. | A toggle clamp having first and second clamping members pivotally connected together for receiving objects to be clamped therebetween; a handle pivotally mounted with respect to one of the clamping members; a bail including a force generating member where the bail is so mounted with respect to the handle that upon movement of the handle from a first position to a second position, the force generating member is moved to a first position to generate a force for clamping the objects together with a first clamping force; and, a member, upon weakening or failure of the force generating means, which permits movement of the force generating member to a second position where the objects remain clamped together with a force less than that of the first clamping force whereby a fail-safe operation is provided. | 16,702 |
RELATED APPLICATION
The present application claims priority based on 35 USC §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/503,837, filed Jul. 1, 2011.
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to fastener feed systems for automatic fastener driving tools, and more specifically to a system for providing and loading multiple fastener strips into such a tool.
In conventional production line applications for fastener driving tools, such as facilities manufacturing, cabinets, other furniture, pre-hung doors, windows or the like, powered staplers are commonly used. Such tools are typically pneumatically powered, but electric tools are also contemplated. To maintain high volume production, the tools are provided with elongated magazines capable of retaining multiple fastener strips, with four to five strips typically accommodated. Even with such magazines, a production line may be shut down for as much as 15 minutes each hour for the reloading of the multiple fastener tools used in production.
Accordingly, there is an interest by users of such powered fastener drivers for reducing the downtime currently required for reloading the tools with fasteners.
SUMMARY
A system for loading multiple fastener strips into a fastener driving tool is provided, where each strip of fasteners is secured to an adjacent strip by a preferably continuous length of pressure sensitive adhesive tape to form a plurality of connected strips. A sufficient number of strips are connected to each other to form a coil, preferably having a polygonal shape. As the number of strips fastened together by the tape increases, the strips can be stacked in layers.
At a free end of the tape, a first fastener strip is positioned adjacent a rear end of the fastener driving tool, in operational relationship to the conventional entry point of a fastener strip into the tool magazine. The free end is attached to a powered roller located on the tool, which winds up the tape to create a biasing force, drawing the fastener strips successively into the tool magazine.
More specifically, a fastener driver tool fastener load system includes a fastener driving tool having a housing including a magazine with a fastener entry end, an opposite shear block end, and a fastener track defined between the ends. A tensioner is mounted to the housing and includes a driven roller. A plurality of fastener strips is disposed linearly in end-to-end fashion and each strip is secured to each other by at least one fastening tape having a free end connected to the driven roller. The tensioner is constructed and arranged for creating a biasing force for urging the fastener strips toward the shear block end.
In another embodiment, a fastener driver tool is provided for use with a fastener load system including a plurality of fastener strips joined end-to-end with at least one length of tape. The tool includes a fastener tool housing having a magazine with a fastener entry end, an opposite shear block end, and a fastener track defined between the ends. A tensioner is mounted to the housing and includes a driven roller powered by a motor. The tensioner is constructed and arranged for creating a biasing force for urging the fastener strips toward the shear block end.
In yet another embodiment, a fastener coil is provided that is configured for use with a fastener driver tool fastener load system including a fastener driving tool provided with a driven roller. The coil includes a plurality of fastener strips disposed linearly in end-to-end fashion and secured to each other by at least one fastening tape having a free end connected to the driven roller. Each fastener strip is made up of fasteners having a pair of generally parallel legs spaced by a crown, the at least one tape being secured to the crown of the fasteners.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a fastener tool equipped with the present enhanced capacity staple load system;
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a stand used to support the coiled fasteners prior to feeding same to the fastener driving tool;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary schematic side elevation of the fastener tool of FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of a fastener that is suitable for use with the present system; and
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary schematic overhead plan view in partial section of an alternate embodiment of the present system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 , a fastener driving tool is generally designated 10 , and in the preferred embodiment is a pneumatically powered, staple driver of the type typically used in industrial applications for mass produced assembly of window frames, pre-hung doors or the like. However, it is contemplated that the present system could be employed with other types of fastener driving tools employing conventional linear fastener magazines, including, but not limited to combustion powered and electrically powered tools.
The present tool 10 includes a tool housing 12 enclosing a driving source 14 (shown hidden), preferably a reciprocating piston and driver blade (not shown) which are well known in the art. A shear block or nose piece 16 is configured for receiving the driver blade from the driving source 14 and creating a chamber for a fastener to be placed in position for being driven into a workpiece upon receipt of impact from the driver blade, as is well known in the art.
A magazine 18 stores at least one collated strip of fasteners 20 , and is conventionally provided with a spring biased follower and follower handle (not shown) for urging the strip of fasteners 20 towards the shear block 16 for being sequentially driven into the workpiece by the driver blade. A magazine endplate 22 is dimensioned for receiving the strips of fasteners, and typically has an opening that is complementary to, and accommodates the shape of the particular fastener 20 . Between the shear block 16 and the endplate, the magazine 18 defines a fastener track 24 .
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4 , while other types of fasteners are contemplated, in the present application, the preferred fastener 20 is a staple including a pair of generally parallel, spaced legs 26 each having a sharp point 28 . The legs 26 are separated by a generally linear crown 30 joining upper ends 32 in a single, integral, inverted “U”-shape. The length of the legs 26 varies according to the application. Accordingly, the endplate 22 has a generally inverted “U”-shaped opening dimensioned to complement the profile of the fasteners 20 .
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 3 , in the present tool 10 , the conventional magazine follower, follower handle and return spring are removed, and a powered roller 34 is mounted to the tool housing 12 , preferably near the magazine endplate 22 . The powered roller 34 is powered, either directly or indirectly by a motor 36 , which in the case of a pneumatically powered tool 10 , is preferably a pneumatic motor. Alternatively, the motor 36 is electric, and is provided with a clutch as is known in the art. An idler roller 38 is placed on the tool 10 in operational proximity to the powered roller 34 , and in the preferred embodiment is located closer to the driving source 14 than to the magazine endplate 22 , when compared to the powered roller 34 . Preferably, the idler roller 38 is provided with a resilient, rubber-like cover 40 .
As seen in FIG. 3 , an elongate piece 42 of adhesive tape connects the strips of fasteners 20 together, as discussed below. The piece 42 has a free end 44 that is wound around the idler roller 38 , and ultimately is attached to the powered roller 34 . Since it has replaced the conventional magazine follower and spring, the present powered roller 34 is used to pull fastener strips 46 into the magazine 18 , and at the same time, apply pressure on the fasteners 20 already in the magazine, in the manner of a conventional magazine follower spring. As is well known in the art, fasteners 20 in the magazine 18 need to be urged forward towards the tool shear block 16 so they can be driven by the reciprocating driver blade into the workpiece. Sufficient pulling power is provided by the motor 36 to provide enough torque for preventing any slack or space between the fastener strips 46 located inside the magazine 18 . In FIG. 3 , three such strips 46 are schematically depicted, two in the magazine 18 and a third about to enter the magazine once space is created by use of the fasteners 20 already in the magazine.
In the present tool 10 , the roller motor 36 is preferably pneumatically powered, and features an adjustable torque setting for coordinating the motor pulling power with the respective air pressure so that just enough force is exerted on the tape 42 to pull the strips 46 into the magazine 18 and keep those fasteners 20 in the magazine under sufficient compression so that they are urged towards the shear block 16 . Such adjustments are contemplated to be variable depending on the application, the workpiece and the type of fastener employed.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 , a plurality of the fastener strips 46 are shown, held together in end-to-end fashion by the tape 42 . With sufficient fastener strips 46 held together, a coil 48 is formed that eventually takes a polygonal shape (here hexagonal), with complementary ends of the strips 46 slightly overlapping or nesting into each other. Other polygonal shapes are contemplated for the coil 48 . In a production environment, the strips 46 are optionally wound upon a spool 50 , which is rotatable relative to a base plate 52 . The motor 36 , the powered and idler rollers, 34 , 36 , the tape 42 and the coil 48 are collectively referred to as the present enhanced capacity fastener load system 54 .
The number of fastener strips 46 in the coil 48 formed by the present length of tape 42 is limited only by the available space, the power of the roller motor 36 , and the tensile strength of the tape which secures the adjacent fastener strips together. It is contemplated that as the roller 34 fills with tape 42 with extended use of the tool 10 , the roller can be disposed of.
In the preferred embodiment, the tape 42 is 3M brand polyester pressure-sensitive tape having a width of approximately ½ inch (1.25 cm). The tape 42 is preferably attached to the fastener strips 46 along the crowns 30 region of the fasteners 20 , which separates the spaced, parallel legs 26 of the staples as described above. During installation, the free end 44 of the tape 42 is preferably wound around the power roller 34 at least 1.5 times, with the adhesive side facing inwardly. Once the tool 10 is activated, the motor 36 is powered, which will draw fastener strips 46 into the magazine 18 . Some applicator assistance may be needed to properly align the fastener strips 46 as they enter the magazine 18 . Once the coil 48 is depleted of fastener strips 46 , the motor 36 will fail to sense further resistance, and will rotate freely. After a new fastener spool 50 is provided, the tool 10 is rapidly restored to operation.
Referring now to FIG. 5 , an alternate embodiment of the present system 54 is generally designated 60 . Components shared with the system 54 are designated with the same reference numbers. A main distinguishing feature of the system 60 is that in order to guide the incoming strip 46 of fasteners 20 to the magazine endplate 22 , a magazine rail 62 is located in the fastener track 24 for guiding the fasteners such that the fastener legs 26 straddle the rail. In the system 60 , the magazine rail 62 includes an optional extension 64 that projects beyond the endplate 22 in a tapering configuration that tapers or gradually narrows away from the endplate. A rounded or radiused point or tip 66 is preferably formed at a free end of the extension 64 . This configuration facilitates guiding of the fastener strip 46 into the magazine fastener track 24 . The length and angle of taper of the extension 64 may vary with the application. Other similar shapes of end rail are contemplated for enhancing the alignment of the fastener strip 46 with the magazine fastener track 24 .
Thus, it will be seen that the present enhanced capacity fastener load system 54 provides operators with a relatively longer operational cycle between reloading, which facilitates production in the respective plant. Fastener reloading is required less often, and is more easily accomplished than when conventional fastener driving tools are employed.
While a particular embodiment of the present enhanced capacity fastener load system has been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims. | A fastener driver tool fastener load system includes a fastener driving tool having a housing including a magazine with a fastener entry end, an opposite shear block end, and a fastener track defined between the ends. A tensioner is mounted to the housing and includes a driven roller. A plurality of fastener strips is disposed linearly in end-to-end fashion and each strip is secured to each other by at least one fastening tape having a free end connected to the driven roller. The tensioner is constructed and arranged for creating a biasing force for urging the fastener strips toward the shear block end. | 13,301 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to filters and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to collapsible filter apparatus for removing particulates from an airstream adapted for use in a paint booth.
Filters, including air filters, are used for a variety of applications. Generally, an air filter fits in a housing and has a filter media which removes undesired particles from a fluid, typically an airstream. Depending on its specific application, the filter media is adapted to remove dust, dirt, paint, fumes and/or other particles.
In paint booths, i.e., paint overspray control or paint arrester applications, a filter is placed in the exhaust airstream of the paint booth or similar structure. Paint spray residual that does not adhere to the article being painted is entrained in the airstream of the exhaust porting from the paint booth. The airstream passes through the filter positioned at an air intake before it is exhausted into the environment.
A few types of filters are commonly used in paint booths and similar applications. One is a rigid, non-collapsible, framed filter. The framed filter is designed to fit snugly in the modular frame of the exhaust airstream of the paint booth. A framed filter typically requires no clips or other additional parts to secure the filter to the modular frame of the paint booth, but does require the use of a rear supporting grid either built into the filter or placed behind the filter in the modular frame to prevent the filter from being drawn through the modular frame into the exhaust duct.
Shipping, storing and disposing non-collapsible framed filters is expensive and burdensome due to the volume of the filters. However, such volume is necessary in an expanded state in order to effectively and efficiently remove and entrain paint from an airstream.
Another type of filter which attempts to overcome these disadvantages is a frameless accordion-type filter media typically manufactured in long sections, i.e., twenty to thirty feet long, and cut to length to fit a particular modular frame of the paint booth. The expandable/collapsible filter medium is formed of paperboard, cardboard and/or honeycomb to create an inexpensive and effective filter means. The collapsible design of these filters greatly reduces the shipping, storage and disposal costs of the filter. However, the filter must be cut and a rear supporting grid typically must be used to secure the filter. Also, clips or wire fasteners must be used to secure the edges of the filter to the modular frame of the air intake.
Another attempt to overcome these disadvantages is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,111 to Spencer, deceased et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. This patent describes a multi-ply expandable filter media formed of honeycomb and a corresponding expandable frame. However, the frame lacks strength because it is not continuous and appears to require the use of a rear supporting grid.
Thus, there is a need for improved filter apparatus which are collapsible, expandable, strong and which do not require the use of clips or a rear supporting grid.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides improved filter apparatus which meet the needs described above.
The invention includes filter apparatus for removing air entrained particulates comprising a collapsible filter media. The filter media has a periphery. A continuous frame extends around and attaches to the periphery of the filter whereby the filter media and attached frame together can be lengthwise collapsed.
The invention also includes a filter apparatus comprising a collapsible filter media. The filter media has a first end substantially parallel to a second end and a top substantially parallel to a bottom. The first and second ends each have an upper portion and a lower portion. The filter apparatus also has a frame for supporting the filter media. The frame has an upper frame member connecting the upper portion of the first end and the upper portion of the second end and spanning the top of the filter media. The frame has a lower frame member connecting the lower portion of the first end to the lower portion of the second end and spanning the bottom of the filter media. The frame has a plurality of fold points located on the upper frame member and on the lower frame member such that the upper frame member and the lower frame member can be folded to collapse the filter media lengthwise between the first end and the second end.
The invention further includes a filter apparatus configurable between a collapsed state and an expanded state. The filter apparatus is a corrugated filter media for removing particulates from an airstream. The filter media has a periphery comprising a first end and a second end, the filter media being collapsible between the first and second ends. The filter apparatus includes a continuous frame for supporting the filter media extending around the periphery of the filter media and connecting to the first end and the second end of the filter media. The frame has a plurality of fold points at which the frame can be folded such that the frame together with the filter media are lengthwise collapsible, whereby an overall height of the filter apparatus in the collapsed state is not significantly greater than the overall height of the filter apparatus in an expanded state.
It is therefore an general object of the present invention to provide improved filter apparatus. Other and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway front elevation view of the apparatus of the present invention shown in an expanded state.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view along lines 2 — 2 of FIG. 1 .
FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the apparatus of the present invention shown in a collapsed state.
FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention shown in a collapsed state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings, presently preferred embodiments of the invention and their operation are illustrated. Like reference numerals generally refer to like parts throughout the drawings and this description.
Directional terms—specifically including but not limited to upper, lower, top, bottom, upstream, downstream, left and right—have been used throughout the specification and claims. These directional terms have been used solely for clarity in describing the application and do not limit the invention to any specific orientation. In other words, filter apparatus 10 of the present invention can be rotated about any of its axes and still function as intended.
Referring to FIG. 1, the filter apparatus of the present invention is shown and designated generally by the numeral 10 . Apparatus 10 has a filter media 12 for removing particulates from a fluid flow such as an airstream. Filter media 12 is preferably a rectangular shaped, multi-ply media such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,075,337 to Erhard C. Andreae, which patent is incorporated herein by reference. Alternately, filter media 12 is formed as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,051,118 to Robert Andreae, which patent is incorporated herein by reference.
Referring to FIG. 1, filter media 12 has a periphery 14 . Periphery 14 includes a first end 16 which has an upper portion 18 and a lower portion 20 . Periphery 14 of filter media 12 also includes a second end 22 which is substantially parallel to first end 16 . Second end 22 has an upper portion 24 and a lower portion 26 . Periphery 14 of filter media 12 also has a top 28 substantially parallel to a bottom 30 . Opposite ends of top 28 connect with upper portion 18 of first end 16 and to upper portion 24 of second end 22 , respectively. Similarly, opposite ends of bottom 30 connect to lower portion 20 of first end 16 and to lower portion 26 of second end 22 , respectively. The junctions of ends 16 , 22 , top 28 and bottom 30 form four corners 32 at approximate right angles such that filter media 12 is substantially rectangular in shape.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, filter media 12 is preferably an accordion-type, multi-ply corrugated filter which separates particles from an airstream by inertia. More specifically, filter media 12 has a first media member or upstream wall 34 . First media member 34 has upstream folds 36 which are substantially parallel and extend from top 28 to bottom 30 of periphery 14 of filter media 12 . First media member 34 also has downstream folds 38 which are substantially parallel and extend from top 28 to bottom 30 of periphery 14 of filter media 12 . First media member 34 has walls 40 extending from top 28 to bottom 30 which are the portions of first media member 34 which separates upstream folds 36 and downstream folds 38 .
First media member 34 has a plurality of apertures 42 disposed in first media member. Preferably, apertures 42 are circular, are located upon downstream folds 38 and are vertically and horizontally aligned as shown in FIG. 1 . Most preferably, apertures 42 are slightly offset on downstream folds 38 such that approximately 60% of an aperture 42 is positioned on one side of a downstream fold 38 and 40% of the aperture 42 is positioned on the other side of the downstream fold 38 . The offset nature of apertures 42 helps to create a swirling effect which increases the efficiency of removing particles from the airstream.
Filter media 12 has a second media member or downstream wall 44 attached in complementary relationship with first media member 34 . Similar to the structure of first media member 34 , second media member 44 has upstream creases 46 and downstream creases 48 extending from top 28 to bottom 30 . Upstream creases 46 and downstream creases 48 are separated by walls 50 . Second media member 44 has holes 52 positioned on walls 50 of second media member 44 , i.e., located between upstream creases 46 and downstream creases 48 . As with apertures 42 of first media member 34 , holes 52 of second media member 44 are aligned vertically and horizontally.
First media member 34 and second media member 44 are positioned in a complementary relationship with each other. Upstream folds 36 of first media member 34 are aligned with upstream creases 46 of second media member 44 . Similarly, downstream folds 38 of first media member 34 are aligned with downstream creases 48 of second media member 44 . First media member 34 of second media member 44 are attached by any suitable means including glue, staples and other bonding means. In a preferred embodiment, the front of upstream creases 46 of second media member 44 is glued to the back of upstream folds 36 of first media member 34 .
In a preferred embodiment, walls 50 of second media member 44 are wider than walls 40 of first media member 34 such that V-shaped chambers 54 are created between first media member 34 and second media member 44 , i.e., between walls 40 of first media member 34 and walls 50 of second media member 44 .
When first media member 34 and second media member 44 are attached, apertures 42 of first media member 34 are offset from holes 52 in second media member 44 . Most preferably, apertures 42 and holes 52 are offset in both vertical and horizontal directions. The offset orientation of apertures 42 and holes 52 creates a swirling effect on the particle ladened airstream such that the particles are deposited on the first and second media members 34 , 44 such that substantially clean free air exits through the rear of the filter.
In a preferred embodiment, first media member 34 and second media member 44 are each formed of a single piece of two ply, 47 pound per msf (1000 square feet) paper board. In high moisture environments, 53 pound paper board forms first media member 34 and 47 pound paper board forms second media member 44 . However, many materials are suitable as the filter media of the present invention, specifically including but not limited to cardboard, fiber weave, mesh, polyester, fiberglass, aluminum and combinations thereof.
In addition to first and second media members 34 , 44 , additional media members can be added, i.e., such as third and fourth media members to improve the efficiency of removing particles in the airstream. Any additional media members can also be formed of a variety of filter materials. In another alternate embodiment, first media member 34 is formed of paperboard as previously described and second media member 44 is formed of thin polyester material as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,051,118.
Referring to FIG. 1, filter apparatus 10 has a frame 56 attached to periphery 14 of filter media 12 . Frame 56 has an upper frame member 58 connecting upper portion 18 of first end 16 of periphery 14 of filter media 12 to upper portion 24 of second end 22 of periphery 14 of filter media 12 . Similarly, frame 56 has a lower frame member 60 connecting the lower portion 20 of first end 16 of periphery 14 of filter media 12 to lower portion 26 of second end 22 of periphery 14 of filter media 12 . Upper frame member 58 and lower frame member 60 span top 28 and bottom 30 , respectively, of periphery 14 of filter media 12 , but do not attach to top 28 or bottom 30 .
Frame 56 also includes left frame member 62 and right frame member 64 . Ends of left frame member 62 connect to an end of upper frame member 58 and to an end of lower frame member 60 , respectively. Similarly, ends of right frame member 64 connect to an end of upper frame member 58 and to an end of lower frame member 60 , respectively. In an expanded or unfolded state as shown in FIG. 1, upper frame 58 is substantially parallel to lower frame member 60 . Similarly, left frame member 62 is substantially parallel to right frame member 64 such that frame 56 forms a rectangle.
Left frame member 62 is attached to first end 16 of periphery 14 of filter media 12 . Similarly, right frame member 64 is attached to second end 22 of periphery 14 of filter media 12 . Attachment may be accomplished by any suitable means such as gluing, tacking, bonding, stapling, etc., but preferably is attached by glue.
Preferably, frame members 58 , 60 , 62 , 64 are formed of a single piece of 200 pound per inch, B-fluted, corrugated double-face cardboard. Most preferably, frame members 58 , 60 , 62 , 64 form a continuous frame 56 . “Continuous” as used herein means an unbroken member; however, a broken member having a gap or splice 66 interposed between or connecting adjacent ends 68 of frame 56 is included within the definition of continuous as used herein. Most preferably, ends 68 of frame 56 overlap and are glued to form the “continuous” frame 56 . Overlapping ends 68 of frame 56 are preferably located either on upper frame member 58 or lower frame member 60 to create a stronger frame, as opposed to left or right frame member 62 , 64 . Moreover, the orientation of adjacent ends 68 proximately located and attached to filter media 12 is included within the definition of “continuous.”
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, frame 56 has a plurality of fold points 70 which enable frame 56 and attached filter media 12 together to be lengthwise collapsed, i.e., collapsed between left frame member 62 and right frame member 64 . A “fold point” is a predetermined location at which the frame can be folded to facilitate configuring or transitioning apparatus 10 between an expanded state and a collapsed state. Preferably, fold points 70 are weakened areas in the material of frame 56 . When frame 56 is formed of cardboard, fold points 70 may be created by scoring with a scoring head.
In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3, fold points are positioned such that in the collapsed state each the upper frame member 58 and the lower frame member 60 forms an L-shape. In this preferred embodiment, each upper frame member 58 and lower frame member 60 has four fold points. Upper frame member 58 has a first fold point 72 located at the junction between upper frame member 58 and right frame member 64 and a second fold point 74 located at the junction of left frame member 62 and upper frame member 58 . A third fold point 76 is spaced from first fold point a distance approximately equal to the collapsed length of filter apparatus 10 such that third fold point 76 is located adjacent the second fold point 74 in a collapsed state. A fourth fold point 78 is located approximately equidistant between second fold point 74 and third fold point 76 . First portion 80 of upper frame member 58 extends between first fold point 72 and third fold point 76 ; second portion 82 of upper frame member 58 extends between third fold point 76 and fourth fold point 78 ; third portion 84 of upper frame member 58 extends between second fold point 74 and fourth fold point 78 .
Fold points 70 on lower frame member 60 are similarly located. Lower frame member 60 has a first fold point 72 ′ located at the junction between lower frame member 60 and left frame member 62 and a second fold point 74 ′ located at the junction of right frame member 64 and lower frame member 60 . A third fold point 76 ′ is spaced from first fold point a distance approximately equal to the collapsed length of filter apparatus 10 such that third fold point 76 ′ is located adjacent the second fold point 74 ′ in a collapsed state. A fourth fold point 78 ′ is located approximately equidistant between second fold point 74 ′ and third fold point 76 ′. First portion 80 ′ of lower frame member 60 extends between first fold point 72 ′ and third fold point 76 ′; second portion 82 ′ of lower frame member 60 extends between third fold point 76 ′ and fourth fold point 78 ′; third portion 84 ′ of lower frame member 60 extends between second fold point 74 ′ and fourth fold point 78 ′.
In the collapsed state illustrated in FIG. 3, the overall height of filter apparatus 10 is not significantly greater than the overall height of the filter in the expanded state. In a preferred embodiment, the overall height of filter apparatus 10 is the same in both the collapsed and expanded states. First portion 80 , 80 ′ has a length approximately equivalent to the collapsed length of filter apparatus 10 . Second portion 82 , 82 ′ and third portion 84 , 84 ′ are approximately equidistant. Second portion 82 abuts third portion 84 which abuts left frame member 62 . Similarly, second portion 82 ′ abuts third portion 84 ′ which abuts right frame member 64 .
Referring to FIG. 4, an alternate orientation of fold points 70 is illustrated. Each the upper frame member 58 and the lower frame member 60 has six fold points such that in the collapsed state each the upper frame member 58 and the lower frame 60 forms a U-shape as illustrated in FIG. 4 .
In operation, filter apparatus 10 is shipped and stored in a collapsed state as shown in FIG. 3 (or in the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 4 ). When ready for use, filter apparatus 10 is configured to an expanded state by pulling left frame member 62 and right frame member 64 in opposite directions, resulting in fold points 70 flexing, until upper frame member 58 and lower frame member 60 are approximately straight and parallel. The filter apparatus 10 is then placed in a modular frame fitted for the particular size of filter apparatus 10 . It is unnecessary to secure filter apparatus 10 to the modular frame of the paint booth with clips. It is also unnecessary to use a rear supporting grid since the accordion design of the filter media 12 prevents collapse between upper frame member 58 and lower frame member 60 .
An airstream containing undesired particles such as paint particles is pulled toward filter apparatus 10 . The airstream passes through apertures 42 of first media member 34 and then through holes 52 of second media member 44 , with the particles being deposited in various locations of first media member 34 and second media member 44 . The filtered air may pass through one or more second stage filter systems—typically dense polyester weave filters—before the airstream, now substantially free of particles, passes through the exhaust of the filter unit into the environment. When filter apparatus 10 is full or loaded with particles, filter apparatus 10 is removed from the modular frame and may be collapsed by pushing left frame member 62 toward right frame member 58 . Filter apparatus 10 can then be suitably disposed of.
Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated for the purpose of the present disclosure, changes in the arrangement and construction of parts and the performance of steps can be made by those skilled in the art, which changes are encompassed within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. | The invention provides a filter apparatus for removing air entrained particles comprising a collapsible filter media. The filter media has a periphery. A continuous frame extends around and attaches to the periphery of the filter media whereby the filter media and attached frame together can be lengthwise collapsed. | 21,954 |
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/331,869, filed on Sep. 10, 1999.
[0002] This invention is an optical array converting UV radiation, especially contained in sunlight. The spectral characteristic of the transmission of the filter is similar to the sensitivity of human skin to sun burning. That sensitivity is described by the widely recognized Diffey Standard, also called also the Erythema Action Spectrum.
[0003] The Roberston Berger UV meter has been widely used over the past two decades to measure UV in good approximation of the Diffey/Erythemal Spectral Response. This stationary device is based on a phosphore convertor screen as the principle means to reach a spectral response close to the Erythemal/Diffey Curve.
[0004] By now there are a few UV hand-held measuring devices known on the market that are targeting monitoring of UV radiation for avoiding sunburning. CASIO Computer Ltd. manufactures a device called “CASIO UC-120 UV”, which has an optical array containing absorptive filter made of material similar to Schott UG-11 and a photodiode. The spectral characteristic of the device doesn't match the Diffey Standard. The device illuminated by sunlight is too sensitive to UV-A, that has low burning power.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,196,705 describes a device measuring the intensity and dose of UV. The device has an optical array containing: an absorptive filter made of material similar to Schott UG-11, a photo-luminescentive material and a photodiode. The spectral characteristic of the device doesn't match the Diffey Standard. The device is too sensitive to UV-A comparing to its sensitivity to UV-B. Several others solutions for biologically oriented monitors of UV radiation were also proposed, among them: U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,311 describes a UV-monitoring system in which a light sensing element is placed under a curved optical element with interference filters imposed on its surface.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,970 describes a UV-monitoring device which incorporates a UV-B sensor and a VIS sensor. The UV-B detector involved is described to be based on a phosphor convertor screen.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention solves the problem of constructing a device equipped with an optical array converting UV, visible and IR radiation that has the spectral characteristic of the transmission similar to the Diffey Standard.
[0008] Definition of the relative internal transmission of a set of filters:
T rel int (λ)= T int (λ)/ T int (310) (1)
[0009] where:
[0010] λ wavelength in nano-meters
[0011] T rel int (λ) relative internal transmission for λ wavelength
[0012] T int (λ) internal transmission for λ wavelength
[0013] T int (310) internal transmission for 310 nm wavelength
[0014] Note that the total internal transmission of the set of absorptive filters is equal to the product of internal transmissions of each consecutive filter.
[0015] Definition of the relative transmission of a set of filters:
T rel (λ)= T (λ)/ T (310) (2)
[0016] where:
[0017] λ wavelength in nano-meters
[0018] T rel (λ) relative transmission for λ wavelength
[0019] T(λ) transmission for λ wavelength
[0020] T(310) transmission for 310 nm wavelength
The Diffey spectral characteristics will be denoted as D(λ) (3)
[0021] where: λ wavelength in nano-meters
[0022] In the first solution the array contains a system of absorptive filters to block visible and IR radiation, a system of interference filters modifying transmission of UV and/or blocking visible and IR radiation, scattering elements, elements forming the light beam. Interference filter/filters is/are made of layers of materials having high and low UV refractive indexes. According to the invention one of the system of interference filters has layers made of Hafnium oxide and/or Zirconium oxide. A collimator placed in the optical path forms the light beam. The collimator can have surfaces highly absorbing light. At the beginning of the optical path a scatterer is placed to achieve non-directional characteristic of the array. The scatterer can be made of PTFE.
[0023] In the second solution the array contains the first system of absorptive filters to partly block UV-A, the second system of absorptive filters to block visible and IR radiation and may contain scattering elements and/or system/systems of interference filter/filters. The first system of absorptive filters has internal relative transmission T rel int (λ): between 0 and 0.2 for λ=290 nm, between 0.34 and 0.7 for λ=300 nm, between 0.5 and 0.8 for λ=320 nm, between 0.04 and 0.36 for λ=330 nm, between 10E-3 and 0.1 for λ=340 nm, between 7*10E-6 and 0.02 for λ=350 nm, between 2*10E-7 and 7*10E-3 for λ=360 nm, between 2*10E-7 and 7*10E-3 for λ=370 nm, between2*10E-5 and 0.03 for λ=380 nm, between2*10E-3 and 0.14 for λ=390 nm. The total optical thickness of the first system of absorptive filters is between 0.5 and 2 mm.
[0024] The second system of absorptive filters has internal relative transmission T rel int (λ): between 0 and 0.3 for λ=290 nm, between 0.7 and 0.8 for λ=300 nm, between 1 and 1.3 for λ=320 nm, between 1 and 1.4 for λ=330 nm, between 1 and 1.3 for λ=340 nm, between 1 and 1.12 for λ=350 nm, between 0.6 and 0.8 for λ=360 nm, between 0.14 and 0.3 for λ=370 nm, between 10E-3 and 0.015 for λ=380 nm, between 10E-10 and 10E-6 for λ=390 nm. The total optical thickness of the first system of absorptive filters is between 0.5 and 10 mm.
[0025] At the beginning of the optical path a scatterer is placed to achieve non-directional characteristic of the array. The scatterer can be made of PTFE. In the optical path additional system/systems of interference filters can be placed to block visible and IR radiation and/or to modify transmission in UV range.
[0026] In another embodiment the internal transmissions are arranged slightly differently. In the third solution, the array contains the first system of absorptive filters to partly block UV-A, the second system of absorptive filters to block visible and IR radiation and may contain scattering elements and/or system/systems of interference filter/filters. The first system of absorptive filters has internal relative transmission T rel int (λ): between 0 and 0.6 for λ=290 nm, between 0.1 and 1.5 for λ=300 nm, between 0.2 and 2.0 for λ=320 nm, between 10E-4 and 10E-1 for λ=330 nm, between 10E-2 and 1.0 for λ=340 nm, between 10E-8 and 0.1 for λ=350 nm, between 10E-9 and 10E-2 for λ=360 nm, between 10E-9 and 10E-2 for λ370 nm, between 10E-6 and 0.1 for λ=380 nm, between 10E-4 and 0.1 for λ=390 nm.
[0027] The second system of absorptive filters has internal relative transmission T rel int (λ): between 0 and 0.7 for λ=290 nm, between 0.3 and 1.5 for λ=300 nm, between 0.5 and 2 for λ=320 nm, between 0.5 and 3 for λ=330 nm, between 0.5 and 2 for λ=340 nm, between 0.5 and 1.7 for λ=350 nm, between 0.1 and 1.5 for λ=360 nm, between 0.01 and 1 for λ=370 nm, between 10E-5 and 10E-1 for λ=380 nm, between 10E-12 and 10E-2 for λ=390 nm.
[0028] At the beginning of the optical path a scatterer is placed to achieve non-directional characteristic of the array. The scatterer can be made of PTFE. In the optical path additional system/systems of interference filters can be placed to block visible and-IR radiation and/or to modify transmission in UV range.
[0029] This invention allows producing a cheap and simple optical array with a spectral characteristics in the UV-A and UV-B range following the human skin sensitivity described by Diffey Standard. The scatterer ensures non-directional characteristics of the array. Other standards of skin sensitivity to UV-A and UV-B burning can also be easily followed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The invention is presented on the block diagrams where FIG. 1 presents the construction of the version 1 of the optical array, FIG. 2 presents the construction of another variant of the invention presented on FIG. 1, FIG. 3 presents the construction of the version 2 of the optical array, FIG. 4 presents the construction of the of the version 3 of the optical array. FIG. 5 presents T rel (λ)*D(310)/T rel (310) for optical array from FIG. 2 in comparison with the Diffey Standard D(λ), FIG. 6 presents T rel (λ)*D(310)/T rel (310) for optical array from FIG. 3 in comparison with the Diffey Standard D(λ), FIG. 7 presents T rel (λ)*D(310)/T rel (310) for optical array from FIG. 4 in comparison with the Diffey Standard D(λ).
DESCRIPTION OF THE VERSION 1
[0031] The array contains: the layer 1 that scatters light, a collimator 2 an absorptive filter 3 that makes a system of absorptive filters, a set of interference filters 4 that makes a system of interference filters. The absorptive filter 3 is made of material transparent to UV and blocking visible and IR radiation. That property has M1 material, with a characteristics presented in the table below.
[0032] In that example a scatterer 1 is made of PTFE, and the absorptive filter 3 is a plano-parallel plate, 8 mm thick, made of M1 material Schott UG-11 like. The set of interference filters 4 that is placed on the absorptive filter's 3 surface consists of 38 layers of Hafnium oxide and/or Zirconium oxide and Silica oxide.
[0033] The scatterer 1 ensures non-directional characteristics of the array. The collimator 2 forms the light beam. To achieve desired spectral characteristics the light beam passes through the absorptive filter 3 and the interference filter 4 .
[0034] In the other variant of the version 1 , that is shown on the FIG. 2, the array contains: the layer 5 that scatters light, a collimator 6 , absorptive filter 7 that makes a system of absorptive filters and a first set of interference filters 8 and a second set of interference filters 9 that both make a system of interference filters. The absorptive filter 7 is made of material transparent to UV and blocking visible and IR radiation. That property has M1 material, with a characteristics presented in the table below.
[0035] In that example a scatterer 5 is made of PTFE, and absorptive filter 7 is a plano-parallel plate, 8 mm thick, made of M1 material, Schott UG-11 like. The first set of interference filters 8 and the second set of interference filters 9 are placed on the absorptive filter's 7 surfaces and together consists of 62 layers of Hafnium oxide and/or Zirconium oxide and Silica oxide.
[0036] The scatterer 5 ensures non-directional characteristics of the array. The collimator 6 forms the light beam. To achieve desired spectral characteristics the light beam passes through the first interference filter 8 , the absorptive filter 7 and the second interference filter 9 .
[0037] On the FIG. 5 chart the T rel (λ)*D(310)/T rel (310) characteristics of the array is plotted as a broken line, the Diffey Standard is plotted as a solid line. On the chart these two curves are close to each other in the 310-325 nm range.
[0038] Description of the version 2 .
[0039] The array contains: the layer 10 that scatters light, a first absorptive filter 11 that makes a first system of absorptive filters, a second absorptive filter 12 that makes a second system of absorptive filters. The first absorptive filter 11 is made of material transparent to UV with decreasing transmission when the wavelength is changed from 320 to 350 nm, the second absorptive filter 12 is made of material transparent to UV and blocking visible and IR radiation. That property have materials M2 and M1 respectively, with characteristics presented in the table below.
[0040] In that example a scatterer 10 is made of PTFE, the first absorptive filter 11 is a plano-parallel plate, 1.5 mm thick, made of M2 material, Schott GG-19 like, the second absorptive filter 12 is a plano-parallel plate, 8 mm thick, made of M1 material, Schott UG-11 like.
[0041] The scatterer 10 ensures non-directional characteristics of the array. To achieve desired spectral characteristics the light beam passes through the first absorptive filter 11 and the second absorptive filter 12 .
[0042] On the FIG. 6 chart T rel (λ)*D(310)/T rel (310) characteristics of the array is plotted as a broken line, the Diffey Standard is plotted as a solid line.
[0043] Description of the version 3 .
[0044] The array contains: a first absorptive filter 13 that makes a first system of absorptive filters, a second absorptive filter 14 that makes a second system of absorptive filters and a first set of interference filters 15 and a second set of interference filters 16 that both make a system of interference filters. The first absorptive filter 13 is made of material transparent to UV with decreasing transmission when wavelength is changed from 320 to 350 nm, the second absorptive filter 14 is made of material transparent to UV and blocking visible and IR radiation. That property have materials M2 and M1 respectively, with characteristics presented in the table below. Interference filters are constructed to block visible and IR radiation and/or to modify transmission characteristics in UV.
[0045] [0045]
[0046] In that example the first absorptive filter 13 is a plano-parallel plate, 1.5 mm thick, made of M2 material, Schott GG-19 like. The second absorptive filter 14 with interference filters 15 , 16 placed on the filter 14 surfaces are made together by Schott as Schott DUG-11 filter.
[0047] To achieve desired spectral characteristics the light beam passes through the first absorptive filter 13 , the first interference filter 15 , the second absorptive filter 14 and the second interference filter 16 .
[0048] On the FIG. 7 chart T rel (λ)*D(310)/T rel (310) characteristics of the array is plotted as a broken line, the Diffey Standard is plotted as a solid line.
[0049] TABLE of relative internal transmission T rel int (λ)
λ[nm] 290 300 310 320 330 340 M1 glass, Minimal value 0 0.7 1 1.0 1.0 1.0 8 mm thick Maximal value 0.3 0.8 1 1.3 1.4 1.3 M2 glass, Minimal value 0 0.34 1 0.5 0.04 10E-3 1.5 mm thick Maximal value 0.2 0.7 1 0.8 0.36 0.1 λ[nm] 350 360 370 380 390 M1 glass, Minimal value 1.0 0.6 0.14 10E-3 10E-10 8 mm thick Maximal value 1.12 0.8 0.3 0.015 10E-6 M2 glass, Minimal value 7 * 10E-6 2 * 10E-7 2 * 10E-7 2 * 10E-5 2 * 10E-3 1.5 mm thick Maximal value 0.02 7 * 10E-3 7 * 10E-3 0.03 0.14
[0050] Data in tables above are T rel int (λ) characteristics of plano-paralel plates made of M1, M2 with given thickness.
