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<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording medium discriminating method for discriminating the type of a recording medium, a recording apparatus having a function of discriminating the type of a recording medium, a program for executing the discrimination as to the type of a recording medium, and a storage medium storing the program. More particularly, the present invention relates to a technique for discriminating the type of a recording medium from image information regarding a surface of the recording medium. 2. Description of the Related Art Hitherto, various types of output devices, such as electrophotographic, wired-dot, and ink-jet devices, have been practiced as output devices of printing systems in which a color image is formed by attaching colored toners or inks to a recording surface of a recording medium and then ejecting the recording medium having the color image recorded thereon. Of those output devices, the ink-jet device has garnered a lot of attention because such a device directly ejects inks from a recording head to the recording medium. This device, thus, requires fewer number of steps to form an image on the recording medium than other devices, and has additional advantages such as a low running cost, being suitable for color recording, and it produces less noise during the recording operation. For these reasons, the ink-jet device has received attention in a variety of markets ranging from business to domestic fields. Recently, many recording apparatuses (printers), facsimile machines, and copying machines have been practiced using output devices of the ink-jet type. It is generally known that various types of recording media are employed in an ink-jet recording apparatus. The types of recording media include plain paper, typically used regardless of the recording scheme, ink-jet coated paper (including a postcard dedicated for ink-jet printing, such as a New Year's card having the postcard size) in which a coating agent, e.g., silica, is applied to the recording surface of the recording medium for suppressing ink blurring and improving color development. Other recording media include: glossy paper and glossy film, which have a glossy appearance on the recording surface of the recording medium similar to photographic paper for glossy print, and which are used for forming photographs and images; an OHP film for a transparent document; transfer paper for transferring an image to a cloth, e.g., using an iron to transfer the image to a T-shirt, after recording the image on the recording medium; and a back print film in which a back surface of the recording medium serves as a recording surface. Thus, there are various types of recording media including others that are familiar to users. In the ink-jet recording apparatus, because permeability and fixity of ink differ depending on the coating agent applied to the surface of the recording medium, recording conditions for obtaining a good recorded image differ depending on the type of the recording medium. As a result, before the recording process begins, the user must select or enter the type of recording medium on which the image is to be recorded into the system and must set a recording mode suitable for the recording medium. In so doing, if the user erroneously sets the type of the recording medium and the recording mode by mistake, a recording image having the quality demanded by the user cannot be obtained in some cases. To avoid the troublesome operation required by the user and the possibility of a false setting, a device for automatically discriminating the type of the recording medium and then selecting and setting an optimum recording mode has been created. This automatic setting of a suitable recording mode for the type of the recording medium is needed in not only the ink-jet recording apparatus, but also in other types of recording apparatuses. FIG. 35 shows one example of a method for discriminating the type of the recording medium. With this method, a light is illuminated from a light source to a recording medium, and a reflected light from a surface of the recording medium is detected by an optical sensor using a photoelectric transducer to measure the intensity of the reflected light. Referring to FIG. 35 , a light source 3501 illuminates a light at an angle θ of incidence (arbitrary value) to a recording medium 3504 of which type is to be determined. A light receiving device 3502 for measuring the intensity of a specular reflection light receives a light that has been reflected at an angle θ of reflection equal to the angle θ of incidence at which the light was illuminated from the light source 3501 . Because the intensity of the specular reflection light changes depending on a gloss of the recording medium surface, the gloss of the recording medium can be confirmed by measuring the intensity of the specular reflection light. Further, a light receiving device 3503 receives a light having diffusely reflected at an angle different from the angle θ of incidence, at which the light was illuminated from the light source 3501 , (e.g., a light having reflected at a right angle relative to the recording medium in FIG. 35 ), for measuring the intensity of a diffuse reflection light. Because the intensity of the diffuse reflection light changes depending on the whiteness of the recording medium surface, the whiteness of the recording medium can be confirmed by measuring the intensity of the diffuse reflection light. The light source 3501 and the light receiving device 3502 receiving the specular reflection light are set in a layout such that the specular reflection light having reflected from the recording surface of the recording medium 3504 subjected to illumination from the light source 3501 can be received by the light receiving device 3502 . Likewise, the light source 3501 and the light receiving device 3503 receiving the diffuse reflection light are set in a layout such that the diffuse reflection light having reflected from the recording surface of the recording medium 3504 subjected to illumination from the light source 3501 can be received by the light receiving device 3503 . By comparing values of the intensity of two reflected lights thus obtained with corresponding values of the intensity of two reflected lights measured in advance for each type of the recording medium to be used, the type of the recording medium is discriminated. Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 11-271037 discloses an image forming method and an image forming apparatus for forming a high-quality image without regard to the type of the recording medium used and surface roughness thereof. In the disclosed method and apparatus, surface roughness is detected by measuring, as three-dimensional image information, an intensity distribution of a reflected light from a recording medium obtained when a light from a light source is illuminated to the recording medium, and then converting the detected information into a fractal dimension, i.e., one-dimensional information. A toner amount is then controlled to be matched with the surface roughness of the recording medium. Also, the assignee of the present application has previously proposed a discriminating device and a discriminating method in which, with a system employing a plurality of light receiving devices, the type of the recording medium is discriminated based on a gloss of the recording medium surface and fiber orientation of the recording medium surface. With this method, the fiber orientation of the recording medium surface is detected from a variation in intensity of diffuse reflection light sensed by the plurality of light receiving devices. The related art described above, however, has problems as follows. FIG. 36 shows the relationships of various types of recording media versus the intensity of the specular reflection light and the intensity of the diffuse reflection light. In FIG. 36 , numeral 3601 represents a distribution region of plain paper in terms of the intensity of the specular reflection light and the intensity of the diffuse reflection light. Likewise, numerals 3602 , 3603 , 3604 , 3605 and 3606 represent distribution regions of ink-jet coated paper, glossy paper, photographic glossy paper, a glossy film, and an OHP film, respectively. As seen from FIG. 36 , it is difficult to accurately discriminate plain paper and ink-jet coated paper from the relationships between the recording media and two reflected-light components, i.e., the specular reflection light and the diffuse reflection light. The intensity of the specular reflection light representing the gloss of the recording medium is given a value corresponding to the surface roughness so long as the recording medium is formed of the same material (although the intensity of the specular reflection light is indirectly affected by not only a surface layer, but also an intermediate layer). Accordingly, the intensity of the specular reflection light can be used as a parameter for discriminating the type of the recording medium. However, because various types of recording media are formed of a variety of different materials, there is a possibility that different types of recording media in fact provide values of the intensity of the specular reflection light comparable to each other. Such a case is confirmed, by way of example, with plain paper and ink-jet coated paper. Ink-jet coated paper has a higher smoothness (which is increased as the recording medium has a flatter and smoother surface) than plain paper, and therefore it provides a greater intensity of the specular reflection light if the recording medium is formed of the same material. However, light diffusion by the ink-jet coated paper is increased with the presence of a pigment, e.g., silica, applied to its surface. As a result, the value of the intensity of the specular reflection light from the ink-jet coated paper is comparable to or slightly smaller than that of the plain paper. Further, many types of plain paper and ink-jet coated paper provide close values of the intensity of the diffuse reflection light that represents whiteness of the recording medium. The reason is that users prefer recording media having a high degree of whiteness, which make black characters appear more tightly and provide a better color tint of a photographic image. In the past, placing a coat of calcium carbonate on the recording medium surface has been avoided for the problem that calcium carbonate scrapes a fusing roller used in an image forming apparatus employing the electrophotographic technique, such as a copying machine. Recently, however, calcium carbonate has been widely coated because of increased durability of the fusing roller. The coating of calcium carbonate is effective in increasing the whiteness of the recording medium, but it becomes difficult to discriminate plain paper having high whiteness because of a coating of calcium carbonate from ink-jet coated paper. Thus, in a conventional system employing reflection optical sensors for measuring the intensity of the specular reflection light and the intensity of the diffuse reflection light, it is difficult to discriminate plain paper and ink-jet coated paper from each other. This leads to a serious problem in an ink-jet recording apparatus in which recording conditions, such as the amount of ejected ink and the number of scans, i.e., passes, of a recording head for recording a one-line image differ depending on the type of the recording medium. In the above-mentioned two types of recording media, particularly, a significant difference exists in the recording conditions and hence a serious image quality problem results as well. Also, in electrophotographic recording apparatuses other than the ink-jet recording apparatus, if users mistakenly place ink-jet coated paper instead of plain paper in a cassette storing the recording medium, there is a risk that the recording medium will wrap around the fusing roller and cause a paper jam. In other words, the necessity of accurately discriminating various types of recording media for ink-jet printing, which are widely put into the market, is a problem not restricted to the field of ink-jet recording apparatuses. To solve the above-mentioned problem, the inventors have studied as a method of discriminating plain paper and ink-jet coated paper from each other with high accuracy, a method wherein the features of the surface roughness and the surface shape of a recording medium are obtained from image information regarding a surface of the recording medium by using an image sensor, as shown in FIG. 37 , and then discriminating the type of the recording medium. Here, the surface roughness implies a feature regarding the magnitude of unevenness of the recording medium surface, and the surface shape implies a feature regarding the period of unevenness of the recording medium surface. FIG. 37 is a schematic view showing a sensor system for discriminating the type of the recording medium by using the image sensor. Referring to FIG. 37 , a light source 3701 illuminates a light at an angle θ of incidence (arbitrary value) to a recording medium 3703 of which type is to be discriminated. Also, an image sensor 3702 creates image information regarding a surface of the recording medium from a component of diffuse reflection light having reflected at an angle different from the angle θ of incidence at which the light was illuminated from the light source 3701 (in FIG. 37 , a light having reflected at a right angle relative to the recording medium). The light source 3701 and the image sensor 3702 are set in a layout such that the diffuse reflection light having reflected from the recording surface of the recording medium 3703 subjected to illumination from the light source 3701 can be received by the image sensor 3702 . By comparing parameters representing surface conditions of the recording medium obtained from the image information resulting from the above-described sensor system with corresponding parameters measured in advance and representing surface conditions of the recording medium of the type which is to be used, the type of the recording medium is discriminated. FIG. 38 shows the relationships of various types of recording media versus a brightness difference and an average value of brightness. Those relationships are obtained when employing, as two examples of the parameters representing surface conditions of the recording medium, the brightness difference, i.e., the difference between maximum and minimum values of brightness in image information comprising a plurality of pixels, and the average value of the brightness. Numeral 3801 represents a distribution region of plain paper. Likewise, numerals 3802 , 3803 , 3804 , 3805 and 3806 represent distribution regions of ink-jet coated paper, glossy paper, photographic glossy paper, a glossy film, and an OHP film, respectively. As seen from FIG. 38 , it is possible to discriminate plain paper and ink-jet coated paper based on the plotted relationship. With the above-described system using the image sensor, plain paper and ink-jet coated paper, which have been usually employed for recording in the past, can be discriminated from each other. However, it is difficult to discriminate several types of recording media used in high quality image recording. More specifically, while attention has been recently focused on photographic glossy paper, which is a recording medium capable of recording an image with a quality comparable to that of a photograph printed on photographic paper, and on a glossy film using white PET, etc. as a base, it is difficult to accurately discriminate those two types of recording media because both recording media have high gloss values. The reason is that, as a result of various improvements in recording an image with a quality comparable to that of a photograph printed on photographic paper, photographic glossy paper has a higher smoothness than conventional glossy paper, thus the glossy film and the photographic glossy paper have similar physical properties, such as surface roughness and surface shape. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>With the view of overcoming the above-mentioned problems in the related art, the present invention is intended to discriminate the type of a recording medium with high accuracy. Particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a recording medium discriminating method capable of discriminating plain paper, ink-jet coated paper, and a recording medium having a high gloss, i.e., a glossy film or photographic glossy paper, with high accuracy. Other objectives of the present invention include providing a recording apparatus having a function of discriminating the type of a recording medium, a program for executing the discrimination as to the type of a recording medium, and a storage medium storing the program. The present invention provides a recording medium type discriminating method for discriminating the type of a recording medium comprising a step of creating image information indicating surface conditions of the recording medium, wherein the image information contains information for each of a plurality of pixels corresponding to a predetermined area of a recording medium surface; a step of detecting a gloss level of the recording medium surface; a step of obtaining, from the image information, a parameter regarding the surface conditions of the recording medium; and a step of discriminating the type of the recording medium based on the gloss level and the parameter regarding the surface conditions of the recording medium. Also, the present invention provides a recording medium type discriminating method for discriminating the type of a recording medium comprising: a step of creating image information indicating surface conditions of the recording medium, wherein the image information contains information for each of a plurality of pixels corresponding to a predetermined area of a recording medium surface and brightness information for each of the plurality of pixels; a step of detecting a gloss level of the recording medium surface; and a step of discriminating the type of the recording medium based on the gloss level and a parameter obtained from the brightness information. Further, the present invention provides a program for causing a computer to execute a process for discriminating the type of a recording medium, the program comprising program codes for executing a step of creating image information indicating surface conditions of the recording medium, wherein the image information contains information for each of a plurality of pixels corresponding to a predetermined area of a recording medium surface and brightness information for each of the plurality of pixels; a step of detecting a gloss level of the recording medium surface; and a step of discriminating the type of the recording medium based on the gloss level and a parameter obtained from the brightness information. Still further, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a program to discriminate the type of a recording medium, the storage medium storing an image information creating module for creating image information indicating surface conditions of the recording medium, wherein the image information contains information for each of a plurality of pixels corresponding to a predetermined area of a recording medium surface and brightness information for each of the plurality of pixels; a detecting module for detecting a gloss level of the recording medium surface; and a discriminating module of discriminating the type of the recording medium based on the gloss level and a parameter obtained from the brightness information. In addition, the present invention provides a recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium, which is fed by a feed unit in accordance with recording data, wherein the apparatus comprises: an image information creating unit for creating image information indicating surface conditions of the recording medium fed by the feed unit, wherein the image information contains information for each of a plurality of pixels corresponding to a predetermined area of a recording medium surface and brightness information for each of the plurality of pixels; a detecting unit for detecting a gloss level of the recording medium surface; and a discriminating unit for discriminating the type of the recording medium based on the gloss level and a parameter obtained from the brightness information. According to the present invention having the features set forth above, the following advantages are obtained. The parameters required for discriminating the type of the recording medium are obtained from both the intensity of the specular reflection light from the recording medium to be detected and the image information of the arbitrary small area of the recording medium surface. The type of the recording medium is discriminated based on these obtained parameters. Therefore, the type of the recording medium can be discriminated with higher accuracy than is possible with the conventional methods of discriminating the type of the recording medium by using a reflection optical sensor or an image sensor. In particular, the accuracy in discriminating between plain paper and ink-jet coated paper and between photographic glossy paper and a glossy film can be improved. Accordingly, it becomes possible to discriminate most types of recording media selectable by a printer driver, and hence it is possible to provide an environment capable of properly selecting and setting various recording conditions without requiring users to perform troublesome operations. Also, by employing an image sensor, an image of the recording medium surface can be produced through a measurement made on only one point, and therefore the need of moving the recording medium or the image sensor is no longer essential. As a matter of course then, there is no longer a need for a mechanical mechanism for moving the recording medium or the image sensor. In addition, the accuracy in discriminating between photographic glossy paper and a glossy film can be improved by employing the intensity of the specular reflection light. Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. |
Variable output pump device |
A variable output pump device, comprising a movable component capable of displacing a liquid fluid, said movable component being driven at constant speed by a motor, a similar actuating means or a means of transmitting movement, said movable component being mounted in a chamber of a housing comprising a supply passage or orifice and an outlet passage, the output of the pump device being variable according to the temperature of the liquid fluid aspirated and delivered by said device, at least within a certain temperature range. The pump device also comprises a heat-sensitive component mounted in the supply passage or orifice or in the outlet passage, the apparent surface in a projection plane perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow of said heat-sensitive component being a function of the temperature of said fluid with which it is in direct contact. |
1. Variable output pump device, comprising a movable component capable of displacing a liquid fluid, said movable component being driven at a constant speed by a motor, a similar actuating means or a means of transmitting movement, said movable component being mounted in a chamber of a housing comprising a supply passage or orifice and an outlet passage, the output of the pump device being variable depending on the temperature of the liquid fluid aspirated and delivered by said device, at least within a certain temperature range, a pump device (1) characterised in that it also comprises a heat-sensitive component (8) mounted in the supply passage or orifice (6) or in the outlet passage (7), the apparent surface in a projection plane perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow of said heat-sensitive component (8) being a function of the temperature of said fluid with which it is in direct contact. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the heat-sensitive component (8) comprises a body (9) forming an envelope or box, of which the external form changes depending on variations in the temperature of the fluid flow to which said component (8) is directly exposed, in particular the area of its apparent surface exposed to the fluid flow or obtained by projection in a plane perpendicular to the direction of said flow. 3. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the heat-sensitive component (8) comprises a body (9) forming an envelope or box of which the external form is such that its apparent surface exposed to the fluid flow or obtained by projection in a plane perpendicular to the direction of said flow varies if there is a displacement of said body (9) generated by and a function of a variation in temperature of said fluid to which said component (8) is directly exposed. 4. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the heat-sensitive component (8) comprises a part (9), if applicable a body (9) forming an envelope or box, for example of non-regular, non-symmetrical structure or provided with excrescence(s), mounted moving round a spindle, the degree of pivoting or the position in rotation round said spindle being a function of the temperature of the fluid to which said heat-sensitive component (8) is directly exposed. 5. Pump device according to claim 1, characterised in that the heat-sensitive component (8) is basically composed of at least two parts (9 and 9′) of different section and assembled together telescopically, said component (8) being mounted transversally in the outlet passage (7) and the telescopic structure forming it being retracted for low temperatures, with maximum obstruction of the outlet passage (7) by the part (9) of larger section, and deployed for higher temperatures, with total or partial displacement of the part (9) of greater section outside said passage (7) and exposure to the fluid flow traversing said passage (7) of the part(s) (9′) of smaller section. 6. Pump device according to claim 5, characterised in that the telescopic structure of the heat-sensitive component (8) is subject to an elastic constraint loading it in its state of maximum retraction, the temperature-sensitive actuating means of the component (8) acting positively against said elastic constraint with a magnitude corresponding to the magnitude of the rise in temperature. 7. Pump device according to claim 5, characterised in that the heat-sensitive component (8) consists of a wax actuator comprising, on the one hand, a cylindrical box body (9) enclosing a predetermined quantity of wax forming the temperature-sensitive actuating means of which the melting temperature is substantially equal to the lower temperature of the active regulation range and, on the other hand, a spindle (9′) mounted moving in translation in said box body (9), between a position of maximum retraction and a position of maximum extension, and of which the position in translation is determined by the condition of the wax, and in that the wax actuator (8) is mounted in said outlet passage (7) of the chamber (4) of the pump device (1) with the free end (9″) of the spindle (9′) mounted fixed in a side recess (10) of the wall (10′) of said passage (7) and its box body (9) mounted sliding in a bearing (11) of the housing, said box body (9) being subject to an elastic load in the direction of the free end (9″) of the spindle (9′). 8. Pump device according to claim 7, characterised in that it comprises a preassembled module (12) incorporating a box (13) comprising a compression spring (14) applying an elastic load to the box body (9) of the heat-sensitive component (8), or to a drive or support part (14′) integral therewith, mounted sliding and coming to a stop in the position of maximum displacement in the action direction of the spring (14) and in that said module (12) is received sealed in a suitable recess arranged in the housing (5, 5′) of the pump device (1). 9. Pump device according to claim 1, characterised in that the movable component (2) consists of a finned wheel mounted on a rotating drive spindle (2′) and in that the housing is formed principally of two complementary parts (5 and 5′) assembled together and sealed in the region of a joint plane (5″), the first part (5) having a totally or at least partly discoid cavity (15) in which the supply passage (6) and the outlet passage (7) open out and the second part (5′) in the form of a cover closing said cavity (15) to delimit the chamber (4) and forming directly or indirectly a support for the rotating spindle (2′) on which is mounted projecting the finned wheel (2), the supply passage (6) opening into the chamber (4) in the direction of the rotating spindle (2′) and facing that spindle and the outlet passage (7) extending tangentially from the circular periphery of that chamber. 10. Pump device according to claim 8, characterised in that the outlet passage (7) is formed in the first constituent part (5) of the housing and in that the preassembled module (12) is mounted sealed by its box (5) in the second constituent part (5′) forming a cover and by the end (9″) of its spindle (9′) movable in translation in a recess (10) of the wall (10′) delimiting the outlet passage (7) in the first constituent part (5). 11. Pump device according to claim. 8, characterised in that the outlet passage (7) is at least partially formed in a structural extension (16) of the second part (5′) constituting the housing, which is nested and sealed in a corresponding reception recess (16′) of the first constituent part (5), so as to delimit in part the chamber (4), and in that the preassembled module (12) is mounted sealed by its box (13) in the second constituent part (5′) and by the end (9″) of its spindle (9′) movable in translation in a recess (10) of the wall (10′) delimiting the outlet passage (7) and forming part of said structural extension (16). 12. Pump device according to claim 10, characterised in that the internal volume of the box (13) of the preassembled module (12) is open towards the chamber (4) receiving the movable component (2) and is exposed to the fluid flow circulating through this chamber (4). 13. Pump device according to claim 9, characterised in that an electric motor (3), of constant speed or not, is mounted in the second part (5′) forming a cover, its spindle (2′) carrying the movable component (2) mounted fixed in rotation on this spindle. 14. Pump device according to claim 1, characterised in that the heat-sensitive component (8) consists of a shape-memorising part, mounted transversally in the supply (6) or outlet (7) passage and of which the apparent surface exposed to the flow of fluid varies, by changing the orientation or form of said part, depending on the temperature of said fluid in contact with it, at least within a predetermined temperature range. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>There are already numerous embodiments of pump devices or the like in which the output is regulated according to several parameters, including in particular the temperature of the fluid aspirated and delivered. A first known solution consists of measuring the temperature of the fluid by a suitable sensor and varying the speed of the motor driving the active component of the pump depending on the measured temperature, after processing the measured values. A second known solution consists of measuring the temperature of the fluid by a suitable sensor and displacing or positioning an obstruction element depending on the measured temperature, to modify the pump's inlet and/or outlet section, to modify the useful surface of the active component, or to modify the characteristics of the chamber of the housing of said pump, it then being possible for the speed of the active component and its actuating means to remain constant. However, both these two known solutions are complex and costly, and cannot be considered in applications with a low manufacturing cost. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The object of the present invention in particular is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a variable output pump device, comprising a movable component capable of displacing a liquid fluid, said movable component being driven at a constant speed by a motor, a similar actuating means or a means of transmitting movement, said movable component being mounted in a chamber of a housing comprising a supply passage or orifice and an outlet passage, the output of the pump device being variable depending on the temperature of the liquid fluid aspirated and delivered by said device, at least within a certain temperature range, a pump device characterised in that it also comprises a heat-sensitive component mounted in the supply passage or orifice or in the outlet passage, the apparent surface in a projection plane perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow of said heat-sensitive component being a function of the temperature of said fluid with which it is in direct contact. |
Aircraft boundary transition warnings and auto alerting |
In combination with a Geographic Information System (GIS), 3-dimensional shapes may be used to designate or identify blocks of airspace. These shapes may be defined in many ways including lat/long, local coordinates, or FAA transmitted directions for TFRs and ADIZs. These restricted areas and zones may be modeled using suitably modified AirScene™ software from Rannoch Corporation. AirScene™ software can locate various aircraft in the vicinity of restricted airspace, determine whether the aircraft is about to enter restricted airspace, and issue a warning to the pilot of such aircraft that restricted airspace is about to be violated. Such a warning can be audible (e.g., radio communication message) or visual (e.g., graphic display or even a flashing light or text message) and is much less distracting than having a laser shining in the cockpit. Since the AirScene™ system is ground-based, ground personnel can also be advised if restricted airspace is being violated, or even about to be violated. |
1. A method of providing information indicating the relative proximity of an aircraft to restricted airspace, comprising the steps of: determining position of the aircraft, determining boundaries of restricted airspace local to the aircraft position, generating at least one aircraft alert zone representing a region surrounding the aircraft, determining whether the aircraft alert zone intersects boundaries of the restricted airspace, and indicating whether an aircraft alert zone has intersected boundaries of the restricted airspace. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining position of the aircraft comprises the steps of: receiving radio signals from the aircraft at a plurality of receiver sites, time-stamping the radio signals when received at the receiver sites, and determining aircraft position through multilateration of the time-stamped radio signals from the receiver sites. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining position of the aircraft comprises the steps of: receiving altimeter data from the aircraft radio signals, and correlating the altimeter data from the aircraft radio signals with aircraft position determined through multilateration. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining position of the aircraft comprises the steps of: receiving radar data from an air traffic control system indicating aircraft position, and correlating the aircraft position data from the air traffic control system with aircraft position determined through multilateration. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining boundaries of restricted airspace local to the aircraft position further comprises the steps of: receiving restricted airspace data from a restricted airspace database, and converting the restricted airspace data into a three-dimensional model of restricted airspace for a given region of interest. 6. The method of claim 5, therein the restricted airspace data comprises at least one of Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) and Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ) data. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of generating at least one aircraft alert zone representing a region surrounding the aircraft further comprises the step of: generating at least one alert zone surrounding the aircraft so as to provide one or more warning levels of impending intersection with a restricted airspace. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one aircraft alert zone corresponds to the aircraft position so as to indicate when the aircraft has entered restricted airspace. 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of determining whether the at least one aircraft alert zones intersects boundaries of the restricted airspace further comprises the steps of: generating a three-dimensional model of the at least one aircraft alert zones, and comparing the three-dimensional model of the at least one aircraft alert zones with the three-dimensional model of restricted airspace to determine whether any of the at least one aircraft alert zones intersect any portion of the restricted airspace. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of indicating whether any of the at least one aircraft alert zones has intersected boundaries of the restricted airspace further comprises the step of: generating an alarm indicating that an aircraft alert zone has intersected the restricted airspace. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of indicating whether an aircraft alert zone has intersected boundaries of the restricted airspace further comprises the step of: generating a visual display showing an aircraft alert zone and boundaries of the restricted airspace. 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of indicating whether an aircraft alert zone has intersected boundaries of the restricted airspace further comprises the step of: displaying on an in-cockpit display, position of the aircraft relative to boundaries of restricted airspace. 13. A system of providing information means for indicating the relative proximity of an aircraft to restricted airspace, comprising: means for determining position of the aircraft, means for determining boundaries of restricted airspace local to the aircraft position, means for generating at least one aircraft alert zone representing a region surrounding the aircraft, means for determining whether the aircraft alert zone intersects boundaries of the restricted airspace, and means for indicating whether an aircraft alert zone has intersected boundaries of the restricted airspace. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein means for determining position of the aircraft comprises: a plurality of receiver sites for receiving radio signals from the aircraft, means for time-stamping the radio signals when received at the receiver sites, and a processor for determining aircraft position through multilateration of the time-stamped radio signals from the receiver sites. 15. The system of claim 13, wherein means for determining position of the aircraft comprises: a receiver for receiving altimeter data from the aircraft radio signals, and a processor for correlating the altimeter data from the aircraft radio signals with aircraft position determined through multilateration. 16. The system of claim 13, wherein means for determining position of the aircraft comprises: an air traffic control system for indicating aircraft position, and a processor for correlating the aircraft position data from the air traffic control system with aircraft position determined through multilateration. 17. The system of claim 13, wherein means for determining boundaries of restricted airspace local to the aircraft position further comprises: a restricted airspace database for providing restricted airspace data, and a processor for converting the restricted airspace data into a three-dimensional model of restricted airspace for a given region of interest. 18. The system of claim 17, therein the restricted airspace data comprises at least one of Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) and Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ) data. 19. The system of claim 17, wherein means for generating at least one aircraft alert zone representing a region surrounding the aircraft further comprises: a processor for generating at least one alert zone surrounding the aircraft so as to provide one or more warning levels of impending intersection with a restricted airspace. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the at least one aircraft alert zone corresponds to the aircraft position so as to indicate when the aircraft has entered restricted airspace. 21. The system of claim 19, wherein means for determining whether the at least one aircraft alert zones intersects boundaries of the restricted airspace further comprises: a processor for generating a three-dimensional model of the at least one aircraft alert zones, and a processor for comparing the three-dimensional model of the at least one aircraft alert zones with the three-dimensional model of restricted airspace to determine whether any of the at least one aircraft alert zones intersect any portion of the restricted airspace. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein means for indicating whether any of the at least one aircraft alert zones has intersected boundaries of the restricted airspace further comprises: an alarm for indicating that an aircraft alert zone has intersected the restricted airspace. 23. The system of claim 21, wherein means for indicating whether an aircraft alert zone has intersected boundaries of the restricted airspace further comprises: a visual display showing an aircraft alert zone and boundaries of the restricted airspace. 24. The system of claim 21, wherein means for indicating whether an aircraft alert zone has intersected boundaries of the restricted airspace further comprises: an in-cockpit display for displaying position of the aircraft relative to boundaries of restricted airspace. