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text stringlengths 1.55k 332k	label int64 0 8
a detailed description of embodiments of the present invention is presented below . while the disclosure will be described in connection with these drawings , there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein . on the contrary , the intent is to cover all alternatives , modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims . fig4 illustrates an embodiment of one of the wireless devices / stations shown in fig1 . it can be configured to receive and process messages as disclosed below . generally speaking , station 120 can comprise any one of a wide variety of wireless computing devices , such as a desktop computer , portable computer , dedicated server computer , multiprocessor computing device , cellular telephone , pda , handheld or pen based computer , embedded appliance and so forth . irrespective of its specific arrangement , station 120 can , for instance , comprise memory 412 , processing device 402 , a number of input / output interfaces 404 , wireless network interface device 406 , display 408 , and mass storage 422 , wherein each of these devices is connected across one or more data buses 410 . optionally , station 120 can also comprise a network interface device 420 , also connected across one or more data buses 410 . processing device 402 can include any custom made or commercially available processor , a central processing unit ( cpu ) or an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the computing device 120 , a semiconductor based microprocessor ( in the form of a microchip ), a macroprocessor , one or more application specific integrated circuits ( asics ), a plurality of suitably configured digital logic gates , or generally any device for executing instructions . input / output interfaces 404 provide any number of interfaces for the input and output of data . for example , where station 120 comprises a pc , these components may interface with user input device 404 , which may be a keyboard or a mouse . where station 120 comprises a handheld device ( e . g ., pda , mobile telephone ), these components may interface with function keys or buttons , a touch sensitive screen , a stylist , etc . display 408 can comprise a computer monitor or a plasma screen for a pc or a liquid crystal display ( lcd ) on a hand held device , for example . wireless network interface device 406 and , optionally , network interface device 420 comprise various components used to transmit and / or receive data over a network environment . by way of example , these may include a device that can communicate with both inputs and outputs , for instance , a modulator / demodulator ( e . g ., a modem ), wireless ( e . g ., radio frequency ( rf )) transceiver , a telephonic interface , a bridge , a router , network card , etc . station 120 can use wireless network interface device 406 to communicate with access point 130 . with further reference to fig4 , memory 412 can include any one of a combination of volatile memory elements ( e . g ., random - access memory ( ram ), such as dram , and sram , etc .) and nonvolatile memory elements ( e . g ., flash , read only memory ( rom ), nonvolatile ram , etc .). mass storage 422 can also include nonvolatile memory elements ( e . g ., flash , hard drive , tape , cdrom , etc .). memory 412 comprises software which may include one or more separate programs , each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions . often , the executable code can be loaded from nonvolatile memory elements including from components of memory 412 and mass storage 422 . specifically , the software can include native operating system 414 , one or more native applications , emulation systems , or emulated applications for any of a variety of operating systems and / or emulated hardware platforms , emulated operating systems , etc . these may further include networking related software 416 which can further comprise a communications protocol stack comprising a physical layer , a link layer , a network layer and a transport layer . network related software 416 can be used by processing device 402 to communicate with access point 130 through wireless network interface 406 and can further include logic that causes the station to wake up at a proscribed time to receive one or more tim frames , a tim element or etim element , depending on the embodiment , to determine if access point 130 has buffered data for it . the software can further include logic which retrieves the buffered data using a ps - poll message if there is buffered data and checks the check beacon indication within the received tim frames , beacon frame or etim element , depending on the embodiment , to decide whether to receive the entire beacon frame . in particular , the software can receive a wakeup instruction from the access point even in a protected wireless network . it should be noted , however , that the logic for performing these processes can also be implemented in hardware or a combination of software and hardware . one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the memory 412 can , and typically will , comprise other components which have been omitted for purposes of brevity . fig5 illustrates an embodiment of an access point shown in fig1 . it can be configured to receive and process messages as disclosed below . generally speaking , station 120 can comprise any one of a wide variety of network functions , including network address translation ( nat ), routing , dynamic host configuration protocol ( dhcp ), domain name services ( dns ) and firewall functions . irrespective of its specific arrangement , the stations 120 can , for instance , comprise memory 512 , a processing device 502 , wireless network interface 504 , network interface 506 , and nonvolatile storage 524 , wherein each of these devices is connected across one or more data buses 510 . processing device 502 can include any custom made or commercially available processor , a cpu or an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with access point 130 , a semiconductor based microprocessor ( in the form of a microchip ), a macroprocessor , one or more asics , a plurality of suitably configured digital logic gates , or generally any device for executing instructions . wireless network interface device 504 and network interface device 506 comprise various components used to transmit and / or receive data over a network environment . by way of example , either interface may include a device that can communicate with both inputs and outputs , for instance , a modulator / demodulator ( e . g ., a modem ), wireless ( e . g ., rf ) transceiver , a telephonic interface , a bridge , a router , network card , etc .). access point 130 typically uses wireless network interface device 504 to communicate with nearby stations , and network interface device 506 to communicate with network 140 . in some implementation , the two devices can be combined into one physical unit . with further reference to fig5 , memory 512 can include any one of a combination of volatile memory elements ( e . g ., ram , such as dram , and sram , etc .) and nonvolatile memory elements ( e . g ., flash , rom , nonvolatile ram , hard drive , tape , cdrom , etc .). memory 512 comprises software which may include one or more separate programs , each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions . often , the executable code and persistent configuration parameters can be loaded from nonvolatile memory elements including from components of memory 512 . specifically , the software can include native operating system 514 , one or more native applications , emulation systems , or emulated applications for any of a variety of operating systems and / or emulated hardware platforms , emulated operating systems , etc . these may further include networking related software 522 which can further comprise a communications protocol stack comprising a physical layer , a link layer , a network layer and a transport layer . these may further include networking related software 516 which can further comprise a communications protocol stack comprising a physical layer , a link layer , a network layer and a transport layer . network related software 516 can be used by processing device 502 to communicate with access point 130 through wireless network interface 506 and can further include logic that causes the access point to broadcast one or more tim frames , which can include a check beacon indication , at a proscribed time . alternatively , the software can include logic that causes the access point to transmit a beacon frame with the tim element placed near the beginning of the beacon frame and include a check beacon indication . the software can include logic that causes the access point to transmit a beacon frame with an etim element placed near the beginning of the beacon frame . in particular , the software can receive a wakeup instruction from the access point even in a protected wireless network . it should be noted , however , that the logic for performing these processes can also be implemented in hardware or a combination of software and hardware . one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the memory 512 can , and typically will , comprise other components which have been omitted for purposes of brevity . fig6 shows the first eleven fields in the basic format of a beacon frame as used in various wireless standards in a recommended order . first is the timestamp field comprising the time the present frame is sent . following that is the beacon interval field which represents the number of time units between tbtts , followed by the capability information field containing a number of subfields that are used to indicate requested or advertised capabilities . it should be noted that the first three fields are fixed length fields . the remaining fields are information elements . the first of these in the recommended order is the service set identity ( ssid ) element which indicates the identity of an extended service set ( ess ) or independent basic service set ( ibss ). the supported rates element specifies the communications rates that are supported in accordance with a specific standard . the frequency - hopping ( fh ) parameter set element contains the set of parameters necessary to allow synchronization for stations using a fh physical layer and is only present when fh physical layers are used . direct sequence ( ds ) parameter set element contains information to allow channel number identification for stations using a direct sequence spread spectrum ( dsss ) physical layer . the coordination function ( cf ) parameter set element contains the set of parameters necessary to support the point coordination function ( pcf ). the ibss parameter set element contains the set of parameters necessary to support an ibss ( e . g ., an ad hoc network ). this is followed by the tim element which is described in further detail below . country element indicates which country the access point is in . further detailed description of any of these fields is given in their individual standards . fig7 shows a tim element within a beacon frame as used in various wireless standards . the first octet is field 702 which contains the element id , a unique code used to identify the type of element in accordance with the given wireless standard . for example , in 802 . 11 , the element id , 5 , is assigned to the tim element . the second octet is length field 704 indicating length in octets of the remaining fields in the element . the remaining fields are sometimes referred to as the information field . the next octet is dtim count field 706 indicating how many beacon frames , including the current beacon frame before the next dtim . the next octet is dtim period field 708 indicating the number of beacon periods between dtim . the next octet is bitmap control field 710 comprising a plurality of bits indicative of various features of the bitmap to follow , including the offset into the bitmap . partial virtual bitmap field 712 comprises 1 to 251 octets . each bit in partial virtual bitmap 712 refers to a single station through a mapping of association identifiers ( aids ) to bits in partial virtual bitmap 712 , where the mapping is specified by the individual standard . the value of the bit is indicative of whether the associated station has buffered data waiting . rather than require a station in standby to wake up to receive a complete beacon frame to determine if the access point has buffered data for the station , a tim frame containing the same information as the tim element within the beacon frame can be broadcast a proscribed time . any station in standby mode associated with the access point can wake up to receive the tim frame broadcast to determine whether there is any buffered data waiting for it . since the tim frame is much shorter than the beacon frame , the station will be awake for a much shorter time and hence consume less power . the tim frame is shorter because it contains less octets than a typical beacon , but also because it may be transmitted at a higher rate than the beacon . a tim element could be incorporated into either a control frame or a management action frame , to form a tim frame . fig8 shows a tim control frame format . frame control field 802 is a two octet fixed field indicative of properties of the frame as defined by the particular standard . duration / id field 804 is a two octet fixed field which comprises either duration information or identification information depending on the frame use as defined by the particular standard . receiver address field 806 is a six octet fixed field which comprises an address indicative of the receiving station , but since this is a broadcast , the special broadcast address as specified by the particular standard is used here . following receiver address field 806 is tim element 808 which can vary from 6 to 257 octets . finally , frame check sequence field 810 is a four octet fixed field indicative of the integrity of the frame . the specific integrity check is specified by the standard , but as an example , some standards use a cyclic redundancy code ( crc ). tim element 808 can use the same format as tim element described in fig7 however , dtim count field 706 and dtim period field 708 are not meaningful unless the tim element is in a beacon frame . therefore , a modified tim element as described below in fig9 can also be used . fig9 illustrates a modified tim element for possible use in a tim frame for broadcast . the format for the modified tim element is identical to the format shown in fig9 except dtim count field 706 and dtim period field 708 have been removed . if the tim element of fig9 is used , then the number of octets the tim element occupies can range from 4 to 255 rather than from 6 to 257 . partial virtual bitmap 712 may become unnecessarily long , especially if the number of stations having buffered data is relatively small making the partial virtual bitmap sparse . in an extreme example , suppose buffered data is awaiting two stations with aid 1 and aid 1001 . in order to indicate this , partial virtual bitmap 712 would have to be 126 octets in length . fig1 shows an embodiment of a tim element having two partial virtual bitmaps . rather than have one partial virtual bitmap of 251 octets , two shorter partial virtual bitmaps could be used . using the extreme example given above , traffic for the station with aid 1 would be represented with a zero offset reflected in bitmap control 1010 . partial virtual bitmap 1012 would only need to be one octet wide . traffic indication for the station with aid 1001 would then be represented in the second set of tim fields by a bitmap control 1014 which would indicate an offset of 125 octets and partial virtual bitmap 1016 which would only need to be one octet wide . a total of four octets would be used compared to 126 . clearly , this process could be repeated for more than two sets of tim fields , when the stations with buffer data is sparse . fig1 shows a tim management action frame format . fields 1102 , 1104 , 1106 , 1108 , 1110 and 1112 are often collectively referred to as the media access control ( mac ) header . more specifically , frame control field 1102 is similar to frame control field 802 in fig8 , in this case indicating that the frame is an action frame . duration / id field 1104 is similar to duration / id field 804 in fig8 . destination address field 1106 is similar to receiver address field 806 and should be set to the special broadcast address as specified by the particular standard . source address field 1108 is a six octet fixed field , which is indicative of the source in this case , is set to the basic service set identification ( bssid ) because the source is the access point which has the bssid as its mac address . address field 1110 is a six octet fixed field which is indicative of the bssid . sequence control field 1112 is a two octet fixed field which comprises a fragment number and a sequence number . the fragment number is used when a frame is fragmented to keep track of the fragments . the sequence number is incremented each time a station transmits a message . category field 1114 is a one octet field indicative of the category of action in a management action frame . in this case , a tim action frame would fall under the category of wireless network management . action field 1116 is a one octet field indicative of the specific action within the category . in this case , the action is a tim frame . tim element 1120 is similar to the tim elements described above . it can be the 6 to 257 octet tim element of fig7 or the 4 to 255 octet tim element of fig9 . finally , frame check sequence field 1122 , like frame check sequence 810 is a four octet fixed field indicative of the integrity of the frame . while a tim control frame as depicted in fig8 is shorter and would require a station to awaken for a shorter period of time , control frames typically are implemented at a lower level and often would require a change in hardware to support it . in contrast , management frames and in particular management action frames are intended to be extensible and the number of actions tends to grow as standards evolve . therefore , a tim management action frame is easier to implement than a tim control frame . timing of a tim frame is critical as a station in standby mode must know when to wake up to look for the tim frame . fig1 a - c illustrate some exemplary timing schemes . as illustrated in fig1 a , in the first scheme , tim frames 1202 and 1206 are transmitted at a time which is equal to the estimated length of the tim frame with a sifs prior to the tbtt . beacons 1204 and 1208 are transmitted at their respective tbtts . the estimated length used could be the maximum possible length of the tim which can range from 269 to 285 octets depending on the form of the tim frame used . the estimated length could also be based on the minimum length , or the average length of the tim frame . stations in standby mode that are aware of this tim frame would then wake up at this time to receive the tim frame . the access point can announce the presence of separate periodically sent tim frames in several ways as available in the specific standard used . for example , an announcement element can be included in a beacon frame . stations can also inquire as to properties of an access point by transmitting a probe request frame . in response to a probe request , an access point transmits a probe response which comprises many of the same parameter sets and informational elements as is present in the beacon frame . the announcement element described above can also be included in such a probe response . fig1 b illustrates an alternate timing , where tim frames 1232 and 1236 are transmitted at the tbtt . in this example , beacon frames 1234 and 1238 are postponed until after the transmission of tim frames 1232 and 1236 , respectively , followed by a respective sifs . stations searching for a beacon frame would then have to wait the length of the tim frame followed by the sifs to receive the beacon frame . a hybrid approach to fig1 a and fig1 b can also be implemented where the tim frame is transmitted prior to the tbtt but not as early as described in fig1 a , so that the beacon frame is still postponed past the tbtt but by a time interval shorter than described in fig1 b . the interval prior to the tbtt could be announced through an announcement element in a beacon frame and / or probe response , so that a station in standby mode is aware of when to wake up to receive the tim frame . fig1 c illustrates a more general timing , where the tim frame is transmitted any time between beacon frames . in this example , the transmission of tim frame 1264 follows the tbtt of beacon frame 1262 by time offset 1266 . the time offset from the tbtt for a tim frame can be announced through an announcement element in a beacon frame and / or probe response , so that a station in standby mode is aware of when to wake up to receive the tim frame . for example , the announcement element could comprise a fixed field indicating the number of microseconds after a tbtt that a tim frame will be transmitted . the offset could be negative , which indicates that the tim frame is transmitted before the tbtt . it is not necessary to transmit a tim frame every beacon interval . even if there is no buffered data awaiting a station , a station in standby mode wakes up every dtim beacon frame to receive buffered multicast data . as described above a dtim beacon frame occurs once every dtim period . therefore , a tim frame could be broadcast relative to a dtim tbtt , which is a tbtt associated with a dtim beacon frame . as a result , tim frames are transmitted less frequently , and a station in standby mode need not wake up as frequently , hence saving power . fig1 a illustrates the timing where a tim frame is transmitted prior to a dtim tbtt similar to the example shown in fig1 a , except that a tim frame is transmitted immediately prior to only the dtim tbtt and not other tbtts . again , the timing specifics can be announced through an announcement element in a beacon frame and / or probe response . specifically referring to fig1 a , tim frame 1302 is sent prior to dtim beacon frame 1304 , but no tim frame proceeds regular beacon frame 1306 . fig1 b illustrates the timing where a tim frame is transmitted at a dtim tbtt similar to the example shown in fig1 b . the tim frame is transmitted only at the dtim tbtt and not other tbtts . as a result the dtim beacon frames are postponed until after the tim frame is transmitted . however , all other beacon frames are transmitted at their respective tbtts . specifically as illustrated , tim frame 1352 is transmitted at the dtim tbtt causing dtim beacon frame 1354 to be delayed until after tim frame 1352 and an sifs . however , regular beacon frame 1356 is transmitted at the tbtt . like above , a hybrid approach to fig1 a and 13b can used where the tim frame is transmitted prior to the dtim tbtt , but not as early as in fig1 a . the result is that the transmission of the dtim beacon frame is postponed but by a factor less than that given in fig1 b . the transmission of other beacon frames is unaffected . like the example given in fig1 c , an arbitrary timing relative to the dtim tbtt can be given for a tim frame . the tim frame time offset can be announced through an announcement element in a beacon frame and / or probe response , so that a station in standby mode is aware of when to wake up to receive the tim frame . for example , the announcement element could comprise a fixed field indicating the number of microseconds after a dtim tbtt that a tim frame will be transmitted . to further reduce the amount of time a station in standby needs to stay awake , it is desirable for a tim frame to send at a higher phy rate . however , a tim frame should be sent at the lowest phy rate so that even stations having the lowest quality connections can determine whether they have buffered data at the access point . to accommodate both of these conditions , two or more tim frames can be transmitted at different rates . if a station is able to received a tim frame at a higher data rate , the receive time can be reduced significantly . for example , just for the phy header portion of the tim frame , it would take 192 μs to transmit using the lowest phy rate using dsss , but it would only take 20 μs using a higher phy rate using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing ( ofdm ). this is nearly an order of magnitude difference . preferably , the tim frames should be transmitted in order of data rate with the highest rates being transmitted first , so that if a station is unable to receive the higher rate tim frame , it still has the opportunity to receive the one transmitted at a lower rate . for clarity , two different rate tim frames are shown , but it is understood the approach can apply to more than two rates . for convenience , the tim frame transmitted at the higher phy rate will be referred to as the high rate tim frame , and the tim frame transmitted at the lower ( or lowest ) phy rate will be referred to as the low rate tim frame . fig1 a illustrates one timing for transmission of two tim frames at different phy rates . the schedule of the tim frame can employ a known offset relative to tbtt which can be negative . this offset can be predetermined or announced through an announcement element in a beacon frame or probe response . the offset may embody a negative or zero interval so that the timing can resemble that of fig1 a and 12b or any interval in between . for clarity , a positive offset is illustrated . specifically , fig1 a shows high rate tim frame 1404 being transmitted at time offset 1408 after tbtt , the tbtt after which beacon frame 1402 is transmitted . immediately after an sifs , low rate tim frame 1406 is transmitted . a station capable of receiving a high rate tim frame can wake up at time offset 1408 after the tbtt to receive high rate tim frame 1404 and return to standby mode , if no buffered data is waiting at the access point . a station where the capability is uncertain can wake up at time offset 1408 after the tbtt to attempt to receive high rate tim frame 1404 . if the station is unable to receive high rate tim frame 1404 , it then receives low rate tim frame 1406 . if the station is not capable of receiving the high rate tim frame , it can wake up at a time equal to an interval , which is the sum of time offset 1408 , the minimum possible ( or typical ) transmission time of high rate tim frame 1404 , and an sifs , after the tbtt ; that is , it can wake up at the earliest possible time low rate tim frame 1406 can be transmitted . once the tim frame is received at whatever rate the station is capable of , the station can return to standby mode if no buffered data is waiting at the access point . the stations incapable of receiving the high rate tim frame may suffer a little penalty of having to remain awake a little longer to accommodate the inclusion of a high rate tim frame . however , because the high rate tim frame is transmitted at a high rate , the penalty will be generally small . fig1 b shows a timeline where both a high rate tim frame and a low rate tim frame are individually scheduled . this timing eliminates the slight penalty mentioned above . specifically , high rate tim frame 1454 is transmitted at high rate time offset 1458 after tbtt , the tbtt after which beacon frame 1452 is transmitted . low rate tim frame 1456 is transmitted at basic time offset 1460 after the same tbtt . a station capable of receiving high rate tim frame 1454 at high rate time offset 1458 after tbtt to receive the tim frame , whereas a station incapable of receiving high rate tim frame 1454 will instead wake up at basic time offset 1460 after tbtt to receive low rate tim frame 1456 . a station that is uncertain of its capability can first wake up to receive high rate tim frame 1454 and wake up again to receive low rate tim frame 1456 , if it was unable to receive high rate tim frame 1454 . one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that a combination of the methods shown in fig1 a - c and 13 a - b can be combined . the various permutations can be used . for example , the multiple tim frames could occur only after dtim tbtt , rather than every beacon interval or a hybrid timing where the high rate tim frames occur only after dtim tbtt , and low rate tim frames occur after every tbtt , or vise versa . furthermore , more than two rates could be employed as mentioned above . the timing of fig1 a shows how multiple tim frames transmitted at different rates can be sent as a burst . a burst can also be used to transmit multiple tim frames at the same rate . as mentioned above with regard to fig1 , multiple tims comprising different bitmap control fields and partial virtual bitmap fields , can be used in place of a long tim when the partial virtual bitmaps are long and sparse . instead of creating a more complicated tim element as illustrated in fig1 , multiple tim frames containing a tim element as illustrated in fig9 are sent as a tim frame burst . specifically , fig1 shows multiple tim frames sent as a burst . for clarity , a positive time offset relative to the tbtt is depicted , but a negative or zero offset can be used . a tim frame burst is transmitted at time offset 1508 after tbtt , the tbtt after which beacon frame 1502 is transmitted . the tim frame burst comprises tim frame 1504 and 1506 which can contain different bitmap control fields and different partial virtual bitmap fields . the two tim frames are separated by an sifs . a station after receiving tim frame 1504 can be aware that tim frame 1506 is part of the current burst by using standard burst indications . for example , in 802 . 