[0051] The exact values of T rel int (λ) are described in the example constructions. These data are example values and it is obvious that the invention is not restricted to them. The optical array in the example constructions has the spectral characteristics similar to human skin sensitivity to UV contained in sunlight. FIG. 5 presents T rel (λ)*D(310)/T rel (310) chart for optical array from FIG. 2 in comparison with the Diffey Standard D(λ), FIG. 6 presents T rel (λ)*D(310)/T rel (310) chart for optical array from FIG. 3 in comparison with the Diffey Standard D(λ), FIG. 7 presents T rel (λ)*D(310)/T rel (310) chart for optical array from FIG. 4 in comparison with the Diffey Standard D(λ). The biggest discrepancies between the characteristics and the Diffey Standard are for UV-C that is absent in sunlight and UV-A that has a minimal burning power comparing with total burning power of sun UV. | An optical array containing a system of absorptive filters and a system of interference filters. For the sun light the spectral characteristics of transmission of the optical array is close to the world-wide accepted Diffey Standard. That standard models human skin sensitivity to UV burning. The invention allows making inexpensive, miniature UV sensors that can be applied in miniature devices measuring burning power of UV contained in the sun light. | 16,657 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
This patent application is a continuation of copending and commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/416,055, filed May 7, 2003, which is the US national phase of International Patent Application PCT/US01/47144, filed Nov. 8, 2001, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/247,362, filed Nov. 10, 2000, each of which being hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hemophilia B is an inherited disorder of blood coagulation characterized by a permanent tendency to hemorrhage due to a defect in the blood coagulation mechanism. Hemophilia B is caused by a deficiency in factor IX. Factor IX is a single-chain, 55,000 Da proenzyme that is converted to an active protease (factor IXa) by factor XIa or by the tissue factor VIIa complex. Factor IXa then activates factor X in conjunction with activated factor VIII. Hemophilia B occurs in 1 in 30,000 male births. Since the disease displays X-linked recessive inheritance, females are very rarely affected.
Hemophilic bleeding occurs hours or days after injury, can involve any organ, and, if untreated may continue for days or weeks. This can result in large collections of partially clotted blood putting pressure on adjacent normal tissues and can cause necrosis of muscle, venous congestion, or ischemic damage to nerves.
Hemophilia B is treated by administering to the patient either recombinant or plasma-derived factor IX.
However, there are times when treating such patients with factor IX produces less than satisfactory results, and hemorrhaging continues. Thus, there is a need to develop additional therapies for treating hemophilia B.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention fills this need by administering to patients with hemophilia B factor XIII in conjunction with factor IX, and by administering to patients afflicted with hemophilia B factor XIII in conjunction with factor IX.
The teachings of all of the references cited herein are incorporated in their entirety by reference.
Hemophilia B is heterogeneous in both its clinical severity and molecular pathogenesis. Clinical severity roughly correlates with the level of factor IX activity. In severe hemophilia B, the patient will have less than 1% normal factor IX in his plasma (about 0.1 U/ml of plasma). Once a bleeding disorder has been determined to be present, the physician must determine what is the cause of the disorder. For diagnostic purposes, the hemostatic system is divided into two parts: the plasma coagulation factors, and platelets. With the exception of factor XIII deficiency, each of the known defects in coagulation proteins prolongs either the prothrombin time (PT), or partial thromboplastin time (PTT), or both of these laboratory-screening assays. A PT is performed by addition of a crude preparation of tissue factor (commonly an extract of brain) to citrate-anticoagulated plasma, recalcification of the plasma, and measurement of the clotting time. A PTT assay is performed by the addition of a surface-activating agent, such as kaolin, silica, or ellagic acid, and phospholipid to citrate-anticoagulated plasma. After incubation for a period sufficient to provide for the optimal activation of the contact factors, the plasma is recalcified and the clotting time measured. The name of the PTT assay emanates from the phospholipid reagents being originally derived from a lipid-enriched extract of complete thromboplastin, hence the term partial thromboplastin. The PTT assay is dependent on factors of both the intrinsic and common pathways. The PTT may be prolonged due to a deficiency of one or more of these factors or to the presence of inhibitors that affect their function. Although its commonly stated that decreases in factor levels to approximately 30% of normal are required to prolong the PTT, in practice the variability is considerable in sensitivity of different commercially available PTT reagents to the various factors. In fact, the levels may vary from 25% to 40%. See, Miale J B: Laboratoiy Medicine-Hematology. 6.sup.th Ed., (CV Mosby, St. Louis, Mo., 1982). If the PT and PTT are abnormal, quantitative assays of specific coagulation proteins are then carried out using the PT or PTT tests and plasma from congenitally deficient individuals as substrate. The corrective effect of varying concentration of patient plasma is measured and expressed as a percentage of normal pooled plasma standard. The interval range for most coagulation factors is from 50 to 150 percent of this average value, and the minimal level of most individual factors needed for adequate hemostasis is 25 percent.
Dosage in Factor IX Replacement Therapy
One unit of factor IX is defined as the amount of factor IX activity present in 1 ml of pooled normal human plasma and is equivalent to 100% activity. The dose of factor IX needed to achieve a desired level of activity can be calculated based on estimation of the patient's plasma volume and knowledge of factor IX kinetics.
Plasma volume may be estimated as 5% of body weight or 50 ml/kg body weight. Thus the plasma volume of a 70 kg patient is approximately 3,500 ml. By definition, for such a patient to have 100% factor IX activity, 1 U/ml of plasma or a total of 3,500 U of factor IX must be present in this plasma volume. If severe hemophilia B is present, it may be assumed that the initial factor IX activity is zero. Thus, to obtain 100% activity, at least 3,500 U of factor IX must be administered. Because of rapid redistribution into the extravascular space and adsorption onto endothelial cells of vessel walls, however, only about 50% of the infused factor IX remains in circulation after a short period. Therefore, to obtain 100% activity, the initial dose should be about 7,000 U of factor IX. To generalize to any size patient with any initial factor IX level and any desired target level, infusion of 1 U/kg of body weight of factor IX will raise the factor IX level approximately 1%. For example, a dose of 1,750 U would raise a 50-kg patient from a starting factor IX level of 15% to a target of 50% activity.
After its initial rapid redistribution, factor IX has a second phase half-life of approximately 18-24 hours. Because the variability in this measurement is significant, it is best determined in each individual patient to allow proper dosing. Based on these data, the factor IX level of a patient raised to 100% activity would be expected to decay to 50% by approximately 24 hours after infusion of the initial dose. A second bolus one-half the amount of the first should then raise the level from 50% to 100%. Factor IX is commonly administered in boluses every 12-24 hours. For the recombinant factor IX, BENEFFIX™, Genetics Institute, Cambridge, Mass., the number of factor IX International Units (IU) to be administered should be the percentage of factor IX increase desired multiplied by 1.2 IU/kg of body weight.
Factor IX is produced by a number of companies in both a recombinant and plasma-derived formulations. Among these are the following: BENEFIX.RTM. (recombinant product produced by Genetics Institute, Cambridge, Mass.), MONOINE™ Concentrate (Centeon, King of Prussia, Pa.), ALPHANINE™ SD (Alpha Therapeutic Corp. Los Angeles, Calif.), BEBULNE VH IMMUNO™ (Immuno, Rochester, Minn.), KONYNE 80™ (Bayer Corporation, Biological, West Haven, Conn.), PROPLEX T™ (Baxter Healthcare, Glendale, Calif.) and PROFILNINE SD™ (Alpha Corporation).
Treatment of Hemophilia B with Factor IX and Factor XIII
The method of the present invention improves upon the above-described treatment of hemophilia B by administering factor XIII in conjunction with factor IX. The factor XIII can be administered at any time alone or at the same time as factor IX either to stop a hemorrhage or for prophylaxis.
Factor XIII, also known as fibrin-stabilizing factor, circulates in the plasma at a concentration of 10-20 mg/ml. The protein exists in plasma as a tetramer comprised of two A subunits and two B subunits. Each subunit has a molecular weight of 85,000 Da, and the complete protein has a molecular weight of approximately 330,000 Da. Factor XIII catalyzes the cross-linkage between the γ-glutamyl and ε-lysyl groups of different fibrin strands. The catalytic activity of factor XIII resides in the A subunits. The B subunits act as carriers for the A subunits in plasma factor XIII. Recombinant factor XIII can be produced according to the process described in European Patent No. 0 268 772 B1. See also U.S. Pat. No. 6,084,074. The level of factor XIII in the plasma can also be increased by administering a factor XIII concentrate derived from human placenta called FIBROGAMMIN™ (Aventis Corp.) or by administration of recombinant factor XIII.
A pharmaceutical composition comprising factor XIII can be formulated according to known methods to prepare pharmaceutically useful compositions, whereby the therapeutic proteins are combined in a mixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A composition is said to be a “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” if its administration can be tolerated by a recipient patient. A suitable pharmaceutical composition of factor XIII will contain 1 mM EDTA, 10 mM Glycine, 2% sucrose in water. An alternative formulation will be a factor XIII composition containing 20 mM histidine, 3% wt/volume sucrose, 2 mM glycine and 0.01% wt/vol. polysorbate, pH 8. The concentration of factor XIII should preferably be 1-10 mg/mL, more preferably about 5 mg/mL.
Other suitable carriers are well known to those in the art. See, for example, Gennaro (ed.), Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 19th Edition (Mack Publishing Company 1995).
Administration of Factor XIII
Factor XIII can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously to treat hemophilia B. When administering therapeutic proteins by injection, the administration may be by continuous infusion or by single or multiple boluses. The levels of factor XIII in an individual can be determined by assays well known in the art such as the BERICHROM™0 F XIII assay (Dade Behring Marburgh GmbH, Marburg, Germany). The normal adult has an average of about 45 ml of plasma per kg of body weight. Each liter of blood has 1000 units (U) of factor XIII. The amount of factor XIII administered should be enough to bring an individual's level of factor XIII in the plasma to 100% of normal plasma or slightly above to 1-5% above normal, A dose of 0.45 U/kg would raise the level of factor XIII by about 1% compared to normal. One unit of factor XIII is about 10 μg of recombinant factor XIII, which contains only the dimerized A subunit. Thus, to raise the level of factor XIII by 1%, one would administer about 4.5 μg of the A2 subunit per kilogram weight of the individual. So to raise the level 30% of normal, one would administer 13.5 U/kg. For a 75 kg individual this would be about 1,012.5 U. Some patients may have consumptive coagulopathies that involve factor XIII losses. In such cases, a higher dosing (e.g., 1-2 U/kg-%) or multiple dosing of factor XIII (e.g., 1-2 U/kg-%-day) may be required. | Use of factor XIII for treating hemophilia B. A patient having hemophilia B is treated by administering factor XIII, generally in conjunction with factor IX. | 11,307 |
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is in the field of developing and deploying applications and services for a full range of devices, scaling from mobile phones to computer desktops, within a flexible markup based distributed architecture.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] As wireless computing devices become more ubiquitous, the demand for value-added mobile applications and solutions to deliver these applications increases. Enterprises expect new mobile applications to seamlessly integrate with the existing corporate information system, thus granting access to existing resources and services to highly mobile workers. Examples include accessing legacy applications and connecting to enterprise databases through wireless devices.
[0003] Mobile applications may have challenges such as:
Accessing a mobile application from different kinds of devices, for example from a PDA or a desktop computer, depending on the location of the user. PDAs and desktops differ in several ways, including form factors, operating systems and connectivity. Running a mobile application on a mobile device continuing to work offline, in the case of a broken connection. An offline behavior utilizes access to local resources. A mobile application accessing services published by some Web Services provider implementing Web Services standards, including SOAP, WSDL and UDDI.
[0007] Deploying mobile applications in such heterogeneous environments greatly increases the complexity of the solutions, and presents many unresolved challenges. These challenges in turn affect the development of applications, as well as ongoing maintenance. Some issues to address are:
Open standards compatibility. Proprietary solutions are unlikely to be practical in such heterogeneous environments. The solution should fit the emerging Web Services standards, including SOAP, WSDL and UDDI. Multi-platform deployment. The same service may be accessed from different kinds of devices and different communication protocols may be used. Ease of modification. Since the markets change quickly, especially emerging markets like the wireless applications market, it is desirable that smart applications are easy and quick to modify. Adaptable deployment. No single deployment model fits all contexts. The suitable deployment model depends on several factors, such as device resources, security requirements and application characteristics. Deployment models typically range from a thin client connected to a server, to a stand-alone running application. Access to local resources. Mobile devices cannot rely exclusively upon server side resources, since the connection with a server cannot always be guaranteed. Furthermore, it can be costly to continually maintain a connection to a server when it is only occasionally required. Enhanced user interface. Required to improve the user experience.
[0014] Solutions like HyperText Markup Language (HTML) combined with HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), pure Java programming, Application Servers, and proprietary Software Development Kits (SDKs), each address a subset of these challenges, but more comprehensive solutions are desired.
[0015] HTML and WAP are open standards and may be deployed on multiple platforms. Services developed with these standards may be easily modified, since they become immediately available to the client devices when deployed on the server. Unfortunately, the deployment model of HTML and WAP is a rather rigid thin client model and a connection to a server must remain typically available during the execution of the application. This may be costly and even impractical, should the connection to the server be interrupted unexpectedly. Another drawback is that these solutions allow little access, if any, to local resources. Finally, the user interface is rather modest, at best.
[0016] Another solution mentioned above is pure Java programming. Although Java is quite portable, and is considered to some extent as an “open standard”, there are in fact multiple Java standards, including J2ME MIDP, Personal Java, and Java 2 Standard Edition. Thus, deploying a Java application on different platforms may require rewriting it several times, which implies involving highly-skilled developers. The same problem arises when modifying an application. Java provides good means of implementing a deployment model targeted to a specific architecture, accessing local resources and providing effective User Interfaces. Unfortunately, each deployment model generally requires a specific Java program, thus making it unfeasible to dynamically adapt a given application to new architectural requirements.
[0017] Proprietary SDK's provided by mobile device manufacturers are quite comparable in capabilities and drawbacks to the Java programming approach, but have the additional drawback of not being open standards. The use of such proprietary solutions entails a commitment to one particular (inflexible) solution, which in turn restricts the ability to later port an application to other mobile devices. Should the chosen solution at some point no longer meet the requirements of the user, it could be extremely costly to implement a completely new solution.
[0018] Application servers, and especially Java application servers based on the Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) standard, promote several architecturally significant separations of concerns. One architectural feature is a variation on the HTML approach, namely Java Server Pages (JSP). JSPs are targeted to improve the separation between interaction logic and business logic on the server side, but have the same limitations as traditional HTML architectures on the client side. Another architectural feature is the distinction between the development phase and the deployment phase for an application, thus allowing some flexibility for adapting to the underlying technical architecture. However, the deployment process is typically only concerned about server-side deployment characteristics, including transactions, security and database access. The distribution of processing and resources between the client and the server are not addressed by this solution.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] A computer program product embodied in a computer-readable medium is configurable to accomplish execution of an application that is specified and encoded in a markup-based descriptor language. The product includes client runtime computer code configured to cause a client computer device to process the markup-based descriptor language to deploy an application to accomplish execution of the application. The client runtime computer code is further configured to process the markup-based descriptor language to selectively configure the client computer device to deploy the application so as to accomplish execution of the application by the client computer device stand-alone or by the client computer device in cooperation with a server to which the device is connectable via a network connection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an outline of the runtime architecture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates an outline of the development and deployment process, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates the processing runtime client and server stacks, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a description of three major deployment profiles supported by preferred embodiments of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates the flow of information within the client and server stacks of an embodiment of the present invention, for the thin connected profile.
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates the flow of information within the client and server stacks of an embodiment of the present invention, for the thick connected profile.
[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates the flow of information within the client stack of an embodiment of the present invention, for the stand-alone profile.
[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates the flow of information within the client and server stacks of an embodiment of the present invention, for the applet profile.
[0028] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a visual design module of the present invention
[0029] FIG. 10 illustrates embodiments of the markup based descriptors and corresponding screens displayed by embodiments of the present invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] A comprehensive flexible solution, based on a markup language like XML, for developing smart mobile applications and services, and for deploying them in heterogeneous environments. Smart mobile applications can be used in a connected or disconnected mode and they can access and process resources locally or on a server. According to one aspect, a flexible client-server architecture is targeted to run smart mobile applications. The applications and the deployment architecture are specified within markup-based descriptors. The supported architecture specifications range from a standalone client running an entire unconnected application, to a thin client managing the User Interface with the business logic of the application running on the server. In between, many combinations of client and server side processing may be specified. The characteristics of the architecture may be dynamically modified, thus leading to increased flexibility in the deployment. Mostly, the markup-based descriptors are forms specifying the User Interface of the application, the behavior of the application in response to the interactive events, the business logic of the application, and the location where the resources are to be found and processed. The behavior of the application is defined in a scripting language, which is given access to the resources of the device, including access to methods written in a language like Java, either on the client or on the server.
[0031] For example, a client runtime system displays interactive screens, or forms, interacting with specific server components running within an application server. The client runtime retrieves a form specification, either locally or from the server. When the form is accessed from the server, it may be preprocessed therein. Otherwise, it is preprocessed on the client. The preprocessing of a form specification is a construction process, where the actual form to be displayed is constructed as specified in the form specification, possibly using available resources like databases to populate the actual form. The client runtime parses and processes the actual form to generate the User Interface on the device, and then handles the interactive events. The client runtime is typically installed on the computing client device, which may be a smart phone, a PDA, or a desktop computer, but it can also be downloaded on demand as an applet into a browser. The server software is typically installed on a server running a Java application server. The entry point in the server software is a servlet using an XML configuration file generated by the Designer. When a client device sends a request, the servlet analyzes the request, prepares the XML formatted response, and sends it back to the client. The preparation process may include preprocessing of a form specification, and retrieval of deployed forms and/or data from backend systems.
[0032] According to another aspect, a development and a deployment process is provided for smart applications and services. For example, the development and deployment process may be performed in three steps. The first step is the user interface and interaction design step, and produces the interactive specification of the forms. Within this step, databases and other resources are managed and accessed as abstract references, without any indication about their physical location or other implementation-dependent characteristics. The second step is the deployment definition step, that is, defining where and how the form specifications, resources and data are to be deployed on the client and the servers. The third step corresponds to the actual deployment on the target platforms. This separation provides means for deploying the same application across multiple kinds of distributed environments. The environments may differ by the operating system of the client device, by the resources available on the client or on the server, and by the characteristics of the connection. The result of the development and the deployment process is a set of markup documents describing the architecture and the behavior of the resulting application.
[0033] As an example of this development and deployment process, an easy-to-use Rapid Application Development (RAD) designer tool may be provided for application developers. The designer tool running on the developer's computing device provides the developer with tools for each step of the development and deployment process, from the visual definition of screens to the testing of full-fledged client-server applications. With the designer tool, the developer can define and edit the screen visually. The designer tool creates the XML files required by the client and by the server.
[0034] The same application may thus be deployed on different deployment models and platforms, providing increased flexibility (useful, for example, for wireless implementations). For example, if the application is designed to support the sale force of a large corporation equipped with both wireless PDAs and desktop computers, different types of deployments may be required. In the office, the user may expect to access the application through a thick connected model, using the full processing power of a desktop computer and the high bandwidth of the local network. While outside the office, the user may access the application, for instance to check the status of an order, from either a PDA using a thin connected model or from a browser through the Internet by using an applet deployment mode. When a connection is not available, the application may operate in a stand-alone mode, thus allowing the user to enter an uncommitted order or estimate a total price.
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates, at a broad level, the runtime architecture of one embodiment in accordance with the present invention. The runtime architecture is implemented on a computing client device 102 and a server 100 , connected through a connection link 117 . The illustrated embodiment corresponds to a “thin client” runtime configuration.
[0036] The computing client device 102 may include two or more layers. The operating system 110 interfaces to the hardware and handles the low level management of the resources on the device, such as memory, storage, and user input. A Java Virtual Machine is considered an extension of the operating system, abstracting the device's resources into the Java standard, and providing a standard programming platform across devices. A third layer is the client runtime 112 , providing part of the client side functionality. The server 100 may comprise a Java J2EE compatible application server 108 , which manages the services available on the server. The server runtime 106 based on a Java servlet provides part of the server side functionality in accordance to the present invention. The communication link 117 may be an Internet connection based on the HTTP protocol.
[0037] When, through an interaction 101 with the computing client device 102 , a user requests access to a form from a service located on the server 100 , the client runtime 112 sends a request 107 to the server 100 using the available communication link and protocol 117 . On the server 100 , the application server 108 analyzes the request and forwards it to the server runtime 106 . The server runtime processes the request, recognizes it as a form request, retrieves the requested form specification stored in an XML file 116 and additional data from external resources 118 as appropriate, and combines them to construct the preprocessed XML form 120 , which is passed back to the client device 102 . The client runtime 112 then processes the XML form and generates 103 the corresponding User Interface on the device's display.
[0038] This general architecture described with reference to FIG. 1 illustrates a deployment with a thin client profile where the construction of the form occurs on the server and no local storage is used on the client. However, other deployment profiles may be employed. The following deployment profiles will be later discussed in more detail:
Stand-alone: the form specifications are stored, and the displayable interactive forms constructed and processed on the client, and no connection to a server is utilized. Thick connected client: the form specifications are retrieved from a server, but the displayable interactive forms are constructed and processed on the client. Local resources, such as local databases may be involved. Thin Client: the form specifications are stored on the server. The displayable interactive forms are constructed on the server and the preprocessed forms are then passed to the client. The client handles the processing of the events once the form is on the device, and no access to client resources is utilized. Applet deployment: the runtime is not installed on the client; it is downloaded on request from the server and runs inside a browser.
[0043] The named deployment profiles are not fixed during the execution of a given application. For example, the frequently used forms of an application may run in a stand-alone mode, and the less frequently used ones may be deployed in a thin or thick client mode. Furthermore, the present invention provides means for dynamically changing the deployment profile during the execution of an application, thus leading to highly flexible architectures.
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates, at a broad level, an embodiment of the development and deployment process in accordance with the present invention. A Rapid Application Development (RAD) designer tool 200 running on the developer's computing device is provided. The designer tool 200 comprises three modules: the visual design module 226 , the deployment module 228 , and the test module 244 . The process is carried out in four major steps: the visual design step 202 , the deployment definition step 206 , the export deployment step 210 , and the test platform step 240 .
[0045] The visual design step 202 includes defining the abstract form specifications 204 of the application. An abstract form specification is stored as an XML document. The developer designs the visual aspect of the application's forms, by interacting with the visual design module 226 , typically by positioning visual components on the screen. The developer may specify the interactive behavior of each visual component through script code, as required. Capability is provided for script code to access external resources as abstract references, delaying the binding to the actual resources until the deployment definition step 206 . As a result, the visual layout and behavior of the applications are specified independently of the target platforms. External resources the script code can manipulate include Java methods, images and databases. While presenting the visual aspect of a form, the designer tool 200 generates an XML representation 204 containing the full specification of the abstract form, including the interactive behavior of the form. The developer may choose to perform part or all of the tasks of the visual design step 202 by directly editing this file, using the text-editing feature of the visual design module 226 .
[0046] During the deployment definition step 206 , the developer defines one or more deployment targets 230 for the current application using the deployment module 228 . The characteristics of the deployments for an application are stored in an XML document, namely the project file 208 . Each deployment target 230 corresponds to a specific platform 242 , and comprises the description of the client profile and the accessed servers. For each abstract resource referenced during the visual design step 202 , the developer specifies its actual location and settings.
[0047] During the export deployment step 210 , the developer actually deploys the required files on the client device 238 and the server 236 , using the deployment module 228 of the designer tool 200 . When the developer requests the deployment module 228 to export the deployment, the designer tool 200 creates all the files required by the deployment and copies the files and the resources either to the client or to the server according to the deployment definition.
[0048] During the test platform step 240 , the developer tests the application in the context of each of the platforms 242 defined during the previous development steps, using the test module 244 .
[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates the client and server processing runtime stacks of various architecture embodiments. The processing stack comprises three principal layers: the resource manager 320 , the processor 306 , and the User Interface (UI) Manager 300 . Two types of stacks are defined: the client stack 308 , which includes the three layers named above, and the server stack 318 which excludes the UI Manager 300 . By providing similar processing stacks on the client device 326 and on the server 328 , improved flexibility in the deployment of applications, is provided since most of the applications' logic may be run uniformly on either the client or on the server.
[0050] Within the processor 306 , the form builder 314 handles the transformation of form specifications into displayable interactive forms. The form builder 314 analyzes the form specification to check if additional resources are required, including data, image or methods. The requests for the resources are passed to the resources manager 320 , as needed. For example, the form specification may specify that a visual grid be filled with data extracted from a database table. The form builder 314 is in charge of performing this task. The developer may use script code within the form specification to define how the form may be constructed, making the construction process more flexible. If the form contains script code, the script engine 316 compiles it.
[0051] The UI Manager 300 interacts with the input and output capabilities of the client device 326 , such as screen, keyboard, touch screen, sound card or mouse. These elements are specific to the device and are managed by the operating system of the device. The display manager 302 handles the creation of the visual layout of the forms, using the visual controls available on the client device, such as buttons, text fields or grids, as expressed in the displayable interactive form created by the form builder 314 . When interest for an event has been registered within a form, the event manager 304 is in charge of notifying the corresponding component of the form whenever the event occurs, and if script code has been associated with the event on the component, the script engine 316 is in charge of running the corresponding code.
[0052] The resource manager 320 receives the requests for external resources, either from the processor 306 or from the event manager 304 . The resource manager 320 includes connectors 324 to access the different types of resources. Available resources include, for example:
Databases
Table: a table from a database, such as JDBC and XML databases Query: an SQL query on a JDBC database or an XML query to an XML file
Multimedia
Image file: a file containing an image Multimedia stream: a link to a video or sound streaming server or to a file containing video or sound data Graphics
Network Files
XML file: an XML document stored as a file, which is parsed into a Document Object Model (DOM) tree
Methods
A Java class: a user defined class implementing some complex business logic
EJB: Entreprise Java Beans File System: access to the local storage Other Device Resources
Device specific resource (IrDA, bar code)
Functional Resources
Payment: secure payment Identification: secure identification Location service: a service providing the geographical location of the device
[0072] When the returned resource is an XML document, the resource manager 320 parses the XML file and returns the DOM representation of the XML document.
[0073] The requester 310 handles the communications between the client and the server. The exchange of data is structured essentially in the form of XML messages, either in a text format or a compiled format. The compiled format is managed by the compiled XML module 312 , and is more efficient, as the size of the transferred data is reduced. Additionally, it saves the trouble of translating objects into XML on the server and the reverse on the client.
[0074] FIG. 4 shows a broad description of the three primary deployment profiles. Each of these profiles will be later described in a more detailed fashion, in FIGS. 5, 6 , 7 . An additional specific profile, namely the applet profile, represents an example of a mix of the three primary profiles, and is illustrated in FIG. 8 :
Thin Connected Client 404 : On the server 408 , the resource manager retrieves the deployed form from the server storage. The processor on the server 408 retrieves additional resources, if necessary, and processes the form. The processor then sends the processed form to the UI manager on the client device 406 , which generates the interface on the device's display. Thick connected client 402 : On the server 408 , the resource manager retrieves the form specification from the server storage and sends the form specification to the processor on the client device 406 . On the client device 406 , the processor retrieves additional resources if necessary, processes the form specification and passes the processed form to the UI manager, which generates the interface on the device's display. Stand-alone 400 : On the client device 406 , the resource manager retrieves the form specification from the local storage resource and passes the form specification to the processor. The processor retrieves additional resources if necessary, processes the form specification and passes the processed form to the UI manager, which generates the interface on the device's display.
[0078] In each of these modes, including the stand-alone mode, external data can be incorporated through a connector to an external resource. For example, the client device 406 may query a network database or an XML data server on the web.
[0079] An additional mode, the applet deployment mode, can be thought of as a combination of the thin and the thick connected client profiles. However, in this case, the client runtime is not an application but an applet running inside a web browser supporting Java. With this model, the user can access the same application without installing specific runtime software on the client. The use of an applet constrains the deployment, because standard restrictions for applets apply, such as restricted access to local resources and to servers.
[0080] The process of presenting a form on the client device is now described within an embodiment of an architecture. The process will be illustrated for each of the main deployment profiles described above in FIG. 4 . In the following figures, thick arrows represent the flow of information between stack layers. Notice that, in some embodiments, the grayed layers in the figures represent layers that are actually available on the computing system, although they are not used in the represented deployment profile. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the grayed layers may be absent.
[0081] FIG. 5 illustrates the flow of information within the client and server stacks, for the thin connected profile.
[0082] 501 The process starts when the user raises an event on the device interface 10 , associated with an action provoking the presentation of a new form.
[0083] 502 The event manager 14 intercepts the event and sends the request to the requester 21 .
[0084] 503 The requester 21 transmits the request as an XML message to the listener 35 on the server 36 .
[0085] 504 The listener 35 analyzes the request and sends a command to the resource manager 34 to retrieve the XML file 520 containing the form specification. The resource manager 34 then parses the XML document into a DOM tree.
[0086] 505 The parsed DOM tree of the form specification 520 is passed to the processor 30 . The screen builder 32 uses this DOM tree to construct a new DOM tree representing the displayable interactive form. During this processes, the script engine 33 may be invoked in order to execute the construction of script code if any.
[0087] 506 As part of the construction process, the processor 30 may invoke the resource manager 34 , requesting some data from a database 521 to populate the displayable interactive form.
[0088] 507 The processor integrates the data in the form as specified in the form specification 520 .
[0089] 508 The listener 35 gets the DOM tree representing the visual form constructed by the processor 30 , generates the XML representation of the visual form and sends it back to the requester 21 . The requester then uses an XML parser to construct a DOM tree representing the displayable interactive form.
[0090] 509 Alternatively, the listener 35 may return a compiled version of the visual form to the compiled XML module 20 of the client device 22 , which in turn constructs a DOM tree representing the displayable interactive form.
[0091] 510 The DOM tree is passed to the UI Manager 11 , which generates the corresponding User Interface controls.
[0092] 511 The form is displayed on the device's interface.
[0093] FIG. 6 illustrates the flow of information within the client and server stacks, for the thick connected profile.
[0094] 601 The process starts when the user raises an event on the device interface 10 , associated with an action provoking the presentation of a new form.
[0095] 602 The event manager 14 intercepts the event and sends the request to the requester 21 .
[0096] 603 The requester 21 transmits the request to the listener 35 on the server 36
[0097] 604 The listener 35 analyzes the request and sends a command to the resource manager 34 to retrieve the XML file 620 containing the form specification.
[0098] 605 The listener 35 gets the XML document representing the form specification 620 and sends it back to requester 21 . The requester then uses an XML parser to construct a DOM tree representing the form specification.
[0099] 606 Alternatively, the listener 35 may return a compiled version of the form specification to the compiled XML module 20 of the client device 22 , which in turn constructs a DOM tree representing the form specification.
[0100] 607 The parsed DOM tree of the form specification is passed to the processor 15 . The screen builder 17 uses this DOM tree to construct a new DOM tree representing the displayable interactive form. During this processes, the script engine 18 may be invoked in order to execute the construction script code if any.
[0101] 608 As part of the construction process, the processor 15 may invoke the resource manager 19 , requesting some data from a database 621 to populate the displayable interactive form.
[0102] 609 The processor then integrates the data in the form as specified in the form specification 620 .
[0103] 610 The DOM tree is passed to the UI Manager 11 , which generates the corresponding User Interface controls.
[0104] 611 The form is displayed on the device's interface.
[0105] FIG. 7 illustrates the flow of information within the client stack, for the stand-alone profile.
[0106] 701 The process starts when the user raises an event on the device interface 10 , associated with an action starting the execution of script code.
[0107] 702 The event manager 14 intercepts the event, gets the script code associated with the event, and passes it to the processor 15 . The script engine 18 executes the script code.
[0108] 703 Within the execution of the script code, a new form is utilized. A command is sent to the local resource manager 19 requesting to retrieve the local XML file 720 containing the form specification, which is parsed into a DOM tree.
[0109] 704 The parsed DOM tree of the form specification is passed to the processor 15 . The screen builder 17 uses this DOM tree to construct a new DOM tree representing the displayable interactive form. During this processes, the script engine 18 may be invoked in order to execute the construction script code, if any.
[0110] 705 As part of the construction process, the processor 15 may invoke the resource manager 19 , requesting some data from a database 721 to populate the displayable interactive form.
[0111] 706 The processor integrates the data in the form as specified in the form specification 720 .
[0112] 707 The DOM tree is passed to the UI Manager, which generates the corresponding User Interface controls.
[0113] 708 The form is displayed on the device's interface.
[0114] FIG. 8 illustrates the flow of information within the client and server stacks, for the applet profile. The client runtime runs within a Java compatible HTML browser 800 and the server 801 is a web server.
[0115] 802 The browser loads the applet client runtime code from the web server 801 . The client runtime then runs within the browser's JVM.
[0116] 803 The user raises an event on the HTML browser 800 , associated with an action starting the execution of script code.
[0117] 804 The event manager 14 intercepts the event, gets the script code associated with the event, and passes it to the processor 15 . The engine 18 executes the script code.
[0118] 805 Within the execution of the script code, a new form is required. A command is sent to the requester 21 requesting to retrieve a form from the server.
[0119] 806 The request is transmitted to the listener 35 within an HTTP request to the web server 801 .
[0120] 807 The listener 35 analyzes the request and sends a command to the resource manager 34 to retrieve the XML file 820 containing the form specification. The resource manager 34 then parses the XML document into a DOM tree.
[0121] 808 The parsed DOM tree of the form specification is passed to the processor 30 . The screen builder 32 uses this DOM tree to construct a new DOM tree representing the displayable interactive form. During this processes, the script engine 33 may be invoked in order to execute the construction script code if any.
[0122] 809 As part of the construction process, the processor 15 may invoke the resource manager 34 , requesting some data from a database 821 to populate the displayable interactive form.
[0123] 810 The processor then integrates the data in the form as specified in the form specification 820 .
[0124] 811 The listener 35 gets the DOM tree representing the visual form constructed by the processor 30 , generates the XML representation of the visual form and sends it back to the requester 21 . The requester then uses an XML parser to construct a DOM tree representing the displayable interactive form.
[0125] 812 The script that started the loading process of the form may perform some additional initializations, further manipulating the DOM tree.
[0126] 813 The DOM tree is passed to the UI Manager 11 , which generates the corresponding User Interface controls.
[0127] 814 The form is displayed on the device's interface.
[0128] It should be noted that the applet profile is just one example of mixing the main profiles illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 . Capability is provided for mixing these profiles in many other ways. That is, a given application running on a given client device may combine the behavior of the three profiles. For example, an application on a PDA device may be developed to run in a thin client mode when connected to the corporate server within an intranet, thus taking advantage of real-time data, as illustrated in FIG. 5 . Alternatively, when the same application recognizes the unavailability of a valid network connection, it may automatically revert to a stand-alone mode, using a local database that has been automatically synchronized during the connected mode. The same application may then run anywhere, such as at a customer's site.
[0129] By reference to FIG. 2 , an embodiment of the present invention comprises a visual design module 226 , used by the developer during the visual design step 202 . FIG. 9 illustrates with more details of one example of a visual design module, in which the visual design module may comprise a project browser panel 901 , a properties browser panel 902 , and a preview and XML source panel 903 .
[0130] The developer uses the building elements available from the visual design module to create the forms. For example, the following building elements may be provided:
Box 904 : A container for other objects. Bulletinboard: A container for other objects, which may be placed at arbitrary locations. Button 905 : An action initiator. Checkbox: A Boolean indicator. Grid: A container for tabular data. Sub-objects include columns and rows. Image: A container for a picture. Menulist: A drop-down selection list of menu items Spring: A flexible spacing element to be used between other objects. Text 906 : characters and labels. Textfield 907 : An entry field. For: A loop element to integrate data from a data source
[0142] A building element may be given specific attributes, such as background color and font size through the properties browser 902 . Such built-in attributes are available for each building element and are presented within the built-in attributes tab 908 . Custom attributes may also be added to an element within the custom tab 909 .
[0143] To define the behavior of the form, scripts may be added to the events presented within the event tab 910 of the properties browser. A building element has an associated list of built-in events that may be linked to script code. The script code may define the interaction code, the business logic and the computations required to process the event.
[0144] External data may be used to customize the screen during the construction phase of a form; a for building element may be used for this purpose. Examples include populating a list of values in a menulist element or a grid element, with data extracted from a database table. Alternatively, the external data may be accessed by some script code executed during the processing of an event. One example includes checking a username and password against a credentials database table when a user validates a login form.
[0145] When writing script code, the developer accesses the data sources and other resources like images as abstract resources, without specifying the physical location and connectivity properties of the resources. The mapping to actual resources is done in a later step. There is no means, during this phase, to state whether the resource will be located on the client device or on the server. This is a feature that allows a given application to be deployed on several different deployment targets.
[0146] The visual design module translates the form specification 911 into an XML document that may be viewed and edited within the XML Source tab 912 . The hierarchical structure of XML is very well suited to represent visual components of a user interface. The developer may use the visual features of the visual design module; alternatively, the developer may directly edit the XML document representing the current form.
[0147] By reference to FIG. 2 , an embodiment comprises a deployment module 228 . When the form specifications have been created during the visual design step 202 , the developer proceeds to the define deployment step 206 , interacting with the deployment module 228 . The developer starts defining the platforms on which the application will run. Each platform may be characterized by:
The client device environment (e.g., the Java version, the device's profile). A list of the form specifications deployed on the platform. Especially, some forms may not be deployed in all the platforms. The involved servers. The accessed databases and resources.
[0152] Platforms can also be added or modified at any time. When a new platform is added, the designer tool 200 updates the relevant data.
[0153] When the platforms have been defined, the developer requests the deployment module 228 to prepare the deployment of the platforms. The deployment module 228 analyzes the form specifications listed in the platforms, especially the scripts contained by the forms, and determines the involved abstract resources. A resource is either:
A form resource: a resource used during the construction process of the form. Since the construction process may be uniformly performed on the server or on the client device, the developer can consider performance issues when deciding where to locate the form resources. Event resource: a resource used during the processing of an event of the form. Event processing is performed on the client device.
[0156] For each abstract resource determined during the preparation process, the developer defines a mapping to an actual resource. Therefore, the developer sets the type of the resource, its location and its properties. For example, if the resource is a database table, the settings may include a reference to a database resource and the name of the table. Some resource definitions may be shared by different elements in one form or across different forms. External resources may be defined only once and used anywhere in the application.
[0157] Once the deployment has been defined in the define deployment step 206 , the developer proceeds to the export deployment step 210 , using the deployment module 228 of the designer tool 200 . When the developer requests the deployment module 228 to export the deployment, the designer tool 200 creates all the files required by the deployment and copies the files and the resources either to the client or to the server according to the deployment definition. Alternatively, the developer may export the required files to an intermediary storage, such as a local disk, and later copy them to the final target. On the client 238 , the files to deploy include ready-to-deploy form specifications 216 and resources 218 . On the server 236 , the files to deploy include ready-to-deploy form specifications 220 , resources 222 and the server configuration file 224 . Several files and resources may be deployed, including images, queries or other resource files used by the application.
[0158] By reference to FIG. 2 , an embodiment comprises a test module 244 . After the deployment has been exported, the developer proceeds to test 240 the application. In accordance with one aspect, a process is provided to test applications on different platforms. Testing applications on small devices is a good way for the developer to get the real feeling of the user interface and to check the actual behavior of the application. The defined process promotes an iterative approach for testing. As discussed previously, the design step 202 can be performed only once for all the targeted platforms. To simplify the first testing iterations, the developer can define a test platform 242 on which to deploy the application, with the developer's desktop used as a client 238 . The deployment may include a server 236 accessible from the desktop in order to simulate the real-world environment. The developer then tests the application on this platform 242 . Once the functionalities are tested on the desktop test platform, the developer may proceed to test the application for each real targeted platform 242 . In one embodiment, the designer tool 200 interacts with device emulators to proceed to test the application against specific devices. If the actual client device is connected to the developer's desktop, the designer tool 200 may deploy the required files directly on the device when the deployment function is run.
[0159] Embodiments of XML descriptors are now described by reference to FIG. 10 . The XML syntax used in the different steps of the development process is described. The example illustrating the syntax is a simple window with a menulist containing a list of train stations extracted from a database.