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Since Sep. 11, 2001, it has become common practice for air traffic control authorities, militaries, and other organizations to restrict airspace use. In the United States airspace may be restricted through the use of Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) and Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ). Similar practices are employed in other countries. For background and several references to TFRs and ADIZs please refer to http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/notams.html. The use of TFRs and ADIZ by Government authorities has become more and more prevalent. TFRs and ADIZs are used continually to protect airspace in major events, ranging from major public/stadium events (e.g., NFL Super Bowl) to affairs of state (Presidential events, visiting dignitaries, and the like). Thus, it may be difficult for pilots to keep up with the latest locations of TFRs and ADIZs. The following is an excerpt from the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Website cited above and incorporated herein by reference. As can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, understanding the nature and scope of this ADIZ can be difficult, even for a skilled pilot: THE WASHINGTON DC METROPOLITAN AREA AIR DEFENSE IDENTIFICATION ZONE (DC ADIZ) FOR PURPOSES OF THIS NOTAM ONLY, IS THAT AREA OF AIRSPACE OVER THE SURFACE OF THE EARTH WHERE THE READY IDENTIFICATION, LOCATION, AND CONTROL OF AIRCRAFT IS REQUIRED IN THE INTERESTS OF NATIONAL SECURITY. SPECIFICALLY, THE DC ADIZ IS THAT AIRSPACE, FROM THE SURFACE TO BUT NOT INCLUDING FL180, WITHIN THE OUTER BOUNDARY OF THE WASHINGTON DC TRI-AREA CLASS B AIRSPACE AREA; AND THAT ADDITIONAL AIRSPACE CONTAINED WITHIN AN AREA BOUNDED BY A LINE BEGINNING AT 383712N/0773600W; THENCE COUNTER CLOCKWISE ALONG THE 30-MILE ARC OF THE DCA VOR/DME TO 384124 N/0762548W; THENCE WEST ALONG THE SOUTHERN BOUNDARY OF THE WASHINGTON DC TRI-AREA CLASS B AIRSPACE AREA TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. FIG. 4 is a graphical plot of the DCA zones illustrating a sample Restricted Airspace in the Washington DC area. As can be readily appreciated from FIG. 4 , the zones and geometry are quite complex and extensive. It may be quite difficult for a private pilot to understand the nature and extent of such zones and successfully navigate such areas without inadvertently entering into such zones. As a result, in many recent incidents, small aircraft pilots have strayed into such restricted airspace, causing some panic and also risking the lives of the pilot and passengers, as well as those on the ground. Such inadvertent wanderings can create grave consequences for the pilot, including fines and possible suspension of licenses. In a worst-case scenario, the pilot could be shot down by surface-to-air missiles maintained by the military. When planning any General Aviation (GA) flight, therefore, a pilot needs to check on all possible TFRs and ADIZs and other restricted airspace requirements anywhere near the flight plan. Since these can change on a day-to-day (or even hour-to-hour) basis, it may be almost impossible for a pilot to be aware of all airspace restrictions. On Feb. 6, 2005, for example, there were approximately 50 TFRs nationwide listed on http://map.aeroplanner.com, incorporated herein by reference. It can be difficult for the General Aviation pilot to keep up with all these constantly changing TFRs. From that same website, FIG. 8 illustrates TFRs for Super Bowl XXXIX on Feb. 6, 2005. Similar techniques may be applied to national defense, border security, and military test ranges. Test ranges usually have some form of aircraft tracking but do not provide automated transition warnings. FIG. 9 illustrates and an example of a test range for the U.S. Navy at Nanoose, near Vancouver, Canada. (See, http://www.rannoch.com/pdf/nanoose — 2520 — 10 — 01 — 04.pdf). Methods of warning aircraft of impending threats, such as an air-to-air collision include establishing a virtual bubble or envelope around the aircraft. These envelopes are sometime tiered to represent different severities of warnings. Two warning levels are represented in FIG. 10 . The envelopes may be established based on distance or range/rate of closure. Examples of these techniques are found in Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) and Aircraft Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (ACAS), as well as terrain avoidance systems including the following references, all of which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 6,750,815 Method, apparatus, and computer program products for alerting surface vessels to hazardous conditions U.S. Pat. No. 6,710,723 Terrain data retrieval system U.S. Pat. No. 6,707,394 Apparatus, method, and computer program product for generating terrain clearance floor envelopes about a selected runway U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,004 Method for determining a currently obtainable climb gradient of an aircraft U.S. Pat. No. 6,606,034 Terrain awareness system U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,155 Assembly, computer program product and method for displaying navigation performance based flight path deviation information U.S. Pat. No. 6,477,449 Methods, apparatus and computer program products for determining a corrected distance between an aircraft and a selected runway U.S. Pat. No. 6,469,664 Method, apparatus, and computer program products for alerting surface vessels to hazardous conditions U.S. Pat. No. 6,445,310 Apparatus, methods, computer program products for generating a runway field clearance floor envelope about a selected runway U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,870 Apparatus, methods, and computer program products for determining a look ahead distance value for high speed flight U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,263 Aircraft terrain information system U.S. Pat. No. 6,292,721 Premature descent into terrain visual awareness enhancement to EGPWS U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,592 Method and apparatus for terrain awareness U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,060 Terrain awareness system U.S. Pat. No. 6,122,570 System and method for assisting the prevention of controlled flight into terrain accidents U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,009 Aircraft terrain information system U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,634 Method and apparatus for alerting a pilot to a hazardous condition during approach to land U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,080 Terrain awareness system U.S. Pat. No. 6,292,721 Premature descent into terrain visual awareness enhancement to EGPWS U.S. Pat. No. 6,127,944 Integrated hazard avoidance system The use of multi-layer threat analysis for terrain and aircraft collision detection, avoidance, and warning is therefore known in the art. However, to date, this technique has not been applied to the problem of warning pilots of aircraft intrusion into restricted airspace. FIG. 10 illustrates the two levels of Logic Showing Multiple Layers of Aircraft Protection and Alerting. FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating the threat detection concepts of the TCAS system from a vertical and horizontal perspective, respectively. Referring to FIG. 1 , a number of ranger criterion may be provided for the TCAS equipped aircraft. Such range criterion may include a surveillance range of approximately 20 nautical miles, a Traffic Advisory range of approximately 3.3 nautical miles, and a Resolution Advisory of approximately 2.1 nautical miles. An intruder aircraft entering into each relative range criterion may cause a corresponding advisory, warning, or indication to be generated to alert the pilot of the TCAS aircraft of the proximity of the intruder aircraft and/or provide instructions (e.g., “pull up!”) to avoid a potential collision. FIG. 2 shows similar Altitude criterion, which are also used to indicate the relative threat level of an intruder aircraft. If the intruder aircraft is within 1200 feet of the flight level of the TCAS equipped aircraft, and is within the range criterion, a Traffic Advisory may be generated. If the intruder aircraft is within 850 feet of the TCAS equipped aircraft and within the range criterion, a Resolution Advisory may be generated. Rannoch Corporation has been involved in the TCAS Independent Validation and Verification (IV&V) process since its inception in 1992. Its first task consisted in reverse-engineering version 6.04a of the TCAS logic,—correcting the original code and representing it using state chart diagrams (See, http://www.rannoch.com/Statechartf.html, incorporated herein by reference) and truth tables (See, http://www.rannoch.com/TruthTablef.html, incorporated herein by reference) reflecting the different conditions under which variables in the logic are assigned specific values. The subsequent version of the logic, called “Change 7”, included the following additions. A refined “vertical tracker” used for altimetry, with a 25 ft quantization was added. A “horizontal miss distance filter” was included to suppress unnecessary alerts whenever the projected horizontal distance between two airplanes at closest point of approach is beyond a predefined threshold. A “multi-aircraft” capability was created, enabling the TCAS unit to choose the best escape maneuvers in a threat situation involving more than two aircraft. Rannoch's verification of the logic featured the development of analysis tools for the TCAS SIMulation program (TSIM) and the design of logic-challenging aircraft encounter scenarios. See, e.g., Rannoch Demos at http://www.rannoch.com/demosf.html, and the TSIM software at http://www.rannoch.com/ZipFiles/tcasdemo.zip, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. TSIM's purpose is to test the TCAS logic, ensuring that its different representations, pseudocode and CRS (CAS Requirements Specifications), perfectly match. It comprises more than 300 encounter scenarios fully testing every part of the collision avoidance logic. Each scenario features “own” aircraft moving in a straight line and one or more “intruder” aircraft with a three-dimensional freedom of movement. As soon as an intruder aircraft becomes a threat, the CAS logic is activated causing own aircraft to climb or descend. Throughout the scenario, which can be displayed as seen from a plan or side view, relevant parameters of the encounter are recorded, facilitating further analyses. Since Jan. 1, 1994, every aircraft carrying more than 30 passengers aboard is mandated by Congress to be equipped with a TCAS unit. As a direct consequence, major international airlines equipped their fleet with TCAS units, thus providing additional safety in other parts of the world. On an international level, the U.N. ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) is promoting the worldwide ACAS II (Airborne Collision Avoidance System) equipage of all aircraft with more than 30 passengers by Jan. 1, 2000, and its extension to all aircraft carrying more than 19 passengers by Jan. 1, 2005. Future collision avoidance systems will benefit from the use of ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance—Broadcast) via the spontaneous transmission of data such as position, velocity, intent. It is expected that the former two will be based upon the Global Positioning System (GPS), providing users with as little as a sub-meter accuracy. The actual requirements needed to operate such a transition are under investigation by RTCA Special Committee 186, Working Group 4, which is supported by Rannoch Corporation. FIG. 3 illustrates an enhanced TCAS system display from MITRE Corporation, with other traffic and weather information. TCAS targets are shown as diamonds, and range, heading, relative altitude, and ground speed are displayed. As illustrated in the events of Sep. 11, 2001, Prior Art air traffic control systems are largely helpless if an aircraft turns off its transponder signal. The transponder outputs a signal identifying the aircraft and indicating its altitude based upon a barometric altimeter. Without altitude information, it can be difficult to properly track an aircraft and determine whether it has entered a restricted area, as these areas are often three-dimensional in shape. Barometric altimeters can be inaccurate, or spoofed, as the ground level pressure reading can be adjusted by the pilot. Thus, in addition to the other problems stated above, it remains a requirement in the art to provide an accurate method of determining an aircraft's altitude without relying upon the aircraft transponder. Preventing pilots from breaking TFR and ADIZ boundaries is a constant challenge all over the United States and in other countries. The U.S. Government has been trying all types of solutions to prevent TFR and ADIZ “busts.” As described in the online aviation weekly AvWeb, the U.S. Government has recently experimented with lasers to deter pilots from entering restricted airspace. (see http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/avflash/335-full.html#188958) NORAD has developed a “Visual Warning System” (VWS). NORAD is planning to shine lasers into a pilot's cockpit if the pilot “busts” the ADIZ around Washington, D.C. Red and Green lasers will be aimed into the cockpit of an aircraft entering the restricted airspace to warn the offending pilot of a violation of restricted airspace. A warning will also be broadcast on the ATIS if the event happens in the airport vicinity. As might be imagined, such a system has been met with some criticism, as the laser lights might arguably blind the pilot temporarily, thus leading to further confusion and violation of the airspace. An alternative to such drastic measures is needed. Co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/756,799 Filed Jan. 14, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference, discloses A Minimum Altitude Warning System is described to prevent Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT). In that patent application, a ground-based CFIT warning system provides pilots with CFIT alerts. The system is based upon a ground-based tracking system, which provides surveillance of aircraft, such as the AirScene™ multilateration system manufactured by Rannoch Corporation of Alexandria, Va. The system monitors both horizontal and vertical positions of aircraft. When an aircraft has been determined to be operating below safe altitudes, or too close to obstructions, the pilot is provided with a warning. The warning may be delivered via the pilot's voice communications and/or a data link or the like. FIG. 5 illustrates the fundamentals of the AirScene™ method of tracking using triangulation or multilateration of the aircraft's transponder signals as is known in the art, although many other methods may be used to track an aircraft (e.g., radar and the like). In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , radio signals emanating from aircraft on the ground 560 and in the air 510 may be received at a number of discrete receiver locations 520 spaced throughout the area of interest. The time stamps from these signals may be fed to a processor 540 where the Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) can be used to calculate the position of aircraft 510 and 560 and display such information in graphical or numerical form on a display 530 . Thus, it is possible to precisely locate the position of an aircraft using radio signals emanating from the aircraft or by other means. Other means of tracking include radar systems and ADS-B. Many countries are implementing a network of ADS-B ground stations as described in the following references: http://www.raytheon.co.uk/highlights/ATMS.html http://www.raytheon.co.uk/news_room/news/press — 02022005.pdf http://www.airsysatm.thomson-csf.com/products/NAV/ads_b.htm http://www.eurocontrol.be/care/asas/tn-workshop1/asas-tn-vanderkraan2.ppt http://www.eurocontrol.be/care/asas/tn-workshop1/asas-tn-howlett.ppt An alternative to shining lasers into the cockpits of aircraft that stray into restricted airspace is needed. The only other alternative—shooting down such aircraft—is also unacceptable. Thus, a need exists in the art to provide a system for warning pilots that they are about to enter restricted airspace before they enter such airspace, without blinding them or otherwise distracting them from flying. As illustrated herein, techniques exist in the art for precisely locating the position of aircraft relative to one another and relative to the ground and positions within the airspace. As also noted herein, communications, warning, and graphical display devices already exist in the cockpit to display the relative position of an aircraft and/or warn a pilot of the position of the aircraft relative to another aircraft, the terrain, or an obstacle. Such a system should also be capable of warning personnel on the ground of an aircraft entering restricted airspace. It remains a requirement in the art to combine these existing technologies with some new technology to create a better warning system for pilots so that they can have proper situational awareness of their position relative to restricted airspace, and also be properly warned if they are accidentally straying into restricted airspace. Such a system must be accurate and redundant so that false alarms are not generated, and moreover human error or intentional spoofing of the system does not cause the system to fail. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In combination with a Geographic Information System (GIS), 3-dimensional shapes may be used to designate or identify blocks of airspace. These shapes may be defined in many ways including lat/long, local coordinates, or FAA transmitted directions for TFRs and ADIZs. These restricted areas and zones may be modeled using suitably modified AirScene™ software from Rannoch Corporation. AirScene™ software can locate various aircraft in the vicinity of restricted airspace, determine whether the aircraft is about to enter restricted airspace, and issue a warning to the pilot of such aircraft that restricted airspace is about to be violated. Such a warning can be audible (e.g., radio communication message) or visual (e.g., graphic display or even a flashing light or text message) and is much less distracting than having a laser shining in the cockpit. Since the AirScene™ system is ground-based, ground personnel can also be advised if restricted airspace is being violated, or even about to be violated. In one embodiment, a graphical representation of restricted airspace may be fed to a cockpit information display in the aircraft, such as a flat panel display, which may also display radar, mapping, and other information. For smaller General Aviation (GA) aircraft, this information may even be displayed on a handheld organizer (e.g., PalmPilot® or the like). The restricted airspace data may also be displayed or overlaid on other existing cockpit displays, including but not limited to radar displays, TCAS displays, Air Chart displays, or displays comprising any or all of these types of displays. Visual or audible warnings can be provided if breach of restricted airspace has occurred or is imminent. As in the TCAS system, a number of threat levels may be used to suitably warn the pilot of the presence of restricted airspace, the proximity of restricted airspace, and the breach of restricted airspace. In addition to the above features, the system of the present invention may also be used to verify that altitude transponder data is indeed correct, based upon independent verification from the ground-based AirScene™ system. This aspect of the present invention may also be provided as a stand-alone feature, which may be used to calibrate, augment, or replace traditional barometric altimeters used for aircraft transponders. |
Indoles, 1h-indazoles, 1,2-benzisoxazoles, 1,2-benzoisothiazoles, and preparation and uses thereof |
The present invention relates generally to the field of ligands for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nACh receptors), activation of nACh receptors, and the treatment of disease conditions associated with defective or malfunctioning nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, especially of the brain. Further, this invention relates to novel compounds (indazoles and benzothiazoles), which act as ligands for the α7 nACh receptor subtype, methods of preparing such compounds, compositions containing such compounds, and methods of use thereof. |
1. A compound according to Formula I, II, or III: wherein X1 to X4 are each, independently, CH, CR1, or N, wherein at most one of X1 to X4 is N; X5 to X8 are each, independently, CH, CR2, or N, wherein at most one of X5 to X8 is N; X9 to X12 are each, independently, CH, CR3, or N, wherein at most one of X9 to X12 is N; B is O, S, or H2; Y is O or S; A1 is wherein when A1 is of the following formula, m is 2 or 3, and B is O, then R1 is other than H, CH3, or R8 is other than H, CH3, or C2H5 wherein when A1 is of the following formula, m is 1 or 2, and B is O, then R1 is other than H or CH3, or R8 is other than H, CH3, or C2H5 A2 is wherein when A2 is of the following formula, m is 2 or 3, and B is O, then R2 is other than H, CH3, or halogen, or R10 is other than H, CH3, or C2H5 wherein when A2 is of the following formula, m is 2, and B is O, then R2 is other than H or CH3, or R8 is other than H, CH3, or C2H5 wherein when A2 is of the following formula, m is 2 or 3, and B is O, then R2 is other than H or CH3, or R5 is other than H, CH3, or C2H5 A3 is wherein when A3 is of the following formula, m is 2 or 3, Y is O, and B is O, then R3 is other than H, CH3, halogen, NO2 or NH2, or R10 is other than H, CH3, or C2H5 R1, R2 and R3 are each, independently, H, C1-6-alkyl which is unsubstituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C2-6-alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C2-6-alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR 3, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Si(R5)3, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C3-8-cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, unsubstituted C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, halogen, CN, NO2, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, NR13SO2R14, CONR13R14, CSNR13R14, COOR13, NR13COR14, NR13CSR14, NR13CONR13R14, NR13CSNR13R14, NR13COOR14, NR13CSOR14, OCONR13R14, OCSNR13R14, Ar, Het, or R16O—; R4 to R12 are each, independently, H, C1-4-alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, Ar, or combinations thereof, C3-6-alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, Ar, or combinations thereof, C3-6-alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, Ar, or combinations thereof, cycloalkyl having 3 to 10 carbnon atoms, which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by halogen, hydroxy, oxo, cyano, alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or combinations thereof, cycloalkylalkyl having 4 to 16 carbon atoms, which is unsubstituted or substituted in the cycloalkyl portion and/or the alkyl portion one or more times by halogen, oxo, cyano, hydroxy, C1-4-alkyl, C1-4-alkoxy or combinations thereof, Ar-alkyl, or Het-alkyl; R13 and R14 are each independently H, Ar, Ar-alkyl, Het, C1-4-alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, monoalkylamino, dialkylamino, C3-8-cycloalkyl, or combinations thereof, cycloalkyl having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by halogen, hydroxy, oxo, cyano, alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or combinations thereof, C3-6-alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, Ar, or combinations thereof, or C3-6-alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, Ar or combinations thereof; R15 is C1-6-alkyl; R16 is H, C1-6-alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C3-6-alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C3-6-alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR 3, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C3-8-cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, unsubstituted C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C4-8-cycloalkylalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, unsubstituted C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, Ar, or Het; m is 1, 2 or 3; o is 1 or 2; Ar is an aryl group containing 6 to 10 carbon atoms which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogen, amino, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkoxy having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkoxy having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, alkenyloxy having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, monoalkylamino having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, acylamido, acyloxy, alkylthio having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkylsulphinyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkylsulphonyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, sulfo, sulfonylamino, Het, cycloalkylamino wherein the cycloalkyl group has 3 to 7 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, aryloxy wherein the aryl portion contains 6 to 10 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, arylthio wherein the aryl portion contains 6 to 10 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, cycloalkyloxy wherein the cycloalkyl group has 3 to 7 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has I to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, or combinations thereof; Ar-alkyl is an aryl-alkylene group wherein the alkylene portion contains 1 to 4 carbon atoms and is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, and the aryl portion is Ar as defined above; and Het is a heterocyclic group, which is fully saturated, partially saturated or fully unsaturated, having 5 to 10 ring atoms in which at least 1 ring atom is a N, O or S atom, which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogen, amino, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkoxy having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkoxy having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, alkenyloxy having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, monoalkylamino having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxycarbonylmethyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, acylamido, acyloxy, alkylthio having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkylsulphinyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkylsulphonyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, sulfo, oxo, sulfonylamino, cycloalkylamino wherein the cycloalkyl group has 3 to 7 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, aryl containing 6 to 10 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, aryl-alkylene group wherein the aryl portion contains 6 to 10 carbon atoms and the alkylene portion contains 1 to 4 carbon atoms and is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, aryloxy wherein the aryl portion contains 6 to 10 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, arylthio wherein the aryl portion contains 6 to 10 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, cycloalkyloxy wherein the cycloalkyl group has 3 to 7 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, heterocyclic group, which is fully saturated, partially saturated or fully unsaturated, having 5 to 10 ring atoms in which at least 1 ring atom is a N, O or S atom, which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, heterocyclic-alkyl group, in which the heterocylic portion is fully saturated, partially saturated or fully unsaturated, having 5 to 10 ring atoms in which at least 1 ring atom is a N, O or S atom, and the alkyl portion is an alkylene group containing 1-4 carbon atoms, wherein said heterocyclic-alkyl group is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio (e.g., or combinations thereof; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 2. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is of Formula I and is selected from: (a) a compound wherein X1 to X4, and B are as defined in claim 1, A1 is and R4-R7, R12, m and o are as defined in claim 1; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. (b) a compound wherein X1 to X4, and B are as defined in claim 1; A1 is R10 and R11 are as defined in claim 1; and m is 1; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; (c) a compound wherein X1 to X4, and B are as defined in claim 1; A1 is R10, R11 and m are as defined in claim 1; and R1 is C2-6-alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C2-6-alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR 3, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C2-6-alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Si(R15)3, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C3-8-cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, unsubstituted C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, CN, NO2, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, SO2R13, SO2NR13R4, NR13SO2R14, CONR13R14, CSNR13R14, COOR13, NR13COR14, NR13CSR14, NR13CONR13R14, NR13CSNR13R14, NR13COOR14, NR13CSOR14, OCONR13R14, OCSNR13R14, Ar, Het, or R16O—; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; (d) a compound wherein X1 to X4, and B are as defined in claim 1; A1 is R8 and R9 are as defined in claim 1; and m is 3; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; (e): a compound wherein X1 to X4, and B are as defined in claim 1; A1 is R8 and R9 are as defined in claim 1; and R1 is C2-6-alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C2-6-alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C2-6-alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Si(R15)3, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C3-8-cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, unsubstituted C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, halogen, CN, NO2, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, NR13SO2R14, CONR13R14, CSNR13R14, COOR13, NR13COR14, NR13CSR14, NR13CONR13R14, NR13CSNR13R14, NR13COOR14, NR13CSOR14, OCONR13R14, OCSNR13R14, Ar, Het, or R16O—; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; (f) a compound wherein X1 to X4, and A1 are as defined in claim 1; and B is S; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; and (g) a compound wherein X1 to X4, and A1 are as defined in claim 1; and B is H2; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 3. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is of formula II, and is selected from: (a) a compound wherein X5 to X8, and B are as defined in claim 1; and A2 is R4, R6, R7, R12, m and o are as defined in claim 1; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; (b) a compound wherein X5 to X8, and B are as defined in claim 1; A2 is R10 and R11 are as defined in claim 1; and m is 1; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; (c) a compound wherein X5 to X8, and B are as defined in claim 1; A2 is R10, R11 and m are as defined in claim 1; and R2 is C2-6-alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C2-6-alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C2-6-alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Si(R15)3, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C3-8-cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, unsubstituted C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, CN, NO2, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, NR13SO2R14, CONR13R14, CSNR13R14, COOR13, NR13COR14 NR13CSR14, NR13CONR13R14, NR13CSNR13R14, NR13COOR14, NR13CSOR14, OCONR13R14, OCSNR13R14, Ar, Het, or R16O—; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; (d) a compound wherein X5 to X8 and B are as defined in claim 1; A2 is R8 and R9 are as defined in claim 1; and m is 1 or 3; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; (e) a compound wherein X5 to X8 and B are as defined in claim 1; A2 is R8, R9 and m are as defined in claim 1; and R1 is C2-6-alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C2-6-alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C2-6-alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Si(R15)3, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C3-8-cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, unsubstituted C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, halogen, CN, NO2, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, NR13SO2R14, CONR13R14, CSNR13R14, COOR13, NR13COR14, NR13CSR14, NR13CONR13R14, NR13CSNR13R14, NR13COOR14, NR13CSOR14, OCONR13R14, OCSNR13R14, Ar, Het, or R16O—; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; (f) a compound wherein X5 to X8 and B are as defined in claim 1; A2 is R5 is as defined in claim 1; and m is 1; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; (g) a compound wherein X5 to X8 and B are as defined in claim 1; A2 is R5 and m are as defined in claim 1; and R1 is C2-6-alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C2-6-alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C2-6-alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Si(R15)3, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C3-8-cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, unsubstituted C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, halogen, CN, NO2, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, NR13SO2R14, CONR13R14, CSNR13R14, COOR13, NR13COR14, NR13CSR14, NR13CONR13R14, NR13CSNR13R14, NR13COOR14, NR13CSOR14, OCONR13R14, OCSNR13R14, Ar, Het, or R16O—; and and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; (h) a compound wherein X5 to X8, and A2 are as defined in claim 1; and B is S; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; and (i) a compound wherein X5 to X8, and A2 are as defined in claim 1; and B is H2; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 4. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is of formula III, and is selected from: (a) a compound wherein X9 to X12, B and A3 are as defined in claim 1; and Y is S; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; (b) a compound wherein X9 to X12, Y and A3 are as defined in claim 1; and B is S or H2; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; (c) a compound wherein X9 to X12, B and Y are as defined in claim 1; A3 is and R4-R9, R12, m and o are as as defined in claim 1; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, (d) a compound wherein X9 to X12, B and Y are as defined in claim 1; A3 is R10 and R11 are as defined in claim 1; and m is 1; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; and (e) a compound wherein X9 to X12, B and Y are as defined in claim 1; A3 is R10, R11 and m are as defined in claim 1; and R3 is C2-6-alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C2-6-alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C2-6-alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Si(R15)3, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, C3-8-cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, NR13R14, SH, SR13, SOR13, unsubstituted C3-8-cycloalkyl, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, Ar, Het, or combinations thereof, CN, NR13R14 (wherein at least one of R13 and R14 is other than H), SH, SR13, SOR13, SO2R13, SO2NR13R14, NR113SO2R14, CONR13 R14, CSNR13R14, COOR13, NR13COR14, NR13CSR14, NR13CONR13R14, NR13CSNR13R14, NR13COOR14, NR13CSOR14, OCONR13R14, OCSNR13R14, Ar, Het, or R16O—; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 5. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R13 and R14 are each independently H, Ar, Het, C1-4-alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, monoalkylamino, dialkylamino, C3-8-cycloalkyl, or combinations thereof, cycloalkyl having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by halogen, hydroxy, oxo, cyano, alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or combinations thereof, C3-6-alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, Ar, or combinations thereof, or C3-6-alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, Ar or combinations thereof; and Het is a heterocyclic group, which is fully saturated, partially saturated or fully unsaturated, having 5 to 10 ring atoms in which at least 1 ring atom is a N, O or S atom, which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogen, amino, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkoxy having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkoxy having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, alkenyloxy having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, monoalkylamino having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkoxycarbonylmethyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, acylamido, acyloxy, alkylthio having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkylsulphinyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkylsulphonyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, sulfo, sulfonylamino, cycloalkylamino wherein the cycloalkyl group has 3 to 7 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylaamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, aryl containing 6 to 10 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, aryl-alkylene group wherein the aryl portion contains 6 to 10 carbon atoms and the alkylene portion contains 1 to 4 carbon atoms and is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylaamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, aryloxy wherein the aryl portion contains 6 to 10 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, arylthio wherein the aryl portion contains 6 to 10 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, cycloalkyloxy wherein the cycloalkyl group has 3 to 7 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, heterocyclic group, which is fully saturated, partially saturated or fully unsaturated, having 5 to 10 ring atoms in which at least 1 ring atom is a N, O or S atom, which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, heterocyclic-alkyl group, in which the heterocylic portion is fully saturated, partially saturated or fully unsaturated, having 5 to 10 ring atoms in which at least 1 ring atom is a N, O or S atom, and the alkyl portion is an alkylene group containing 1-4 carbon atoms, wherein said heterocyclic-alkyl group is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, or combinations thereof. 6. A compound according claim 5, wherein Het is a heterocyclic group, which is fully saturated, partially saturated or fully unsaturated, having 5 to 10 ring atoms in which at least 1 ring atom is a N, O or S atom, which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogen, amino, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkoxy having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkoxy having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, alkenyloxy having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, monoalkylamino having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, acylamido, acyloxy, alkylthio having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkylsulphinyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkylsulphonyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, sulfo, sulfonylamino, cycloalkylamino wherein the cycloalkyl group has 3 to 7 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, aryl containing 6 to 10 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, aryl-alkylene group wherein the aryl portion contains 6 to 10 carbon atoms and the alkylene portion contains 1 to 4 carbon atoms and is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 C carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, aryloxy wherein the aryl portion contains 6 to 10 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, arylthio wherein the aryl portion contains 6 to 10 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 C atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, cycloalkyloxy wherein the cycloalkyl group has 3 to 7 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 carbon atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, heterocyclic group, which is fully saturated, partially saturated or fully unsaturated, having 5 to 10 ring atoms in which at least 1 ring atom is a N, O or S atom, which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by halogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, halogenated alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, amino, monoalkylamino wherein the alkyl portion has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, dialkylamino wherein the alkyl portions each have 1 to 8 C atoms, COR16, CSR16, cyano, hydroxyl, nitro, oxo, or thio, or combinations thereof. 7. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R1, R2, and R3 are in each case H, alkyl, halogenated alkyl, OR16, halogen, Ar, or Het. 8. A compound according to claim 7, wherein Het is in each case substituted or unsubstituted thienyl, substituted or unsubstituted furyl, substituted or unsubstituted pyrazolyl, substituted or unsubstituted thiazolyl, substituted or unsubstituted dihydropyranyl, substituted or unsubstituted oxazolyl, substituted or unsubstituted triazolyl, substituted or unsubstituted imidazolyl, or substituted or unsubstituted isoxazolyl. 9. A compound according to claim 7, wherein Het is is each case 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-(4-methyl)thienyl, 2-(5-methyl)thienyl), 2-oxazolyl, (trifluoromethylphenyl)thienyl, 2-(4-methyl)thiazolyl, (3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl), (1 -benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl), 2-oxo-3-propylimidazolidin-1-yl), dimethylisoxazolyl, 1-benzyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, or 2-(5-methyl)furyl). 10. A compound according to claim 1, wherein (a) when said compound is of formula I, X1 to X4 are in each case CH or CR1; (b) when said compound is of formula II, X5 to X8 are in each case CH or CR2; and (c) when said compound is of formula III, X9 to X12 are in each case CH or CR3. 11. A compound according to claim 1, wherein (a) when said compound is of formula I, X1 is CH; (b) when said compound is of formula II, X5 is CH; and (c) when said compound is of formula III, X9 is CH. 12. A compound according to claim 1, wherein (a) when said compound is of formula I, X4 is CH or CR1; (b) when said compound is of formula II, X8 is CH or CR2; and (c) when said compound is of formula III, X12 is CH or CR3; wherein R1, R2, and R3 are in each case alkyl, halogenated alkyl, alkoxy, halogenated alkoxy, or halogen. 13. A compound according to claim 1, (a) when said compound is of formula I, X2 and X3 are in each case CH or CR1; (b) when said compound is of formula II, X6 and X7 are in each case CH or CR1; and (c) when said compound is of formula III, X10 and X11 are in each case CH or CR1; wherein R1, R2, and R3 are in each case alkyl, halogenated alkyl, alkoxy, halogenated alkoxy, halogen, cyano, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkyloxy, cycloalkylalkoxy, Ar or Het. 14. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R7, R9, R11, and R12 are in each case H or alkyl. 15. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R4, R5, R6, R8, and R10 are in each case H, alkyl, cycloalkylalkyl or Ar-alkyl. 16. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is of formula I and A1 is 8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-amino (endo and/or exo), octahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazinyl, 3-methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1 ]octan-8-amino, 8-methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl, 9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-3-amino (endo and/or exo), 2-methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-5-amino, (rel 6R,8aS)-octahydroindolizin-6-amino, (rel 6S, 8aS)-octahydroindolizin-6-amino, 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-5-amino, or 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-amino. 17. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is of formula II and A2 is 8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-amino (endo and/or exo). 18. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is of formula III and A3 is 8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-amino (endo and/or exo), 8-methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-amino, 2-methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-5-amino, or 9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-3-amino(endo and/or exo). 19. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is of formula I, A1 l is 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-amino, 8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-amino (endo and/or exo), 9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-3-amino, or 9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-amino (endo and/or exo), B is O; R11 is H or CH3; and R1 is CF3, CH3O, CF3O, cyclopropyl, cyano, ethynyl which is substituted or unsubstituted, phenyl which is substituted or unsubstituted, furyl which is substituted or unsubstituted, thienyl which is substituted or unsubstituted, bithienyl which is substituted or unsubstituted, pyrazolyl which is substituted or unsubstituted, thiazolyl which is substituted or unsubstituted, imidazolyl which is substituted or unsubstituted, pyrrolidinyl which is substituted or unsubstituted, morpholinyl which is substituted or unsubstituted, or thiomorpholinyl which is substituted or unsubstituted. 20. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is of formula I, A1 is 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-5-amino, 2-methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-5-amino, 2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-5-amino, or 2-methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-5-amino, B is O; and R11 is H or CH3. 21. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is of formula I, A1 is 3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-8-amino, 3-methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-8-amino or 8-methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-8-amino; and B is O. 22. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is of formula I and is selected from: (a) a compound wherein X1, X2, and X3 are CH, X4 is CR1, and B is O, (b) a compound wherein X1, X2, and X4 are CH, X3 is CR1, and B is O, and (c) a compound wherein X1, X3, and X4 are CH, X2 is CR1, and B is O. 23. A compound according to claim 22, wherein R1 is alkyl, halogenated alkyl, alkoxy, halogenated alkoxy, or halogen. 24. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is of formula II and is selected from: (a) a compound wherein X5, X6, and X7 are CH, X8 is CR2, and B is O, (b) a compound wherein X5, X6, and X8 are CH, X7 is CR2, and B is O, and (c) a compound wherein X5, X7, and X8 are CH, x6 is CR2, and B is O. 25. A compound according to claim 24, wherein R2 is alkyl, halogenated alkyl, alkoxy, halogenated alkoxy, halogen, Ar, or Het. 26. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is of formula III and is selected from: (a) a compound wherein X9, X10, and X11 are CH, X12 is CR3, and B is O, (b) a compound wherein X9, X10, and X12 are CH, X11 is CR3, and B is O, and (c) a compound wherein X9, X11, and X12 are CH, X10 is CR3, and B is O. 27. A compound according to claim 26, wherein R3 is alkyl, halogenated alkyl, alkoxy, halogenated alkoxy, or halogen. 28. A compound according to claim 1, wherein alkyl in each case is methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, or tert-butyl. 29. A compound according to claim 1, wherein alkoxy in each case is methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, isobutoxy, and sec-butoxy. 30. A compound according to claim 1, wherein cycloalkyl in each case is cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, or cyclohexyl. 31. A compound according to claim 1, wherein Ar is in each case phenyl, naphthyl or biphenyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by halogen, alkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, nitro, methylenedioxy, ethylenedioxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyalkoxy, carboxy, cyano, acyl, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylthio, alkylsulphinyl, alkylsulphonyl, phenoxy, or acyloxy. 32. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is selected from: (8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]non-3-yl)-6-(2-thienyl)1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, (8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]non-3-yl)-6-(2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3 -carboxamide, 3-(Hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazin-2(1H)-ylcarbonyl)-1H-indazole hydroformate, 3-(Hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazin-2(1H)-ylcarbonyl)-1H-indazole, 3-[(3-Methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-8-yl)carbonyl]-1H-indazole hydroformate, 3-[(3-Methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-8-yl)carbonyl]-1H-indazole, 3-[(8-Methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-1H-indazole hydroformate, 3-[(8-Methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-1H-indazole, 3-[(8-Methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole hydroformate, 3-[(8-Methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole, 5-(1-Benzyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(1-Benzyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-(2,3′-Bithien-5-yl)-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(2,3′-Bithien-5-yl)-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-(2-Furyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-(3,5-Dimethylisoxazol-4-yl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(3,5-Dimethylisoxazol-4-yl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-(3-Furyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(3-Furyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-(3-Furyl)-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(3-Furyl)-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Cyano-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Cyano-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Ethynyl-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Methoxy-3-[(8-methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-1H-indazole hydroformate, 5-Methoxy-3-[(8-methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-1H-indazole, 5-Methoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Methoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Methoxy-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Methoxy-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Methoxy-N-methyl-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Methoxy-N-methyl-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-(2-Furyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-(2-Furyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-(3-Furyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Cyano-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Cyano-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Cyclopropyl-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Cyclopropyl-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Ethoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Ethoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-3-[(8-methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-1,2-benzisothiazole hydroformate, 6-Methoxy-3-[(8-methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-1,2-benzisothiazole, 6-Methoxy-3-[(8-methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-1H-indazole hydroformate, 6-Methoxy-3-[(8-methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-1H-indazole, 6-Methoxy-N-(2-methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride, 6-Methoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 7-Methoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 7-Methoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide, 7-Methoxy-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 7-Methoxy-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 8-Methyl-N-{[5-(3-thienyl)-1H-indazol-3-yl]methyl}-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-amine hydroformate, 8-Methyl-N-{[5-(3-thienyl)-1H-indazol-3-yl]methyl}-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-amine, N-(2-Cyclopropylmethyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(2-Cyclopropylmethyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(2-Ethyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(2-Ethyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(2-trimethylsilylethynyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(3-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carbothioamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(3-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carbothioamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(3-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(3-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(5-methyl-2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(5-methyl-2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(morpholin-4-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(morpholin-4-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(thiomorpholin-4-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(thiomorpholin-4-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-[(3-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-[(3-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-[(4-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-[(4-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-{5-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-thienyl}-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-{5-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-thienyl}-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide dihydrochloride, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(2-trimethylsilylethynyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(2-trimethylsilylethyryl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(3-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(5-methyl-2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(5-methyl-2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-[(3-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-[(3-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-[(4-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-[(4-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-7-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-7-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)5-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)5-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide dihydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(2-trimethylsilyethynyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(3-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(3-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(4-methyl-2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(4-methyl-2-thienyl)1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(morpholin-4-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(morpholin-4-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(thiomorpholin-4-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(thiomorpholin-4-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-6-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-6-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-6-(2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-6-(2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-6-(4-methyl-2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-6-(4-methyl-2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-[(rel-6R,8aS)-Octahydroindolizin-6-yl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-[(rel-6R,8a)-Octahydroindolizin-6-yl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-[(rel-6S,8aS)-Octahydroindolizin-6-yl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-[(rel-6S,8aS)-Octahydroindolizin-6-yl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride, 6-Methoxy-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide, 7-Methoxy-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 7-Methoxy-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide 6-Methoxy-N-(exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide 6-Methoxy-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(2-trimethylsilylethyn 1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(2-trimethylsilylethyn-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Methoxy-N-methyl-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Methoxy-N-methyl-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(2-trimethylsilylethyn 1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(2-trimethylsilylethyn-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide N-(1H-Indazol-3-ylmethyl)-N,8-dimethyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-amine dihydroformate, N-(1H-Indazol-3-ylmethyl)-N,8-dimethyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-amine, 5-Fluoro-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Fluoro-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 3-(Hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazin-2(1H)-ylcarbonyl)-6-methoxy-1H-indazole hydroformate, 3-(Hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazin-2(1H)-ylcarbonyl)-6-methoxy-1H-indazole, 2-(1H-Indazol-3-ylcarbonyl)octahydro-2H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrazine hydroformate, 2-(1H-Indazol-3-ylcarbonyl)octahydro-2H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrazine, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(phenylthio)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(phenylthio)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-nitro-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-nitro-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-nitro-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-nitro-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Methoxy-N-(exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Methoxy-N-(exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-(3,6-Dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(3,6-Dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-(3,6-Dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(3,6-Dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 33. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is selected from: 5-{[(Cyclopentylamino)carbonyl]amino}-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-{[(Cyclopentylamino)carbonyl]amino}-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Amino-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Amino-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Amino-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Amino-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-(1-Benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide dihydroformate, 6-(1-Benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-(3,6-Dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-(3,6-Dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Methoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1 oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Methoxy-N-(exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, Ethyl [4-(3-{[(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)amino]carbonyl}-1H-indazol-6-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]acetate dihydroformate, Ethyl [4-(3-{[(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)amino]carbonyl}-1H-indazol-6-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]acetate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-{[(propylamino)carbonyl]amino}-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-{[(propylamino)carbonyl]amino}-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-[1-(2-piperidin-1-ylethyl)-1H-yl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide trihydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-[1-(2-piperidin-1-ylethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-yl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazote-3-carboxamide, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)5-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 34. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is selected from: 2-[(6-Methoxy-1H-indazol-3-yl)carbonyl]octahydro-2H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrazine hydroformate, 7-Methoxy-N-(endo-9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Methoxy-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Methoxy-N-(exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Methoxy-N-(2-methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-6-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Difluoromethoxy-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Difluoromethoxy-N-(exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Difluoromethoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Difluoromethoxy-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Difluoromethoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-5-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-(3,6-Dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-N-(2-methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-6-(5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Difluoromethoxy-N-(2-methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-6-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-5-(5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-6-(2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-5-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(3,6-Dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-N-(2-methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Methoxy-N-(2-methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-[(rel-1S,4S,5S)-2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl]-6-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-[(rel-1S,4S,5R)-2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl]-6-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-[(rel-1S,4S,5R)-2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl]-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-[(rel-1S,4S,5S)-2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl]-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-5-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-6-(5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-6-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Amino-N-(2-methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-(1-Benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide dihydroformate, 6-{[(Cyclopentylamino)carbonyl]amino}-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-{[(propylamino)carbonyl]amino}-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-({[(4-Fluorophenyl)amino]carbonyl}amino)-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-({[(4-Fluorobenzyl)amino]carbonyl}amino)-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-({[(3-Methoxyphenyl)amino]carbonyl}amino)-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-({[(3-Methoxybenzyl)amino]carbonyl}amino)-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(2-oxo-3-propylimidazolidin-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 35. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is selected from: 5-(3,6-Dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-N-(endo-9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Methoxy-N-(endo-9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(endo-9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Methoxy-N-(endo-9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Methoxy-N-(endo-9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-nitro-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Amino-N-(endo-9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(1-Benzyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-(endo-9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(2,3′-Bithien-5-yl)-N-(endo-9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(3-Furyl)-N-(endo-9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(3-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(4-methyl-2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-6-(2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-6-(4-methyl-2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide dihydroformate, N-(endo-9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-6-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(2-trimethylsilylethyn)-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(morpholin-4-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(thiomorpholin-4-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-[1-(2-piperidin-1-ylethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide trihydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-[1-(2-piperidin-1-ylethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]-1H- indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-(1-Benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide dihydroformate, 5-(1-Benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide dihydroformate, 5-{[(Cyclopentylamino)carbonyl]amino}-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-{[(Cyclopentylamino)carbonyl]amino}-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-{[(propylamino)carbonyl]amino}-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-{[(propylamino)carbonyl]amino}-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-{[(Cyclopentylamino)carbonyl]amino}-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-{[(propylamino)carbonyl]amino}-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-({[(4-Fluorophenyl)amino]carbonyl}amino)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-({[(4-Fluorobenzyl)amino]carbonyl}amino)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-({[(3-Methoxyphenyl)amino]carbonyl}amino)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-({[(3-Methoxybenzyl)amino]carbonyl}amino)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(2-oxo-3-propylimidazolidin-1-yl)1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Difluoromethoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Difluoromethoxy-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Difluoromethoxy-N-(exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Difluoromethoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride, 5-Difluoromethoxy-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride, 5-Difluoromethoxy-N-(exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride, 6-Difluoromethoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Difluoromethoxy-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Difluoromethoxy-N-(exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Difluoromethoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride, 6-Difluoromethoxy-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride, 6-Difluoromethoxy-N-(exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride, and 6-Difluoromethoxy-N-(exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 36. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 37. A method of selectively activating/stimulating α-7 nicotinic receptors in a patient wherein such activation/stimulation has a therapeutic effect, comprising administering to the patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1. 38. A method of treating a patient suffering from a psychotic disease, a neurodegenerative disease involving a dysfunction of the cholinergic system, and/or a condition of memory and/or cognition impairment, comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1. 39. A method according to claim 38, wherein said patient is suffering from schizophrenia, anxiety, mania, depression, manic depression, Tourette's syndrome, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Lewy Body Dementia, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, memory impairment, memory loss, cognition deficit, attention deficit, and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. 40. A method of treating a patient suffering from dementia and/or another condition with memory loss, comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1. 41. A method of treating a patient suffering from memory impairment due to mild cognitive impairment due to aging, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Pick's disease, Creutzfeld-Jakob disease, depression, aging, head trauma, stroke, CNS hypoxia, cerebral senility, multiinfarct dementia, HIV and/or cardiovascular disease comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1. 42. A method of treating and/or preventing dementia in an Alzheimer's patient comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to claim 1 to inhibit the binding of an amyloid beta peptide with nACh receptors. 43. A method of treating a patient for alcohol withdrawal or treating a patient with anti-intoxication therapy comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1. 44. A method of treating a patient to provide for neuroprotection against damage associated with strokes and ischemia and glutamate-induced excitotoxicity comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1. 45. A method of treating a patient suffering from nicotine addiction, pain, jetlag, obesity and/or diabetes, comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1. 46. A method of inducing smoking cessation in a patient comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1. 47. A method of treating a patient suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI), vascular dementia (VaD), age-associated cognitive decline (AACD), amnesia associated with open-heart-surgery, cardiac arrest, general anesthesia, memory deficits from exposure to anesthetic agents, sleep deprivation induced cognitive impairment, chronic fatigue syndrome, narcolepsy, AIDS-related dementia, epilepsy-related cognitive impairment, Down's syndrome, Alcoholism related dementia, drug/substance induced memory impairments, Dementia Puglistica (Boxer Syndrome), or animal dementia comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1. 48. A method for treating loss of memory comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1. 49. A method for treating a patient suffering from memory impairment comprising administering to the patient a compound according to according to claim 1. 50. A method according to claim 50, wherein said memory impairment is due to decreased nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activity. 51. A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease or condition resulting from dysfunction of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor transmission in a patient comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1. 52. A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease or condition resulting from defective or malfunctioning nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in a patient comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1. 53. A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease or condition resulting from suppressed nicotinic acetylcholine receptor transmission in a patient comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1. 54. A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease or condition resulting from loss of cholinergic synapses in a patient comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1. 55. A method for protecting neurons in a patient from neurotoxicity induced by activation of α7nACh receptors comprising administering to said patient an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1. 56. A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of a neurodegenerative disorder by inhibiting the binding of Aβ peptides to α7nACh receptors in a patient, comprising administering to said patient an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1. 57. A method for treating a patient suffering from an inflammatory disease, comprising administering to said patient an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1. 58. A method according to claim 58, wherein said inflammatory disease is rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or sepsis. 59. A method for selectively activating/stimulating α-7 nicotinic receptors in a patient wherein such activation/stimulation has a therapeutic effect, comprising administering to the patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound selected from: (8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]non-3-yl)-6-(2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, (8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]non-3-yl)-6-(2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 3-(Hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazin-2(1H)-ylcarbonyl)-1H-indazole hydroformate, 3-(Hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazin-2(1H)-ylcarbonyl)-1H-indazole, 3-[(3-Methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-8-yl)carbonyl]-1H-indazole hydroformate, 3-[(3-Methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-8-yl)carbonyl]-1H-indazole, 3-[(8-Methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-1H-indazole hydroformate, 3-[(8-Methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-1H-indazole, 3-[(8-Methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole hydroformate, 3-[(8-Methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole, 5-(1-Benzyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(1-Benzyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-(2,3′-Bithien-5-yl)-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(2,3′-Bithien-5-yl)-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-(2-Furyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-(3,5-Dimethylisoxazol-4-yl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(3,5-Dimethylisoxazol-4-yl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-(3-Furyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(3-Furyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-(3-Furyl)-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(3-Furyl)-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2. l]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Bromo-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Cyano-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Cyano-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Ethynyl-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Methoxy-3-[(8-methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-1H-indazole hydroformate, 5-Methoxy-3-[(8-methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-1H-indazole, 5-Methoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Methoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Methoxy-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Methoxy-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Methoxy-N-methyl-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Methoxy-N-methyl-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-(2-Furyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-(2-Furyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-(3-Furyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-(4-Fluorophenyl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Bromo-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Bromo-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Bromo-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Cyano-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Cyano-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Cyclopropyl-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Cyclopropyl-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Ethoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Ethoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-3-[(8-methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-1,2-benzisothiazole hydroformate, 6-Methoxy-3-[(8-methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2. l]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-1,2-benzisothiazole, 6-Methoxy-3-[(8-methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-]H-indazole hydroformate, 6-Methoxy-3-[(8-methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)carbonyl]-1H-indazole, 6-Methoxy-N-(2-methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride, 6-Methoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-]H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 7-Methoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 7-Methoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2. l]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide, 7-Methoxy-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 7-Methoxy-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 8-Methyl-N-{[5-(3-thienyl)-1H-indazol-3-yl]methyl}-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-amine hydroformate, 8-Methyl-N-{[5-(3-thienyl)-1H-indazol-3-yl]methyl}-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-amine, N-(2-Azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(2-Cyclopropylmethyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(2-Cyclopropylmethyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(2-Ethyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(2-Ethyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(2-Methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Azabicyclo[3.2.1oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride, N-(8-Azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(2-trimethylsilylethynyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(3-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carbothioamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(3-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carbothioamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(3-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(3-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(5-methyl-2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(5-methyl-2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(morpholin-4-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(morpholin-4-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(thiomorpholin-4-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(thiomorpholin-4-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-[(3-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-[(3-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-[(4-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-[(4-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-{5-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-thienyl}-1H- indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-{5-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-thienyl}-1H- indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide dihydrochloride, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(2-trimethylsilylethynyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(2-trimethylsilylethynyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(3-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(5-methyl-2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(5-methyl-2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-[(3-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-[(3-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-[(4-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-[(4-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-7-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-7-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-( 1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide dihydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(2-trimethylsilyethynyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(3-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(3-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(4-methyl-2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(4-methyl-2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(morpholin-4-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(morpholin-4-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(thiomorpholin-4-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(thiomorpholin-4-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-6-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-6-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-6-(2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-6-(2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-6-(4-methyl-2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-6-(4-methyl-2-thienyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-[(rel-6R,8aS)-Octahydroindolizin-6-yl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-[(rel-6R,8aS)-Octahydroindolizin-6-yl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-[(rel-6S,8a)-Octahydroindolizin-6-yl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-[(rel-6S,8aS)-Octahydroindolizin-6-yl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-Methyl-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-Methyl-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Methoxy-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride, 6-Methoxy-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide, 7-Methoxy-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 7-Methoxy-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(2-trimethylsilylethyn-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(2-trimethylsilylethyn-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Methoxy-N-methyl-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1 oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Methoxy-N-methyl-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(2-trimethylsilylethyr-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(2-trimethylsilylethyr 1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide N-(1H-Indazol-3-ylmethyl)-N,8-dimethyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-amine dihydroformate, N-(1H-Indazol-3-ylmethyl)-N,8-dimethyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-amine, 5-Fluoro-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Fluoro-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 3-(Hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazin-2(1H)-ylcarbonyl)-6-methoxy-1H-indazole hydroformate, 3-(Hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazin-2(1H)-ylcarbonyl)-6-methoxy-1H-indazole, 2-(1H-Indazol-3-ylcarbonyl)octahydro-2H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrazine hydroformate, 2-(1H-Indazol-3-ylcarbonyl)octahydro-2H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrazine, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(phenylthio)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(phenylthio)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-nitro-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-nitro-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-nitro-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-nitro-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Methoxy-N-(exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Methoxy-N-(exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-(3,6-Dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(3,6-Dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-(3,6-Dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-(3,6-Dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(9-Methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-5-(1,3-oxazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 60. A method for selectively activating/stimulating α-7 nicotinic receptors in a patient wherein such activation/stimulation has a therapeutic effect, comprising administering to the patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound selected from: 5-{[(Cyclopentylamino)carbonyl]amino}-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-{[(Cyclopentylamino)carbonyl]amino}-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl 1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Amino-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Amino-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 5-Amino-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 5-Amino-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-(1-Benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide dihydroformate, 6-(1-Benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-N-(endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-(3,6-Dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-(3,6-Dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate 6-Methoxy-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, 6-Methoxy-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, 6-Methoxy-N-(exo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, Ethyl [4-(3-{[(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)amino]carbonyl}-1H-indazole-6-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]acetate dihydroformate, Ethyl [4-(3-{[(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)amino]carbonyl}-1H-indazole-6-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]acetate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisoxazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-1,2-benzisoxazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-( 1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-{[(propylamino)carbonyl]amino}-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-{[(propylamino)carbonyl]amino}-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-[1-(2-piperidin-1-ylethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide trihydroformate, N-(endo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-[1-(2-piperidin-1-ylethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydroformate, N-(exo-8-Methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-6-(nitro)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 61. A method according to claim 37, wherein said patient is a human. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>There are two types of receptors for the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine: muscarinic receptors and nicotinic receptors, based on the selectivity of action of muscarine and nicotine, respectively. Muscarinic receptors are G-protein coupled receptors. Nicotinic receptors are members of the ligand-gated ion channel family. When activated, the conductance of ions across the nicotinic ion channels increases. Nicotinic alpha-7 receptor protein forms a homo-pentameric channel in vitro that is highly permeable to a variety of cations (e.g., Ca ++ ). Each nicotinic alpha-7 receptor has four transmembrane domains, named M1, M2, M3, and M4. The M2 domain has been suggested to form the wall lining the channel. Sequence alignment shows that nicotinic alpha-7 is highly conserved during evolution. The M2 domain that lines the channel is identical in protein sequence from chicken to human. For discussions of the alpha-7 receptor, see, e.g., Revah et al. (1991), Nature, 353, 846-849; Galzi et al. (1992), Nature 359, 500-505; Fucile et al. (2000), PNAS 97(7), 3643-3648; Briggs et al. (1999), Eur. J. Pharmacol. 366 (2-3), 301-308; and Gopalakrishnan et al. (1995), Eur. J. Pharmacol. 290(3), 237-246. The nicotinic alpha-7 receptor channel is expressed in various brain regions and is believed to be involved in many important biological processes in the central nervous system (CNS), including learning and memory. Nicotinic alpha-7 receptors are localized on both presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals and have been suggested to be involved in modulating synaptic transmission. It is therefore of interest to develop novel compounds, which act as ligands for the α7 nAChR subtype, for the treatment of disease conditions associated with defective or malfunctioning nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention relates to novel compounds, which act as ligands for the α7 nAChR subtype, methods of preparing such compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of use thereof. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? |