11 , the frame control field , such as frame control field 802 in fig8 and frame control field 1102 in fig1 , comprise a more data subfield which is set for all frames in a burst , except for the last frame . of course , a station need not continue to receive tim frames after it has received the tim frame , which has an indication about the particular station &# 39 ; s aid , that is , if the partial virtual bitmap has a bit allocated to represent the stations aid whether set or not , the station can then disregard all subsequent tim frames in the burst . furthermore , it is understood that though the number of frames depicted is two , more than two frames can be present in the burst . the number of frames in the burst can vary from beacon interval to beacon interval depending on how sparse the tim is at each beacon interval . this can be combined with the multiple rate tim transmissions by transmitting tim frame bursts at multiple rates . the bursts need not be transmitted every beacon interval and can be transmitted only at the dtim beacon intervals . as described in the background section , there may be information within a beacon frame that an associated station , even one in standby mode , needs to retrieve . for example , the beacon frame may contain a channel switch announcement , which indicates that the bss will move to another channel shortly . in another example , the beacon frame may indicate that the access point changes the enhanced distributed channel access ( edca ) parameters . however , if a station in standby mode has to wake up to receive each beacon frame to receive potential changes in the beacon frame , having a separate tim frame derives no benefit . the power savings derives from the station only receiving the much shorter tim frame . to address this potential difficulty , the tim frame can also include a check beacon field . fig1 illustrates a tim control frame , which includes check beacon field 1608 , which is a one octet fixed field . all remaining fields and elements are similar to their corresponding counterparts in fig8 . check beacon field 1608 is indicative of whether a change in the beacon frame has occurred that is significant and warrants a station to read the following beacon frame , such as examples given above . insignificant changes such as changes to the timestamp are not indicated by this field . check beacon field 1608 could simply be a boolean state which indicates whether the following beacon frame has changed significantly relative to the past beacon frame . however , if a station somehow missed the tim frame indicating the change in the beacon , it may never become aware that a change has occurred . another approach is that check beacon field 1608 is a counter which is incremented modulo 255 whenever a beacon frame has changed significantly relative to the past beacon frame . a station receiving a tim frame compares ( modulo 255 ) the value of check beacon field 1608 relative to the value of check beacon field in a previously received tim frame . if the current value is greater ( modulo 255 ) than the previous value , the station should receive the next beacon frame . otherwise , the station need not stay awake for the next beacon frame and may elect to go into standby mode . the changes in the beacon frame could be categorized as significant and critical where a significant but not critical change would not require the station to receive a beacon immediately but in the near future , and a significant and critical change would require the station to receive a beacon frame immediately . for example , a change in the edca parameters is significant , where failing to receive them affects quality of service . however , a channel switch announcement is critical , since failing to receive it would result in the station losing communications with the access point . in another embodiment , the eight bits of check beacon field 1608 could be divided into two counters , preferably a 3 - bit critical change counter and a 5 - bit significant change counter ( presumably critical changes occur less frequently ) or a 4 - bit critical change counter and a 4 - bit significant change counter . alternatively , check beacon field 1608 could be expanded to two octets where each octet represents an 8 - bit counter that are incremented for each critical change or each significant change respectively . fig1 illustrates the alternative embodiment of a tim frame with a check beacon indication where the tim frame is a management action frame . check beacon field 1718 can take on any of the embodiments described for fig1 . the actions of the station upon receiving check beacon field 1718 is the same as above . all remaining fields and elements are similar to their corresponding counterparts in fig1 . the advantages and disadvantages of the use of a tim management action frame over a tim control frame are discussed above . fig1 is a flowchart showing exemplary logic which can be implemented in the software of a station showing the interoperation of the receiving of the tim , the check beacon indication , and receiving of the beacon . at step 1802 , the station wakes up . this should be the time set forth by one of the timing approaches previously discussed for the expectation of a tim frame . at step 1804 , the station receives the tim frame . based on the tim frame , at step 1806 , there is a determination made as to whether there is buffered data waiting at the access point . if there is buffered data , the station may elect to remain awake and receive the next beacon frame . this is optional , but since the station may stay awake to retrieve the data , it may also receive the beacon frame . it may also decide to receive the beacon frame because a previous significant change has occurred , but the station elected not to receive the beacon at the time the change was detected . at step 1810 , the station can retrieve the data by using a ps - poll message sequence . at step 1820 , the station can return to standby mode . on the other hand , if no buffered data is waiting for the station at the access point , as determined in step 1806 , the station checks the check beacon indication for the occurrence of a critical beacon change at step 1812 . if there is a critical beacon change , the next beacon frame is received at step 1818 , and the station can return to standby mode at step 1820 . if no critical beacon change has occurred , the station then can check the check beacon indication for the occurrence of a significant beacon change at step 1814 . if there is no significant beacon change the station can return to standby without receiving the beacon at step 1820 . if there is a significant beacon change , the station determines whether it should receive the beacon at step 1816 . there are many possibilities for the determination at this step . for example , the station may only receive the beacon when there is buffered data , so it may defer receiving the beacon until such time the decision at step 1808 receives an affirmative decision . in other circumstances , the station may wait a certain period of time before requiring the beacon to be received or a combination of the previous two situations . in still another circumstance , the station does not recognize significant but not critical changes in the beacon , so it may never determine to receive the beacon at this step . if the decision is made not to receive the beacon , the station can return to standby at step 1820 . depending on the implementation , it may record that the beacon has had a significant change before returning to standby . if the determination at step 1816 is to receive the beacon , the station receives the next beacon frame at step 1818 . the flowchart is expressed in general with respect to the use of tim frames . however , this can be used with the remainder of the partial beacon receiving approaches disclosed below . in particular , at step 1804 , the first part of the beacon frame is received up to at least the point where the tim element or etim element is received . at steps 1808 and 1818 , the station receives the remainder of the beacon ; otherwise , if the path flows from step 1814 to step 1820 , the station can return to standby without receiving the remainder of the beacon . while fig6 illustrates the first 13 elements in a beacon frame in accordance with an exemplary wireless protocol . the order of these fields is suggested by the standard . however , only the first three fields are fixed fields and cannot be rearranged . the remaining fields are informational elements and can be identified by the element id field within each element and therefore can be rearranged . a tim element can be included near the beginning of the beacon frame so that a station in standby mode need only wake up to receive part of the beacon frame to determine whether the access point has buffered data waiting for it . since all informational elements are identified by the element id field within each element , including the tim element after the three fixed fields , the beacon frame should be interoperable with legacy systems . moving the tim element after the three fixed fields would enable a station in standby mode to receive only part of the beacon frame ; however , the same issue applies as discussed above that in certain circumstances a station in standby mode should receive the entire beacon . a check beacon informational element can be included in the beacon frame to indicate when significant changes to the beacon frame occur . fig1 illustrates the first portion of a beacon frame in accordance to one embodiment of the invention . fields 1902 , 1904 , 1906 , 1908 , 1910 , and 1912 are part of the standard mac header , similar to that described for fig1 this is followed by timestamp field 1914 , beacon interval field 1916 , and capability information field 1918 , the three required fixed fields in a beacon . timestamp field 1914 is an eight octet fixed field comprising the time the present frame is sent . beacon interval field 1916 represents the number of time units between tbtts . capability information field 1918 contains a number of subfields that are used to indicate requested or advertised capabilities . following the three fixed fields , the beacon includes check beacon informational element 1920 , which is described in further detail below , and tim element 1922 which is the standard tim element as describe above in fig7 . equivalently , tim element 1922 could precede check beacon informational element 1920 . fig2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the check beacon informational element . the exemplary check beacon information element comprises two octet element id fixed field 2002 and two octet length field 2004 which are standard in any informational element . element id field 2002 contains a new information element identifier that is associated with the check beacon informational element . it also comprises check beacon field 2006 which is indicative of significant and / or critical change in the beacon . the manner of indication could embody any of the variations described for fig1 . using an embodiment of the check beacon field that is one octet and the smallest possible tim element size , the portion of the beacon that must be read to determine whether the access point has buffered data waiting is 45 octets . at 1 mb / s direct sequence spread spectrum rate , receiving this portion of the beacon frame takes 552 μs . which is considerably shorter that the typical 2 ms a complete beacon frame would currently take to receive . the fact that a station need only be awake a fraction of the time to determine whether the access point has buffered data waiting can conserve power in the station . one difficulty in ignoring the remainder of the beacon frame is that the last field in any frame is the frame check sequence ( fcs ) which is used to determine the integrity of the received frame . without receiving the fcs , the station cannot be sure whether the received portion is correct . if the tim element is corrupted , the consequences are slight . an error could cause the station to wake up and poll for buffered data when there is none , in which case the station will discover there is no data and return to standby . alternatively , an error could cause the station to stay dormant when the access point has buffered data waiting , in which case delivery will be delayed until the next beacon frame . the latter case would occur without a partial beacon frame reception . had the station received the entire beacon , it would have discarded the beacon frame because the fcs would have indicated the beacon frame was corrupt . in the event the check beacon field is corrupt , the receiver might read the entire beacon frame when it didn &# 39 ; t need to . if the station is configured to read the entire beacon if the value in the check beacon field differs from that received in the previous frame , rather than simply greater than received in the previous frame , the chance of a corrupt check beacon field causing a partial reception of the beacon frame when a full reception is warranted diminishes . despite the consequences being slight , if the check beacon field is corrupted frequently , such as when the conditional error rate in the tim and check beacon element increase , the power consumption would increase due to the station having to unnecessarily wake up . the addition of a partial frame check information element could eliminate these issues . fig2 illustrates a partial frame check informational element exemplary embodiment . as with all information elements , element id field 2102 and length field 2104 are present and similar to that described above for other elements . element id field 2102 contains a new information element identifier that is associated with the partial frame check informational element . the partial frame check informational element would also comprise a partial frame fcs which could simply be the crc or even a 1 - bit parity check of the check beacon information element and the tim element . it could also include the timestamp field , the beacon interval field and the capability information field . fields in the mac header do not need to be considered otherwise the frame would not be recognized as a valid beacon frame . the partial frame check information element could be inserted into the beacon right after tim element 1922 . rather than create two new informational elements , the three informational elements could be combined into an etim element . fig2 shows an exemplary first portion of the beacon frame using etim element . fields 2202 , 2204 , 2206 , 2208 , 2210 , 2212 , 2214 , 2216 and 2218 are similar to their counterparts , fields 1902 , 1904 , 1906 , 1908 , 1910 , 1912 , 1914 , 1916 and 1918 , respectively , as described above for fig1 . rather than including a tim element along with a check beacon informational element and potentially a partial frame check element , etim element 2220 is included . fig2 shows the format of an etim informational element . as with all informational elements , element id field 2302 and length field 2304 are present and similar to that described above for other elements . element id field 2302 contains a new informational element that is associated with etim informational elements . check beacon field 2306 is a one octet field indicative of whether the beacon frame contains significant and / or critical changes . the manner of indication could embody any of the variations described for fig1 . bitmap control field 2308 is similar to field 710 that is described in fig7 . partial virtual bitmap field 2310 is similar to field 712 that is described in fig7 . collectively , bitmap control field 2308 and partial virtual bitmap field 2310 are referred to as tim fields . finally , error detection field 2312 provides some sort of integrity check of check beacon field 2306 and the tim fields such as a 1 - bit parity check or a more complex crc of multiple bits . other fields in a tim informational element such as the dtim count field and the dtim interval field could be present in the tim fields but are not required . for similar reasons as explained for fig1 a and 13b , the etim informational element need not be included in every beacon . they may , for example , only be included in dtim beacons . in this manner , a station in standby mode need only wake up during dtim beacons to determine if the access point has buffered data waiting . the etim informational element could alternatively be provided at etim interval that is every n beacons where n is the etim interval . this could be negotiated through a startup mechanism . the etim interval could also be announced by the access point in a beacon frame or a probe response . it should be emphasized that the above - described embodiments are merely examples of possible implementations . many variations and modifications may be made to the above - described embodiments without departing from the principles of the present disclosure . all such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims .	8
fig1 shows diagrammatically a compartment 1 of a rack having a number of similar compartments 1 in which a portable unit 2 can be placed . in the embodiment of fig1 each compartment 1 has two rows of contacts 3a , 4a , 5a and 3b , 4b , 5b , the last mentioned row not being shown in fig1 of three pairs of contacts 3a and 3b , 4a and 4b , 5a and 5b . each portable unit 2 has at corresponding places contacts 6a to 8b inclusive which touch the respective contacts 3a to 5b inclusive when the portable unit 2 is placed in the compartment 1 . the pairs 3a , 3b and 6a , 6b serve to charge a storage battery of the portable unit 2 from a supply source ( not shown in fig1 ) of the rack . the pairs of contacts 4a , 4b and 7a , 7b serve to transmit a scanning signal from the rack to the portable unit 2 . the pairs 5a , 5b and 8a and 8b serve to transmit a response signal from the portable unit 2 to the rack in response to the reception of a scanning signal . for the embodiment of fig7 each compartment 1 has , in addition , a presence detection means which is a switch 9 in fig1 . if the portable unit 2 is moved into or out of the compartment 1 , the contacts of the switch 9 are closed or opened , respectively ( or vice versa ). conductors which are connected to the contacts 3a to 5b inclusive and possibly to the switch 9 form a group 15 . the portable unit 2 of the presence detection system according to the invention can be any portable unit which is suitable for the wireless reception and / or transmission of a transmission signal which contains an identification number assigned to the portable unit and stored in a register of the unit . the portable unit is , for example , a paging unit of a personnel paging system . fig2 shows a diagram of a paging unit 18 as portable unit 2 . the paging unit 18 comprises an aerial 19 , a receiving circuit 20 which is connected to the aerial 19 and to a decoder 21 , which is connected to a comparator 22 , and a control circuit 23 , which is connected to a register 24 , operating means , such as switches , 25 , a signalling device 26 and the contacts 7a to 7b inclusive . the contacts 8a and 8b and a supply circuit connected thereto containing a storage battery of the paging unit 18 are not shown . the register 24 is also connected to the comparator 22 and contains an identification number assigned to the paging unit 18 . the signalling device 26 may be an optical and / or acoustic and / or electromechanical signalling device . the personnel paging system furthermore comprises , as shown in fig3 and 7 , a centre 30 having a control circuit 31 , which is connected to a random access memory ( ram ) 32 , and a transmitter 33 , which is connected to an aerial 34 . the control circuit 31 is also connected to an operating unit 35 which may form part of the centre 30 and / or may comprise a separate computer and which may be connected to a telephone exchange ( not shown ) in order to operate the control circuit 31 remotely . to page a user to whom the paging unit 18 has been assigned , a paging message is assembled , in the centre 30 and / or the operating unit 35 , which contains the identification number of the paging unit 18 and said message is transmitted via the transmitter 33 and the aerial 34 . when the transmission signal transmitted by the exchange 30 is received by the paging unit 18 , the receiving circuit 20 detects and demodulates the received transmission signal and supplies the message received to the decoder 21 , which separates the identification number and the other data of the message . the comparator 22 compares the identification number received with the identification number stored in the register 24 and in the event of identity , it supplies a clearing signal to the control circuit 23 for the further processing of the other data received , which can be presented by means of the signalling device 26 . the presence detection system shown in fig3 which is used for a personnel paging system , comprises , in addition to the centre 30 , at least one storage rack 36 having a number of compartments 1 which each do not have ( mode of operation according to fig4 ) or do have ( mode of operation according to fig6 ) a switch 9 . each compartment 1 is connected via a conductor group 15 to a control circuit 37 of the rack 36 . the control circuit 37 is connected via a connection 38 to the control circuit 31 of the centre 30 . the mode of operation of the presence detection system will be explained below with reference to fig4 and 5 if switches 9 of the compartments 1 are not used , and later with reference to fig5 and 6 if switches 9 are used . it is pointed out that in all the flow diagrams , &# 34 ; y &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; n &# 34 ; represent a &# 34 ; yes &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; no &# 34 ; answer , respectively , to a question posed in an adjacent block . fig4 shows the flow diagram of the mode of operation of the control circuit 37 of the rack 36 of the system of fig3 . according to this mode of operation , all the compartments 1 of the rack 36 are continuously and cyclically scanned . for this purpose , a counting variable i for the compartment number is , according to block 40 , first made 1 . then , according to block 41 , a scanning transmission signal , which may be a very simple signal such as a single pulse , is transmitted to the compartment having the number i . if , according to block 42 , the control circuit 37 receives a response signal within a predetermined time t , block 43 of the diagram is proceeded to , and if not , block 44 . according to block 43 , the control circuit 37 transmits the identification number which is present in a response signal received from a compartment i and the compartment number i to the control circuit 31 of the centre 30 via the connection 38 . according to block 44 , the identification number is made 0 , it being assumed that there is no portable unit having the identification number 0 . then , according to block 45 , the control circuit 37 transmits the identification number , which is 0 , and the compartment number i to the centre 30 . after block 43 and block 45 , the counting variable i is increased by 1 according to block 46 . unless , according to block 47 , i is greater than i max , which is equal to the number of compartments of the rack 36 , the part of the flow diagram comprising the blocks 41 to 47 inclusive is repeated , and if not , block 40 is returned to . fig5 shows a flow diagram of the mode of operation of the control circuit 31 of the centre 30 of the system of fig3 regardless of whether the compartments 1 do or do not have a switch 9 . if , according to block 48 , a signal is received from a rack , block 49 is proceeded to , and if not , block 50 . according to block 49 , the number of the rack 36 is detected . detection of the rack number is possible in a simple manner if the control circuit 37 of the rack 36 also transmits the number of the rack in a transmission . if each rack 36 is connected by an individual connection 38 to the centre 30 , the rack number may also be derived from the wiring . if , according to block 51 , the identification number received from a rack is not equal to 0 , block 52 is proceeded to , and if not , block 53 . according to block 52 , the control circuit 31 writes the rack number detected and the compartment number received from the rack into a location of the central memory 32 whose address is identical to that of the identification number received from the rack . according to block 53 , the control circuit 31 looks for the location in the central memory 32 in which the detected rack number and the compartment number received from the rack has been received . this location is then erased . if , according to block 50 , the control circuit 31 receives , for example from the operating means 35 , a paging instruction , block 54 is proceeded to , and if not , the end of the diagram is reached . according to block 54 , the control circuit 31 reads the location of the rack memory whose address is identical to the identification number of a call to be transmitted according to the instruction . if , according to block 55 , the contents of this location are not equal to 0 , block 56 is proceeded to and if not , block 57 . according to block 56 , the control circuit 31 transmits the call . according to block 57 , the control circuit 31 signals the presence in a rack 36 of the portable unit having the identification number of the instruction . after each of the blocks 52 , 53 , 56 and 57 , the end of the diagram is reached . the flow diagram of fig6 relates to the mode of operation of the control circuit 37 of a rack 36 , the compartments 1 of which each have a detection means such as a switch 9 . if , according to block 60 , the control circuit 37 detects that a switch i goes from a first logical state represented by &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; to a second logical state represented by &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;, which occurs when a portable unit 18 is placed in the compartment 1 having number i , block 61 is proceeded to , and if not , block 62 . according to block 61 , the control circuit 37 transmits the scanning signal to the compartment i of the rack 36 . if , according to block 63 , the control circuit 37 then receives a response signal within a predetermined time t , block 64 is proceeded to , and if not , block 65 . according to block 64 , the control circuit 37 transmits the identification number present in the response signal received and the compartment number i to the centre 30 . if the control circuit 37 does not receive a response signal in time , the control circuit 37 indicates , according to block 65 , a malfunction . if , according to block 62 , the switch goes from the second state &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; to the first state &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ;, which occurs if a portable unit is taken out of the compartment , block 66 is proceeded to , and if not , the end of the diagram is reached . according to block 66 , the control circuit 37 makes the identification number 0 , it being assumed that the personnel paging system does not contain a portable unit 18 having identification number 0 . then the control circuit 37 transmits , according to block 67 , the identification number , which is 0 , and the compartment number i to the centre 30 . after termination of each of the blocks 64 , 65 and 67 , the end of the diagram is reached . the embodiment , shown in fig7 of a presence detection system according to the invention differs from the embodiment of fig3 in that the control circuit 31 &# 39 ; of the centre 30 and the control circuit 37 &# 39 ; of the rack 36 operate differently and in that a random access memory 68 of the rack 36 is connected to the control circuit 37 &# 39 ;. according to the flow diagram of fig8 of the mode of operation of the control circuit 37 &# 39 ;, a current countingvariable i is made 1 , according to block 70 , at the beginning of the diagram . then the control circuit 37 &# 39 ; reads , in a location of the rack memory 68 having address i , an identification number stored therein . the control circuit 37 &# 39 ; then transmits , according to block 72 , the scanning signal to the compartment i . if , according to block 73 , the identification number read then proves to be 0 , block 74 is proceeded to , and if not , block 75 . if , according to block 74 , a response signal is received within a predetermined time t , block 76 is proceeded to , and if not , block 77 . according to block 76 , a status variable is made &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;. this indicates that a portable unit 18 is present in the compartment i and that a response signal has been received from the unit 18 within the time t . then the control circuit 37 &# 39 ; writes , according to block 78 , the identification number present in the response signal into a location of the rack memory 68 having address i and the control circuit 37 &# 39 ; transmits the identification number together with the status to the centre 30 . then block 77 is proceeded to . if according to block 75 , a response signal is received within the time t , block 77 is proceeded to , and if not , block 79 . according to block 79 , the status variable is made &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ;, which indicates that a portable unit 18 previously present in the compartment i has been removed , or at least has not transmitted a response signal within the time t . then the control circuit 37 &# 39 ; transmits , according to block 80 , the identification number read and the status to the centre 30 . the control circuit 37 &# 39 ; then erases , according to block 81 , the location of the rack memory 68 having address i , as a result of which the contents thereof indicate an identification number 0 . then block 77 is proceeded to . according to block 77 , the counting variable i is increased by 1 . unless i is greater than i max , which is equal to the number of compartments of the rack , according to block 82 , block 71 is proceeded to , and if not , block 70 . just as in the mode of operation according to the flow diagram of fig4 the compartments 1 of the rack 36 are continuously and cyclically scanned . according to the mode of operation of fig8 the number of transmissions from the rack 36 to the centre 30 is , however , limited because transmission only takes place if a mutation occurs in the presence or absence of a paging unit 18 in a compartment 1 . fig9 shows the mode of operation of the control circuit 31 &# 39 ; of the centre 30 of the system of fig7 . if , according to block 83 , the control circuit 31 &# 39 ; receives a signal from a rack 36 , block 84 is proceeded to , and if not , block 85 . according to block 84 , the control circuit 31 &# 39 ; writes the status received from the rack 36 into a location of the central memory 36 having the identification number received from the rack 36 as address . then the end of the diagram is reached . if , according to block 85 , the control circuit 31 &# 39 ; receives a paging instruction , in particular from the operating means 35 , block 86 is proceeded to , and if not , the end of the diagram is reached . according to block 86 , the control circuit 31 &# 39 ; reads the status in a location of the central memory 32 having the identification number of the call as address . if , according to block 87 , the control circuit 31 &# 39 ; then detects that the status read out is &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ;, block 88 is proceeded to , and if not , block 89 . according to block 88 , the control circuit 31 &# 39 ; transmits the call . then the end of the diagram is reached . according to block 89 , the control circuit 31 &# 39 ; signals the presence of the portable unit 18 having the identification number of the instruction in a rack 36 . then the end of the diagram is reached . fig1 shows a flow diagram of the mode of operation of the control circuit 37 &# 39 ; of the system of fig7 if the compartments each have a detection means such as the switch 9 . if , according to block 90 , the switch has gone from &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; to &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;, which indicates the placing of a paging unit 18 in the compartment 1 having number i , block 91 is proceeded to , and if not , block 92 . according to block 91 , the control circuit 37 &# 39 ; transmits the scanning signal to the compartment i of the rack 36 . if , according to block 93 , a response signal is then received within a predetermined time t , block 94 is proceeded to , and if not , block 95 . according to block 94 , a status variable is made &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;. then according to block 96 , the control circuit 37 &# 39 ; writes the identification number present in the response signal into the memory 68 and transmits it with the status to the centre 30 . then the end of the diagram is reached . according to block 95 , the control circuit 37 &# 39 ; signals a malfunction , which indicates that , although the placing of a paging unit 18 in a compartment i has been detected , a response signal has not been received on time . then the end of the diagram is reached . if , according to block 92 , the switch i goes from &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; to &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ;, which indicates that a paging unit 18 has been removed from the compartment i , block 97 is proceeded to , and if not , i . e . if there is no change in a switch i , the end of the diagram is reached . according to block 97 , the status is made &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ;. the control circuit 37 &# 39 ; then reads , according to block 98 , the identification number in a location i of the rack memory 68 . the control circuit 37 &# 39 ; then transmits , according to block 99 , the identification number read and the status to the centre 30 . according to block 100 , the location read may then possibly be erased . the end of the diagram is then reached . the mode of operation according to the diagram of fig1 has , in addition to the advantage mentioned of the mode of operation of the diagram according to fig8 ( fewer transmissions ), the advantage , compared with the mode of operation according to the diagram of fig4 that the control circuit 37 &# 39 ; of the rack 36 is only activated if a paging unit 18 is placed in a compartment 1 or a paging unit 18 is removed from a compartment 1 . it is pointed out that , within the scope of the invention , the flow diagrams explained can be extended by means of , for example , program sections with which the integrity of the contents of the memories 32 and 68 can be monitored . in the branch &# 34 ; y &# 34 ; emerging from the block 75 of fig8 a program section can , for example , be incorporated , by means of which the control circuit 37 signals a malfunction if the identification number of a response signal received is not equal to the identification number read according to block 71 . it is also possible to alter the diagrams in a manner such that , if no response is received within a predetermined time t , the steps concerned are repeated until a maximum number of times has been reached , after which the control circuit 37 or 37 &# 39 ; signals a malfunction . the contacts 4a to 5b inclusive and 7a to 8b inclusive may also be replaced by an optical coupling or an inductive coupling ( with a &# 34 ; transformer &# 34 ; winding in each compartment and in each portable unit 2 ), which may each be bidirectional . in addition , as will be explained with reference to fig1 , it is possible to use the charging current path via the contacts 3a , 3b and 6a , 6b for transmitting a scanning signal to a portable paging unit 2 in a compartment 1 and for receiving a response signal from the unit 2 . for this purpose , a series circuit of a supply source 101 , a scanning signal modulator 102 and a response signal detector 103 is connected in the rack 36 between the contacts 3a and 3b . the supply source 101 is , in particular , a current source and supplies a charging current for the portable unit 2 . the modulator 102 receives a modulating signal from the control circuit 37 , 37 , of the rack 36 and is composed , for example , of a variable resistor , which may be formed by a fet . the detector 103 detects the flow of a charging current which , as explained below , may be modulated , and supplies a detection signal corresponding thereto to the control circuit 31 . the detector 103 may be an optical coupling . between the contacts 6a and 6b , which , when the portable unit 2 or 18 is placed in the rack 36 , touch the contacts 3a and 3b , respectively , a series circuit of a storage battery charging circuit 104 , a scanning signal detector 105 and a response signal modulator 106 is connected in each portable unit 2 , 18 . the storage battery charging circuit 104 is connected to a storage battery 107 of the portable unit and has a mass terminal 108 and a supply terminal 109 for the portable unit . the storage battery charging circuit 104 is composed , according to a particularly simple embodiment , of a connection of the terminal 109 to the contact 6a , of the terminal 108 to the detector 105 and a connection of the terminals of the storage battery 107 to the terminals 109 and 108 . the scanning signal detector 105 detects a modulation of the charging current and supplies in accordance therewith a scanning signal to the control circuit 23 of the portable unit 2 , 18 . the detector 105 is , for example , an optical coupling . the modulator 106 receives , as modulating signal , the response signal from the control circuit 23 for modulating the charging current therewith . the modulator 106 may be a variable resistor which is formed , for example , by an fet . because the scanning signal and the response signal do not occur simultaneously , the modulation can occur in the same way in the modulators 102 and 106 . during modulation by the modulator 102 or 106 , the control circuit 37 , 37 &# 39 ; or 23 , respectively , must then ignore the response signal from the detector 103 or the scanning signal from the detector 105 , respectively . it is pointed out that where an identification number equal to 0 is understood to mean in the explanation that no portable unit is present in the scanned compartment or was present in the previous scanning , another indication can be used instead thereof , for example a separate status bit having the value &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; or &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; in order to indicate that there is not or is , respectively , a portable unit in a scanned compartment of the rack 36 or it was present in a previous scanning . as a result of this , unused portable units having identification number 0 can be placed in a rack for charging . in relation to fig5 and 9 for writing or reading a memory location of the central memory , it is pointed out that it is also possible , within the scope of the invention , that the central memory contains fewer memory locations assigned to the portable units than the maximum number of portable units of the system determined by the largest possible number . in this regard , a memory location can be assigned to each portable unit , the address of which location is not necessarily identical to the identification number of the portable unit . it is furthermore pointed out that the scanning of the compartments of a rack can also take place autonomously for each compartment . for this purpose , a subcontrol circuit having a register can be added to each compartment of a rack and each subcontrol circuit is connected to the transmission means and the reception means of the associated compartment in order to transmit a scanning signal or to receive a reception signal , respectively , from a portable unit placed in the compartment , and to a common control circuit of the rack . the subcontrol circuits operate in the manner as explained above for the control circuit 37 , 37 &# 39 ; of the rack , with the difference that each subcontrol circuit operates autonomously and stores a presence datum which comprises an identification number possibly received by means of a response signal , in the register thereof and the common control circuit communicates with the subcontrol circuits connected thereto in order to transfer the presence data present in the registers to the memory connected to the common control circuit . the embodiment of the detection unit of the rack may be as shown in fig3 and 7 , with the difference that , in each connection between a compartment 1 and the control circuit with the mode of operation explained above , a subcontrol circuit is incorporated for autonomous subcontrol and intermediate storage . the centre 30 having the control circuit 31 or 31 &# 39 ; may in this case remain unchanged and the mode of operation thereof remains according to the flow diagrams shown in fig5 and 9 respectively . it is pointed out in addition that the invention can be implemented in particular by using a microprocessor for the control circuits 31 , 31 &# 39 ;, 37 and 37 &# 39 ; and the subcontrol circuits of the compartments so that the mode of operation thereof can be altered in a simple manner and the invention is therefore explained , in particular , with reference to flow diagrams . it is , however , also possible to implement the invention with non - programmable components ; by using the flow diagrams , a person skilled in the art will have few problems herewith .	6
in fig1 k1 and k2 are input terminals for connection to a source of low frequency supply voltage . l2 and l2 &# 39 ; are inductors that form an input filter together with capacitor c3 . diodes d1 - d4 are rectifier means for rectifying said low frequency supply voltage . in this embodiment diodes d5 and d6 form first and second unidirectional means , respectively . capacitor c4 is first capacitive means and forms together with diodes d5 and d6 a first circuit . switching elements q1 and q2 together with a drive circuit dc form inverter means . drive circuit dc is a circuit part for generating drive signals for rendering switching elements q1 and q2 conducting and non - conducting . inductor l1 , capacitor c2 and terminals k3 and k4 for connecting to a discharge lamp together form a load circuit . in the embodiment shown in fig1 inductor l1 forms inductive means , capacitor c2 forms second capacitive means and terminals k3 and k4 for connecting to a discharge lamp form the means for applying a voltage to the discharge lamp . capacitor c1 forms a third capacitive means . capacitor c1 and capacitor c4 together form a second circuit . diodes d7 and d8 form third and fourth unidirectional means , respectively . the series arrangement of diodes d7 and d8 forms a third circuit . capacitor c5 forms fourth capacitive means and also a fourth circuit . input terminals k1 and k2 are connected by means of a series arrangement of inductor l2 , capacitor c3 and inductor l2 &# 39 ; respectively . a first side of capacitor c3 is connected to a first input terminal of the rectifier bridge and a second side of capacitor c3 is connected to a second input terminal of the rectifier bridge . a first output terminal n3 of the rectifier bridge is connected to a second output terminal n5 of the rectifier bridge by means of a series arrangement of diode d5 , diode d6 and capacitor c4 . n2 is a common terminal of diode d5 and diode d6 . n4 is a common terminal of diode d6 and capacitor c4 . terminal n2 is connected to terminal n4 by means of capacitor c1 . the series arrangement of diodes d5 and d6 is shunted by a series arrangement of diodes d7 and d8 . n7 is a common terminal of diodes d7 and d8 . capacitor c4 is shunted by a series arrangement of switching elements q1 and q2 . a control electrode of switching element q1 is connected to a first output terminal of drive circuit dc . a control electrode of switching element q2 is connected to a second output terminal of drive circuit dc . n1 is a common terminal of switching element q1 and switching element q2 . terminal n1 is connected to terminal n2 by means of a series arrangement of respectively inductor l1 , capacitor c2 , terminal k3 , discharge lamp la and terminal k4 . n6 is a common terminal of capacitor c2 and terminal k3 . terminal n6 is connected to terminal n7 by means of capacitor c5 . the operation of the circuit arrangement shown in fig1 is as follows . when input terminals k1 and k2 are connected to the poles of a source of a low frequency supply voltage , the rectifier bridge rectifies the low frequency supply voltage supplied by this source so that a dc - voltage is present over capacitor c4 serving as a buffer capacitor . drive circuit dc renders the switching elements q1 and q2 alternately conducting and non - conducting and as a result a substantially square wave voltage having an amplitude approximately equal to the amplitude of the dc - voltage on capacitor c4 is present at terminal n1 . the substantially square wave voltage present at terminal n1 causes an alternating current to flow through inductor l1 and capacitor c2 . a first part of this alternating current flows through terminals k3 and k4 , the discharge lamp la and terminal n2 . the remaining part of this alternating current flows through capacitor c5 and terminal n7 . as a result both at terminal n2 as well as at terminal n7 voltages having the same frequency as the substantially square wave voltage are present . these voltages present at terminal n2 and terminal n7 cause a pulsatory current to be drawn from the supply voltage source , also when the voltage on capacitor c4 is higher than the momentary amplitude of the rectified low frequency supply voltage . for this reason the power factor of the circuit arrangement has a relatively high value and the total harmonic distortion of the supply current is relatively low . it should be mentioned that similar results were obtained for a configuration of the circuit arrangement slightly differing from the configuration shown in fig1 where capacitor c1 connects terminal n2 to terminal n5 instead of to terminal n4 . in this slightly different configuration capacitor c1 forms third capacitive means and a second circuit . in a practical realization of an embodiment as shown in fig1 the dimensioning was as follows : l1 = 905 μh , c5 = 5 . 6 nf , c1 = 18 nf , c4 = 11 μf , c3 = 220 nf and c2 = 180 nf , l2 = 1 mh and l2 &# 39 ;= 1 mh . with this embodiment a low pressure mercury discharge lamp with a nominal power of 58 watt was operated . the lamp voltage of this lamp was 110 volt . the frequency of the substantially square wave voltage was approximately 50 khz and the power consumed from the low frequency supply voltage source was 52 . 3 watt . the low frequency supply voltage source was a european mains supply supplying 230 volts r . m . s with a frequency of 50 hz . the lamp current was 452 ma r . m . s . the lamp current crest factor was 1 . 43 . the current through the switching elements was 591 ma rms . the total harmonic distortion was less than 10 %. it was found that when the same low pressure mercury discharge lamp was operated by means of a known circuit arrangement as described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 404 , 082 and equipped with a substantially identical input filter , a transformer was needed in the load circuit to keep the total harmonic distortion level at less than 10 %. when the r . m . s value of the current through the low pressure mercury discharge lamp operated by means of the known circuit arrangement was approximately equal to 452 ma , the current through the switching elements was approximately 798 ma r . m . s . the r . m . s value of the current through the switching elements is thus 35 % higher than when a circuit arrangement according to the invention is used . the embodiment shown in fig2 is to a large extent similar to the embodiment shown in fig1 . similar components and circuit parts are indicated with the same reference signs in both figures . the load circuit of the embodiment of fig2 comprises a further series arrangement of inductive means capacitive means , and means for applying a voltage to a discharge lamp , formed respectively by inductor l3 , capacitor c6 and terminal k5 and terminal k6 . a discharge lamp la2 is connected to terminals k5 and k6 . for clarity the discharge lamp connected to terminals k3 and k4 is indicated by la1 in fig2 . terminal k6 is connected to terminal k4 . a terminal n8 between capacitor c6 and terminal k5 is connected to a first side of capacitor c7 . a further side of capacitor c7 is connected to n7 . capacitor c7 forms in this embodiment both a fifth circuit and fifth capacitive means . the operation of the embodiment shown in fig2 is similar to that of the embodiment shown in fig1 and will not be described separately . the embodiment shown in fig3 differs from the embodiment shown in fig1 in that a switching element s connects terminal n4 to terminal n7 . a control electrode of switching element s is coupled to an output terminal of circuitpart st . in fig3 this is indicated by means of a dotted line . capacitor c4 is shunted by a series arrangement of resistor r1 and resistor r2 . a common terminal of resistor r1 and resistor r2 is connected to an input terminal of circuitpart st . the embodiment shown in fig3 is also equipped with a means for preheating the electrodes of the discharge lamp la before ignition . these means comprise secondary windings l2 and l3 of coil l1 and capacitors c6 and c7 . each of the lamp electrodes is shunted by a series arrangement of a secondary winding and one of the capacitors c6 and c7 . the operation of the embodiment shown in fig3 is as follows . before the discharge lamp la has ignited , the lamp electrodes are preheated during a predetermined time lapse by rendering the switching elements conductive and non - conductive at a frequency at which the impedance of capacitors c6 and c7 is relatively low . both during this preheating as well as during the ignition phase , the amplitude of the voltage across capacitor c4 increases to a value that is higher than the value during stationary operation of the discharge lamp . this higher amplitude is caused by the fact that the lamp current is zero while power is fed back via capacitor c5 . the voltage at the input terminal of circuit part st is proportional to the voltage on capacitor c4 . when the voltage over capacitor c4 reaches a first predetermined value the circuit part st renders switching element s conductive so that diode d8 is shortcircuited , whereby a further increase of the voltage across capacitor c4 is prevented . when after the ignition of the discharge lamp the amplitude of the voltage on capacitor c4 drops below a second predetermined value ( lower than the first predetermined value ) the circuitpart st renders switching element s non - conductive so that power feedback via capacitor c5 is activated . the operation of the embodiment shown in fig3 during stationary operation is identical to that of the embodiment shown in fig1 and will not be further described .	8
with reference to fig1 a first laser 12 emits laser light 20 that is directed by steering mirror 16 through beam combiner ( e . g . dichroic mirror ) 18 . a second laser 14 directs a second laser light 22 to beam combiner 18 . shutters 72 , 74 are positioned in front of each laser 12 , 14 . the shutters are separately controlled such that either shutter may be selectively closed , blocking one laser from transmitting light to beam combiner 18 . beam combiner 18 combines first laser light 20 and second laser light 22 into illumination beam 24 . fig1 a provides an alternative for combination of illumination sources . in fig1 a , light is provided by lasers 271 , 272 , 273 . each laser can produce light at a different wavelength . the lasers are arranged such that laser 271 produces light with a relatively long wavelength , laser 272 has an intermediate wavelength and laser 273 has the shortest wavelength . lasers 271 , 272 , 273 focus light into optical fibers 203 , 202 , 201 respectively . optical fibers 203 , 202 , 201 each terminate in a respective fiber connector output 214 , 212 , 210 . each of fiber connector outputs 214 , 212 , 210 may be removably coupled to fiber connector inputs 215 , 213 , 211 . optical fibers 219 , 218 , 217 extend into the optical scanner . it is apparent from this arrangement that any of lasers 271 , 272 , 273 may be coupled to the optical scanner allowing each laser to be used either alone or in combination . in addition , exchange of lasers is greatly simplified . the fiber connector output can be easily decoupled from the fiber connector input to allow for simplified exchange of lasers . the preferred wavelengths for use with the optical scanner may be in the 300 nm - 1100 nm range . the optical fibers used with each laser may be adapted to have single - mode light propagation with the guided mode selected to correspond to the light wavelength produced by the corresponding laser . the fiber connector input and fiber output connectors are selected to allow removable coupling of optical fibers into the system . a connector that encases the fiber in a ferrule and holds optical fibers in face - to - face abutment with a threaded fiber locking mechanism is one possible connector . a high - precision ceramic ferrule connector with antirotation key may alternatively be used as the connector . this type of connector minimizes insertion losses when coupling single mode fibers . fiber connector outputs 223 , 222 , 221 extend the optical fiber through the system casing 275 and project the light from their respective fibers onto respective collimating lenses 233 , 232 , 231 which collimate the output light into collimated beams 237 , 236 , 235 respectively . beam 237 is directed by steering mirror 243 to dichroic mirror 242 . dichroic mirror 242 is selected to allow the relatively longer wavelength light produced by laser 271 to be transmitted . while collimated beam 237 passes through dichroic mirror 242 , collimated beam 236 generated by laser 272 is of a shorter wavelength that is reflected by dichroic mirror 242 . in this way , collimated beams 237 and 236 may be combined . in a similar manner , dichroic mirror 241 transmits longer wavelength light of collimated beams 236 , 237 but reflects shorter wavelength light of collimated beam 235 thereby combining collimated beams 235 , 236 , 237 through use of a multi - mirror dichroic stack . the illustrated embodiment is one method to combine beams . other technology for beam combination is known in the art . the collimated beams 235 , 236 , 237 are combined to form excitation beam 24 . excitation beam 24 impinges upon achromatic coupling lens 251 which focuses the beam into fiber connector input 253 on one end of optical fiber 255 . excitation beam 24 is transmitted through optical fiber 255 to fiber connector output 257 that projects the light from optical fiber 255 onto collimating lens 261 . optical fiber 255 is selected to have a fiber core sufficiently large or length sufficiently short to support the wavelengths of excitation beam 24 in guided mode . this light will generally have a wavelength between 300 - 1000 nm . a small core , single , or multimode optical fiber could accommodate this wavelength range . excitation beam 24 is collimated by collimating lens 261 and directed through glass plate 12 which optically communicates with power monitor 11 . after passing through glass plate 12 , excitation beam 24 then passes through laser line filter 13 and through spectral dispersion means 14 which acts as a mirror for the excitation beam wavelengths . dispersion mirror 14 directs excitation beam 24 to mirror 15 , which reflects excitation beam 24 onto the objective optics . the objective optics , power monitor , laser line filter and spectral dispersion means are all discussed more fully herein . the arrangement of fig1 a has the advantage that a user of the optical scanner system may connect and disconnect fibers coupled to different lasers such that any number of lasers may be used alone or changeably in different combinations . the system optics are pre - aligned and use of precision type fiber connectors allows for automatic fiber alignment . returning to fig1 illumination beam 24 is directed by steering mirror 26 through laser line filter 28 . a laser line filter is used to reduce transmission of light that is not of the excitation light wavelength . laser line filters include band pass interference filters and absorption filters . after passing through the laser line filter , illumination beam 24 impinges upon beam splitter 30 . this element directs a portion of the beam through focus detection lens 32 and onto output detector 34 . output detector 34 monitors the power of illumination beam 24 . in another embodiment , a beam splitter may split diverted beam 25 into two component beams , each beam composed of a subset of the wavelengths of beam 25 . in this way the output of each of the lasers may be separately monitored . alternatively , a shutter may be placed in front of each laser . the light from excitation beam 24 that is not diverted to output detector 34 passes through zoom contractor / expander optics 36 . these optical elements may be adjusted to shape the beam spot , allowing a variety of selectable beam spot sizes . the spot size can be selected by an electronic control element to produce a spot size that is optimized to the spot size of the targets to be scanned . for example , if the targets are spots on an array , the spot size may be matched to the array density or the spot size . the light is focused by zoom expander / contractor and passes onto beam splitter optic 38 . beam splitter 38 is selected to direct the excitation wavelengths onto beam scanner 40 . beam scanner 40 produces a line scan of the focused beam . the beam scanner may be a galvanometer mirror , a rotating polygonal mirror , a resonant scanner , an acousto - optical scanner ( e . g . a bragg cell ) or other known scanning optic . as illustrated in fig1 b , a bragg cell may be used to effect the beam spot line scan . in this embodiment , fixed mirrors 61 , 62 , 63 direct excitation beam 80 to bragg cell 65 at an angle θ relative to the optical axis . rf drive 67 introduces an acoustic sound field within the bragg cell . this acoustic field causes the excitation beam to be deflected through angle θ ′. this deflection produces a back and forth movement of the excitation beam along one axis . the optical scanner directs the beam to relay lenses 42 and 46 that keeps the focused laser light in register . the scanning optic produces a back and forth scan of the beam of light . a motor translates the target substrate in a tangent direction . the scanned beam spot and the movement of the substrate in combination allow the system to scan in two dimensions a layer where the targets are located . this layer may be a substrate surface holding an array or a depth within a container containing discrete particles . the light passes through relay lens 42 and is directed by steering mirror 44 through objective relay lens 46 and objective 48 and onto target substrate 50 . the target substrate may be any of a variety of substrates . this would include the presently used microscope slide arrays , microplate wells and storage phosphor screens . the microplate well format may present certain advantages , such as the ready adaptability to automated liquid and plate handling . the microplate dimensions may be used as a format for holders of other substrates , such as microscope slides . storage phosphor screens may store a luminescent or radioactive signal and be subsequently analyzed by the present system . the present orientation of the optical elements in fig1 illustrates a schematic for epi - illumination scanning . when scanning a substrate , some focus method is required to focus the beam spot onto the substrate layer containing the array . this allows the optical system to direct the focused beam spot onto the layer containing the targets to be imaged . such technology is disclosed in u . s . pat . ser . no . 