[0160] During the visual design phase 1041 , the developer visually defines the form 1011 and the designer tool generates the corresponding XML representation of the visual form specification 1001 . Conversely, the developer may edit the XML representation 1001 , and the designer tool will generate the corresponding form on the screen. In the example presented in FIG. 10 , the visual components visible on the screen have corresponding elements in the shown descriptor example1.xml, for instance the menulist 1030 . The XML tag <for> 1023 is used to fill the menulist 1030 with items extracted from a database. The tag represents a loop on each item retrieved from the data source, and the value of the attribute datasource=“stations” 1021 names the source of the data to be used by this loop. This name is the name of the abstract resource representing the data source, and does not necessarily correspond to a physical database name. A mapping with an actual resource will be defined later. In the <for> declaration, the attribute cursor-name=“s” 1024 defines the cursor object used within the loop to access the items retrieved from the database. Within the loop definition, the access to the item's content is performed through the syntax s.field(‘STATION_NAME’) 1022 , giving access to the STATION_NAME field of the current item.
[0161] To deploy the form, the developer first defines a deployment platform 1031 , named jdk1.3 in the example, and adds the form 1034 example1 to this platform. The developer: then launches the prepare deployment process on the designer tool. The designer analyzes the forms and finds in the form 1011 , as a consequence of the value of the attribute 1021 , an unknown abstract resource named stations 1035 . This resource is listed as a Form Resource because it is used within a <for> declaration. At runtime, <for> declarations are used during the construction of the form, and not during the processing of an event. The properties of the deployment represented on the properties browser 1012 correspond to a deployment definition contained in the XML project file 1002 . This file contains the list of the form specifications included in the project and the deployment definitions 1040 for the client and the server, and indicates all the resources used in the project.
[0162] The developer defines a database by adding an element 1033 under the databases 1032 element in the project browser. The developer defines properties of the added database by providing suitable values for the database component properties on the properties browser 1012 , including the database's type and the settings for accessing the physical database. The corresponding syntax 1036 in the project file 1002 indicates that a database named localXML is located in a directory xmldb and corresponds to an XML file.
[0163] In order to bind the stations data-source to the localML database, the developer sets the properties 1012 attached to the stations resource 1035 to the following values:
Type: Table. The resource is a database table
[0165] Database Name: localXML. Corresponds to the logical name of the database containing the table
[0166] Table Name: train.stations. Corresponds to the physical name of the table in the database.
[0167] These settings are represented in the XML project file 1002 as: <prebind name=“stations” databasename=“localXML” tablename=“train.stations” type=“table”/>.
[0168] The next step is the export deployment step. During this step, the designer tool generates the ready-to-deploy form specification 1003 . The designer tool combines the visual form specification 1001 with the contents of the project file 1002 , thus binding the abstract resources contained in the form specification with the physical resources as specified during the deployment definition 1040 . The binding syntax 1043 for the table is:
[0000] <prebind name=“stations” action=“table” protocol=“local” resource-name=“train.stations”db=“localXML”/>
[0169] The prebind tag is used to define a binding for a resource used during the construction of the form and corresponds to a form resource. Conversely, a bind tag is used to define a binding for a resource used during the processing of an event and corresponds to an event resource. The associated properties are:
Name: the logical name of the resource Action: designs the type of action to be performed by the runtime when processing the bind or prebind elements. In the example, the table value indicates that data must be retrieved from a database table. The possible values for this attribute and the corresponding actions are:
query: retrieve data by querying a database table: retrieve data from a database table method: access a java method file: retrieve a text file or an XML file form: open a new form openDatabase: connect to a database
resource-name: the name of the resource, database table in the example db: the logical name of the database
[0180] One major issue affecting the user experience with mobile devices is the latency when moving from form to form within an application. This is due to the connection and transfer time for the forms, and the poor performance of the devices' processor. Embodiments provide additional capabilities, which may dramatically improve the perceptible performance of a mobile application.
Caching: If a form has been downloaded and processed by the device, the form remains in the device's memory as a processed form, and may be quickly and frequently accessed as required. The client runtime manages the list of loaded forms it can keep in memory, releasing cached forms as needed. Pre-fetching: designated forms may be downloaded, processed by the device, and stored into the cache, during the idle time of the device's processor, even before the form has been explicitly requested by the user interaction within the application. Idle time typically occurs during user interaction. The client runtime may later access the form from the cache as required, without apparently incurring any download or processing time. | A computer program product embodied in a computer-readable medium is configurable to accomplish execution of an application that is specified and encoded in a markup-based descriptor language. The product includes client runtime computer code configured to cause a client computer device to process the markup-based descriptor language to deploy an application to accomplish execution of the application. The client runtime computer code is further configured to process the markup-based descriptor language to selectively configure the client computer device to deploy the application so as to accomplish execution of the application by the client computer device stand-alone or by the client computer device in cooperation with a server to which the device is connectable via a network connection. | 53,500 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art, which may be related to various aspects of the present invention that are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
[0002] In the computer industry, components are often mounted in a rack via fasteners, which couple to apertures along the legs of the rack. The two standard aperture shapes are round and square openings. As a result, the fasteners are different depending on the type of opening, i.e., round or square, disposed in the rack. This variation in mounting fasteners and apertures increases costs and complicates mounting of components, because multiple fasteners are provided to ensure mountability of the component with the different types of racks.
SUMMARY
[0003] A mounting fastener for a rack having a clip and a fastener coupled to the clip, wherein the fastener has a first shaped exterior adapted for insertion of the fastener into a first shaped aperture of the rack. The mounting fastener also includes a mounting adapter selectively disposed adjacent the fastener, wherein the mounting adapter has a second shaped exterior adapted for insertion of the adapter into a second shaped aperture of the rack.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Advantages of one or more disclosed embodiments may become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:
[0005] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a fastener assembly and a rack-mountable device exploded from a rack in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view illustrating the rack and the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a side view of the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adapter for the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and
[0011] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view illustrating a leg of the rack and the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] One or more specific embodiments of the present technique will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a rack assembly 2 having a threaded clip fastener assembly 4 and a rack-mountable device 6 , exploded from the rack assembly 2 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The illustrated fastener assembly 4 comprises a threaded clip fastener 8 and a mounting aperture adapter 10 . As discussed in detail below, the threaded clip fastener 8 and mounting aperture adapter 10 facilitate attachment of the fastener assembly 4 to different types of rack assemblies 2 . For example, the threaded clip fastener 8 alone is mountable to a round opening, while inclusion of the mounting aperture adapter 10 with the threaded clip fastener 8 facilitates mounting to a square opening. Therefore, the fastener assembly 4 facilitates coupling of an attachable apparatus, such as device 6 , to the rack assembly 2 with either a round or a square-shaped configuration of apertures 12 disposed on a leg or rack structure 14 of the rack assembly 2 .
[0014] The illustrated rack assembly 2 has a four-legged frame, which forms the rack structure 14 . Other embodiments of the rack assembly 2 may have different configurations and components, such as a two-legged frame, shelves, outer housing panels, electrical wiring, and so forth. Thus, the rack assembly 2 generally provides support and storage for a number of different types of components, as represented by device 6 . For example, device 6 may comprise a server, power supply, stereo component, control system, programmable logic controller, input device, display device, or other electronic or computer components. Moreover, the apertures 12 of the rack structure 14 may have different geometries or mounting configurations, such as a square, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, key-hole, oblong, or other shaped-opening.
[0015] The fastener assembly 4 facilitates coupling of an attachable apparatus, such as the device 6 , with multiple different rack assemblies 2 by adapting the threaded clip fastener 8 to those different shaped apertures 12 . Such cooperation may be facilitated by insertion or removal of the mounting aperture adapter 10 from a position within the threaded clip fastener 8 . In other words, the fastener assembly 4 facilitates coupling to one shaped aperture 12 (e.g., a round opening) using the threaded clip fastener 8 alone, and facilitates coupling to a different shaped aperture 12 (e.g., a square opening) with the mounting aperture adapter 10 coupled to the threaded clip fastener 8 .
[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener assembly 4 also facilitates coupling of the device 6 to the rack structure 14 by ensuring cooperation between a bolt 16 , the aperture 12 , and the threaded clip fastener 8 (e.g., a threaded hole in the fastener). Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates the device 6 having a mounting ear 18 , which aligns with the aperture 12 . During mounting, the bolt 16 passes through a hole in the mounting ear 18 and engages the threaded clip fastener 8 and the aperture 12 of the rack structure 14 . In one embodiment, threads on the bolt 16 engage or interlock with threads on the threaded clip fastener 8 to secure the device 6 to the rack structure 14 . Again, depending on the particular configuration of the aperture 12 (e.g., round or square), the optional mounting aperture adapter 10 cooperates with the threaded clip fastener 8 to facilitate coupling of the threaded clip fastener 8 and device 6 to the rack structure 14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 12 has a round shape and the threaded clip fastener 8 alone is configured for this round shape. Thus, the optional mounting aperture adapter 10 is not disposed within the threaded clip fastener 8 . However, other embodiments may have different shapes of the aperture 12 , which can conformingly receive the threaded clip fastener 8 without the mounting aperture adapter 10 .
[0017] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view illustrating the rack structure 14 and the threaded clip fastener 8 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, the aperture 12 has a round or circular configuration 20 , which receives a central boss or cylindrical member (i.e., boss portion 44 of FIG. 5 ). of the threaded clip fastener 8 without the mounting aperture adapter 10 . However, as mentioned above, alternative embodiments of the threaded clip fastener 8 may have a central member of another shape, such as a square, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, or oval shape, which conforms to a particular configuration of the aperture 12 . For illustrative purposes, the threaded clip fastener 8 is shown in both clipped 22 and unclipped 24 positions relative to the rack structure 14 . During assembly, this central boss or cylindrical member extends through and substantially conforms to the circular configuration 20 as the threaded clip fastener 8 wraps around opposite sides of the rack structure 14 over the aperture 12 .
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the threaded clip fastener 8 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates the threaded clip fastener 8 comprising a threaded hole 30 extending through a U-shaped clip body 32 . The threaded hole 30 also extends through an interior L-shaped support structure 33 , which supports a boss member 44 (see FIG. 5 ) having the threaded hole 30 . Surrounding the L-shaped support structure 33 and the boss member 44 (see FIG. 5 ), the U-shaped clip body 32 has a lip 34 , a spine 36 , and a base 38 forming a resilient U-shaped structure. The lip 34 further comprises a plurality of angled sections 40 , which progressively close onto the base 38 . Thus, the U-shaped clip body 32 of this embodiment facilitates sliding engagement of the threaded clip fastener 8 about the rack structure 14 until the tongue 33 contacts the edge of the rack structure 14 (See FIGS. 2 and 3 ). In certain embodiments, the engagement between the tongue 33 and the edge of the rack structure 14 facilitates anti-rotation control of the threaded clip fastener 8 , thereby facilitating threaded engagement of the threaded hole 30 with the bolt 16 . Additionally, the plurality of angled sections 40 resiliently compress the threaded clip fastener 8 about the rack structure 14 to secure the threaded hole 30 in alignment with the aperture 12 . For example, the U-shaped clip body 32 may comprise a material, such as stainless steel, spring steel, or even plastic. Other embodiments of the threaded clip fastener 8 may comprise different geometric configurations and materials.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the threaded clip fastener 8 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates eyelets 42 , which attach the threaded hole 30 to the U-shaped clip body 32 . However, other embodiments of the threaded clip fastener 8 may have an integral nut, latching mechanism, or other tool-based or tool-free mechanisms. For example, the threaded hole 30 may be tapped directly into the base 38 of the threaded clip fastener 8 .
[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view of the threaded clip fastener 8 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 5 illustrates a boss portion 44 and a footing 46 of the U-shaped clip body 32 . During mounting, the threaded clip fastener 8 slidably and springably extends about the rack structure 14 in alignment with the aperture 12 , such that the boss portion 44 fits into the aperture 12 (see positions 24 and 22 in FIG. 2 ). In this embodiment, a round-shaped boss portion 44 facilitates secure attachment within the correspondingly round-shaped aperture 12 . However, other embodiments of the boss portion 44 may comprise a different shape, which is adapted to fit a particular configuration of the aperture 12 . For example, the boss portion 44 may have a square, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, boss-shaped, hook shaped, oblong, or other shaped-structure.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the optional mounting aperture adapter 10 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the mounting aperture adapter 10 having a base portion 60 , a raised square portion or boss 62 , a clip portion 64 , and a round opening 66 . Inserted within the threaded clip fastener 8 (not shown), the mounting aperture adapter 10 wraps the round opening 66 about the boss portion 44 (see FIG. 5 ), such that the mounting aperture adapter 10 changes the round-shaped exterior of the boss portion 44 to the square-shaped exterior of the raised square portion 62 . As discussed below with reference to FIG. 7 , this raised square portion 62 extends through and conforms to a square-shaped aperture 12 , while the U-shaped clip body 32 of the threaded clip fastener 8 wraps around the rack structure 14 . Other embodiments of the optional mounting aperture adapter 10 may have other shapes for the raised portion 62 , thereby facilitating adaptation to other shapes of the aperture 12 .
[0022] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view illustrating the rack structure 14 and the fastener assembly 4 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the rack structure 14 comprising a square contour 70 of the aperture 12 . As illustrated in FIG. 7 , embodiments of the threaded clip fastener 8 and mounting aperture adapter 10 are shown in both an unattached position 71 and an attached 72 position relative to the rack structure 14 .
[0023] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7 , the mounting aperture adapter 10 slidably engages the threaded clip fastener 8 and the clip portion 64 extends springably around the boss portion 44 . Thus, the square portion 62 surrounds the boss portion 44 for insertion into the square contour 70 of the aperture 12 . In certain embodiments, the mounting aperture adapter 10 may comprise material that facilitates attachment by being tacky, flexible, malleable, or elastic. For example, the mounting aperture adapter 10 may comprise plastic, stainless steel, or spring steel. Further, the opening 66 provides some flexibility in the clip portion 64 , thereby facilitating elastic expansion and contraction about the boss portion 44 .
[0024] During mounting of the threaded clip fastener 8 , the raised square portion 62 fits geometrically within the square contour 70 of aperture 12 on the rack assembly 2 , thereby facilitating mounting with the rack structure 14 as demonstrated by the attached position 72 . In other words, this square fit between the raised square portion 62 and the square contour 70 functions both to retain the threaded clip fastener 8 at the aperture 12 and, also, to prevent rotation of the threaded clip fastener 8 as the bolt 16 threads into the threaded hole 30 . As discussed above, the attached position 72 of the fastener assembly 4 also facilitates secure coupling of the rack-mountable device 6 to the rack assembly 2 . Again, other embodiments of the raised portion 62 may comprise a shape different from the contour 70 , such as discussed above.
[0025] While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims. | A mounting fastener for a rack having a clip and a fastener coupled to the clip, wherein the fastener has a first shaped exterior adapted for insertion of the fastener into a first shaped aperture of the rack. The mounting fastener also includes a mounting adapter selectively disposed adjacent the fastener, wherein the mounting adapter has a second shaped exterior adapted for insertion of the adapter into a second shaped aperture of the rack. | 16,016 |
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 76,920 filed Sept. 30, 1970.
REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES
Application Ser. No. 37,552, filed May 15, 1970 by Amos Picker on Junction Target Monoscope and application Ser. No. 19,190, filed Mar. 13, 1970 by Joseph E. Bryden on Visual Display System, both of which are assigned to the same assignee as this application, are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In display systems deriving signals from cathode ray tube signal generators of either the monoscope or the photosensitive camera tube type, targets have been used in which solid state junctions have been formed in materials such as semiconductors by diffusing a junction into the semiconductor. However, this process is often subject to imperfections in the target since in general junctions are formed in slices of semiconductor material grown from a melt and local areas of the slice will have crystal lattice imperfections. Hence during the diffusion process areas of the target where the imperfections occur will have junction regions which operate to produce a lower signal or no signal while regions having little or no such imperfections will produce a higher signal and as a result visually discernable differences can occur when signals generated by such devices are displayed on a display surface such as a cathode ray tube. While it is possible to obtain targets where the size and number of imperfections is small enough to produce usable devices, the resultant increase in production costs makes signal generators using such targets economically unfeasable for many applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides a signal display system in which overall system complexity is reduced by the use of a cathode ray tube signal generator having a target which produces uniform high level substantially noise free signals across its face. In a light image pickup version of the invention, the target has a semiconductor layer which, on the side thereof exposed to the light, is rendered relatively highly conductive, for example, by overdoping the surface of the semiconductor with the same conductivity type impurity as the remainder of the body. The opposite side of the semiconductor layer has a junction formed therewith by a layer of dielectric material which has a substantially higher bulk resistance than the bulk resistance of said semiconductor layer. As a result, an electron beam scanning the target will charge portions of the layer and these charges will not leak to any substantial degree along the surface of the layer, but will rather pass through the junction in the regions where light impinges on the semiconductor layer. These photogenerated charge carriers migrate to the junction, and will enter the insulator thus discharging the charge on the surface of the dielectric layer.
The area discharged by the impinging light will accept charging electrons from the electron beam during the next scan, whereas those which have not been discharged will reflect the electron beam. The reflected electrons may be picked up and the output signal, represented by the changing amount of reflected electrons, further amplified by a second solid state junction target. Such a camera device can make use of the substantial increase in conversion of light photons to charge carriers which is possible in a semiconductor body. Since adjacent portions of the target dielectric surface are effectively insulated from each other a high image definition output signal is obtained.
The dielectric layer may be selected from a wide range of materials and can be applied to the semiconductor layer by any of a number of well known processes such as thermal deposition in which the layer is evaporated from a hot source in a vacuum and deposited on a cooler target, by sputtering in a reduced pressure atmosphere, by chemical vapor deposition in which the target is maintained at an elevated temperature and gaseous compounds are directed across the surface of the target to produce a deposition of the desired material by chemical decomposition at the surface of the target, or by oxidization of the semiconductor material. Such processes can be made to produce very uniform layers as well as to substantially reduce junction leakage in those regions of the target where the crystal lattice of the semiconductor has been disturbed during the crystal formation processes or during subsequent processes such as slicing, etching, or other intermediate steps.
In accordance with the invention, a semiconductor layer of material such as silicon may have a relatively low resistance such as 500 ohms per cubic centimeter or less and form a junction with a dielectric material having a resistance many orders of magnitude higher than the semiconductor, for example, 10 8 to 10 11 ohms per cubic centimeter. In addition, materials may be selected which will enhance the junctions forward to back bias resistance ratio. For example, N doped silicon can be used as the semiconductor substrate with a more heavily doped N type layer on one surface to act as a conductor and to improve photon to carrier conversion efficiency. The opposite side of the semiconductor substrate can have a junction formed thereon by depositing a dielectric layer of, for example, antimony trisulphide which forms a junction with N doped silicon having a high ratio of back bias resistance to forward bias resistance in the absence of photon generated carriers.
The target structures, disclosed herein by way of example, have no individual diode junctions with isolation between them as is the case, for example, in camera tubes having silicon targets whenever hundreds of thousands of individual diodes are separately diffused into the target through apertures in a silicon dioxide layer. Hence, the theoretical limit to the definition which may be achieved by this invention is not limited by the physical separation of discrete diodes, and accordingly definition approaching the limitation imposed by the spot size of the electron scanning beam is possible.
When the target is used in a monoscope, a back bias voltage is applied across the junction through an additional layer having a deposit low resistance compared with said dielectric layer over the dielectric layer. The low resistance layer is selected from materials which will also form a junction with the semiconductor in those regions where imperfections in the dielectric layer might otherwise cause punch through or breakdown of the junction. Since each layer has, for example, an imperfection probability of a few parts per million at any given point, the total junction imperfection is the multiplication of such probabilities in each layer and hence an infinitesimal of higher order such as a few parts in 10 12 .
An apertured high resistivity layer of, for example, silicon dioxide may be applied to the target so that electrons which are directed toward regions of the target covered by the silicon dioxide produce no substantial signal output, but rather are collected by the low resistivity layer which acts as a conduction and prevents charge build up on the silicon dioxide.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a camera pickup tube embodying the invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates an elevation view of the target structure used in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 illustrates a transverse sectional view of the target structure illustrated in FIG. 2 taken along line 33 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 illustrates a monoscope signal generation system embodying the invention;
FIG. 5 illustrates a target electrode structure used in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 illustrates a transverse sectional view of the target shown in FIG. 5 taken along line 66 of FIG. 5; and
FIG. 7 illustrates a signal display system utilizing the monoscope structure illustrates in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 3, there is shown an embodiment of the invention in which a light camera tube 10 is used as a signal generator to supply output signals to a display cathode ray tube in response to a light image impressed on tube 10 by means of a lens 11. Tube 10 has a target structure, generally shown at 12 and illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 2 and 3, comprising a disc or semiconductor material 13 held in a metal support ring 14 supported by a glass envelope 15 of tube 10. Semiconductor disc 13 which may have a thickness of, for example, 0.5 mil, has a thin conductive layer 16 on one surface thereof which is substantially transparent to the impinging light picture. Conductive layer 16 extends out to and contacts ring 14 from which an output lead extends through the envelope 15 for connection to external circuitry. Conductive layer 16 may be, for example, a thin layer of tin oxide.
Alternatively, semiconductor body 13, which may be of moderate conductivity doped, for example, with phosporous and having, for example, 10 19 carriers per cubic centimeter, may have layer 16 formed thereon as a more heavily doped layer of the same impurity type semiconductor, having, for example, 10 21 carrier per cubic centimeter. The semiconductor is preferably chosen as N type wherein the photons of light impinging on the body 13 will produce holes with a high efficiency. Positioned on the other side of layer 13 from the layer 16 is a layer 18 of dielectric material which has a bulk resistivity several orders of magnitude larger than the bulk resistivity of the semiconductor layer 13. For example, if the semiconductor layer 13 is of N type semiconductor material having a bulk resistivity of 1 to 20 ohm centimeters, and the high conductents layer 16 of N type material has a bulk resistivity at least one order of magnitude less than that of layer 13, then a layer 18 should have a bulk resistivity in excess of 1000 ohm centimeters. More specifically, layer 18 is preferably made of antimony trisulfide and is preferably between 1000 and 5000 angstroms thick the bulk resistivity is on the order of 10 9 ohm centimeters and the resistance along the surface, for a layer thickness of 1000 angstroms, is on the order of 10 14 ohms per square centimeter.
The particular materials disclosed are by way of example only, and any dielectric material can be used. In general the resistivity of layer 18 will vary as a nonlinearly as an inverse function of its thickness, and a usable range of thickness, which may be applied by vapor disposition or sputtering, is between the 100 to 10,000 angstrom. While the dielectric material is preferably amorphous and may be polycrystalline, it is preferably not formed of single crystal material in order to achieve the relatively high resistivity. In addition, the material layer 18 is preferably a relatively good carrier of holes and a relatively poor carrier of electrons.
As illustrated herein, the tube 10 has an electron gun structure 19 comprising a cathode 20, a control grid 21, a focusing electrode 22 and an accelerating electrode 23. A decelerating electrode 24 is positioned between the gun 19 and the target 12 and may be, as shown, in the form of a screen or it may be a conductive ring on the envelope 15. A focus coil 25 and deflection coil 26 focus the electron beam on the target 12 and deflect it in accordance with any desired pattern of scan across the target 12 by means of circuits (not shown). Target 12 is maintained slightly positive with respect to the cathode 20 of gun 19 by means of a battery 27 and the accelerating electrode is maintained 1000 volts or more positive with respect to the cathode of battery 28. Focusing electrode 22 is supplied with a suitable positive voltage with respect to the cathode 20 by means of a tap 29 on the battery 28.
In operation, the light pattern impinges on the target 12 and, due to the semiconductor layer 13, generates a substantially greater percentage of carriers for a given amount of light energy than in non-semiconductor targets. The electron beam from the gun 19, having scanned the surface of the layer 18, has produced a voltage charge thereon so that in those regions of the target where the light impinges and carriers are generated, carriers will migrate under the influence of the voltage gradient in the layer 13 across the junction between the layers 18 and 13 to discharge the surface charge in that region of the layer 18 substantially opposite the regions where they were generated so that when the beam again scans that element of the target electrons will be accepted by the surface of the target.
Those elements of the target which are already charged from the previous scan because no carriers were generated by light impingement cause electrons to be reflected from the layer 18 and to impinge substantially on the end of the gun 19 where a semiconductor signal multiplier 30 is positioned. Multiplier 30 consists of a layer of semiconductor material 31 of, for example, N-type material supported by the metal end plate of gun 19. A highly conductive P-layer 32 forms a junction with layer 31 and a back bias is applied across the junction by means of a battery 33 in series with an output load resistor 34. Returning electrons striking the multiplier 30 cause generation of carriers within the semiconductor layer 31 which produces a current flow through the output load resistor 34. The output voltage signal developed across resistor 34 is coupled to a load circuit by means of a coupling capacitor 35.
Because the dielectric layer 18 has a high resistance to current flow in directions parallel to its surface, the charge pattern imposed on the surface of layer 13 by the electron gun is selectively discharged largely by the impinging light pattern and leakage of charges along the surface of layer 18 is maintained at a low value.
From the foregoing, it may be seen that by the use of a single junction having a very substantially greater resistance parallel to the junction than perpendicular to it for one of the layers of the junction a high definition junction type light sensitive target may be produced which has the high photo-electric conversion efficiency of semiconductor materials while still preserving the high definition.
When the layer 18 is made of a material which is photosensitive such as antimony trisulphide, any photons not passing through the semiconductor layer 13 will strike the layer 18 rendering it more conductive and hence aiding discharge of the charge stored by the electron beam on the surface of layer 18.
The layer 18 may be also made of an insulation whose resistance has been lowered by doping such as a layer of silicon dioxide having on the order of 1% boron and having a thickness of 100 to 10,000 angstroms, and it may be amorphous or pollycrystaline silicon suitably doped with any desired p type impurity such as boron.
Referring now to FIGS. 4 through 6 there is shown a monoscope tube 40 having a target electrode structure 41, and deflection plates 42 which will produce a scan of the target 41 by an electron beam in accordance with well known practice. The electrons emitted from a cathode 43, are controlled by a grid 44, accellerated by an accellerating electrode structure 45 and a focusing electrode structure 46; all according to well known practice.
As shown in greater detail in FIGS. 5 and 6 there is produced on the target electrode structure 41 a plurality of characters, indicated at 47 in FIG. 5. Target electrode structure 41 consists of a silicon wafer 48 approximately 0.007 to 0.010 inch thick held by a supporting plate 49 attached to the envelope 50 of the monoscope, for example, by a lead in rod 51 extending.
On one surface of silicon wafer 48 is a layer of silicon dioxide 52 which may be, for example, .04 mills thick, and may be produced by any desired means such as subjecting the wafer of silicon to an oxidizing atmosphere at an elevated temperature in accordance with well known practice. The oxide layer has apertures 53, produced by well known photoetching techniques, to expose the unoxidized body of silicon beneath the oxide layer. The shape of such apertures is in the form of the characters 47 whose signal is to be generated by the monoscope.
Deposited over oxide layer 52 is a layer of material 54 from the class of insulators which have a conduction band close to the conduction band of the semiconductor. The layer of insulating material may be, for example, 0.4 microns thick. An aluminum contact layer 550.0002 mils thick is deposited in a layer over an insulating layer 54. The aluminum layer 55 is in contact with an output lead 28. As shown in FIG. 4, a suitable potential is applied between layers 55 and 49 by means of a battery 59 in series with an output load resistor 60. Battery 59, which may be, for example, 15 volts, produces a reverse bias across the junction formed by the layers 48, 54, and 55 such that when carriers are injected into the junction region by high speed bombardment from the electron beam, holes will flow from the semiconductor junction to the aluminum conductor 55 through the insulating layer 54. In the absence of such bombardment, no charge carriers are generated and since the insulating material 54 has a conduction and valance bands substantially different from the conduction and valance bands of the semiconductor material carrier flow, or normal conduction, is negligible.
When the electron beam scans across the target 11 it strikes the conductor layer 55 and the insulating material 54. If it is positioned so that it impinges upon a layer of the oxide 52 all the electrons are captured in this layer and there is no conduction through the target. On the other hand if the electron beam impinges in a region where there is no oxide layer, then the electrons penetrate through the layers 55 and 54 into the junction region in layer 48. The degree of penetration varies, depending on a statistical relationship of the number of collisions encountered by any given electron. Since the number of holes generated in this process is a function of the ionization potential and the initial electron velocity of the impinging beam, a large multiplication of current occurs. For example, if the ionization potential of silicon is 3.6 electron volts, and the beam velocity is equivalent to 1200 volts a theoretical current multiplication in excess of 350 is possible. As a practical matter, a current multiplication of 2000 or more has been achieved.
If the back bias voltage applied across load 30 and the junction is made, for example, 15 volts, a power amplification can be achieved from the device, since the beam input power is about 1.2 milliwatts, while the output power consists of a current approximately 200 times the input current or 200 microamps, and for maximum power transfer the voltage drop across the output load resistor 30 is chosen to be approximately 71/2 volts so that the output power of 1.5 milliwatts is a power gain slightly in excess of unity.
By increasing the back bias voltage, which necessitates increasing the thickness of the various layers, a higher power gain can be obtained. However, this is at the sacrifice of some frequency response and for monoscope applications this is normally not necessary since the only requirement is that the output signal be sufficiently above background noise such that an output amplifier may build the signal up to a useful level.
In addition to blocking the electron bombardment of the semiconductor layer 18, oxide layer 23 reduces the total capacitance between the metallic conductors 25 and 26 such that the interelectrode capacitance across the output circuit, which limits the frequency response and hence the maximum rate of scanning of the device, is substantially reduced.
While a device in which the metallic layer directly contacts the semiconductor layer 18 will produce a junction barrier, as a practical matter production defects in this barrier will not render a large surface area junction device uniform throughout its entire area. For example, a device having the equivalent of 10,000 individual spots may have as many as 10 percent imperfections such that a detectable degradiation of signal response in some of the characters will be observed. The insulating layer 24 may also have pin holes through it to the extent of possibly 10% of the usable surface. However, since both the insulating material 24 and metallic layer 25 act as barriers when in contact with the semiconductor material and since the probability of overlap of defects is equal to the multiplication of the percentage of defects of both layers the overall barrier defect will be less than 1%.
Referring now to FIG. 7 there is shown a digital display system embodying the invention wherein the device of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 or the device of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 may be used. A cathode ray tube display device 70 has a cathode 71 driven by a video amplifier 72 whose input is driven by the output of a monoscope 10 having a target electrode 20 and a cathode 12. Horizontal deflection plates 18 are driven by an X deflection amplifier 73 and the Y deflection plates 17 are driven by a Y deflection amplifier 74. The Y deflection amplifier is driven by a Y expansion amplifier 75 driven by a 1.18 megahertz squarewave to vertically scan across each individual character and by a Y-D to A converter 76 which vertically positions the monoscope beam in accordance with digital input signals. The X deflection amplifier is driven by a character ramp generator 77 which generates a deflection across the individual character in response to an input synchronizing signal and is also driven by an X-D to A converter 78 which positions the electron beam in the proper position to scan a character in response to input digital signals. D to A converter 76 and 78 are driven by a character entry shift register 79 which supplies character position information to the monoscope 10 from a dynamic storage memory 80 such that the cathode ray tube 70 will continuously display a raster of information based on digital information stored in the memory 80. Expansion amplifier 75 generates a signal which drives a small excursion deflection coil 81 on the display tube 70 in synchronism with similar excursions of the beam of the monoscope.
The position of the beam on the cathode ray tube 70 is determined by vertical deflection coils 82 and horizontal deflection coils 83 which are driven by a Y deflection amplifier 84 and an X deflection amplifier 85 respectively in accordance with synchronizing input signals to produce a normal television type raster scan of the face of the tube 70. A synchronizing pulse supplied to the video amplifier 72 blanks the amplifier during intercharacter deflection periods such that when the beam is scanned from one character to another noise will not be amplified and appear as bright flashes on the face of the screen. The character ramp generator produces a deflection across the face of the cathode ray tube in synchronization with the monoscope horizontal deflection across the character being scanned.
As illustrated herein successive rasters of information may be displayed on the cathode ray tube 70 by being fed from a central computer memory through an input register 86 to character entry shift register 79 and stored in the dynamic memory 80. The information which represent a raster of character positions is then continuously read by register 79 and fed to monoscope 10 to produce characters which are displayed repetitively on the face of the cathode ray tube 73. The particular details of such a data display system are described in greater detail in the previously mentioned Bryden patent application. In such a system incorporating this invention the output from the target electrode 70 may drive the cathode 71 directly without any amplification by a video amplifier 72 if a sufficiently high voltage is supplied between the cathode 12 and the target 20. For example, good results may be achieved with a monoscope of this invention voltage of 3500 volts and output character signals fed directly to a cathode ray tube will have a clarity and brillance equivalent to those produced by conventional monoscopes with amplifiers including preamplifiers may be achieved.
This completes the description of the embodiment of the invention illustrated herein, however, many modifications thereof will be apparent to persons skilled in the arts without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. For example, any desired semiconductor material can be used and a wide range of insulating material can be used for the layer 24. Any type of characters or in fact the presence or absence of any characters at all may be modified depending upon the application of the tube. In addition, the device may be used with a simple flood gun rather than a scanning pattern as illustrated herein any any desired mode of scanning may be used. Furthermore, the output load resistor may be placed in other portions of the circuit and other types of support for the target electrode may be used. Accordingly, it is contemplated that this invention embody a wide range of alternatives as defined by the scope of the appended claims. | A display system having a cathode ray tube signal generator in which a solid state junction target utilizes a layer of semiconductor material and a layer of dielectric material to form a junction. The signal generator may be of the monoscope type in which portions of the target are masked or it may be of the photosensitive type in which an image is projected onto the target. A signal derived from the signal generator is displayed on a second cathode ray tube. | 25,478 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to pillows. More particularly, the invention relates to a pillow for supporting the head and cervical region of a person when the person is in a reclining or prone position, and especially to such a pillow which is inflatable and is capable of providing yieldable support with controllable firmness, shape and thickness, and which occupies very little space when deflated.
2. Prior Art
Proper head and cervical support is an important contributing factor to restful sleep. Inappropriate support of the head and cervical region can interfere with sleep, and cause stiffness and soreness.
Different individuals require or desire pillows of different shape and firmness.
Accordingly, there are a large number of pillows of different shape and firmness, intended to meet the different needs of many different individuals. This requires the manufacture and inventory of a large number of different pillows. Moreover, an individual may try many different pillows before finding one that is appropriate, or may never find a pillow that meets the particular requirements of that person.
For instance, some persons like a firm pillow, while others like a soft pillow. Additionally, some persons like a pillow of substantial thickness, while others prefer a relatively thin pillow. If a thick and soft pillow is used, then the user's face may become partially obstructed when the user is lying on his or her side, whereby breathing may be impaired.
Efforts have been made in the prior art to solve some of the above problems, including the manufacture of inflatable and/or shaped pillows designed to enable the user to control the firmness, shape, and/or thickness of the pillow. Other pillows have been provided with cut-outs or recessed areas to provide clearance for the face of a person when the person is lying on his or her side, whereby breathing is not impeded by the pillow. Examples of prior art inflatable and/or shaped pillows are shown in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 351,526, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,295,906, 3,298,044, 3,568,227, 4,118,813, 4,501,034, 4,724,560, 4,805,603 and 5,642,544. U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,295,906 and 4,118,813, in particular, have cut-out portions in their opposite ends to provide clearance for the face of a person using the pillow, whereby the pillow does not impede breathing when the person is lying on his or her side. The remaining listed patents disclose pillows having inflatable chambers for varying the shape and/or firmness of support of the pillow. Most of these do not make any particular effort to provide specific support for the cervical region, and none of them provide an inflatable pillow with shaped recesses intended to provide clearance for the face of a person sleeping on his or her side, whereby breathing is not impeded.
Further, none of the prior art patents noted above discloses an inflatable pillow having an inner inflatable bladder constructed to provide a particular shape and/or areas of different firmness and thickness to a pillow, with an outer covering of soft fibrous material that may be removed for cleaning, etc.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The pillow according to the invention described herein is inflatable to varying shapes and degrees of thickness and firmness, and includes an inner inflatable bladder and an outer cover of soft fibrous material that may be removed for cleaning, etc.
In one form of the invention, the pillow has shaped recesses to provide clearance for the face of a person using the pillow so that breathing is not impeded when the person is lying on his or her side.
The pillow of the invention also includes multiple inflatable chambers that may be inflated to different degrees of firmness an/or thickness, to provide a particular support as desired by an individual. This enables fewer different pillow constructions to be manufactured and inventoried, and enables an individual to virtually custom fit a pillow to his or her particular desires or needs. Moreover, if a user selects a particular configuration, i.e., thickness and/or firmness, and that configuration does not prove to be acceptable, the user may simply reconfigure the pillow until a desired shape, thickness, and/or firmness is achieved. It is even possible for the user to adjust the configuration of the pillow while lying on it.
It is not necessary for the user to purchase a new pillow each time a different configuration is desired. Further, when the pillow is to be placed in storage, or while traveling, it may be deflated and folded or rolled to occupy a minimal amount of space.
The pillow of the invention comprises an inner air impervious bladder that may be divided into a plurality of separate cells which can be inflated to different shapes and/or degrees of firmness. Further, an outer removable covering of soft, fibrous material may be placed over the bladder for improved comfort. This cover may comprise spaced sheets of material such as cotton, or rayon, or the like, between which is a layer of soft foamed material or other synthetic material, or feathers, or the like. A zipper or other suitable fastening means at one end of the cover enables it to be applied to and removed from the inflatable bladder when desired.
A valve is associated with each separate chamber of the pillow to enable air to be introduced through the valve into the chamber to inflate it, or released through the valve to deflate the chamber. The valves may comprise valves of conventional construction such as found on inflatable air mattresses, toys, and the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing, as well as other objects and advantages of the invention, will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a preferred form of pillow according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 2--2 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line 3--3 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view similar to FIG. 2, showing an alternative embodiment in which that portion of the pillow adapted to lie under the cervical region of the user is of approximately the same thickness as the remainder of the pillow;
FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a second form of the invention, wherein the ends of the pillow ar e not recessed as in the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a third form of the invention, wherein the ends are not recessed and there is no enlarged area for cervical support;
FIG. 7 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 7--7 in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a somewhat schematic perspective view similar to FIG. 6, showing a portion of the covering removed;
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of the pillow of FIGS. 6-8, showing one type of suitable fastening means that may be used to secure the covering in place on the inflatable bladder;
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 11 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 11--11 in FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a sixth embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 13 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 13--13 in FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line 14--14 in FIG. 12;
FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 16 is a transverse sectional view taken along 16--16 in FIG. 15;
FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along 17--17 in FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a eighth embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 19 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 19--19 in FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a somewhat schematic top perspective view showing how the pillow may be rolled for storage in a compact condition when it is deflated; and
FIG. 21 is a somewhat schematic perspective view showing the pillow deflated and rolled up for storage.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring more specifically to the drawings, a first form of pillow according to the invention is indicated generally at 10 in FIGS. 1-3. In this form of the invention, the pillow comprises an inflatable bladder 11 of air impervious material, having recessed areas 12 and 13 in its opposite ends to provide clearance for the face of a user lying on his or her side, and a cervical support portion 14 of increased thickness along a proximal or front side of the pillow to provide support for the cervical region of the user. The cervical support portion 14, in addition to being thicker than the body 15 of the pillow, may also be more firm than the remaining portion of the pillow, and to this end comprises a chamber separate from the chamber forming the remainder of the pillow. Separate inflation and deflation valves 16a and 16b are provided to the respective chambers.
To prevent ballooning of the pillow when it is inflated, a plurality of uniformly spaced apart tie means or restraining webs 17 extend across the interior of the body portion 15, tying the top and bottom walls of the body 15 together, as known in the art. The areas or spaces on opposite sides of the webs 17 are in communication with one another through openings 19 extended through the webs.
Similarly, the shape of the cervical support portion 14 is retained by a plurality of internal webs 20 tying the top and bottom walls of this portion together, as conventionally known. The spaces between the webs 20 are in communication with one another through openings 21 extended through the webs.
The chambers forming the cervical support portion 14 and body 15 are maintained separate from one another by an imperforate web 22 extending across the length of the pillow.