Automatic braking force control apparatus |
In an automatic braking force control apparatus for a vehicle employing a deceleration feedback control system and an anti-skid control system executing, irrespective of a desired braking force for deceleration feedback control, an anti-skid cycle for preventing a wheel lock-up condition, the feedback control system calculates a desired braking force as a sum of a proportional-control signal component proportional to an error signal corresponding to a deviation from a desired deceleration, and an integral-control signal component corresponding to the integral of the error signal. The feedback control system memorizes the desired braking force, calculated just before an anti-skid cycle start time, as a memorized value, and initializes the desired braking force of an anti-skid cycle termination time to a predetermined value substantially corresponding to the memorized value for preventing a change in the desired deceleration occurring during the anti-skid cycle from being reflected in a feedback control signal. |
1. An automatic braking force control apparatus for an automotive vehicle comprising: a deceleration detector that detects an actual deceleration of the vehicle; a braking force adjustment device that adjusts an actual braking force of each of road wheels to a desired braking force; and a brake control unit configured to be electronically connected to the deceleration detector and the braking force adjustment device, for executing deceleration feedback control and anti-skid control being mutually exclusive; the brake control unit comprising (a) a desired deceleration calculation section that calculates a desired deceleration based on a driver's braking action; (b) a desired braking force calculation section that calculates the desired braking force for the deceleration feedback control, based on a proportional-control signal component proportional to an error signal corresponding to a deviation between the desired deceleration and the actual deceleration, and an integral-control signal component corresponding to an integral of the error signal indicative of the deviation; (c) an anti-skid control section that executes, irrespective of the desired braking force for the deceleration feedback control, an anti-skid cycle including at least a braking-force decrease mode and a braking-force increase mode, for preventing a wheel lock-up condition of the road wheel; (d) a desired braking force memorizing section that memorizes the desired braking force, calculated just before a start time of the anti-skid cycle, as a desired braking force memorized value; and (e) a desired braking force initialization section that initializes the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from a termination time of the anti-skid cycle to a predetermined value calculated based on the desired braking force memorized value. 2. The automatic braking force control apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the desired braking force initialization section comprises an anti-skid cycle termination time integral-control signal component initialization section that initializes the integral-control signal component of the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time to a difference obtained by subtracting the proportional-control signal component from the desired braking force memorized value to derive an initial value of the integral-control signal component of the anti-skid cycle termination time; and the desired braking force initialization section calculates the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time as a summed value of the initial value of the integral-control signal component of the anti-skid cycle termination time and the proportional-control signal component. 3. The automatic braking force control apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the desired braking force initialization section comprises an anti-skid cycle termination time integral-control signal component initialization section that initializes the integral-control signal component of the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time to the desired braking force memorized value to derive an initial value of the integral-control signal component of the anti-skid cycle termination time, and an anti-skid cycle termination time proportional-control signal component initialization section that initializes the proportional-control signal component of the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time to zero to derive an initial value of the proportional-control signal component of the anti-skid cycle termination time; and the desired braking force initialization section calculates the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time as a summed value of the initial value of the integral-control signal component of the anti-skid cycle termination time and the initial value of the proportional-control signal component of the anti-skid cycle termination time. 4. The automatic braking force control apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein: the anti-skid cycle termination time proportional-control signal component initialization section initializes the proportional-control signal component of the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time to zero by initializing a proportional-control gain of the proportional-control signal component proportional to the error signal corresponding to the deviation to zero at the anti-skid cycle termination time; and the anti-skid cycle termination time proportional-control signal component initialization section recovers the proportional-control gain, initialized at the anti-skid cycle termination time, gradually to a predetermined design gain until a predetermined recovery time, measured from the anti-skid cycle termination time, expires. 5. The automatic braking force control apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a pressure sensor that detects a manipulated variable of a brake pedal to estimate a magnitude of the driver's braking action, wherein the desired braking force initialization section comprises: (a) a brake-pedal manipulated variable memorizing section that memorizes the brake-pedal manipulated variable, detected just before the anti-skid cycle start time, as a brake-pedal manipulated variable memorized value; (b) a comparing section that determines whether a decrease in the desired deceleration occurs during the anti-skid cycle by comparing the brake-pedal manipulated variable, detected at the anti-skid cycle termination time, with the brake-pedal manipulated variable memorized value of the anti-skid cycle start time; (c) a braking-action decreasing rate calculation section that calculates a braking-action decreasing rate of the brake-pedal manipulated variable of the anti-skid cycle termination time to the brake-pedal manipulated variable memorized value of the anti-skid cycle start time in presence of the decrease in the desired deceleration; (d) a desired braking force memorized value correction section that calculates a corrected value of the desired braking force memorized value as a product of the braking-action decreasing rate and the desired braking force memorized value; and (e) an anti-skid cycle termination time integral-control signal component initialization section that initializes the integral-control signal component of the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time to a difference obtained by subtracting the proportional-control signal component from the corrected value of the desired braking force memorized value to derive an initial value of the integral-control signal component of the anti-skid cycle termination time; and wherein the desired braking force initialization section calculates the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time as a summed value of the initial value of the integral-control signal component of the anti-skid cycle termination time and the proportional-control signal component. 6. The automatic braking force control apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: a timing of memory for the desired braking force memorized value is timed to coincide with a point of time when a slip rate of the road wheel exceeds a reference slip rate at a skidding point at which a skid of the road wheel starts. 7. The automatic braking force control apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: a timing of memory for the desired braking force memorized value is timed to coincide with a point of time when a slip rate of the road wheel exceeds a predetermined threshold value less than a reference slip rate at a skidding point at which a skid of the road wheel starts. 8. An automatic braking force control apparatus for an automotive vehicle comprising: a deceleration detector that detects an actual deceleration of the vehicle; a braking force adjustment device that adjusts an actual braking force of each of road wheels to a desired braking force; and a brake control unit configured to be electronically connected to the deceleration detector and the braking force adjustment device, for executing deceleration feedback control and anti-skid control being mutually exclusive; the brake control unit comprising (a) a desired deceleration calculation section that calculates a desired deceleration based on a driver's braking action; (b) a desired braking force calculation section that calculates the desired braking force for the deceleration feedback control, based on a proportional-control signal component proportional to an error signal corresponding to a deviation between the desired deceleration and the actual deceleration, and an integral-control signal component corresponding to an integral of the error signal indicative of the deviation; (c) an anti-skid control section that executes, irrespective of the desired braking force for the deceleration feedback control, an anti-skid cycle including at least a braking-force decrease mode at which the actual braking force of the road wheel reduces when a wheel lock-up condition of the road wheel, whose braking force is adjusted by the braking force adjustment device, occurs, and a braking-force increase mode at which the actual braking force increases when the wheel lock-up condition has been avoided by reducing the actual braking force applied to the road wheel; (d) a desired braking force memorizing section that memorizes the desired braking force, calculated just before a start time of the anti-skid cycle, as a desired braking force memorized value; and (e) a desired braking force initialization section that initializes the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from a termination time of the anti-skid cycle to a predetermined value calculated based on the desired braking force memorized value, for preventing a change in the proportional-control signal component occurring owing to a change in the desired deceleration from being reflected in an output signal substantially corresponding to the desired braking force to be generated to the braking force adjustment device when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time, even in presence of the change in the desired deceleration during the anti-skid cycle. 9. The automatic braking force control apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein: the desired braking force initialization section comprises an anti-skid cycle termination time integral-control signal component initialization section that initializes the integral-control signal component of the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time to a difference obtained by subtracting the proportional-control signal component from the desired braking force memorized value to derive an initial value of the integral-control signal component of the anti-skid cycle termination time; and the desired braking force initialization section calculates the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time as a summed value of the initial value of the integral-control signal component of the anti-skid cycle termination time and the proportional-control signal component. 10. The automatic braking force control apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein: the desired braking force initialization section comprises an anti-skid cycle termination time integral-control signal component initialization section that initializes the integral-control signal component of the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time to the desired braking force memorized value to derive an initial value of the integral-control signal component of the anti-skid cycle termination time, and an anti-skid cycle termination time proportional-control signal component initialization section that initializes the proportional-control signal component of the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time to zero to derive an initial value of the proportional-control signal component of the anti-skid cycle termination time; and the desired braking force initialization section calculates the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time as a summed value of the initial value of the integral-control signal component of the anti-skid cycle termination time and the initial value of the proportional-control signal component of the anti-skid cycle termination time. 11. The automatic braking force control apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein: the anti-skid cycle termination time proportional-control signal component initialization section initializes the proportional-control signal component of the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time to zero by initializing a proportional-control gain of the proportional-control signal component proportional to the error signal corresponding to the deviation to zero at the anti-skid cycle termination time; and the anti-skid cycle termination time proportional-control signal component initialization section recovers the proportional-control gain, initialized at the anti-skid cycle termination time, gradually to a predetermined design gain until a predetermined recovery time, measured from the anti-skid cycle termination time, expires. 12. The automatic braking force control apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further comprising: a pressure sensor that detects a manipulated variable of a brake pedal to estimate a magnitude of the driver's braking action, wherein the desired braking force initialization section comprises: (a) a brake-pedal manipulated variable memorizing section that memorizes the brake-pedal manipulated variable, detected just before the anti-skid cycle start time, as a brake-pedal manipulated variable memorized value; (b) a comparing section that determines whether a decrease in the desired deceleration occurs during the anti-skid cycle by comparing the brake-pedal manipulated variable, detected at the anti-skid cycle termination time, with the brake-pedal manipulated variable memorized value of the anti-skid cycle start time; (c) a braking-action decreasing rate calculation section that calculates a braking-action decreasing rate of the brake-pedal manipulated variable of the anti-skid cycle termination time to the brake-pedal manipulated variable memorized value of the anti-skid cycle start time in presence of the decrease in the desired deceleration; (d) a desired braking force memorized value correction section (S22) that calculates a corrected value of the desired braking force memorized value as a product of the braking-action decreasing rate and the desired braking force memorized value; and (e) an anti-skid cycle termination time integral-control signal component initialization section that initializes the integral-control signal component of the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time to a difference obtained by subtracting the proportional-control signal component from the corrected value of the desired braking force memorized value to derive an initial value of the integral-control signal component of the anti-skid cycle termination time; and wherein the desired braking force initialization section calculates the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time as a summed value of the initial value of the integral-control signal component of the anti-skid cycle termination time and the proportional-control signal component. 13. The automatic braking force control apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein: a timing of memory for the desired braking force memorized value is timed to coincide with a point of time when a slip rate of the road wheel exceeds a reference slip rate at a skidding point at which a skid of the road wheel starts. 14. The automatic braking force control apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein: a timing of memory for the desired braking force memorized value is timed to coincide with a point of time when a slip rate of the road wheel exceeds a predetermined threshold value less than a reference slip rate at a skidding point at which a skid of the road wheel starts. 15. An automatic braking force control apparatus for an automotive vehicle comprising: a deceleration detector that detects an actual deceleration of the vehicle; a wheel-speed sensor that detects a wheel speed of each of road wheels; a pressure sensor that detects a manipulated variable of a brake pedal; a braking force adjustment device that adjusts an actual braking force of each of the road wheels to a desired braking force; and a brake control unit configured to be electronically connected to the deceleration detector, the wheel-speed sensor, the pressure sensor and the braking force adjustment device, for executing deceleration feedback control and anti-skid control being mutually exclusive; the brake control unit comprising (i) an anti-skid control system having a data processing section programmed to perform the following, (a) detecting a wheel lock-up condition of the road wheel based on the wheel speeds detected; and (b) executing, irrespective of the desired braking force for the deceleration feedback control, an anti-skid cycle including at least a braking-force decrease mode and a braking-force increase mode, for preventing the wheel lock-up condition of the road wheel; and (ii) a deceleration feedback control system having a data processing section programmed to perform the following, (a) calculating a desired deceleration based on the brake-pedal manipulated variable; (b) calculating the desired braking force for the deceleration feedback control, as a summed value of a proportional-control signal component proportional to an error signal corresponding to a deviation between the desired deceleration and the actual deceleration, and an integral-control signal component corresponding to an integral of the error signal indicative of the deviation; (c) memorizing the desired braking force, calculated just before a start time of the anti-skid cycle, as a desired braking force memorized value; and (d) initializing the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from a termination time of the anti-skid cycle to a predetermined value substantially corresponding to the desired braking force memorized value in presence of an increase in the desired deceleration during the anti-skid cycle. 16. The automatic braking force control apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the data processing section of the deceleration feedback control system is further programmed for: (e) memorizing the brake-pedal manipulated variable, detected just before the anti-skid cycle start time, as a brake-pedal manipulated variable memorized value; (f) determining whether a decrease in the desired deceleration occurs during the anti-skid cycle by comparing the brake-pedal manipulated variable, detected at the anti-skid cycle termination time, with the brake-pedal manipulated variable memorized value of the anti-skid cycle start time; (g) calculating a braking-action decreasing rate of the brake-pedal manipulated variable of the anti-skid cycle termination time to the brake-pedal manipulated variable memorized value of the anti-skid cycle start time in presence of the decrease in the desired deceleration during the anti-skid cycle; (h) calculating a corrected value of the desired braking force memorized value as a product of the braking-action decreasing rate and the desired braking force memorized value; and (i) initializing the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time to a predetermined value substantially corresponding to the corrected value of the desired braking force memorized value in presence of the decrease in the desired deceleration during the anti-skid cycle. 17. The automatic braking force control apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein: the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time is initialized to the predetermined value by subtracting the proportional-control signal component from the desired braking force memorized value in presence of the increase in the desired deceleration during the anti-skid cycle. 18. The automatic braking force control apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein: the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time is initialized to the predetermined value by initializing the integral-control signal component of the anti-skid cycle termination time to the desired braking force memorized value and by initializing the proportional-control signal component of the anti-skid cycle termination time to zero in presence of the increase in the desired deceleration during the anti-skid cycle. 19. The automatic braking force control apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein: the proportional-control signal component of the anti-skid cycle termination time is initialized to zero by initializing a proportional-control gain of the proportional-control signal component proportional to the error signal corresponding to the deviation to zero at the anti-skid cycle termination time; and the proportional-control gain, initialized at the anti-skid cycle termination time, gradually recovers to a predetermined design gain until a predetermined recovery time, measured from the anti-skid cycle termination time, expires. 20. The automatic braking force control apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein: a timing of memory for the desired braking force memorized value is timed to coincide with a point of time when a slip rate of the road wheel exceeds a reference slip rate at a skidding point at which a skid of the road wheel starts. 21. The automatic braking force control apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein: a timing of memory for the desired braking force memorized value is timed to coincide with a point of time when a slip rate of the road wheel exceeds a predetermined threshold value less than a reference slip rate at a skidding point at which a skid of the road wheel starts. 22. An automatic braking force control apparatus for an automotive vehicle comprising: deceleration detection means for detecting an actual deceleration of the vehicle; braking force adjustment means for adjusting an actual braking force of each of road wheels to a desired braking force; and a brake control unit configured to be electronically connected to the deceleration detection means and the braking force adjustment means, for executing deceleration feedback control and anti-skid control being mutually exclusive; the brake control unit comprising (a) desired deceleration calculation means for calculating a desired deceleration based on a driver's braking action; (b) desired braking force calculation means for calculating the desired braking force for the deceleration feedback control, based on a proportional-control signal component proportional to an error signal corresponding to a deviation between the desired deceleration and the actual deceleration, and an integral-control signal component corresponding to an integral of the error signal indicative of the deviation; (c) anti-skid control means for executing, irrespective of the desired braking force for the deceleration feedback control, an anti-skid cycle including at least a braking-force decrease mode and a braking-force increase mode, for preventing a wheel lock-up condition of the road wheel; (d) desired braking force memorizing means for memorizing the desired braking force, calculated just before a start time of the anti-skid cycle, as a desired braking force memorized value; and (e) desired braking force initialization means for initializing the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from a termination time of the anti-skid cycle to a predetermined value calculated based on the desired braking force memorized value. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND ART <EOH>In recent years, there have been proposed and developed various automatic deceleration feedback control systems, each feedback-controlling a braking force resulting from braking torque applied to each road wheel of an automotive vehicle responsively to a deviation between an actual deceleration of the vehicle and a desired deceleration, so that the actual deceleration is brought closer to the desired deceleration. The desired deceleration is usually determined based on the driver's braking action, i.e., the amount of brake-pedal depression. For instance, when an integral controller is used for vehicle-deceleration feedback control, the braking force of the road wheel is controlled in response to a control signal (an output signal) proportional to the integral of an error signal corresponding to the deceleration deviation, so that the actual deceleration is brought closer to the desired deceleration. The integral controller can reliably bring the actual deceleration closer to the desired deceleration, even in presence of disturbances (unwanted input signals) such as a change in movable load on the vehicle, thus exhibiting the superior disturbance stability or increased disturbance tolerance or superior disturbance reduction performance. Such a deceleration feedback control system equipped vehicle often employs an anti-skid braking system (ABS). As is generally known, the ABS system is able to repeatedly execute an anti-skid cycle constructed by a pressure-reduction mode, a pressure build-up mode, a pressure-hold mode, and the like, so as to reduce and recover the braking force applied to the road wheel, thus preventing a wheel lock-up condition, which may occur during driving of the vehicle on a so-called low-μ road. In the automotive vehicle capable of executing the skid control as well as the automatic deceleration feedback control, a priority is generally put on the skid control rather than the deceleration feedback control, during an emergency with wheel lock-up. During executions of the anti-skid cycle, the vehicle-deceleration feedback control is inhibited or interrupted, and thus there is an increased tendency for the actual braking force to be undesirably deviated from the desired braking force. In other words, the deceleration deviation tends to become greater. In case that the integral controller is used as a deceleration feedback controller, during repetitive executions of the anti-skid cycle, the integral of the error signal, resulting from the deviation, is continuously accumulated in the integrator every anti-skid cycles. Thus, the integral-control signal component (the output signal from the integral controller) becomes gradually high. When the deceleration feedback control restarts upon termination of skid control, there is an increased tendency for the undesirably high integral-control signal component to be output from the integral controller at a stretch. This results in a rapid change in braking force applied to each road wheel, thereby causing the driver to feel considerable discomfort. To avoid this, Japanese Patent Second Publication No. 56-033254 corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 3,829,167 teaches and proposes to hold an integral-control signal component at the integral of an error signal (a deceleration deviation) computed at the first anti-skid cycle (just before initiation of skid control). Holding the integral-control signal component at the integral of the error signal computed at the first anti-skid cycle effectively suppresses an undesirable increase in the integral-control signal component (the output signal value generated from the integral controller), during skid control in which vehicle-deceleration feedback control is interrupted. According to the automatic deceleration control system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,829,167, it is possible to avoid a rapid change in braking force, which may take place when the deceleration feedback control resumes or restarts upon termination of skid control, thus eliminating any unnatural feeling that the magnitude of the actual braking force applied to the road wheel considerably differs from the amount of the driver's brake-pedal depression at the restarting point of the deceleration feedback control. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Actually, in order to enhance the deceleration feedback control responsiveness, the deceleration feedback control system requires a proportional control action combined with the previously-discussed integral control action. Assuming that the integral controller as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,829,167 is replaced with a proportional-plus-integral controller (PI controller) in which the output signal is a linear combination of the error signal (the deceleration deviation) and its integral, the following drawbacks occur. Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12F , there are shown time charts of simulation results for a braking force control action obtained by a deceleration feedback control system equipped vehicle using a PI controller as an automatic vehicle-deceleration feedback controller, under a specified condition. The specified condition is a condition where a rise in a master-cylinder pressure Pmc occurs owing to the driver's brake-pedal depression at the time t 1 , a friction factor μ of a road surface changes from high to low at the time t 2 , the ABS system comes into operation at the time t 3 , a further rise in master-cylinder pressure Pmc occurs owing to a further increase in the driver's brake-pedal depression at the time t 4 , the anti-skid cycle terminates owing to a transition from the low-μ road-surface state to the high-μ road-surface state at the time t 5 , and the automatic deceleration feedback control restarts from the time t 5 . As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12D , a desired deceleration αdem becomes identical to an equivalent deceleration value determined based on a rise in master-cylinder pressure Pmc at the time t 1 when master-cylinder pressure Pmc rises in a substantially stepwise manner. Desired deceleration αdem further increases in a substantially stepwise manner by an equivalent deceleration value determined based on the further rise in master-cylinder pressure Pmc at the time t 4 when the further brake-pedal depression occurs. During a time period t 1 -t 2 from the time t 1 when the rise in master-cylinder pressure Pmc occurs to the time t 2 when friction factor μ of the road surface changes from high to low and thus a skid starts to develop, a desired braking force Tdcom is determined as a value A (see FIG. 12E ), corresponding to an initial brake-pedal depression. In case of the use of the PI controller, desired braking force Tdcom is calculated as a sum (Pout+Iout) of a proportional-control signal component Pout proportional to an error signal corresponding to a deviation |αv−αdem| between an actual deceleration αv and desired deceleration αdem and an integral-control signal component Iout corresponding to the integral of the error signal indicating deviation |αv−αdem|. From the time t 1 , an actual braking force Td is converged or brought closer to desired braking force Tdcom (see FIG. 12E ). During the time period t 1 -t 2 , the road-surface friction factor μ is still high, and thus actual deceleration αv tends to follow desired deceleration αdem very well (see FIG. 12D ). This means a small error signal value, that is, a small deceleration deviation |αv−αdem|, in other words, a small proportional-control signal component Pout and a small integral-control signal component Iout. That is, desired braking force Tdcom, corresponding to the sum (Pout+Iout) of proportional-control signal component Pout and integral-control signal component Iout, is varying responsively to a change in desired deceleration αdem (see FIGS. 12D-12E ). During a time period t 2 -t 3 from the time t 2 when the road-surface friction factor μ changes from high to low and thus a skid starts to develop to the time t 3 when the ABS system comes into operation to prevent the wheel lock-up condition, the deviation |αv−αdem| tends to gradually increase owing to the increased wheel lock-up tendency (see the gradually increased difference between actual deceleration αv indicated by the solid line in FIG. 12D and desired deceleration αdem indicated by the broken line in FIG. 12D ). As a result of the gradual increase in deviation |αv−αdem|, the integral of the error signal indicative of deviation |αv−αdem| tends to increase and thus the integral-control signal component Iout corresponding to the integral of the error signal indicative of deviation |αv−αdem| also increases up to a value C (see FIG. 12E ). The integral-control signal component Iout increased up to the value C is accumulated in the integrator (see FIG. 12F ). During the time period t 2 -t 3 , although desired deceleration αdem remains unchanged (see the broken line in FIG. 12D ), desired braking force Tdcom tends to become greater owing to the integral-control signal component Iout accumulated in the integrator, as indicated by the value C in FIG. 12E . During a time period t 3 -t 4 from the time t 3 when the ABS system comes into operation to the time t 4 when the further rise in master-cylinder pressure Pmc occurs, the wheel lock-up tendency is suppressed by way of repetitive executions of the anti-skid cycle and thus an increase in deviation |αv−αdem| of actual deceleration αv from desired deceleration αdem is effectively suppressed (see the time period t 3 -t 4 in FIG. 12D ). During skid control, on the other hand, the integral-control signal component Iout is held at the integral of the error signal (corresponding to the deviation |αv−αdem|) computed at the first anti-skid cycle (just before skid-control starting point t 3 ). Thus, desired braking force Tdcom can be kept almost constant (see slight variations in desired braking force Tdcom during the time period t 3 -t 4 in FIG. 12E ). At the time point t 4 of the further brake-pedal depression, deviation |αv−αdem| tends to rapidly increase responsively to a further increase in desired deceleration αdem, resulting from the further master-cylinder pressure rise (further brake-pedal depression). Note that, due to the rapidly increased deviation |αv−αdem| resulting from the further brake-pedal depression, the proportional-control signal component Pout also tends to increase rapidly at the time t 4 . As a result, desired braking force Tdcom is rapidly increased by an increment B at the time t 4 (see the rapid change in desired braking force Tdcom indicated by the broken line in FIG. 12E ). The increment B corresponds to an increment of proportional-control signal component Pout resulting from the further brake-pedal depression. For the reasons discussed above, at the time point t 5 of termination of skid control, desired braking force Tdcom, corresponding to the sum (Pout+Iout) of proportional-control signal component Pout and integral-control signal component Iout, tends to remarkably increase by an increment D (corresponding to an increment of proportional-control signal component Pout) in comparison with the magnitude of desired braking force Tdcom calculated at skid-control starting point t 3 . As a result, at skid-control termination point t 5 , the braking-force deviation |Td−Tdcom| between actual braking force Td and desired braking force Tdcom becomes a great value (D+E) (see FIG. 12E ), in presence of an increase in desired deceleration αdem during skid control. During skid control (during the time period t 3 -t 5 ), a priority is put on the skid control rather than the vehicle-deceleration feedback control and thus the deceleration feedback-control function is disengaged. Therefore, during skid control, deviation |αv−αdem| of actual deceleration αv from desired deceleration αdem tends to increase. As set forth above in reference to the time charts of FIGS. 12A-12F , assuming that a remarkable change in desired deceleration αdem occurs during skid control (during the time period t 3 -t 5 ) owing to a further brake-pedal depression or a brake-pedal release, there is an increased tendency for a great deceleration deviation |αv−αdem|, in other words, a great braking-force deviation |Td−Tdcom| to take place at skid-control termination point (deceleration feedback control restarting point) t 5 , even in case that a PI controller is used for deceleration feedback control and additionally an integral-control signal component Iout is held at the integral of an error signal computed at the first anti-skid cycle. As can be seen from the rapid change in actual deceleration αv encircled by the phantom line F in FIG. 12D , in order to minimize the great deceleration deviation |αv−αdem|, actual deceleration αv must be rapidly increased and brought closer to desired deceleration αdem at a stretch, and at the same time in order to minimize the great braking-force deviation |Td−Tdcom|=(D+E), actual braking force Td must be rapidly increased and brought closer to desired braking force Tdcom at a stretch. This results in a rapid change in braking force applied to each road wheel, thereby causing the driver to feel considerable discomfort. Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an automatic braking force control apparatus for an automotive vehicle employing an automatic vehicle-deceleration feedback control system and an anti-skid braking system, capable of optimizing a control action of a restarting period of deceleration feedback control even in presence of a change in a desired deceleration during skid control, while preventing a change in a proportional-control signal component occurring owing to the desired deceleration change from being directly reflected in an output signal substantially corresponding to an initial value of a desired braking force to be generated when resuming the deceleration feedback control from a point of time of termination of skid control. In order to accomplish the aforementioned and other objects of the present invention, an automatic braking force control apparatus for an automotive vehicle comprises a deceleration detector that detects an actual deceleration of the vehicle, a braking force adjustment device that adjusts an actual braking force of each of road wheels to a desired braking force, and a brake control unit configured to be electronically connected to the deceleration detector and the braking force adjustment device, for executing deceleration feedback control and anti-skid control being mutually exclusive, the brake control unit comprising a desired deceleration calculation section that calculates a desired deceleration based on a driver's braking action, a desired braking force calculation section that calculates the desired braking force for the deceleration feedback control, based on a proportional-control signal component proportional to an error signal corresponding to a deviation between the desired deceleration and the actual deceleration, and an integral-control signal component corresponding to an integral of the error signal indicative of the deviation, an anti-skid control section that executes, irrespective of the desired braking force for the deceleration feedback control, an anti-skid cycle including at least a braking-force decrease mode and a braking-force increase mode, for preventing a wheel lock-up condition of the road wheel, a desired braking force memorizing section that memorizes the desired braking force, calculated just before a start time of the anti-skid cycle, as a desired braking force memorized value, and a desired braking force initialization section that initializes the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from a termination time of the anti-skid cycle to a predetermined value calculated based on the desired braking force memorized value. According to another aspect of the invention, an automatic braking force control apparatus for an automotive vehicle comprises a deceleration detector that detects an actual deceleration of the vehicle, a braking force adjustment device that adjusts an actual braking force of each of road wheels to a desired braking force, and a brake control unit configured to be electronically connected to the deceleration detector and the braking force adjustment device, for executing deceleration feedback control and anti-skid control being mutually exclusive, the brake control unit comprising a desired deceleration calculation section that calculates a desired deceleration based on a driver's braking action, a desired braking force calculation section that calculates the desired braking force for the deceleration feedback control, based on a proportional-control signal component proportional to an error signal corresponding to a deviation between the desired deceleration and the actual deceleration, and an integral-control signal component corresponding to an integral of the error signal indicative of the deviation, an anti-skid control section that executes, irrespective of the desired braking force for the deceleration feedback control, an anti-skid cycle including at least a braking-force decrease mode at which the actual braking force of the road wheel reduces when a wheel lock-up condition of the road wheel, whose braking force is adjusted by the braking force adjustment device, occurs, and a braking-force increase mode at which the actual braking force increases when the wheel lock-up condition has been avoided by reducing the actual braking force applied to the road wheel, a desired braking force memorizing section that memorizes the desired braking force, calculated just before a start time of the anti-skid cycle, as a desired braking force memorized value, and a desired braking force initialization section that initializes the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from a termination time of the anti-skid cycle to a predetermined value calculated based on the desired braking force memorized value, for preventing a change in the proportional-control signal component occurring owing to a change in the desired deceleration from being reflected in an output signal substantially corresponding to the desired braking force to be generated to the braking force adjustment device when restarting the deceleration feedback control from the anti-skid cycle termination time, even in presence of the change in the desired deceleration during the anti-skid cycle. According to a further aspect of the invention, an automatic braking force control apparatus for an automotive vehicle comprises a deceleration detector that detects an actual deceleration of the vehicle, a wheel-speed sensor that detects a wheel speed of each of road wheels, a pressure sensor that detects a manipulated variable of a brake pedal, a braking force adjustment device that adjusts an actual braking force of each of the road wheels to a desired braking force, and a brake control unit configured to be electronically connected to the deceleration detector, the wheel-speed sensor, the pressure sensor and the braking force adjustment device, for executing deceleration feedback control and anti-skid control being mutually exclusive, the brake control unit comprising an anti-skid control system having a data processing section programmed to perform functions, namely, detecting a wheel lock-up condition of the road wheel based on the wheel speeds detected, and executing, irrespective of the desired braking force for the deceleration feedback control, an anti-skid cycle including at least a braking-force decrease mode and a braking-force increase mode, for preventing the wheel lock-up condition of the road wheel, and a deceleration feedback control system having a data processing section programmed to perform functions, namely calculating a desired deceleration based on the brake-pedal manipulated variable, calculating the desired braking force for the deceleration feedback control, as a summed value of a proportional-control signal component proportional to an error signal corresponding to a deviation between the desired deceleration and the actual deceleration, and an integral-control signal component corresponding to an integral of the error signal indicative of the deviation, memorizing the desired braking force, calculated just before a start time of the anti-skid cycle, as a desired braking force memorized value, and initializing the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from a termination time of the anti-skid cycle to a predetermined value substantially corresponding to the desired braking force memorized value in presence of an increase in the desired deceleration during the anti-skid cycle. According to a still further aspect of the invention, an automatic braking force control apparatus for an automotive vehicle comprises deceleration detection means for detecting an actual deceleration of the vehicle, braking force adjustment means for adjusting an actual braking force of each of road wheels to a desired braking force, and a brake control unit configured to be electronically connected to the deceleration detection means and the braking force adjustment means, for executing deceleration feedback control and anti-skid control being mutually exclusive, the brake control unit comprising desired deceleration calculation means for calculating a desired deceleration based on a driver's braking action, desired braking force calculation means for calculating the desired braking force for the deceleration feedback control, based on a proportional-control signal component proportional to an error signal corresponding to a deviation between the desired deceleration and the actual deceleration, and an integral-control signal component corresponding to an integral of the error signal indicative of the deviation, anti-skid control means for executing, irrespective of the desired braking force for the deceleration feedback control, an anti-skid cycle including at least a braking-force decrease mode and a braking-force increase mode, for preventing a wheel lock-up condition of the road wheel, desired braking force memorizing means for memorizing the desired braking force, calculated just before a start time of the anti-skid cycle, as a desired braking force memorized value, and desired braking force initialization means for initializing the desired braking force needed when restarting the deceleration feedback control from a termination time of the anti-skid cycle to a predetermined value calculated based on the desired braking force memorized value. The other objects and features of this invention will become understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. |