09 / 296 , 145 , hereby expressly incorporated for all purposes herein . in one method , specular reflection is used to determine the location of the underside of a solid transparent surface . once the surface is localized , it is used as a reference point in relocating the beam waist to illuminate a target layer . the beam is moved relative to the target layer such that the beam waist scans through the target layer . this may be effected by moving the sample holding platform in the z - axis . power monitor 53 monitors the intensity of reflected light ( e . g . specular reflection ) focused by lens 51 . at a reflection intensity maxima , the beam spot is focused on the reflective surface . this reference also discloses methods and devices in which optically detectable spots are etched , printed , or otherwise positioned at precise locations on the bottom of a sample holding substrate . light emitted from targets on the array is collected by the objective 48 and transmitted as a retrobeam to steering mirror 44 . the emission retrobeam is transmitted to scanning mirror 40 , which directs the beam to beam splitter optic 38 . this optical element is selected such that the excitation beam is directed onto the beam scanner and objective while the fluorescent emission is directed to the detection optics . as noted in the background section , previous optical systems have used a dichroic mirror to separate the illumination beam from the collected emission light . selection of a dichroic becomes difficult if multiple lasers and fluorescent dyes are used . it is desirable to design alternative optical trains that allow multiple wavelengths to be used , without the need for bandpass - tailored filters . the solution is to develop a design that eliminates the need for any dichroic mirrors or wavelength specific filters to be used to separate the illumination from the emission light . two factors allow for the separation of illumination light from emission light . the first is the diameter of the illumination beam is significantly smaller than the diameter of the collected emission light . the second is the fact that a collimated laser beam ( i . e . a laser beam at a waist ) and a collimated fluorescent beam will focus at different distances through a lens . this would allow the placement of a beam separator ( e . g ., central reflective disc positioned at an illumination beam waist ) to direct the beam to the sample . this could be through passive direction ( e . g . a simple pass through hole for the laser beam ) or active direction ( e . g . reflection ). surrounding the central portion of this optical element is an annular optical element that directs the collected fluorescent light to the detection optics . again this direction could be passive ( e . g . a transparent annulus allowing the beam to pass through the beam splitting optic ). this is illustrated in the following examples . fig2 shows one embodiment of this optical element in which the central disc 38 a on a dot mirror is a mirror comprised of a material that reflects a broad spectrum of wavelengths . this central disc is a broadly achromatic reflector and would reflect the excitation beam 24 irrespective of the component wavelengths selected for beam 24 . annularly surrounding central disc 38 a is outer disc 38 b . outer disc 38 b is comprised of a material that allows transmission of a broad spectrum of wavelengths . the excitation beam 24 is more narrow than the emission beam . an amount of emission light is reflected by the central disc 38 a . the rest is transmitted through the transmissive outer annulus to the detectors . the amount of light which is lost is minimized by positioning the dot mirror at a waist of the illumination beam . the size of the dot mirror is selected relative to the size of the beam waist allowing for a minimal mirror size while still reflecting the beam . in this example , the illumination beam is actively directed ( by reflection ) to the sample and the collected fluorescent beam is passively directed ( by transmission ) to the detection optics . a mirror with a diameter sufficiently large to reflect the laser without clipping it but sufficiently small to minimize loss of the fluorescence beam should allow direction of the illumination beam and provide for some tolerance of element positioning . a second example is shown in fig4 . in this example , a number of the optical elements , such as laser line filters , laser shutters , multiple lasers , etc ., have not been shown for simplification . the laser 12 generates an illumination beam 24 . this beam is focused by lens 91 into a beam waist b . positioned at the waist b of illumination beam 24 is a hole 94 in mirror 92 . the illumination beam 24 passes through the hole and onto lens 93 . the illumination beam is collimated and is directed onto scanning optic 40 , which produces the line scan of the beam . the beam is focused by relay lenses 42 and 46 to the objective lens 48 that focuses the illumination beam into a waist targeted onto sample substrate 50 . the lenses used are achromats 90 that they may be used with a broad spectrum of wavelengths . the focused laser beam excites fluorescence from the sample . the fluorescent light is collected and transmitted as a retrobeam 60 back along the pathway of the excitation beam . the objective 48 acts as a light collector to collect the fluorescent emission . the light is transmitted as a collimated beam to relay lenses 42 , 46 and onto scanning optic 40 . the beam is directed through lens 93 and onto mirror 92 . mirror 92 reflects the collected fluorescent retrobeam 60 to the detection optics . the return fluorescent retrobeam is focused by lens 93 either upstream or downstream of the focus of illumination beam 24 ( i . e . beam waist b ). when the retrobeam 60 intersects mirror 92 , beam 60 is significantly larger than the pinhole 94 . while some of retrobeam 60 is lost through hole 94 , most of the collected light is not lost . in a scanning instrument , the beam scan is effected by a line scan of the excitation beam by an optical scanner . this requires sweeping the laser beam , relaying the image of the beam onto the objective , and focus of the scanning beam waist onto a target layer on the sample . because a scanning beam would sweep past the inner annulus , the pinhole mirror should be located where the laser beam is not moving , i . e ., upstream of the pinhole mirror . in an example system , an objective with a focal length of 10 mm and a na of 0 . 65 requires the laser beam radius to be 4 um at the focus . if lenses 91 and 93 in fig4 each have a focal length of 10 cm , the combined 2 lens relay is spaced by f 91 + f 93 = 20 cm . for lenses 91 and 93 , the laser beam is chosen to focus at a distance f eff = ½ f = 5 cm [ this turns out to give optimal laser beam / fluorescence beam separation .] for a helium / neon laser λ = 633 nm . the incident beam radius w = 142 μm is attained by the beam shaping optics . to have the beam waist imaged by lenses 91 , 93 onto the scanning optic 40 the scanning optic is positioned at f 91 + f 93 = 20 cm away from lens 93 . the beam radius w at the scanning optic also 142 μm . the beam size at the objective is calculated by back propagating the 4 μm focal spot . if objective 48 has a focal length of f 48 = 10 cm , and the focal spot radius is 4 μm , w is calculated to be w = 504 μm . this is the size of the laser spot at the objective . from this the magnification of the relay lenses 42 , 46 can be calculated and their focal lengths selected . using the selected parameters the distance from lens 91 to mirror 92 is 5 cm ; the distance between lens 91 and lens 93 is 20 cm ; the distance between lens 93 and scanning optic 40 is 20 cm ; the distance between scanning optic 40 and relay lens 42 is 2 cm , the distance between relay lens 42 and relay lens 46 is 9 . 1 cm ; the distance between relay lens 46 and the objective lens 48 is 7 . 1 cm ( assuming thin lenses ); and the distance between the objective lens 48 and the sample 50 is 10 mm . this allows for a rather compact system that is able to rather efficiently collect the fluorescent light . this is one example of positioning of elements ( using thin lens approximation ) for fig4 . the size of pinhole 94 must be sufficiently large so that the laser beam 24 is not blocked , and that an amount of alignment tolerance is allowed . the aperture radius is chosen to be 2 . 5 × w where w is the laser beam radius at the location of the aperture . this is one example of how the size of the laser beam director is selected in relation to the diameter of the illumination beam waist . the diameter of the light director is sufficient to direct the laser beam with out clipping the beam resulting in energy loss while still sufficiently small to allow good fluorescence throughput . the location of the aperture may then be optimized to maximize the efficiency of collected fluorescence . this positioning results in minimal losses through the pinhole aperture and maximal reflection of collected fluorescence . the source of fluorescence is assumed to be uniform over all angles . to calculate the integrated intensity at the pinhole mirror it is straightforward to calculate the magnification of the fluorescence beam from the objective to the location of the pinhole . this integral is then carried out in units scaled by the magnification . the pinhole 94 is located between relay lenses 91 and 93 . at various distances from each lens , the laser beam size w is calculated , the pinhole aperture is set equal to 2 . 5w , and the fluorescence throughput is derived using the stated formula . at 15 cm ( 5 cm from lens 91 , 15 cm from lens 93 ) the laser beam waist is at a minimum and the throughput losses are only a few percent . although a slight improvement in efficiency of collection may be possible by locating the pinhole closer to lens 91 , the described configuration does provide one working set up . in practice one single method of pinhole positioning is to simply locate the pinhole at the focus of the laser . the spacing requirements of the system requires that lens 91 and its mount be sufficiently far from mirror 92 to allow room for adjustments . the pinhole diameter for this example is 250 μm . returning to fig1 the light directed to the detection optics first passes through long pass filter 52 . long pass filter 52 acts to filter out any excitation light and narrow the wavelengths , excluding light that is not of a selected wavelength range . the long pass filter is specifically selected to allow the wavelengths of emission beam 60 to pass through the filter . thus different filters are needed depending on the component wavelengths of the emission light . a filter wheel ( as shown in fig3 ) is used to rotate into the emission beam path a long pass filter matched to the emission beam . in addition to rotation along the longitudinal axis , the filter wheel or tray may rotate within the plane of the angle of incidence , causing the impinging emission light to pass through a selectably greater thickness of the long pass filter ( as explained in conjunction with fig3 ). this may serve as a secondary method in which to adapt the filter to the specific selected wavelengths . after passing through long pass filter 52 , emission beam 60 is directed by steering mirror 54 through spatial filter lens 56 . this lens focuses the collimated emission light through aperture 62 in spatial filter 58 . spatial filter 58 acts in combination with the light gathering optics and the focused illumination to limit the depth of field of the detection of the system . the excitation beam is focused such that the beam energy is concentrated into a beam spot directed at the target substrate . outside of the focused beam spot , the excitation energy rapidly falls off . the emission light excited by the excitation beam is gathered by the objective optics and transmitted to the detection optics . the objective functions as a light collector and transmits light as a retrobeam to the detection optics . emission light from outside the system depth of field ( e . g . light that does not originate at or near the illumination beam focus ) will be blocked from reaching the detector by the spatial filter . the emission light which is focused through spatial filter 58 impinges upon beam splitter 64 . beam splitter 64 splits the emission light into wavelengths above and below a cutoff wavelength . emission light above the cutoff wavelength is directed onto a first light detector 66 . light detector 66 may be a photomultiplier tube or other light detection optic . emission light below a cutoff wavelength is directed onto a light detector 68 . this light detector may again be a photomultiplier tube in photodiode or other light detection optic . detectors 66 , 68 measure the fluorescent emission intensity of the fluorescent signal of the retrobeam . the detectors are in communication with data reader 90 , which converts the signal from analog to digital . the signal is recorded by data reader 90 as a unit of fluorescence intensity . although the detectors may contain any number of detection channels , two detectors and two detection channels are preferred . in the preferred embodiment , a spectral filter is used to selectively direct light below a selected cutoff wavelength to one detector and light above the selected cutoff wavelength to a second detector . the spectral dispersion device can be a prism , grating , or dichroic mirror . in this manner , multiple spectral dispersion devices and multiple detectors may be incorporated into the detection means for detection of fluorescence at different wavelengths from multiple fluorophores . fig1 c , 1 d and 1 e illustrate the use of a prism as the spectral dispersion device . in fig1 c , retrobeam 60 passes through aperture 60 and onto dispersion prism 71 . in a system using a constant deviation dispersion prism , particular wavelengths may be directed onto a detector by rotation of the prism . prism 71 divides retrobeam 60 into component wavelengths represented by 83 a , 83 b , 83 c . these component wavelengths 83 a , 83 b , 83 c impinge upon segmented photodetector 73 . segmented photodetector may be a multi - channel photomultiplier tube or charge - coupled device . this detector has a detecting surface 74 that detects the impinging light and produces an analog signal . for example , in a multichannel charge - coupled device , detecting surface 74 is made of a self - scanning metal - oxide semiconductor . the signal from the segmented detector is transmitted to a data reader as in fig1 . in fig1 d a direct vision prism detector is shown . the use of a direct vision prism allows dispersion without deviating light at the central wavelength of the impinging light . retrobeam 83 passes through aperture 24 and onto achromatic collimating lens 75 . collimating lens 75 collimates the light which then impinges upon direct vision prism 77 . direct vision prism is comprised of two or more prisms . direct vision prism 77 as shown is comprised of a first prism 1 and a second prism 2 . the prisms may be selected to transmit light in the range of 300 - 1100 nm . the angles of surfaces a , b , c ; the angle of the impinging light ; and the material selected for prism composition will determine the amount of dispersion and the wavelength of the central undeviated light . using a direct vision prism allows dispersion linearity and selection of wavelength range of detection . this range is matched to the fluorescent profile of the dyes used with the system . in one embodiment 300 - 1100 nm light will be measured by the present optical system . the central undeviated light could be one of the selected fluorescent dye emission wavelengths such as 667 nm or 695 nm . the positions of surfaces a , b , c align at angles n and m . collimated retrobeam 60 passes through direct vision prism 77 and is refracted into representative light beams 83 d , 83 e , 83 f . central wavelength 83 e is undeviated . the light then impinges upon detecting surface 74 of segmented detector 73 . the signal from the segmented detector 73 is transmitted to a data reader as in fig1 . in another embodiment of the detection optics a prism is used in combination with a moveable mirror to allow measurement of different spectral components . this is seen in fig1 e . the emitted fluorescent light 60 is focused through aperture 62 of spatial filter 58 . and through dispersion prism 101 which disperses the collected fluorescent light . moveable mirror 103 reflects a first portion 109 of the dispersed collected light onto a first detector 68 . a second spectral component of the collected fluorescent light 111 , which is not reflected by mirror 103 , will impinge on second detector 66 . mirror 103 is mounted on arm 105 that may be moved by stepper motor 107 . this motor may be controlled by a central processor ( not shown ) that directs the positioning of the mirror . by changing the positioning of the mirror , different components of the dispersed light will impinge on each of detectors 66 , 68 . this effectively changes the cutoff wavelength that the system analyzes . by using a fixed dichroic in the detection system , the analysis of the collected light is limited to comparison of the light intensity above and below a single cutoff wavelength . in contrast , the detection configuration shown in fig1 e allows selection of the cutoff wavelength by positioning of mirror 103 . when a dichroic mirror is used , the coating will not have 100 % efficiency in separation of light at a cutoff wavelength . some light that is intended to be reflected will be transmitted and some light which is intended to be transmitted will be reflected . this results in some background optical noise inherent in the use of dichroic elements . both the configuration of fig1 and the configuration of fig1 e allow the characterization of dyes by comparison of the ratio of two intensities of spectral components of the spectral emission . however , since the composition of the spectral components detected by the configuration shown in fig1 e is not fixed , a much larger set of dyes may be used and characterized by the system . the combination of objective lens , collimating lens and aperture allows for a selected depth of field . thus it is possible to use a sample container that is deeper than the focal depth ( i . e ., depth in which the focused laser light produces uniform illumination ). fluorescent emission is gathered over a wide angle by the objective lens , which functions as a light collector . an aperture in combination with an imaging lens will restrict the effective aperture of the lens and reduce aberration . however , a field stop could be ineffective to limit the depth of field , especially if the desire is to match the illumination volume to the collection volume . in contrast , the present invention uses a spatial filter to limit the depth of field . this spatial filter is positioned between the detector and the source of fluorescent emitted light . the spatial filter restricts the detection of light to rays of light emanating from a selected depth . this selected depth , as shown , is dependent on the geometry and placement of the spatial filter in relation to a lens . matching the focal length of a lens to an aperture with specific geometry enables the present system to condition rays of emanating light to limit detection to a specific height of sample volume . the aperture is matched to the divergence of the lens to limit a depth of field . it is preferred that the spatial filter limit the depth of field to a depth of at least 25 μm . this use of a spatial filter is similar to the use of an aperture / focal lens combination in confocal microscopy to limit depth of field . the use of a confocal - type aperture as the spatial filter of the present system enables “ macro - confocal ” scanning , i . e . the optical interrogation with a focused beam of excitation light with the optical interrogation limited by a spatial filter to a selected depth of field . the size of the aperture and the placement of the aperture in relation to the focus lens in combination with the properties of the focused gaussian beam will determine the selected depth of field . thus , the use of a spatial filter allows optical interrogation of a limited depth of detection in a variety of containers . in each container the depth of field is limited to a selected depth . this limited depth of field creates an optical interrogation depth that may be similar to the depth of a capillary . this “ virtual capillary ” detection allows the present optical system to optically interrogate a container wherein the container has a depth much larger than the detected depth of field . this limits the detected background fluorescent substantially . the fluorescent light will be detected if it is emanating from a specific depth of field . the scanning illumination beam excites fluorescence from targets on a substrate . the emitted fluorescence is the detected and recorded . the optical scanning means ( i . e . galvanometer , bragg cell , rotating polygonal mirror , etc .) moves the illumination to a new position to continuously illuminate new regions . the detection data is recorded by a data reader that records the measured emission intensity at preset intervals . the detection data capture is paced such that each illuminated columnar region detected partially overlaps another such region . the optical scanning and data collection continues in this manner of continuously illuminating and exciting a region from which fluorescent emission is detected and periodically recorded . these steps are continuously repeated during the scan . the optical scanner follows a scan path in one direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the scanned substrate and in the other direction along the length of the scanned substrate . the emission excited by the illumination is measured at selected intervals . the emission intensity from a beam spot illumination is measured and recorded . preferably , the emission intensity is measured from overlapping beam spots . the data acquisition and analysis may be effected in the manner described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 556 , 764 hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein . in adapting microvolume fluorimetry to reading biological arrays on a substrate , the detection of targets on a substrate array allows for detection of individual dyes at specific locations . because two dyes are not detected at a single location , the profile for the dyes in combination would not be observed unless non - specific binding occurred . furthermore , improvements in system components , such as dichroic filter properties , reduction in electronic noise , improved calibration , etc . allows for recognition of greater number of dyes . the present invention allows for analysis of a sample of biological fluid or substrate surface with a minimum of preparation . according to the present invention , a fluid is incubated with an excess amount of a binding agent that contains a fluorophore of known optical characteristics . the fluorescently - labeled binding agent is selected to react with binding sites present within the sample ( e . g . array spots on a substrate ). for example , a set of fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides ( e . g . labeled cdna from an expression assay ) may be screened for hybridization to an array of dna sequences , with each sequence located on a substrate at a discrete location . the labeled oligonucleotides and the target dna at an array locus will hybridize if complementary and emit a fluorescent signal when analyzed by the apparatus of the present invention . the method of the present invention does not require removal of unreacted fluorescently - labeled oligonucleotides ( i . e . a homogenous assay may be performed ). the oligonucleotides that are labeled with a fluorescent dye and are not hybridized to a dna target on the array may be present as a background signal . because the scanner limits detection to a selected depth of field , the localized concentration of detectable label present at an assay target spot would produce sufficient emission signal to allow detection over a background of unbound fluorescently labeled dna fragments .	6
with reference now to the drawings , and in particular to fig1 to 7 thereof , a new and improved lapel pin eyeglass and pillbox organization embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numerals 10 , 10a and 10b will be described . more specifically , the lapel pin eyeglass and pillbox organization of the instant invention includes an elongate rigid longitudinally aligned support shaft 11 including a hook member 12 mounted at its lower terminal end wherein it laterally of the shaft 11 underlying a plurality of camouflage leaf members 13 also directed laterally to each side of the shaft 11 . a camouflage floral head 14 is mounted integrally to an upper terminal end of the support shaft 11 and directed orthogonally relative to the shaft 11 and the hook member 12 and the leaf members 13 . reference to fig3 and to fig7 illustrates an eyeglass organization with an eyeglass temple bar 15 mounted about the hook member 12 to permit suspended support of the eyeglass organization as required by individuals . the camouflage floral head 14 includes a central storage container 16 that is oriented orthogonally relative to the shaft 11 and positioned medially of the camouflage floral head 14 . mounted to a rear surface of the support shaft 11 medially of the laterally directed leaf members 13 is a securement pin 18 pivotally mounted separate terminal end to the shaft and selectively secured with a securement pin clasp 19 at its lower terminal end wherein the securement pin clasp is integrally mounted to the support shaft 11 . the securement pin 18 is mounted on a diametrically opposed portion of the shaft 11 as to that mounting the floral head 14 . fig4 illustrates a modified organization 10a with a flexible hook member 17 that is manually deformable to accommodate eyeglass bars of various configurations . further fig5 illustrates a further modified organization 10b wherein the hook member 20 is laterally directed as in the embodiment of fig1 to 3 and 7 for example wherein the hook member 20 includes a polymeric sheath in surrounding relationship to the hook member to minimize abrasive wear to an associated eyeglass organization when mounted upon the hook member . fig9 illustrates the organization in a somewhat exploded view wherein the central storage container 16 is arranged to received a plurality of pill members 25 therewithin and wherein the storage container 16 is receivable in a complementary manner within a cylindrical cavity 22 overlying a cylindrical cavity floor 24 to completely contain the storage container 16 within the camouflage floral head 14 . the cylindrical cavity 22 includes a threaded upper end 23 to threadedly receive the complementarily threaded lid 21 to effect selective closure of the container 16 as required . as to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention , the same should be apparent from the above disclosure and accordingly no further discussion relative to the manner of useage and operation of the instant invention shall be provided . with respect to the above description then , it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention , to include variations in size , materials , shape , form , function and manner of operation , assembly and use , are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art , and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention . therefore , the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention . further , since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art , it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described , and accordingly , all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to , falling within the scope of the invention .	0