In use, the cervical support region 14 and the body of the pillow 15 may be inflated to the same firmness, or the cervical support region may be inflated to be more firm than the body 15, or the cervical support region may be only partially inflated so that it is softer and even less thick than the body 15.
When it is desired to store the pillow, the valves 16a and 16b are opened to permit the air to escape, whereby the pillow may be flattened and rolled or folded into a very compact size, thereby making it convenient to store or to carry along when traveling.
The valves 16a and 16b may be pushed into a stored position flush with the surface of the bladder when the valves are not in use, and may be pulled out to enable air to be blown through the valves or exhausted therefrom, as known in the art.
An alternate form of the pillow of FIG. 1 is indicated generally at 10' in FIG. 4. In this form, the cervical support region 14' is of the same thickness as the body 15. Correspondingly, the webs 20' extending across the interior of the cervical support region 14' are of less height than the webs 20 in the first form of the invention described above. In all other respects, this form of the invention is identical to that shown and described in relation to FIGS. 1-3.
It is to understood that the forms of the pillow thus far described are preferably provided with a covering of soft fibrous material, as described more fully hereinafter. For sake of clarity, the covering has not been shown in FIGS. 1-4.
A third embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 30 in FIG. 5 and comprises an air impervious bladder 31 having a rounded cervical support region 32 along its proximal or front edge, and a generally flat rectangularly shaped body portion 33. This form of the invention differs from that shown in FIG. 1 primarily in that the opposite ends of the pillow are not recessed as at 12 and 13 in FIG. 1. In addition, the cervical support region 32 is slightly more rounded, and a longitudinally extending web 34 extends longitudinally across the body 33 at approximately its center, in addition to the transverse webs 17, to provide additional support to prevent ballooning of the body 33 in those areas unsecured by the webs. The spaces between the webs are in communication with one another through openings 19 in the transverse and longitudinal webs.
The chamber forming cervical support portion 32 is separated from the chamber forming the body 33 by an imperforate web 22, as in the previous form of the invention, and a plurality of support webs 35 are spaced equidistantly along the length of the cervical support portion 32 to assist in retaining the shape of the cervical support portion. Openings 36 extend through the webs 35 to provide communication between the spaces on opposite sides of the webs.
As in the previously described form of the invention, this form also has a removable covering, which has been omitted from this figure for sake of clarity. Additionally, the pillow 30 may be deflated and rolled or folded into a compact configuration for storage or travel.
A fourth embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 40 in FIGS. 6-9, and in this form the pillow very closely resembles a conventional pillow in its shape. In this form of the invention, an air impervious inflatable bladder 41 of generally rectangular configuration is encased within an outer removable covering 42 of soft, fibrous material such as down or foamed material, etc.
The covering 42 is shaped into a tubular configuration similar to a pillow case, and has suitable fastening means at one end, such as a zipper 43, for securing the covering 42 over the bladder 41.
A valve 44 in one end of the bladder 41 may be used to inflate and deflate the bladder.
As depicted in FIGS. 6-9, the bladder 41 is completely open on its interior, and does not have any shape retaining webs therein, although such could be provided, if desired.
A fifth embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 50 in FIGS. 10 and 11. In this form of the invention, the bladder 51 has a plurality of longitudinally extending shape retaining webs 52 therein, tying the top wall 53 to the bottom wall 54. A plurality of openings 55 extend through the webs 52 to place the spaces between the webs in communication with one another.
A valve 56 may be provided in a suitable location on the pillow for inflating and deflating it, as previously described.
As represented in FIG. 11, one longitudinal edge of the pillow may be slightly thicker than the remainder of the pillow to define a cervical support region 57 extending along one edge of the pillow. In the particular embodiment shown, the spaces between the webs 52 are in communication with one another, and the cervical support region 57 will be of the same firmness as the remainder of the pillow. However, the space under the cervical support region may be separated from the remainder of the pillow so that it may be inflated to a different firmness than the remainder of the pillow.
As in the previously described forms of the invention, this form also has a removable covering, which has been omitted from this figure for sake of clarity. Additionally, the pillow 50 may be deflated and rolled or folded into a compact configuration for storage or travel.
A sixth embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 60 in FIGS. 12-14. In this embodiment, the inflatable pillow 61 has recessed opposite ends 62 and 63 as in the first embodiment described in FIG. 1, with a plurality of transverse webs 64 and longitudinal webs 65, both having openings 66 therethrough so that the spaces between the webs 64 and 65 are in communication with one another.
An imperforate, longitudinally extending web 67 separates the body of the pillow from a single, large, elongate chamber 68 at the proximal or forward edge of the pillow, defining a slightly enlarged cervical support region 69 along the front edge of the pillow.
A seventh embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 70 in FIGS. 15-17. In this form of the invention, the pillow 71 comprises a rectangular body 72 with an upwardly protruding, rounded support 73 for the cervical region disposed on top of the body 72 along one edge thereof. The cervical support 73 is defined by an air chamber 74 separate from and on top of the air chamber 75 forming the pillow body. The top and bottom walls of the body 72 are held in appropriately spaced relationship by a plurality of ties 76 spaced uniformly across the body 72 and secured at their upper and lower ends to the top and bottom walls, respectively, of the body.
The chambers 74 and 75 may be independently inflated or deflated by use of the valves 15 and 16, whereby various degrees of firmness and different shapes can be obtained.
As in the previously described forms of the invention, a cover 42 may be provided on the pillow 71, although it has not been shown in these figures for sake of clarity.
An eighth embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 80 in FIGS. 18 and 19. In this form of the invention, the pillow body 81 is divided longitudinally by an imperforate web or partition 82, and divided transversely by a pair of spaced apart webs or partitions 83 and 84, which together separate the interior of the pillow 81 into a first chamber 85 at a front central portion of the pillow, a second chamber 86 extending rearwardly across the center of the pillow from the partition 82 to the rear edge of the pillow, and side chambers 87 and 88 at opposite ends of the pillow. Openings 89 through the partition 82 in the chambers 87 and 88 afford communication between the spaces on opposite sides of the partition 82. However, the spaces 85 and 86 are not in communication with one another, or with the chambers 87 and 88.
Additionally, the chambers 87 and 88 communicate with one another through a passage 89 extended between the partitions 83 and 84.
Air is introduced into the chambers 85 and 86 through respective valves 90 and 91, and associated tubular passages 92 and 93. Air is introduced into the chambers 87 and 88 through a valve 94.
It will be noted that the partitions 83 and 84 are spaced closer together toward the rear of the pillow than they are toward the front thereof. This results in a relatively longer chamber 85 at a front central portion of the pillow than across a rear width thereof. The front central portion 85 defines a cervical support 95 that may have its firmness adjusted independently of the firmness of the remaining sections of the pillow. Similarly, the central rear portion of the pillow defined by the chamber 86 may have its firmness adjusted independently of the firmness of the remaining sections of the pillow. With this arrangement, the cervical support region 95 may be made of a desired firmness, with the central rear portion of the pillow defined by chamber 86 having a different firmness, and the opposite end portions of the pillow defined by chamber 87 and 88 having yet a further degree of firmness. Of course, all of the areas of the pillow could be given the same degree of firmness, if desired.
This form of pillow enables a wide range of firmness and shape configurations to be accomplished. For instance, the cervical support region 95 defined by chamber 85 could have the greatest firmness, with the opposite end or side portions of the pillow defined by chambers 87 and 88 having a least firmness, and the central rear portion of the pillow defined by chamber 86 having an intermediate firmness, for example.
FIGS. 20 and 21 simply depict the pillow 80 deflated and rolled up into a compact condition for storage and/or transportation. Although the deflated and rolled up pillow in these figures is indicated here as pillow 80, it should be understood that the same applies to any of the pillows described and illustrated herein.
While particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail herein, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and intent of the invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims. | An inflatable pillow has an air-impervious flexible bladder with one or more chambers therein which are inflatable to different shapes, thicknesses and firmness to conform the pillow to the requirements of different individuals. A soft cover is removably placed on the bladder to enhance the comfort and appearance of the pillow, and the cover is removable for cleaning. In one form of the invention, opposite ends of the pillow are recessed to provide clearance for the face of a person using the pillow, when the person is lying on his or her side. A cervical support portion of increased thickness and/or firmness extends along a front edge of the pillow. | 20,495 |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to chairs, and more particularly to devices to permit adjustment and control of the tilt characteristics of chairs
(2) Prior Art
Office furniture has only in the last decade or so, become adaptable to the varying needs of their users. Frank Lloyd Wright's three-wheeled chairs for the Johnson Wax headquarters were an example of chair design that was indifferent, if not hostile toward the notion of sitting comfortably.
Office furniture in our service based economy, of necessity, has had to have improvements in chair comfort and simplicity.
An advance in chair design is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,259,431 which utilizes a compressible member for releasibly locking a chair structure to a chair base. This concept fails to permit ready manual adjustability to regulate the tilting of the chair structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,309,137 discloses a seat with a tilting mechanism. However, no means are disclosed for simple adjustment of the tiltability.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,813,069 shows a chair supported on a resilient pad, the pad having a number of holes drilled into it, so that rotation of the pad may vary the compressibility of the pad. The rocking/tilting is limited only to forward and backward movement, and no means are shown which permits simple manual adjustment thereof.
Another U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,982 discloses a compressible pad, but does not indicate any simple adjustable control thereover.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple, easily regulatable, manually adjustable tilt control mechanism, which permits side to side as well as forward to backward tilting, as well a tilting motion in all areas between those quadrants, to permit a full 360 degrees of precessional articulation of the seat surface.
It is a further object of this invention wherein a chair control mechanism permits an infinite amount of adjustability in the tilting capacity of that chair.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a chair assembly having back and seat portions which are mounted on a lower frame support by an adjustable control mechanism, fully tiltable through 360 degrees.
The tilt control mechanism is disposed on the end of a support arm which extends from the lower frame support.
The tilt control mechanism comprises a resilient pad being supported between a pair of plates, the lower plate being attached to the distal end of the support arm.
The resilient pad may be comprised of varying layers of compressibility and the plates connected by a longitudinally adjustable bolt disposed through a hole in the resilient pad. The hole in the pad may be centrally located, or it may be arranged in a non-central, non-symmetrical location to allow varying articulation of the seat through the resilient pad or block, permitting an infinite tilt adjustment capability of the seat, at any point on either side or at any point on the front or back or combination thereof.
The upper plate has an opening which receives the head of a longitudinally adjustable bolt. A manually rotatable knob or lever, engages the lower end of the bolt, beneath the bottom of the lower plate. The bolt head has tapered side portions which act symbiotically with tapered walls of the hole in the top plate to permit a swiveling therebetween, with a minimum of frictional resistance.
By simple manual rotation of the rotatable knob, the resilient pad may be compressed or decompressed, effectuating an infinite adjustability in the resilience and hence tiltability, from side to side and front to back in a full 360 degree azimuth, of the chair assembly secured thereabove.
By simple rotation of the resilient block about the shaft of the adjustable bolt, the tiltability may be further regulated, depending of course upon the non-symmetry of the shape of the pad, or the non-homogeneity of the compounds comprising the pad. That is, the pad may be comprised of non-parallel layers of material, each layer being of a different material or of compressibility/resiliency factor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent when viewed in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a tiltable chair having a tilt control mechanism of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the tilt control mechanism on the support arm of a chair;
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the mechanism shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the resilient block utilized with this invention;
FIG. 4 is a split plan view from the top and the bottom of the mechanism shown in FIG. 2; and
FIG. 5 is a graphical representation, in perspective view, of the limits of tilt, of the upper surface of the seat, or the upper surface of the resilient block.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings in detail, and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a chair assembly 10 comprising a body supporting contoured seat member 12 having a back rest 14 and an arm rest 16, arranged with a seat portion 18.
An arrangement of bosses 19 are disposed on the bottomside of the seat portion 18.
A chair tilt control mechanism 20 is shown in FIG. 1, fixedly disposed on the distal end of a seat member support arm 22. The support arm 22 extends radially outwardly from a housing 24 which mates with a vertically arranged support shaft 26. The support shaft 26 typically telescopically mates with a lower frame 28 having a plurality of wheels 30, to permit the chair assembly 10 to be moved on a floor.
The tilt chair mechanism 20, as shown in FIG. 2, comprises a lower support plate 40 fixedly attached to the distal end of the support arm 22. The lower support plate 40 has a centrally disposed hub 42 having a smooth bore 44 extending therethrough.
An adjustment means such as a resiliently compressible adjustment pad or block 46 is seated on the lower support plate 40. The adjustment block 46 may be made from a compressible rubber material, or the like. In this preferred embodiment, the compressible block 46 is of torroidal configuration, having a central opening 50 which is arranged to be in axial alignment with the bore 44 in the hub 42.
A top plate 52 is seated above the resiliently compressible adjustment block 46, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. The top plate 52 has a central aperture 54 which also is in axial alignment with the bore 44 in the hub 42. The top plate 52 has corner openings 56 which permit securement of the tilt chair mechanism 20 to the bosses 19 on the bottomside of the seat portion 18, by known means such as threaded fasteners, not shown, or the like. The block 46 is preferrably bonded by known means such as adhesive or the like, to its respective upper and lower plates 52 and 40, to facilitate tension on one side of the block 46 when the diametrical side of the block 46 is in compression.
A longitudinally adjustable compression adjustment bolt 60 is arranged through the aperture 54 in the top plate 52, the central opening 50 in the resiliently compressible block 46 and the bore 44 in the hub 42. The adjustment bolt 60 has an enlarged upwardly directed head 62 having inwardly tapering side walls 64, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The aperture 54 in the top plate 52 has a correspondingly tapering edge 66, so as to permit an annular rim of contact between the head of the adjustment bolt 60 and the top plate 52.
The upper end of the adjustment bolt 60 may have a reduced friction covering 70 on it, as shown in FIG. 2, so that the bolt 60 and the top plate 52 may have a slidable, articulable relationship with one another. The covering 70 may be comprised of a layer of Teflon type material (polytetrafluroethylene) or other slippery plastic or metallic material.
The lower end of the adjustment bolt 60 has threads 72 thereon, which threadably receive an adjustment knob 74, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
In operation of the tilt control mechanism 20, rotation of the adjustment knob 74 with respect to the adjustment bolt 60 and the bottom of the hub 42, effectuates longitudinal displacement of the adjustment bolt 60, either compressing or decompressing (permitting expansion) of the resilient block 46.
When the adjustment knob 74 is rotated so as to pull downwardly upon the bolt 60, the resilient block 46 is compressed and thereby made more dense, and concommittantly, harder, thus minimizing its further compressibility or resiliency when forces are directed upon it by the plates 52 and 40, created when someone sits upon the seat member 12. The tiltability of that seat member 12 is thereby restricted and controlled.
When the adjustment knob 74 is rotated so as to release tension upon the bolt 60, the resilient block 46 is permitted to decompress and is thereby made less dense, and concommittantly, softer, thus maximizing its further compressibility or resiliency when forces are directed upon it by the plates 52 and 40, created when someone sits upon the seat member 12. The tiltability of that seat member 12 thereby, is therefore enhanced, by the allowance of at least one side of the resilient block 46, to be compressed and the other side to be somewhat stretched, and thereby placed in tension between the plates 52 and 40.
The resilient block 46 is shown as being circular in plan view (cross-section) with the opening 50 being centrally disposed in its middle. The opening 50' may be in a noncentral location, as shown in FIG. 3A, with the larger mass of the resilient block 46' arranged toward the back of the seat member 12. This would function to further effect the tiltability of the seat member 12 by permitting more compressability towards the rear of the chair assembly 10, and minimizing the stretch or "lifting" decompression of the forward portion of the resilient block 46. Of course the upper and lower plates 52 and 40 would have corresponding receiving "depressions" which would engage any configuration resilient block 46' seated therebetween.
The resilient block 46' may also be comprised of one or more different generally horizontal layers 48 and 48' of material, which layers suggested by the dashed lines across the middle of the block 46' in FIG. 3A, have different degrees of resilience, compressibility and the like. This would permit a greater amount of adjustability.
FIG. 5 shows in perspective view, a graphical representation of the limits of upward and downward tilt, of the general plane of the seat 18. More specifically, the shaded disk 80 could represent the upper surface of the resilient block 46, (or the plane of the seat portion 18), which when pressed rearwardly as at "B", is permitted a tilt of about 20 degrees, the front "F" being permitted concommittantly about a 20 degree lift. That is to say, a person sitting on the seat member 12, and leaning backwardly, would compress the block 46 and also permit about a 20 degree lift to the front edge of the seat member 12. Someone leaning forward on the seat member 12 would compress the block 46 at its forwardmost edge "F" about 5 degrees, and lift the back of the seat member 12 about 5 degrees. A similar condition is permitted in a full azimuth around the sides of the block 46, as represented in the graph of FIG. 5.
Thus what has been shown is a simple, effective manual tilt control mechanism which permits adjustment of the forward, sideward and rearward "tiltability" of a seat secured to the control mechanism. The tilt control mechanism is adjusted by effecting the compressibility of a centrally disposed block which is controllably secured between a pair of parallel plates, the upper plate of which is allowed to rub against the smooth tapered side surfaces of a head of an adjustable bolt. The block may have a central opening or a non-central opening, either in a symmetrical or non-symmetrical configuration, and having uniform homogenous resiliency throughout, or having different layers of various resilient characteristics, as a hard rubber/soft rubber, to permit further variation in the adjustability characteristics when the knob is rotated with respect to the chair. | A manually adjustable tilt control mechanism for a seat assembly arranged upon a frame support. The tilt control mechanism comprises a resilient block of material adjustably disposed between a pair of plates which are connected by a longitudinally adjustable bolt. Manual rotation of an adjustment knob effectuates compression or decompression of the resilient block between the upper and lower plates. The chain assembly being attached to the upper plate is infinitely tiltable in a full range from front to back and side to side, or any combination thereof, depending upon how much the resiliency of the block is permitted by its compression between the upper and lower plates. | 12,548 |
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/729,160 entitled “OPTICAL SENSING BASED ON SURFACE PLASMON RESONANCES IN NANOSTRUCTURES” and filed on Oct. 21, 2005, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety as part of the specification of this application.
GOVERNMENT FUNDING
[0002] The research and development for inventions described in this application received funding from the U.S. Government under DAF/Air Force Grant No. FA9550-04-1-0417 and NSF Grant No. ECS-0403589. The U.S. Government have rights to various technical features described in this application.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This application relates to optical sensing including optical sensing of chemical and biological substances.
[0004] Plasmons are eigenmodes of collective density oscillations of quasi-free electrons or an electronic gas in metals and other materials under optical excitation. Plasmons are generated by coupling photons and electrons at or near a surface of an electrically conductive material and thus are sometimes referred to as surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs). The coupling of the photon and electron gas can lead to effective binding energy or a momentum mismatch which precludes coupling of a free space photon to the SPP in normal circumstances. Typically, an incident photon needs some additional momentum to excite a SPP under a phase-matched surface plasmon resonance (SPR) condition.
[0005] Surface plasmon polaritons have been extensively studied and some recent work has explored their potential for building various integrated optical devices. The intrinsic mode confinement in SPPs, due to their surface nature, may have potential advantages for building sub-diffraction limited waveguides and in facilitating full three-dimensional optical confinement. Further interest has been sparked by the observation that SPP waves can enhance optical transmittance through optically thick metallic films with sub-wavelength features. The radiated diffraction pattern by excited SPPs can be controlled to operate an SPP device as nano-antennae and transmitters.
[0006] Surface plasmon resonance sensors can be constructed for biological and chemical sensing. Many SPR sensors use a metal-dielectric interface and a prism to excite SPP waves via the Kretschmann configuration based on optical evanescent coupling through the prism. In such a SPR sensor, a metallic film is the interrogation medium and is placed or deposited on the prism. The effective numerical aperture of this prism-based system is limited and this further limits the spatial resolution and resolvable spots. In order to meet the SP resonance for a planar metallic film, typical illumination conditions are set at a relatively large angle and this configuration can impose server constraints on the depth of focus in imaging of the system. The limited depth of focus in imaging can be unsuitable for large arrays of assays. In addition, the lateral resolution of the prism-based SP system can be limited by the finite SPP propagation length and are unsuitable for massive parallelization of such SPR sensors.
[0007] In 1998, T. E. Ebbessen et al. designed sub-wavelength nanohole arrays in metallic films to produce “extraordinary optical transmission” through such sub-wavelength nanoholes based on excitation of SPPs. See, e.g., Ebbesen et al., Extraordinary Optical Transmission through Sub-Wavelength Hole Arrays, Nature, vol. 39, 667, 669 (1998) and Ghaemi et al., Surface Plasmon Enhance Optical Transmission through Subwavelength Holes, Physical Review, Vol. 58, No. 11, 6779, 6782 (1998). Such nanohole arrays exhibit interesting SPP properties and can be potentially used in various applications.
SUMMARY
[0008] This application describes, among others, devices and techniques for using nanostructures such as nanohole metal films to construct SPP sensors for sensing various substances.
[0009] In one implementation, an optical sensing device includes a nanohole array comprising a substrate and a metal layer formed on the substrate to include an array of holes arranged in a periodic two-dimensional pattern and to be in contact with a sample under measurement. Each hole has a dimension less than one wavelength of probe light to which the nanohole array is responsive to produce surface plasmons at an interface of the metal layer and the sample under a surface plasmon resonance condition. This device includes an input optical module to direct a collimated input optical probe beam at the wavelength of the probe light to the nanohole array. The input optical module includes an optical polarization control unit operable to control an input optical polarization of the collimated input optical probe beam incident to the nanohole array. An output optical module is also included in this device to receive an optical output produced by the surface plasmons at the interface between the metal layer and the sample. The output optical module includes an output optical polarizer to select light in the optical output at a selected output polarization for optical detection.
[0010] In one implementation, an optical sensing method is described to provide a nanohole array comprising a metal layer and an array of holes arranged in a periodic two-dimensional pattern to be in contact with a sample under measurement. Each hole has a dimension less than one wavelength of probe light to which the nanohole array is responsive to produce surface plasmons at an interface of the metal layer and the sample under a surface plasmon resonance condition. A collimated input optical probe beam at the wavelength of the probe light is directed to the nanohole array under the surface plasmon resonance condition to excite surface plasmons at the interface of the metal layer and the sample. The light in an optical output produced by the surface plasmons at the interface between the metal layer and the sample in a selected output polarization is into a camera. The image captured by the camera is processed to extract information of the sample. The input polarization of the collimated input optical probe beam and the selected output polarization for the light captured by the camera may be controlled to be orthogonal to each other to produce a Lorentzian spectral profile in the light captured by the camera.
[0011] In another implementation, an optical sensing device includes a nanohole array comprising a metal layer with a two-dimensional array of holes configured to interface with a sample under measurement and to support surface plasmon under excitation of probe light, an input polarization control unit to control input polarization of an input optical probe beam of the probe light incident to the nanohole array, and an output optical polarizer to receive signal light which is transmission of the input optical probe beam through the nanohole array and the sample to select a polarization of the signal light for optical detection. Each hole has a dimension less than one wavelength of the probe light and the input polarization control unit and the output optical polarizer are configured to be orthogonal to each other in polarization.
[0012] In yet another implementation, an optical sensing device includes a substrate, a metal layer formed on the substrate and patterned to comprise a two-dimensional array of holes configured to interface with a sample under measurement and to support surface plasmons under excitation of probe light, and microfluidic channels formed in contact with the metal film. Each microfluidic channel supports a respective fluid sample under measurement and each hole has a dimension less than one wavelength of the probe light.
[0013] Implementations of SPP sensors described can use polarization control in the optical input and optical output of a nanohole metal film to produce a spectrally narrow transmission profile to allow for high resolution detection. As an example, a SPP sensor can include a nanohole array with a metal layer configured to support surface plasmon under excitation of an input optical probe beam; an input polarization control unit to control input polarization of the input optical probe beam incident to the nanohole array; and an output optical polarizer to receive optical transmission from the nanohole array and to select a polarization of the transmission beam for optical detection. The input polarization control unit and an output optical polarizer are controlled to produce a Lorentzian spectral profile of the transmission beam through the output optical polarizer.
[0014] These and other implementations are described in detail in the attached drawings, the detailed description and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 shows one exemplar implementation of an optical sensing device using a collimated optical probe beam and a nanohole array.
[0016] FIGS. 2 , 3 , 4 A, 4 B, 5 A and 5 B show examples of nanohole arrays suitable for use in FIG. 1 .
[0017] FIG. 6 shows an example of the device in FIG. 1 .
[0018] FIG. 7 shows measured salt concentration using an optical sensing device based on the design in FIG. 1 .
[0019] FIG. 8 shows an example of a nanohole array in an isotropic 2-dimensional array and the phase matching condition for the surface plasmon resonance.
[0020] FIG. 9 Normalized transmission as a function of (A) energy (wavelength) and (B) parallel wave vector (angle). In each case the dotted lines correspond to the PP and the solid lines the OP polarization states (as illustrated in FIG. 1 and described in the text). The transmission in each case has been normalized to the maximum to clearly illustrate the respective lineshape functions. Also inset in FIG. 2 b is the same data plotted in logarithmic scale to show the ˜15-20 dB background level reduction for the Lorentzian vs Fano-type resonances.
[0021] FIG. 10 shows measurements for resonance peak position shift versus refractive index change (i.e. salt concentration in water) in the fluidic overlayer. The black line is a linear fit to the datum. Shaded regions correspond to approximate peak position (absolute refractive index) errors in the fitting procedure for the OP and PP conditions for both air and water broadened linewidths as well as estimated theoretical resolution limits.
[0022] FIGS. 11A and 11B show unpolarzied spectral measurements of unpolarized zero-order for cubic arrays of holes in an thin aluminum film on a GaAs substrate, and calculated SPP phase matching conditions for the same parameter space, respectively. Data from several arrays with different periods a have been combined for these composite intensity images, where the stitching frequencies appear as horizontal white lines. The transmittance has been normalized by the hole area per unit cell. Also shown is a small box indicating the frequency/wavevector region studied with high resolution.
[0023] FIGS. 12A and 12B shows measured transmittance as a function of frequency (radial direction) and analyzer angle (azimuthal angle).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] FIG. 1 shows one example of an optical sensing device that uses a nanohole array. This optical sensing device includes a nanohole array 100 , an input optical module 110 and an output optical module 120 that are optically aligned to from an optical train. The nanohole array 100 includes a substrate and a metal layer formed on the substrate to include an array of holes arranged in a periodic two-dimensional pattern. The metal layer is in contact with a sample under measurement to form a metal-sample interface that supports surface plasmaons. Each hole has a dimension less than one wavelength of probe light to which the nanohole array is responsive to produce surface plasmons at the metal-sample interface under a surface plasmon resonance condition. More details on the nanohole array 100 are provided below. The input optical module 110 is designed to direct a collimated input optical probe beam 101 at the wavelength of the probe light to the nanohole array 100 and includes at least an optical polarization control unit 111 to control an input optical polarization of the collimated input optical probe beam 101 incident to the nanohole array 100 . The optical polarization control unit 111 can be implemented in various configurations, such as a fixed or adjustable optical polarizer or a multi-element optical polarization controller. The input optical module 110 can also include a light source that generates the light for the collimated input optical probe beam 101 and an optical collimator to collimate the light from the light source, thus producing the collimated input optical probe beam 101 . This use of a collimated probe beam limits the optical wavevector of the probe light at a single, known value and allows the signal generated by excited surface plasmons at the metal-sample interface to be processed to extract information of the sample under measurement. The output optical module 120 is used to receive the optical output produced by the excited surface plasmons at the metal-sample interface and includes an output optical polarizer 121 to select light in the optical output at a selected output polarization for optical detection. An optical sensing device, such as an optical detector array, can be used to capture the optical output and an optical imaging unit such as an imaging lens assembly can be used to image the metal-sample surface to the optical sensing device.
[0025] The surface plasmon resonance condition at the metal-sample interface of the nanohole array 100 can be controlled by a number of parameters, such as the input optical polarization, the optical wavelength of the collimated optical probe beam 101 , the amplitude of the electric field or the optical power level of the collimated optical probe beam 101 , and the incident angle of the collimated optical probe beam 101 . A tunable light source can be used as part of the input optical module 110 to tune the optical wavelength of the probe light. This can be implemented in various configurations. A tunable laser, for example, may be used. As another example, a broad spectral light source and an optical filter can be combined to produce the probe light at a desired probe wavelength. The incident angle of the collimated optical probe beam 101 an be controlled by controlling the relative orientation between the input optical module 110 and the nanohole array 100 . A positioning stage can be used to hold the nanohole array 100 and to adjust the orientation of the nanohole array 100 relative to the collimated optical probe beam to achieve a desired surface plasmon resonance condition for a given sample under measurement. An actuator can also be provided in the input optical module 110 to control the angle of the collimated optical probe beam 101 relative to the fixed nanohole array 100 .
[0026] The incident angle of the collimated optical probe beam 101 can be controlled at the normal or near normal incidence to achieve a desired surface plasmon resonance condition. The optical readout of the nanohole array 100 is selected to be the 0-order diffraction mode produced by the periodic structure of the nanoholes. This configuration can be used to provide optical sensing over a large sample area on the nanohole array 100 , high resolution imaging, and a large number of simultaneous measurements. The nanoholes in a 2-dimensional periodic pattern as optical scattering elements can be used to reduce the SP propagation length to allow for a dense packing of sensing elements and thus reduces the amount of analyte material needed for a given measurement. This property in turns permits multiple parallel microfluidic channels with different fluidic samples and different sample areas functionalized with different biomolecular recognition elements are implemented on a nanohole array. The control of the input polarization in exciting the SPR and the output polarization for readout of the SPR signal can be used to reduce the spectral linewidth and hence enhance the sensitivity of the instrument.
[0027] In FIG. 1 , a microfludic channel 130 is shown and placed in contact with the metal film of the nanohole array to guide a fluid sample. Two or more such microfluidic channels can be used to supple different fluid samples to the nanohole array 100 for measurement. Microfluidic channels can be parallel channels that are fabricated over the metal film. A microfluidic channel can be formed either directly on the metal film or on a thin overlayer (e.g., SiO2) which is directly formed on the metal film. A polymer material, such as Polystyrene-b-polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS), can be used to form a microfluidic channel. A microfluidic channel may be a PDMS microfluidic molded structure and can be bonded to the metal film. Alternative to the polymer molding, photolithography can be used to fabricate a microfluidic channel on a substrate. A microfluidic channel can be used to minimize the amount of the analyte needed for a measurement.
[0028] FIG. 2 shows a cross section of an exemplary nanohole array 100 formed on a substrate 210 and a patterned metal film 220 . The patterned metal film 220 is deposited on the substrate 210 and is patterned to have 2-dimensional nanoholes in row and columns. The exposed surface of the metal film 220 can be functionalized to include a layer of a biomolecular recognition element 230 for binding with certain target particles in a fluid sample 240 that is in contact with the metal film 220 . In addition, the fluid sample 240 may be fluorescently tagged using one or more molecular tags. Various fluorescent molecule labeling techniques can be applied to the nanohole array devices described in this application. Such fluorescent labeling can provide a higher degree of confidence in certain sensing applications. In some applications, a single fluorescent tag is sufficient to provide the desired specificity. In some other applications, two different fluorescent tags may be used at the same time.
[0029] The nanohole array 100 in FIG. 1 can be designed to include two or more different sample areas with different biomolecular recognition elements for simultaneous measurements. FIG. 3 shows an example of such a nanohole array that has different sample areas each having an array of 4×4 nanoholes. The collimated optical probe beam 101 can be used to illuminate an area covering two or more adjacent sample areas for simultaneous measurements. In addition, the input optical module 110 in FIG. 1 can be designed to produce different collimated optical probe beams to simultaneously illuminate different areas of the nanohole array 100 .
[0030] The nanoholes in the nanohole array 100 can be made in various configurations. FIGS. 4A and 4B show an example where the nanoholes are symmetric circular holes with a diameter of 400 nm. FIGS. 5A and 5B show another example where the nanoholes are spatially anistropic in shape, e.g., elliptical. In addition, nanoholes can be through nanoholes that penetrate through the metal film or non-through nanoholes that penetrate a part of the metal film without completely penetrating through the metal film. A metal film with non-through nanholes physically separates the sample from the substrate on which the metal film is formed and such separation can be beneficial in various devices.
[0031] The optical sensing device in FIG. 1 can the an optical transmission through the metal film and the sample that is produced by the surface plasmons at the interface between the metal layer and the sample. In this design, the input and output optical modules 110 and 120 are located relative to the nanohole array 100 to direct the collimated input optical probe beam 101 to the nanohole array 100 and to receive the optical output from the nanohole array 100 , respectively, on opposite sides of the nanohole array. Alternatively, the optical output produced by the surface plasmons at the interface between the metal layer and the sample is an optical reflection by the metal film so that the input and output optical modules 110 and 120 are located relative to the nanohole array 100 to direct the collimated input optical probe beam 101 to the metal film of the nanohole array 100 and to receive the optical output reflected from metal film of the nanohole array 100 on a common side of the nanohole array 100 .
[0032] FIG. 6 shows an example implementation of the optical sensing device in FIG. 1 in the optical transmission mode. A laser or lamp 114 is provided as part of the input optical module 110 to produce the probe light. A fiber 113 is used to guide the probe light from the light source 114 to a collimator lens 112 which collimates the output light from the fiber 113 to produce the collimated probe beam 101 . The input polarization control unit 111 in this example includes two polarizers and a quarter wave plate located between the two polarizers. A nanohole array stage 103 is used to hold the nanohole array and to provide angular adjustments along two orthogonal axes to control the incident direction of the collimated optical probe beam 101 . The output optical module 120 includes tow imaging lenses 123 and 124 in a 4 f configuration to image the nanohole array 100 onto a camera 122 . The imaging lens 123 close to the nanohole array 100 may be a microscope lens with a focal length f shorter than the focal lens F of the second imaging lens 124 . As an option, a quarter wave plate or a liquid crystal modulator 125 may be placed between the nanohole array 100 and the output optical analyzer 121 to control the polarization received at the output optical analyzer 121 .
[0033] Implementations of SPP sensors described here use polarization control in the optical input and optical output of a nanohole metal film to produce a spectrally narrow transmission profile to allow for high resolution detection. The techniques described here may also be used to ease the fabrication tolerances on the device structure and allow for low-cost, feasible device fabrication. The optical sensing can be achieved by optically detecting miniscule changes in the local effective index of refraction at the interface with the metal film through monitoring surface plasmon mediated transmission through, or reflection from, nanohole arrays in thin metallic film. Therefore, the devices described here can be used as a generic sensor platform for a wide range of optical sensing applications, including chemical and biological sensing applications. Notably, the input polarization of the probe light and the polarization of the output optical polarizer can be specifically controlled to control the spectral profile of the transmission as a well-defined narrow line shape such as a Lorentzian line shape when the input polarization and output polarization are orthogonal to each other. The polarization of such an SSP sensor is not properly controlled, the spectral lineshape may be a Fano type profile which has a poor spectral resolution in comparison with a Lorentzian profile.
[0034] FIG. 7 shows an example measurement of NaCrO4 concentration in a salt fluid sample using the sensing device in FIG. 1 in a cross polarization configuration to achieve the Lorentzian spectral profile in the output. An initial measurement can be obtained in the nanohole array without the salt fluid sample and then another measurement can be obtained in presence of the salt fluid sample. The shift in the SPR condition can be used to extract the information on the concentration of NaCrO4 and some experiment data shows that a change in the refractive index of about 10 −5 an be directly measured.
[0035] The polarization-selective sensors described in this application can be designed to use the SPP mediated transmission through the nanohole arrays. High resolution imaging can be easily accomplished with interrogation occurring at normal or near normal incidence, and the resonance shift may be read out with wavelength, amplitude, angular or, with careful design, by phase sensitive interrogation methods. The nanohole array radiatively damps the SPP wave, and hence enables more compact integration. The transmittance resonance through the nanoholes is monitored for a particular polarization state of the incident field, and is analyzed with a second polarizer in such a way as to minimize evanescent tunneling through the subwavelength apertures. This configuration, in effect, minimizes coherent interference effects in structures that have reasonable feature sizes (˜100 s nm) and aspect ratios—and are therefore amenable to high-throughput, large area fabrication techniques.
[0036] In addition, the large field enhancement is useful in SERS, SECARS, and other sensitive nonlinear spectroscopy methods. Design of a nanoscale metallic nanostructure that enables both linear sensing—for high throughput—and nonlinear—for specificity and interrogation of specific reactions—will prove to be a significant advance over other technologies. The far-field transmission is significantly enhanced due to the enhanced surface fields under the SPR condition and such far-field spectroscopic measurements can be used to map the effective SPP dispersion. We have shown the distinctive polarization dependence of the arrays and used this property to separate SPP mediated transmission mechanisms from the evanescent tunneling through a waveguide below cutoff. With knowledge of the SPP dispersion, we further have demonstrated methods for exciting and imaging SPP modes both in and between these nanohole arrays, again using the polarization properties of the excitation, in this case space variant, to enable this novel, simple imaging technique. Sensing can also be achieved by SPP wavepackets using femtosecond laser pulses. Femtosecond spatial heterodyne imaging has also been utilized to investigate the ultrafast SPP dynamics in both amplitude and phase. These studies have led to new understanding of the nature of the phase matching and leading to our ability to control and detect the phase and the amplitude of the SPP field distributions. Consequently, we are able to perform focusing of such SPP fields in the transverse direction.
[0037] FIG. 8 shows an example of a nanohole metal film structure that can be used as the sensing part of the SPP sensor to interface with a material to be measured. A Cartesian coordinate system is shown to illustrate the SPR condition. The lattice diagram in the reciprocal space for the special structure of the periodic nanoholes is shown in the insert. Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are resonantly excited on these grating arrays. The excitation is dependent upon the frequency, wavevector, and polarization state of the incident excitation. Phase matching for the SPP waves is described by
[0000] {right arrow over (k)} SP ={right arrow over (k)} // ±i{right arrow over (K)} G x ±j{right arrow over (K)} G y ,
[0000] where {right arrow over (k)} // ={right arrow over (k)} x +{right arrow over (k)} y =k 0 [{circumflex over (x)} sin θ cos φ+ŷsin θ sin φ] is the in-place component of the common wavevector of the collimated probe beam. It is assumed that the dimension of each nanohole (d) is much less than the spatial period (a) of the nanohole array: d<<a and that there is no coupling between adjacent sides. The resonance condition is:
[0000]
k
→
1
-
2
,
2
-
3
sp
≈
k
0
ɛ
1
,
3
ɛ
2
ɛ
1
,
3
+
ɛ
2
.
[0038] A small perturbation in the sample in contact with the metal layer and, in particular, any change at the interface between the metal layer and the adjacent sample causes a shift in this resonance position.
[0039] The SPR resonance linewidth depends on both radiative damping and material damping and thus can lead to a broad spectral linewidth. As described above, the input and output polarizations of an SPR sensor can be controlled to reduce the transmission linewidth and hence enhance the spectral resolution while operating in a regime that facilitates high SBP imaging. A specific example is provided below.
[0040] Samples for our experiments are fabricated by depositing gold films of ˜200 nm on glass substrate followed by spin coating and patterning by holographic lithography to achieve large usable areas (˜1 cm 2 ). Multiple exposures of a chemically amplified negative resist (SU-8) yields a 2-D array of nanoholes, and the exposure time and post-exposure baking step allow fine control of the hole diameter (˜200 nm). To facilitate large SBP imaging, the period a of the array to be close to the wavelength λ of the excitation field (a/λ˜1) with the fabricated value of a=1.4 μm. The developed SU-8 is used as a mask for etching nanoholes into the gold film using ICP/RIE dry etching, and a PDMS mold with microfluidic delivery channel 1 cm×2 mm×100 μm is then bonded to the substrate by oxygen plasma.