Autonomous monitoring method and system using sensors of different sensitivities |
A method and system of monitoring for chemical or other toxic agents includes operating a plurality of first type sensors having a first level of sensitivity to an agent in a monitored area. Concurrently a second type sensor is operated having a second level of sensitivity to the agent in the monitored area, where the second level of sensitivity is at least ten times more sensitive than the first level of sensitivity. Input from the plurality of first type sensors and the second type sensor is received and analyzed, at a central location, in order to determine the presence of the agent in the monitored area. |
1. A method of monitoring for chemical or other toxic agents, comprising: operating a plurality of first type sensors having a first level of sensitivity to an agent in a monitored area; concurrently operating a second type sensor having a second level of sensitivity to the agent in the monitored area, wherein the second level of sensitivity is at least ten times more sensitive than the first level of sensitivity; and receiving and analyzing, at a central location, input from the plurality of first type sensors and the second type sensor in order to determine the presence of the agent in the monitored area. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second level of sensitivity is at least one hundred times more sensitive than the first level of sensitivity. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein both the plurality of first type sensors and the second type sensor are operated continuously. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein both the first type sensors and the second type sensors comprise chemiresistor based sensor arrays. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the chemiresistor based sensor arrays comprise conductive polymer composite vapor sensors. 6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising providing a preconcentrator with the second type sensor. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the agents comprise one or more from the group consisting of chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first level of sensitivity is the IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) level and the second level of sensitivity is the PEL (Permissible Exposure Level) level. 9. The method according to claim 4, wherein the chemiresistor sensor arrays comprise orthogonal sensing technologies on a single sensor array. 10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising activating an alarm only when data analyzed from both a first type sensor and the second type sensor indicate presence of a particular agent. 11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising activating an alarm only when two separate analytical models applied to data from either a first type sensor or a second type sensor indicate the presence of a particular agent. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the analytical model includes assigning different weights to different sensors based on the type or location of the sensor or the density of sensors at a location. 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein activating the alarm is determined based on a model configured such that the results from the two separate analytical models indicate a false alarm percentage of less than 0.01% and the false positive percentage of less than 5% for all agents tested at the IDLH level of concentration. 14. A system for monitoring for chemical or other toxic agents, comprising: a plurality of first type sensors, having a first level of sensitivity to an agent, arranged in a monitored area; a second type sensor, having a second level of sensitivity to the agent, arranged in the monitored area, and a central analysis unit connected to the plurality of first type sensors and the second type sensor, wherein the central analysis unit analyzes data from the plurality of first type sensors and the second type sensor in order to determine the presence of the agent in the monitored area. 15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the first type sensors and the second type sensors comprise chemiresistor based sensor arrays. 16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the chemiresistor based sensor arrays comprise conductive polymer based vapor sensors. 17. The system according to claim 14, wherein the second type sensor further comprises a preconcentrator. 18. The system according to claim 14, wherein the central analysis unit is configured to activate an alarm only when input from both a first type sensor and the second type sensor indicate the presence of a particular agent. 19. The system according to claim 14, wherein the central analysis unit is configured to activate an alarm only when two separate analytical models each indicate the presence of a particular agent when provided with input from either a first type sensor or a second type sensor. 20. A method for monitoring for chemical or other toxic agents, comprising: operating a first type sensor having a first level of sensitivity to an agent in a monitored area, operating a second type sensor having a second level of sensitivity to the agent in the monitored area, and receiving and analyzing, at a central location, input from the first type sensor and the second type sensor in order to determine the presence of the agent in the monitored area, wherein the first type sensor and the second type sensor each comprise a plurality of orthogonal sensing technologies on a single sensor array, wherein a transduction mechanism in each of the sensing technologies detects a change in electrical resistance. 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein at least one of the sensors in the first type sensor and the second type sensor has regions of conducting and non-conducting material. 22. A system for monitoring for chemical or other toxic agents, comprising: a first type sensor, having a first level of sensitivity to an agent, arranged in a monitored area; a second type sensor, having a second level of sensitivity to the agent, arranged in the monitored area, and a central analysis unit connected to the first type sensor and the second type sensor, wherein the central analysis unit analyzes data from the first type sensor and the second type sensor in order to determine the presence of the agent in the monitored area, wherein at least one of the first type sensor or the second type sensor comprises a plurality of orthogonal sensing technologies in a single sensor array, wherein a transduction mechanism in each of the sensing technologies detects a change in electrical resistance. 23. The system according to claim 22, wherein the orthogonal sensing technologies in the single sensor array comprise respective two or more sensors made from respective two or more from a group consisting of intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs), composites made from ICPs, sensors made from single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), composites made from SWCNTs, metal oxide semiconductor sensors, and sensors made from porphyrin materials. 24. The system according to claim 22, wherein the at least one of the first type sensor or the second type sensor comprises a plurality has regions of conducting and non-conducting material. 25. The system according to claim 22, wherein the orthogonal sensing technologies in the single sensor array comprise respective two or more sensors made from respective two or more from a group consisting of intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs), composites made from ICPs, sensors made from single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), composites made from SWCNTs, metal oxide semiconductor sensors, sensors made from porphyrin materials, and sensors made from metallic nanotubes made from metal or metal oxides. 26. A method of monitoring for chemical or other toxic agents, comprising: operating a plurality of first type sensors having a first level of specificity to a group of agents in a monitored area; concurrently operating a second type sensor having a second level of specificity to the group of agents in the monitored area, wherein the second level of specificity is more specific than the first level of specificity; and receiving and analyzing, at a central location, input from the plurality of first type sensors and the second type sensor in order to determine the presence of an agent in the monitored area. 27. The method according to claim 26, further comprising: determining an optimum layout and number of first type and second type sensors in the monitored area by modeling to meet specified performance standards and minimizing costs. 28. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining an optimum layout and number of first and second type sensors in the monitored area by modeling to meet specified performance standards and minimizing costs. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A growing risk of asymmetric attacks has increased the need for distributed chemical detectors or detectors for other agents with vastly superior false positive rates relative to current solutions. Using two tiered sensors for detecting biological or other hazards are known. However, these known arrangement of two tiered sensors typically consist of two types of sensors that are co-located at a sensor location such that the more sensitive or more reliable sensor is only operated or triggered when the less sensitive or less reliable sensor initially detects a presence of an agent that is being monitored. However, in view of the risks posed by terrorism, some of the chemical warfare and other toxic agents need to be monitored over a vast area. Use of such known co-located dual sensors may be prohibitively expensive if used to cover such a vast area that needs to be monitored. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method of monitoring for chemical or other toxic agents, including: operating a plurality of first type sensors having a first level of sensitivity to an agent in a monitored area; concurrently operating a second type sensor having a second level of sensitivity to the agent in the monitored area, wherein the second level of sensitivity is at least ten times more sensitive than the first level of sensitivity; and receiving and analyzing, at a central location, input from the plurality of first type sensors and the second type sensor in order to determine the presence of the agent in the monitored area. In certain embodiments, both the plurality of first type sensors and the second type sensor are operated continuously. In certain embodiments, both the first type sensors and the second type sensors are chemiresistor based sensor arrays. In certain embodiments, the chemiresistor based sensor arrays are conductive polymer composite vapor sensors. In certain embodiments, a preconcentrator is provided with the second type sensor. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a system for monitoring for chemical or other toxic agents, including: a plurality of first type sensors, having a first level of sensitivity to an agent, arranged in a monitored area; a second type sensor, having a second level of sensitivity to the agent, arranged in the monitored area, and a central analysis unit connected to the plurality of first type sensors and the second type sensor, wherein the central analysis unit analyzes data from the plurality of first type sensors and the second type sensor in order to determine the presence of the agent in the monitored area. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method for monitoring for chemical or other toxic agents, including: operating a first type sensor having a first level of sensitivity to an agent in a monitored area, operating a second type sensor having a second level of sensitivity to the agent in the monitored area, and receiving and analyzing, at a central location, input from the first type sensor and the second type sensor in order to determine the presence of the agent in the monitored area, wherein the first type sensor and the second type sensor each comprise a plurality of orthogonal sensing technologies on a single sensor array, wherein a transduction mechanism in each of the sensing technologies detects a change in electrical resistance. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a system for monitoring for chemical or other toxic agents, including: a first type sensor, having a first level of sensitivity to an agent, arranged in a monitored area; a second type sensor, having a second level of sensitivity to the agent, arranged in the monitored area, and a central analysis unit connected to the first type sensor and the second type sensor, wherein the central analysis unit analyzes data from the first type sensor and the second type sensor in order to determine the presence of the agent in the monitored area, wherein at least one of the first type sensor or the second type sensor comprises a plurality of orthogonal sensing technologies in a single sensor array, wherein a transduction mechanism in each of the sensing technologies detects a change in electrical resistance. In certain other embodiments, the present invention provides a method of monitoring for chemical or other toxic agents, comprising: operating a plurality of first type sensors having a first level of specificity to a group of agents in a monitored area; concurrently operating a second type sensor having a second level of specificity to the group of agents in the monitored area, wherein the second level of specificity is more specific than the first level of specificity; and receiving and analyzing, at a central location, input from the plurality of first type sensors and the second type sensor in order to determine the presence of the agent in the monitored area. |
Disk drive |
A disk drive including a lower case, a tray to be attached and detached to and from the lower case while sliding in the lower case and having a turntable on which a disk is seated, and an upper case installed to cover an upper portion of the lower case. The upper case has at least one deviation-prevention element extending toward the lower case to prevent the disk from deviating from the turntable by an external force on the disk drive by reducing a distance between the upper case and the disk seated on the turntable. |
1. A disk drive to operate a disk, comprising: a lower case; a tray attached to slide in the lower case; a turntable on which the disk is seated; and an upper case to cover an upper portion of the lower case and having at least one deviation-prevention element protruding towards the lower case and preventing the disk from being deviated from the turntable by an external force applied to the disk drive by reducing a distance between the upper case and the disk. 2. The disk drive of claim 1, wherein the at least one deviation-prevention element faces a noninformation area of the disk. 3. The disk drive of claim 1, wherein the deviation-prevention element is not formed opposite to an area in which the tray is attached to and from the lower case. 4. The disk drive of claim 3, the at least one deviation-prevention element is a plurality of deviation-prevention elements spaced from each other. 5. The disk drive of claim 3, wherein the at least one deviation-prevention element is formed of an adhesion sheet. 6. The disk drive of claim 3, wherein the at least one deviation-prevention element is formed as one piece with the upper case. 7. A disk drive comprising: a lower case; a tray attached and detached to and from the lower case; a guide unit installed at opposite sides of the lower case to slidably guide the tray in the lower case; a stopper protruding from the guide unit; and a reinforcement unit, protruding from the guide unit opposite the stopper, and having a length longer than a length of the stopper along an axis in which the tray is attached and detached to and from the lower case. 8. The disk drive of claim 1, wherein a distance between the at least one deviation-prevention element and the disk is less than a distance between the upper case and the disk. 9. The disk drive of claim 1, wherein the at least one deviation-prevention element has a U-shape. 10. The disk drive of claim 7, wherein the guide unit further comprises a protrusion to collide with the stopper when the tray slides in the lower case. 11. The disk drive of claim 7, wherein the guide unit further comprises a spacing portion having a thickness less than a thickness of a portion of the guide unit from which the stopper protrudes, to thereby space the spacing portion from the lower case. 12. The disk drive of claim 11, wherein the guide unit further comprises a plurality of guide rail on each side of the tray. 13. The disk drive of claim 12, wherein the spacing portion is elastically deformed when the guide rails are assembled in the guide unit. 14. A case to contain a disk operated on by a disk drive having a turntable to secure the disk, the case comprising: a cover portion to cover the disk; and a protrusion protruding towards the disk from the cover, the disk remaining secured to the turntable even when an external force is received by the case. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a disk drive, and more particularly, to a disk drive capable of preventing a disk from deviating from a turntable by an external force and capable of preventing damage to a movable tray holding the disc. 2. Description of the Related Art In general, a disk drive is a device which reproduces information stored on a disk or records the information to the disk while sliding an optical pickup unit in a radial direction of the disk. The disk drive used in an information device such as a notebook is necessarily manufactured in a thin form due to its characteristics. Thus, the height or width of the disk drive is limited to a predetermined size. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional disk drive, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the disk drive of FIG. 1 , and FIG. 3 is a plan view of a cut stopper. The disk drive of FIG. 1 includes a lower case 10 , an upper case 30 which covers the lower case 10 , and a tray 20 which slides in the lower case 10 and on which a disk D is seated (see FIG. 2 ). The tray 20 includes a turntable 22 on which the disk D is seated, a spindle motor 24 (see FIG. 2 ) which is installed on the same axis as that of the turntable 22 and which rotates the turntable 22 , and a base frame 21 having an optical pickup unit 23 which slides in a radial direction of the disk D and reproduces information stored on the disk D or records the information on the disk D. The tray 20 is guided on guide rails 13 installed at both sides of the lower case 10 . A guide unit 11 is installed to on both sides of the tray 20 and to slide relative to the guide rails 13 , and is attached and detached to and from the lower case 10 . A stopper 12 is formed in a portion of the guide unit 11 and protrudes from an inside of the lower case 10 or the tray 20 . A protrusion 14 is formed in a portion of one of the guide rails 13 catches the stopper 12 to restrict a moving distance of the tray 20 when the tray 20 is moved out of the lower case 10 . A spacing portion 15 is placed between the lower case 10 and the guide unit 11 . The spacing portion 15 is a necessary portion to assist in inserting the guide rails 13 in the lower case 10 during assembly. However, as shown in FIG. 3 , when the tray 20 is moved out of the lower case 10 , the protrusion 14 collides with the stopper 12 and the stopper 12 may be cut by a collision shock. Specifically, when an external force is applied to the tray 20 in an X-direction ( FIG. 1 ), the tray 20 is opened in the X-direction, the protrusion 14 collides with the stopper 12 and does not survive the external force, and damage occurs in the guide unit 11 in the direction of the spacing portion 15 . Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2 , a distance G 1 is formed between the disk D mounted on the turntable 22 and the upper case 30 . The distance G 1 is optimized for operation of the disk drive, and is difficult to change. When an operating shock occurs in a Z-direction ( FIG. 1 ) while the disk drive is in the lower case 10 , the disk D clamped in the turntable 22 does not survive the operating shock and may deviate from the turntable 22 . In this case, an information recording surface may be damaged, information may be lost, and the disk D may be held in the disk drive such that the tray 20 is not easily opened. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a disk drive capable of preventing a disk from deviating from a turntable by an external force and having a guide unit that endures an external shock when a tray is moved out of a lower case. Additional aspects and/or advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The forgoing and/or other aspects are achieved by providing a disk drive including a lower case; a tray to slide in the lower case, including a turntable on which the disk is seated; and an upper case to cover an upper portion of the lower case and having a deviation-prevention element protruding towards the lower case and preventing the disk from being deviated from the turntable by an external force by reducing a distance between the upper case and the disk. |
Systems, methods, and user interfaces for storing, searching, navigating, and retrieving electronic information |
Computer system navigation tools provide “links” to various different files, lists, folders, and/or other storage elements and allow users to organize files, e.g., by hierarchical properties, lists, auto lists, folders, and the like. Such systems and methods allow users to assign properties to a file (optionally in a hierarchical manner), to change assigned properties, to search, view, and retrieve information based on the assigned properties, and the like. |
1. A computer display providing a user interface for searching electronic files stored on or available through a computer system or network, the user interface comprising: a navigation panel displaying a hierarchical structure of search elements, wherein individual search elements in the hierarchical structure may be expanded, optionally in response to user input, to display child search elements in the hierarchical structure, and wherein the navigation panel is capable of receiving user input directed to multiple search elements located within different parent branches of the hierarchical structure; and a display panel displaying information relating, at least in part, to search results obtained from searching the electronic files, wherein the search results are determined, at least in part, based on the user input selecting the multiple search elements for a single search received through the navigation panel. 2. A computer display providing a user interface according to claim 1, wherein the individual search elements in the hierarchical structure of the navigation panel remain expanded to display the child elements in the hierarchical structure irrespective of the manner in which the search results are displayed in the display panel. 3. A computer display providing a user interface according to claim 2, wherein the search results in the display panel are displayed, at least in part, in a stacked manner. 4. A computer display providing a user interface according to claim 2, wherein the search results in the display panel are displayed, at least in part, in a grouped manner. 5. A computer display providing a user interface according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the individual search elements in the hierarchical structure are selected from the group consisting of: property values, list elements, and folders. 6. A computer display providing a user interface according to claim 1, wherein the hierarchical structure of search elements includes, at least in part, plural property values arranged in a hierarchical manner. 7. A computer display providing a user interface according to claim 6, wherein at least some of the plural property values arranged in the hierarchical manner are arranged in a user defined hierarchy. 8. A computer display providing a user interface according to claim 1, wherein user input selecting child search elements in the hierarchical structure of the navigation panel produces corresponding changes in the search results displayed in the display panel. 9. A computer display providing a user interface according to claim 1, wherein user input changing selected search elements in the hierarchical structure of the navigation panel produces corresponding changes in the search results display in the display panel. 10. A method for navigating electronic data stored on or available through a computer system or network, comprising: providing a navigation panel displaying a hierarchical structure of navigation elements, wherein individual navigation elements in the hierarchical structure may be expanded, optionally in response to user input, to display child navigation elements in the hierarchical structure; receiving user input, through the navigation panel, selecting multiple navigation elements located within different parent branches of the hierarchical structure for a single search; and displaying information relating, at least in part, to search results obtained from searching the electronic data, wherein the search results are determined, at least in part, based on the user input received through the navigation panel, wherein the information is displayed on a display device simultaneous with display of the navigation panel. 11. A method according to claim 10, further comprising: receiving new user input, through the navigation panel, selecting one or more new navigation elements from the hierarchical structure; and changing the information displayed, at least in part, based on the new navigation element or elements selected, wherein the changed information is displayed on the display device simultaneous with the navigation panel. 12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the new user input selects a child navigation element in the hierarchical structure from the navigation element initially selected to thereby filter down the information displayed. 13. A method according to claim 10, wherein the search results are displayed, at least in part, in a stacked manner. 14. A method according to claim 10, wherein the search results are displayed, at least in part, in a grouped manner. 15. A method according to claim 10, wherein at least some of the individual navigation elements in the hierarchical structure are selected from the group consisting of: property values, list elements, and folders. 16. A method according to claim 10, wherein the hierarchical structure of navigation elements includes, at least in part, plural property values arranged in a hierarchical manner. 17. A method according to claim 16, wherein at least some of the plural property values arranged in the hierarchical manner are arranged in a user defined hierarchy. 18. A method according to claim 10, wherein the user input through the navigation panel selects a folder navigation element, the displaying step includes displaying any sub-folders in the selected folder navigation element as a stack. 19. A method of displaying information regarding electronic data stored on or available through a computer system or network, comprising: providing a navigation panel displaying a hierarchical structure of navigation elements, wherein at least some of the individual navigation elements in the hierarchical structure include folder elements; receiving user input, through the navigation panel, selecting multiple navigation elements located within different parent branches of the hierarchical structure for a single search wherein the multiple navigation elements include at least one folder element; and displaying information relating, at least in part, to search results obtained from searching the electronic data, wherein the search results are determined, at least in part, based on the user input received through the navigation panel, wherein the information is displayed simultaneous with display of the navigation panel, and wherein the information is displayed such that any sub-folders provided under the selected folder element are displayed in a stacked manner in the displayed information. 20. A method according to claim 19, further comprising: receiving new user input, through the navigation panel, selecting one or more new navigation elements from the hierarchical structure; and changing the information displayed, at least in part, based on the new navigation element or elements selected. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Tremendous volumes of information are stored on and/or available through computer systems and networks, and this information can be made available to computer users for a variety of different purposes. Although computers can provide this wealth of information to users, the information is only valuable and useful to users if users can reliably locate and retrieve the desired information from the system or network. The stored information is of little or no value to users if it cannot be readily located and/or retrieved without substantial searching time, effort, and/or frustration. |
<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>Aspects of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and user interfaces that provide navigational tools for storage systems of computers, their operating systems, networks, and the like. In accordance with at least some examples of this invention, navigation tools and/or their corresponding user interfaces and displays may be provided in multiple different windows, application programs, and the like. In at least some examples of this invention, navigation tools or and/or their corresponding user interfaces and display panel(s) may include windows or panes that include “links” to various different files, lists, folders, pages, and/or other storage elements. If desired, navigational tools in accordance with at least some aspects of this invention may be customized for different application programs, for portions of applications programs, for portions of operating systems, by different users, and the like (e.g., by independent software providers from those providing the computer operating system) to be better suited or targeted for navigating information relating to that set of files, etc., and/or to that user. The navigational tools in accordance with at least some examples of this invention also may provide useful ways of organizing and/or displaying information regarding the user's files, e.g., by hierarchical properties, lists, auto lists, folders, etc. Systems and methods according to at least some examples of the invention also may make it easy for users to assign properties to files, change assigned properties associated with files, and the like, optionally with the use of hierarchical properties. Additionally, in accordance with at least some examples of the invention, navigational tools may be provided for searching, locating, and viewing information relating to stored or accessible files, e.g., in a query-based file and/or retrieval system. Additional aspects of the invention relate to computer-readable media including computer-executable instructions stored thereon for performing various methods and/or operating various systems, including systems and methods having navigational tools for organizing, searching, locating, and/or displaying information relating to files located in a computer storage system and/or accessible through a computer system as described above (and as will be described in more detail below). |
Ankle-foot orthosis |
An ankle-foot orthosis for aiding or enhancing a user's foot and ankle movement, wherein the orthosis comprises at least one strut member, a calf shell, a foot shell, and a plurality of segments. Gaps formed between adjacent segments, an uppermost segment and the calf shell, and a lowermost segment and the foot shell have gap widths, wherein gaps at a higher location have larger gap widths than those at a lower location. Therefore, in dorsiflexion, the gaps close in series from bottom to top, gradually increasing the orthosis stiffness, creating a progressive dorsiflexion stop, and decreasing the magnitude of loads transferred into the user. In plantar flexion, the gaps similarly decrease in series from bottom to top, gradually increasing the orthosis stiffness, creating a progressive plantar flexion stop, and decreasing the magnitude of loads transferred into the user. |