fig1 shows a thermoplastic sandwich panel 10 which comprises an in - situ foamed core layer 12 . fiber - reinforced thermoplastic cover layers 14 and 16 , respectively , are provided at the top of the foam core layer 12 and at the bottom thereof . in a first step , an incision 50 is made in the cover layer 14 , parallel to the peripheral edge 100 , following which a reinforcing layer 70 of a fiber - reinforced thermoplastic ( either prepreg or consolidated laminate ) is positioned in such a manner that the incision 50 is covered thereby and the reinforcement ends up in the desired spot in the end product . subsequently , a hot molding stamp 18 is used to deform the top cover layer 14 at the location of the incision 50 and thus the edges which delimit the incision 50 are folded , with the additional reinforcing layer 70 also simultaneously being deformed and being pressed into the shape of a formed recess 102 . see fig2 . the recess 102 is delimited by walls 104 and bottom 106 , which are made of fiber - reinforced thermoplastic . the depth and shape of the recess 102 is determined by the shape of the shoe of the stamp 18 . if the molding stamp is small , it may be necessary to preheat the reinforcing layer using a preheating stamp which is usually flat . the underside of the sandwich panel 12 in this case rests on a support stamp 108 , the temperature of which is kept near or above the glass transition temperature in order to facilitate deformation in the subsequent steps , depending on the shape which is to be produced , for example for an angle with a small radius , the bottom layer has to be locally deformable and the temperature is kept in the range between the glass transition temperature and the melting point . if an angle with a large radius is to be produced , the temperature has to be kept below the tg in order to use the rigidity of the bottom cover layer for the deformation . thus , a recess 102 is formed which , in the embodiment illustrated in fig2 , extends from the top cover layer 14 up to the bottom cover layer 16 in the thickness direction of the sandwich panel 10 . the shaped walls 104 of the recess 102 , either straight or inclined or a combination of both or of another shape , consist of a fiber - reinforced thermoplastic layer which is made from the additional reinforcing layer 70 or the folded edges of the top cover layer 14 adjoining the incision 50 or both . this recess 102 separates the main body 112 of the sandwich panel 10 from the edge section 110 . in a subsequent folding step which is illustrated in fig3 , the edge section 110 is folded further through an angle of 90 °, so that the normals of the surfaces of the main body 112 and the edge section 110 , respectively , enclose of an angle of 90 °. the formed angle is thus reinforced with additional fiber - reinforced thermoplastic material . in the embodiment illustrated in fig2 , a conical deformation stamp 18 is used . if a v - shaped stamp is used , a connection can be achieved in which the thermoplastic layers are directly connected to one another without open space when they are folded . in the embodiment shown in fig3 , the open space 114 may , if desired , be filled with a suitable filler material , or several reinforcing layers for deformation may locally be added . fig4 illustrates another edge finish , in which the edge section 110 is folded in such a manner that parts of the bottom cover layer 16 are connected to one another . it will be understood that , in the case of fig5 , the reinforcing layer 70 may be omitted if desired . usually , the construction will be fixed after folding by means of a consolidating mold which is , for example , slid around the formed angle or edge . the embodiments according to fig4 and 5 are particularly suitable for uses in which there is a very large load ( mainly impact ) on the outside of the edge , for example projecting and upright parts , which can come into contact with heavy objects . fig6 - 9 illustrate another embodiment of a method for producing an edge finish . starting from the situation in fig1 , not only is a recess 102 produced between the main body 112 and the edge section 110 , but also the peripheral edge 100 of the edge section 110 can also be finished . using a hot stamp 18 , the top cover layer 14 is folded at the incision 50 and , using an edge molding stamp 18 ′, at the peripheral edge 100 in the direction bottom cover layer 16 , with the foam 12 beneath it being compacted . the edge section 110 is subsequently folded through 90 °, so that an end product with the configuration illustrated in fig8 is obtained . when the edge section 110 is folded back through 180 °( see fig9 ) instead of through 90 °, a very flat edge is achieved , it being possible to connect the consolidated double cover layer of the reinforced peripheral edge to the top cover layer of the starting material by means of heat and pressure . when a cover layer 14 cut with a folding line 50 and the foam 12 beneath it are deformed to a lesser depth , as is illustrated in fig1 ( b ), a local “ thinned section ” may be provided in the composite panel 10 . in other words , a difference in thickness in the sandwich panel 10 can be achieved locally , while the recess is usually fully fiber - reinforced , by using the reinforcing layer 70 . with the embodiment illustrated in fig1 ( c ), the sandwich panel 10 comprises slots 80 of a certain depth in the surface 14 , into which other sandwich panels 10 with a thickness corresponding to the width of a slot 80 can readily be slid , for example for use in galley systems for airplanes , serving trays in trolleys , boards in cupboards , etc . fig1 illustrates a sandwich panel 10 , in which the angle between the main body 112 and edge section 110 is formed by the top fiber - reinforced thermoplastic cover layer 14 , reinforcing layer 70 , the core layer which has been pressed to form a solid or virtually solid core layer and bottom fiber - reinforced thermoplastic cover layer 16 , which have been bent at a relatively low t to form a bend with a large radius . fig1 illustrates the application of the method according to the invention when producing a fiber - reinforced cylindrical hole . in a sandwich panel 10 , radial incision lines 50 are made which intersect in the center of the hole to be formed . subsequently , a reinforcing layer 70 having a star - shape is placed over the incisions 50 . subsequently , a cylindrical recess 102 is formed using a molding stamp 18 with circular cross section , the walls of which are reinforced by the edges of the incisions 50 and the reinforcing layer 70 . this recess 102 can serve as securing hole for inserts and the like which are to be introduced . fig1 illustrates the application of the abovementioned method along the edge or on the angle of a composite panel , preferably a thermoplastic sandwich panel 10 , in which incisions 50 are provided in the thermoplastic fiber - reinforced cover layer 14 in the direction of the angle so that excessive tensile stresses in the fiber structure are prevented . a reinforcing layer 70 is placed over the incisions 50 , following which the recess 102 along the edge is produced using a deformation stamp ( not shown ) of the desired shape and the desired shape is consolidated using a consolidation stamp ( not shown ). fig1 shows a decorative thermoplastic sandwich panel 10 , in which a fiber - reinforced recess 102 is provided between two elevated sections and a fiber - reinforced recess 202 situated along the periphery of the panel . fig1 shows a construction element in the shape of a connecting beam 10 . this beam is made from a segment of thermoplastic foam 12 with a cover layer 14 , 16 of a fiber - reinforced thermoplastic thereon on two sides . in both cover layers 14 and 16 and in foam 12 beneath it , once the relevant cover layer has been cut , recesses 102 are provided using a molding stamp and with the local interposition of an additional fiber - reinforced cover layer 70 , so that the entire wall and bottom are composed of a fiber - reinforced thermoplastic material . subsequently , the edges of the cover layers 14 , 16 on the end sides are folded , so that the end sides are also covered with a fiber - reinforced thermoplastic layer .	1
fig1 shows an environment for executing the concurrent computing between heterogeneous simulators . this represents an environment for concurrent operation in coordination between heterogeneous simulators implemented in a network comprising hardware such as a cluster 143 of a plurality of work stations 142 connected to an ethernet 141 and a massively parallel computer 144 including a multiplicity of risc processors connected to an intracompany communication bus 145 . fig1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system for concurrent computing between heterogeneous simulators according to a first embodiment of the invention . in this embodiment , a simulator a including a parameter p and a variable x , a simulator b including the parameter p and a variable y are set together with the parameter p in a numerical calculation unit 3 through an input display unit 1 . the numerical calculation unit 3 executes the calculation operation on the basis of a simulator program and determines self - consistent solutions x , y of the nonlinear simultaneous equations formed of the parameter p . the variables x , y are displayed in the form of data or graphics on the output display unit 2 . now , assume that a physical phenomenon is so complicated to such an extent as to form a heterogeneous coupled equation correlating the parameter p and the variables x , y . a heterogeneous coupled equation 6 is set again in the numerical calculation unit 3 through the input display unit 1 to determine globally consistent solutions p , x , y . according to the present embodiment , the numerical calculation unit 3 includes a calculation control unit 7 having a heterogeneous coupling variational equation calculation unit 8 , a convergence decision unit 9 for the parameter p , and a search vector setting unit 10 for the parameter p . the heterogenous coupling variational equation calculation unit 8 retrieves a locally consistent solution x obtained from the simulator a and a locally consistent solution y obtained from the simulator b for the parameter p . also , the numerical calculation unit 8 applies the parameter p and the variables x , y to the heterogeneous coupled equation 6 and retrieves the substitute h . the linear variational equation for heterogeneous coupling according to equation 1 formed of the values of the parameter p , the variables x , y and h is solved thereby to determine the increment δp of the parameter p . the convergence decision unit 9 decides on the convergence of δp . in the absence of convergence , the search vector setting unit 10 sets a new parameter p by increasing the preceding parameter by δp and repeats the steps for retrieving locally consistent solutions from the simulators . in the presence of convergence , on the other hand , the output display unit 2 can display the values of the globally consistent solutions p , x , y . the linear variational equation for heterogeneous coupling according to equation 1 is equivalent to equation 3 for the conventional stable coupled method shown in fig7 . in addition , it is in the same dimension as the heterogeneous coupled equation 6 for the conventional noncoupled method shown in fig6 . therefore , this system is a high - speed , stable system for concurrent computing between heterogeneous simulators . the processing steps for a calculation control unit of a numerical calculation unit 3 according to this invention is shown in fig3 ( block 1 ). the steps of processing ( block 152 ) for setting a new parameter p are repeated until the increment δp of the parameter p converges ( block 151 ). for the value δp to be obtained , first , the nonlinear simultaneous equations f ( x . linevert split . p )= 0 of the simulator a are solved for the parameter p thereby to obtain a locally consistent solution x ( block 153 ), the nonlinear simultaneous equations g ( y . linevert split . p )= 0 of the simulator b are solved to determine a locally consistent solution y ( block 153 ), and the parameter p and the variables x , y are substituted into h ( p . linevert split . x , y ) of the heterogeneous coupled equation 6 thereby to determine the value h ( block 154 ). after that , the step ( block 155 ) is executed for solving the linear variational equation for heterogeneous coupling formed of the parameter p , the variables x , y and the value h thereby to determine δp . fig2 is a block diagram showing a system for concurrent computing between heterogeneous simulators according to a second embodiment of the invention . according to this embodiment , the calculation control unit according to the first embodiment shown in fig1 includes a concurrent differential calculation control unit 11 . the concurrent differential calculation control unit 11 sets p + δp1 , . . . , p + δpl , together with p , by modulating the infinitesimal amounts δp1 , . . . , δpl with the parameter p ( p1 , . . . , pl ). also , ( l + 1 ) simulators a and ( l + 1 ) simulators b are set in the numerical calculation unit 3 . then , the parameters p + δp1 , . . . , p + δpl and p thus set are applied to the ( l + 1 ) simulators a and the ( l + 1 ) simulators b , the locally consistent solutions x + δx1 , . . . , x + δxm , x and y + δy1 , . . . , y + δyn , y obtained by concurrent processing are retrieved thereby to form (∂ x /∂ p ) m × l and (∂ y /∂ p ) n × l , which are applied to the heterogeneous coupling variational equation calculation unit 8 . the heterogeneous coupling variational equation calculation unit 8 sets the parameters p + δp1 , . . . , p + δpl , p , the variables x + δx1 , . . . , x + δxm , x and the variables y + δy1 , . . . , y + δyn , y again in the concurrent differential calculation control unit 11 . the concurrent differential calculation control unit 11 sets combinations of the parameter p and the variables x , y including ( p + δp1 , x , y ), . . . , ( p + δpl , x , y ), ( p , x + δx1 , y ), . . . , ( p , x + δxm , y ), ( p , x , y + δy1 ), . . . , ( p , x , y + δyn ), ( p , x , y ). also , the ( δ + m + n + 1 ) heterogeneous coupled equations 6 are set in the numerical calculation unit 3 . the combinations of the parameter p and the variables x , y thus set are applied to the ( l + m + n + 1 ) heterogeneous coupled equations 6 , and the concurrently processed values of h including h + δh1 , . . . , h are retrieved thereby to form (∂ h /∂ x ) l × m , (∂ h /∂ y ) l × n , (∂ h /∂ p ) l × l , which are applied to the heterogeneous coupling variational equation calculation unit 8 . the linear variational equation for heterogeneous coupling according to equation 1 formed of these values of (∂ x /∂ p ) m × l , (∂ y /∂ p ) n × l , (∂ h /∂ x ) l × m , (∂ h /∂ y ) l × n , (∂ h /∂ p ) and h is solved thereby to obtain the increment δp of the parameter p . in the process , if the ( l + 1 ) simulators a , the ( l + 1 ) simulators b and the ( l + m + n + 1 ) heterogeneous coupled equations 6 are concurrently processed , the time required for each iteration is substantially the same as in the conventional noncoupled method , in view of the fact that the linear variational equation for heterogeneous coupling according to equation 1 is in the same dimension as the heterogeneous coupled equation 6 . in addition , since the number of iterations is almost the same as in the conventionally stable coupled method , the system according to this embodiment is an extremely high - speed , stable system for concurrent computing between heterogeneous simulators . the processing steps for the numerical calculation unit 3 including the concurrent differential calculation control unit according to the invention are shown in fig1 . a new parameter p is set ( block 162 ) by increasing the increment δp of the prevailing parameter p until the increment δp converges ( block 161 ). this step is repeated . for δp to be obtained , the first step is to set p + δp1 , . . . , p + δpl and p by modulating the parameter p ( p1 , . . . , pl ) by infinitesimal amounts δp1 , . . . , δpl ( block 163 ). the nonlinear simultaneous equations f ( x . linevert split . p )= 0 with ( l + 1 ) simulators a and the nonlinear simultaneous equations g ( y . linevert split . p )= 0 with the ( l + 1 ) simulators b are solved by concurent processing for the parameter p + δp1 , . . . , p + δpl and p thus set thereby to execute the process ( blocks 164 , 165 ) for producing the locally consistent solutions x + δx1 , . . . , x + δxm , x and y + δy1 , . . . , y + yn , y and the process ( block 166 ) for forming (∂ x /∂ p ) m × l and (∂ y /∂ p ) n × l . then , combinations of the parameter p and the variables x , y including ( p + δp1 , x , y ), . . . , ( p + δpl , x , y ), ( p , x + δx1 , y ), . . . , ( p , x + δxm , y ), ( p , x , y + δy1 ), . . . , ( p , x , y + δyn ), ( p , x , y ) are set ( block 167 ). the combinations of the parameter p and the variabls x , y thus set are substituted into h ( p . linevert split . x , y ) of ( l + m + n + 1 ) heterogenous coupled equations thereby to execute the step ( block 168 ) for producing h + δh1 , . . . , h and the step ( block 169 ) for forming (∂ h /∂ x ) l × m , (∂ h /∂ y ) l × n and (∂ h /∂ p ) l × l . the step ( block 170 ) is executed for solving the linear variational equation for heterogeneous coupling according to equation 1 formed by the values of (∂ x /∂ p ) m × l , (∂ y /∂ p ) n × l , (∂ h /∂ x ) l × m , (∂ h /∂ y ) l × n , (∂ h /∂ p ) and h thereby to produce δp . fig3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system for concurrent computing between heterogeneous simulators according to a third embodiment of the invention . this embodiment is equivalent to the first embodiment shown in fig1 in which the calculation control unit further includes a concurrent calculation control unit 12 and an optimum search vector setting section 13 . the search vector setting unit 10 sets new parameters pα1 , pα2 , and so on , i . e ., p + α1δp , p + α2δ p and so on including a plurality of increment coefficients α ( α1 , α2 , and so on ) for the increment δp of the parameter p in the concurrent calculation control unit 12 . also , as shown in fig4 three increment coefficients 0 . 5α , α , 2 . 0α are set on the basis of the value α ( 0 & lt ; α & lt ; 1 ). the concurrent calculation control unit 12 sets a plurality of simulators a and a plurality of simulators b in the numerical calculation unit 3 . then , the parameters pα1 , pα2 and so on are applied to a plurality of the simulators a and a plurality of the simulators b , so that the locally consistent solutions xα1 , xα2 and so on and yα1 , yα2 and so on obtained by concurrent processing are retrieved and applied to the numerical calculation unit 8 for the heterogeneous coupling variational equation . the numerical calculation unit 8 of the heterogeneous coupling variational equation sets the parameters pα1 , pα2 and so on , and the variables xα1 , xα2 and so on , and yα1 , yα2 and so on , again in the concurrent calculation control unit 12 . the concurrent calculation control unit 12 sets the combinations of the parameter p and the variables x , y including ( pα1 , xα1 , yα1 ), ( pα2 , xα2 , yα2 ), and so on . also , a plurality of heterogeneous coupled equations 6 are set in the numerical calculation unit 3 . the combinations of the parameter p and the variables x , y including ( pα1 , xα1 , yα1 ), ( pα2 , xα2 , yα2 ) and so on thus set are applied to a plurality of the heterogeneous coupled equations 6 , and the concurrently processed values of h including hα1 , hα2 and so on , are retrieved and applied to the optimum search vector setting unit 13 . the optimum search vector unit 13 applies the value hα associated with a minimum norm among hα1 , hα2 and so on , which is smaller than the minimum norm of h in the preceding iterative calculation to the numerical calculation unit 8 for the heterogeneous coupling variational equation . the numerical calculation unit 8 for the heterogeneous coupling variational equation solves only the linear variational equation for heterogeneous coupling according to equation 1 formed from the parameter pα , the variables xα , yα , and the h value hα for the set value α thereby to produce the increment δp of the optimum parameter p . also , as shown in fig4 in the case where the value hα associated with a minimum norm among hα1 , hα2 and so on is smaller than the minimum norm of h in the preceding iterative calculation , the value α is multipled by 1 / 8 in order to reduce the nonlinearity , and then the above - mentioned process is repeated . the superscripts &# 34 ; k &# 34 ; shown in fig3 indicate the value for the k - th iteration . if a plulrality of the simulators a , a plurality of the simulators b and a plurality of the heterogeneous coupled equations 6 are concurrently processed , an optimum search vector is set and the number of iterations can thus be reduced thereby to produce an extremly high speed and a high convergence as compared with the coupled method of the prior art . as a result , this system is an extremely high - speed , very stable system for concurrent computing between heterogeneous simulators . the processing steps for the concurrent calculation control unit and the optimum vector setting unit in the calculation control unit of the numerical calculation unit 3 according to the invention are shown in fig1 . a new parameter p is set by increasing the increment δp of the parameter p until the increment δp converges ( block 171 ), and this step is repeated . in order to obtain δp , first , new parameters pα1 , pα2 and so on ( p + α1δp , p + α2δp and so on ) including a plurality of increment coefficients α ( α1 , α2 and so on ) are set for the increment δp of the parameter p ( block 172 ). then , the process ( blocks 173 , 174 ) is executed in which the nonlinear simultaneous equations f ( x . linevert split . p )= 0 with a plurality of the simulators a and the nonlinear simultaneous equations g ( y . linevert split . p )= 0 with a plurality of the simulators b for the parameters pα1 , pα2 and so on are solved by concurrent procesing thereby to produce the locally consistent solutions xα1 , xα2 and so on and yα1 , yα2 and so on . next , the step ( block 175 ) is executed in which the combinations of the parameter p and the variables x , y including ( pα1 , xα1 , yα1 ), ( pα2 , xα2 , yα2 ), and so forth are substituted into h ( p . linevert split . x , y ) of a plulrality of the heterogeneous coupled equations 6 thereby to obtain hα1 , hα2 and so forth . among the values hα1 , hα2 and so forth , a value hα associated with the minimum norm smaller than the minumum value of the norm of h in the preceding iterative calculation is selected ( block 176 ). the step ( block 178 ) is executed for solving the linear variational equation for heterogeneous coupling according to equation 1 formed of the parameter pα , the variabls xα , yα and the value hα for the sete value α thereby to produce the increment δp of the optimum parameter p . also , in the case where the value hα among hα1 , hα2 and so forth , associated with the minimum norm is larger than the minimum norm of h in the preceding iterative calculation ( block 177 ), the value α is reduced to 1 / 8 ( block 179 ) for reducing the nonlinearity . this process then is repeated . fig5 is a block diagram showing a system for concurrent computing between heterogeneous simulators according to a fourth embodiment of the invention . according to this embodiment , heterogeneous simulators 4 , 5 and other simulators 5 &# 39 ; and so forth including the parameter p and the variables x , y and so on and a heterogeneous coupled equation 6 &# 39 ; correlating the parameter p and the variables x , y , z , and so on are set in the numerical calculation unit 3 from the input display unit 1 . also , a variational equation corresponding to the heterogeneous coupled equation 6 &# 39 ; is set in the numerical calculation unit 8 &# 39 ;. the heterogeneous coupling variational calculation unit 8 &# 39 ; forms a linear variational equation for the heterogenerous coupled equation according to equation 2 and determines the increment δp of the parameter p thereby to produce the globally consistent solutions p , x , y . in the process , the simulation engineer can obtain a higher speed than the conventional noncoupled method and a higher convergence than the conventional coupled method simply by seting the heterogeneous coupling variation equation 8 &# 39 ; of equation 2 anew . consequently , the present system is an extremely high - speed , very stable system with a very high scalability for concurrent computing between heterogeneous simulators . fig8 is a block diagram showing a simulation of a nanometric device of a system for concurrent computing between heterogeneous simulators according to a fifth embodiment of the invention . according to this embodiment , a quantum transportation simulator 4 and a traditional transportation simulator 5 are set in the numerical calculation unit 3 . the numerical calculation unit 3 executes the calculation process according to a simulation program and determines self - consistent solutions for the variables of nonlinear simultaneous equations . these variables are displayed on an output display unit 2 in the form of data or graphics . in a nanometric device , substantially all the domains including the electrodes are located in an applicable range of the general traditional transportation simulator 5 . in the infinitesimal domains of a nanometric structure , however , the quantum transportation simulator 4 including the tunnel effect or the like is required to be applied . the quantum transportation simulator 4 is described in detail in the flowchart of fig1 . first , a quantum distribution function f ( x , k ) for a potential φ ( x ) is determined based on an imbalanced quantum distribution funtional equation w and a quantum distribution function f ( xb , kb ) constituting a boundary condition ( block 121 ). then , the potential φ ( x ) is obtained ( block 123 ) for the electron density n ( x ) ( block 122 ) from the quantum distribution function f ( x , k ) on the basis of the potential φ ( xb ) for the boundary condition and the poison &# 39 ; s equation φ . this process is repeated ntil the convergence conditions are met for both the increment δn ( x ) and the increment δφ ( x ) of the electron density and the potential ( block 124 ). if the convergence conditions are met , a current density jq ( x ) is obtained from the quantum distribution function f ( x , k ) providing a self - consistent solution ( block 125 ). the traditional transportation simulator 5 is shown in detail in the flowchart of fig1 . first , on the basis of the electron density n ( xb ) of the bondary conditions and the current continuity equation n , the electron density n ( x ) for the potential φ ( x ) is obtained ( block 131 ). then , the potential φ ( x ) for the electron density n ( x ) is determined on the basis of the potential φ ( xb ) for the boundary conditions of the poison &# 39 ; s equation as in the case of the quantum transportation simulator 4 ( block 132 ). this process is repeated until both the increments δφ ( x ) and δn ( x ) of the potential and the electron density , respectively , and come to satisfy the convergence conditions ( block 133 ). once the convergence conditions are met , the current density jx ( x ) can be obtained from the potential φ ( x ) and the electron density n ( x ) providing self - consistent solutions ( block 134 ). in the case where means is selected for using the quantum transportation simulator 4 including the parameter ( xb ) and the variable jq ( x ) and the traditional transportation simulator 5 including the parameter φ ( xb ) and the variable jc ( x ) in proper way and at proper time , then , a heterogeneous coupled equation according to equation 7 can be formed for guaranteeing the current continuity for the the current