[0041] An apparatus based on the device design in FIG. 1 is used to conductor the measurements. The input and output polarization states of a tunable laser are controlled to provide the variable spectral or angular Fano-type profiles. A microfludic channel is used to transport the analyte fluid to the surface of the sensing area of the nanohole array and can be used to control the refractive index on the metal-dielectric interface to tune the SPP resonance frequency. Measurements are carried out using a collimated, tunable laser source (1520-1570 nm) of about ˜1 cm in diameter is used to excite an SPP field in the 2-D nanohole array. The sample is inserted between a polarizer-analyzer pair and the transmitted light is used to simultaneously image an area of ˜200×200 μm of the sample onto a CCD camera for alignment as well as onto InGaAs photodiode for transmission measurements. Angular interrogation is achieved using a mechanical rotation stage rotating the sample in the y-z plane.
[0042] For comparison, two polarization states are used in measurements: 1) parallel polarizer-analyzer (PP): polarizer and analyzer axes are parallel and oriented at +π/4 with respect to the [0,1] direction of the nanohole array (see FIG. 1 ) yielding equal electric field amplitudes in the x- and y-directions, and 2) orthogonal polarizer-analyzer (OP): polarizer (analyzer) axis is oriented at +π/4 (−π/4) with respect to the [0,1] direction. Resonant transmittance through the 2D nanohole array depends on the interrogation angle and the wavelength of radiation and typically has a Fano-type lineshape for PP and a Lorentzian shape for OP. There have been a number of studies that have investigated and explained the effects of the various geometric parameters on the shape of the resonant transmission (e.g., hole size, metal film thickness, and optical properties of the metal), and we note that the critical feature (assume a relatively “thick” film) is the hole diameter, which increases the scattering rate and hence broadens the resonance linewidth. This resonant transmission mechanism involves coupling to an SPP mode, evanescent transmission through the below-cutoff waveguide hole, and scattering of radiation again from the hole array to produce propagating free space modes. The surface wave is excited by a projection of the incident electric field polarization in the propagation direction, and the reradiated field is again projected onto the analyzer.
[0043] FIG. 9 shows normalized transmittance spectra for both wavelength and angular interrogation in the vicinity of [0, −1] type SPP modes with an air overlayer. A characteristic Fano shape for PP (dotted lines) and a pure Lorentzian shape for OP (solid) are observed. In the OP configuration, the background contribution is suppressed leaving only the resonance component of the transmission. The absolute transmittance is low, −23 dB (0.50%) for PP, due to the small size of the diameter of the holes (thus yielding relatively narrow lines), and drops to about −29 dB (0.13%) for OP due to additional polarization projection onto the analyzer. Ideally the extinction ratio would be limited by that of the polarizers (typically −60 dB), but in practice we measure ˜15-20 dB which we attribute to depolarization due to surface roughness in the etched holes. Under wavelength interrogation the background level does not drop to the same deep minimum levels within the tuning range of our laser. The measured full-width-half-maxima (FWHM) for wavelength interrogation ( FIG. 9A ) are 1.28 meV (2.47 nm) and −2.86 meV (5.53 nm) for OP and PP, respectively, and the PP transmission peak is red-shifted from that in OP by 0.40 meV (0.77 nm). Similarly, the measured FWHM for angular interrogation ( FIG. 9B ) are 0.0012 ak // /2π(0.092°) and 0.011 (0.87°) for OP and PP, respectively, and the corresponding peak shift is 0.0005 (0.04°).
[0044] Next we explore the resonant transmission through 2D nanohole array for sensor applications by introducing an index-calibrated solution through the microfluidic channel to create a controlled gold-fluid interface. We repeat our experiments on angular and wavelength interrogation exciting the [0, +1] type SPP modes and vary the refractive index of the overlayer fluid (varying concentrations of Na 2 CrO 4 in H 2 O). Since the resolving power and interrogation range are both higher, we focus our following study on angular interrogation.
[0045] FIG. 11 shows experimental results on position of the resonant transmission peak through angular interrogation as a function of the change in the index of refraction of the fluid on the interface. Due to the strong absorption of water in this wavelength range, the linewidths for wavelength and angular interrogation broaden to values of 4.32 meV (8.31 nm) and 0.0064 ak // /2π(0.52°), respectively, with OP. At shorter wavelengths the damping due to water is reduced—however the metal losses are larger. Also, at shorter wavelengths there is a greater mode overlap of the resonant field with the reaction of interest as the extent of the mode into the dielectric is reduced. We note that one may well monitor another position on this curve, for example the point of highest slope in the PP (at approximately the SPP resonance position), but by usual convention we monitor the resonance maxima. Error bars in the horizontal direction are from uncertainty in the solution index of refraction as well as possible variations in temperature. Peak positions are determined by both the method of moments (centroid position) and by fitting Lorentzian functions, and the error bounds for these methods in the presence of noise are shown as the various shaded regions. This procedure corresponds to estimated sensing limits of 5×10 −6 RIU and 1×10 −5 RIU for OP and PP, respectively. The darkest region corresponds to the observed error 1.7×10 −3 (standard deviation) due to lack of full optimization in the feedback controls, and therefore limited our direct measurement limit to −1.5×10 −5 . We estimate the limits for a nonabsorbing overlayer (with a gaseous species analyte, for example) with OP and an optimized rotation stage (mechanical limits of ˜10 −4 in angle) to be on the order 1×10 −6 which is shown with the lightest shading.
[0046] While peak position is typically determined more precisely, it is useful to introduce the following metric
[0000] X λ,θ ≡S λ,θ /Γ λ,θ ,
[0000] as a measure of the resolving power that facilitates comparisons of different sensors and interrogation methods. In the above equation, S is the sensitivity (i.e. derivative of resonance position with respect to index of refraction) and Γ is the FWHM and the subscripts λ(θ) refers to wavelength (angular) interrogation, respectively. We experimentally determine S λ ˜1022±8 nm-RIU −1 and S θ ˜78.4±0.6 deg-RIU −1 that yield values of X θ ˜850 RIU −1 and X λ ˜410 RIU −1 with an air overlayer while these values are reduced to X θ ˜150 RIU −1 and X λ ˜120 RIU −1 with water broadened transmission.
[0047] We have demonstrated a high resolution SPR sensor based on transmission through nanohole arrays. In these structures (and gratings in general), the propagation length may be reduced to specification and can therefore increase the relative system resolution (limit the crosstalk between channels). This leads to a design tradeoff: the sensitivity may be sacrificed for smaller interrogation volumes depending on the particular application. Some variations can be made based on the designs described in this application, including design of the periodic structure to enhance the absorption response by tuning the SPR to a molecular resonance of interest. In addition, one can break the in plane symmetry and use, for example, elliptical or chiral shaped holes to have polarization dependence even at the normal incidence. These results will help in designing future grating coupled surface plasmon resonance sensors, both in the transmission (a nanohole) and the traditional (reflection surface grating relief) geometries.
[0048] The following sections further describe polarization properties of nanohole arrays used in the optical sensing devices of this application. The surface plasmon polariton mediated resonant transmittance through square arrays of cylindrical holes in an optically thick metallic film can be isolated by means of polarization rotation. Transmittance data for co-polarized and cross-polarized cases are described accurately with Fano-type and pure Lorentzian lineshapes, respectively. This polarization control allows for changing the relative weights of resonant and non-resonant transmission mechanisms, thus controlling the shape and symmetry of the observed Fano-type lineshapes.
[0049] Excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in nanohole arrays produces resonant and “enhanced” transmission through subwavelength apertures, the nanoholes. Typically, scattering (reflection and transmission) coefficients of any periodic grating supporting a slow wave are characterized by resonant features, e.g. strong resonant peaks in the magnitude of the transmission coefficient through a perforated metal plate, which occur approximately when the wavevector of one of the diffraction orders matches that of a slow wave. These features are manifestations of so-called resonant Wood anomalies. Mathematically, these anomalies are evident through the presence of complex frequency/angular poles in the scattering coefficient for incident radiation with a given real frequency/angle. When the incident field frequency/angle is scanned through these poles, the scattering coefficient exhibits resonant behavior. In addition to these resonances, a non-resonant field component is always present as well. The superposition of the resonant and non-resonant components results in asymmetry in the shape of the scattering coefficients, resulting is so called Fano profiles, which depend on the relation between the magnitude and phase of the resonant and non-resonant components.
[0050] The relation between the resonant and non-resonant components depends not only on the structure parameters but also on the measured parameter provided by a specific experimental setup. Indeed, a linearly polarized field upon scattering from a doubly periodic nanohole array generates co- and cross-polarized components. Using an additional polarizer in the scattered field, referred to in the following analysis as an analyzer, allows control of the each of these components of the scattered field and thereby changes the shape of the measured transmitted field. Most of the utilized experimental setups implement measurements of co-polarized incident and scattered field components, thus limiting the observed lineshapes. The objective here is to demonstrate experimentally and analytically the dependence of measured intensity through a periodic array of sub-wavelength holes after analyzing the polarization state of the transmitted optical field for various input polarization states. The presented ideas and results have a wide applicability to the general theory resonant gratings. For example, typically the frequency dependence of the resonant scattering coefficients is associated with red shifted tails. The shape of the scattering coefficient magnitude depends on the relation between both the amplitude and the phase of the resonant and non-resonant components. Within this framework, we show that the entire polarization dependence drops out quite naturally. and the polarization properties of resonant scattering from a two-dimensional nanohole array in a metallic film. The shape of the resonant transmission depends on the polarization state of the incident field, the excited SPP mode, and the polarization state of the measuring apparatus. This property of a nanohole array allows for observation of both Fano-type and pure Lorentzian lineshapes.
[0051] As described above, the SPR condition in a nanohole array leads to enhanced transmittance mediated by its excitation on a single side of the metal film. When the phase matching condition is met, the incident field interacts strongly with the SPP and this interaction results in strongly enhanced transmission. The phenomena of enhanced transmission can be explained more rigorously as particular manifestations of so called resonant Wood anomalies that are also associated with Fano profiles. In the framework of the theory of resonant Wood anomalies, the transmission (scattering) coefficients are represented as a sum of resonant and non-resonant components. We consider the spectral transmittance through the 2-D nanohole array for excitation of SPP on one side of the film only. This assumption means that the frequencies of the lowest order SPP modes excited on the upper and lower interfaces of the metal-dielectric boundaries are well separated in frequency, and therefore there is no coupling between the SPP modes on the opposite sides of the metal film (i.e., under assumption that the coupling to higher order modes is weak).
[0052] The experimental samples are a 100 nm-thick aluminum film on a GaAs substrate perforated by a 2-D array of holes with diameters d ˜350 nm and with periods a of 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 μm. The total perforated area of 200×200 μm was used for measurements. The sample was first aligned normal to the beam axis and the azimuthal angle φ was set to a value of either 0 or π/4 corresponding to the Γ-X or Γ-M directions in the receprical lattice space. At each azimuthal angle, the polar angle θ (i.e., angle of incidence) was varied from 0 to 7π/36 rad (corresponding to about 35°). Measured dispersion for the three samples with various periods, a, is shown in FIG. 11A , displaying the unpolarized (i.e., polarizer/analyzer pair removed), zero-order transmittance for normalized frequency versus normalized in-plane wavevector in both the Γ-X and Γ-M directions. Data has been normalized by the hole area per unit cell and combined to give a full perspective on the SPP excitation conditions for a large characterization space. The maximum transmission of (˜9% for a=1.4 μm, ˜13% for a=1.2 μm) occurs at normal incidence for a slightly red shifted wavelength from that corresponding to a/λ=1.0.
[0053] The data is dominated by the asymmetric, Fano-type lineshape features, which correlate with resonant transmission by excitation of various SPP wave modes at the various orders (m,n). The essential feature to notice is that the SPP fields are excited at neither the maxima nor the minima of this curve; rather, the interference between the resonant and nonresonant components leads to the dispersive lineshape. For these samples, SPP modes on the air-metal (AM) interface are efficiently excited; the first order modes for the semiconductor-air interface occur at much lower frequencies, and the higher order modes that occur at these frequencies are clearly not discernable in these measurements. Dispersion curves shown in FIG. 11B are calculated for SPP excitation at the AM interface for a single period (a=1.4 μm) according to Eqs. (1-3) and including the frequency dependence of the dielectric constant of aluminum. These curves predict well the frequency of the SPP features for all of the data on the normalized frequency scale. More rigorous methods are required to theoretically determine the relative strength of the coupling as well as the absolute spectral shape of the various bound and propagating modes (i.e., diffraction orders). Qualitatively, however, there have been a number of studies that have succeeded in explaining the effects of the various geometric parameters on the spectral transmittance. The resonant transmission mechanism is based on coupling to an SPP mode, evanescent transmission through the below-cutoff waveguide hole, and scattering of radiation again from the hole array to produce propagating modes. The hole size, in the long wavelength limit, determines the scattering rate and hence the lifetime of the mode, and increasing size will tend to increase the linewidth of the transmitted radiation. We investigate the polarization dependence of the spectral transmittance of this resonant transmission mechanism more carefully in the next section.
[0054] A different nanohole array sample is used for more careful study of the resonant transmission mechanism. The sample is an array of holes in gold film on a silica glass substrate with the geometric parameters h ˜200 nm, d ˜200 nm, and a ˜1.63 μm. The Ti adhesion layer of ˜10 nm is also used to effectively suppress SPP fields on the gold-substrate interface. We consider the polarization dependence of a single resonant mode, [+1, 0]. A tunable laser with a spectral linewidth much narrower than the SPP resonant transmission linewidth is used to provide a probe laser beam in the spectral range of =1520-1570 nm. The parameter space of the measurements is indicated by the small, shaded regions in FIGS. 11A and 11B . For this sample, the film thickness is larger, the hole diameters are smaller, and the divergence of the beam is smaller, all of which leads to much narrower measured linewidths than shown in illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B .
[0055] FIGS. 12A and 12B show the polarization dependent spectral transmission for a fixed value of θ=π/90. Data in FIG. 13B is the same as in FIG. 12A and is normalized along each ψ A to the maximum of each scan in the radial direction (normalized frequency, a/λ) for viewing the salient properties of the transmittance. The incident field polarizer angle is set to an angle ψ P =π/4, and the output field polarization analyzer angle, ψ A is varied from 0 to 2π in increments of π/36. In FIG. 12A , the measured transmittance exhibits a Malus' law-type cos 2 ψ A dependence across the entire spectral range. This data has been smoothed to remove the effects of reflections from the substrate (which had no anti-reflection coating). To see the underlying structure, FIG. 12B shows the normalized data along the radial (i.e., normalized frequency a/λ) direction for each value of ψ A to the maximum of each scan in the radial direction.
[0056] The transmission maximum is clearly observed to vary with ψ A —most notably, the white, maximum value, is not circular (see FIG. 3 b ). This is most clearly evident at π/2 (3π/2), where there is a discontinuity in the transmission maximum. Qualitatively, this is a result of a shift due the interaction of the discrete state resonance with the continuum. Moreover, the transmission is never extinguished because of effective polarization rotation by the resonant transmission mechanism. The surface wave is excited by a projection of the incident polarized field, and the propagating surface field interacting with the nanohole array creates a reradiated field which is again projected onto the analyzer. The nonresonant background contribution can be effectively suppressed and in this case the resonant term can be isolated and investigated independently. The above techniques for the specific case of a single [+1,0] type order can be applied to other various resonant orders of the same nanohole array or more generally to periodic structures of different symmetries.
[0057] While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what being claims or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
[0058] Only a few implementations are disclosed. However, other variations and enhancements may be made. | Devices and techniques for using nanostructures such as nanohole metal films to construct SPP sensors for sensing various substances. | 51,854 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a divisional of co-pending application Ser. No. 410,349, filed Aug. 23, 1982 entitled MASKING MACHINE now U.S. Pat. No. 4,466,789 which in turn is a division of Ser. No. 185,188 filed Sept. 8, 1980 entitled MASKING MACHINE which issued on Apr. 5, 1983 as U.S. Pat. No. 4,379,019.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention related to masking machines.
More particularly, the instant invention relates to masking machines such as the type used for applying tape and paper to a surface preparatory to applying a finish to the surface.
In a further aspect, the present invention concerns improvements to enhance the utility of masking machines.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The prior art is replete with various devices for applying tape and paper to a surface in preparation for painting, trimming and other finishing techniques. In general, such devices, which have achieved broad acceptance by both industrial and non-commercial users alike, are employed for protecting a designated portion of a surface from a finish or treatment applied to an adjacent portion of the surface. Exemplary is the general painting and decorative trimming of vehicle bodies, walls of buildings and other large and small items in connection with vocational and avocational pursuits.
Generally referred to as making machines, the devices are available in a variety of sizes and configurations especially adapted for various uses. While having similar function, specifically the dispensing of tape and paper, and having commonly analogous components including a holder for a roll of tape, a holder for a roll of paper and a cutting edge for severing the tape and the paper, the various masking machines present exceedingly dissimilar appearances. The apron machine, for example, is usually a large, bulky, floor-supported apparatus. The hand held machine, on the other hand, is a relatively lightweight compact unit.
Exemplary of masking machines, and herein chosen for purposes of orientation in connection with the instant invention, is the hand held device set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 3,950,214. The referenced device includes a handled frame having a rotatably affixed paper roll holder and a rotatably affixed tape roll holder for supporting a roll of coiled paper sheet and a roll of coiled, pressure sensitive tape, respectively. The holders, which have parallel axes of rotation, are oriented such that the tape is dispensed along and overlapping an edge of the paper sheet. As the machine is moved along, the paper and the tape are drawn therefrom and the free portion of the tape is adhesively secured to the surface by the wiping action of the curved portion of a guide bar. When the end of the area to be masked has been reached, the tape and paper are severed by an elongate cutting edge extending from the frame parallel to the axis of rotation of the holders.
The masking machine, as described above, has proven to satisfactorily achieve the objects for which it was devised. This is attested, in part, by commercial success. Observation, however, has indicated areas of interest and concern not before considered in connection with the instant machine or analogous devices.
Tape and paper, for example, are available in various widths. Users, therefore, frequently exchange the rolls of tape and paper in accordance with the requirements of the immediate task. As a result, the cardboard tube forming the core of the roll becomes enlarged, impairing proper fit of the roll upon the holder. An analogous problem of improper fit, either too loose or too tight, occurs in new rolls as a result of the inherent variance in the size of cores.
Observations of operators utilizing the machine has revealed other phenomena. For example, users frequently carry an additional roll of tape for periodic or continuous taping along the free edge of the paper sheet. Also, it is noted that the paper tension spring which insures even movement of the roll of paper and prevents inadvertent unrolling requires independent manual manipulation as the paper roll is installed upon the paper roll holder.
In view of the foregoing and other observations, experimentation has been conducted for the purpose of improving the referenced masking machine and other similar devices.
Accordingly, it is an object of the instant invention to provide improvements for masking machines.
Another object of the invention is the provision of improvements which will enhance the function of the machine and facilitate the convenience of the operator.
Still another object of the invention is to provide improved means for detachably securing the roll of tape and the roll of paper to the respective roll holders.
And another object of this invention is the provision of an improved roll holder which will properly accept rolls of varying size.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide means which will reduce manual manipulation while affixing a roll of paper.
And still another object of the invention is the provision of presenting a conveniently available roll of tape for selective use by the operator.
Yet still another object of the invention is to provide selectively usable means for optional continuous taping along the free edge of the paper sheet.
And a further object of the present invention is the provision of improved paper tensioning means.
Still a further object of the invention is to provide means which facilitate the rapid and convenient exchange of rolls upon the roll holders.
Yet still a further object of the invention is the provision of improvements, as above, which are usable upon hand held and other masking machines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, to achieve the desired objects of the instant invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, first provided are retention means usable in connection with the respective roll holders for holding the roll of tape and the roll of paper sheet. The retention means includes an element extendably and retractably movable relative the holder and normally extendably biased so as to engage the bore of the respective roll. More specifically, the retention means includes a flexible contact element having an outwardly projecting contact portion which engages the bore of the roll.
Next provided are means for checking the uncoiling of the paper sheet including an arm having a fixed end pivotally connected to the frame of the machine and a bearing element carried at the free end. Biasing means, preferably a torsion spring carried at the fixed end of the arm, urges the bearing element toward the holder for bearing against the outer surface of the roll of paper. More specifically, the bearing element is in the form of a pivotally connected roller. Also carried at the free end of the arm and guide means for lifting the arm and positioning the bearing element over the outer surface of the roll in response to the movement of the roll during assembly with the roll holder. The guide means may include a camming surface.
Further improvements for the masking machine include tape dispensing means carried by the frame of the machine for supporting an auxiliary roll of tape at a position remote from the primary roll of tape. In a further aspect, the tape dispensing means includes an auxiliary tape roll holder and an auxiliary cutting edge for severing the tape. The auxiliary cutting edge is carried by an arm extending from the frame of the machine.
Yet another improvement includes an auxiliary tape applying unit detachably securable to the machine for supporting a second roll of tape which is dispensed along the free edge of the paper sheet. More specifically, the tape applying unit includes an auxiliary tape roll holder and means for detachably securing the auxiliary tape roll holder to the machine. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the attachment means includes a subframe having the auxiliary tape roll holder pivotally secured thereto and a support member extending therefrom and detachably securable to the frame of the machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing, and further and more specific objects of the instant invention will become readily apparent to those silled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art hand held masking machine incorporating improvements constructed in accordance with the teachings of the instant invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the right-hand end of the device of FIG. 1, the roll of tape being removed for purposes of illustration;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view taken from the left-hand end of the illustration of FIG. 1, the roll of tape and the roll of paper being removed for purposes of illustration;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the masking machine of FIG. 1 and illustrating further improvements thereof;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary top plan view of the forward portion of the device of FIG. 1 especially illustrating a particular improvement thereof;
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the improvement shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged front elevation view of the improved tape roll holder shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the improved tape roll holder of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a rear elevation view of the improved tape roll holder illustrated in FIG. 7; and
FIG. 10 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the improved paper roll holder seen in FIG. 3.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Turning now to the drawings in which like references characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed to FIG. 1 which shows a hand held masking machine including a frame 20 having substantially flat section 22, offset section 23 and offset bracket 24. Offset section 23 and bracket 24 extend in opposite directions from flat section 22. For purposes of orientation, it is considered that frame 20 includes a forward portion 25 and a rearward portion 27, as further seen in FIG. 2. At the forward portion 25, frame 20 is provided with a transverse elongate mounting bracket 28 having outer arcuate surface 29. Frame 20, including each of the foregoing named elements, is integrally formed of plastic in accordance with conventional injection molding techniques.
An elongate guide bar 30, stamped from relatively thin sheet metal, is detachably carried by mounting bracket 28. Guide bar 30 includes an arcuate portion 32 and serrated cutting edge 33. Orientated perpendicularly to flat section 22, guide bar 30 further includes a fixed end 34 detachably secured to mounting bracket 28 and a free end 35. Arcuate surface 29 of bracket 28 is matingly received within arcuate portion 32.
Tape roll holder 36 is rotatably mounted upon a spindle, not immediately illustrated, integral with rearward portion 27 of frame 20. Holder 36 is retained upon the spindle by means of a washer 37 and a screw 38 which is threaded into the spindle. Holder 36 rotates about axis A which is generally parallel to guide bar 30, especially cutting edge 33. A roll 39 of coiled, pressure-sensitive tape 40 having core 42 with bore 43 is detachably carried by tape roll holder 36.
A roll 44 of coiled paper sheet 45 having first end 47, second end 48 and outer surface 49 is held by a paper roll holder rotably carried by offset section 23. The paper roll holder, which will be described in further detail as the description ensues, is rotatable about axis B which is parallel to axis A.
Elongate handle 50, having an axis generally parallel to flat section 22 and generally perpendicular to axes A and B, extends from offset bracket 24. During operation, a human hand, such as designated by the reference character 52, holds handle 50 and moves the masking machine in the direction of arrowed line C. Accordingly, as sheet 45 is dispensed and remains stationary, tape roll 39 and paper roll 44 rotate in the direction of arrowed lines D and E, respectively. Paper roll 44 is offset relative tape roll 39 such that tape 40 overlaps end 47. Therefore, tape 40 includes a first continuous component 53 which is secured to the edge of paper sheet 45 and a second component 54 which is available for continuous adhesion to the surface to be masked. Arcuate portion 32 of guide bar 30 functions as a shoe wiping along tape 40 to ensure adhesion to the surface. For purposes of orientation, sheet 45 is considered to have a fixed edge 55 and a free edge 57.
The foregoing description of the prior art hand held masking machine is set forth for purposes of environment and orientation concerning the improvements which are the subject of the instant application. It is understood that the above described masking machine is intended to be typical of such devices and not limiting upon the improvements hereinafter set forth. For a further description of such machines, attention is invited to U.S. Pat. No. 4,096,021, issued June 20, 1978 and entitled HAND HELD MASKING MACHINE. Further detailed description of the machine will be made as necessary in connection with the improvements of the instant invention as will now be described in detail.
IMPROVED PAPER TENSIONING MEANS
Attention is now directed to FIG. 4 which generally shows the improvements of the instant invention including the improved paper tensioning means, generally designated by the reference character 60, for applying tension to the outer surface of the paper roll and checking uncoiling of the paper sheet. As the description ensues, it will become apparent to those skilled in the art that the paper tensioning means 60 has further utility in connection with other apparatus for dispensing sheet material from a coiled roll thereof.
Referring more specifically to FIGS. 5 and 6, it is seen that the improved paper tensioning means 60 includes an arm 62 having fixed end 63 and free end 64. Aperture 65 extends through fixed end 63. Screw 67, passing through washer 68 and aperture 65, pivotally connects fixed end 63 to frame 20 in accordance with conventional practice. The pivotal axis of arm 62 about screw 67 is generally parallel to previously described axes A and B of the exemplary hand held masking machine.
Recess 69, concentric with aperture 65 and notch 70, are formed in the fixed end 63 of arm 62. In addition to an aperture for receiving screw 67, connection of the instant improvement requires further modification in the form of opening 72 formed in frame 20. Conventional torsion spring 73 having ends 74 and 75, resides within recess 69. End 74 resides within notch 70. End 75 resides within opening 72. Accordingly, torsion spring 73 functions as biasing means for urging free end 64 of arm 62 in a direction toward paper roll holder 77 as indicated by arrowed line D in FIG. 3.
A projection 78 extends from the free end 64 of arm 62 in a direction toward the fixed end 34 of guide bar 30. Roller 79 is secured to projection 78 by washer 80 and screw 82 in accordance with conventional practice. The axis of rotation of roller 79 is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation B of paper roll holder 77. An ear 83 projects from free end 64 of arm 62 in a direction toward free end 35 of guide bar 30. Ear 83 terminates on the underside with a camming surface 84, which for purposes of orientation, is considered to diverge upwardly in a direction toward the free end 35 of guide bar 30.
During operation, roller 79 functions as a bearing element, and in response to spring 73, maintains tension upon the outer surface 49 of roll 44 ensuring the even movement of roll 44 during the dispensing of paper sheet 45 and, as is apparent from FIG. 1, urges component 53 of tape 40 onto the edge of paper sheet 45 so as to ensure adhesion of the tape thereto. The tension of roller 79 against roll 44 further ensures that it does not become inadvertently unrolled during storage or transportation between uses. Camming surface 84 functions as guide means for lifting arm 62 and positioning roller 79 over the outer surface 49 of roll 44 in response to movement of roll 44 during assembly with roll holder 77. During assembly, roll 44 is moved along axis B in a direction toward frame 20. During this movement, first end 47 of paper roll 44 contacts surface 84 causing arm 62to move in a direction away from roller 77, counter to the direction of arrowed line D and compressing spring 73. Accordingly, the outer surface 49 of roll 44 will pass under the free end 64 of arm 62 and roller 79. Ear 83 also functions as a handle for manual rotation of arm 62, if desired.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate paper tensioning means 60 during operation.
IMPROVED PAPER ROLL HOLDING MEANS
Referring again to FIG. 4, there is seen improved paper roll holding means, generally designated by the reference character 90, which is a modification of conventional prior art roll holding means. In accordance with the masking machine described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2, which typifies the prior art, a spindle 92 extends from offset section 23 of frame 20 in a direction toward the free end 35 of guide bar 30. Paper roll holder 77, having inner end 93, outer end 94 and fluted outer surface 95, further includes blind bore 97 which is rotatably journaled upon spindle 92. Screw 96, passing through washer 99 and outer end 94, threadedly engages the free end of spindle 92 for attachment of holder 77 to frame 20. Conventional prior art practice teaches that fluted outer surface 95 is slightly larger than the bore of the cardboard core of the paper roll whereby the flutes partially embed within the core for retention of the paper roll.
Roll holder 77 is modified, by the teachings of the instant invention, as seen in FIG. 10, by a counterbore 100 and four equally spaced slots 102 extending inwardly from inner end 93. A further modification includes a pair of diametrically opposed recesses 103, only one specifically herein illustrated, in outer surface 95 extending inwardly from outer end 94 in alignment with two of the slots 102.
Retention member 104, fabricated of a flexible material such as music wire, includes elongate contact elements 105, each having a forward end 107 and a rearward end 108. Intermediate ends 107 and 108, each contact element 105 is bent to form outwardly projecting contact portion 109. Rearward ends 108 terminate with inwardly directed portions integrally joined as arcuate member 110.
Retention member 104 is assembled with holder 77 such that rearward ends 108 of contact elements 105 extend through respective slots 102 and forward ends 107 reside within respective recesses 103. Arcuate member 110 resides within counterbore 100 partially encircling spindle 92. Spring guide 112 includes ring element 113 slidably received within counterbore 100 and abutting arcuate member 110 and ends 108 of retention member 104. Four equally spaced fingers 114 project from ring element 113 in a direction toward frame section 23. Fingers 114 are slidably received within respective slots 102 and encase compression spring 115 such that spring 115 bears against ring element 113 to ensure pressure against retention member 104. The other end of spring 115 bears against frame 20. Spring 115 functions as biasing means normally urging retention element 104 in a direction toward the outer end 94 of roll holder 77.
The normal distance across contact portions 109 is greater than the diameter of the bore of a paper roll. The paper roll is assembled with holder 77 in a direction from outer end 94 toward inner end 93. In response to movement of the paper roll, contact elements 105 flex such that contact element 109 moves toward outer surface 95 and ends 107 and 108 extend. That is, ends 107 move toward end 94 within recesses 103 and ends 108 move within slots 102 toward end 93. It is noted that the distance across ends 107, residing within recesses 103, is less than the diameter of the bore of the core of the paper roll. The employment of retention member 104 suggests that the outer surface 95 of holder 77 may be reduced in size to not larger than the diameter of the core of the paper roll.
IMPROVED TAPE ROLL HOLDING MEANS
The improved tape roll holding means of the instant invention, generally designated by the reference character 120 in FIG. 4, in general similarity to the improved paper roll holding means 90, is a modification of convention tape roll holding means. The conventional tape roll holding means, as exemplified by the previously described hand held masking machine, includes a tape roll holder 122 having inner end 123, outer end 124 and cylindrical outer surface 125. Spaced apart outwardly projecting longitudinally extending ribs 127 normally engage the bore of the core of the tape roll as previously described. Bore 131, having a counterbore not shown but extending inwardly from inner end 123, extends axially through holder 122. The counterbore is rotatably received upon spindle 128 projecting from frame 20 in a direction opposite spindle 92. Screw 129 passing through bore 131 and carrying washer 130 is threaded into spindle 128 for attachment of holder 122 to frame 20 in accordance with conventional practice.
The counterbore 132, concentric with bore 131 and sized to rotatably receive spindle 128, is illustrated in FIG. 9, which, along with FIGS. 7 and 8, illustrate the modifications of the instant invention.
Tape roll holder 122 is modified by the formation of four radial slots 133 extending inwardly from inner end 123 and four openings 134 extending longitudinally inward from outer end 124. Each opening 134, which is preferably near outer surface 125, is aligned with a respective slot 133. Two identical retention members 135 are carried by roll holder 122. Each retention member 135 cooperates with two slot 135 and two openings 134.
Each retention member 135, in general similarity to previously described retention member 104, is generally U-shaped including contact elements 137 having forward ends 138 and rearward ends 139. Intermediate ends 137 and 139, each contact element 137 is bent to form outwardly projecting contact portion 140. Rearward ends 139 are directed inwardly extending through slots 133 and integrally joined by member 142. Each forward end 138 is generally hook-shaped having a terminal portion thereof slidably extending into a respective opening 134.
Being commonly fabricated of a flexible material, such as music wire, the function and operation of retention element 135 is generally analogous to that of retention element 104. Contact elements 137, by virtue of the material of construction, are normally biased outwardly from the outer surface 125 of holder 122 so as to engage the bore of the roll. During assembly of the roll with the holder, contact portions 140 deflect inwardly imparting longitudinal movement to ends 138 and 139 within the openings 134 and slots 133, respectively.
AUXILIARY TAPE DISPENSING MEANS
The auxiliary tape dispensing means of the instant invention, generally designated by the reference character 150 in FIG. 4, includes a tape roll holder 122 having retention members 135 as previously described in connection with FIGS. 7-8 and combination bracket 152. Combination bracket 152 includes arm 153 having fixed end 154 and free end 155. Boss 157 carried at free end 155 is shaped to be received against frame 20. Specifically, boss 157 terminates with a surface 158 which bears upon an offset bracket 24 and a depending flange 159 which extends over the edge thereof. Spindle 160, sized to be rotatably received within bore 132, project from fixed end 154 in a direction opposite the direction of boss 157.
Screw 162 extending through washer 163, bore 127 and bore 164 coaxial with spindle 160 and boss 157, threadedly engages opening 165 in offset bracket 24 to secure the assembly to frame 20. While holder 122 is free to rotate, combination bracket 152 is stabilized against rotation by the abutment of flange 159 against the edge of offset bracket 24. Bar 167, extending upwardly from free end 155, supports serrated cutting edge 168. Bar 167 is spaced sufficiently from holder 122 to accommodate a roll of tape therebetween. It is also noted that cutting edge 168 is generally parallel to the axis of rotation of holder 112. The positioning of auxiliary tape dispensing means 150 on offset bracket 24 in close proximity to handle 50, reduces the leverage and imparts maximum stability between the hands of the user as tape is drawn from the roll upon auxiliary tape roll holder 122 and severed upon auxiliary cutting edge 168.
AUXILIARY TAPE APPLYING MEANS
Auxiliary tape applying means, generally designated by the reference character 170 in FIG. 4, is another improvement contemplated by the present invention. The immediate improvement is detachably securable to a masking machine for the purpose of applying tape along the free edge 57 of paper sheet 45 in an arrangement similar to the application of tape along the fixed edge 55 of paper sheet 45.
The auxiliary tape applying means includes subframe 172 having first offset section 173 and second offset section 174 terminating with respective first and second free ends 175 and 177. An auxiliary tape roll holder another tape roll holder 122 which may or may not be modified by retention members 135, is secured to first offset section 173 proximate end 175 in accordance with means herein previously described. An auxiliary paper roll holder, another holder 77 which may or may not include retention member 104 is secured to second offset section 174 proximate end 177 by means previously described.
Attachment means for detachably securing subframe 172 to frame 20 includes elongate support member 178 having inner end 179 and outer end 180. A socket 182 is formed in inner end 179. Several equally spaced grooves 183 are carried by support member 178, extending inwardly from inner end 179 and communicating with socket 182. Correspondingly, another socket 182 and grooves 183 are formed in outer end 180. A projection 184 having tabs 185 extends from subframe 172 in a direction toward frame 20. A similar projection 187 having tabs 188 extends from frame 20 in a direction toward subframe 172.
Auxiliary tape applying means 170 is optionally attached to a masking machine when it is desired to adhesively affix both edges of the paper sheet to the surface to be masked. Paper, such as roll 44, is available in various widths. Accordingly, several support members 178 are available corresponding in length to the available widths of paper. The initial step of assembly includes selection of the proper length of support member 178 and attachment thereof to subframe 172. During assembly projection 188 is entered into socket 182 with tab 185 entering respective grooves 183. The assembly is then moved in a direction toward frame 20 with auxiliary roll holder 77 being guided into the bore of roll 44 and the other socket 182 and associated groove 183 being engaged with projection 187 and tabs 188, respectively.
The engagement of the respective tabs and grooves prohibits rotation of subframe 172 relative frame 20. It is noted that the axis of rotation of the auxiliary paper roll holder is coincident with previously described axis B. Due to the offset of subframe 172, a roll of tape held by auxiliary tape roll holder 122 is dispensed to overlap free edge 57 of paper sheet 45 as previously described in connection with the dispensing of tape 40. For this purpose, the axis of rotation of the auxiliary tape roll holder carried by subframe 172 is parallel to the axis of rotation of the auxiliary paper roll holder carried by subframe 172. It is also within the scope of the instant invention, that for purposes of convenience in hand held masking machines, subframe 172 is oriented such that the auxiliary paper roll holder rotates about an axis of rotation coincident with the axis of rotation of the primary tape roll holder carried by frame 20.
IMPROVED TAPE GUIDING MEANS
With reference to FIG. 1, it is seen that the tape roll 39 is mounted upon freely rotating holder 36. Tape 40 extends as a ribbon between roll 39 and paper roll 44. Inadvertent advancement of roll 39 in the direction of arrowed line D, without corresponding movement of paper roll 44, uncoils and dispenses surplus tape 40 which then adheres to offset section 23. Correction must be made, normally by rerolling of the surplus tape upon the roll, prior to further use of the machine.
The instant invention remedies the foregoing malady by virtue of improved tape guiding means illustrated in FIG. 4 and generally designated by the reference character 190. Improved tape guiding means 190 includes roller 192 secured to frame 20 in accordance with conventional techniques by washer 193 and screw 194. A semicircular recess 195 for receiving roller 192 is formed at the location previously occupied by the apex of sides 197 and 198 of offset section 23.
Inadvertently unrolled surplus tape will sag between the roll of tape and the roll of paper becoming adhered to roller 192. The roller 192, being pivotal about an axis parallel to axes A and B, functions as a guide to feed the surplus tape onto the roll of paper. This is in contrast to the previous arrangement in which the tape became adhesively secured to an immovable object.
Various modifications and changes to the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof which is assessed only by a fair interpretation of the following claims. | A roll of tape or paper is releaseably retained upon a roll holder by a flexible retention member, carried by the holder and normally outwardly biased to engage the core of the roll. A pivotally connected arm is biased to urge a bearing element at the free end thereof against the outer surface of the paper roll to check uncoiling of the paper sheet. The bearing element is automatically lifted and positioned in reponse to movement of the roll against a camming surface during attachment of the roll to the roll holder. A detachably securable auxiliary roll holder applies tape along the normally free edge of the paper sheet. Also disclosed is an auxiliary tape dispenser carried by the frame of a portable masking machine. | 30,333 |
CROSS-RERERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-pat of co-pending PCT/BE99/00018, filed on Feb. 10, 1999, which claims the priority of Belgian Application 9800111, filed on Feb. 13, 1998. The subject matter of both applications is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method for working through ground layers for dredging under water ground layers by means of a dredging device, the dredging device comprising a mechanical dredging component with a part operative to contact the ground layers to exert a dredging action to the ground layers in the course of a dredging action, in which method the part is brought into contact with the ground layers and water jets are injected in the area where the mechanical dredging component is operative.
2. Description of the Related Art
In dredging operations with dredgers or excavators of various types, it has become use to inject high pressure water jets into an area in front of the cutting or dredging component. Thereby, the high pressure water jets may be mixed with air or not. The injection of high pressure water jets has particularly been used in combination with suction hopper dredgers when dredging sandy grounds to cause the sandy grounds to fluidize. The main purpose thereof is to enhance the cutting, suction and pumping process in sandy grounds and to cause a stirring-up of the sludge particles in the water in sludge-like grounds, so that the particles can be moved by the ambient natural water currents and the use of transport vehicles can be avoided. The pressures used in this technique lie in the order of magnitude of 10 bar with a tendency to increase the pressure to about 15-20 bar.
From DE-A-3521560, a method is known for digging dry ground layers with a firm hardness such as for example rocks. In the method of DE-A-3521560, the rock like ground layers are digged by means of an excavator equipped with teeth for dredging the ground layers. High pressure water jets impact the grounds to be excavated with a high energy density and impart a cutting action thereto, thus involving the formation of fissures and cracks which can then be split by the sharp side of the teeth of the excavator. Simultaneously, the size of the parts resulting from the digged grounds is reduced, so that the reduced rocks need not be transported and can be left at the digged location. The pressure of the water jets is mostly between 40 and 400 Mpa.