1. An ankle-foot orthosis comprising: at least one strut member; a calf shell disposed at an upper end of the at least one strut member; a foot shell disposed at a lower end of the at least one strut member; a plurality of segments disposed on the at least one strut member and between the calf and foot shells; and a plurality of gaps, wherein a gap is formed between adjacent segments, a gap is formed between an uppermost segment and the calf shell, and a gap is formed between a lowermost segment and the foot shell. 2. The orthosis according to claim 1, wherein each segment of the plurality of segments has a U-shaped cross-section or a substantially rectangular cross-section. 3. The orthosis according to claim 1, wherein each segment of the plurality of segments is either integrally formed about the at least one strut member or secured to the at least one strut member by fasteners. 4. The orthosis according to claim 1, wherein each segment of the plurality of segments includes a passageway extending therethrough, and wherein the passageway is configured to receive the at least one strut member therein. 5. The orthosis according to claim 1, further comprising: a dorsiflexion stop; and a plantar flexion stop. 6. The orthosis according to claim 5, wherein the dorsiflexion stop is defined by front edges of the adjacent segments engaging each other. 7. The orthosis according to claim 6, wherein the at least one strut member further comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the gaps formed in the lower portion of the at least one strut member are narrower relative to the gaps formed in the upper portion of the at least one strut member, and wherein a degree of rigidity of the dorsiflexion stop increases as the front edges of adjacent segments in the upper portion of the at least one strut member engage each other. 8. The orthosis according to claim 5, wherein the plantar flexion stop is defined by rear edges of the adjacent segments engaging each other. 9. The orthosis according to claim 8, wherein the at least one strut member further comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the gaps formed in the lower portion of the at least one strut member are narrower relative to the gaps formed in the upper portion of the at least one strut member, and wherein a degree of rigidity of the plantar flexion stop increases as the rear edges of the adjacent segments in the upper portion of the at least one strut member engage each other. 10. The orthosis according to claim 1, wherein the at least one strut member further comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the gaps formed in the lower portion of the at least one strut member are narrower relative to the gaps formed in the upper portion of the at least one strut member. 11. The orthosis according to claim 1, further comprising: an adjustment mechanism for expanding or narrowing a height of each gap, wherein narrowing the height of each gap increases a rigidity of the orthosis, and wherein expanding the height of each gap decreases the rigidity of the orthosis. 12. The orthosis according to claim 11, wherein narrowing the height of each gap reduces a range of motion of the orthosis, and wherein expanding the height of each gap increases the range of motion of the orthosis. 13. The orthosis according to claim 11, wherein the adjustment mechanism is either a threaded rod and locknut combination or a twist draw mechanism. 14. The orthosis according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one spacer disposed within each gap and which encompasses a corresponding portion of the at least one strut member, wherein the spacer is compressed during dorsiflexion and plantar flexion as edges of the adjacent segments engage each other to define a stop, and wherein the compressed spacer increases a rigidity of the orthosis. 15. The orthosis according to claim 14, further comprising: an adjustment mechanism for expanding or narrowing a height of each gap to increase or decrease a rigidity of the orthosis. 16. The orthosis according to claim 15, wherein narrowing the height of each gap reduces a range of motion of the orthosis, and wherein expanding the height of each gap increases the range of motion of the orthosis. 17. The orthosis according to claim 1, wherein the orthosis further comprises at least one spacer integrally formed on a corresponding segment, and wherein each spacer includes at least one rounded edge that rollingly engages a neighboring segment. 18. The orthosis according to claim 1, further comprising: a liner secured to at least one of an anterior surface of the foot shell, anterior surfaces of the plurality of segments, and an anterior surface of the calf shell. 19. The orthosis according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one strap for securing the ankle-foot orthosis to a user. 20. The orthosis according to claim 19, wherein the ankle-foot orthosis further includes an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the at least one strap to at least one of the calf shell, the foot shell, and the plurality of segments. 21. The orthosis according to claim 20, wherein the attachment mechanism is one of a hook and loop fastener, a buckle, and a snap fastener. 22. The orthosis according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one hinge provided between at least one of a lowermost segment and the foot shell, the adjacent segments, and an uppermost segment and the calf shell; and at least one elastic member extending from the calf shell to the foot shell to provide a dorsiflexion bias. 23. The orthosis according to claim 22, wherein a first end of the at least one elastic member is secured to the foot shell, a second end of the at least one elastic member is secured to the calf shell, and a remaining portion of the at least one elastic member extends through aligned passageways provided in the calf shell, the foot shell, and the plurality of segments. 24. A method of providing an orthosis comprising at least one strut member, a calf shell, a foot shell, and a plurality of segments disposed between the calf shell and foot shell with gradual stops in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, the method comprising the steps of: forming gaps in the orthosis between at least one of two adjacent segments, an uppermost segment and the calf shell, and a lowermost segment and the foot shell, wherein the gaps formed in a lower portion of the at least one strut member are narrower than gaps formed in an upper portion of the at least one strut member; and manipulating the orthosis in one of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, wherein edges of adjacent segments forming the gaps in the lower portion of the at least one strut member engage before edges of adjacent segments forming the gaps in the upper portion of the at least one strut member engage each other. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improved ankle-foot orthosis for supporting the foot and ankle of a user. The orthosis of the present invention assists the user in plantar flexion and/or dorsiflexion extension of the user's foot while simultaneously controlling medial and lateral ankle stiffness as well as torsion of the ankle in the coronal plane. 2. Discussion of Related Art Presently available ankle-foot orthoses are limited, because the orthoses cannot be customized to specifically address a specific user's dorsiflexion and plantar flexion stiffness needs to any significant or acceptable degree. The dorsiflexion stiffness of current orthoses is generally constant or decreases with increasing ankle angle, that is, the angle between a line passing between a user's knee and ankle and a horizontal line also passing through the ankle, as the foot dorsiflexes. The dorsiflexion stiffness of a normal human foot increases dramatically with increasing ankle angle. As a result, for users needing an orthosis that matches the dorsiflexion stiffness of the normal human foot, the presently available orthoses are unsatisfactory, leaving some users with reduced mobility and a decreased quality of life. A further drawback of current orthoses relates to plantar flexion stiffness. An orthosis having low plantar flexion stiffness allows many users to walk more easily. However, currently available orthoses, other than some articulated orthoses, have a plantar flexion that is much higher, making walking and general mobility more difficult, and decreasing the user's quality of life. Additionally, dorsiflexion and plantar flexion stops, those features that prevent the orthoses from moving beyond a certain point in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, respectively, provided in the presently available orthoses are rigid. Consequently, the stops cause the transmission of large forces into the user's body when the stops engage, and, over time, the relatively large forces damage a user's knee and hip joints. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention addresses these problems, as well as others, by creating gradual dorsiflexion and plantar flexion stops as a user's foot is articulated in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, respectively. According to a first aspect of the invention, the present invention comprises at least one strut member, a calf shell disposed at an upper end of the at least one strut member, a foot shell disposed at a lower end of the at least one strut member, a plurality of segments disposed between the calf shell and the foot shell, gaps formed between two adjacent segments, an uppermost segment and the calf shell, and a lowermost segment and the foot shell, wherein, in dorsiflexion, a width of the gaps between front edges of the adjacent segments decreases until the front edges of the adjacent segments contact each other, increasing dorsiflexion stiffness and creating a gradual dorsiflexion stop, and further wherein, in plantar flexion, a width of the gaps at back edges of the adjacent segments decreases, increasing plantar flexion stiffness and creating a gradual plantar flexion stop. According to a second aspect of the invention, spacers are disposed within the gaps, wherein the spacers compress in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion as the widths of the gaps at the front and back edges decrease, causing the stiffness of the orthosis to increase. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the gaps progressively increase in width from a lower end of the orthosis to an upper end wherein the gaps at the lower end are narrower than the gaps at the upper end. Therefore, in dorsiflexion or plantar flexion, the gaps close in series beginning at the lower end, wherein a gradual dorsiflexion or plantar flexion stop is formed. According to a third aspect of the invention, front edges of the segments contact each other during dorsiflexion, wherein the effective length of a flexing portion of the orthosis is reduced, which causes the orthosis stiffness to increase according to well known and understood beam bending principles. In plantar flexion, according to an embodiment, rear edges of the segments also contact each other, wherein the effective length of a flexing portion of the orthosis is reduced, causing the orthosis stiffness to increase according to well known and understood beam bending principles. In an alternate embodiment having spacers provided within the gaps, the rear edges of the segments come into contact during plantar flexion, compressing the spacers therebetween, changing the effective length of the flexing portion, and increasing the plantar flexion stiffness. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the ankle-foot orthosis includes a hinge between, for example, the foot shell and a lowermost segment, wherein the hinge eliminates substantially all stiffness of the orthosis in both plantar flexion and dorsiflexion at a location where the hinge is provided. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the ankle-foot orthosis includes elastic members extending from the calf shell to the foot shell to provide a dorsiflexion bias. According to a preferred embodiment, the elastic members extend through coincident openings in a front portion of the segments. According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the foot shell includes a toe extension at a front end thereof. According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the ankle-foot orthosis includes straps for securing the orthosis to the user. According to a eighth aspect of the invention, the ankle-foot orthosis includes a liner provided on a surface of the orthosis that contacts a posterior surface of a lower leg and a lower foot surface of a user. According to an ninth aspect of the invention, the ankle-foot orthosis further includes an adjustment mechanism provided between the calf shell and an uppermost segment for expanding or narrowing the width of the gap therebetween. Expanding the width of the gap in which the adjustment mechanism is provided correspondingly narrows the widths of the gaps therebelow, compresses the spacers disposed between opposing surfaces defining the gaps, and increases the stiffness the orthosis. Narrowing the width of the gap in which the adjustment mechanism is provided correspondingly expands the widths of the gaps therebelow, decompresses the spacers disposed between the opposing surfaces defining the gaps, and decreases the stiffness of the orthosis. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism is a threaded rod and locknut combination. Alternately, the adjustment mechanism is a twist draw mechanism. According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, an alternate embodiment of the ankle-foot orthosis includes a strut member, a calf shell disposed at an upper end of the strut member, a foot shell disposed at a lower end strut member, and a plurality of segments disposed between the calf shell and the foot shell along front and back surfaces of the strut member forming gaps therebetween. In dorsiflexion, a width of the gaps at front edges thereof decrease until the front edges of the segments contact each other, increasing dorsiflexion stiffness and creating a gradual dorsiflexion stop. In plantar flexion, a width of the gaps at back edges thereof decreases, increasing plantar flexion stiffness and creating a gradual plantar flexion stop. In a further embodiment, the segments are integrally formed on the front and back surface in the strut member. Alternately, the segments are secured to the front and back surfaces of the strut member by fasteners or an adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, the gaps progressively increase in width from a lower end of the orthosis to an upper end wherein the gaps at the lower end are narrower than the gaps at the upper end. Therefore, in dorsiflexion or plantar flexion, the gaps close in series, beginning at the lower end to define a gradual dorsiflexion and plantar flexion stop. Further, the foot shell includes an optional toe extension and straps for securing the orthosis to the user. It is an additional aspect of this invention to be incorporated into various types of footwear for non-disabled users, wherein the invention would perform the function of the calf muscle to reduce muscle fatigue and enhance physical performance of the user, such as endurance. Additional aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will be better understood as set forth in the following description and accompanying drawings and will also become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by practice of the invention. |
Aggregation and synchronization of nearby media |
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media make media content (e.g., audio, video, or pictorial data) from multiple sources available through a single interface of a client device. The client device may be a portable media playing device (such as a laptop, Tablet PC, MP3 player, portable video player, or the like). By aggregating media content from plural sources (such as a desktop PC, a set top box, etc.) and providing a unified listing of the available media content from these multiple sources on the client device, a user can view all available media content at a single location, without making multiple connections to multiple different sources. Additionally, the user can pull media content from these multiple sources to the client device. Features also are provided to automatically synchronize, obtain, and update media content on the media source(s) and/or the client device. Various ways of handling digital rights management issues associated with copying at least some media content also are described. |
1. A method, comprising: publishing data indicating available media content stored on or accessible via a first media source and a second media source; receiving the data indicating the available media content at a client device; displaying, on the client device, information identifying at least a portion of the available media content; and pulling at least some portion of the available media content to the client device. 2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: publishing data indicating available media content stored on or accessible via a third media source, wherein the receiving step additionally includes receiving the data indicating the available media content from the third media source. 3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the displaying step additionally includes displaying, on the client device, information identifying at least a portion of the available media from the third media source. 4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the pulling step additionally includes pulling at least some portion of the available media content from the third media source to the client device. 5. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: generating a display on the client device indicating that media content is available. 6. A method according to claim 5, further comprising: generating a request, using the client device, indicating a desire to receive information identifying the available media content. 7. A method according to claim 6, further comprising: determining, using at least one of the first media source or the second media source, whether the client device is authorized to receive media content or information identifying the available media content from at least one of the first media source or the second media source. 8. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining, using at least one of the first media source or the second media source, whether the client device is authorized to receive media content or information identifying available media content from at least one of the first media source or the second media source. 9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the data indicating the available media content stored on or accessible via the first and second media sources is published via a broadcast protocol. 10. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first media source includes a personal computer and the second media source includes a set-top box. 11. A method according to claim 1, wherein, in the publishing step, the data indicating the available media content stored on or accessible via the first media source is published independent of the data indicating the available media content stored on or accessible via the second media source. 12. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving user input indicating at least a first media content file from the available media content to pull to the client device. 13. A method according to claim 12, further comprising: determining whether the first media content file already exists on the client device. 14. A system, comprising: at least a first media source and a second media source, wherein at least one of the first and second media sources publishes data indicating available media content stored on or accessible via at least one of the first media source and the second media source; and a client device in electronic communication with at least one of the first media source and the second media source, wherein the client device includes an input system for receiving the data indicating the available media content at a client device, a display device for displaying information identifying at least a portion of the available media content, and a processor system for pulling at least some portion of the available media content to the client device. 15. A system according to claim 14, further comprising: a third media content source that publishes data indicating available media content stored on or accessible via the third media source, and wherein the input system of the client device is in electronic communication with the third media source to receive the data indicating the available media content from the third media source. 16. A system according to claim 15, wherein the display device additionally displays information identifying at least a portion of the available media from the third media source. 17. A system according to claim 16, wherein the pulling step additionally includes pulling at least some portion of the available media content from the third media source to the client device. 18. A system according to claim 14, wherein the display device further generates a display indicating that media content is available from at least one of the first and second media sources. 19. A system according to claim 18, wherein the processor system of the client device further generates data indicating a desire to receive information identifying the available media content. 20. A system according to claim 19, wherein at least one of the first and second media sources determines whether the client device is authorized to receive media content or information identifying the available media content from at least one of the first media source or the second media source. 21-96. (canceled) |
<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The use and availability of media content (such as audio, video, and pictorial data) is growing rapidly with the increasing popularity of digital media coupled with the relatively low cost of personal computer hardware, other media playing devices, and/or other media services. The advent of “media” centric PCs and software for such devices, such as Windows XP Media Center Edition (available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.) has further fueled this growth. Therefore, it now is quite common for users to have large amounts of media content stored digitally on their PCs and/or spread around over multiple media content sources (e.g., multiple devices in the home, office, etc.). Stored media content typically is played on the primary host PC or computer, streamed to playback devices on a local network, “pushed”/copied from the primary PC or other source to a dedicated media device (such as an MP3 player, a Portable Media Center device, or the like), and/or “pushed”/copied to a media-capable mobile PC (such as a laptop, notebook, or tablet PC). The popularity of portable media devices provides a clear indication that many users want to carry their media library (or at least a subset of it) with them in a portable manner. For various reasons, as noted above, the primary mechanism available for moving media content onto portable media devices, like those described above, is via the “push” model, which works in a 1 to 1 relationship between the host or source with the desired media content (e.g., a “media library”) and each portable device onto which media content is pushed. While the above arrangements can move media content to portable devices, there are some disadvantages to these procedures. For example, in order to “push” the media content to the portable device, users typically have to connect the portable device to the media content source, and the copying actions have to be initiated and performed via the media content source. This can be inconvenient, particularly if media content from several potential media content sources is desired (e.g., from one or more PCs, set top boxes, digital audio or video play/storage systems, etc.), because the user is required to move the portable device to the separate locations of the different sources, separately connect the portable device to these sources, locate the desired media content data, and push/copy it to the portable device. Moreover, if the user is not certain which source contains the desired media content to be included on the portable device, he/she would be forced to move from source to source, separately searching each one, until the desired media content was located. |
<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>Aspects of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and computer-readable media for making media content, optionally from a variety of sources, available to a user for listing, searching, and/or copying through a single interface provided on a client device. The client device may be a portable media playing device (such as a laptop, notebook, tablet PC, MP3 player, digital video playing device, digital audio playing device, digital camera, or the like). By aggregating information regarding available media content from a plurality of potential sources (such as from one or more desktop PCs, set top boxes, MP3 or other digital audio systems or libraries, digital video playing systems or libraries, and the like) and providing a unified listing of the available media content from these sources to a user on a client device, a user can conveniently list, search, and/or view all available media content from the multiple sources at a single location (i.e., on the client device), without making multiple connections and/or multiple search queries. Additionally, the user can conveniently pull selected media content from these multiple potential sources to the client device through interaction with a user interface provided on the client device. Additional aspects of the invention relate to automatically synchronizing and/or updating media content between the media source(s) and the client device and/or automatically providing new media content to the client device when a source on the system receives new media content that meets certain pre-set or pre-selected user entered parameters. Finally, additional aspects of this invention relate to system and methods that automatically deal with various digital rights management and copy license issues associated with media content having copying limitations or restrictions. |
Polymer electrolyte composition containing aromatic hydrocarbon-based resin |
An object of the present invention is to provide a polymer electrolyte composition ensuring high durability even under high-temperature low-humidification conditions (for example, an operation temperature of 100° C. with 50° C. humidification (corresponding to a humidity of 12 RH %)), and a proton exchange membrane comprising the polymer electrolyte composition. The present invention provides a polymer electrolyte composition comprising (A) a polymer compound having an ion exchange group, (B) a polyphenylene sulfide resin, and at least one resin selected from (C) a polyphenylene ether resin and (D) a polysulfone resin, and a proton exchange membrane comprising the above polymer electrolyte composition. |
1. A polymer electrolyte composition comprising (A) a polymer compound having an ion exchange group, (B) a polyphenylene sulfide resin, and at least one resin selected from (C) a polyphenylene ether resin and (D) a polysulfone resin. 2. A polymer electrolyte composition according to claim 1, wherein the polyphenylene ether resin (C) is an epoxy-modified polyphenylene ether (E). 3. A polymer electrolyte composition according to claim 1, which comprises (A) a polymer compound having an ion exchange group, (B) a polyphenylene sulfide resin, (C) a polyphenylene ether resin and (F) an epoxy group-containing compound. 4. A polymer electrolyte composition according to claim 3, wherein the epoxy group-containing compound (F) is a homopolymer or copolymer of an unsaturated monomer having an epoxy group (G). 5. A polymer electrolyte composition according to claim 4, wherein the epoxy group-containing compound (F) is a copolymer comprising an unsaturated monomer having an epoxy group and a styrene monomer (G). 6. A polymer electrolyte composition according to claim 3, wherein the epoxy group-containing compound (F) is an epoxy resin (H). 7. A polymer electrolyte composition according to claim 6, which comprises (E) an epoxy-modified polyphenylene ether resulting from a reaction at least partially proceeding between the polyphenylene ether resin (C) and the epoxy resin (H) in the polymer electrolyte composition. 8. A polymer electrolyte composition according to claim 1, wherein the polymer compound having an ion exchange group (A) is a perfluorocarbon polymer compound having an ion exchange group. 9. A polymer electrolyte composition according to claim 8, wherein the perfluorocarbon polymer compound having an ion exchange group has a structural unit represented by the following formula (1): -[CF2CX1X2]a-[CF2-CF (-O-(CF2-CF(CF2X3))b-Oc-(CFR1) d-(CFR2) e-(CF2)f-X4)]g-(1) wherein X1, X2 and X3 each is independently a halogen atom or a perfluoroalkyl group having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, a and g are 0≲a<1 , 0<g≲1 and a+g=l, b is an integer of 0 to 8, c is 0 or 1, d, e and f each is independently an integer of 0 to 6 (with the proviso that d+e+f is not 0), R1 and R2 each is independently a halogen element or a perfluoroalkyl or fluorochloroalkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and X4 is COOZ, SO3Z, PO3Z2 or PO3HZ (wherein Z is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom, an alkaline earth metal atom or an amine (e.g., NH4, NH3R1, NH2R1R2, NHR1R2R3, NR1R2R3R4), and R1, R2, R3 and R4 each is an alkyl group or an arene group). 10. A polymer electrolyte composition according to claim 1, wherein particles comprising one or more resin selected from the polyphenylene sulfide resin (B), the polyphenylene ether resin (C) and the polysulfone resin (D) are dispersed in the polymer compound having an ion exchange group (A), and the equivalent-circle average particle diameter of the particles is 1 μm or less. 11. A polymer electrolyte composition according to claim 3, wherein particles comprising one or more resin selected from the polyphenylene sulfide resin (B), the polyphenylene ether resin (C) and the epoxy group-containing compound (F) are dispersed in the polymer compound having an ion exchange group (A), and the equivalent-circle average particle diameter of the particles is 1 μm or less. 12. A polymer electrolyte composition according to claim 10, wherein the region allowing for dispersion of particles occupies from 50 to 100% in the entire region of the polymer electrolyte composition. 13. A proton exchange membrane comprising the polymer electrolyte composition described in claim 1. 14. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 13, wherein the membrane has a thickness of 5 to 200 μm; the polymer compound having an ion exchange group (A) is a perfluorocarbon polymer compound having an ion exchange group; and the polyphenylene sulfide resin (B) and at least one resin selected from the polyphenylene ether resin (C) and the polysulfone resin (D) are melt-mixed under heating with a precursor of the perfluorocarbon polymer compound having an ion exchange group and then extrusion-molded, and the obtained film is saponified with an alkali and then acid-treated, thereby producing the proton exchange membrane. 15. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 13, wherein the membrane has a thickness of 5 to 200 μm; the polymer compound having an ion exchange group (A) is a perfluorocarbon polymer compound having an ion exchange group; the polyphenylene sulfide resin (B), the polyphenylene ether resin (C) and the epoxy group- containing compound (F) are melt-mixed under heating with a precursor of the perfluorocarbon polymer compound having an ion exchange group and then extrusion-molded, and the obtained film is saponified with an alkali and then acid-treated, thereby producing the proton exchange membrane. 16. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 14, wherein the extrusion molding is inflation molding. 17. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 13, which is stretched at a draw ratio of 1.1 to 6.0 times in the transverse direction (TD), at a draw ratio of 1.0 to 6.0 times in the machine direction (MD) and at an area draw ratio of 1.1 to 36 times. 18. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 13, wherein at least two proton exchange membranes differing in the compositional ratio of the polymer electrolyte composition are stacked. 19. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 18, wherein the polymer electrolyte composition comprises (A) the polymer compound having an ion exchange group, (B) the polyphenylene sulfide resin, (C) the polyphenylene ether resin and (F) the epoxy group-containing compound. 20. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 18, wherein a proton exchange membrane comprising at least two polymer electrolyte compositions differing in the content of the polymer compound having an ion exchange group (A) is stacked at least in three layers, and the inner layer smaller in the A content than at least either one surface layer occupies from 5 to 90% of the entire layer thickness. 21. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 18, wherein a proton exchange membrane comprising at least two polymer electrolyte compositions differing in the content of the polymer compound having an ion exchange group (A) is stacked at least in three layers, the surface layer is lower in the A content than in the inner layer, and the thickness of the surface layer occupies from 5 to 50% of the entire layer thickness. 22. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 13, which comprises a reinforcing material comprising an inorganic or organic material. 23. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 22, wherein the reinforcing material is a staple fiber substance. 24. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 22, wherein the reinforcing material is a continuous support. 25. A membrane electrode assembly comprising the proton exchange membrane described in claim 13. 26. A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising the membrane electrode assembly described in claim 25. 27. A proton exchange membrane comprising the polymer electrolyte composition described in claim 12. 28. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 27, wherein the membrane has a thickness of 5 to 200 μm; the polymer compound having an ion exchange group (A) is a perfluorocarbon polymer compound having an ion exchange group; and the polyphenylene sulfide resin (B) and at least one resin selected from the polyphenylene ether resin (C) and the polysulfone resin (D) are melt-mixed under heating with a precursor of the perfluorocarbon polymer compound having an ion exchange group and then extrusion-molded, and the obtained film is saponified with an alkali and then acid-treated, thereby producing the proton exchange membrane. 29. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 27, wherein the membrane has a thickness of 5 to 200 μm; the polymer compound having an ion exchange group (A) is a perfluorocarbon polymer compound having an ion exchange group; the polyphenylene sulfide resin (B), the polyphenylene ether resin (C) and the epoxy group-containing compound (F) are melt-mixed under heating with a precursor of the perfluorocarbon polymer compound having an ion exchange group and then extrusion-molded, and the obtained film is saponified with an alkali and then acid-treated, thereby producing the proton exchange membrane. 30. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 28, wherein the extrusion molding is inflation molding. 31. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 27, which is stretched at a draw ratio of 1.1 to 6.0 times in the transverse direction (TD), at a draw ratio of 1.0 to 6.0 times in the machine direction (MD) and at an area draw ratio of 1.1 to 36 times. 32. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 27, wherein at least two proton exchange membranes differing in the compositional ratio of the polymer electrolyte composition are stacked. 33. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 32, wherein the polymer electrolyte composition comprises (A) the polymer compound having an ion exchange group, (B) the polyphenylene sulfide resin, (C) the polyphenylene ether resin and (F) the epoxy group-containing compound. 34. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 32, wherein a proton exchange membrane comprising at least two polymer electrolyte compositions differing in the content of the polymer compound having an ion exchange group (A) is stacked at least in three layers, and the inner layer smaller in the A content than at least either one surface layer occupies from 5 to 90% of the entire layer thickness. 35. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 32, wherein a proton exchange membrane comprising at least two polymer electrolyte compositions differing in the content of the polymer compound having an ion exchange group (A) is stacked at least in three layers, the surface layer is lower in the A content than in the inner layer, and the thickness of the surface layer occupies from 5 to 50% of the entire layer thickness. 36. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 27, which comprises a reinforcing material comprising an inorganic or organic material. 37. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 36, wherein the reinforcing material is a staple fiber substance. 38. A proton exchange membrane according to claim 36, wherein the reinforcing material is a continuous support. 39. A membrane electrode assembly comprising the proton exchange membrane described in claim 38. 40. A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising the membrane electrode assembly described in claim 39. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A fuel cell is a cell in which hydrogen, methanol or the like is electrochemically oxidized and thereby the chemical energy of fuel is directly converted into an electric energy and taken out, and this is attracting attention as a clean electric energy supply source. In particular, a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell works at a low temperature as compared with others and is expected to be an automobile alternative power source, a domestic cogeneration system, a portable generator or the like. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprises at least a membrane electrode assembly in which a gas diffusion electrode obtained by stacking an electrode catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer is joined on each of both surfaces of a proton exchange membrane. The proton exchange membrane as used herein means a material having a strongly acidic group such as sulfonic acid group and carboxylic acid group in the polymer chain and having a property of selectively passing a proton. The proton exchange membrane which is suitably used is a perfluoro-based proton exchange membrane as represented by Nafion (registered trademark, produced by du Pont) having high chemical stability. During the operation of a fuel cell, a fuel (e.g., hydrogen) is supplied to the gas diffusion electrode on the anode side, an oxidizing agent (e.g., oxygen, air) is supplied to the gas diffusion electrode on the cathode side, and both electrodes are connected through an external circuit, thereby actuating the fuel cell. More specifically, when the fuel is hydrogen, the hydrogen is oxidized on an anode catalyst to produce a proton, and this proton passes through a proton conductive polymer in the anode catalyst layer, then moves in the proton exchange membrane and passes through a proton conductive polymer in the cathode catalyst layer to reach on the cathode catalyst. On the other hand, an electron produced simultaneously with the proton by the oxidation of hydrogen passes through the external circuit to reach the gas diffusion electrode on the cathode side and reacts with the proton and oxygen in the oxidizing agent to produce water, and an electric energy can be taken out at this time. In this case, the proton exchange membrane must act also as a gas barrier and if the gas permeability of the proton exchange membrane is high, the hydrogen on the anode side leaks toward the cathode side and the oxygen on the cathode side leaks toward the anode side, that is, a cross leakage is generated, as a result, a so-called chemical short state is produced and a good voltage cannot be taken out. The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell is usually operated at around 80° C. in order to bring out high output properties, but in usage for automobiles, assuming travel of an automobile in the summer season, the fuel cell is required to be operable even under high-temperature low-humidification conditions (an operation temperature in the vicinity of 100° C. with 50° C. humidification (corresponding to a humidity of 12 RH %)). However, when a fuel cell using a conventional perfluoro-based proton exchange membrane is operated for a long time under high-temperature low-humidification conditions, this causes a problem in that pinholes are generated in the proton exchange membrane and cross-leakage is brought about, and sufficiently high durability is not obtained. With respect to the method for enhancing the durability of the perfluoro-based proton exchange membrane, studies have been reported to enhance the durability by the reinforcement using a fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (see, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 53-149881 and Japanese Examined Patent Publication (Kokoku) No. 63-61337), the reinforcement using a stretched PTFE porous film (see, Kokai No. 8-162132), the reinforcement of adding inorganic particles (see, Kokai Nos. 6-111827 and 9-219206 and U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 5,523,181), or the reinforcement using a porous body comprising an aromatic ring-containing resin (see, Kokai Nos. 2001-514431 and 2003-297393). However, in these methods, durability sufficiently high to solve the above-described problems cannot be achieved. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>An object of the present invention is to provide a polymer electrolyte composition ensuring high durability even under high-temperature low-humidification conditions (for example, an operation temperature of 100° C. with 50° C. humidification (corresponding to a humidity of 12 RH %)), and a proton exchange membrane comprising the polymer electrolyte composition. As a result of intensive investigations to attain the above-described object, the present inventors have found that a polymer electrolyte composition comprising (A) a polymer compound having an ion exchange group, (B) a polyphenylene sulfide resin, and at least one resin selected from (C) a polyphenylene ether resin and (D) a polysulfone resin exhibits high oxidization stability, and a proton exchange membrane comprising this polymer electrolyte composition has excellent durability even at a high temperature with low humidification. That is, the present invention is as follows. [ 1 ] A polymer electrolyte composition comprising (A) a polymer compound having an ion exchange group, (B) a polyphenylene sulfide resin, and at least one resin selected from (C) a polyphenylene ether resin and (D) a polysulfone resin. [ 2 ] A polymer electrolyte composition as described in [ 1 ] above, wherein the polyphenylene ether resin (C) is an epoxy-modified polyphenylene ether (E). [ 3 ] A polymer electrolyte composition as described in [ 1 ] or [ 2 ] above, which comprises (A) a polymer compound having an ion exchange group, (B) a polyphenylene sulfide resin, (C) a polyphenylene ether resin and (F) an epoxy group-containing compound. [ 4 ] A polymer electrolyte composition as described in [ 3 ] above, wherein the epoxy group-containing compound (F) is a homopolymer or copolymer of an unsaturated monomer having an epoxy group (G). [ 5 ] A polymer electrolyte composition as described in [ 4 ] above, wherein the epoxy group-containing compound (F) is a copolymer comprising an unsaturated monomer having an epoxy group and a styrene monomer (G). [ 6 ] A polymer electrolyte composition as described in [ 3 ] above, wherein the epoxy group-containing compound (F) is an epoxy resin (H). [ 7 ] A polymer electrolyte composition as described in [ 6 ] above, which comprises (E) an epoxy-modified polyphenylene ether resulting from a reaction at least partially proceeding between the polyphenylene ether resin (C) and the epoxy resin (H) in the polymer electrolyte composition. [ 8 ] A polymer electrolyte composition as described in any one of [ 1 ] to [ 7 ] above, wherein the polymer compound having an ion exchange group (A) is a perfluorocarbon polymer compound having an ion exchange group. [ 9 ] A polymer electrolyte composition as described in [ 8 ] above, wherein the perfluorocarbon polymer compound having an ion exchange group has a structural unit represented by the following formula (1): in-line-formulae description="In-line Formulae" end="lead"? —[CF 2 ,CX 1 X 2 ] a -[CF 2 -CF(-O-(CF 2 -CF(CF 2 X 3 )) b -O c -(CFR 1 ) d —(CFR 2 ) e —(CF 2 ) f -X 4 )] g - (1) in-line-formulae description="In-line Formulae" end="tail"? wherein X 1 , X 2 and X 3 each is independently a halogen atom or a perfluoroalkyl group having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, a and g are 0≲a<l, 0<g≲l and a+g=l, b is an integer of 0 to 8, c is 0 or 1, d, e and f each is independently an integer of 0 to 6 (with the proviso that d+e+f is not 0), R 1 and R 2 each is independently a halogen element or a perfluoroalkyl or fluorochloroalkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and X 4 is COOZ, SO 3 Z, PO 3 Z 2 or PO 3 HZ (wherein Z is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom, an alkaline earth metal atom or an amine (e.g., NH 4, NH 3 R 1 , NH 2 R 1 R 2 , NHR 1 R 2 R 3 , NR 1 R 2 R 3 R 4 ), and R 1 , R 2 , R 3 and R 4 each is an alkyl group or an arene group). [ 10 ] A polymer electrolyte composition as described in any one of [ 1 ] to [ 9 ] above, wherein particles comprising one or more resin selected from the polyphenylene sulfide resin (B), the polyphenylene ether resin (C) and the polysulfone resin (D) are dispersed in the polymer compound having an ion exchange group (A), and the equivalent-circle average particle diameter of the particles is 1 μm or less. [ 11 ] A polymer electrolyte composition as described in any one of [ 3 ] to [ 9 ] above, wherein particles comprising one or more resin selected from the polyphenylene sulfide resin (B), the polyphenylene ether resin (C) and the epoxy group-containing compound (F) are dispersed in the polymer compound having an ion exchange group (A), and the equivalent-circle average particle diameter of the particles is 1 μm or less. [ 12 ] A polymer electrolyte composition as described in [ 10 ] or [ 11 ], wherein the region allowing for dispersion of particles occupies from 50 to 100% in the entire region of the polymer electrolyte composition. [ 13 ] A proton exchange membrane comprising the polymer electrolyte composition described in any one of [ 1 ] to [ 12 ] above. [ 14 ] A proton exchange membrane as described in [ 13 ] above, wherein the membrane has a thickness of 5 to 200 μm; the polymer compound having an ion exchange group (A) is a perfluorocarbon polymer compound having an ion exchange group; and the polyphenylene sulfide resin (B) and at least one resin selected from the polyphenylene ether resin (C) and the polysulfone resin (D) are melt-mixed under heating with a precursor of the perfluorocarbon polymer compound having an ion exchange group and then extrusion-molded, and the obtained film is saponified with an alkali and then acid-treated, thereby producing the proton exchange membrane. [ 15 ] A proton exchange membrane as described in [ 13 ] above, wherein the membrane has a thickness of 5 to 200 μm; the polymer compound having an ion exchange group (A) is a perfluorocarbon polymer compound having an ion exchange group; and the polyphenylene sulfide resin (B), the polyphenylene ether resin (C) and the epoxy group-containing compound (F) are melt-mixed under heating with a precursor of the perfluorocarbon polymer compound having an ion exchange group and then extrusion-molded, and the obtained film is saponified with an alkali and then acid-treated, thereby producing the proton exchange membrane. [ 16 ] A proton exchange membrane as described in [ 14 ] or [ 15 ] above, wherein the extrusion molding is inflation molding. [ 17 ] A proton exchange membrane as described in any one of [ 13 ] to [ 16 ] above, which is stretched at a draw ratio of 1.1 to 6.0 times in the transverse direction (TD), at a draw ratio of 1.0 to 6.0 times in the machine direction (MD) and at an area draw ratio of 1.1 to 36 times. [ 18 ] A proton exchange membrane as described in any one of [ 13 ] to [ 17 ] above, wherein at least two proton exchange membranes differing in the compositional ratio of the polymer electrolyte composition are stacked. [ 19 ] A proton exchange membrane as described in [ 18 ] above, wherein the polymer electrolyte composition comprises (A) the polymer compound having an ion exchange group, (B) the polyphenylene sulfide resin, (C) the polyphenylene ether resin and (F) the epoxy group-containing compound. [ 20 ] A proton exchange membrane as described in [ 18 ] or [ 19 ], wherein a proton exchange membrane comprising at least two polymer electrolyte compositions differing in the content of the polymer compound having an ion exchange group (A) is stacked at least in three layers, and the inner layer smaller in the A content than at least either one surface layer occupies from 5 to 90% of the entire layer thickness. [ 21 ] A proton exchange membrane as described in [ 18 ] or [ 19 ], wherein a proton exchange membrane comprising at least two polymer electrolyte compositions differing in the content of the polymer compound having an ion exchange group (A) is stacked at least in three layers, the surface layer is lower in the A content than in the inner layer, and the thickness of the surface layer occupies from 5 to 50% of the entire layer thickness. [ 22 ] A proton exchange membrane as described in any one of [ 13 ] to [ 21 ], which comprises a reinforcing material comprising an inorganic or organic material. [ 23 ] A proton exchange membrane as described in [ 22 ] above, wherein the reinforcing material is a staple fiber substance. [ 24 ] A proton exchange membrane as described in [ 22 ] above, wherein the reinforcing material is a continuous support. [ 25 ] A membrane electrode assembly comprising the proton exchange membrane described in any one of [ 13 ] to [ 24 ] above. [ 26 ] A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising the membrane electrode assembly described in [ 25 ] above. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? The proton exchange membrane comprising the polymer electrolyte composition of the present invention is free from generation of cross-leakage and exhibits excellent durability even when a fuel cell is operated for a long time at an operation temperature of 100° C. with 50° C. humidification (corresponding to a humidity of 12 RH %), so that a proton exchange membrane ensuring high durability even under high-temperature low-humidification conditions (for example, an operation temperature of 100° C. with 50° C. humidification (corresponding to a humidity of 12 RH %)) can be obtained. The proton exchange membrane obtained according to the present invention is usable also for various fuel cells including a direct methanol-type fuel cell as well as for water electrolysis, hydrogen halide acid electrolysis, sodium chloride electrolysis, oxygen concentrator, moisture sensor, gas sensor and the like. |