density jq ( xb ) obtained from the quantum transportation simulator 4 and the current density jc ( xb ) obtained from the traditional transportation simulator 5 in the boundary domain xb . the heterogeneous coupled equation 6 is set again in the numerical calculation unit 3 through the input display unit 1 thereby to determine globally consistent solutions f ( x ), jq ( x ), jc ( x ). according to the present invention , as shown in fig8 the numerical calculation unit 3 includes a calculation control unit 7 having a heterogeneous coupling variational equation calculation unit 8 , a convergence decision unit 9 for the parameter p and a search vector setting unit 10 for the parameter p . the heterogeneous coupling variational equation calculation unit 8 retrieves the locally consistent solution jq ( x ) obtained from the quantum transporation simulator 4 and the locally consistent solution jc ( x ) obtained from the traditional transportation simulator 5 for the parameter φ ( xb ). also , the numerical calculation unit 8 retrieves the value h of jc ( xb )- jq ( xb ) by applying the parameter φ ( xb ) and the variables jq ( x ), jc ( x ) to the heterogeneous coupled equation 6 . the linear variational equation for heterogeneous coupling according to equation 8 formed of the parameter φ ( xb ), the variables jq ( x ), jc ( x ) and the value h of jc ( xb )- jq ( xb ) is solved thereby to determine the increment δφ ( xb ) of the parameter φ ( xb ). ## equ6 ## the convergence decision unit 9 decides on the convergence of the increment δφ ( xb ). in the absence of convergence , the process is repeated in which the search vector setting unit 10 sets a new parameter φ ( xb ) by increasing the prevailing parameter by δf ( xb ), and retrieves the locally consistent solutions from the simulators . in the presence of convergence , on the other hand , the values of the globally consistent solutons φ ( x ), jq ( x ), jc ( x ) can be displayed on the output display unit 2 . this system is equivalent to the conventional stable coupled method . in addition , in view of the fact that the linear variation equation for heterogeneous coupling according to equation 8 can be shown in the same dimension as the heterogeneous coupled equation h6 in the conventional noncoupled method , this system is considered a high - speed , stable system for concurrent compuing between a quantum transportation simulator for a nanometric device simuation and a traditional transportation simulator . fig9 is a block diagram showing a nanometric device simulation in a system for concurrent computing between heterogeneous simulators according to a sixth embodiment of the invention . this embodiment further includes the concurrent differential calculation control unit 11 in the calculation control unit in the fifth embodiment shown in fig8 . the concurrent differential calculation control unit 11 sets φ ( xb )+ 67 φ ( xb1 ), . . . , φ ( xb )+ δφ ( xbl ) and φ ( xb ) obtained by modulating infinitesimal amounts δφ ( xb1 ), . . . , δφ ( xbl ) for the parameters φ ( xb ) { φ ( xb1 ), . . . , φ ( xbl )}. also , ( l + 1 ) quantum transportation simulators 4 and ( l + 1 ) traditional transportation simulators 5 are set in the numerical calculation unit 3 . then , the parameters φ ( xb )+ δφ ( xb1 ), . . . , φ ( xb )+ δφ ( xbl ) and φ ( xb ) thus set are applied to the ( l + 1 ) quantum transportation simulators 4 and the ( l + 1 ) traditional transportation simulators 5 . the locally consistent solutions jq ( xb )+ δjq ( xb1 ), . . . , jq ( xb )+ δjq ( xbl - 1 ) and jc ( xb )+ δjc ( xb1 ), . . . , jc ( xb )+ δjc ( xbl - 1 ) are retrieved thereby to form {∂ jq ( xb )/∂ φ ( xb )} 1 - l × l and {∂ jc ( xb )/∂ φ ( xb )} 1 - l × l , which are applied to the heterogeneous coupling variational equation calculation unit 8 . the heterogeneous coupling variational calculation unit 8 sets the parameters φ ( xb )+ δφ ( xb1 ), . . . , φ ( xb )+ δφ ( xbl ) and φ ( xb1 ) and the variables jq ( xb )+ δjq ( xb1 ), . . . , jq ( xb )+ δjq ( xbl - 1 ) and jc ( xb )+ δjc ( xb1 ), . . . , jc ( xb )+ δjc ( xbl - 1 ) in the concurrent differential calculation control unit 11 . the concurrent differential calculation control unit 11 combines the parameter φ ( xb ) and the variables jq ( xb ), jc ( xb ), and sets { φ ( xb )+ δφ ( xb1 ), jq ( xb ), jc ( xb )}, . . . , { φ ( xb )+ δφ ( xbl ), jq ( xb ), jc ( xb )}, { φ ( xb ), jq ( xb )+ δjq ( xb1 ), jc ( xb )}, . . . , { φ ( xb ), jq ( xb )+ δ ( jq ( xbl )- 1 ), jc ( xb )}, { φ ( xb ), jq ( xb ), jc ( xb )+ δjc ( xb1 )}, . . . , { φ ( xb ), jq ( xb ), jc ( xb )+ δjq ( xbl - 1 )}, { φ ( xb ), jq ( xb ), jc ( xb )}. also , ( 3l - 1 ) heterogeneous coupled equations 6 are set in the numerical calculation unit 3 . the combinations of the parameter φ ( xb ) and the variables jq ( xb ), jc ( xb ) thus set are applied to the ( 3l - 1 ) heterogeneous coupled equations 6 , and the concurrenty - processed values h of h + δh1 , . . . , h are retrieved thereby to form {∂ h /∂ φ ( xb )} l × l , {∂ h /∂ jq ( xb )} l × l - 1 , {∂ h /∂ jc ( xb )} l × l - 1 , which are applied to the numerical calculation unit for the heterogeneous coupling variational equation . the heterogeneous coupling variation equation according to equation 8 formed from these values of {∂ jq ( xb )/∂ φ ( xb )} 1 - l × l , {∂ jc ( xb )/∂ φ ( xb )} 1 - l × l , {∂ h /∂ φ ( xb )} l × l , {∂ h /∂ jq ( xb )} l × l - 1 , {∂ h /∂ jc ( xb )} l × l - 1 and h are solved thereby to determine the increment δφ ( xb ) of the parameter φ ( xb ). in the process , if the ( l + 1 ) quantum transportion simulators 4 , the ( l + 1 ) traditional transportation simulators 5 and the ( 3l - 1 ) heterogeneous coupled equations 6 are concurrently processed , the time required for each iterative calculation is substantially the same as in the conventional noncoupled method , in view of the fact that the linear variational equation for heterogeneous coupling according to equation 8 and the heterogeneous coupled equation 6 are in the same dimension . in adition , since the number of iterations is substantially the same as in the conventional stable coupled method , this system is considered an extremely high - speed , stable system for concurrent computing between a quantum transportation simulator for nanometric devices and a traditional transportation simulator . fig1 is a block diagram showing a nanometric device simulation for a system for concurrent computing between heterogeneous simulators according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention . this embodiment is equivalent to the fifth embodiment shown in fig8 in which the calculation control unit further includes the concurrent calculation control unit 12 and the optimum search vector setting section 13 . the search vector setting unit 10 sets new parameters φ ( xb ) α1 , φ ( xb ) α2 , . . . { φ ( xb )+ α1δφ ( xb ), φ ( xb )+ α2δφ ( xb ) and so on } including a plurality of increment coefficients α ( α1 , α2 , . . . ) for the increment δφ ( xb ) of the parameter φ ( xb ) in the concurrent calculation control unit 12 . also , as shown in fig1 , three increment coefficients 0 . 5α , α , 2 . 0α are set according to the increment coefficient of α ( 0 & lt ; α & lt ; 1 ). the concurrent calculation control uni 12 sets a plurality of the quantum transportation simualtors 4 and a plurality of the traditional transportation simulators in the numerical calculation unit 3 . then , the parameters φ ( xb ) α1 , φ ( xb ) α2 and so forth are applied to a plurality of the quantum transportation simulators and the traditional transportation simulators 5 . the locally consistent solutions jq ( xb ) α1 , jq ( xb ) α2 and so forth and jc ( xb ) α1 , jc ( xb ) α2 and so forth obtained by concurrent processing are retrieved and applied to the heterogeneous coupling variational equation calculation unit 8 . the heterogeneous coupling variational equation calculation unit 8 sets the parameters φ ( xb ) α1 , φ ( xb ) α2 and so forth , the variables jq ( xb ) α1 , jq ( xb ) α2 and so forth , and the variables jc ( xb ) α1 , jc ( xb ) α2 and so forth in the concurrent calculation control unit 12 . the concurrent calculation control unit 12 sets the combinations of the parameter φ ( xb ) and the variables jq ( xb ), jc ( xb ) including { φ ( xb ) α1 , jq ( xb ) α1 , jc ( xb ) α1 }, { φ ( xb ) α2 , jq ( xb ) α2 , jc ( xb ) α2 }, and so forth . also , a plurality of the heterogeneous coupled equations 6 are set in the numerical calculation unit 3 . the combinations of the parameter φ ( xb ) and the variables jq ( xb ), jc ( xb ) thus set including { φ ( xb ) α1 , jq ( xb ) α1 , jc ( xb ) α }, { φ ( xb ) α2 , jq ( xb ) α2 , jc ( xb ) α2 } and so forth , are applied to a plurality of the heterogeneous coupled equations 6 , and the values h including hα1 , hα2 and so forth obtained by concurrent processing are retrieved and applid to the optimum search vector setting unit 13 . the optimum search vector setting unit 13 applies the value hα associated with the minimum norm smaller than the minimum norm of h in the preceding iterative calculation among hα1 , hα2 and so on to the numerical calculation unit 8 for heterogeneous couple equation . in the heterogeneous coupled equation calculation unit 8 , only the linear variational equation for heterogeneous coupling according to equation 8 formed from the parameter φ ( xb ) α , the variables jq ( xb ) α , jc ( xb ) α and the value h of hα for the set value α is solved thereby to produce the increment δφ ( xb ) for the optimum parameter φ ( xb ). also , as shown in fig1 , in the case where the value hα associated with the minumum norm among hα1 , hα2 and so forth is larger than the minimum norm of h for the preceding iterative calculation , the value α is reduced by a factor of 1 / 8 in order to reduce the nonlinearity . this process is repeated . the superscript &# 34 ; k &# 34 ; attached in fig1 denotes a value for the k - th iteration . in the process , if a plurality of the quantum transportion simulators 4 , a plurality of the traditional transportation simulators 5 and a plurality of the heterogeneous coupled equations 6 are concurrently processed , then an optimum search vector is set and therefore the number of iterations is reduced to contribute to an extremely high speed and a high convergence as compared with the conventional coupled method . as a result , this system is considered an extremely high - speed and a very stable system for concurrent computing between a quantum transportation simulator for nanometric device simulation and a traditional transport simulator . it will thus be understood from the foregoing description that according to the present invention , an increased volume of program development required for restructuring a simulator in the conventional coupled method and the unstable convergence in the conventional noncoupled method can be avoided . further , the concurrent processing is taken advantage of to realize an extremely high speed as compared with the required iteration time for the noncoupled method and a very high stability as compared with the convergence characteristic of the coupled method . furthermore , even with progressively complicated physical phenomena , the simulation engineer can produce a globally consistent solution automatically simply by setting a new heterogeneous coupled equation . a method and a system for concurrent computing between heterogeneous simulators thus are realized which can very effectively support the analysis and designing work of the operator .	6
before explaining in detail the present invention , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings , since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways . also , it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description , and not limitation . as best can be seen by references to the drawings , and in particular to fig1 a - 1c , the leg therapy apparatus that forms the basis of the present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 1 , and includes a frame structure means 10 , coupling means 20 , and user engagement means 30 . the frame structure means 10 may be structured in such a manner that it has a circular form into which the leg of the user may be placed . the components of the frame structure means 10 and the coupling means 20 are mounted together in such a manner that the apparatus may automatically adjust to different leg muscles sizes and contours . as may be seen in fig2 a - 2d , the frame structure means 10 may comprise at least two main support members 11 . user handle members 12 , and support coupling members 13 with coupling member openings 14 . the main support member 11 may be a relatively rigid structure having an outer surface and a curved inner surface . the curved inner surface supports user engagement means 30 . the user engagement means 30 may be a series of rounded nodule - like user engagement elements 31 which extend outward from the inner surface of the main support member 11 . they may be a molded part of the main support member 11 , or they may be individually attached in some typical manner such as a screw . user handle member 12 may be an open area extending through main support member 11 which allows the user to more easily grasp and hold the main support member 11 with their hand . as further shown , main support member 11 has support coupling members 13 mounted at one end , with the support coupling member 13 having a coupling member opening 14 . coupling member opening 14 is an elongated shaft - like opening extending from one side of the main support member 11 to its opposite side . in the figures , user engagement means 30 has user engaging elements 31 which are rigidly mounted to the inner surface of main support member 11 . as mentioned , they may be individually mounted elements or molded to the inner surface of the main support member . they could also be part of a separate curved user engagement means which rigidly mounts to the inner surface of main support member 11 through a mounting element such as a screw . the figures also show a handle member 12 which extends as a curved opening through the main support member 11 , but the user handle member 12 could also be just an indented space extending a small distance into the main support member 11 . the handle member 12 could also be a separate component mounted at some location on main support member 11 . it is also possible for the user to just grasp each main support member 11 with their respective hand so that the members themselves function as a type of handle member , provided the members are sized to easily grasp . many variations of this apparatus are thus possible . as may be seen in fig3 a - 3d , coupling means 20 comprises a generally elongated shaft member 21 with stop members 22 mounted on each end . stop members 22 are used to prohibit the main support members 11 from separating completely from on another as they move . the stop members 22 may be a type of locking cap which slide onto shaft member 21 and lock in place . shaft member 21 and stop members 22 may also be a type of bolt and screw assembly . fig3 d demonstrates how the coupling means 20 and frame structure means 10 mount together so that the main support members 11 may pivot about shaft member 21 . fig4 a and 4b demonstrate the basic configuration and operation of the apparatus . as shown , the support coupling members 13 of main support members 11 are coupled together by shaft members 21 and form a generally loop shaped structure . shaft members 21 extend through the coupling member openings 14 of each support coupling members 13 . as mentioned , stop members 22 are mounted on each end of shaft member 21 to limit the amount of separation possible between the two main support members 11 . the apparatus may include an optional resistance component 40 , such as a resistance band . as may be further seen , the user may operate the apparatus by grasping the apparatus with their hands using the user handle members 12 , while placing their leg within the open loop area created by the coupling of the two main support members 11 . shown in the fig4 c is a typical cross section of a human leg . using the handle members 12 , the user may grasp the apparatus and move it over the desired leg muscle , with the leg muscles being engaged by the user engaging members 31 of the user engagement means . as the apparatus moves along the respective leg muscle group , the user engaging members 31 will make contact with the respective muscles , providing a type of therapeutic message . as also shown , as the apparatus moves along the contour of the thigh or calf muscles , the main support structures 11 of the apparatus will pivot apart from one another as larger areas of the leg muscles are being engaged . they will pivot closer to one another as smaller portions of the leg muscles are being engaged . while moving the body therapy apparatus along the thigh or calf muscles of the leg , the user may also simultaneously rotate the apparatus in a circular pattern around the leg to provide an even better theraputic action . for a smaller area that may need a heavy message , the user may want to rotate the apparatus in a back and forth circular motion only over that area of the leg needing the heavier message . this ability to engage the leg muscle in a linear or circular motion , either individually or simultaneously , makes the apparatus extremely flexible . fig4 d is a side view of the muscle therapy apparatus demonstrating a resistance means located at the top , and the main support members being shorter in length . this should allow the apparatus to more easily be placed upon the leg . as shown , the main support members 11 are guided as they pivot away and towards one another by shaft member 21 . optional resistance component 40 may be mounted at either end of main support member 11 , and may be utilized to provide a resistance to the pivoting motion of main support members 11 , while also pushing the main support members 11 back towards one another . when the resistance component 40 utilizes a conventional resistant band different resistant band with different strengths may be used to provide different amount of resistance . these resistance bands 40 may be convention resistance bands found and used in various fitness equipment and may mount to main support members 11 through a typical securing means such as a pin or bolt 41 . multiple resistance bands 40 may be utilized which mount to the main support members 11 at the top and bottom , and on both the front and back sides . when the resistance component 40 is not utilized , the resistance to separation and the pushing motion of the members back together may be accomplished manually by the hands of the user . it is also possible to disassemble the leg apparatus so that the individual main support structures 11 are utilized separate from one another . the user may grasp a single main support member 11 , either one at a time or one in each hand , and perform a therapy routine on parts of the body other than the leg muscles . for example , if the user is suffering from a sore arm bleep muscle , the user may grasp one of the main support members 11 with one hand , and move the user engaging elements 31 along the bleep muscle , in either a linear motion , circular motion , or both . this routine may be performed also on other parts of the body , such as the stomach , hips , or buttocks . using an individual main support member 11 may also be performed on the leg muscles , but would not provide as much therapeutic action as the members would when coupled together . fig5 a demonstrates the leg therapy apparatus using conventional roller bearings 32 as user engaging elements 31 . roller bearings 32 may be mounted within curved openings 33 , which are semi - spherical in shape and have a larger diameter than do the roller bearings 32 . this is to allow the roller bearings 32 to rotate within in any direction . the roller bearings 32 may be held in place by inner surface support 34 , which may have surface openings 35 which are smaller in diameter than the roller bearings 32 . the inner surface support 34 may be securely mounted to the arced inner surface of the main support member 11 through some common securing means , such as a screw , with the surface openings 35 of the inner surface support 34 being place over the roller bearings 32 . this allows roller bearings 32 to rotate , but keeps them from exiting out of curved openings 33 . in this instance , the user engagement means 30 is comprised of roller bearings 32 , curved openings 33 , inner surface support 34 , and surface openings 35 . fig5 b demonstrates the leg therapy apparatus utilizing multiple rows of user engaging elements 31 mounted to main support member 11 , instead of only a single row . multiple rows should allow for a better therapy message , since multiple user engaging elements 31 will move over the same area . it may also prove better to have each row staggered from the one next to it , so that more contact is made with the muscles . the figures show three rows of user engaging members 31 , but many versions of the apparatus may be created having four , five , six , or even more rows , depending on what works best for the individual user . it may be possible to connect two or more apparatuses together , so that the number of rows in contact with the user muscles may be selectively varied . as mentioned previously , the user engaging elements 31 may be a molded part of main support member 11 , may be individually attached to main support member , or may be part of a separately attached user engagement means . the best configuration , which is that shown , may prove to be a series of rows of roller bearings 32 mounted into curved openings 33 and held in place by inner surface support 34 having surface openings 35 . fig6 a and 6b demonstrate a leg therapy apparatus having the user engaging elements 31 incorporated into a user engagement means 30 which is a completely separate component from the main support member 11 . the user engaging members 31 may mount upon or may be part of an engagement support structure 36 , which may be pivotally mounted at its approximate center to the inner surface of main support member 11 . the engagement support structure 36 may be an arced structure having an outer and inner arced surface . as shown , the outer arc surface may be pivotally mounted at its proximate center to the arced inner surface of main support member 11 , while the user engaging members 31 may mount upon the inner arced surface of engagement support structure 36 . the engagement support structure 36 may also be constructed with curved openings so that user engaging members 31 may be roller bearings , as has been discussed previously . as also shown , an alternate configuration may have the resistance band 40 located near the coupling means 20 , instead of being located on the opposite end of the main support members . this configuration will allow the user to position the apparatus over the leg muscles , instead of the leg muscles having to be placed within . fig6 b shows a cross sectional area of a user leg placed with the apparatus , and demonstrates how the user engagement means 30 reacts when it engages the leg of the user . fig6 c and 6d show side views of one type of user engagement means 30 for the leg therapy apparatus . in this type , there is at least one row of user engaging members 31 mounted to the engagement support structure 36 . as may be seen , it is possible to have more than one in this ease , two engagement support structures 36 pivotally mounted to the inner surface of main support member 11 such that they pivot independent of one another . this could prove useful for not only engaging a larger area of the leg of the user , but also allow better adjustment to the varying contours of the leg of the user . having more than one row of user engaging members 31 may also prove beneficial in use with the multiple engagement support structures 36 . a second version of the leg therapy apparatus 1 may be seen in fig7 a - 7c . as with the original version , the leg therapy apparatus is designated generally by the reference numeral 1 , and includes a frame structure means 10 , coupling means 20 , and user engagement means 30 . the frame structure means 10 may be structured in such a manner that it has a circular form into which the leg of the user may be placed . the components of the frame structure means 10 and the coupling means 20 are mounted together in such a manner that the apparatus may automatically adjust to different leg muscles sizes . as may be seen in fig8 a - 8d . the frame structure means 10 may again comprise at least two main support members 11 , user handle members 12 , and support coupling members 13 with coupling member openings 14 . the main support member 11 may be a relatively rigid structure having an outer surface and a curved inner surface . the curved inner surface supports user engagement means 30 . the user engagement means 30 may be rounded nodule - like user engagement elements 31 which extend outward from the inner surface of the main support member 11 . they may be a molded part of the main support member 11 , or they may be individually attached in some typical manner such as a screw . user handle member 12 may he an open area extending through main support member 11 which allows the user to more easily grasp and hold the main support member 11 with their hand . as further shown , main support member 11 has support coupling members 13 mounted at each end , with each support coupling member 13 having a coupling member opening 14 . coupling member opening 14 is an elongated shaft - like opening extending from the inner portion of the main support member 11 to its outer portion . as may be seen in fig9 a - 9d , coupling means 20 comprises a generally elongated shaft member 21 with stop members 22 mounted on each end . coupling means 20 may also comprise optional resistance spring members 23 , which arc basically conventional coiled spring members located on each end of shaft member 21 , and are held in place by stop members 22 . stop members 22 are used to prohibit the main support members 11 from separating completely from on another as they move , whether the optional resistance springs 23 are utilized or not the stop members 22 may be a type of locking cap which slide onto shaft member 21 and lock in place . shaft member 21 and stop members 22 may also be a type of bolt and screw assembly . as with the original version , the components of the frame structure means 10 , the coupling means 20 , and the user engagement means 30 , all function in similar manner and may also take on various configurations . the main difference in this version is that main support members 11 move away and toward one another along a linear path of motion , as opposed to an arced path of motion . fig1 a and 108 show a cross sectional area of a user leg placed within the apparatus . as may be seen when various parts of the leg which are different in size are engaged by the user engaging members 31 , the main support members will move accordingly . when a larger cross sectional area is engaged , the main support members 11 move away from one another . when a small cross sectional area is engaged , the main support members 11 move towards one another . again , motion is along a linear path . as shown in fig1 c and 10d , optional resistance means 40 comprising optional resistant bands 41 may be also utilized with this version of the apparatus . as before , different resistant bands having different resistance strengths may be used to vary the amount of resistance . these resistance bands 40 may be convention resistance bands found and used in various fitness equipment and may mount to support coupling members 13 through a typical securing means such as a pin or bolt 42 . multiple resistance bands 41 may also be utilized which mount to the support coupling members 13 at the top and bottom of each main support member , and on both the front and back sides . when the resistance component 40 is not utilized , the resistance to separation and the pushing motion of the members back together may be accomplished manually by the hands of the user . fig1 a and 11b demonstrate the second version of the leg therapy apparatus having the user engaging elements 31 incorporated into a user engagement means which is a completely separate component from the main support member 11 . the user engaging members 31 may mount upon or may be part of an engagement support structure 36 , which may be pivotally mounted at its approximate center to the inner surface of main support member 11 . the engagement support structure 36 may be an arced structure having an outer and inner arced surface . as shown , the outer arc surface may be pivotally mounted at its proximate center to the the arced inner surface of main support member 11 , while the user engaging members 31 may mount upon the inner arced surface of engagement support structure 36 . the engagement support structure 36 may also be constructed with curved openings so that user engaging members 31 may be roller bearings , as has been discussed previously . fig1 a and 11b both demonstrates a cross sectional area of a user leg which has the apparatus