The method disclosed in DE-A-3521560 however concerns the excavation of dry grounds, which cannot be applied to under water dredging just like that. Namely, the impact of high pressure water jets after displacement through water, will be significantly lower than the impact of a high pressure water jet on a dry ground after displacement through the environmental air. In addition to this, the impact of a high pressure water jet on a dry ground being known, its impact on an under water ground layer cannot be predicted just like that, as it will a.o. strongly vary with the pressure of the water jet and the propagation distance through the water.
It is the aim of the present invention to provide a method for dredging under water ground layers in which the mechanical cutting forces applied by the dredging device can be reduced, which allows harder ground types to be dredged with a machine power which would otherwise be used for dredging grounds with a softer constitution, and with which a higher cutting, suction and pressing production can be attained in identical ground types.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above outlined purposes of the invention can be achieved with the technical features that the dredging action of the dredging component and the injection of the water jets are carried out simultaneously and the water jets are injected at a pressure of at least 20 bar at the position of, through and/or behind the mechanical dredging component.
In the method of this invention, water jets are injected in the area where the mechanical dredging component is operative, the dredging action of the dredging component and the injection of the water jets being carried out simultaneously. Thereby, the water jets are preferably injected at a pressure of at least 20 bar at the position of, through and/or behind the mechanical dredging component.
The simultaneous dredging action of the dredging component and injection of high pressure water jets allows an optimised co-action of both to be obtained. The result of the optimised co-action depends on the type of ground to be dredged and can be summarised as follows. Because of the optimised co-action it becomes possible to enhance in the immediate vicinity of an area of a rock-like material that has been cut by the dredging device hydraulic fracturing in the non-crushed part thereof, to cut open ground layers such as clay layers and/or fluidize ground layers such as sand layers in the vicinity of the cutting or dredging component. The optimised co-action also results herein that broken-off and crushed material can be immediately removed by the high pressure water jets from the location where the mechanical cutting or dredging component is active, in particular in case the ground layers contain rock-like materials or consist virtually or exclusively of rock-like materials such as rock layers.
It has been found that simultaneously with the improved dredging operation of the dredging device, the wear of the dredging components can be reduced, including wear of the teeth thereof. Also, in case of dredging sandy materials, the dredging efficiency can be improved. It has namely been found that when dredging sand grounds, the sand is fluidized by the action of the water jets. The fluidized sand presents the advantage that it can be pumped as a fluid, and not as a water/sand mixture, so that the pump efficiency can be improved.
In the method of this invention, ground layers are understood to include gravel, sand and clay layers or ground layers containing rock-like materials or consisting virtually exclusively of rock masses such as rock layers. Examples of dredging devices suitable for use in the method of this invention include suction hopper dredgers, cutter suction dredgers, bucket dredgers, grab dredgers, pull shovel pontoons or the like. Each of these devices comprises a mechanical cutting or dredging component, part of which comes into contact with the ground and/or rock layers for dredging.
In case the dredging device is a hopper dredger, preferably water jets are also injected to the ground layers to be dredged at a pressure of at least 50 in front of the mechanical dredging component. In that way an optimum fluidization of the soil or an optimum cutting of the clay can be achieved before it enters the draghead.
In specific conditions, in particular when the ground layers contain rock-like materials or consist virtually exclusively of rock-like materials and use is made of a cutter dredger, water jets are injected at pressures of preferably at least 100, preferably from at least 600 to 2000 bar, for example 620 bar. Such a water jet is capable of blowing away the crushed zone that has been created by the mechanical cutting tool.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is further illustrated in the attached figures and the description of the figures.
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the principle of the method of the invention, when using a tooth as mechanical cutting or dredging component on rock-like ground layers.
In FIGS. 2 and 3 a schematic illustration of the method of this invention is given, when using a suction hopper dredger (side view).
FIG. 4 is a side view of a tooth with adapter in a preferred embodiment of to the invention, with at least one high pressure water being injected through the tooth.
FIG. 4A is a side view of a possible embodiment of an adapter for receiving a tooth.
FIG. 5 is a cross-section along the line v—v of FIG. 4 .
FIG. 5A is a longitudinal section along the same line of the adapter of FIG. 4 A.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an adapter with teeth mounted thereon.
FIG. 7 shows in perspective view a variant of the embodiment of FIG. 6 .
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As has been explained above, the method of this invention is based on an optimal co-action of the mechanical cutting or dredging component of the dredging device and the water jets injected under pressure in the ground layers to be dredged. The pressure of the water jets is selected such that it is capable of exerting a hydraulic cutting or dredging action to the ground layers at the time the ground layer is being cut by a mechanical cutting, dredging tool.
In FIG. 1, the mechanical cutting action of a tooth 2 of a dredging device on a stone like ground mass 1 is illustrated. As can be seen from FIG. 1, a ground layer to be dredged is impacted by a tooth 2 of a dredging device at an impact position 3 . The impact of the tooth 2 creates a first fracture zone 5 in the ground mass. Simultaneously with the impact of the tooth 2 , a high pressure water jet 4 is injected into the ground layer as close as possible to the impact position 3 of the tooth 2 , so as to allow the crushed stone-like materials to be virtually completely removed from fracture zone 5 . The water jet has a pressure of at least 20 bar and may be injected either at the position of, through and/or behind the dredging component. As a result of the positioning and the selected pressure of the water jet 4 , the fracture zone 5 created upon impact of tooth 2 is increased by hydraulic fracturing of the ground mass and results in a hydraulic fracture zone 5 ′. The above described co-action of the tooth 2 of the dredging component and the high pressure water jet 4 thus allow the grounds to be dredged with an improved efficiency, while simultaneously the extent of wearing of the tooth 2 can be decreased. Namely, due to the action of the high pressure water jet 4 , the fracturing 5 is enhanced by the hydraulic fracturing 5 ′, so that an improved break-away pattern of material can be achieved.
To achieve an optimum fracturing, the tooth should be disposed such that during cutting of the ground the impact point 3 of the tooth and the water jet 4 coincide as much as possible.
When the pressure of the water jet 4 is sufficiently high and preferably amounts to at least 100, this fracture zone will then initiate further cracking and further hydraulic fracturing of the ground layers. Simultaneously, breakage remnants are removed from the fracture zone 5 ′ by the high pressure water jets. The enforced fracturing of the ground layer by the high pressure water jets allows to decrease the cutting power, while maintaining the extent of fracturing thus allowing the wear of the teeth to be decreased. As a large part of the broken-off materials associated with the fracture zone 5 ′ are removed by the water jet 4 , the wear of the teeth can be further reduced.
It is important that the water jet impacts the ground layer to be dredged as close as possible to the impact point of the cutting tooth to allow the crushed material to be blown away or removed from the dredging zone. This can be achieved by positioning the nozzle through which water jet 4 is injected right behind the tooth 2 as is illustrated in FIG. 2 . In another preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the tooth 2 ′ is designed such that water jet 4 ′ is injected through the tooth 2 ′. In the afore described embodiments,
To reduce the wearing of the teeth as a function of time and achieve that they wear less rapidly, in particular when used in rock-like ground masses, the tooth 2 is preferably constructed as shown in FIGS. 4, 4 A, 5 , 5 A and 6 . To facilitate replacement, each tooth 2 ′ is mounted on an adapter 6 which for instance forms part of the dredging device, for example a rotating cutter, or is fixed on a transverse beam of the draghead of the dredger. As can be seen from FIGS. 4, 4 A, 5 , 5 A, 6 and 7 , adapter 6 preferably comprises at least one high-pressure conduit 7 . In tooth 2 or 2 ′ a bore 9 is provided which is provided to fit to conduit 7 . Conduit 7 preferably gives access to a short nozzle 8 or an extended nozzle 8 ′ which, when tooth 2 ′ is mounted on adapter 6 , comes to lie in the line of the bore 9 running through tooth 2 ′. In this way a high pressure water jet is injected through the tooth 4 of the dredging component of the dredging device.
The above described construction of the tooth results in a maximum co-action between tooth and high-pressure water jet, which results in a considerable reduction in the wear of the tooth. When dredging is carried out in rock-like ground masses or rocks, the broken-off materials will be removed by the high-pressure water jets so that the teeth will operate in the most favourable conditions.
A variant of the embodiment described by FIG. 6 consists of providing two bores 9 ′ through tooth 2 ′ and providing the adapter with two nozzles 8 or 8 ′. Both bores 9 ′ must be directed such that, as the outer end of tooth 2 ′ wears, an injection by both water jets under high pressure toward the impact point of the tooth continues to take place which becomes wider as the tooth wears. The use of two or more water jets may be advisable in case the equipment used is large and heavy as compared to the dimensions of the water jets, so as to allow the water jets to approximately cover the whole impact area of the tooth. Both bores 9 ′ are preferably oriented such that as the outer end of tooth 2 ′ wears, an injection by both water jets towards the impact point of the tooth continues to take place, and that the impact point of the water jets increases with the wearing of the tooth.
FIG. 8 shows very clearly the method according to the invention for a suction cutter dredger. The same FIG. shows schematically the operation of teeth 2 or 2 ′ in the ground or rock mass 10 for the same rotation direction and two opposed swinging movements of the suction cutter dredger. The rotation direction is indicated with arrows 11 , the swinging movements with arrows 12 and 13 .
It is noticeable that the water jets under high pressure are injected at least for a duration which corresponds with the time for which the teeth 2 or 2 ′ are active, i.e. remain in contact with the ground mass for dredging or dredging. Due to the action of the high-pressure water jets the broken materials are removed so that they do not obstruct the optimal operation of the teeth and ensure the increased lifespan of the teeth. The action of the high-pressure water jets also initiates and enhances the hydraulic fracturing.
It is therefore necessary in this option to ensure by means of valves the water flow rate under high pressure to at least the “active” or operational teeth.
When the invention is applied on suction hopper dredgers, a plurality of dispositions of the high-pressure water jets can be devised. Reference is made once again to FIGS. 2 and 3 as an example of suction hopper dredgers. The nozzles for high-pressure water jets 4 of at least 50 are mounted on the heel plate 14 of draghead 15 and provide a first hydraulic working of the ground.
A second row of nozzles is arranged behind teeth 2 , this such that water jets 4 ′ of at least 20 bar are directed toward the outer end of teeth 2 , with a second row of nozzles for injecting water jets 4 ″ of at least 20 bar toward the interior of the draghead 15 to cause the already cut material to undergo an additional cutting operation. In such a suction hopper dredger use can also be made of the above described tooth structure which enables injection of the water jets through tooth 21 with its adapter 6 . If water jets 4 are caused to act from the heel plate 14 of draghead 15 in one line between respective teeth 2 or 2 ′, these water jets then provide an initially vertical cutting or fracture plane in one line between teeth 2 or 2 ′, while water jets 4 ′ and 4 ″ with the teeth 2 or 2 ′ co-acting therewith cause further fracture of the intermediate ground material of these vertical planes.
In firm clay layers and harder sand layers the above described arrangement offers very great advantages, since with the currently applied techniques it is only possible to dredge with suction hoppers with a great propulsion power or with a stationary suction cutter dredger. In dredging with an apparatus according to the invention in said harder sand layers or firm clay layers the efficiency increases because the ground layers are already partly broken, simultaneously or not, by the action of the high-pressure water jets. | An apparatus and method for dredging under water ground layers includes the steps of providing a dredging device composed of a mechanical dredging component having a part operative to contact the under water ground layers and exert a dredging action; and at least one water jet effective to inject water under pressure in an area where the mechanical dredging component is operative; mechanically impacting the underwater ground layers with the part to fracture the underwater ground layers and form fractured material; and injecting water under pressure from the at least one water jet simultaneously with the mechanical impacting to remove the fractured material so that an improved break-away pattern of material is obtained and reduced wearing of said part. | 17,135 |
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to adaptive computer programs and the management thereof. In particular, the present disclosure teaches processes for the management of adaptive programs in a parallel environment such as a multi-core processing system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In the most general terms, an adaptive program is a program in which changes in input are automatically propagated to the output. That is to say, the output reflects changes in input values without having to rerun the whole program, and only those parts affected by the changes are re-evaluated. The advent of multi-core processing technologies enables parallel processing of different kinds of applications, many of which often require a “divide and conquer” approach.
[0003] For applications such as video, vision, graphics, audio, physical simulation, gaming, and mining, such parallelism allows the program to meet application speed requirements and take advantage of faster multi-core technologies. Adaptive programming is especially useful in such multi-core processor systems and has been shown to significantly improve the running time of such “divide and conquer” style methods. Current approaches to adaptive programs have mainly been explored in the context of functional languages and the approaches have been tailored to uni-processor based sequential execution methods. Efforts to date to manage adaptive programming processes have been exclusively serial in nature and have lacked advances in concurrent or parallel adaptive programming.
[0004] This disclosure presents primitives that enable a parallelizable approach to adaptive programming in imperative (non-declarative) languages. This disclosure also presents methods and mechanisms that allow one to efficiently perform change propagation in a parallel process, as in multi-core processors, enabling effective optimization of data parallelism for multi-core architecture, which will further enable and promote parallel software development.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] Features and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments consistent therewith, which description should be considered with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a concurrent change propagation method according to the disclosure; and
[0007] FIG. 2 : is a schematic diagram of a recovering partial order maintenance scheme according to the disclosure, using a combination of two orders.
[0008] Although the following detailed description will proceed with reference being made to illustrative embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, and variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the claimed subject matter be viewed broadly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] A key aspect of an adaptive program is the automatic tracking and efficient propagation of changes in the system state. To implement this functionality, each “step” in the program is tracked, essentially recording how all pieces of data are produced and consumed, and inter-leaving (control-flow or data-flow) constraints are tracked. One way of obtaining this information is by exhaustively recording the state in a program's execution trace. The steps in the trace essentially describe the different operations that can be performed and how changes need to be propagated through the system.
[0010] Each independent unit of data is typically abstracted opaquely by a modifiable reference (modref). Modrefs are immutable, in the sense that they may be written to only once. In order to change the value associated with a modref, the original is invalidated and a new modref is created to replace the original. The modref's application programming interface (API) essentially provides three primitive operations: read, write and create. Create creates a new modref cell whereas write updates the value associated with a modref. Read allows the program to use the value of a modref, that has been previous written into, and records within the structure of the given modref where and when the value has been used. Moreover, if the data is not available, the program must perform some evaluation to produce the data and populate the modref before execution continues. Read operations have traditionally been performed with eager evaluation methods and this imposes a sequential evaluation order.
[0011] Traditionally, modrefs have been processed with eager evaluation methods in a serial execution setting; each modref always holds data before it is read, and is empty before it is written. Eager evaluation generally refers to a mode of operation in which tasks are executed (evaluated) as soon as they are created. On the other end of the spectrum, lazy evaluation refers to a mode of operation in which tasks are executed only when their results are required. A first feature of the disclosed system is a new primitive, called a “lazy modref”. Lazy or lenient evaluation refers to a mode of operation in which tasks need not be executed as soon as they are created, however, idle resources (processors, hardware threads, etc.) are free to process created tasks as they desire.
[0012] In general, if the number of resources is large, then there is a high probability that the tasks would have been processed before their results are required.
[0013] Lazy modrefs improve on traditional modrefs by allowing such lenient or lazy evaluation methods. These methods are the basis for parallelizing adaptive programs. In the disclosed setting, a lenient execution model is used where each lazy-modref can be empty, typically after creation. Alternatively, the lazy-modref may contain a ready-to-read value or a continuation that will work to populate the value once executed. This continuation may also populate the lazy-modref with yet another continuation. This continues in loop fashion until the lazy-modref is populated with a data value. This is guaranteed to eventually occur under correct usage of the API and framework. When the lazy-modref holds such a continuation, the programmer has setup a process to eventually write to the lazy-modref when executed. Since each process can be executed leniently, the programmer may not have written to the lazy-modref yet. The lazy modref's API provides the same three primitive operations as traditional modrefs—create, write and read—with similar methods. However, a fundamental difference is that lazy-modrefs' signatures are based on destination-passing-style methods and that the caller manage the memory used to store the result. Decoupling the store in this way is essential for enabling lenient evaluation methods and forms the basis for parallelizing adaptive programs.
[0014] A set of interconnected modrefs tracks changes to the system state. The execution trace is abstracted out as a binary tree of modrefs that describes nodes where data is created and consumed, and where the different control and data-flow dependencies leading to these nodes are created and consumed. The dependency constraints are exposed through the seq-split primitives. This information may be used to identify nodes where the computation can be parallelized.
[0015] A second feature of the disclosed system is a mechanism for parallelizing change propagation in an adaptive program. Change propagation describes the process of updating system state in response to some change in the input set. The parallel change propagation method is similar to the serial change propagation method except that in order to preserve correctness in the presence of parallelism we need to rely on recording extra information about uses of modrefs. This information, stored in the modrefs themselves, is used at runtime to identify nodes that need to be recomputed to make appropriate adjustments to the output values. Any given modref may have multiple read locations that may be dependent on each other. A separate mechanism maintains and facilitates querying for these relationships which is called the “dependence structure”.
[0016] The method 100 works as shown in FIG. 1 . A set of changed modrefs 102 is first identified, which correspond to the parts of the program's input that have changed. Next is computed a list of uses (“reads”) 104 of these modrefs using the records made in their structures each time they're used. This list is called the “invalidated uses”. Next is computed each invalidated use 106 and inserted into an elimination queue, which is similar to a conventional queue except that its methods for “insert” differ: when an element is to be inserted, it is compared 108 against every element in the queue for dependence. If any element in the queue is dependent (the new element precedes this element in question according to our dependence structure) the dependent element is dropped from the queue. Likewise, if the element being inserted is found to be dependent on any element already in the queue, the insertion process stops and the new element is dropped.
[0017] Once each invalidated use has been processed with the elimination queue, the elements left in the queue are independent of one another as well as independent of all elements originally in the set of invalidated uses. Modrefs are next examined 110 for changes in value, upon the occurrence of which re-execution proceeds for each use (which is itself a continuation) in parallel. Upon re-execution some other modrefs may change value, upon which the change propagation method for each of these (or each subset of these) is re-instated.
[0018] Unlike prior art approaches, there are several opportunities for parallelization in the disclosed process. First, each execution of the program itself has independent components which may be executed in parallel. Next, since these components' independence is stored precisely by the dependence structure, false dependencies causing needless re-execution are circumvented and the ability to re-execute these components in parallel is gained, should they require re-execution.
[0019] This is the first and only system that is capable of parallel change propagation. This is the only work that supports imperative language features. This is the first approach to parallelize adaptive programs.
[0020] Next, order maintenance in adaptive programs is addressed. Order maintenance involves three operations, insert, remove and compare, which modify and query a total ordering. Insert is the operation that adds a new element to the ordering immediately after an existing element. Remove removes a given element. Given two elements in the ordering, compare computes whether they have a less-than, an equal-to, or a greater-than relationship. In the order maintenance routine of the disclosure, the problems traditionally associated with order maintenance are solved for the three operations with amortized constant-time on a machine where arithmetic can be done in constant time. This disclosure solves traditional order maintenance problems for concurrent adaptive or incremental computation for fine-grained dependent task graphs in constant time. Additionally, this disclosure enables the use of a truly lock-free data structure for concurrent updates.
[0021] In existing adaptive programs, a total ordering is used to efficiently represent and later query the execution trace. This total order is used when querying dependency information and forms the basis for doing insert, read and compare operations in constant time. However, this representation fails to support parallel execution methods. Since each step of the method has a distinct position in the trace of the method, only serial updates may be realized. To elaborate, once they are included in the total-ordering, steps that are conceptually independent may appear to be dependent. The presently disclosed representation solves this problem by efficiently encoding the dependency information while eliminating such false dependencies. This provides a means for identifying and scheduling parallel tasks while retaining the constant time bounds.
[0022] One can check for dependency by comparing the rank in the two total orders (TO), # 1 and # 2 . In general, approximation of a partial order is made through a combination of total orders. Specifically, a combination of two total orders may be used for a large class of programs to recover the original partial order, which conveys dependency information, exactly. FIG. 2 illustrates the gist of this approach. Intuitively, the approach corresponds to choosing two complementary topological sorts of the partial order. This method may select the two total orders correctly. In one embodiment, no more than constant overhead is added for each operation when compared to the original scheme.
[0023] All of the dependency information contained within the trace of the adaptive program may be represented as a binary tree. A language may be developed that can be used to verify this property. While there may be arbitrary dependencies in the task graph, the reduction to a binary tree is performed by annotating the graph using three special nodes: read nodes, split nodes and sequence nodes. Read nodes represent a data dependency on some cell of memory and may have a single child which conceptually encloses the “use” of this data value. Split and sequence nodes represent control flow and each has two children. Sequence node children are ordered and are referred to as “first” and “second” children. Split nodes introduce independence and their children are referred to as “left” and “right” children. After annotating with these nodes the original task-graph reduces into a binary tree. The two total orderings can be thought of as two topological sorts of this binary tree, though they are created on-line, as the tree is created. The first total ordering is a depth-first walk of the tree, where “first” is visited before its sibling “second” in sequence nodes and “left” is visited before its sibling “right” in split nodes. This is generally called “English” ordering. The second ordering is the same, except that children of split nodes are visited in reverse order (“right” and then “left”), which is generally called “Hebrew” ordering.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 2 , the herein disclosed order maintenance scheme 200 is depicted in schematic form. In the diagram, ranking of the orders is in accordance with the following guide;
[0000]
A(202)
B(204)
C(206)
D(208)
E(210)
Rank in total order #1
1
2
3
4
5
(English):
Rank in total order #2
1
5
2
3
4
(Hebrew):
B depends on A iff: Rank(B) > Rank(A) in both total orders.
[0025] The disclosed scheme maintains these two total orderings in a manner that is similar to the way a single total order is traditionally maintained except that any two dependent read nodes, A 202 and B 204 , will appear in both orderings with A before B, whereas two independent read nodes, C 206 and D 208 , will appear in differing orders in the two total orderings. One will report that D precedes C and the other will report that C precedes D. The particular order that reports D first versus C first is of no consequence, so long as both dependence and independence with constant overhead may be detected using these differing outcomes.
[0026] Two instances of the original total ordering data structure are used. Each total ordering is a doubly-linked list of labeled elements, where the label is a 32-bit or 64-bit word that represents its relative position in the ordering. Each read node introduces two elements into each total order to mark its beginning and ending points. Each split node and sequence node introduces a single element into each total order to mark its “middle”, which is an element that separates the node's two children and each of its children's successors. The methods of mapping threads uses this “middle” element abstraction to distribute work to a worker thread. New threads look for work using the middle elements that correspond to split nodes. Note that this ensures that all worker threads work on logically independent regions of the data structure. Thus another feature of the scheme is the lack of reliance on locks for accessing and updating the total ordering data structure concurrently. This is the first work aimed at developing a concurrent order-maintenance data structure, yet these methods have the same complexity bounds as the state of the art for sequential versions.
[0027] Various features, aspects, and embodiments have been described herein. The features, aspects, and numerous embodiments described herein are susceptible to combination with one another as well as to variation and modification, as will be understood by those having skill in the art. The present disclosure should, therefore, be considered to encompass such combinations, variations, and modifications. The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Other modifications, variations, and alternatives are also possible. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents. | A method for concurrent management of adaptive programs is disclosed wherein changes in a set of modifiable references are initially identified. A list of uses of the changed references is next computed using records made in structures of the references. The list is next inserted into an elimination queue. Comparison is next made of each of the uses to the other uses to determine independence or dependence thereon. Determined dependent uses are eliminated and the preceding steps are repeated for all determined independent uses until all dependencies have been eliminated. | 19,032 |
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority of Indian patent application number 3723/CHE/2011, entitled “MULTI-SPECTRAL IP CAMERA”, filed Oct. 31, 2011, and Indian patent application number 3724/CHE/2011, entitled “MULTI-SENSOR IP CAMERA WITH EDGE ANALYTICS”, filed Oct. 31, 2011, the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated herein for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The number of sensors used for security applications is increasing rapidly, leading to a requirement for intelligent ways to present information to the operator without information overload, while reducing the power consumption, weight and size of systems. Security systems for military and paramilitary applications can include sensors sensitive to multiple wavebands including color visible, intensified visible, near infrared, thermal infrared and tera hertz imagers.
[0003] Typically, these systems have a single display that is only capable of showing data from one camera at a time, so the operator must choose which image to concentrate on, or must cycle through the different sensor outputs. Sensor fusion techniques allow for merging data from multiple sensors. Traditional systems employing sensor fusion operate at the server end, assimilating data from multiple sensors into one processing system and performing data or decision fusion.
[0004] Present day camera systems that support multi-sensor options may typically provide two ways of visualizing data from the sensors. One method is to toggle between the sensors based on user input. The other method is to provide a “Picture in Picture” view of the sensor imagery. Toggling can provide a view of only one sensor at any given time. “Picture in Picture” forces the operator to look at two images within a frame and interpret them.
[0005] It may be desirable to have means of providing a unified method of visualizing data from multiple sensors in real time. It may be desirable to have such a means within a compact, light-weight package.
SUMMARY
[0006] Various embodiments allow for real-time fusion of multi-band imagery sources in one tiny, light-weight package, thus offering a real-time multi-sensor camera. Various embodiments maximize scene detail and contrast in the fused output, and may thereby provide superior image quality with maximum information content.
[0007] Various embodiments include a camera system that can improve the quality of long-wave infrared (LWIR) and electro-optical (EO) image sensors. Various embodiments include a camera system that can fuse the signals from the LWIR and EO sensors. Various embodiments include a camera system that can fuse such signals intelligently to image simultaneously in zero light and bright daylight conditions. Various embodiments include a camera system that can package the fused information in a form that is suitable for a security camera application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a device according to some embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 2 depicts exemplary hardware components for a device according to some embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a process flow according to some embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 4 depicts an illustration of an image fusion process, according to some embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 5 depicts a process flow according to some embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary illustration of part of an algorithm for image fusion, according to some embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary hardware sensor, according to some embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary hardware sensor, according to some embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 9 depicts exemplary hardware circuitry for performing video alignment, fusion, and encoding, according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The following are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes:
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 7,535,002, entitled “Camera with visible light and infrared image blending”, to Johson, et al., filed Jan. 19, 2007; U.S. Pat. No. 7,538,326, entitled “Visible light and IR combined image camera with a laser pointer”, to Johson, et al., filed Dec. 5, 2005; United States Patent Application No. 20100045809, entitled “INFRARED AND VISIBLE-LIGHT IMAGE REGISTRATION”, to Corey D. Packard, filed Aug. 22, 2008; United States Patent Application No. 20110001809, entitled “THERMOGRAPHY METHODS”, to Thomas J. McManus et al, filed Jul. 1, 2010.
[0019] The following is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes: Kirk Johnson, Tom McManus and Roger Schmidt, “Commercial fusion camera”, Proc. SPIE 6205, 62050H (2006); doi:10.1117/12.668933
[0020] Various embodiments include a multi-resolution image fusion system in the form of a standalone camera system. In various embodiments, the multi-resolution fusion technology integrates features available from all available sensors into one camera package. In various embodiments, the multi-resolution fusion technology integrates features available from all available sensors into one light-weight camera package. In various embodiments, the multi-resolution fusion technology integrates the best features available from all available sensors into one light-weight camera package.
[0021] Various embodiments enhance the video feed from each of the input sensors. Various embodiments fuse the complementary features. Various embodiments encode the resultant video feed. Various embodiments encode the resultant video feed into an H.264 video stream. Various embodiments transmit the video feed over a network. Various embodiments transmit the video feed over an IP network.
[0022] In various embodiments, the multi-resolution fusion technology integrates the best features available from all available sensors into one light-weight camera package, enhances the video feed from each of the input sensors, fuses the complementary features, encodes the resultant video feed into a H.264 video stream and transmits it over an IP network.
[0023] In various embodiments, sensor image feeds are enhanced in real-time to get maximum quality before fusion. In various embodiments, sensor fusion is done at a pixel level to avoid loss of contrast and introduction of artifacts.
[0024] In various embodiments, the resultant fused feed is available as a regular IP stream that can be integrated with existing security cameras.
[0025] A multi-sensor camera according to some embodiments overcomes the limitations of a single sensor vision system by combining the images from imagery in two spectrums to form a composite image.
[0026] A camera according to various embodiments may benefit from an extended range of operation. Multiple sensors that operate under different operating conditions can be deployed to extend the effective range of operation.
[0027] A camera according to various embodiments may benefit from extended spatial and temporal coverage. In various embodiments, joint information from sensors that differ in spatial resolution can increase the spatial coverage.
[0028] A camera according to various embodiments may benefit from reduced uncertainty. In various embodiments, joint information from multiple sensors can reduce the uncertainty associated with the sensing or decision process.
[0029] A camera according to various embodiments may benefit from increased reliability. In various embodiments, the fusion of multiple measurements can reduce noise and therefore improve the reliability of the measured quantity.
[0030] A camera according to various embodiments may benefit from robust system performance. In various embodiments, redundancy in multiple measurements can help in systems robustness. In the event that one or more sensors fail or the performance of a particular sensor deteriorates, the system can depend on the other sensors.
[0031] A camera according to various embodiments may benefit from compact representation of information. In various embodiments, fusion leads to compact representations. Instead of storing imagery from several spectral bands, it is comparatively more efficient to store the fused information.
[0032] Various embodiments include a camera system capable of real-time pixel level fusion of long wave IR and visible light imagery.
[0033] Various embodiments include a single camera unit that performs sensor data acquisition, fusion and video encoding.
[0034] Various embodiments include a single camera capable of multi-sensor, depth of focus and dynamic range fusion.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1 , a block diagram of a device 100 is shown according to some embodiments. The device includes long wave infrared (LWIR) sensor 104 , image enhancement circuitry 108 , electro-optical (EO) sensor 112 , image enhancement circuitry 116 , and circuitry for video alignment, video fusion, and H.264 encoding 120 . In operation, the device 100 may be operable to receive one or more input signals, and transform the input signals in stages.
[0036] A first input signal may be received at the LWIR sensor 104 , and may include an incident LWIR signal. The first input signal may represent an image captured in the LWIR spectrum. The sensor 104 may register and/or record the signal in digital format, such as an array of bits or an array of bytes. As will be appreciated, there are many ways by which the input signal may be recorded. In some embodiments, the input signal may be registered and/or recorded in analog forms. The signal may then be passed to image enhancement circuitry 108 , which may perform one or more operations or transformations to enhance the incident signal.
[0037] On a parallel track, a second input signal may be received at the EO sensor 112 . The second input signal may include an incident signal in the visible light spectrum. The second input signal may represent an image captured in the visible light spectrum. The sensor 112 may register and/or record the signal in digital format, such as an array of bits or an array of bytes. As will be appreciated, there are many ways by which the input signal may be recorded. In some embodiments, the input signal may be registered and/or recorded in analog forms. The signal may then be passed to image enhancement circuitry 116 , which may perform one or more operations or transformations to enhance the incident signal.
[0038] It will be appreciated that, whereas a given stage (e.g., LWIR sensor, EO sensor 112 , Image Enhancement Circuitry 108 , Image Enhancement 116 ) may operate on a single image at a given instant of time, such sensors may perform their operations repeatedly in rapid succession, thereby processing a rapid sequence of images, and thereby effectively operating on a video.
[0039] Image enhancement circuitry 108 , and image enhancement circuitry 116 may, in turn, pass their respective output signals to circuitry 120 , for the process of video alignment, video fusion, and H.264 encoding.
[0040] LWIR sensor 104 may take various forms, as will be appreciated. An exemplary LWIR sensor may include an uncooled microbolometer based on an ASi substrate manufactured by ULIS.
[0041] EO sensor 112 may take various forms, as will be appreciated. EO sensor may include a charge-coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) active pixel sensor, or any other image sensor. EO sensor may include a lens, shutter, illumination source (e.g., a flash), a sun shade or light shade, mechanisms and/or circuitry for focusing on a target, mechanisms and/or circuitry for automatically focusing on a target, mechanisms and/or circuitry for zooming, mechanisms and/or circuitry for panning, and/or any other suitable component. An exemplary EO sensor may include a CMOS sensor manufactured by Omnivision.
[0042] Image enhancement circuitry 108 may include one or more special purpose processor, such as digital signal processors (DSPs) or graphics processing units. Image enhancement circuitry 108 may include general purpose processors. Image enhancement circuitry 108 may include custom integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or any other suitable circuitry. In various embodiments, image enhancement circuitry 108 is specifically programmed and/or designed for performing image enhancement algorithms quickly and efficiently. Image enhancement circuitry 116 may, in various embodiments, include circuitry similar to that of circuitry 108 .
[0043] Circuitry 120 may receive input signals from the outputs of image enhancement circuitry 108 and image enhancement circuitry 116 . The signals may comprise image signals and/or video signals. The signals may be transmitted to circuitry 120 via any suitable connector or conductor, as will be appreciated. Circuitry 120 may then perform one or more algorithms, processes, operations and/or transformations on the input signals.
[0044] Processes performed may include video alignment, which may ensure that features present in the respective input signals are properly aligned for combination. As will be appreciated, signals originating from LWIR sensor 104 and from EO sensor 112 may both represent captured images and/or videos of the same scene. It may thus be desirable that these two images and/or videos are aligned, so that information about a given feature in the scene can be reinforced from the combination of the two signals.
[0045] In some embodiments, as the LWIR sensor 104 and EO sensor 112 may be at differing physical positions, the scene captured by each will be from slightly differing vantage points, and may thus introduce parallax error. The process of video alignment may seek to minimize and/or correct this parallax error, in some embodiments.
[0046] Circuitry 120 may also be responsible for video fusion, which may include combining the two signals originating from the respective sensors into a single, combined signal. In various embodiments, the combined signals may contain more information about the captured scene than do one or either of the original signals.
[0047] Circuitry 120 may also be responsible for video encoding, which may include converting the combined video signal into a common or recognized video format, such as the H.264 video format.
[0048] Circuitry 120 may output one or more video signals, which may include a video signal in common format, such as an H.264 video signal. In some embodiments, circuitry 120 may include a port or interface for linking to an internet protocol (IP) network. The circuitry 120 may be operable to output a video signal over an IP network.
[0049] In various embodiments, camera 100 may include one or more additional components, such as a view finder, viewing panel (e.g., a liquid crystal display panel for showing an image or a fused image of the camera), power source, power connector, memory card, solid state drive card, hard drive, electrical interface, universal serial bus connector, sun shade, illumination source, flash, and any other suitable component. Components of camera 100 may be enclosed within, and/or attached to a suitable housing, in various embodiments. Whereas various components have been described as separate or discrete components, it will be appreciated that, in various embodiments, such components may be physically combined, attached to the same circuit board, part of the same integrated circuit, utilize common components (e.g., common processors; e.g., common signal busses), or otherwise coincide. For example, in various embodiments, image enhancement circuitry 108 and image enhancement circuitry 116 may be one and the same, and may be capable of simultaneously or alternately operating on input signals from both the LWIR sensor 104 and from the EO sensor 112 .
[0050] It will be appreciated that certain components that have been described as singular may, in various embodiments, be broken into multiple components. For example, in some embodiments, circuitry 120 may be instantiated over two or more separate circuit boards, utilize two or more integrated circuits or processors, and so on. Where there are multiple components, such components may be near or far apart in various embodiments.
[0051] Whereas various embodiments have described LWIR and EO sensors, it will be appreciated that other types of sensors may be used, and that sensors for other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum may be used, in various embodiments.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 2 , an exemplary hardware implementation is shown for components/modules 104 , 112 , 108 , 116 , and 120 , in various embodiments.
[0053] Various embodiments utilize hardware on an FPGA system with DSP coprocessors. In some embodiments, the multi-sensor camera performs algorithms on a Texas Instruments DaVinci chip.
[0054] In various embodiments, a hardware implementation allows for an advantageously light camera. In various embodiments, a camera weighs in the vicinity of 1.2 kg. The camera may minimize weight by utilizing a light-weight LWIR sensor, and/or by utilizing a light-weight DSP board that performs both video capture and processing on a single board.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 3 , a process flow is depicted according to some embodiments. In various embodiments, the process flow indicates successive transformations of input image signals into output image signals. In various embodiments, the process flow indicates successive transformations of input video signals into output video signals. In various embodiments, the process flow indicates successive transformations of input video signals into an output video signal.
[0056] Initially, input signals may come from sensor 304 , and from sensor 308 . These may correspond respectively to LWIR sensor 104 , and to EO sensor 116 . However, as will be appreciated, other types of sensors may be used, in various embodiments (e.g., sensors for different portions of the spectrum). In various embodiments, input signals may be derived from other sources. For example, input signals may be derived over a network or from an electronic storage medium. For example, the input signals may represent raw, pre-recorded video signals.
[0057] In various embodiments, there may be more than two input signals. For example, there may be three or more input signals, each stemming from a different sensor. In some embodiments, input sensors may include a short wave infrared (SWIR) sensor, a LWIR sensor, and a visible light sensor.
[0058] At step 312 , a process of image enhancement may be performed. Image enhancement may include altering or increasing sharpness, brightness, contrast, color balance, or any other aspect of the image. Image enhancement may be performed via digital manipulation, e.g., via manipulation of pixel data. In some embodiments, image enhancement may occur via manipulation of analog image data. In some embodiments, image enhancement may include the application of one or more filters to an image. In various embodiments, image enhancement may include the application of any algorithm or transformation to the input image signal. As will be appreciated, image enhancement, when applied to frames of a video signal, may include video enhancement.
[0059] At step 316 , a process of image alignment may occur. Image alignment may operate on image signals originating, respectively, from image enhancement circuitry 108 , and from image enhancement circuitry 116 . In the process of image alignment, two separate images may be compared. Common signals, features, colors, textures, regions, patterns, or other characteristics may be sought between the two images. A transformation may then be determined which would be necessary to bring such common signals, features, etc., into alignment. For example, it may be determined that shifting a first image a certain number of pixels along a notional x-axis and y-axis may be sufficient to align the first image with a second image that is also presumed to fall within the same coordinate system. As will be appreciated, in various embodiments, other transformations may be utilized in the process of image alignment. For example, transformations may include shifting, rotating, or scaling.
[0060] At step 320 , video fusion may be performed. Video fusion may include combining images from each of two input video streams. Such input video streams may consist of images that have been aligned at step 316 . Video fusion may be performed in various ways, according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, data from two input images may be combined into a single image. The single image may contain a better representation of a given scene than do one or both of the input images. For example, the single image may contain less noise, finer detail, better contrast, etc. The process of video fusion may include determining the relative importance of the input images, and determining an appropriate weighting for the contribution of the respective input images. For example, if a first input image contains more detail than does a second input image, then more information may be used from the first image than from the second image in creating the fused image.
[0061] In various embodiments, a weighting determination may be made on more localized basis than on an entire image. For example, a certain region of a first image may be deemed more important than an analogous region of a second image. However, another region of the first image may be deemed less important than its analogous region in the second image. Thus, different regions of a given image may be given different weightings with respect to their contribution to a fused image. In some embodiments, weightings may go down to the pixel level. In some embodiments, weightings may be applied to images in some transform domain (e.g., in a frequency domain). In such cases, relative contributions of the two images may differ by frequency (or other metric) in the transform domain.
[0062] In various embodiments, other methods may be used for combining or fusing images and/or videos.
[0063] In various embodiments a fusion algorithm may be used for different wavelengths, different depths of field and/or different fields of view.
[0064] In various embodiments, a determination may be made as to whether or not a sensor is functional, and/or whether or not the sensor is functioning properly. If the sensor is not functioning properly, or not functioning at all, then video input from that sensor may be disregarded. For example, video input from the sensor may be omitted in the fusion process, and the fusion process may only utilize input from remaining sensors.