Safety device |
A safety device for a motor vehicle, having an inflatable airbag which, to protect a vehicle occupant on a vehicle seat—in particular when an accident or a hazardous situation occurs—is inflated and deployed laterally next to the vehicle occupant, and having a supporting device which interacts with the airbag and prevents or at least reduces a lateral movement of the airbag when the vehicle occupant plunges into the airbag. |
1. A safety device for a motor vehicle, comprising: an inflatable airbag configured to inflate when an accident or hazardous situation occurs for protecting a vehicle occupant on a vehicle seat; wherein the airbag is positioned and configured to deploy laterally next to the vehicle occupant on the side of the vehicle occupant which faces the inside of the vehicle; and a supporting device configured to interact with the airbag in order to reduce lateral movement of the airbag when the vehicle occupant plunges into the airbag. 2. The safety device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured so that the airbag inflates to a pressure of at least 100 kPa in the event of an accident. 3. The safety device of claim 1, wherein the airbag includes a covering material and an additional insulating layer which is situated in or on the airbag covering material and is less gas-permeable than the airbag covering material. 4. The safety device of claim 3, wherein the insulating layer is formed by a coating applied to the airbag covering material. 5. The safety device of claim 3, wherein the insulating layer comprises silicone or a silicone compound. 6. The safety device of claim 1, wherein the supporting device includes at least one tensioning strap which is connected at one end to the airbag and at the other end to the vehicle seat. 7. The safety device of claim 6, wherein the one end of the strap is connected to the airbag at a location which is spaced apart from a location where the airbag is connected to the vehicle seat. 8. The safety device of claim 7, wherein the one end of the strap is connected to a front edge of the airbag. 9. The safety device of claim 6, wherein the at least one tensioning strap is arranged in such a manner that it is tensioned by the vehicle occupant plunging into the airbag. 10. The safety device of claim 9, wherein the at least one tensioning strap is positioned to extend in the region of the vehicle occupant's shoulder and/or back. 11. The safety device of claim 1, wherein the supporting device comprises at least one supporting element which is arranged in the interior of the airbag or on the outside of the airbag and absorbs lateral forces when the vehicle occupant plunges into the airbag. 12. The safety device of claim 11, wherein the supporting element is brought into its working position in the event of an accident by folding, by rotating, by extension of a telescopic system, by pivoting or by a roller blind technique. 13. The safety device of claim 11, wherein the supporting element is connected to a layer of the airbag that faces away from the vehicle occupant. 14. The safety device of claim 1, wherein the safety device is mounted exclusively on the vehicle seat. 15. A method for protecting a vehicle occupant, in which an airbag is inflated and deployed laterally next to the vehicle occupant, the airbag being supported in such a manner that a lateral movement of the airbag when the vehicle occupant plunges into the airbag is prevented or at least reduced, wherein the airbag is deployed on the inside of the vehicle. 16. Method of claim 15, wherein the airbag is inflated to a pressure of at least 100 kPa in the event of an accident. 17. A safety device for a motor vehicle for protecting a vehicle occupant on a vehicle seat when an accident occurs, wherein the device includes an airbag configured to be inflated and deploy laterally next to the vehicle occupant, and a supporting device which interacts with the airbag and prevents or at least reduces a lateral movement of the airbag when the vehicle occupant plunges into the airbag, the supporting device having at least one tensioning strap which is connected at one tensioning-strap end to the airbag and at another tensioning-strap end to the vehicle seat, the at least one tensioning strap being arranged in such a manner that it is tensioned by the vehicle occupant plunging into the airbag. 18. The safety device of claim 17, wherein the at least one tensioning strap extends in the region of the vehicle occupant's shoulder and/or back. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The invention relates to a safety device for a motor vehicle. In particular, to a safety device including an inflatable airbag which is configured to inflate and deploy laterally next to the vehicle occupant. A safety device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,862 (incorporated by reference herein). The disclosed safety device is arranged between a vehicle outer wall, for example a vehicle door, of a vehicle and a vehicle seat on which the vehicle occupant to be protected is situated. In the event of an accident, an airbag of the safety device is inflated in such a manner that it is deployed between the vehicle occupant and the vehicle outer wall. As a result, the vehicle occupant is protected from striking against or coming into contact with the vehicle outer wall. A tensioning strap is arranged on the airbag as a supporting device. The tensioning strap secures the airbag laterally, so that a lateral movement of the airbag when the vehicle occupant plunges into the airbag is prevented or at least reduced. German patent specification 42 07 253 C2 and German laid-open specification 199 04 071 A1 (both incorporated by reference herein) also disclose safety devices, in which an airbag is deployed between two seats of a seat bench in the event of an accident in order to prevent the vehicle occupants situated on the seat bench from colliding. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>According to an embodiment of the invention, provision for the airbag together with the supporting device to be arranged on the inside of the vehicle, i.e. on that side of the vehicle occupant which faces the inside of the vehicle or on that side of the vehicle seat which faces the inside of the vehicle. The vehicle seat may be an “individual seat” or a seat of a seat bench. One substantial advantage of the safety device according to the invention is that, owing to the arrangement of the airbag on the inside of the vehicle, an interaction of the seat belt on the belt-buckle side with the vehicle occupant's abdomen region is prevented. Protection against injuries to the abdomen region due to the belt buckle or the seat belt is provided by the airbag arranged on the inside of the vehicle because a lateral movement of the vehicle occupant in the direction of the interior of the vehicle is prevented. According to another embodiment of the present invention, vehicle occupants sitting next to each other may be prevented from colliding; in particular, a collision of the occupants' heads can be prevented. Another potential advantage of an embodiment of the present invention, is to provide additional protection even if the vehicle occupant who is to be protected sits on the vehicle side facing away from the impact; this is because, in this case, the airbag which is deployed on the inside of the vehicle protects a vehicle occupant (sitting facing away from the impact) against colliding with a vehicle occupant sitting facing the impact or with intruding vehicle regions (for example the interior of the vehicle). According to another embodiment of the present invention, the safety device may include a supporting device which prevents or at least reduces a lateral movement of the airbag. The supporting device prevents the airbag, when the vehicle occupant plunges into it, from buckling away or “giving way”, as a result of which the protective effect of the airbag could be reduced. According to another particular embodiment of the present invention, provision is made for the airbag to be able to inflated to a pressure of at least 100 kPa, in particular of at least 150 kPa, in the event of an accident. Such a high internal pressure of the airbag reduces the risk that the airbag could buckle away under the action of the occupant's body mass and the protective effect of the airbag could be reduced. A safety device having an airbag pressure of at least 100 kPa also makes it possible to reliably restrain both the vehicle occupant's head and the vehicle occupant's entire body. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the airbag is provided with an insulating layer or a coating which is less gas-permeable than the rest of the airbag in order to reduce the likelihood of inflation gas from unintentionally or prematurely leaving the airbag under a drop in pressure. The insulating layer or the coating of the airbag covering preferably includes silicone or a silicone compound, since silicone is a particularly gas-tight material and can easily be processed. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the supporting device for fixing the airbag in its “protective position” can be formed, for example, by at least one tensioning strap which is connected at its one tensioning-strap end to the airbag and at its other tensioning-strap end to the vehicle seat. The tensioning-strap end which is connected to the airbag is preferably fitted in the region of that airbag covering section which is as far away as possible from the gas generator of the safety device. The further the fastening point of the tensioning strap to the airbag is from the fastening point of the airbag to the vehicle, the greater is the fixing effect of the tensioning strap. Accordingly, it is particularly advantageous if the tensioning-strap end which is connected to the airbag is fitted in the region of a front edge of the airbag. In order to achieve a tensioning-strap tensioning force which is dependent on the severity of the accident, the tensioning strap is preferably arranged in such a manner that it is automatically tensioned or “retensioned” by the vehicle occupant plunging into the airbag. For this purpose, the tensioning strap may preferably extend in the region of the vehicle occupant's shoulder and/or back, so that the vehicle occupant acts on the tensioning strap when he plunges into the airbag. An automatic tensioning of tensioning straps by the vehicle occupant is not only possible in the case of safety devices, in which the airbag is arranged on the inside of the vehicle, but also in the case of safety devices such as those described at the beginning, in which the airbag is arranged on the outside of the vehicle—i.e. between the vehicle occupant and the vehicle outer wall. According to yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the supporting device may comprise at least one supporting element which is arranged in the interior of the airbag or on the outside of the airbag and absorbs lateral forces when the vehicle occupant plunges into the airbag in the event of an accident. A supporting element of this type may be formed, for example, by a plate or the like. According to embodiments of the invention, the supporting element can be brought into its working or protective position in the event of an accident in various ways. For example, it is conceivable to bring the supporting element into the protective or supporting position by folding, by rotating, by extension of a telescopic system, by pivoting or by a roller blind technique. In order to reduce the likelihood that the vehicle occupant may come directly into contact with the supporting element and can be injured as a result, an embodiment of the present invention provides for the supporting element to be connected to the airbag layer of the airbag that faces away from the vehicle occupant. In the case of this arrangement of the supporting element, it is ensured that there is an “air cushion layer” between the supporting element and the vehicle occupant protecting the vehicle occupant from the supporting element. Moreover, according to another embodiment of the invention, the safety device may be mounted on the seat or on the seat bench. The mounting ensures that the safety device—before an accident—is at the same time moved over the entire seat-adjusting region or the entire region of the backrest setting (in the event of being positioned in the seat back). As a result, an always optimum position of the safety device is ensured, so that a minimum airbag size suffices for an effective protection of the occupant. In addition, an embodiment of the invention relates to a method for protecting a vehicle occupant in the event of an accident, in which an airbag is inflated and deployed laterally next to the vehicle occupant, the airbag being supported in such a manner that a lateral movement of the airbag when the vehicle occupant plunges into the airbag is prevented or at least reduced. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. |
System and method for filtering and organizing items based on common elements |
A system and method for filtering and organizing items in a computer system based on common elements is provided. A graphical user interface includes a plurality of display objects, each display object representing one or more items and a metadata property control corresponding to a metadata property. Selection of the metadata property control causes a list of filter terms to be presented on the display and also may cause a list of check box controls to be presented on the display, each check box control being adjacent to a respective one of the filter terms. The list of filter terms may be presented in a drop down menu. Selection of a check box control causes each item that satisfies the corresponding filter term to be presented on the display. The filters may be dynamically generated based on the properties of the separate items. |
1. In a computer system having a display and a memory for storing items with metadata properties, a graphical user interface comprising: a plurality of display objects, each display object representing one or more items; a property control corresponding to a property that is shared by a plurality of the items, wherein selection of the property control causes a list of filter terms to be presented on the display. 2. The graphical user interface of claim 1, wherein the list of filter terms is dynamically generated based on evaluation of the property and the display objects. 3. The graphical user interface of claim 1, wherein an indicator as to the number of items which satisfy a respective filter term is presented on the display proximate to the respective filter term. 4. The graphical user interface of claim 3, wherein the indicator is an icon which is dynamically generated. 5. The graphical user interface of claim 4, wherein selection of the icon causes the items that are represented on the display to be filtered in accordance with the respective filter term. 6. The graphical user interface of claim 1, wherein selection of the property control causes a list of check box controls to be presented on the display, each check box control corresponding to a respective one of the filter terms. 7. The graphical user interface of claim 6, wherein selection of a first check box control causes the items that are represented on the display to only include items that satisfy a first respective filter term corresponding to the first check box control. 8. The graphical user interface of claim 7, wherein selection of a second check box control when the first check box control is currently selected causes the items that are represented on the display to include items that satisfy either the first respective filter term corresponding to the first check box control or a second respective filter term corresponding to the second check box control. 9. The graphical user interface of claim 8, wherein de-selection of the second check box control causes the items that are represented on the display to include only items that satisfy at least one respective filter term corresponding to a currently selected check box control. 10. The graphical user interface of claim 8, wherein selection of a no filter command causes de-selection of each selected check box control. 11. The graphical user interface of claim 6, wherein selection of a check box control causes the items that are represented on the display to satisfy the corresponding filter term and dismissing the list of filter terms causes each filter term corresponding to a selected check box control to be applied such that each item represented on the display satisfies a filter term corresponding to a selected check box. 12. The graphical user interface of claim 1, wherein the property control is a split button, and selection of a first button portion causes the list of filter terms to be presented on the display and selection of the second button portion causes the display objects to be sorted by the property. 13. The graphical user interface of claim 12, wherein the property control provides a visual indicator when the display objects are sorted or filtered by the property. 14. The graphical user interface of claim 1, wherein selection of the property control causes a list of arrangement commands to be presented on the display, the arrangement commands being separated from the list of filter terms and wherein selection of an arrangement command causes the items to be rearranged on the display. 15. The graphical user interface of claim 1, wherein when the property relates to a date one of the filter terms is pick a date, and selection of the pick a date filter term causes a calendar control to be presented for a user to select a specific date or date range to filter by. 16. The graphical user interface of claim 1, wherein the list of filter terms is presented in a drop down menu. 17. In a computer system having a display and a memory for storing items with metadata properties, a method of filtering items, the method comprising: providing a plurality of display objects on the display that each represent one or more items; providing a plurality of property controls on the display, each property control corresponding to a respective property that is shared by a plurality of the items, and responsive to a user selection of the property control, causing a list of filter terms and check box controls to be presented on the display, each check box control corresponding to a respective one of the filter terms. 18. In a computer system having a display and a memory for storing items with metadata properties, a graphical user interface comprising: a plurality of display objects that each represent one or more items; a plurality of properties that is shared by a plurality of the items, wherein selection of a property control associated with a property, causes a list of arrangement commands to be presented on the display. 19. The graphical user interface of claim 18, wherein selection of a stack arrangement command causes the items to be stacked by filter terms associated with the property. 20. The graphical user interface of claim 18, wherein selection of a group arrangement command causes the items to be grouped by filter terms associated with the property. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Present computer file systems have a number of undesirable limitations. One limitation is that users are generally unable to control the structure that they are shown. In other words, when folders are organized, a user must choose a structure, and that structure is then difficult to change. As a specific example, for a “music” folder, a user may choose to organize the music files in an artist/album format, wherein all of the album folders for each artist are grouped into that particular artist's folder, and all of the songs on a particular album are grouped into that album's folder. The artist/album format is not conducive to playing a type of music (e.g., playing two jazz songs from two different artists), or for playing a selection of albums from different artists. As another issue, a user may have a large number of files which are difficult to organize. Some users implement a rigid sense of placement for the files, and thus create strict hierarchies for them. The management of such files become increasingly complex and difficult as the number of available documents grows, making search and retrieval also difficult. This problem is further exacerbated when additional files are utilized from other locations, such as shared files, etc. Users also have to deal with files being in different locations, such as on different devices, on other PCs, or online. For example, users can select to listen to their music on the computer (as may be accessible to a music program) or can go online and listen to music from Web sites, however there is a strict division between these two sources. Music coming from different locations is organized differently, and not kept in the same fashion or place. As another example, files stored on a corporate network may inherently be separated from files a user has on a current machine. Users also have to keep track not only of what file data is stored, but where it is stored. For example, for music files, users are forced to keep copies on various systems and to try to track which music files are located where. This can make files difficult to locate, even when they are locally stored. It is also sometimes difficult to find and return to files that a user has. A user may find it difficult to recall where and how they stored certain files. Given a set of folders and even a group of similar files, users often find it difficult to quickly find the one that they are looking for. For files stored in a difficult place to find, it is that much more complex to locate. In addition, once users have enough files in a folder, it becomes more difficult to parse the folder quickly, especially if the contents are similar. It is also sometimes difficult for users to find or return to files on a network. Sharing and publishing files is often hard to do, and it may often be even more difficult to retrieve such a file from someone who makes it available. Users typically have to memorize or map the various sites and names that they need for finding files on a network. Name spaces may vary, which can cause confusion to the user as to what is “correct.” This is particularly true on a network where there are different naming conventions, limitations, and so on. For example, certain operating systems may require short names with no spaces in order for them to be visible. Programs also often save files to their own directory or other name spaces, which can make it difficult for users to find their way back to the files. Programs often have default directories and places they save documents. A user often has to search through their hard disk and make guesses about where a file is stored. Related items are also often stored in separate places. Related files that a user has may be stored on different parts of the hard disk, etc. This problem becomes more common with the developments of digital media services that have multiple content types (e.g., pictures, music, video). The present invention is directed to providing a system and method that overcome the foregoing and other disadvantages. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a system and method for filtering and organizing items based on common elements. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A system and method for filtering and organizing items from computer memories based on common elements is provided. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, filters are provided for manipulating the items. The filters are essentially tools for narrowing down a set of items. In one embodiment, the filters are dynamically generated based on the properties of the separate items. For example, for a set of items, the filter mechanism may review the properties, and if the items generally have “authors” as a property, the filter can provide a list of the authors. Then by clicking on a particular author, the items that don't have the author disappear. This allows the user to narrow the contents. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method for filtering items is provided in a computer system having a display and a memory for storing items with metadata properties. Display objects are provided on the display that each represent one or more items. The metadata properties of the items that are represented by the display objects are evaluated. A filter term is provided on the display that corresponds to a metadata property that is shared by a plurality of the items, wherein the selection of the filter term causes the items that are represented on the display to be reduced to those items that share the specified metadata property. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a plurality of items is represented on the display, and a filter term is dynamically generated based on the metadata properties of the items. When the filter term is selected, it reduces the items that are represented on the display to those that have the metadata property that corresponds to the filter term. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a plurality of items is represented on the display, and a filter area is provided in which a user can select a filter term by selecting a checkbox control. When a checkbox control is selected by the user, the items that are represented on the display are reduced to those that contain the filter term. As the user types the filter term, additional items may be filtered as each new character is added to the filter term. In accordance with another aspect a graphical user interface is provided including a plurality of display objects, each display object representing one or more items and a property control corresponding to a property that is shared by a plurality of the items. Selection of the property control causes a list of filter terms to be presented on the display. In one aspect the filter terms may be presented in a drop down menu in which each filter has a corresponding checkbox control. In another aspect of the invention, selection of a first check box control may cause the items that are represented on the display to only include items that satisfy the filter term corresponding to the first check box control. Selection of a second check box control when the first check box control is currently selected causes the items that are represented on the display to include items that satisfy either the first respective filter term corresponding to the first check box control or a second respective filter term corresponding to the second check box control. In other words, the filter terms cause a logical OR operation to be performed on the items in the view. In still another aspect, the second check box control may be deselected causing the items represented on the display to include only items that satisfy at least one respective filter term corresponding to a currently selected check box control. In another aspect, selection of a property control may cause a list of arrangement commands to be presented on the display separated from the list of filter terms. The selection of an arrangement command may cause the items to be rearranged on the display. Illustrative arrangement commands including sorting, stacking or group by the property associated with the selected property control. In yet another aspect, the property control may be a split button. According to this aspect, selection of a first button portion may cause the list of filter terms to be presented on the display and selection of the second button portion may cause the display objects to be sorted by the property. |
System and method for viewing and editing multi-value properties |
In a display of properties (or metadata) for multiple selected files, properties may be aggregated. Visual differentiation may be used to associate displayed aggregated values with one or more selected files to which the values pertain. Multi-value properties may also be aggregated and differentiated and/or accentuated. When aggregating multiple multi-value properties, steps may be taken to carry relative priority or positioning assigned by each of the selected files to which the multi-value properties pertain. Aggregated multi-value properties may include prompt text informing them of editing options, and users may edit properties by editing the displayed aggregated properties. Changes to the aggregated properties may be applied to the properties of the various selected files. |
1. A method of displaying file properties, comprising the steps of: receiving a selection of multiple files of a computer system, said files each having at least one multi-value property; displaying, on a display of said computer system, an aggregation of values of said multi-value properties of said multiple files, wherein at least one displayed value is visually differentiated to correlate said value with one or more of said selected files. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one displayed value is visually differentiated in a manner to indicate that said value is associated with all of said selected files. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one displayed value is visually differentiated in a manner to indicate that said value is associated with a subset of said selected files. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of visually differentiating said one or more of said selected files in a manner corresponding to said at least one displayed value. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of normalizing said multi-value properties of said selected multiple files. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of arranging said aggregation of values based on priorities given by said multiple files. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said step of arranging includes the steps of: establishing an integer constant C; and tallying priority votes for each value found in the multi-value properties of said selected files for places 1 through C. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said step of arranging further includes the step of, for one of places 1 through C, granting that place to a value having the most priority votes for that place. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said step of arranging further includes the step of peeking, in the event of a tie between two or more values for said one of places 1 through C, ahead to the next sequential place after said one of places 1 through C, and awarding said one of places 1 through C based on the results of said peeking. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of including a prompt text string with said displayed aggregation of values. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of automatically removing said prompt text string in response to a user initiating a data entry operation in said displayed aggregated values. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of automatically replacing said prompt text string in response to said user terminating said data entry operation. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of 1, further comprising the step of displaying a dropdown menu of suggestions in response to a user initiating a data entry operation in said displayed aggregated values. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said menu of suggestions is automatically filtered based on contextual criteria. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of sorting said filtered menu of suggestions. 16. A method of displaying data, comprising the steps of: displaying, on a computer system display, a list of files to a user; receiving user selection of a plurality of said files; displaying a preview of one or more of said files; displaying metadata of said selected files while said preview is displayed, wherein at least a portion of said metadata is an aggregation of values of multi-value properties of said selected plurality of files; and visually differentiating one or more of said aggregated values to identify one or more associations between said values and one or more of said selected files. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein said aggregated values are displayed in a field, and said field appends prompt text to an end of said aggregated values. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of automatically removing said prompt text in response to user initiation of a data entry operation in said field. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of arranging said displayed aggregated values in accordance with respective priorities associated with each of said selected files. 20. A method of editing file metadata, comprising the steps of: displaying aggregated values of multi-value properties of a plurality of selected files; visually differentiating at least one of said aggregated values to indicate an association between said differentiated value and one or more of said plurality of selected files; revising said displayed aggregated values in accordance with a user request to edit said values; and making a corresponding revision to properties of each of said selected files in response to said user editing said aggregated values. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The need to readily identify items stored in a computing environment such as a personal computer (PC) is dramatically increasing as more individuals utilize computers in their daily routines, and as the type of stored information varies between pictures, music, documents, etc. Documents and media are typically stored on computers in a hierarchical fashion and are organized with files of information or media stored within folders. File system browsers enable users to navigate through the file system and locate and open files and folders. For example, Microsoft Corporation's WINDOWS® EXPLORER™ is an operating system utility which enables users to browse the file system. When browsing files on a system, some systems may display one or more properties or file attributes for a selected file. The WINDOWS® EXPLORER™ allows users to right-click a mouse button on a file icon, and view a pop-up dialog containing selected properties of the file. Properties may include file type, location, size and creation date, but are rather limited in scope. As computing systems become more and more sophisticated, more sophisticated properties and property presentation techniques will be desirable. One type of more sophisticated property is the multi-value property. A multi-value property is a property that may have more than one value associated with it. For example, in the MICROSOFT OUTLOOK® email program, an email's addressee field (“To”) may have multiple addressees. Users often have difficulty editing multi-value property fields. Some users have difficulty with the delimiters (such as semicolons) used to separate the multiple values in the displayed multi-value property fields. MICROSOFT OUTLOOKS uses a semicolon to separate the multiple entries, and users often either fail to notice this delimiter, accidentally delete it, or accidentally insert too many delimiters, as they go about editing the “To” field for their email. Other users misspell entries in the multi-value fields, causing greater confusion down the road. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved way of handling the display of properties, and of managing multi-value properties, to simplify the user's experience in navigating and managing files on a computing system. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Aspects of the present invention may meet one or more of the above needs, and overcome one or more deficiencies in the prior art, by providing a system and method for user modification of properties (or metadata). In one aspect, a shell browser is provided which includes a display of file properties that may include multi-value properties. The user may edit the multi-value property, and the system may intelligently assist the user in editing the multi-value property. The system may tokenize the multi-value property values, and may provide persistent prompt text within a multi-value property field as a reminder to the user of the field's options. The system may display aggregated property values, and may incorporate visual differences to associate aggregated values with the files to which they apply. Editing of the aggregated values is possible, and when editing aggregated multi-value properties, the system may intelligently assist the user in selecting (or avoiding) entries based on a variety of factors, such as the entries already in use and the context in which the property values are used. When aggregating multi-value properties for multiple selected files, the system may also take steps to help preserve the order in which particular values appeared in the various files. Values that tended to appear more often in the beginning of a file's multi-value property will tend to appear towards the beginning of the corresponding aggregated multi-value property. |
Semiconductor laser device and semiconductor laser assembly |