placed within . fig1 a and 11b show a cross sectional area of a user leg placed within the apparatus , and demonstrates how the user engagement means 30 reacts when it engages the leg of the user . in any version , having the user engaging member 31 mounted on an engagement support structure 36 which is pivotally mounted as a separate component to the main support member 11 should provide a much more flexible body therapy apparatus . as also shown , the engagement support structure 36 may pivot both towards and away from the inner surface of main support member 11 , shown in the figures is a cross section of the human leg . when the apparatus is moved along a portion of the leg of the user , the pivoting motion of the engagement support structure 36 allows the user engaging members 31 to remain in better contact with the leg muscle of the user . this concept will make the apparatus more complicated and thus more expensive , but should provide more flexible and a better therapy routine . this concept may be incorporated into any of the versions described previously . as also mentioned previously , a single main support member 11 having this pivoting engagement support structure 36 may be used to provide therapy to other parts of the body , such as the biceps of the arm , the hips , the stomach , and the buttocks . fig1 a and 12b demonstrate a different construction feature for the second version of the leg therapy apparatus 1 . in this version , the frame structure means 10 forms a more elliptical shape when coupled together by coupling means 20 , as opposed to the more circular shape shown previously . this elliptical shape may prove to provide better contact between user engagement means 30 and leg muscles which are larger in size than normal . this may prove true also for the original pivoting version , and also for the user engagement means when it is a separately attached component . fig1 a and 13b demonstrate another version of leg therapy apparatus 1 having a frame structure means 10 with more than two main support members coupled together . in this instance , frame structure means 10 has four main support members coupled together by four coupling means 20 . in this version , each of the main support members comprise a quarter - arc shape , with all four quarter - arc shaped main support member creating a closed circular shaped frame structure means 10 when coupled together . fig1 c demonstrates this version having a separately mounted user engagement means 30 . fig1 a and 14b demonstrate a leg therapy apparatus having an engagement support structure 36 which is both pivotally and linearly coupled to the main support member 11 . the engagement support structure 36 will not only pivot towards and away from the inner surface of the main support member 11 , but also move along a linear path towards and away from its inner surface . the main support member 11 thus serves as a type of guide bearing for guiding the engagement support structure 36 along a linear path of motion . in this ease the handle member 12 would more than likely need to be an indented space into the main support member 11 instead of a through space . in this version , a spring member 23 may also be used to resist the movement of the engagement support structure 36 towards the inner surface of the main support member 11 . it will also push the engagement support structure back against the leg muscle of the user . therefore a spring member or some type of resistance band will not necessarily be used by the coupling means and the support coupling members as previously shown . instead of two or more main support members , the main structure means may now be constructed of only one arced or circular shaped main member , since the linear movement away and towards the leg muscle of the user is now done by the engagement support member , not the support coupling member and the coupling means . the main disadvantage with this version is that resistance may no longer be applied by the hands of the user . multiple main support members may still be utilized , but may now be rigidly connected together using a bolt and nut . however , an apparatus may still be constructed which has two or more main support members connected together using a coupling means , and also utilize a pivoting and linear moving engagement support structure . hence the combinations and variations of the body therapy apparatus derived from this capability are numerous . many variations of the leg therapy apparatus exist , along with the configurations described above . while it will be apparent that the preferred embodiment of the invention herein disclosed is well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated , it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification , variation , and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims .	0
the present invention will now be more described and disclosed in greater detail . it is to be understood , however , that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention and that the invention may be embodied in various and alternative forms . it should also be understood that the accompanying figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated , or minimized , to show details of particular components . therefore , specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims , but are merely provided as an example to teach one having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention . it should also be appreciated that in the detailed description that follows , like reference numerals on different drawing views are intended to identify like structural elements . it should also be appreciated that while the present invention is primarily described as a rack assembly primarily configured for securing bicycles within a bed structures of pickup trucks , the rack assembly is not limited to securing bicycles and is not necessarily limited to be utilized in association with pickup trucks only . referring now to fig1 - 11 , rack assembly 2 according to the present invention is illustrated as broadly comprising rack frame and securing assembly 24 . rack frame 3 broadly includes base support 4 , wheel receiving means 7 , which is defined by a generally l - shaped cross - sectional geometry extending therefrom and which also may be referred to as wheel well 7 , and cross bars 6 a , 6 b . wheel well 7 may be joined to base support 4 by welding , mechanical , fastening , or another suitable joining technique . wheel well 7 is generally sized and configured to receive the front wheel of a bicycle therein . cross bars 6 a and 6 b are fixed to wheel well 7 at locations 9 a and 9 b and to base support 4 at locations 5 a and 5 b by welding or a suitable mechanical fastening technique . wheel well 7 , base support 4 , and cross bars 6 a and 6 b may be formed from tubular metallic materials or another type of suitable material . rack assembly 2 can be configured to comprise extensible arm 8 , which is extendable in directions 15 and 15 ′ and rotatable about axis 19 of cross bars 6 a or 6 b . a suitable configuration for extensible arm 8 is shown in fig1 . extensible arm 8 includes gripping member 12 , which is slidable along a length of shaft 14 through an opening of gripping member 12 . shaft 14 includes teeth 11 along a length thereof that are engagable with corresponding teeth ( not shown ) of the gripping member . gripping member 12 is configured to be manually moved along shaft 14 in direction 15 by a user . gripping member 12 may also be moved in direction 15 ′ by a user upon actuating release mechanism 21 , which disengages the teeth of gripping member 12 from teeth 11 . gripping member 12 further includes wheel hook 10 projecting therefrom that is sized and configured to fit around a wheel of a bicycle . while wheel hook 10 is preferably , secured about the wheel of a bicycle , it is conceivable that the wheel hook could be fit around another component of the bicycle , e . g . a descending frame member . the aperture of wheel hook 10 is preferably sized to receive wheels of a plurality of sizes and dimensions such that the rack assembly may receive an array of bicycle types . once wheel hook 10 is positioned at a desired location along the length of the shaft 14 , gripping mechanism 12 may only be moved in direction 15 ′ to elongate the length of extensible arm 8 by disengaging gripping member 12 from shaft 14 . gripping member 12 is preferably of the type sold under the trademark ratcheting quick - load ( rql ) by sportworks of woodinville , wash . the rql system is described in greater detail in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 439 , 397 which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety . the end of shaft 14 includes generally c - shaped clamp 16 welded thereto that is fitted around two semicircular bearings 32 a and 32 b secured to cross bar 6 a , 6 b by pins or another suitable fasteners ( not shown ). clamp 16 exhibits a profile of bearings 32 a and 32 b and encloses at a least a portion thereof . another generally c - shaped clamp 16 ′ is fitted into slots ( not shown ) of clamp 16 so that clamps 16 and 16 ′ collectively enclose bearings 32 a and 32 b . clamps 16 and 16 ′ are secured together with fasteners 18 so that the interior portions of clamps 16 and 16 ′ bear against bearings 32 a and 32 b and , thus , retain extensible arm 8 on cross bar 6 b . extensible arm 8 also rotates about axis 19 along arc 17 . a user may easily remove extensible arm 8 so that it may be installed an either side of wheel well 7 . this is accomplished by removing fasteners 18 and bearings 32 a and 32 b and reinstalling them on the desired side . this feature is important if more than one rack assembly 2 is to be used in a pickup truck bed . it may be desirable for extensible arm 8 of a first rack assembly to be mounted on a left side thereof and extensible arm 8 of a second rack assembly to be mounted on an opposing right side thereof to prevent interference between respective extensible arms 8 . with continuing reference to fig1 - 11 , two or more securing assemblies 24 can be secured to crossbar 6 , with one securing assembly 24 secured to crossbar 6 a and the other securing assembly 24 secured to crossbar 6 b . securing assemblies 24 preferably includes strap portions 28 that are fitted through ratcheting mechanisms 30 that may move strap portions 28 in a direction 29 therethrough to adjust the length of the strap portions extending from the ratcheting mechanism . ratcheting mechanism 30 may be attached to respective crossbars 6 a and 6 b by a suitable fastener , such as a rivet , a screw , or another suitable method of joining . ratcheting mechanism 30 assists in preventing strap portions 28 from loosening after they are tensioned . an end of securing assemblies 24 includes stopper 26 having a generally elongated shape coupled thereto . alternatively , stopper 26 may be integrally formed with strap portions 28 . in the embodiment shown in fig1 - 11 , the ability to tension securing assembly 24 to secure rack assembly 2 to a pickup truck bed is independent from the ability to adjust the length of extensible arm 8 . although a ratcheting type securing assembly is depicted in fig1 , other types of securing assemblies may used , such as nylon straps used in conjunction with buckles . however , ratcheting type mechanisms are more advantageous because they prevent the straps from easily loosening . as will be discussed in more detail in fig2 - 17 , stoppers 26 are sized small enough so that they may be inserted through a gap between the pickup truck bed and an open tailgate and large enough to restrict removal thereof , in one direction , when the tailgate is closed . at an end of wheel well 7 , distal front base support 4 , wheel guide 20 may be secured using a suitable fastener . wheel guide 20 may have a generally v - shaped cross sectional shape that is sized to receive a portion of a bicycle tire . wheel guide 20 may also have a cross - sectional thickness dimensioned so that it will engage the treads of a typical mountain bike tire contacting it such that spinning of the tire may be prevented . spacer 22 , formed from a material such as rubber , may be attached to the portion of base support 4 underneath wheel guide 20 to provide a contact point with the pickup truck bed and prevent damage thereof . an exploded perspective view of rack assembly 2 is shown in fig2 . operation of rack assembly 2 can be better understood by reference to fig2 - 11 . side views of rack assembly 2 secured over bed 38 are shown in fig4 - 7 and fig3 , 10 and 11 , are perspective views of rack assembly 2 installed in bed 38 . as illustrated in the figures , rack assembly 2 is placed in bed 38 with extensible arm 8 lying flat in bed 38 and stoppers 26 inserted through the gap between bed 38 and tailgate 34 ( see fig8 - 9 ). extensible arm 8 points inward and away from tailgate 34 such that it may be positioned so that it does not get in the way of the user when the user is loading bicycle 40 over bed 38 . tailgate 34 is closed and each of securing assemblies 24 tensioned by engaging racketing mechanisms , 30 , which in turn causes base support 4 to bear against tailgate 34 and , thus , secure rack assembly 2 over bed 38 . front wheel 42 of bicycle 40 is inserted into wheel well 7 so that a portion of front wheel 42 bears against surface 35 of tailgate 34 to create a first point of contact for front wheel 42 ( see fig4 - 5 ). the contact between wheel guide 20 and front wheel 42 can comprise a second point of contact for front wheel 42 . alternatively , as illustrated in fig6 - 7 , a second point of contact can comprise that point of contact between front wheel 42 and surface 35 of the bed structure . the functioning of securing assembly 24 is more easily understood with reference to fig8 - 9 , which is shown without wheel guide 3 and base support 4 for clarity . as illustrated in fig8 - 9 , stoppers 26 are inserted through gap 27 between bed 38 and tailgate 34 when the tailgate is in the open position . after tailgate 34 is closed , straps 28 may be tensioned , which causes stoppers 26 to bear against the outside of the pickup truck and cause base support 4 ( not shown ) to bear against surface 35 of tailgate 34 , thus , securing rack assembly 2 over bed 38 . although it is preferable to employ securing assembly 24 , base support 4 may also be secured to bed 38 by more permanent securing techniques , such as bolting , which necessitates drilling additional holes in bed 38 . as shown more clearly in fig1 - 7 and 10 - 11 , once front wheel 42 is received by wheel well 7 , extensible arm 8 may be rotated upwardly about axis 19 and wheel hook 10 , which is configured to accommodate a variety of wheel sizes , moved downwardly in direction 15 to engage and apply pressure to tire 43 of front wheel 42 , thus , creating a third point of contact with front wheel 42 . extensible arm 8 , thus , is capable of accommodating a wide variety of front wheel sizes due its ability to adjust its length . extensible arm 8 is rotated upwardly from behind fork 70 so that wheel hook 10 engages tire 43 aft of fork 70 . wheel hook 10 of extensible arm 8 engages front wheel 42 in a so - called “ over center ” position to prevent extensible arm 8 from being able to move along the circumference of front wheel 42 , which may allow the extensible arm to disengage the front wheel 42 ( see fig7 , 10 and 11 ). because wheel hook 10 engages front wheel 42 in an over center position and extensible arm 8 will not substantially elongate in direction 15 ′, in the absence of an actuation of release mechanism 21 by a user , rotational movement of extensible arm 8 along arc 17 is prevented due to the interference of wheel hook 10 with tire 43 and / or forks 70 . to allow rotational movement of the extensible arm about the circumference of front wheel 42 , extensible arm 8 must first be elongated in direction 15 ′ by actuating release mechanism 21 . wheel well 7 also substantially prevents lateral rotational movement of the front wheel due to the interference of front wheel 42 with the interior of wheel well 7 . if front wheel 42 were allowed to rotate , for instance , if wheel well 7 was not present , the front wheel could lose contact with surface 35 of tailgate 34 and allow the bicycle to fall over in the bed . although it is preferable for the rack assembly 2 to include wheel well 7 for lateral stability , wheel well 7 is not necessarily required to enable rack assembly 2 to fully function . although the exemplary embodiment illustrated in fig1 - 11 has been described with a first point of contact of tire 43 being with tailgate 34 , rack assembly 2 may be modified so that base support 4 is bolted or otherwise secured to bed 38 and a first contact point may be the interior of side wall 36 of a pickup truck or a back wall of bed 38 . other exemplary embodiments of a rack assembly according to the invention are illustrated in fig1 - 17 . in these embodiments rack assembly 44 generally includes rack frame 46 which is sized and configured to fit around a front wheel of a bicycle , or like wheeled vehicle . rack frame 46 exhibits a generally u - shaped geometry and may be formed from tubular metallic materials or other suitable materials . rack frame 46 includes wheel restraining portion 47 , which is , preferably , integral with rack frame 46 . wheel restraining portion 47 secures tire contact 48 at a distal end of rack frame 46 . tire contact 48 has a generally c - shaped cross - sectional geometry and is shaped to receive a portion of a front wheel of a bicycle and bear against the front wheel when biased by a user . in the embodiments illustrated in fig1 - 17 , wheel restraining portion 47 may be configured to more closely correspond to the profile of a the sidewall and tread portion of the front wheel such that lateral movement of the bicycle , and steering movement of a front wheel may be prevented . alternatively , wheel restraining portion 70 may be configured to include wheel saddle trays 49 , which substantially secure about a perimeter of front wheel 42 , and more specifically , about a portion of the treads and sidewalls thereof . wheel saddle trays 49 generally prevent rotational movement of the front wheel about its axle and also assist in preventing lateral and steering type movement of the front wheel . rack assembly 44 further includes securing assemblies 24 , which each have strap portions 28 threaded through ratcheting mechanisms 30 , and stoppers 26 . ratcheting mechanisms 30 may be attached to rack frame 46 using fasteners , such as rivets , screws , or another suitable methods of joining . securing assemblies 24 are generally identical to those described with respect to the embodiment of fig1 - 11 , however , unlike the embodiment of fig1 - 11 , securing assemblies 24 of fig1 - 17 function to both secure rack assembly 44 to the bed structure of a vehicle and serve to adjust the length of rack frame 46 securing assembly 24 . elongated member 45 may also be used to join opposing ends of each respective stopper 26 for added lateral stability . rack assembly 44 can further include wheel well 58 that is attached to rack frame 46 and which is rotatable about axis 62 . wheel guide 60 is attached to wheel well 58 and is independently rotatable about axis 66 . although it is preferable for rack assembly 44 to include wheel well 58 for added lateral stability , as illustrated in fig1 , wheel well 58 is not necessarily required for the proper operation of rack assembly 44 . in operation , rack assembly 44 is installed in bed 38 with rack frame 46 lying flat in the bed . rack frame 46 points inward and away from tailgate 34 ; thus , being positioned so that it does not get in the way of the user when the user is loading bicycle 40 over bed 38 . rack assembly 44 is placed over bed 38 and stoppers 26 are inserted through gap 27 between bed 38 and tailgate 34 . tailgate 34 is then closed to secure stoppers 26 therein . front wheel 42 of bicycle 40 is then inserted into wheel well 58 so that a portion of the front wheel bears against surface 35 of tailgate 34 to create a first point of contact for front wheel 42 . the contact between wheel guide 60 and the front wheel is the second point of contact for front wheel 42 . once front wheel 42 is received by wheel well 58 , rack frame 46 may be rotated upwardly about front wheel 42 along arc 68 and tire contact 48 moved downwardly in direction 29 by user tensioning securing assemblies 24 to engage and apply a downward , or compressive force upon tire 43 of front wheel 42 . thus , a third point of contact is created with front wheel 42 . rack frame 46 is rotated upwardly from behind forks 70 so that the tire contact engages tire 43 aft of forks 70 . the ability to adjust the length of securing means 28 ; e . g ., straps , with respect to rack frame 46 enables the rack assembly to accommodate a wide variety of front wheel sizes and bicycles . tire contact 48 of rack frame 46 engages front wheel 42 in a so - called “ over center ” position to prevent rack frame 46 from being able to move along the circumference of front wheel 42 which may allow rack frame 46 to disengage front wheel 42 . because tire contact 48 engages front wheel 42 an over center position and rack frame 46 will not substantially move in direction 29 until securing assembly 24 is released by the user , rotational movement of rack frame 46 along arc 68 is prevented due to the interference of tire contact 48 with tire 43 . securing assembly 24 must be released by a user to allow rotational movement of rack frame 46 about the circumference of front wheel 42 . similar to the embodiment of fig1 - 11 , wheel well 58 substantially prevents lateral rotational movement of front wheel 42 due to the interference of the front wheel with the interior of the wheel well . while the present invention has been illustrated and described in what is deemed to be the preferred embodiments , it should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . therefore , it should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that the present invention not to be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein .	1
the present invention relates to a vehicle sensitive retractor and particularly to a vehicle sensitive seat belt retractor for restraining movement of an occupant of a vehicle in the event of deceleration of the vehicle greater than a predetermined deceleration . the present invention is applicable to various retractor constructions . as representative of the present invention , fig1 illustrates a retractor 10 . the retractor 10 includes a housing 12 which is fixedly connected to the vehicle in a manner not shown . a plurality of internal teeth 14 on the housing 12 are disposed in a circular array about an axis 16 of the retractor 10 . the retractor 10 includes a spool 20 which is rotatable about the axis 16 in a belt withdrawal direction 22 and a belt retraction direction 24 . seat belt webbing 26 is wound about the spool 20 and extends from the retractor 10 . the seat belt webbing 26 is extensible about the vehicle occupant to restrain movement of the vehicle occupant . a lock lever 30 is pivotally mounted on a mounting hub 32 fixed for rotation with the spool 20 . the lock lever 30 has a tab portion 34 projecting radially outwardly in a direction generally away from the axis 16 . the lock lever 30 has at one end a locking tip 36 and at the other end a spring tab 38 . a compression spring 40 extends between a spring mount 42 on the spool 20 and the spring tab 38 of the lock lever 30 . a spring guide 44 on the spool 20 maintains the spring 40 in position between the spring mount 42 and the lock lever spring tab 38 . the spring 40 biases the lock lever 30 into a position as shown in fig1 in which the lock lever tip 36 is spaced radially inwardly away from , and out of engagement with , the internal teeth 14 on the retractor housing 12 . the retractor 10 also includes a clutch disk or ratchet wheel 50 rotatable about the axis 16 . the ratchet wheel 50 has on its outer perimeter a plurality of external teeth 52 disposed in a circular array about the axis 16 . the ratchet wheel 50 includes two circumferentially spaced control pins 54 and 56 disposed one on either side of the radially - projecting tab portion 34 of the lock lever 30 . the retractor 10 includes a vehicle sensitive locking mechanism 60 ( fig1 ). the locking mechanism 60 includes a vehicle deceleration sensing inertia member 62 , which may be , for example , a steel ball . the inertia member 62 rests in a cavity 64 in a sensor housing 66 fixed to the retractor housing 12 . a primary pawl 70 ( fig1 and 3 ) is supported on the inertia member 62 . the primary pawl 70 is connected with the sensor housing 66 for pivotal movement relative to the sensor housing about an axis 72 . the primary pawl 70 includes a cup portion 74 ( fig3 ) which extends generally horizontally in a direction from the axis 72 over the inertia member 62 . a stop portion 76 of the primary pawl 70 extends through an opening 78 in the sensor housing 66 to limit movement of the primary pawl relative to the sensor housing . a portion 80 of the primary pawl 70 extends upwardly from the cup portion 74 and terminates in a primary pawl tip 82 . a secondary pawl 90 ( fig3 ) is supported on the primary pawl 70 . the secondary pawl 90 is connected with the sensor housing 66 for pivotal movement relative to the sensor housing about an axis 92 . the secondary pawl axis 92 is spaced upwardly from the primary pawl axis 72 in a direction generally toward the ratchet wheel , 50 , and extends parallel to the axis 72 . the secondary pawl 90 has a horizontally extending portion 94 with a support portion 96 resting on the primary pawl 70 . a portion 98 of the secondary pawl 90 extends upwardly from the horizontally extending portion 94 and terminates in a secondary pawl tip 100 . when the vehicle in which the retractor 10 is mounted is not experiencing a deceleration greater than a predetermined deceleration , the vehicle sensitive locking mechanism 60 is in an unactuated condition as shown in fig1 . in this unactuated condition , the inertia member 62 rests in the cavity 64 in the bottom of the sensor housing 66 . the tip 82 of the primary pawl 70 and the tip 100 of the secondary pawl 90 are both spaced away from the external teeth 52 of the ratchet wheel 50 . the vehicle sensitive locking mechanism 60 does not block rotation of the ratchet wheel 50 or the spool 20 in the belt withdrawal direction 22 . the vehicle occupant can move forward relative to the vehicle seat , withdrawing belt webbing 26 from the retractor 10 . upon deceleration of the vehicle greater than a predetermined deceleration , the inertia member 62 moves relative to the sensor housing 66 . the inertia member 62 moves out of the cavity 64 and pivots the primary pawl 70 upwardly . upward pivotal movement of the primary pawl 70 effects upward pivotal movement of the secondary pawl 90 . the pawls 70 and 90 move upward toward the ratchet wheel 50 from the position shown in fig1 to the position shown in fig2 and 3 . the primary pawl tip 82 is disposed in a gap 110 between two adjacent teeth 112 and 114 on the ratchet wheel 50 . the secondary pawl tip 100 is disposed in a gap 116 between the tooth 112 and an adjacent tooth 118 . any subsequent withdrawal of belt webbing 26 from the retractor spool 20 causes rotation of the spool in the belt withdrawal direction 22 . the lock lever 30 rotates with the spool 20 , and the lock lever tab portion 34 pushes on the ratchet wheel control pin 56 to cause the ratchet wheel 50 to rotate in the belt withdrawal direction 22 . the ratchet wheel 50 rotates until the tooth 114 engages the tip 82 ( fig3 ) of the primary pawl 80 . engagement of the primary pawl 80 with the ratchet wheel 50 blocks further rotation of the ratchet wheel 50 , and of the control pins 54 and 56 , in the belt withdrawal direction 22 . continued withdrawal of belt webbing 26 from the spool 20 causes the spool 20 and the lock lever mounting hub 32 to rotate in the belt withdrawal direction . the ratchet wheel control pin 56 now tends to retard rotation of the lock lever tab portion 34 of the lock lever 30 . the lock lever 30 pivots on the mounting hub 32 , against the biasing force of the spring 40 . the lock lever tip 36 moves outwardly from the position shown in fig1 to the position shown in fig2 and engages one of the internal teeth 14 of the retractor housing 12 . thereafter , the lock lever 30 transmits rotational force from the spool 20 to the retractor housing 12 , which is fixed to the vehicle , thus blocking rotation of the spool 20 in the belt withdrawal direction 22 . this blocks withdrawal of belt webbing 26 from the retractor 10 to restrain forward movement of the vehicle occupant . when the primary pawl tip 82 is in engagement with the ratchet tooth 114 , as shown in fig3 the tip 100 of the secondary pawl 90 is in a ready position disposed in the gap 116 between the adjoining ratchet teeth 112 and 118 . the distance between the secondary pawl tip 100 and the primary pawl tip 82 is slightly greater than the distance between adjacent ratchet teeth 52 . thus , secondary pawl tip 100 is spaced away from the ratchet wheel