[0065] In various embodiments, an image quality metric is derived in order to determine if input from a given sensor is of good visual quality. In various embodiments, the image quality metric is a derivative of the singular value decomposition of local image gradient matrix, and provides a quantitative measure of true image content (i.e., sharpness and contrast as manifested in visually salient geometric features such as edges,) in the presence of noise and other disturbances. This measure may have various advantages in various embodiments. Advantages may include that the image quality metric 1) is easy to compute, 2) reacts reasonably to both blur and random noise, and 3) works well even when the noise is not Gaussian.
[0066] In various embodiments, the image quality metric may be used to determine whether or not input from a given sensor should be used in a fused video signal.
[0067] At step 324 , video encoding may be performed. Video encoding may be used to compress a video signal, prepare the video signal for efficient transmission, and/or to convert the signal into a common, standard, or recognized format that can be replayed by another device. The process of video encoding may convert the fused video signal into any one or more known video formats, such as MPEG-4 or H.264. Following the encoding process, an output signal may be generated that is available for transmission, such as for transmission over an IP network.
[0068] In various embodiments, some portion or segment of fused video data may be stored prior to transmission, such as transmission over an IP network. In some embodiments, fused video data is transmitted immediately, and little or no data may be stored. In various embodiments, some portion or segment of encoded video data may be stored prior to transmission, such as transmission over an IP network. In some embodiments, encoded video data is transmitted immediately, and little or no data may be stored.
[0069] Whereas FIG. 3 depicts a certain order of steps in a process flow, it will be appreciated that, in various embodiments, an alternative ordering of steps may be possible. For example, in various embodiments, image enhancement may occur after image alignment, or image enhancement may occur after video fusion.
[0070] In various embodiments, more or fewer steps may be performed than are shown in FIG. 3 . For example, in some embodiments, the step of image enhancement may be omitted.
[0071] FIG. 4 depicts an illustration of fusion process 320 , illustrating processes and intermediate results, according to some embodiments. As will be appreciated, image fusion and video fusion may be related processes, as the latter may consist of repeated application of the former, in various embodiments.
[0072] While fusing data from different sources, it may be desirable to preserve the more significant detail from each of the video streams on a pixel by pixel basis. An easy combination of the video streams is to perform an averaging function of the two video streams. However, contrast is reduced significantly and sometimes detail from one stream cancels detail from the other stream. The Laplacian pyramid fusion on the other hand may provide excellent automatic selection of the important image detail for every pixel from both images at multiple image resolutions. By performing this selection in the multiresolution representation, the reconstructed—fused—image may provide a natural-looking scene.
[0073] In addition, the Laplacian pyramid fusion algorithm allows for additional enhancement of the video. It can provide multi-frequency sharpening, contrast enhancement, and selective de-emphasis of image detail in either video source.
[0074] Laplacian pyramid fusion is a pattern selective fusion method that is based on selecting detail from each image on a pixel by pixel basis over a range of spatial frequencies. This is accomplished in three basic steps (assuming the source images have already been aligned). First, each image is transformed into a multiresolution, bandpass representation, such as the Laplacian pyramid. Second, the transformed images are combined in the transform domain—i.e. combine the Laplacian pyramids on a pixel by pixel basis. Finally, the fused image is recovered from the transform domain through an inverse transform—i.e. Laplacian pyramid reconstruction.
[0075] The Laplacian pyramid is derived from a Gaussian pyramid. The Gaussian pyramid is obtained by sequence of filter and subsample steps. First a low pass filter is applied to the original image G0. The filtered image is then subsampled by a factor of two providing level 1 of the Gaussian pyramid, G1. The subsampling can be applied since the spatial frequencies have been limited to half the sample frequency. This process is repeated for N levels computing G2 . . . GN.
[0076] The Laplacian pyramid is obtained by taking the difference between each of the Gaussian pyramid levels. These are often referred to as DoG (difference of Gaussians). So Laplacian level 0 is the difference between G0 and G1. Laplacian level 1 is the difference between G1 and G2. The result is a set of bandpass images where L0 represents the upper half of the spatial frequencies (all the fine texture detail), L1 represents the frequencies between ¼ and ½ the full bandwidth, L2 represents the frequencies between ⅛ and ¼ the full bandwidth, etc.
[0077] This recursive computation of the Laplacian pyramid is a very efficient method for computing effectively very large filters with one small filter kernel.
[0078] FIG. 6 depicts an example of a Gaussian and Laplacian pyramid 600 .
[0079] Further, the Laplacian pyramid plus the lowest level of the Gaussian pyramid, represent all the information of the original image. So an inverse transform that combines the lowest level of the Gaussian pyramid with the Laplacian pyramid images, can reconstruct the original image exactly.
[0080] When using the Laplacian pyramid representation as described above, certain dynamic artifacts in video scenes will be noticeable. This often manifests itself as “flicker” around areas with reverse contrast between the image. This effect is magnified by aliasing that has occurred during the subsampling of the images.
[0081] Double density Laplacian pyramids are computed using double the sampling density of the standard Laplacian pyramid. This requires larger filter kernels, but can still be efficiently implemented using the proposed hardware implementation in the camera. This representation is essential in reducing the image flicker in the fused video.
[0082] Most video sources are represented as an interlaced sequence of fields. RS170/NTSC video has a 30 Hz frame rate, where each frame consists of 2 fields that are captured and displayed 1/60 sec. apart. So the field rate is 60 Hz. The fusion function can operate either on each field independently, or operate on full frames. By operating on fields there is vertical aliasing present in the images, which will reduce vertical resolution and increase image flicker in the fused video output. By operating the fusion on full frames, the flicker is much reduced, but there may be some temporal artifacts visible in areas with significant image motion.
[0083] FIG. 5 depicts a process flow for image fusion, according to some embodiments. The recursive process takes two images 502 and 504 as inputs. At step 506 , the image sizes are compared. If the images are not the same size, the process flow ends with an error 510 .
[0084] If the images are the same size, the images are reduced at step 512 . The images may be reduced by sub-sampling of the images. In some embodiments, a filtering step is performed on the images before sub-sampling (e.g., a low pass filter is applied to the image before sub-sampling). The reduced images are then expanded at step 514 . The resultant images will represent the earlier images but with less detail, as the sub-sampling will have removed some information.
[0085] At step 516 , pyramid coefficients of the actual level for both images are calculated. Pyramid coefficients may represent possible weightings for each of the respective images in the fusion process. Pyramid coefficients may be calculated in various ways, as will be appreciated. For example, in some embodiments, coefficients may be calculated based on a measure of spatial frequency detail and/or based on a level of noise.
[0086] At step 518 , maximum coefficients are chosen, which then results in fused level L.
[0087] At step 520 , it is determined whether or not consistency is on. Consistency may be a user selectable or otherwise configurable setting, in some. In some embodiments, applying consistency may include ensuring that there is consistency among chosen coefficients at different iterations of process flow 500 . Thus, for example, in various embodiments, applying consistency may include altering the coefficients determined at step 518 . If consistency is on, then flow proceeds to step 522 , where consistency is applied. Otherwise, step 522 is skipped.
[0088] At step 524 , a counter is decreased. The counter may represent the level of recursion that will be carried out in the fusion process. For example, the counter may represent the number of levels of a Laplacian or Gaussian pyramid that will be employed. If, at 526 , the counter has not yet reached zero, then the algorithm may run anew on reduced image 1 528 , and reduced image 2 530 , which may become image 1 502 , and image 2 504 , for the next iteration. At the same time, the fused level L may be added to the overall fused image 536 at step 534 . If, on the other hand, the counter has reached zero at step 526 , then flow proceeds to step 532 , where the fused level becomes the average of the reduced images. This average is in turn combined with the overall fused image 530 .
[0089] Ultimately, upon completion of all levels of recursion of the algorithm, the fused image 530 will represent the separately weighted contributions of multiple different pyramid levels stemming from original image 1 and original image 2 .
[0090] Whereas FIG. 5 depicts a certain order of steps in a process flow, it will be appreciated that, in various embodiments, an alternative ordering of steps may be possible. Also, in various embodiments, more or fewer steps may be performed than are shown in FIG. 5 .
[0091] It will be appreciated that, whereas certain algorithms are described herein, other algorithms are also possible and are contemplated. For example, in various embodiments other algorithms may be used for one or more of image enhancement and fusion.
[0092] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary hardware implementation 700 of LWIR sensor 104 , according to some embodiments. As will be appreciated, other hardware implementations are possible and contemplated, according to various embodiments.
[0093] FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary hardware implementation 800 of EO sensor 112 , according to some embodiments. As will be appreciated, other hardware implementations are possible and contemplated, according to various embodiments.
[0094] FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary hardware implementation 900 for circuitry 120 for performing video alignment, fusion, and encoding, according to some embodiments. As will be appreciated, other hardware implementations are possible and contemplated, according to various embodiments. The circuitry 900 may include various components, including video input terminals, video output terminals, RS232 connector (e.g., a serial port), a JTAG port, an Ethernet port, a USB drive, an external connector (e.g., for plugging in integrated circuit chips), a connector for a power supply, an audio input terminal, an audio output terminal, a headphones output terminal, and a PIC ISP (e.g., a connection or interface to a microcontroller). The circuitry may include various chips or integrated circuits, such as a 64 NAND flash chip, DDR2 256 MB chip. These may support common computer functions, such as providing storage and dynamic memory.
[0095] As will be appreciated, in various embodiments, alternative hardware implementations and components are possible. In various embodiments, certain components may be combined, or partially combined. In various embodiments, certain components may be separated into multiple components, which may divide up the pertinent functionalities.
Image Enhancement
[0096] Because the fusion function operates in the Laplacian pyramid transform domain, several significant image enhancement techniques may be readily performed, in various embodiments.
Peaking and Contrast Enhancement
[0097] Various embodiments may employ a technique to make video look sharper by boosting the high spatial frequencies. This may be accomplished by adding a gain factor to Laplacian level 0. This “sharpens” the edges and fine texture detail in the image.
[0098] Since the Laplacian pyramid consists of several frequency bands, various embodiments contemplate boosting the lower spatial frequencies, which effectively boosts the image contrast. Note that peaking often results in boosting noise also. So the Laplacian pyramid provides the opportunity to boost level 1 instead of level 0, which often boosts the important detail in the image, without boosting the noise as much.
[0099] In various embodiments, the video from each of the sensors (e.g., sensors 104 and 112 ) is enhanced before it is presented to the fusion module. The fusion system accepts the enhanced feeds and then fuses the video.
[0100] In various embodiments, the input feeds may be fused first and then the resultant video may be enhanced.
Selective Contribution
[0101] In various embodiments, the fusion process combines the video data on each of the Laplacian pyramid levels independently. This provides the opportunity to control the contribution of each of the video sources for each of the Laplacian levels.
[0102] For example, if the IR image does not have much high spatial frequency detail, but has a lot of noise, then it is effective to reduce the contribution at L0 from the IR image. It is also possible that very dark regions of one video source reduce the visibility of details from the other video source. This can be compensated for by changing the contribution of the lowest Gaussian level.
Image Enhancement
[0103] The following are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes:
[0104] U.S. Pat. No. 5,912,993, entitled “Signal encoding and reconstruction using pixons”, to Puetter, et al., filed Jun. 8, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 6,993,204, entitled “High speed signal enhancement using pixons”, to Yahil, et al., filed Jan. 4, 2002; United States Patent Application No. 20090110321, entitled “Determining a Pixon Map for Image Reconstruction”, to Vija, et al., filed Oct. 31, 2007
Image Registration and Alignment
[0105] The following are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes:
Hierarchical Model-Based Motion Estimation, James R. Bergen, P. Anandan, Keith J. Hanna, Rajesh Hingorani, European Conference on Computer Vision—ECCV, pp. 237-252, 1992 J. R. Bergen, P. J. Burt and S. Peleg. A three-frame algorithm for estimation two-component image motion. IEEE Transaction on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence, 99(7):1-100, January 1992.
Pixel Selective Fusion
[0108] The following are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes:
P. Burt. Pattern selective fusion of it and visible images using pyramid transforms. In National Symposium on Sensor Fusion, 1992 P. Burt and R. Kolczynski. Enhanced image capture through fusion. In International Conference on Computer Vision, 1993 P. Burt. The pyramid as structure for efficient computation, Multiresolution Image Processing and Analysis. Springer Verlag, 1984.
Video Encoding
[0112] The following are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes:
Wiegand, “Overview of the H.264/AVC video coding standard”, IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems for Video Technology, Issue Date: July 2003 vol. 13 Issue:7 on pp. 560-576. Richardson, “H.264 and MPEG-4 Video Compression: Video Coding for Next-generation Multimedia” 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ISBN: 0-470-84837-5 pp. 187-194.
EMBODIMENTS
[0115] The following are embodiments, not claims:
[0000] A. A camera comprising:
a first sensor for capturing first video data; a second sensor for capturing second video data; circuitry operable to:
generate first enhanced data by performing image enhancement on the first video data; generate first aligned data by performing image alignment on the first enhanced data; generate second enhanced data by performing image enhancement on the second video data; generate second aligned data by performing image alignment on the second enhanced data; generate fused data by performing video fusion of the first aligned data and the second aligned data; and generate encoded data by performing video encoding on the fused data.
A.10 The camera of embodiment A in which the first sensor is operable to capture the first video data in a first spectrum, and in which the second sensor is operable to capture the second video data in a second spectrum, in which the first spectrum is different from the second spectrum.
A.10.1 The camera of embodiment A in which the first spectrum is long wave infrared, and the second spectrum is visible light.
A.1 The camera of embodiment A in which the circuitry is further operable to transmit the encoded data over an Internet Protocol network.
A.x The camera of embodiment A in which, in generating the fused data, the circuitry is operable to fuse the first aligned data and the second aligned data in a pixel by pixel fashion.
A.4 The camera of embodiment A in which, in generating the fused data, the circuitry is operable to generate the fused data using the Laplacian pyramid fusion algorithm.
A.4.1 The camera of embodiment A in which, in using the Laplacian pyramid fusion algorithm, the circuitry is operable to perform a recursive computation of the Laplacian pyramid.
A.4.2 The camera of embodiment A in which, in using the Laplacian pyramid fusion algorithm, the circuitry is operable to compute double density Laplacian pyramids.
[0125] In various embodiments, data is interlaced, so there may be two ways the fusion could happen. One is to separately fuse each field, and the other is to fuse based on the full frame, in various embodiments
[0000] A.y The camera of embodiment A in which the first aligned data comprises a first field and a second field that are interlaced, and in which the second aligned data comprises a third field and a fourth field that are interlaced.
A.y.1 The camera of embodiment A.y in which, in performing video fusion, the circuitry is operable to fuse the first field and the third field, and to separately fuse the second field and the fourth field.
A.y.2 The camera of embodiment A.y in which, in performing video fusion, the circuitry is operable to fuse the full frames of the first aligned data and the second aligned data.
[0126] In various embodiments, the image may be sharpened.
[0000] A.11 The camera of embodiment A in which, in performing video fusion, the circuitry is operable to apply a sharpening algorithm to result in increased sharpness in the fused data.
A.11.1 The camera of embodiment A, in which the sharpening algorithm includes boosting high spatial frequencies in the first enhanced data and in the second enhanced data.
A.11.2 The camera of embodiment A, in which the sharpening algorithm includes performing a Laplacian pyramid fusion algorithm and adding a gain factor to Laplacian level 0.
[0127] In various embodiments, contrast may be enhanced.
[0000] A.12 The camera of embodiment A in which, in performing video fusion, the circuitry is operable to apply a contrast enhancing algorithm to result in increased contrast in the fused data.
A.12.1 The camera of embodiment A, in which the contrast enhancing algorithm includes performing a Laplacian pyramid fusion algorithm and adding a gain factor to Laplacian level 1.
[0128] In various embodiments, there may be selective contribution of the first enhanced data and the second enhanced data.
[0000] A.13 The camera of embodiment A in which, in performing video fusion, the circuitry is operable to weight the contributions of the first enhanced data and the second enhanced data to the fused data.
[0129] In various embodiments, it is determined how to weight the contribution of the first enhanced data based on some detail.
[0000] A.13.1 The camera of embodiment A in which, in performing video fusion, the circuitry is further operable to determine a level of detail in the first enhanced data, in which the contribution of the first enhanced data is weighted based on the level of detail.
[0130] In various embodiments, it is determined how to weight the contribution of the first enhanced data based on spatial frequency detail.
[0000] A.13.2 The camera of embodiment A in which, in performing video fusion, the circuitry is further operable to determine a level of spatial frequency detail in the first enhanced data, in which the contribution of the first enhanced data is weighted based on the level of spatial frequency detail.
[0131] In various embodiments, it is determined how to weight the contribution of the first enhanced data based on noise.
[0000] A.13.3 The camera of embodiment A in which, in performing video fusion, the circuitry is further operable to determine a level of noise in the first enhanced data, in which the contribution of the first enhanced data is weighted based on the level of noise.
[0132] In various embodiments, it is determined how to weight the contribution of the first enhanced data based on the presence of dark regions.
[0000] A.13.4 The camera of embodiment A in which, in performing video fusion, the circuitry is further operable to determine an existence of dark regions in the first enhanced data, in which the contribution of the first enhanced data is weighted based on the existence of the dark regions.
A.5 The camera of embodiment A in which, in generating the encoded data, the circuitry is operable to generate the encoded data using the discrete cosine transform algorithm.
A.5 The camera of embodiment A in which, in generating the encoded data, the circuitry is operable to generate an H.264 encoded internet protocol stream.
[0133] In various embodiments, the camera can enhance data in real time.
[0000] A.6 The camera of embodiment A, in which the circuitry is operable to generate the first enhanced data, the second enhanced data, the first aligned data, the second aligned data, the fused data, and the encoded data, each in real time.
[0134] In various embodiments, the camera can enhance data at a rate of 30 frames per second.
[0000] A.7 The camera of embodiment A, in which the circuitry is operable to generate the first enhanced data, the second enhanced data, the first aligned data, the second aligned data, the fused data, and the encoded data, each at a rate of at least 30 frames per second.
[0135] In various embodiments, the camera can enhance data at a rate of 60 frames per second.
[0000] A.8 The camera of embodiment A, in which the circuitry is operable to generate the first enhanced data, the second enhanced data, the first aligned data, the second aligned data, the fused date, and the encoded data, each at a rate of at least 60 frames per second.
A.z The camera of embodiment A in which the circuitry comprises a field programmable gate array system with digital signal processing coprocessors.
A.q The camera of embodiment in which the circuitry comprises a Texas Instruments DaVinci chip.
[0136] In various embodiments, there may be multiple stages of circuitry, each with separate functions.
[0000] A.w The camera of embodiment A in which the circuitry comprises:
first circuitry for performing image enhancement; second circuitry for performing image alignment; and third circuitry for performing image enhancement.
A.w.1 The camera of embodiment A in which the output of the first circuitry is the input to the second circuitry, and the output of the second circuitry is the input to the third circuitry.
[0140] In various embodiments, where one sensor fails, another may be used.
[0000] B. A camera comprising:
a first sensor for capturing first video data; a second sensor for capturing second video data; circuity operable to:
generate first enhanced data by performing image enhancement on the first video data; determine that the second sensor is not functioning properly; and generate, based on the determination that the second sensor is not functioning properly, encoded data by performing video encoding only on the first video data. | A device according to various embodiments receives two input images, enhances them, aligns them, fuses them, and encodes them as part of a video stream. In various embodiments, the use of certain algorithms enables efficient utilization and minimization of hardware, and results in a light-weight device. | 49,423 |
[0001] This application hereby claims the benefit of previously filed and co-pending provisional application 60/663,055, filed on Mar. 18, 2005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to a scalable, modular construction assembled from a plurality of standardized structural units which are limited in variation but which can produce a variety of constructions having gridlike patterns. The standardized units have interlocking slots of a common length that are spaced apart based on a standardized spacing model. The assembly may be expanded in three dimensions, is structurally stable, and may find use in the field of partition systems or furniture systems.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention comprises a plurality of related structural units, each of which is slotted and interlocked to form an assembly requiring no use of tools or fasteners. The units are sized and slotted based on a standardized spacing model. Three types of units are provided, although the invention may be practiced using only one or more of these unit types: a basic unit, a multiples unit, and a capping unit.
[0004] The basic unit contains one pair of in-line slots on each of two opposite sides of the unit. The length of each slot is identical and in a preferred embodiment measures one quarter of the length of the dimension in which the slot is provided. The multiples unit contains one or more additional pairs of in-line slots. The distance between every slot pair and any neighboring slot pairs is the same. Finally, the capping unit is a half-unit of the basic unit or a multiples unit. Each unit, whether a basic unit, a multiples unit, or a capping unit, is connected in a perpendicular orientation to at least two other units in the assembly. In a preferred embodiment, connections between units are perpendicular. Connection is by means of the interlocking slots. Use of only the basic units limits the shape of the assembly to that of a tower. Use of the multiples units in conjunction with basic units allows for the assembly of partitions or walls of expandable length, width, and height, as well as other modular structures. The capping units function as terminating pieces at the periphery of the assembly and effectively hide unused slots.
[0005] The units are planar and have a thickness sufficient to be self-supporting, given the material of construction employed. The slots have a width, i.e. opening, that matches the thickness of the units. Based on the slot length and width, when the units are fully interlocked, they fit snugly without obstructing each other in their assembly and meet end-to-end as they stack one on top of the other. The joints of the assembly, formed by the interlocked slots, are completely hidden from view and regularized in a grid-like pattern that is part of the assembly's appearance.
[0006] The assembly of this invention may be expanded in all three dimensions and constructed without the use of tools or fastening devices. The repeated structural units are combined in a vertical direction consistent with the direction of slots and slot joints thereby created. All units in the assembly are oriented in a planar direction that is consistent with the plane of the structural units or to a plane that is perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to that surface along the axis of the slot joints. In contrast to work in the prior art, whereby it is often the case that structural members are placed in horizontal relationship to vertical structural members and vice versa, in this invention all planar material is utilized in a consistent vertical direction allowing the construction and formation of a space defined by planar surfaces to distinguish a boundary of volume such as a partition wall of variable length, width and height. It is also a distinct advantage of the invention that the assembly of the structural units forms a geometry of elements based on a grid and which encloses space and thus demarcates space and can function as a divider or wall partition.
[0007] Without compromise to the structural integrity and stability of the assembly, the assembly may accommodate void openings of various geometries by means of cut-aways in each of the structural units.
[0008] Further disclosure related to the invention is provided in the drawings and in the detailed description that follows. The invention is not limited however to any particular embodiments described, and various modifications and alternative embodiments such as would occur to one skilled in the art to which this invention relates are also contemplated and included within the scope of the invention described and claimed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1A is exemplary of the basic structural unit of the invention with two pairs of in-line slots a fixed distance apart and having a slot length equal to one fourth of the unit's dimensional height. FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view of the basic structural unit shown in FIG. 1A .
[0010] FIG. 2A is exemplary of a multiples structural unit with an additional pair of in-line slots an equal fixed distance apart and of equal slot length. FIG. 2B depicts a perspective view of the multiples structural unit shown in FIG. 2A .
[0011] FIG. 3A is exemplary of a capping unit with unit dimensional height half the basic unit height, having two slots located a fixed distance apart and located along only one edge or side.
[0012] FIG. 3B depicts a perspective view of the capping unit piece shown in FIG. 3A .
[0013] FIG. 4A is exemplary of a capping unit with unit dimensional height half the basic unit height, having three equally-spaced slots located along only one edge or side. FIG. 4B depicts a perspective view of the capping unit piece shown in FIG. 4A .
[0014] FIG. 5 depicts the interlocking of interconnecting slots of one basic structural unit having two pairs of in-line slots to one multiples structural unit having three pairs of in-line slots. Both structural unit pieces have the same unit dimensional height
[0015] FIG. 6 depicts the interlocking of interconnecting slots of one basic structural unit having two pairs of in-line slots and one capping unit having two slots.
[0016] FIG. 7A depicts the relationship of interlocking units in a sample configuration comprised of basic structural units interconnected with capping units at both top and bottom ends of the assembly.
[0017] FIG. 7B depicts the assembled configuration of the sample units shown in FIG. 7A .
[0018] FIG. 8 depicts a sample configuration of assembled units of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 9 depicts a sample configuration of assembled units of the invention.
[0020] FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10 C depict progressive stages in the assembly of a configuration of sample units wherein the units are interconnected to form a partition with a comer. FIG. 10D shows the assembled units at a representative height.
[0021] FIG. 11 is exemplary of an assembly of a sample configuration of units wherein the units are interconnected with an overall assembly width equal to the width of a multiples unit having six slots.
[0022] FIG. 12A is exemplary of an assembly of a sample configuration of units wherein a shorter height of units is interconnected to a taller height of units thereby creating a shelf assembly which can support a flat board or other material such as shown in FIG. 12B .
[0023] FIG. 13A is exemplary of an assembly of a sample configuration of units wherein areas of varying heights are interconnected to create shelf assemblies of varying dimensions which can support a flat board or other material such as shown in FIG. 13B .
[0024] FIG. 14A depicts a multiples structural unit having the same interlocking characteristics as the unit of FIG. 2A , but lacking cutaways between the pairs of in-line slots.
[0025] FIG. 14B depicts a perspective view of the basic structural unit shown in FIG. 14A .
[0026] FIG. 14C depicts a basic structural unit having the same interlocking characteristics as the unit of FIG. 1A , but lacking cutaways between the pairs of in-line slots.
[0027] FIG. 14D depicts a perspective view of the basic structural unit shown in FIG. 14C .
[0028] FIG. 14E depicts a capping unit having the same interlocking characteristics as the unit of FIG. 4A , but lacking a cutaway between the slots.
[0029] FIG. 14F depicts a perspective view of the capping unit piece shown in FIG. 14E .
[0030] FIG. 14G depicts a capping unit having the same interlocking characteristics as the unit of FIG. 3A , but lacking a cutaway between the slots.
[0031] FIG. 14H depicts a perspective view of the capping unit piece shown in FIG. 14G .
[0032] FIG. 15 is exemplary of an alternate embodiment of the sample configuration as shown in FIG. 7B , based on assembly of basic units illustrated in FIG. 14C and capping units illustrated in FIG. 14G .
[0033] FIG. 16 depicts an alternate embodiment of the sample configuration as shown in FIG. 8 .
[0034] FIG. 17 depicts an alternate embodiment of the sample configuration as shown in FIG. 9 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A through 17 illustrate various embodiments of the apparatus of the invention. The basic unit of construction for the system is a structural member capable of being detachably connected slot-to-slot to one or more other structural members. The system comprises several distinct but geometrically related units: a basic unit, a multiples unit, and a capping unit. The invention may be practiced using one or more of these different unit types.
[0036] In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 13 , a portion of the planar surface of the units is cut away in such a manner as to allow for the development of void openings in the assembly which permeate the wall or partition. Such openings function to allow light to pass through the wall or partition. Such cutaways may be open (as shown in FIG. 1A ) or closed and may have any of a variety of shapes. The illustrated units are therefore representations of only a few of the many geometries possible in keeping with the scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0037] The structural units of the invention have a defined spacing between slots and a defined relationship between slot length and overall unit height. Slots exist only on two opposite sides of the basic and multiples units and only on one side of the capping units. It is also understood that the length and height of the unit may vary without restriction so long as the inter-slot spacing and slot length-to-overall-unit-height ratio is maintained. More specifically, all units have a dimensional height which is either one unit high or half of this unit high. The basic unit's height is a fixed unit height; in a preferred embodiment, the slot length is ¼ the length of the fixed unit height. The capping unit is half of the unit height and has slots which, in a preferred embodiment, are also ¼ the length of the fixed unit height. Regardless of the width of the unit, each slot is always the same distance from its neighbors as any other slot is from its immediate neighbors. The slots on one edge of the basic and multiples units have matching slots on the opposite edge, also located a fixed distance apart along the width of the unit. These slots on opposite sides of the units are thus in-line with one another.
[0038] It is also understood and appreciated that the illustrated sample configurations shown in the figures represented herein are only sample configurations, and that infinitely expandable variations of assemblies are possible by alternating use of the structural unit pieces with each slot interconnecting with the slot of another structural unit piece. Thus, the height, width and length of the volumetric partition wall or other modular structure can be expanded in height, width and length.
[0000] The Basic Unit
[0039] A preferred basic structural unit that is slotted and interlocked with other units in an assembly of the invention is depicted in Fig. 1A . Basic unit 1 has two parallel sides 6 , 7 which are equal in length and two parallel sides between comers 2 and 3 and between comers 4 and 5 which are equal in length. The overall shape of unit 1 is preferably rectangular or square but could take on other forms consistent with the geometrical requirements of the invention. The height of basic unit 1 is equal to the length of sides 6 and 7 .
[0040] Basic unit 1 has two slots 8 and 9 with openings along one side between comers 2 and 3 and two slots 10 and 11 along a corresponding parallel side with openings between comers 4 and 5 . Each slot has a slot opening and a slot end and a fixed slot length equal to one fourth the length of sides 6 and 7 . The relationship between the length of parallel sides 6 and 7 and the lengths of slots 8 , 9 , 10 , and 11 is a fixed relationship; in other words, the length of slots 8 , 9 , 10 and 11 are all equal and equivalent to one-quarter the length of sides 6 and 7 . Slot 8 has a slot opening 12 which has an equal width as slot end 16 . Slot 9 has a slot opening 13 which has an equal width as slot end 17 . Slot 10 has a slot opening 14 which has an equal width as slot end 18 . Slot 11 has a slot opening 15 which has an equal width as slot end 19 . The width of slots 8 , 9 , 10 , and 11 is slightly more than the thickness of basic unit 1 , reflected in the perspective drawing of FIG. 1B . The close relationship between slot width and basic unit thickness enables the units to fit snugly into the slots so as to remain in position yet be removable.
[0041] Slots 8 and 10 both run along slot axis 20 . Slots 9 and 11 both run along slot axis 21 . Slot axis 20 and slot axis 21 are both parallel to basic unit sides 6 and 7 . The distance between slot axis 20 and 21 is a fixed distance. The distance across the basic unit between slots 8 and 9 is equal to the distance between slots 10 and 11 . In the example of basic unit 1 the distance between the pairs of in-line slots is shown as less than the height of the unit; however, this relationship is merely representative of one possible configuration of basic unit 1 and need not be the case in all possible configurations of basic unit 1 . For instance, the distance between the pairs of in-line slots could also be greater than the height of the units in alternative configurations.
[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the length of the slots is less than one quarter the height of the basic unit. In such case, an assembly of such basic units (as well as of multiples and corresponding capping units), provides for interlocking of the units, but adjacent units do not meet end-to-end.
[0043] Fig. 1A is shown with an optional cut-away 22 and an optional cut-away 23 . Such a cut-away is a removed portion of the material of basic unit 1 which allows for the creation of voids in the assembly. Such voids are optional and allow light to pass through the assembly and may also enhance its visual appeal. The assembly can include any of these openings or voids or can have no openings or voids.
[0044] Basic unit 1 may be lasercut, handcut or stamped out of a planar flat material or formed into shape from any moldable material than can be fashioned into a flat planar surface with a desired thickness. The preferred embodiment is lasercut out of stock sheets of flat planar material. This method of construction could vary according to the type of material utilized. The slots of the basic unit are lasercut out of the sheet material. They could alternately be formed by routing out the slot material using a machine router or they could be cut out by hand using a conventional band saw.
[0045] Although the preferred embodiment is made of luan plywood, the basic, multiples, and capping units could be made of any suitable material of construction including plastics, wood, metals, fiberboard, masonite, corkboard, cardboard, resin, rubber, foam, textiles, etc.
[0046] Reflecting one embodiment of the invention, the assembly was constructed of luan plywood of nominal thickness of ⅛″, equal to approximately 3/32″ actual thickness (0.09375″). Basic unit 1 measured 6 ⅝″ from corner 2 to corner 3 and sides 6 and 7 are 7 ⅞″ high. Slots 8 , 9 , 10 and 11 were cut with a slot length equal to one quarter the length of the sides, or 1 31/32″ long. The slot width utilized in this embodiment was 0.0989″. The distance between the pairs of in-line slots was equal to 5.1405″. The dimensions utilized in this particular instance were only representative and may be altered so long as the aforementioned relationships are preserved.
[0000] The Multiples Unit
[0047] A representative example of the multiples unit that can be slotted and interlocked with other units in an assembly of the invention is depicted in FIG. 2A . Multiples unit 25 has two parallel sides 30 , 31 which are equal in length and two parallel sides between corners 26 , 27 and between corners 28 , 29 which are equal in length. The overall shape of unit 25 is rectangular or square but could take on other forms consistent with the geometrical requirements of the invention. The height of multiples unit 25 is equal to the length of sides 30 , 31 .
[0048] Multiples unit 25 has three slots 32 , 33 , and 34 with openings along one side between comers 26 , 27 and three slots 35 , 36 , and 37 along a corresponding parallel side with openings between comers 28 , 29 . Each slot has a slot opening and a slot end and a fixed slot length equal to one fourth the length of sides 30 and 31 . The relationship between the length of parallel sides 30 and 31 and the lengths of slots 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 and 37 is a fixed relationship; in other words, the length of slots 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 and 37 are all equal and equivalent to one-quarter the length of sides 30 and 31 . The height of this multiples unit is also equal to the height of the basic unit shown in Fig. 1A . The length of slots 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 and 37 is also equal to the length of slots 8 , 9 , 10 , and 11 of unit 1 shown in Fig. 1A . Slot 32 has a slot opening 38 which is an equal width with slot end 44 . Slot 33 has a slot opening 38 which is an equal width with slot end 45 . Slot 34 has a slot opening 40 which is an equal width with slot end 46 . Slot 35 has a slot opening 41 which has an equal width as slot end 47 . Slot 36 has a slot opening 42 which has an equal width as slot end 48 . Slot 37 has a slot opening 43 which has an equal width as slot end 49 . The width of the slots is slightly more than the thickness of multiples unit 25 , reflected in the perspective drawing of FIG. 2B . The close relationship between slot width and multiples unit thickness enables the units to fit snugly into the slots of both representative basic unit 1 and representative multiples unit 25 so as to remain in position yet be removable.
[0049] Slots 32 and 35 both run along slot axis 50 . Slots 33 and 36 both run along slot axis 51 . Slots 34 and 37 both run along slot axis 52 . Slot axis 50 , slot axis 51 , and slot axis 52 are all parallel to each other and parallel to sides 30 and 31 . The distance between slot axis 50 and 51 is a fixed distance. The distance between slot axis 51 and 52 is also a fixed distance and is equal to the distance between slot axis 50 and 51 . This distance between neighboring slot axes in multiples unit 25 may or may not be the same as the distance between neighboring slot axes in basic unit 1 . Therefore, the distance between slots 32 and 33 is equal to the distance between slots 35 and 36 and the distance between slots 33 and 34 is equal to the distance between slots 36 and 37 . These distances may or may not be equal to the distance between slots 8 and 9 and between slots 10 and 11 of basic unit 1 . As in the case of the basic unit, the distance between adjacent slots is shown as less than the height of the unit; however, this relationship is merely representative of a possible configuration for multiples unit 25 and need not be the case in all possible configurations of multiples unit 25 . Specifically, the distance between adjacent slots could be greater than the height of the unit in alternative configurations. However, the equivalence of (1) the inter-slot distances and (2) the heights of both basic units and multiples units enables the basic unit and multiples unit to fit together in an expandable and variable manner.
[0050] FIG. 2A is shown with optional cutaways 53 , 54 , 55 , and 56 . Such cutaways are removed portions of the material of multiples unit 25 which allow for the creation of voids in the assembly. Such voids are optional and allow light to pass through the assembled construction. The assembly can include any of these openings or voids or can have no openings or voids.
[0051] Reflecting one embodiment of the invention, multiples unit 25 was constructed of luan plywood of nominal thickness of ⅛″ equal to approximately 3/32″ actual thickness. Multiples unit 25 was 11 ¾″ from corner 26 to corner 27 and sides 30 and 31 were 7 ⅞″ high. Slots 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , and 37 were 1 31/32″ long. The slot width utilized in this embodiment was 0.0989″. The inter-slot distance was equal to 5.1405″. As in the case of basic unit 1 , the dimensions utilized in this particular instance are only representative and may be altered so long as the aforementioned relationships are preserved.
[0000] The Capping Unit
[0052] The invention may also incorporate capping units which function as terminating pieces at the ends of the assembly to effectively hide unused slots. These capping units are placed at the termination points of the assembly in order to fit into any slots that are not used to connect to adjacent units. These units may be used in a preferred embodiment of the invention but are not structurally required for an assembly to be created. FIG. 3A depicts an exemplary capping unit. This capping unit 58 is exactly half the dimensional height of the basic unit as exhibited by the length of sides 62 and 63 , which are equal to half the length of sides 6 and 7 of FIG. 1A . As shown in FIG. 3A , the capping unit 58 has two parallel sides 62 , 63 which are equal in length and two parallel sides (the side between comers 59 and 60 and the side 61 ) which are equal in length. The overall shape of unit 58 is rectangular or square but could take on other forms consistent with the geometric requirements of the invention.
[0053] Capping unit 58 has two slots 64 and 65 along only one side between comers 59 and 60 . Each slot is characterized by a slot opening and a slot end. In such an embodiment, the relationship between parallel sides 62 , 63 and slot length of slots 64 , 65 is a fixed relationship which is related to the height of the basic unit as delineated by the length of sides 6 and 7 as shown in FIG. 1A and the height of the multiples unit as delineated by the length of sides 30 and 31 as shown in FIG. 2A ; in other words, the length of slots 64 and 65 are all equal and equivalent to half the length of sides 62 , 63 and the height of capping unit 58 or the length of sides 62 , 63 is half the basic unit height of sides 6 and 7 in Fig. 1A and half the multiples unit height as delineated by sides 30 and 31 in FIG. 2A . The length of slots 64 and 65 are also equal to the length of slots 8 , 9 , 10 , and 11 of unit 1 as shown in Fig. 1A and slots 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , and 37 of unit 25 as shown in FIG. 2A . Slot 64 has a slot opening 66 which is an equal width with slot end 68 . Slot 65 has a slot opening 67 which is an equal width with slot end 69 . The slot width is slightly more than the thickness of capping unit 58 as shown in FIG. 3B . The relationship between slot width and capping unit thickness enables the units to fit snugly into the slots of both representative basic unit 1 and representative multiples unit 25 so as to remain in position yet be removable.
[0054] Slot 64 runs along slot axis 70 . Slot 65 runs along slot axis 71 . Slot axis 70 and slot axis 71 are both parallel to capping unit sides 62 and 63 . The distance between slot axis 70 and 71 is a fixed distance. This distance is equal to the distance between slot axis 20 and 21 in basic unit 1 as shown in FIG. 1A or equal to the distance between slot axis 50 and 51 and the distance between slot axis 51 and 52 in multiples unit 25 as shown in FIG. 2A . In one example of capping unit 58 , the distance between slot axis 70 and 71 is shown as less than the length of the basic unit height as delineated by the length of sides 6 and 7 in FIG. 1A ; however, this relationship is merely representative of the possible configurations of capping unit 58 and need not be the case in all possible configurations of capping unit 58 . For instance, the distance between slot axis 70 and 71 as shown in FIG. 3A could also be greater than the basic unit height as delineated by the length of sides 6 and 7 in FIG. 1A in a possible configuration.
[0055] FIG. 3A shows capping unit 58 with an optional cutaway 72 . Such a cut-away is a removed portion from the material of capping unit 3 A which allows for the creation of voids. Such voids are not a necessary part of the invention but allow light to pass through the assembled construction. The invention could include any of these openings or voids or could have no openings or voids such as shown by cut-away 72 . In a preferred embodiment the distance between cutaway 72 and the line connecting corners 59 and 60 is equal to the slot length. This is a representative cutaway and neither the dimensions, shape or existence of a cutaway of any of the units is fixed.