Semiconductor laser assembly 1 is provided with semiconductor laser device 6 and heat dissipation member 24. Semiconductor laser device 6 includes semiconductor laser element 15, lead-frame 11, lower and upper enclosures 18 and 19 and plate-like spring 21 connected to lead-frame 11. Semiconductor laser element 15 is mounted on lead-frame 11 through sub-mounting member 16. Lower and upper enclosures 18 and 19 have an opening through which laser beams from semiconductor laser element 15 are emitted. Plate-like spring 21 is connected to lead-frame 11 and has wing and holding portions 22 and 23. Holding portion 23 is a C-character in cross section to put lower and upper enclosures 18 and 19 together. Heat dissipation member 24 has inside walls to define perforation 25, so that wing portions 22 of plate-like spring 21 pushes semiconductor laser device 6 against the inside walls of heat dissipation member 24 when the semiconductor laser device 6 is set in perforation 25. |
1. A semiconductor laser device comprising a semiconductor laser element; a lead-frame on which the semiconductor laser element is provided; an enclosure with an opening to project laser beams from the semiconductor laser element contained in the enclosure; and a spring member connected to the lead-frame. 2. A semiconductor laser assembly comprising: a semiconductor laser device including a semiconductor laser element, a lead-frame on which the semiconductor laser element is provided, an enclosure with an opening to project laser beams from the semiconductor laser element contained in the enclosure and a spring member connected to the lead-frame; and a heat dissipation member having inside walls to define a perforation, so that the spring member pushes the semiconductor laser device against the inside walls of the heat dissipation member when the semiconductor laser device is set in the perforation. 3. A semiconductor laser assembly according to claim 2, wherein the heat dissipation member is made of metal which is larger in heat capacity than the semiconductor laser device. 4. A semiconductor laser assembly according to claim 2, wherein the spring member is a plate-like spring. 5. A semiconductor laser assembly according to claim 2, wherein the spring member is provided with a holding portion to hold the enclosure of the semiconductor laser device and a spring portion to push the semiconductor laser device against the inside walls of the heat dissipation member when the semiconductor laser device is set in the perforation. 6. A semiconductor laser assembly according to claim 5, wherein the holding portion is extended along a top surface of the enclosure and the spring portion is formed by bending the holding portion at a point corresponding to about ⅖ of a width of the enclosure. 7. A semiconductor laser assembly according to claim 4, wherein the spring member is a pair of springs provided from both side wall through a top wall of the enclosure. 8. A semiconductor laser assembly according to claim 2, wherein the spring member is provided with an extending portion along an outer wall of the enclosure of the semiconductor laser device and a spring portion to push the semiconductor laser device against the inside walls of the heat dissipation member when the semiconductor laser device is set in the perforation. 9. A semiconductor laser assembly according to claim 8, wherein the extending portion of the spring member extended from a portion at a back side of the enclosure and the spring portion is provided above a top wall of the spring member. 10. A semiconductor laser assembly according to claim 9, wherein the spring member has not less than two sets of the extending portions and spring portions provided at a back side portion of the enclosure with respect to a projection direction of the laser beams. 11. A semiconductor laser assembly according to claim 2, further comprising connecting leads connected to the laser element, wherein the spring member makes an outer surface of the enclosure of the semiconductor laser device come in contact with one of the inside walls corresponding to the outer surface of the enclosure of the semiconductor laser device so that the heat dissipation member holds the semiconductor laser device when the semiconductor laser device is set in the perforation. 12. A semiconductor laser assembly according to claim 11, wherein the heat dissipation member is made of metal which is larger in heat capacity than the semiconductor laser device. 13. A semiconductor laser assembly according to claim 11, wherein the spring member has a bent portion at a back side portion of the enclosure with respect to a projection direction of the laser beams and an edge portion of the spring member is held at one of the inside walls. 14. A semiconductor laser assembly according to claim 11, wherein the spring member has not less than two sets of the bent portions and the edge portions. 15. A semiconductor laser assembly according to claim 11, wherein the spring member 9 is made of a plate-like spring. 16. A semiconductor laser assembly according to claim 11, wherein one of the inside walls of the heat dissipation member and an outer surface of the enclosure of the semiconductor laser device are sloped so that the semiconductor laser device is guided and set in the perforation of the heat dissipation member. 17. A semiconductor laser assembly according to claim 11, wherein the inside walls of the heat dissipation member have top, bottom and side walls, the inside top walls have low and high portions which are A and B in height and define a step between the low and high portions, the enclosure of the semiconductor laser device has low and high portions which are C and D in height, and the heights are satisfied with a relationship of C<A<D<B so that the semiconductor laser device is held at the low portion of the heat dissipation member. 18. A semiconductor laser assembly comprising: a semiconductor laser device including a semiconductor laser element, a lead-frame on which the semiconductor laser element is provided, an enclosure with an opening to project laser beams from the semiconductor laser element contained in the enclosure and connecting leads connected to the laser element; and a heat dissipation member having inside walls to define a perforation, wherein an outer surface of the enclosure of the semiconductor laser device is in contact with the inside walls corresponding to the outer surface of the enclosure of the semiconductor laser device so that the heat dissipation member holds the semiconductor laser device when the semiconductor laser device is set in the perforation. 19. A semiconductor laser assembly according to claim 18, wherein the heat dissipation member is made of metal which is larger in heat capacity than the semiconductor laser device. 20. A semiconductor laser assembly according to claim 18, further comprising an adhesive to fix the semiconductor laser device in the heat dissipation member. |
<SOH> FIELD OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This invention generally relates to a semiconductor laser device and a semiconductor laser assembly capable of receiving, and stably dissipating heat from, a semiconductor laser device. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a semiconductor laser device provided with a semiconductor laser element, a lead-frame on which the semiconductor laser element is provided, an enclosure with an opening to emit laser beams from the semiconductor laser element contained in the enclosure, and a spring connected to the lead-frame. A second aspect of the present invention is directed to a semiconductor laser assembly provided with a semiconductor laser device and a heat dissipation member. The semiconductor laser device includes a semiconductor laser element, a lead-frame on which the semiconductor laser element is mounted, an enclosure with an opening through which laser beams from the semiconductor laser element are emitted and a spring connected to the lead-frame. The heat dissipation member has inside walls to define a perforation, so that the spring pushes the semiconductor laser device against the inside walls of the heat dissipation member when the semiconductor laser device is set in the perforation. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a semiconductor laser assembly provided with a semiconductor laser device containing a semiconductor laser element, a lead-frame on which the semiconductor laser element is mounted, and an enclosure having an opening through which laser beams from the semiconductor laser are emitted, and a heat dissipation member which has inside walls to define a perforation. An outer surface of the enclosure of the semiconductor laser device and one of the inside walls corresponding to the outer surface of the enclosure of the semiconductor laser device are sloped so that the heat dissipation member holds the semiconductor laser device when the semiconductor laser device is set in the perforation. |
Over torque proof socket |
A socket includes a body having a driving portion, a receiving portion engageable with a rotatable workpiece, a first gear portion capable of being operatively driven by rotation of the driving portion in a fastening direction and an opposite releasing direction, a second gear portion functionally cooperable to drive the receiving portion for rotating the workpiece, the second gear portion being constructed and arranged to engage with and be driven by the first gear portion. The driving engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion is released when a torque required to drive the second gear portion exceeds the threshold amount of torque. A biasing member applies a force of engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion, and an adjusting member functionally cooperable with the biasing member adjusts a magnitude of the force of engagement to adjust the threshold amount of torque. |
1. An over torque proof socket comprising: a body having a driving portion adapted to be connected with a torque applying handle, and a receiving portion engageable with a rotatable workpiece, said driving portion being capable of relative rotation with respect to said receiving portion when a threshold amount of torque is exceeded; a first gear portion capable of being operatively driven by rotation of said driving portion in a fastening direction and an opposite releasing direction; a second gear portion functionally cooperable to drive said receiving portion for rotating the workpiece, said second gear portion being constructed and arranged to engage with and be driven by said first gear portion, said driving engagement between said first gear portion and said second gear portion being released when a torque required to drive said second gear portion exceeds said threshold amount of torque; a biasing member that applies a force of engagement between said first gear portion and said second gear portion; and an adjusting member functionally cooperable with said biasing member to adjust a magnitude of the force of engagement between said first gear portion and said second gear portion so as to adjust said threshold amount of torque, said adjusting member being arranged in said receiving portion. 2. The over torque proof socket of claim 1, wherein said driving portion is constructed and arranged to be removably engaged with said receiving portion. 3. The over torque proof socket of claim 1, wherein said first gear portion includes a head and a toothed plate, said toothed plate having a plurality of teeth arranged on a periphery thereof. 4. The over torque proof socket of claim 3, wherein the first gear portion includes an intermediate portion arranged between said head and said toothed plate. 5. The over torque proof socket of claim 4, wherein said receiving portion includes a cylindrical protruding portion having a plurality of equally spaced holes formed therethrough, the plurality of equally spaced holes extending radially from an inner surface to an outer surface of the cylindrical protruding portion, and wherein each of the plurality of equally spaced holes is constructed and arranged to receive a portion of a ball bearing that is arranged in the intermediate portion of the first gear portion so as to secure the first gear portion to the receiving portion. 6. The over torque proof socket of claim 3, wherein the head of the first gear portion is a cylindrical head including generally parallel lateral flat portions. 7. The over torque proof socket of claim 6, wherein a hole is formed in one of the parallel lateral flat portions. 8. The over torque proof socket of claim 7, wherein the driving portion includes a cylindrical cavity including corresponding parallel lateral flat portions, and wherein a hole extends radially from an outer wall portion of the driving portion to one of the corresponding parallel lateral flat portions. 9. The over torque proof socket of claim 8, wherein each of the holes is configured to house a portion of a pin that is configured to secure the driving portion with the first gear portion. 10. The over torque proof socket of claim 3, wherein said second gear portion includes a complementary plurality of teeth on a periphery thereof, said complementary plurality of teeth being configured to engage the plurality of teeth of said first gear portion. 11. The over torque proof socket of claim 10, wherein each of said plurality of teeth and said complementary plurality of teeth include a sharp flank and a shallow inclined flank, such that, in the fastening direction, when the torque required to drive said second gear portion exceeds said threshold amount of torque, the plurality of teeth of said first gear portion disengage from the complementary plurality of teeth of said second gear portion. 12. The over torque proof socket of claim 11, wherein an inclination angle of the shallow inclined flanks of the plurality of teeth of the first gear portion is in a range of about 111°-121°. 13. The over torque proof socket of claim 11, wherein, in the opposite releasing direction, the plurality of teeth of the first gear portion remains engaged with the complementary plurality of teeth of the second gear portion regardless of the torque exerted. 14. The over torque proof socket of claim 11, wherein the plurality of teeth have a trapezoidal shape. 15. The over torque proof socket of claim 1, wherein said adjusting member includes a cylindrical housing having at one end thereof a threaded portion that is configured to be threadably engaged with a complementary threaded portion of said receiving portion. 16. The over torque proof socket of claim 15, wherein said adjusting member includes a cavity formed in a bottom surface thereof, the cavity being constructed and arranged to receive a head of a wrench for adjusting said threshold amount of torque. 17. The over torque proof socket of claim 15, wherein markings are provided on an outer wall of the cylindrical housing to indicate the threshold amount of torque. 18. The over torque proof socket of claim 17, wherein the body includes a window to read the threshold amount of torque. 19. The over torque proof socket of claim 18, wherein a transparent cap is arranged in the window. 20. The over torque proof socket of claim 1, wherein the threshold amount of torque is increased when the adjusting member is displaced toward the driving portion. 21. The over torque proof socket of claim 1, wherein the biasing member is a compression spring. 22. The over torque proof socket of claim 21, wherein the first and second extremities of the compression spring are grounded. 23. The over torque proof socket of claim 1, wherein said second gear portion includes an outer wall portion that is received in a complementary inner wall portion of said receiving portion so as to prevent rotation of said second gear portion relative to said receiving portion. 24. The over torque proof socket of claim 23, wherein the outer wall portion of the second gear portion includes a plurality of connected arcs that define a contour of the outer wall portion. 25. The over torque proof socket of claim 1, further comprising a magnetic ring arranged in the adjusting member for retaining the workpiece. 26. The over torque proof socket of claim 1, wherein the workpiece is a spark plug. 27. The over torque proof socket of claim 1, wherein said receiving portion includes a cylindrical protruding portion having a plurality of equally spaced holes formed therethrough, the plurality of equally spaced holes extending radially from an inner surface to an outer surface of the cylindrical protruding portion, and wherein each of the plurality of equally spaced holes is constructed and arranged to receive a portion of a cylindrical roller that is arranged in the intermediate portion of the first gear portion so as to secure the first gear portion to the receiving portion. 28. The over torque proof socket of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of wedges that are radially arranged in said receiving portion, said plurality of wedges being constructed and arranged to secure said second gear portion to said receiving portion. 29. An over torque proof socket comprising: a body having a driving portion adapted to be connected with a torque applying handle, and a receiving portion engageable with a rotatable workpiece, said driving portion being capable of relative rotation with respect to said receiving portion when a threshold amount of torque is exceeded; a first gear portion capable of being operatively driven by rotation of said driving portion in a fastening direction and an opposite releasing direction; a second gear portion functionally cooperable to drive said receiving portion for rotating the workpiece, said second gear portion being constructed and arranged to engage with and be driven by said first gear portion, said driving engagement between said first gear portion and said second gear portion being released when a torque required to drive said second gear portion exceeds said threshold amount of torque; a biasing member that applies a force of engagement between said first gear portion and said second gear portion; an adjusting member functionally cooperable with said biasing member to adjust a magnitude of the force of engagement between said first gear portion and said second gear portion so as to adjust said threshold amount of torque; and a magnetic ring configured to retain said workpiece. 30. An over torque proof socket comprising: a body having a driving portion adapted to be connected with a torque applying handle, and a receiving portion engageable with a rotatable workpiece, said driving portion being capable of relative rotation with respect to said receiving portion when a threshold amount of torque is exceeded; a first gear portion capable of being operatively driven by rotation of said driving portion in a fastening direction and an opposite releasing direction; a second gear portion functionally cooperable to drive said receiving portion for rotating the workpiece, said second gear portion being constructed and arranged to engage with and be driven by said first gear portion, said driving engagement between said first gear portion and said second gear portion being released when a torque required to drive said second gear portion exceeds said threshold amount of torque; a biasing member that applies a force of engagement between said first gear portion and said second gear portion; and an adjusting member functionally cooperable with said biasing member to adjust a magnitude of the force of engagement between said first gear portion and said second gear portion so as to adjust said threshold amount of torque; wherein said driving portion is constructed and arranged to be removably engaged with said first gear portion. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a socket for tightening a workpiece with an adjustable torque. 2. Description of Related Art Tighteners are generally used in the industry to rapidly tighten nuts, bolts or other workpieces to a receiving part. For example, tighteners may be used to secure spark plugs in internal combustion engines. Referring to FIG. 1 , a conventional spark plug tightener 1 conventionally includes an elongated body 2 having a bottom end surface 3 in which a hole is formed with a hexagonal portion. In use, the hexagonal portion of the hole is engaged within the hexagonal casing 4 of the spark plug 5 and the rotation of the elongated body drives and secures the spark plug within the cylinder cover of the engine 6 . Rotation of the elongated body 2 may be done manually with a shaft 7 that is passed through the upper portion 8 of the elongated body 2 . Generally, it is desirable to control the transmitted torque for properly securing the workpiece (e.g., the spark plug) to the receiving part (e.g., the engine). The workpiece should not be secured too tightly to ensure that the threads or the holding elements of the receiving part are not fractured or weakened, or that the workpiece is not damaged. Similarly, the workpiece should not be secured too loosely. In order to control the applied torque and to prevent the workpiece from being damaged during tightening, tighteners having a preset amount of torque may be used. Upon reaching that preset amount of torque, the tightener may be arranged to release and spin freely. Alternatively, or in addition, the tightener may include a device to create an audible sound when the torque for which it is set is reached. In this latter configuration, though, the tightener may not completely prevent the user from applying more torque after the signal is given. However, conventional tighteners having a preset amount of torque are generally expensive, heavy and difficult to use in tight environments such as that of many engines. As a result, simpler tools are used in current automotive repair environments and the degree of tightening of many workpieces, such as spark plugs, is left for the most part to the judgment of the user. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Embodiments of the invention include an adjustable over torque proof socket that is light, small and easy to use for engine repair and maintenance. In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an over torque proof socket including: a body having a driving portion adapted to be connected with a torque applying handle, and a receiving portion engageable with a rotatable workpiece, the driving portion being capable of relative rotation with respect to the receiving portion when a threshold amount of torque is exceeded, a first gear portion capable of being operatively driven by rotation of the driving portion in a fastening direction and an opposite releasing direction, a second gear portion functionally cooperable to drive the receiving portion for rotating the workpiece, the second gear portion being constructed and arranged to engage with and be driven by the first gear portion, the driving engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion being released when a torque required to drive the second gear portion exceeds the threshold amount of torque. The over torque proof socket also includes a biasing member that applies a force of engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion; and an adjusting member functionally cooperable with the biasing member to adjust a magnitude of the force of engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion so as to adjust the threshold amount of torque. In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided an over torque proof socket including a body having a driving portion adapted to be connected with a torque applying handle, and a receiving portion engageable with a rotatable workpiece, the driving portion being capable of relative rotation with respect to the receiving portion when a threshold amount of torque is exceeded. The socket also includes a first gear portion capable of being operatively driven by rotation of the driving portion in a fastening direction and an opposite releasing direction; a second gear portion functionally cooperable to drive the receiving portion for rotating the workpiece, the second gear portion being constructed and arranged to engage with and be driven by the first gear portion. The driving engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion is released when a torque required to drive the second gear portion exceeds the threshold amount of torque. The socket further includes a biasing member that applies a force of engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion;.an adjusting member functionally cooperable with the biasing member to adjust a magnitude of the force of engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion so as to adjust the threshold amount of torque; and a magnetic ring configured to retain the workpiece. In yet another embodiment of the invention, there is provided an over torque proof socket including a body having a driving portion adapted to be connected with a torque applying handle, and a receiving portion engageable with a rotatable workpiece, the driving portion being capable of relative rotation with respect to the receiving portion when a threshold amount of torque is exceeded. The socket also includes a first gear portion capable of being operatively driven by rotation of the driving portion in a fastening direction and an opposite releasing direction; a second gear portion functionally cooperable to drive the receiving portion for rotating the workpiece, the second gear portion being constructed and arranged to engage with and be driven by the first gear portion. The driving engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion is released when a torque required to drive the second gear portion exceeds the threshold amount of torque. The socket further includes a biasing member that applies a force of engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion; and an adjusting member functionally cooperable with the biasing member to adjust a magnitude of the force of engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion so as to adjust the threshold amount of torque. In this embodiment, the driving portion is constructed and arranged to be removably engaged with the first gear portion. |
Treating metabolic syndrome with fenofibrate |
A method of treating metabolic syndrome in a human diagnosed with metabolic syndrome by administering a therapeutically effective amount of fenofibrate over a treatment period. The results can include identifying a human as not having clinical metabolic syndrome after treatment, as compared to having metabolic syndrome before treatment. |
1. A method for treating metabolic syndrome in a human, the method comprising: administering a therapeutically effective amount of fenofibrate to a human having metabolic syndrome. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the fenofibrate is administered once daily. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the fenofibrate is administered orally. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the fenofibrate is in a form of microgranules. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the microgranules of fenofibrate are administered in a tablet or capsule composition. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the tablet or capsule composition is immediate-release. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the tablet or capsule composition comprises one or more excipients, and wherein the one or more excipients are one or more members selected from the group consisting of a wetting agent, a surfactant, a hydrosoluble carrier, and a binder. 8. The method of claim 4, wherein the microgranules comprise a neutral core, an active later, and an outer layer encompassing the active layer and neutral core. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of fenofibrate is from about 20 to about 400 mg per day. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of fenofibrate is from about 30 to about 300 mg per day. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of fenofibrate is from about 40 to about 200 mg per day. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the fenofibrate is administered once daily for a treatment period of at least two weeks. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the fenofibrate is administered once daily for a treatment period of at least four weeks. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the fenofibrate is administered once daily for a treatment period of at least eight weeks. 15. A method for treating metabolic syndrome in a human, the method comprising: administering, for a treatment period, a therapeutically effective amount of fenofibrate to a human having metabolic syndrome; and determining after the treatment period that the human no longer has metabolic syndrome. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the fenofibrate is administered once daily. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the fenofibrate is administered for a treatment period of at least two weeks. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the fenofibrate is administered for a treatment period of at least four weeks. 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the fenofibrate is administered for a treatment period of at least eight weeks. 20. A method for treating metabolic syndrome in a human, the method comprising: orally administering 40 to 200 mg per day of fenofibrate to a human having metabolic syndrome, wherein the method achieves three or more of lowering waist circumference, lowering triglyceride levels, raising HDL-cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure levels, and lowering fasting glucose levels in the human during a treatment period from a baseline level prior to the treatment period. 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the fenofibrate is administered once daily for a treatment period of at least two weeks. 22. The method according to claim 20, wherein the fenofibrate is in a form of microgranules. 23. The method according to claim 20, wherein the fenofibrate is administered in an immediate-release tablet or capsule. |
<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Metabolic syndrome (also known as “syndrome X,” “dysmetabolic syndrome,” “obesity syndrome,” “Reaven's syndrome” and interchangeably referred to herein as the “syndrome”) has emerged as a growing problem. For example, metabolic syndrome has become increasingly common in the United States. It is estimated that about 47 million adults in the United States have the syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is generally a constellation of metabolic disorders that all result from, or are associated with, a primary disorder of insulin resistance. Accordingly, the syndrome is sometimes referred to as “insulin resistance syndrome.” Insulin resistance is characterized by disorders in which the body cannot use insulin efficiently and the body's tissues do not respond normally to insulin. As a result, insulin levels become elevated in the body's attempt to overcome the resistance to insulin. The elevated insulin levels lead, directly or indirectly, to the other metabolic abnormalities. Some people are genetically predisposed to insulin resistance, while other people acquire factors that lead to insulin resistance. Acquired factors, such as excess body fat and physical inactivity, can elicit insulin resistance, and more broadly, clinical metabolic syndrome. Because of this relationship between insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, it is believed that the underlying causes of this syndrome are obesity, physical inactivity and genetic factors. In fact, most people with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome have central obesity (excessive fat tissue in and around the abdomen). The biologic mechanisms at the molecular level between insulin resistance and metabolic risk factors are not yet fully understood and appear to be complex. Metabolic syndrome is typically characterized by a group of metabolic risk factors that include 1) central obesity; 2) atherogenic dyslipidemia (blood fat disorders comprising mainly high triglycerides (“TG”) and low HDL-cholesterol (interchangeably referred to herein as “HDL”) that foster plaque buildups in artery walls); 3) raised blood pressure; 4) insulin resistance or glucose intolerance (the body can't properly use insulin or blood sugar); 5) prothrombotic state (e.g., high fibrinogen or plasminogen activator inhibitor in the blood); and 6) a proinflammatory state (e.g., elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in the blood). The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III guidelines define metabolic syndrome by the following five clinical parameters: a) a waist circumference greater than 102 cm for men, and greater than 88 cm for women; b) a triglyceride level greater than 150 mg/dl; c) an HDL-cholesterol less than 40 mg/dl for men, and less than 50 mg/dl for women; d) a blood pressure greater than or equal to 130/85 mmHG; and e) a fasting glucose greater than 110 mg/dl. According to the American Heart Association, however, there are no well-accepted criteria for diagnosing the metabolic syndrome. Some guidelines suggest that metabolic syndrome involves four general factors: obesity; diabetes; hypertension; and high lipids. According to the NCEP ATP III guidelines above, the presence of at least three of these five factors meets the medical diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. Although there is no complete agreement on the individual risk or prevalence of each factor, it is known that the syndrome, as generally agreed upon by those skilled in the field, poses a significant health risk to individuals. A person having one factor associated with the syndrome has an increased risk for having one or more of the others. The more factors that are present, the greater the risks to the person's health. When the factors are present as a group, i.e., metabolic syndrome, the risk for cardiovascular disease and premature death is very high. For example, a person with the metabolic syndrome is at an increased risk of coronary heart disease, other diseases related to plaque buildups in artery walls (e.g., stroke and peripheral vascular disease), and type 2 diabetes. It is also known that when diabetes occurs, the high risk of cardiovascular complications increases. Generally, patients suffering from the syndrome are prescribed a change in lifestyle, i.e., an increase in exercise and a change to a healthy diet. The goal of exercise and diet programs is to reduce body weight to within 20% of the “ideal” body weight calculated for age and height. In some cases, diet and exercise regimens are supplemented with treatments for lipid abnormalities, clotting disorders, and hypertension. For example, patients with the syndrome typically have several disorders of coagulation that make it easier to form blood clots within blood vessels. These blood clots are often a precipitating factor in developing heart attacks. Patients with the syndrome are often placed on daily aspirin therapy to specifically help prevent such clotting events. Furthermore, high blood pressure is present in more than half the people with the syndrome, and in the setting of insulin resistance, high blood pressure is especially important as a risk factor. Some studies have suggested that successfully treating hypertension in patients with diabetes can reduce the risk of death and heart disease by a substantial amount. Additionally, patients have been treated to specifically reduce LDL-cholesterol (interchangeably referred to herein as “LDL”) levels, reduce triglyceride levels, and raise HDL levels. Drug treatment of metabolic syndrome as a whole usually includes treatment with a statin or a combination of a statin with either niacin or a fibrate in order to focus on the factors individually. Specific treatment of high triglyceride levels with lipid-lowering drugs is intended to inhibit cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Fenofibrate or 2-[4-(4-chlorobenzoyl)phenoxy]-2-methyl-propanoic acid, 1-methylethyl ester, which belongs to the fibrate family, has been known for many years as a medicinal active principle because of its efficacy in lowering blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Fibrates, such as fenofibrates, supplement the use of lipid-lowering drugs by enhancing catabolism of triglyceride-rich particles and reduce VLDL output. Fibrates also raise HDL and lower triglycerides by activating PPAR-alpha, with upregulated expression of Apo A genes and reduced expression of genes for Apo C-III, PAI-1, and fibrinogen. Fibrates also increase expression of the gene for lipoprotein lipase. Fibrates are typically orally administered to such patients. A treatment of 30 to 300 mg of fenofibrate per day enables a 20 to 25% reduction of cholesterolemia and a 40 to 50% reduction of triglyceridemia to be obtained. It is also known that, to obtain a satisfactory hypocholesterolemic effect, it is desirable to maintain a circulating level of fenofibric acid (the active metabolite of fenofibrate). The half-life for elimination of fenofibric acid from the plasma is on the order of 20 hours. Its maximum concentration in the plasma is attained, on average, five hours after ingestion of the medicinal product. The mean concentration in the plasma is on the order of 15 μg/ml for a dose of 300 mg per day. This level is generally stable throughout treatment. Historically, fenofibrate was available in a pharmaceutical dosage form (Lipidil®) consisting of a hard gelatin capsule containing fenofibrate and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients such as lactose, pregelatinized starch and magnesium stearate. Fenofibrate is also available in another pharmaceutical dosage as Lipidil Micro®. European Patent Application 330,532 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,895,726, both of which are incorporated herein in their entireties, disclose a fenofibrate composition in which the fenofibrate powder is co-micronized with a solid wetting agent or solid surfactant, such as sodium lauryl sulfate. The dosage form exhibits improved dissolution rate and bioavailability of fenofibrate over that of micronized fenofibrate alone or that of micronized fenofibrate subsequently mixed with solid surfactant. There are no studies that show the use of fibrates only to treat metabolic syndrome as a whole, however. The use of fibrates is only known to treat specific disorders, such as triglyceride levels, and not metabolic syndrome as a whole. In a study by Ballantyne, C. M., et al, Efficacy of rosuvostatin 10 mg in patients with metabolic syndrome , Am. J. Cardiol (2003), 91:25C-27C, a series of clinical trials showed that fibrate therapy reduces the risk of cardiovascular heart disease. In particular, researchers showed that gemfibrozil reduced the risk for major cardiovascular events in high-risk patients, particularly in those with diabetes and insulin resistance. However, this study only examined the use of gemfibrozil on specific disorders, some of which can be part of metabolic syndrome, and not on metabolic syndrome as a whole. In a study by Tenebaum, A., et al, Peroxisome proliferators - activated receptor ligand bezafibrate for prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with coronary heart disease , Circulation (2004), 109:2197-2202, bezafibrate was shown to significantly lower all-cause and cardiac mortality in patients with triglyceride levels greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl. Bezafibrate treatment also delayed the onset of type 2 diabetes, increased HDL-cholesterol by 16%, and lowered triglycerides by 24%. Tenebaum et al observed the potential for an increase in LDL-cholesterol with fibrate therapy. The Tenebaum study, however, only measures two of the five NCEP ATP III parameters commonly associated with clinical metabolic syndrome, and thus Tenebaum did not, in fact, measure the effect of fibrate on metabolic syndrome. It has been unknown, therefore, whether fibrate is effective in the treatment of the clinical condition of metabolic syndrome, which includes more than the two parameters examined by Tenebaum. There is an unmet need in the art for a pharmaceutically effective amount of fenofibrate to treat patients having clinically diagnosed metabolic syndrome. Additionally, there is an unmet need in the art to treat patients with fenofibrate for metabolic syndrome as a whole and not just particular elements that can be part of metabolic syndrome. |
<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention overcomes the above-mentioned problems, as well as others, by providing a pharmaceutically effective amount of fenofibrate to treat metabolic syndrome as a whole. It is an object of this invention to provide a method of treatment of a human having with metabolic syndrome, the method comprising administration of fenofibrate, preferably as the sole active ingredient in the treatment, to a human diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Treatment with fenofibrate has been shown to successfully reduce the number of patients having metabolic syndrome in a population of patients with metabolic syndrome. A second embodiment of the present invention is a novel method for the treatment of metabolic syndrome comprising the administration of fenofibrate once per day in a formulation preferably containing from about 20 to about 400 mg, more preferably from about 30 to about 300 mg, most preferably from about 40 to about 140 mg fenofibrate. In some variations, the administration is repeated once a day for at least 2 weeks, preferably for at least 4 weeks, and more preferably for at least 8 weeks. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to reducing triglyceride levels, reducing total cholesterol, reducing mean VLDL-cholesterol, and decreasing lipoproteins in humans having metabolic syndrome. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a method for treating metabolic syndrome in a human. The method first administering a therapeutically effective amount of fenofibrate for a treatment period once daily to a human diagnosed as having metabolic syndrome. The method then comprises determining after the treatment period that the human no longer has metabolic syndrome. In other embodiments, the present invention is directed to a method for treating metabolic syndrome in a human comprising orally administering 40 to 140 mg of fenofibrate to a human having metabolic syndrome. The methods of the invention preferably result in achieving at least three of the following (preferably four, most preferably all five): lowering triglyceride levels, raising HDL-cholesterol levels, lowering LDL-cholesterol levels, lowering Apo C-III levels, and/or lowering fibrinogen levels in the human during a treatment period from a baseline level prior to the treatment period. Other features of the present invention will become apparent. Additional advantages and novel features of the invention will also become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by practice of the invention. detailed-description description="Detailed Description" end="lead"? |
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