[0056] One embodiment of the representative capping unit was constructed of luan plywood of nominal thickness of ⅛″, or equal to approximately 3/32″ thickness. In the instance of capping unit 58 the distance between comer 59 and comer 60 was 6 ⅝″ and was equal to side 61 . Sides 62 and 63 were 3 15/16″ high which was equal to half the basic unit height or half of the length of sides 6 and 7 as shown in FIG. 1 A . Slots 64 and 65 were cut at a slot length equal to one fourth the length of the basic unit height or 1 31/32″ long. The slot width utilized in the preferred embodiment was 0.0989″. In the case of the preferred embodiment, the distance between slot axis 70 and 71 was equal to 5.1405″. The sizes of construction utilized in this particular instance are only representative sizes and may be altered so long as the relationship between slot length and unit height is preserved. The distance between slot axis such as here between slot axis 70 and 71 and the basic unit height do not have a specific relationship to each other.
[0057] The structural units of the invention may be assembled to form a wide variety of modular structures, including walls, cylinders, table-type structures, etc.
[0058] FIG. 4A is exemplary of a capping unit having a relationship between sides and overall shape similar to that described in multiples unit 25 shown in FIG. 2A . In particular, this exemplary capping unit 74 bears the same unit width as the unit width of multiples unit 25 which is equal to the distance between comers 75 and 76 or the length of side 77 . The thickness of capping unit 74 as shown in FIG. 4B is equal to the thickness of unit 58 as shown in FIG. 3B and also equal to the thickness of both basic and multiples units shown in FIGS. 1B and 2B .
[0059] The slots 80 , 81 , and 82 have common dimensions (openings, ends, widths, and lengths) as slots 32 , 33 and 34 in multiples unit 25 of FIG. 2A as well as slots 35 , 36 , and 37 in multiples unit 25 . FIG. 4A shows capping unit 74 with optional cutaways 92 and 93 . These cutaways are similar in size and location in relationship to the overall capping unit as is cutaway 72 to capping unit 58 as shown in FIG. 3A .
[0060] A representative capping unit 74 was constructed of luan plywood of nominal thickness of ⅛″, or equal to approximately 3/32″ thickness. The unit width equal to side 77 was equal to 11 ¾″ and the unit height was 3 15/16″ high. Slot lengths and widths were equal to those as described in Fig. 1A, 2A and 3 A.
[0000] Assembly of the Invention
[0061] FIG. 5 depicts the interlocking of two exemplary units, in this case basic unit 95 and multiples unit 96 . The two units interlock at the slot intersection shown along the edge of slot 100 shown in FIG. 5 . At this point of interlocking, a slot of unit 95 is substantially filled by the thickness of the material of multiples unit 96 and a slot from unit 96 is substantially filled by the thickness of the material of basic unit 95 . As a result of the interlock, edge 101 of basic unit 95 reaches the midpoint of the height of its intersecting unit, in this case along the axis 107 which is halfway up the height of multiples unit 96 . As a result of such slot interlocking, the addition of yet another unit with a slot interlock at slot 105 of unit 95 would result in edges of the two units meeting along the axis 107 of unit 96 . In the example of basic unit 95 , slots 97 , 98 , and 99 are each able to interlock with a slot of another unit. Likewise, in the case of multiples unit 96 , slots 102 , 103 , 104 , and 105 are each able to interlock with a slot of another unit. Thus, each unit can be connected and secured to additional units enabling the assembly in three dimensions and the construction of the assembly through the interlocking slot method. The units to be added may be basic units, any type of multiples unit, as well as capping units. The orientation of interlock is always aligned with the slot axes shown in previous figures describing the various units of the invention.
[0062] FIG. 6 depicts the interlocking of two members, in this case basic unit 108 and capping unit 109 . The two units interlock at the slot intersection shown along the edge of slot 110 , as shown in FIG. 6 . As a result of the interlock, the edge 111 of basic unit 108 extends to meet the edge 112 of capping unit 109 . As shown in FIG. 5 , each unit can be connected and secured to additional units by means of receiving additional interlocking units wherever an open slot is located.
[0063] In FIG. 7A , capping units 113 , 114 , 127 , and 128 and basic units 115 , 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 , 120 , 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 , 125 , and 126 are shown in perspective view and in approximate relationship to each other so as to allow interlocking together via the interlocking slot method of the present invention. The units shown in FIG. 7A can be interlocked along their corresponding slot axes and upon interlocking would form the assembly of parts shown in FIG. 7B in accordance with the present invention. Such assembly is merely representative of a configuration of basic units with auxiliary capping units at the top and bottom of the assembly.
[0064] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 depict two exemplary assemblies which illustrate the expandable nature of the present invention in one direction, in particular the means by which the height of the assembly depends on the number of units employed. FIG. 8 depicts two basic or multiples units in the vertical dimension, with the addition of one capping unit. In the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 9 , the assembly again depicts two basic or multiples units in the vertical dimension, but adds two capping units instead of one. The overall height of the assembly of FIG. 9 is equal to two full unit height levels plus two capping unit heights, for an effective total of three unit height levels. The sample configurations in FIGS. 8 and 9 can both be expanded in height, width, and length by the replacement of a basic unit in the assembly with a multiples unit. Likewise, the replacement of a capping unit having two slots with a capping unit having three slots would also result in the expansion of the assembly by providing an interconnected and open slot to which additional units can be interlocked.
[0065] The structural units of the invention may be assembled to form a wide variety of modular structures, including walls, cylinders, and table-type structures. Walls of varying height, width and length can be assembled through the use of multiples units combined with basic units. Cylinders of varying height, width and length can also be assembled by utilizing only basic units on the interior surface of the cylindrical wall. Both basic and multiples units of varying lengths can be used on the outer surface of the cylindrical wall, and the width of the cylindrical wall itself can be determined by the use of only basic units, only multiples units, or combinations of basic and multiples units in order to allow for expansion. Table-type structures can be assembled by expanding the assembly in three directions while maintaining multiple levels in limited and consistent areas.
[0066] FIGS. 10A, 10B , 10 C and 10 D depict stages in the assembly of a sample configuration of units wherein the units are interconnected to form a partition with a corner. FIG. 10C depicts perspective views of capping units prior to their interlocking attachment to the assembly. FIG. 10D shows the completed assembly at a representative height of three unit height levels plus one capping unit height level, or three-and-a-half unit height levels.
[0067] FIG. 11 is exemplary of an alternate embodiment which reveals the ability to expand an assembly of the present invention in two directions, enabling an assembly which is equal to the width of a multiples unit in comparison to the representative assemblies shown in FIGS. 8, 9 , 10 A, 10 B, 10 C and 10 D which all have an overall assembly width or partition wall width of one basic unit. The assembly represented in FIG. 11 could be expanded yet further in height, width and length. In particular the width of the overall assembly could be expanded by the replacement of any multiples unit with one basic unit plus one multiples unit in the corresponding slots vacated by the original multiples unit. Thereby, additional open slots would remain which would provide open slots to which additional units can be interlocked.
[0068] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B depict the capability of an assembly of the present invention to provide weight-bearing support so as to allow for the placement of some type of planar top surface along the horizontal boundary suggested by the assembled configuration. The planar surface depicted in FIG. 12B is not a particular aspect of the present invention but rather suggestive of the possibilities of utilizing planar materials in conjunction with the present invention.
[0069] FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are exemplary of an alternate embodiment that depicts the capability of the present invention to provide structural support so as to allow for the placement of planar surfaces along and on top of the horizontal boundary suggested by the assembled configuration. In the case of the sample configuration shown in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B , three separate planar areas are defined by the assembly configuration which are all separated by an elevated region of assembled units which in this embodiment form a divider wall segment which is a thickness equal to one basic unit.
[0070] FIGS. 14A, 14B , 14 C, 14 D, 14 E, 14 F, 14 G, and 14 H depict a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention which is generally similar to the representative embodiment depicted previously, except that the optional cutaways are not implemented and no additional material is removed from either the basic units, the multiples units, or the capping units. The interlocking slot method operates in the same manner as previously described, with the same corresponding relationships between slot openings, slot ends, slot widths, slot lengths, slot axes and unit width, height, and thickness. The representative sample embodiment of the invention is herein depicted to suggest the many and varied configurations of alternate embodiments which are in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0071] FIG. 15 , FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 depict sample assemblies of an embodiment and suggest some of the possible configurations in accordance with the present invention. As suggested by the alternate embodiment shown here, the optional cutaway provided in other configurations of the present invention could take on the form of a variety of cutaways including differently sized cutaways, differently shaped cutaways, cutaways in various numbers, and in the case of FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 , no cutaway at all. The present invention can be produced in various embodiments so long as the preferred and corresponding relationship between slots and slot dimensions is consistent with the requirements of the embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein above. | A system for modular construction which is comprised of a plurality of related structural units, each of which is slotted and interlocked to form an assembly requiring no tools or fasteners. The system provides infinite scalability employing a systematized gridlike formation. The units may be assembled, disassembled, and reassembled in a variety of configurations. Each structural unit comprises a planar piece having a plurality of parallel interlocking slots of specific length. Each unit is connected to additional unit pieces through interlocking slot connections wherein each unit is placed in perpendicular arrangement to other units and the slots interconnect to fit the units together. The assembled units exist in a grid-like pattern and establish planar boundaries in space. The boundaries defined by the assembly are expandable in all three dimensions based on the number and type of the different related units used. | 38,797 |
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 505,585, filed on Apr. 6, 1990 now abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for evaluating the life of a connection, and more particularly to a method for evaluating the life of a connection which greatly depends on thermal fatigue, such as a solder connection of an electronic circuit device.
With respect to general fatigue life of metal, several methods for evaluating it and life rules therefor, as shown in Table 1, have been proposed on the basis of research and experience of fatigue breakdown accidents. Some of the methods have been put into practice.
Particularly, it is known that the Manson-Coffin rule shown as No. 1 in the table can be used to evaluate the low cycle fatigue life of many metals. The actual life can be evaluated by the Repetition Amendment Speed Equation No. 9 in the table which is obtained by modifying this rule regarding the repetitive frequency f of fatigue and the length a of a crack.
Further, a method for evaluating the life of the solder connection of an electronic circuit device is disclosed in Solid State Technology July (1970) pp. 48-54.
TABLE 1__________________________________________________________________________ LIFE EQUATION OR CRACKNo. DEVELOPER ADVANCING SPEED EQUATION__________________________________________________________________________1 S. S. Manson, Δε.sub.p · N.sup.n = C L. F. Coffin (Manson-Coffin RULE)2 S. S. Manson, ΣΦ.sub.f = 1 G. R. Halford Φ.sub.f = 1/N.sub.pp + 1/N.sub.cc + 1/N.sub.cp + 1/N.sub.pc (STRAIN REGION Δε.sub.pp /D.sub.p = 0.75 N .sub.pp .sup.-0.6 DIVISION TECHNIQUE) Δε.sub.pp /D.sub.p = 0.75 N .sub.pp .sup.-0.8 Δε.sub.pp /D.sub.p = 1.25 N .sub.pp .sup.-0.8 Δε.sub.pp /D.sub.p = 0.25 N .sub.pp .sup.-0.83 H. W. Liu d.sub.a /d.sub.N = C(Δσ).sup.2 a Δσ = σmax-σmin4 P. C. Paris d.sub.a /d.sub.N = C(ΔK).sup.n (Paris RULE) ΔK = Kman-Kmin5 G. Welter, d.sub.a /d.sub.N = (Cε.sub.TR √a) J. A. Choquet ε.sub.TR = ε.sub.p + ε.sub.e6 T. Yokobori d.sub.a /d.sub.N = Cf.sup.m ΔK.sup.n exp(-Q/kT) (KINETICS MODEL OF DISLOCATION)7 W. Elber d.sub.a /d.sub.N = C(ΔKeff).sup.n (RULE OF COEFFICIENT ΔKeff = Kmax-Kop ENLARGING EFFECTIVE STRESS)8 J. R. Rice, d.sub.a /d.sub.N = C(ΔJ).sup.n P. C. Paris9 H. D. Solomon, d.sub.a /d.sub.N = Ca(Δε.sub.p).sup.nfm L. F. Coffin (REPETITION AMEND- MENT SPEED RULE)10 K. Tanaka, S. Taira d.sub.a /d.sub.N = C(ΔΦ).sup.n__________________________________________________________________________
(N; LIFE), Δεp; PLASTIC STRAIN AMPLITUDE), (C, n, m; CONSTANT), (N pp , p p WAVEFORM LIFE), (N cc ; c c WAVEFORM LIFE), (N cp ; c p WAVEFORM LIFE), (N pc ; p c WAVEFORM LIFE), (D p ; PULLING FRACTURE DUCTILITY AT A HIGH TEMPERATURE FOR SHORT TIME), (Dc; CREEP FRACTURE DUCTILITY), Δσ; STRESS RANGE), (ΔK; RANGE OF COEFFICIENT ENLARGING STRESS), (a; CRACK LENGTH), (Δε TR ; ENTIRE STRAIN RANGE), (Δε p ; PLASTIC AND ELASTIC STRAIN RANGE), (f; REPETITION FREQUENCY), (Q; ACTIVATION ENERGY), (k; BOLTAMANN's CONSTANT), (T; TEMPERATURE), (ΔKeff; RANGE OF COEFFICIENT ENLARGING EFFECTIVE STRESS), (Kop; K AT CRACK OPENING), (ΔJ; INTEGRATION RANGE), (ΔΦ; RANGE OF DISPLACEMENT OF CRACK OPENING)
To account for the influence of distortion amplitude on fatigue life, generally, the plastic distortion amplitude Δε p in the life equations of Nos. 1 and 9 in Table 1 is adopted. Δε p is defined as the range of distortion in the hysterisis stress-strain curve when mechanical stress is repeatedly applied to a material.
However, this Δε p at a solder connection cannot be measured by the conventional techniques shown listed in Table 1. The reason therefor is as follows. If a temperature as high as the melting point of solder changes at e.g. a solder connection of a flip chip for an electronic circuit device, because of a difference between the flip chip and a substrate in their thermal expansion coefficient, the stress-strain occurring in the solder becomes a three-dimensional stress-strain state, and further changes because of the great dependency of the solder itself on temperature. In this way, the above conventional methods do not pay attention to the influences from a temperature cycle in estimating the range of distortion. For example, the junction between the flip chip for an electronic circuit and a substrate is subjected to great temperature change; its temperature will increase up to immediately below the melting point of solder (183-320° C. in Pb-Sn series) because of heat generation in electronic components and environmental temperature. Nevertheless, the conventional techniques do not take such a temperature change in to account so that they cannot correctly evaluate the life of the junction subjected to the thermal fatigue. More specifically, the advancing speed of a crack at the connection depends on the shape of the connection. The above conventional techniques do not take this consideration; therefore, they cannot know the remaining sectional area so that they cannot design the weight resistance and current capacity of the connection. Particularly, the technique disclosed in the above reference Solid State Technology takes only shearing strain γ max into consideration but does not take temperature dependency of the stress-strain of the solder for this shearing strain. Therefore, this technique also cannot evaluate the life of the junction or connection subjected to thermal fatigue. Thus, the conventional life evaluation methods cannot correctly evaluate the life of the connection causing many poor quality products to be made.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a method for evaluating the life of a connection with high accuracy for a short time through a relatively simplified process.
This object can be attained by adopting Δε eqmax with higher precision as a strain amplitude which is an index of the thermal fatigue and taking into consideration the temperature dependency and a crack advancing speed in connection with an estimation of Δε eqmax .
The Δε eqmax , which is a maximum equivalent strain of the connection, can be an optimum index of the thermal fatigue which is disclosed in the extended abstracts of The 103rd Autumn Convention of Nippon Kinzoku Gakkai, pp. 144-145, Nov. 1989.
Prior to explaining the concept of the maximum equivalent strain, an equivalent stress-equivalent strain will be defined. The equivalent strain is generally defined from the field condition in a three-axis-strain field in material mechanics, i.e. Mises condition. The corresponding stress is the equivalent stress. Since a true single-axis pulling stress-true strain curve concerning polycrystalline soldering material can be regarded as taking uniform deformation of the soldering material, which is an ordinally solder connecting portion itself, the curve itself is considered as equivalent pulling stress-equivalent strain curve.
The equivalent strain amplitude can be defined as follows. When the connection is subjected to the temperature cycle as shown in FIG. 3, the stress-strain curve occurring in the solder at the connection changes in accordance with the temperature change 1 to 7 in this temperature cycle. This change in the stress-strain curve is shown as 1 to 7 in FIG. 2 which can be acquired by the finite-element method three-dimensional thermal elastic/plastic analysis taking into consideration the temperature dependency of the real stress-real strain of the solder. Specifically, when in FIG. 3, temperature rises from the initial state 1 to 50° C. (2), the maximum stress-strain of the solder (e.g. 2) stays anywhere in the real stress-real strain curve from 1 to 50° C. in FIG. 2. Likewise, one cycle of temperature change of 150° C.→50° C.→20`results in the change in the stress-strain of 3 - 4 - 5 -6 -7 . Then, assuming that this change corresponds to the stress-strain hysterisis curve shown in FIG. 1, its maximum equivalent amplitude Δε eqmax is defined as the strain range between a high temperature 150° C. to a low temperature -50° C. as shown in FIG. 2. The maximum equivalent amplitude Δε eqmax thus defined and the life N f can be correlated with high accuracy irrespectively of the shape of the connection and the temperature range, as disclosed in the above mentioned extended abstracts.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a criterion equation for evaluating the life and a criterion equation for evaluating the degree of a crack using the maximum equivalent amplitude Δε eqmax and an equation representative of the speed of crack advancement. This crack advancement speed can be experimentally acquired in temperature cycle test by observing the breaking face of the solder with the crack advanced by an electron microscope.
In order to attain another object of the present invention, an approximation equation for acquiring the maximum equivalent strain amplitude Δε eqmax is simply obtained using the size of electronic components, the characteristic of the solder, and the condition of the temperature cycle. This approximation equation is programmed for a computer.
The crack advancement speed equation permits the life of the connection to its final breakdown to be estimated before the final breakdown.
The life evaluation criterion equation and the crack advancement criterion equation can give the number of temperature cycles for the degree of crack advancement permitted for assuring a remaining sectional area, and so gives the life of the connection. Contrary to this, these equations can also give the degree of crack advancement for the number of necessary cycles to know the remaining sectional area. This a product can be designed so that it will not program to a date of poor quality within its life.
The approximation equation for acquiring the maximum equivalent strain amplitude can give the maximum equivalent strain amplitude by a simple operation for a short time so that the life evaluation criterion equation and the crack advancement criterion equation acquired using the value of the maximum equivalent strain amplitude permits the life and the degree of crack advancement to be calculated, thereby designing an electronic device with high accuracy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a view of the conventional stress-strain hysterisis curve due to fatigue;
FIG. 2 is a graph of the equivalent stress-strain curve of thermal fatigue which is adopted in an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a graph showing the temperature profile used in an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4A is a conceptual view of the crack occurring in the solder between a semiconductor integrated circuit and a substrate in an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4B is a graph showing the relation between the length a of a crack and the number N of cycles giving rise to the life on the basis of the model of FIG. 4A;
FIG. 5 is a side view of the solder connection between the semiconductor integrated circuit and the substrate which is a basis of the partially enlarged model of FIG. 4A;
FIG. 6A is a graph showing a crack advancement speed equation d a /d N =Aa+B which is defined by the relationship between the length a of a crack and a crack advancement speed;
FIGS. 6B and 6C are SEM images at a 1 and a 2 on the crack, respectively;
FIG. 6D is a side view of the solder section where the semiconductor integrated circuit is mechanically removed from when the crack advances to point a2;
FIG. 7 is a graph of an equivalent stress-strain curve at a point in a solder connection which is acquired by the method of FIG. 2 through the finite element method three-dimensional thermal elastic/plastic analysis;
FIG. 8 is a graph showing the criterion for evaluating the life which is defined by the relationship between the crack length a and the cycle number N taking the equivalent strain into consideration;
FIG. 9 is a side view showing the main size of each of the substrate, the solder and the electronic circuit component;
FIG. 10 is a graph showing the strain evaluation criterion for acquiring the equivalent strain amplitude from a pure shearing strain;
FIG. 11 is a flow chart of the program for performing an evaluation processing using the method according to the present invention; and
FIGS. 12 and 13 are views showing examples of display on a display device which are outputted as a result of the program processing of FIG. 11.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
An embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 shows the state where a semiconductor integrated circuit 1 is connected with a circuit substrate 2 through solders. If the temperature cycle of temperature changes due to repeated power on/off of the circuit then, because of a difference between the semiconductor integrated circuit 1 and the circuit substrate 2 in their thermal expansion coefficient, strains occur repeatedly in the solder connections 3 eventually causing the solder to crack as shown in the partially enlarged view of FIG. 4A. For each of the temperature cycles, this crack will advance by an interval d a /d N and also a notch remains on the breaking face on which the crack occurs. The interval d a /d N is referred to as a crack advancement speed (D B : diameter of connection).
After the electronic device shown in FIG. 5 has been subjected to 1000 (one thousand) cycles of temperature change, the semiconductor integrated circuit 1 is mechanically removed therefrom. The faces of the crack 4 thus formed, as shown in FIG. 6D, are observed using a scanning type electronic microscope (SEM). FIGS. 6B and 6C show the observed images. The crack advancement speeds d a /d N at the ends of the lengths of a 1 and a 2 , which are obtained from the observed images of FIGS. 6B and 6C, are a 1 and a 2 . As a result of these observation results and other observations, as seen from FIG. 6A, the relationship between the crack advancement speed and the crack length a can be approximated as a linear relationship
d.sub.a /d.sub.N =A.sub.a +B (1)
By integrating this equation (1), as shown in FIG. 4B, an equation for evaluating the life of a connection, i.e. ##EQU1## (A, B: constant, a: length of crack, a o : initial length of crack, N: number of cycle) and a graph for evaluating the life can be obtained. Thus, the number of temperature cycles indicative Of the life can be acquired from the crack length a f which is a criterion for the life (Generally it is assumed that when the crack advances to the center of the connection solder, the life ends, i.e. D B /2=a f (D B : diameter of the connection solder)).
The life to breakdown estimated for the number of testing temperature cycles of 1000 is set for 3000 cycles. As a result of continued testing under the same condition, the breakdown was electrically confirmed at 3300 cycles approximate to the estimated 3000 cycles.
Further, the solder connection structure shown in FIG. 5 is subjected to the temperature change corresponding to the testing temperature cycle of room temperature →+150° C.→-50° C.→room temperature through the finite element method three-dimensional thermal elastic/plastic analysis as shown in FIG. 2. Then, the crack 4 as shown in FIG. 4A occurs in the solder connection structure. The hysterisis curve of the equivalent stress-equivalent strain at the crack 4 is shown in FIG. 7. As seen from FIG. 7, the strain amplitude is defined as the maximum equivalent strain amplitude Δε eqmax . The relationship between the maximum equivalent amplitude Δε eqmax , and the crack advancing speed d a /d N and the crack length a acquired in the previous breakdown test can be expressed by
d.sub.a /d.sub.N =C(A.sub.a +B)·(Δε.sub.eqmax) (3)
Equation (3) physically represents that the crack advancing speed d a /d N increases with the increase of the strain amplitude Δε eqmax , and the life increases with the increase of the length of the connection for the same strain amplitude Δε eqmax .
By integrating Equation (3), the life N f can be acquired by the life evaluating criterion equation expressed by the following.
By using N f for expressing life number of cycles which causes fracture, a o for an initial defect, a f for a crack length when fractured, the above mentioned life evaluating criterion equation is expressed by, ##EQU2## where, n is a material constant and c is a constant. (a f : life length of crack)
Further, by calculating backwards from Equation (4)-2, the crack length a after N cycles can be acquired by the crack advancement evaluating equation expressed by equation (5). These relations are exemplified in FIG. 8. ##EQU3##
With respect to poor quality products, the actual life thereof is 3500 cycles which is very approximate to the life of 3200 cycles acquired from calculation, where values of Δε eqmax =0.01 (=1%), A: 8.18×10 -3 , B: 0.18, C: 0.23, Af: 100 μm and a o : 0 are employed.
Meanwhile, the maximum equivalent strain amplitude Δε eqmax , which is decisive for the life of the solder connection due to thermal fatigue, greatly depends on the size of the semiconductor integrated circuit and the environmental condition for the same connection structure; to acquire it through the infinite element method three-dimensional elastic/plastic analysis is very troublesome. Then, with reference to FIG. 10, a technique for simply acquiring the maximum equivalent strain amplitude Δε eqmax will be explained.
Generally, the shearing strain γ at the connection as shown in FIG. 9 can be expressed by ##EQU4## where d is the size of the semiconductor integrated circuit, HJ is the height of the connection, Δα is the difference between the semiconductor integrated circuit 1 and the circuit substrate 2 in their thermal expansion coefficient ΔT is the temperature difference therebetween in their temperature cycles, and E is a correction parameter depending on the shape of the connection. The maximum equivalent strain amplitudes Δε eqmax 1, Δε eqmax 2 and Δε eqmax 3 corresponding to concrete values γ 1 , γ 2 , and γ 3 can be simply acquired. The values γ 1 , γ 2 , and γ 3 are obtained by a manual calculation of a structure model as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 in which certain dimensions are assigned, and Δε eqmax 1,2,3, are obtained by finite element three-dimensional thermal elastic/plastic analysis. By connecting these points, an approximation curve as shown in FIG. 10 can be made so that an approximation equation for acquiring Δε eqmax from γ can be provided. It is discovered that the equation can be expressed using γ by
Δεeqmax=A'γ.sup.2 +B'γ (7)
This equation permits the maximum equivalent strain amplitude to be simply calculated. Further, the life N f and the crack advancing degree a can also be simply acquired from Equations (4) and (5), respectively. Additionally, if there is a temperature difference between the electronic component, i.e. the semiconductor integrated circuit, and the circuit substrate, the shearing strain γ can be more generally expressed by ##EQU5## where α 1 and T 1 are the thermal expansion coefficient and temperature of the semiconductor integrated circuit α 2 and T 2 are those of the circuit substrate.
In accordance with this embodiment, the life of the solder connection can be evaluated or estimated simply and correctly.
Now an explaination will be given for another embodiment of the present invention which realizes the life evaluation method according to the present invention through a program. The flowchart of the entire program is shown in FIG. 11. The screen image displayed when the shape of the solder connection of the electronic component (flip chip or CCB chip) is input, and that displayed when the result of life evaluation and the degree of crack advancement are output are shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.
The evaluation through the program is carried out in the following process.
In Step 1, an object electronic component is designated by a key operation; for example, CCB is selected from a group consisting of CCB (Controlled Collapse Bonding), QFP (Quad Flat Package), PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier), MSP (Mini Square Package), and flip chip etc. The selection operation in Step 1 displays the model of the CCB chip described by trigonometry as shown in FIG. 12. With respect to the substrate 2, the CCB package chip 1 and the solder 3 connecting them, the items indicated as the shape data to be input for the CCB model are the distance d from the package center to the solder; the width direction distance D and longitudinal direction distance L 1 from the package center to the solder; the connecting width DB of the solder 3 on the side of the package 1; that DP thereof on the side of the substrate 2; and the height HJ of the package from the substrate 2.
In Step 2, the items or parameters required are input in such a manner that the respective columns of the list displayed for the CCB are filled with the corresponding data by a key operation. By filling the list with the required items in accordance with the items of the package model displayed by trigonometry, they can be surely input.
In Step 3, thermal expansion coefficients of the substrate 2 and the package (CCB) are input. By this step, parameters, except for ΔT, required for calculation in equation (6) are input.
In Step 4, Equation (4), which is a criterion equation for evaluating the life of the solder connection, and Equation (5), which is an equation for evaluating the crack advancement, are input, and further constants and an index n are input. These equations can be read out from the sub-routine including model equations prepared for each of the substrates and packages, and thereafter the constants and the index are substituted for the equations.
In Step 5, analysis conditions such as the upper and lower limit temperatures in the temperature cycle, the repetition frequency thereof, and the temperature difference between the substrate and package are input. Then, in Step 6, if the program is operated, γ in equation (6) and Δε eqmax in equation (7) are sequentially calculated according to input parameters and analysis conditions. The obtained values in equations (6) and (7) are used to calculate life time in calculation of life time equation (4)-1 and crack advancement equation (5).
Finally, in Step 7, the crack advancement on a section of the CCB model and on the solder pad surface as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. The crack advancement display as shown in FIG. 13 also includes the display of the maximum temperature, the temperature difference between the substrate and package, the repetition frequency, the present number of temperature cycles and the present length of crack advancement. From these displays, the degree of crack advancement in the solder connection and the remaining life thereof can be easily evaluated.
Additionally, the above life evaluation process can be repeated from any step thereof, and can also be applied to a flat package IC and the other chip components.
In accordance with the present invention, several calculations in the above program can be easily carried out using a large scale computer or a personal computer thereby permitting the design of the life of the electronic devices.
The life number of temperature cycles and the life degree of crack advancement estimated for a sample prepared for life test in accordance with the present invention agree with those actually measured within an error range of ±10%. Also, the time required for estimation is as short as 5-10 minutes. this time is much shorter than 2-5 hours (measured in the CPU time) required to calculate the maximum equivalent strain amplitude through the infinite element method using a super computer S810 in the previous embodiment. In short, in accordance with the present invention, the process for evaluating the life of the solder connection of an electronic component, which has been difficult, can be carried out in a short time and at low cost using a personal computer or a large scale computer.
Further, the life of the connection can be evaluated through the infinite element method three-dimensional thermal elastic/plastic analysis for any temperature distribution and environmental condition; it can be evaluated with high accuracy. Thus, the life evaluation method according to the present invention can contribute to enhance the reliability of electronic devices which will be strictly demanded in the future. | A method for evaluating the life of a connection between members including the steps of extracting parameters defining the shearing strain of a predetermined model representing the connection thereby to calculate the values of plural shearing strains of the connection, calculating the equivalent strain amplitude corresponding to thermal fatigue stress for each of the values of the plural shearing strains defining the relationship between the shearing strain and the equivalent strain amplitude, formulating a life evaluation criterion equation expressed using the equivalent strain amplitude, calculating, for the connection, the equivalent strain amplitude corresponding to each of the shearing strains actually measured using the equation, and substituting the equivalent strain amplitude for the life evaluation criterion equation to acquire the life of the connection. Further, in this method, an equation for evaluating the advancement of a crack is made using the equivalent strain amplitude, and the equivalent is substituted for the crack advancement evaluation equation to calculate the length of the crack. | 25,333 |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/782,055 filed Feb. 19, 2004, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/661,304 filed Mar. 9, 2005, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] An obvious intent of any automatic recovery system for almost any aircraft is to prevent ground impact during controlled flight of the aircraft. Many aircraft have standard proximity alarms for alerting pilots to the nearness of ground. These alarms can be based on inadmissible rates of descent of the aircraft or nearness of the ground. While proximity alarms are an improvement over prior systems, they are not a permanent solution to some of the problems that have been shown to cause aircraft ground impacts.
[0003] The need for ground collision avoidance extends to a wide variety of aircraft and scenarios ranging from terminal area navigation for commercial airliners to low level navigation, pilot spatial disorientation and g-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) for high performance aircraft. While some aircraft have been equipped with ground proximity warning systems, most of the existing ground proximity warning systems contain no provisions for variations in aerodynamics, but rather rely on the pilot to compensate for these variations by giving him a finite amount of time to recover level flight. At the same time, these systems are passive, relying on pilot awareness and competence to recover from the situation.
[0004] An innovative approach to this problem is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,710 to Altman. Altman discloses a process for preventing unwanted contact by an aircraft with land or water. When applied over land Altman assumes flat terrain or low hills. Altman's process utilizes the aircraft's rate of descent and altitude to compute a limiting altitude, which is further modified by the aircraft's ability for transverse acceleration. This limiting altitude is used to determine when to activate an automatic feedback controller, which provides the aircraft with the maximum feasible transverse acceleration. Thus, Altman attempts to continuously calculate a limiting altitude for the aircraft below which automatic controls will be applied for aircraft recovery. Various theoretical schemes are proposed by Altman for determining this limiting altitude. All of these schemes are difficult to incorporate into an aircraft control design or to simplify in a manner that will not cause spurious effects including nuisance flyups during controlled flight.
[0005] The current Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) is designed to provide pilots with timely alerts in the event that the airplane is flown towards terrain or an obstacle. The EGPWS alerting algorithms are predicated on the expectation that the response of the pilot to a warning will be a “pull-up”, i.e. a maneuver in the vertical plane only. If an aircraft is about to enter restricted airspace, it may not be possible to avoid the airspace by using a “pull-up” maneuver alone. Also, some airspace volumes expand laterally with altitude, and again a “pull-up” may not avoid penetrating the airspace volume.
[0006] A need therefore exists for a ground, obstacle, and protected airspace auto-recovery system that is sufficiently sophisticated to initiate a recovery maneuver when required while avoiding a multitude of nuisance recoveries that interfere with controlled flight and providing smooth recovery maneuvers for crew and passenger safety and comfort.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Systems and methods for generating navigation signals for a vehicle in an auto-avoidance situation are disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes analyzing two or more paths with respect to information about obstructions stored in a database. The information stored is made up of terrain, obstacles and protected airspace data. The method disclosed then selects a path and generates navigation signals if an auto-avoidance condition exists.
[0008] In accordance with further aspects of the invention, analysis is further based on a combination of the following: performance capabilities of the vehicle and speed of the vehicle.
[0009] In accordance with other aspects of the invention, after navigation signals are transmitted, the path information is stored in the database and vehicle control signals are sent to a vehicle control system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0010] The preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of components of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example process performed by the systems shown in FIG. 1 ; and,
[0013] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an example process performed by the systems shown in FIG. 1 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] As shown in FIG. 1 , an aircraft 20 includes a warning system 22 coupled to an auto-recovery system 24 . The warning system 22 , such as the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) produced by Honeywell, Inc., is coupled to various aircraft data sensors 26 , and a Flight Management System (FMS) 30 or similar flight information systems. An example of the warning system 22 is a ground proximity warning system as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,080 titled Terrain Awareness System, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The warning system 22 is also coupled to a database 32 that may include one or more of a terrain database, an airport database, an obstacle database, and a protected airspace database. The auto-recovery system 24 is also coupled to an autopilot 36 or in an alternate embodiment to a fly-by-wire system 40 .
[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the auto-recovery system 24 sends flight control commands, such as pitch or roll commands, to the autopilot 36 after some predefined period of time has elapsed since a caution or warning has been identified by the warning system 22 . In another embodiment, an integrity flag is received at the auto-recovery system 24 from the warning system 22 . The integrity flag indicates either high integrity or low integrity. If low integrity is indicated, the auto-recovery system 24 will not perform any auto-recovery maneuvers. However, if the integrity flag is set high, the auto-recovery system 24 will execute auto-recovery if an auto-recovery condition exists (warning or caution).
[0016] In another embodiment, after a caution or warning has been identified and outputted by the warning system 22 , the auto-recovery system 24 analyzes a plurality of escape routes, selects the best escape route, and sends corresponding pitch and roll commands to the autopilot 36 . This is described in more detail below with respect to the flow diagrams of FIGS. 2 and 3 .
[0017] The auto-recovery system 24 may be a separate general-purpose computer system that includes internal memory and a processing device that executes an auto-recovery application program stored within the memory or may be implemented as software within the warning system 22 .
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an example process 50 performed by the systems shown in FIG. 1 . First at a block 52 , auto-avoidance is initiated. Auto-avoidance is initiated when an alert condition has been identified and no pilot input has been received within a certain period since the identification of the alert condition. One example of auto-avoidance initiation is after a warning alert produced by the warning system 22 has occurred for a threshold number of seconds and no pilot action has been taken.
[0019] Next, at a block 54 , the auto-recovery system 24 instructs the autopilot 36 or other flight control system to perform a straight ahead climb. At a decision block 56 , the system 24 determines if there are any obstructions into the present flight path (i.e., the straight ahead climb). If no obstructions are found to be present within the present flight path, then at a block 58 , the process continues the climb. If, however, at the decision block 56 , an obstruction was observed to protrude into the present flight path, then the process 50 continues to a decision block 62 which determines if there are any obstructions into one or more flight paths that are at varying angular horizontal directions from the present flight path. If it is observed that an obstruction does not protrude into one of the other flight paths, then at a block 64 , the autopilot 36 is commanded to turn to the heading associated with this unobstructed flight path while maintaining the climbing profile. If at the decision block 62 , an obstruction is observed to protrude into the observed flight path, then at a block 66 , a search continues for a climbing path that does not have any obstructions. Once a climbing flight path has been observed, then at block 68 , the aircraft is instructed to navigate according to the results of the search. After the actions performed at the blocks 58 , 64 , and 68 , the process 50 determines if the aircraft is some safe distance above the nearest highest obstruction or above the obstruction that is along the present flight path. If it is determined at the decision block 72 that the aircraft is not yet above the observed obstruction then, the most recent command is maintained until the aircraft is safely above the observed obstruction and the process 50 returns to the decision block 56 for further analysis and any necessary maneuvering. If at the decision block 72 the aircraft is safely above the observed obstruction, then at the block 74 , the aircraft is instructed to level out at the present or a predefined altitude.
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates another example process 100 that may be performed by the system shown in FIG. 1 . First at a block 106 , the auto-recovery system 24 observes several flight paths at a first pre-defined look ahead distance. At a block 108 , a flight path of the observed several flight paths that has no obstructions and is closest to the present flight path is selected. At a block 110 , the autopilot 36 is instructed to navigate according to the selected flight path, if an auto avoidance condition exists. Next at a decision block 114 , the system 24 determines if there were any obstructions that were observed on any of the observed several flight paths. If there were obstructions observed on any one of the observed flight paths, then at a block 116 , the information regarding that flight path and the observed obstruction are stored for further use. The stored information can be used later To reduce the search time if another search is required—known ‘obstructed’ paths are immediately eliminated.
[0021] If at the decision block 114 , there were no obstructions observed along the flight path and after the information regarding flight paths having obstructions has been stored, the process 100 determines if the aircraft is at a safe altitude above any observed obstructions. If the aircraft is determined to be safely above any observed obstructions, then at block 122 , the aircraft is instructed to level off. If, however, the aircraft is still not briefly above the obstructions, the process returns to the block 106 to perform further observations along multiple flight paths.
[0022] In the embodiment of FIG. 3 , a climb out is normally performed, although it is possible of a military application where climbing would not be desirable (e.g. to stay below radar), and would not necessarily be performed.
[0023] In another embodiment, the system 24 is always searching the database 32 (even when an alert condition does not exist) for terrain, obstacles and protected airspace and determines if the search discovers an obstruction within the predefined horizontal distance (e.g., 5 mm) that are above the aircraft and that penetrate a conical or other shaped surface having a predetermined upward slope (e.g., 6 degrees). The upward slope represents an expected climb gradient capability of the aircraft. A first (horizontal only) flight path is calculated to avoid all obstructions discovered in the search. A second flight path is calculated based on various climb gradients (e.g., 3 degree, 10 degree). The first and second flight paths are weighted based on any or all of a number of factors, such as closeness to the present flight path, minimal changes to pitch or roll. The system 24 selects the best flight path based on the weighting. The system 24 sends control signals relating to the selected flight path to the autopilot 36 after either the system 24 or the warning system 22 has determined that an auto-recovery condition exists. In one embodiment, for the second flight path, there may be more than one climbing flight paths analyzed. Ideally, the system should choose a horizontal path that requires the least climb gradient (in case an engine fails during the maneuver).
[0024] Many alternations of the previous methods may be performed. For example, one example algorithm determines if any of a number of paths from the aircraft's present location provides a thousand feet of clearance above all terrain, obstacles, or protected airspaces within one nautical mile of the aircraft's present position. If a level flight path (no climb) provides this clearance, then it is chosen. Otherwise, if a 3° climb path provides clearance, then it is chosen. Otherwise, a 6° path is chosen. If several lateral paths provide the desired clearance, then the path with the least deviation from the current track of the aircraft is chosen.
[0025] In yet another embodiment the aircraft disclosed may also be a surface based vehicle or a sub surface based vehicle.
[0026] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow. | Systems and methods for generating navigation signals for a vehicle in an auto-avoidance situation. In one embodiment the method includes analyzing two or more paths with respect to information about obstructions stored in a database. The method disclosed then selects a path and generates navigation signals, if an auto avoidance situation exists. | 14,885 |
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