tooth 112 by a small distance in the belt withdrawal direction 22 . if the primary pawl 70 is damaged or broken or for some other reason is not able to block rotation of the ratchet wheel 50 in the belt withdrawal direction 22 , then the ratchet wheel tooth 112 almost immediately rotates into engagement with the secondary pawl tip 100 . the secondary pawl 90 then blocks further rotation of the ratchet wheel 50 in the belt withdrawal direction . this blocking of rotation of the ratchet wheel 50 in the belt withdrawal direction 22 results in blocking of rotation of the spool 20 in the belt withdrawal direction in the manner described above . fig4 - 6 illustrate a vehicle deceleration sensing mechanism 130 in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention . the following description assumes that the vehicle deceleration sensing mechanism 130 is incorporated in the retractor 10 in place of the sensing mechanism 60 of fig1 - 3 . the vehicle deceleration sensing mechanism 130 includes an inertia member 62 . the inertia member 62 rests in a cavity 132 in a sensor housing 134 affixed to the retractor housing 12 . a primary pawl 140 is connected with the sensor housing 134 for pivotal movement relative to the sensor housing about an axis 142 . the primary pawl 140 has a portion 144 extending horizontally in a direction from the axis 142 over the inertia member 62 . a portion 146 of the primary pawl 140 extends upwardly from the horizontally extending portion 144 and terminates in a primary pawl tip 148 . an actuator cup 150 is formed as one piece with the primary pawl 140 . the actuator cup 150 includes a cup portion 152 having an upper surface 154 and a rim portion 156 having an upper surface 158 and a side surface 160 . the actuator cup portion 152 rests on the inertia member 62 . the vehicle deceleration sensing mechanism 130 also includes a secondary pawl 170 connected for pivotal movement with the sensor housing 134 about an axis 172 . the axis 172 is on the opposite side of the inertia member 62 from the axis 142 ( left to right as viewed in fig4 ). the secondary pawl 170 has a portion 174 extending horizontally in a direction from the axis 172 over the actuator cup 150 . the secondary pawl portion 174 rests on the upper surface 154 of the actuator cup 150 . a portion 178 of the secondary pawl 170 extends upward from the horizontal portion 174 and terminates in a secondary pawl tip 180 . when the vehicle in which the retractor 10 is mounted is not experiencing a deceleration greater than a predetermined deceleration , the sensing mechanism 130 is in an unactuated condition as shown in fig4 . in this condition , the inertia member 62 rests in the cavity 132 in the bottom of the sensor housing 134 . the primary pawl 140 and the secondary pawl 170 are both spaced away from the external teeth 52 of the ratchet wheel 50 . upon deceleration of the vehicle at a rate above a predetermined rate , the inertia member 62 moves relative to the sensor housing 134 out of the cavity 132 . movement of the inertia member 62 pivots the primary pawl 140 upwardly . upward pivotal movement of the primary pawl 140 effects upward pivotal movement of the secondary pawl 170 . both pawls 140 and 170 move upward toward the ratchet wheel 50 from the position shown in fig4 to the position shown in fig5 . the tip 148 of the primary pawl 140 moves into the gap 110 between the adjacent teeth 112 and 114 on the ratchet wheel 50 . the tip 180 of the secondary pawl 170 moves into the gap 116 between the ratchet teeth 112 and 118 . the locking mechanism 130 is then in the actuated condition shown in fig5 . subsequent withdrawal of belt webbing 26 ( fig1 ) from the retractor spool 20 causes rotation of the spool 20 in the belt withdrawal direction 22 . the lock lever 30 rotates with the spool 20 , and the lock lever tab portion 34 pushes on the ratchet wheel control pin 56 to cause the ratchet wheel 50 to rotate in the belt withdrawal direction 22 . the ratchet wheel 50 rotates until the ratchet tooth 114 ( fig4 and 5 ) engages the tip 148 of the primary pawl 140 . engagement of the ratchet wheel 50 with the primary pawl 140 blocks further rotation of the ratchet wheel , and of the control pins 54 and 56 , in the belt withdrawal direction 22 . continued withdrawal of belt webbing 26 from the spool 20 results in pivotal movement of the lock lever 30 and in the blocking of rotation of the spool 20 in the belt withdrawal direction 22 , in the manner described above . when the primary pawl tip 148 ( fig5 ) is in engagement with the ratchet tooth 114 , the tip 180 of the secondary pawl 170 is disposed in the gap 116 between the teeth 112 and 118 on the ratchet wheel . the distance between the secondary pawl tip 170 and the primary pawl tip 148 is slightly greater than the distance between adjacent teeth on the ratchet wheel 50 . the secondary pawl tip 170 is thus spaced a small distance in the belt withdrawal direction 22 away from the ratchet tooth 112 . if the primary pawl 140 is damaged or broken or for some other reason is not able to block rotation of the ratchet wheel 50 in the belt withdrawal direction 22 , then the ratchet wheel tooth 112 rotates into engagement with the tip 180 of the secondary pawl 170 . the secondary pawl 170 blocks further rotation of the ratchet wheel 50 in the belt withdrawal direction 22 . this blocking of rotation of the ratchet wheel 50 in the belt withdrawal direction 22 results in the blocking of rotation of the spool 20 in the belt withdrawal direction , in the manner described above . from the foregoing description of the invention , those skilled in the art will perceive improvements , changes and modifications in the invention . such improvements , changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims .	1
a solution of 39 . 2 g ( 0 . 4 moles ) of maleic anhydride in 40 ml of water were stirred at 25 °- 75 ° c . for 45 min to give a white slurry of maleic acid . to this slurry was added 42 g of 30 % aqueous ammonium hydroxide ( 0 . 36 moles nh 3 , 90 % of theoretical required ) with stirring and cooling . the resultant clear solution was then tumbled at 180 °- 200 ° c . ( salt bath temperature ) for 10 min to give a tan solid . the solids were pulverized and tumbled for 10 min at 200 °- 225 ° c . once again the solids were pulverized and then tumbled at 225 °- 240 ° c . for 10 min . finally , the solids were pulverized and tumbled for 10 min at 230 °- 240 ° c . to give 39 . 3 g of tan powder which was insoluble in water . the procedure of example 1 was repeated using 35 g of 30 % aqueous ammonium hydroxide ( 0 . 3 moles nh 3 , 75 % of theoretical required ) to give 39 . 3 g of pink - tan powder which was insoluble in water . the procedure of example 1 was repeated using 23 . 5 g of 30 % aqueous ammonium hydroxide ( 0 . 2 moles nh 3 , 50 % of theoretical required ) to give 37 . 8 g of pink - tan powder which was insoluble in water . the procedure of example 1 was repeated using 11 . 6 g of 30 % aqueous ammonium hydroxide ( 0 . 1 moles nh 3 , 25 % of theoretical required ) to give 36 . 3 g of pink - tan powder which was soluble in water . four gram portions of the solids from examples 1 - 4 were each dissolved 9 . 0 g of water containing 1 . 25 g of naoh to give clear red - brown solutions , ph 7 . 5 - 8 . 5 , estimated to contain 36 - 37 % solids . gel permeation chromatography ( gpc ) was run on a 1 cm × 18 cm , sephadex g - 50 column in a mobile phase of 0 . 02 m sodium phosphate buffer , ph 7 . 0 , running at 0 . 5 ml / min , with detection in the uv at 240 nm . table 1 shows the results which were obtained . table 1______________________________________sample residence time ( min ) ______________________________________example 1 21 . 5example 2 21 . 0example 3 23 . 0example 4 31 . 0______________________________________ to a solution of 4 . 6 g ( 0 . 025 moles ) of lysine in 40 g of water containing 1 . 0 g of naoh was added 39 . 2 g ( 0 . 4 moles ) of maleic anhydride while stirring at 70 °- 75 ° c . for 10 min to give a pale yellow slurry of maleic acid . to this slurry was added 5 . 0 g ( 0 . 29 moles ) of anhydrous ammonia with stirring and cooling . this solution was then treated with heat as in example 1 to give 44 . 0 g of pink - tan powder which was insoluble in water . a 4 . 0 g portion of the powder was dissolved in a solution of 9 . 0 g of water containing 1 . 3 g of naoh to give a clear red - brown solution , estimated to contain 36 % solids . addition of 0 . 55 g of 30 % h 2 o 2 gave a clear yellow solution after 16 hrs at 25 ° c . chromatography of this solution as in example 5 gave a peak centered at 13 min . to prepare a 100 % ammonia sample for comparison purposes , this experiment was carried out in the proportions above except that 1 equivalent of ammonia was used ( noted as 6a in the results ). the material to be tested as an inhibitor of calcium sulfate scale formation was added in the quantities indicated to a solution of 10 ml of calcium chloride solutions 17 . 3 g of cacl 2 dihydrate in 800 g of water containing 33 g of nacl ). to this solution was then added 10 ml of sulfate solution ( 16 . 8 g of na 2 so 4 and 33 g nacl in 800 ml of water ). the mixture was then sealed and maintained at 65 ° c . for 16 hours . finally the mixture was filtered through whatman # 2 paper and dried at 65 ° c . for 8 hours , after which the weight of precipitate was determined . the results in table 2 were obtained . table 2______________________________________ percent of caso . sub . 4 inhibition of precipitationsample from equivalence 1 . 25 ppm 2 . 5 ppmexample number of ammonia 0 ppm ( mg ppt ) ( mg ppt ) ______________________________________blank 79 . 51 90 23 102 75 4 . 5 13 50 48 04 25 51 35a 100 37 196 75 49 286a 100 52 14polyaspartic acid 38 10______________________________________ . sup . a prepared by the method of example 1 using 1 equivalent of ammonia in this assay a supersaturated solution of calcium carbonate is formed by adding 29 . 1 ml of 0 . 55 m nacl and 0 . 01 m kcl to 0 . 3 ml of 1 . 0 m cacl 2 , 5 microliter of sample ( 100 mg of the aqueous solution in 10 ml of water ) and 0 . 6 ml of 0 . 5 m nahco 3 . the reaction is initiated by adjusting the ph to 8 . 55 - 8 . 65 by titration with 0 . 5n naoh . at three minutes , 10 mg of caco 3 is added and the ph is recorded . the decrease in ph is directly correlated to the amount of caco 3 that precipitates . the additive concentration in the final test solution is 2 . 7 ppm . table 3______________________________________sample percent of caco . sub . 3from equivalence driftexample number of nh . sub . 3 ( ph units ) ______________________________________blank 1 . 051 90 0 . 602 75 0 . 633 50 0 . 534 25 1 . 05a 100 0 . 886a 100 0 . 60polyaspartate 0 . 442000 mol . wt . polyacrylate 0 . 374500 mol . wt . polyacrylate 0 . 20______________________________________ . sup . a prepared by the method of example 1 using 1 equivalent of ammonia kaolin dispersion was run by placing the sample ( final concentration of 20 ppm ) in a 12 × 100 mm test tube containing 5 ml of deionized water and adding 40 , 000 ppm kaolin clay . the height of the suspended solids was measured and compared to a control in which no dispersant had been added . a higher value indicates better dispersancy . table 4 gives the results . table 4______________________________________sample percent of kaolin clayfrom equivalence height ( mm ) example number of nh . sub . 3 suspension settled______________________________________blank 0 151 902 75 47 3 . 53 50 48 2 . 54 25 48 2 . 5a 100 50 36a 100polyaspartate2000 mol . wt . polyacrylate 48 24500 mol . wt . polyacrylate 48 3______________________________________ . sup . a prepared by the method of example 1 using 1 equivalent of ammonia a solution which is supersaturated with calcium phosphate was prepared by adding 0 . 1 ml of previously prepared aqueous solutions of 1 . 32 m cacl 2 dihydrate and 0 . 90 m na 2 po 4 to 29 . 8 ml of distilled water , resulting in 4 . 4 mm ca 2 + and 3 . 0 mm dissolved inorganic phosphorus . the reaction vessel is maintained at 25 ° c . there is considerable irregularity in the time necessary to begin precipitation . calcium phosphate begins to crystalize within a few minutes of initiation ( first drop in ph ) and is transformed to hydroxyapatite , ca 10 ( po 4 ) 6 ( oh ) 2 , with a consequent downward ph drift ( second drop in ph ). the reaction ceases when the reactants are depleted and the ph ceases its downward drift . the samples prepared in examples 1 - 4 and 6 were tested and the results ( the average of two separate runs ) are given in table 5 . table 5______________________________________sample from percent of inductionexample equivalence periodnumber of ammonia ( min ) ______________________________________blank 17 . 5 100 34 . 51 90 30 . 52 75 413 50 344 25 29 . 5a 100 26 . 56 75 34 . 56a 100 27polyaspartic acid 37______________________________________ . sup . a prepared by the method of example 1 using 1 equivalent of ammonia maleic anhydride , 39 . 2 g ( 0 . 4 moles ) dissolved in 40 g of water was added to 43 . 1 g of aqueous nh 4 oh ( 6 . 7 g nh 3 , 0 . 394 moles ) and tumbled at 180 °- 195 ° c . for 8 min to give a clear pink melt . it was then heated to 185 °- 200 ° c . for 10 min to give a pink foam . the pulverized foam was heated for 10 min at 200 °- 235 ° c . to give a pink powder and then heated at 235 °- 245 ° c . for 10 min to give 38 . 5 g of a pink tan powder . the material was hydrolyzed with aqueous naoh . the gpc gave a peak at 23 min . in the caso 4 assay of example 7 , the blank was 83 mg while the sample at 2 . 5 ppm gave a precipitate of 11 mg and at 1 . 25 ppm it gave a precipitate of 41 mg . in the kaolin dispersion test of example 9 , at 20 ppm the height of suspended solids was 48 mm whereas the blank was 0 mm . maleic anhydride , 39 . 2 g ( 0 . 4 moles ) dissolved in 40 g of water was added to 4 . 3 g of aqueous nh 4 oh ( 0 . 34 g nh 3 , 0 . 02 moles ) and tumbled at 180 °- 195 ° c . for 12 min to give a tan melt . it was then heated to 200 °- 225 ° c . for 10 min to give a tan melt . the melt was heated for 10 min at 220 °- 230 ° c . to give 18 . 1 g of brown solid . the material was hydrolyzed with aqueous naoh . in the caso 4 assay of example 7 , the blank was 80 mg while the sample at 2 . 5 ppm gave a precipitate of 50 mg and at 1 . 25 ppm it gave a precipitate of 78 mg . to a solution of 1 . 9 g ( 0 . 025 moles ) of ethylene diamine in 40 g of water containing 1 . 0 g of naoh was added 39 . 2 g ( 0 . 4 moles ) of maleic anhydride while stirring at 70 °- 25 ° c . for 10 min to give a white slurry of maleic acid . to this slurry was added 21 . 7 g of water containing 1 . 7 g ( 0 . 1 moles ) of ammonia with stirring and cooling . this solution was then heated for 15 min at 170 °- 200 ° c . to give a tan melt . the melt was heated at 200 °- 225 ° c . for 10 min to give 36 . 5 g of a tan melt . it was further heated at 225 °- 235 ° c . for 10 min to give 35 . 4 g of tan melt which was not soluble in water . the powder was dissolved in a solution of 9 . 0 g of water containing 1 . 3 g of naoh to give a clear red - brown solution , estimated to contain 36 % solids . in the caso 4 assay of example 7 , the blank was 80 mg while the sample at 2 . 5 ppm gave a precipitate of 22 mg and at 1 . 25 ppm it gave a precipitate of 66 mg . the gpc showed a peak at 29 . 5 min with a broad shoulder at 21 - 25 min . a solution of 9 . 8 g ( 0 . 1 mole ) maleic anhydride in 40 g of water was stirred 45 min at 75 °- 25 ° c . to this solution was added 34 . 5 g ( 0 . 3 mole ) of maleamic acid . the slurry was tumbled at 180 °- 195 ° c . for 10 min . all of the solids dissolved to give 39 . 9 g of a viscous red - tan syrup . upon further heating for six 10 min periods at 180 °- 245 ° c ., a tan powder , insoluble in water , was obtained . a 3 . 9 g portion was dissolved in 10 g of water containing 1 . 6 g of naoh . the gpc showed a peak at 22 . 5 min . in the caso 4 assay of example 7 , the blank was 86 mg while the sample at 2 . 5 ppm gave a precipitate of 11 mg . preparation of a maleic polymer with diethylene triamine and oleic acid a mixture of 2 . 0 g ( 0 . 0175 moles ) of diethylene triamine and 1 . 13 ( 0 . 0195 moles ) of oleic acid was heated with stirring for 10 min at 190 °- 210 ° c . the resulting oil was dissolved in 50 g of methanol . to this solution of 9 . 8 g ( 0 . 1 mole ) maleic anhydride in 40 g of water was stirred 45 min at 75 °- 25 ° c . to this solution was added 39 . 0 g ( 0 . 4 mole ) of maleic anhydride . the reactants were stirred 45 min , following which 4 . 3 g ( 0 . 25 mole ) of ammonia in 20 g of water was added ( 75 % of an equivalent ). the slurry was tumbled at 170 °- 185 ° c . for 10 min . upon further heating for four 10 min periods at 190 °- 245 ° c ., 42 . 3 g of a tan powder , insoluble in water , was obtained . a 4 . 0 g portion was dissolved in 10 g of water containing 1 . 6 g of naoh . the gpc showed two broad peaks at 14 and 24 min . in the caso 4 assay of example 7 , the blank was 86 mg while the sample at 2 . 5 ppm gave a precipitate of 8 mg . in the kaolin dispersion test of example 9 , at 20 ppm the height of suspended solids was 48 mm whereas the blank was 0 mm . to a solution of 2 . 67 g ( 0 . 01 mole ) oleyl amine in 50 g of methanol was added 39 . 2 g ( 0 . 4 mole ) maleic anhydride with stirring for 45 min at 25 ° c ., following which 5 . 0 g ( 0 . 29 mole ) of ammonia in 20 g of water was added ( 75 % of an equivalent ). the slurry was tumbled at 170 °- 195 ° c . for 10 min . upon further heating for four 10 min periods at 200 °- 235 ° c ., 41 . 4 g of a brittle glass , insoluble in water , was obtained . the material was dissolved in 100 g of water containing 16 g of naoh . to this solution was added 5 . 5 g of 30 % h 2 o 2 . after 16 hrs at 25 ° c ., the solution was a clear yellow color . the gpc showed a peak at 14 min . in the caso 4 assay of example 7 , the blank was 86 mg while the sample at 2 . 5 ppm gave a precipitate of 9 mg . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the examples and embodiments described herein are by way of illustration and not of limitation , and that other examples may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention , as set forth in the appended claims .	0
referring now to the drawings in more detail , there is shown in fig1 a representation of a hand held ultrasonic transducer structure 2 . the structure 2 includes a main body portion 4 which terminates in an operating end 6 in the form of a truncated cone . at the opposite end of the body portion 4 from the operating end 6 there is an interconnecting cable structure whereby the transducer structure is electrically connected to suitable driving and analyzing apparatus . as shown in fig1 when the transducer structure 2 is used as means for accomplishing non - invasive examination of internal tissue of a human body , the operating end 6 is positioned against that body 8 and arranged to occupy a field of view between adjacent ribs 10 toward internal tissue interfaces . in fig2 there is shown , in a cross - sectional view , a representation of certain features of a preferred embodiment of an ultrasonic transducer structure constructed in accordance with the present invention . the body portion 4 of the transducer structure 2 houses a suitable transducer assembly 12 which is arranged to be mechanically oscillated through a predetermined angle about a pivot point 14 . the driving mechanism for effecting oscillation of the transducer assembly 12 is not a part of the present invention and is , accordingly , not illustrated herein . the interior of the body portion 4 is filled with a suitable inert coupling fluid 16 . the operating end 6 of the transducer structure body portion 4 is provided with an acoustically transparent window 18 . the window 18 also serves to seal the operating end of the transducer head structure 2 in order to retain the fluid fill 16 . various features of a preferred embodiment of an ultrasonic system into which the structure of the present invention may be incorporated are shown in the following copending patent applications : ballinger ser . no . 173 , 859 filed july 30 , 1980 , now u . s . pat . no . 4 , 300 , 217 , relates to a transducer head structure . gessert ser . no . 173 , 874 filed july 30 , 1980 relates to a real time fill circuit . evert ser . no . 224 , 897 filed jan . 14 , 1981 , now u . s . pat . no . 4 , 316 , 271 , relates to a fluid fill purge arrangement . evert ser . no . 224 , 899 filed jan . 14 , 1981 relates to an angular position sensor and helmstetter ser . no . 242 , 967 filed mar . 12 , 1981 relates to a signal conditioning circuit . while the aforementioned copending applications all relate to various features of an ultrasonic imaging system those features are not essential to the present invention . the disclosures in those applications might be helpful , however , in understanding the environment of present invention . as hereinbefore noted , included in the transducer assembly 12 is an ultrasonic transducer per se . in conventional arrangements used heretofore , the transducer per se has been , for example , on the order of a half inch across a major face thereof . that dimension is relatively large compared to the wavelength of the ultrasonic pulses transmitted and received by the transducer . as such , echo pulse signals received by different parts of the transducer from the same point in the body under examination will impinge upon the transducer in phase opposition relationship . that phase opposition relationship produces a neutralizing effect , or summing to zero , of the effective signals . this is especially observed in the case of the piezoelectric element having a single electrode on and substantially covering each of the two major opposite faces , since those electrodes can only sense the net effect distributed across the face of the piezoelectric element . in accordance with the present invention , and as shown in fig3 and 4 , that difficulty is overcome by dividing the electrode on one face of the piezoelectric element into a matrix of a plurality of electrically independent electrodes distributed over the one major face of the piezoelectric element . thus , as shown in fig3 and 4 , a piezoelectric transducer element 20 has a unitary electrode 22 which extends over one major face of the piezoelectric element and is connected to an input pulse control circuit 23 . on the opposite face of the piezoelectric element 20 from the unitary electrode 22 there is a two - dimensional matrix of a plurality of the aforementioned electrically independent electrode elements 24 . each of the electrode elements 24 is connected to a diode limiter 26 , thence to ground . the elements 24 are also each connected to the input of a corresponding amplifier 28 . the output of each of the amplifiers 28 is connected to a associated full - wave rectifier 30 . the output of each of the full - wave rectifiers 30 is fed in common to the input of a summing circuit 32 . the output of the summing circuit is , in turn , applied to the conventional signal conditioning circuitry for an imaging transducer system . while no specific number of independent electrodes appear to be critical , a 6 × 6 matrix has been found to be satisfactory . in the transmit mode , the common electrode 22 may be pulsed by the input pulse control circuit 23 to generate the series of ultrasonic pulses for transmission into the body under study . in the transmit mode , the electrically independent electrodes 24 are effectively grounded through the diode limiting circuits 26 . in the received mode , the echo ultrasonic signals returned to the transducer impinge on certain parts of the transducer surface with a portion of the returned wave in phase opposition to the signals received on other portions of the transducer . with the electrically independent electrodes 24 actively detecting the signals , each of the electrodes 24 will respond to the pulse energy impressed on the transducer in the immediate vicinity defined by the individual electrode itself . thus , the transducer responds to the ultrasonic wave as though the transducer was in fact a plurality of independent transducers . thus , a negative pressure signal at one particular location on the surface of the transducer will be detected by the immediately adjacent independent electrode 24 while a positive pressure signal applied to the transducer at a different location thereon would be detected by the independent electrode 24 in that vicinity . the signals detected by the electrodes 24 are very low level signals . accordingly , those signals are amplified by the respective amplifiers 28 to a level suitable for transmission to the full - wave rectifiers 30 . when the signals from the individual electrodes 24 have been full - wave rectified by their associated rectifiers 30 , the resultant signals will all be unidirectional . in this manner , all of the resulting pulse signals may be applied to the summing circuit 32 to be combined additively to produce a much higher level signal . such higher level signal may then be applied to the conventional signal conditioning circuitry necessary to produce the desired imaging of the body under examination . in this manner , the neutralizing effect of ultrasonic pulses arriving at different parts of the transducer out of phase with each other has been eliminated . thus , there has been provided , in accordance with the present invention , an improved ultrasonic transducer system including a phase insensitive ultrasonic transducer .	8
according to the present invention , the bond strength between a metal surface and a compression fitted rubber surface is improved by phosphating the metal surface prior to compression fitting the rubber member against the metal surface . as described below , the present invention is particularly useful in the formation of torsional vibration dampeners . the same invention can also be used in other applications such a rubber bushings attached to shock absorbers and the like . however , the invention will be particularly described with respect to a torsional vibration dampener . there are a vast number of different designs of torsional vibration dampeners . exemplary vibration dampeners are disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 710 , 152 and u . s . pat . no . 5 , 231 , 893 . the vibration dampener 10 shown in fig1 is itself merely exemplary as shown as with all torsional vibration dampeners , there is a hub portion 11 which attaches to a rotating shaft 12 of an internal combustion engine ( not shown ). the hub 11 in turn is attached to an annular weight or inertia ring 14 by an elastomeric ring 15 compression fitted between the annular weight 14 and an outer annular surface 16 of the hub 11 . the annular weight 14 may include an outer surface 17 which is a belt driving surface designed to drive an engine belt ( not shown ) which is in turn used to drive the alternator , power steering compressor , air conditioner compressor or the like . the elastomeric 15 member is held in compression between an inner surface 18 of the annular weight and an outer surface 16 of the hub 11 . the elastomeric member can be a wide variety of different elastomers and is cured prior to assembly . the elastomeric member can be for example natural rubber or synthetic elastomer . suitable elastomers include epdm , styrene butadiene rubber , isoprene rubber , nitrile rubber , ethylene propylene copolymer and ethylene acrylic copolymer . the selection of the particular elastomeric member simply depends on the particular application . with respect to torsional vibration dampeners , the elastomer and its formulation are dictated by customer demand and performance requirements . an exemplary epdm formula is shown below . ingredient description / details parts epdm base polymer 100 mw / mn = 3 . 0 - 7 . 0 % unsaturation = 3 - 10 % ethylene % - wt . = 50 - 75 % carbon black filler 20 - 70 plasticizer paraffinic oil 5 - 30 zinc oxide curing agent 2 - 10 co - agent trifunctional methacrylate 1 - 7 antioxidant ozone inhibitor . 5 - 5 . 0 peroxide curing agent 1 - 7 one skilled in the art can vary this widely or use different elastomer formulations to achieve the desired result . the hub itself and the weight are both metal . generally these will be formed from automotive ductile cast iron , automotive gray cast iron , steel or aluminum . the hub preferably will use automotive ductile cast iron whereas the weight is preferably automotive gray cast iron although this is not essential for use in the present invention . both the annular weight , particularly its inner surface , and the hub , particularly its outer annular surface , are subjected to a phosphatizing treatment . in such a treatment the surfaces are first subjected to an alkaline wash by immersing or spraying the metal with an aqueous alkaline solution having a ph of 9 - 13 . the ph is established by a sodium hydroxide solution . this can be heated if necessary depending upon how dirty the metal surface is . generally this would take a matter of a few seconds to several minutes to accomplish . the metal is then rinsed with tap water . the phosphatizing agent is an acidic aqueous solution of phosphate ion . the phosphate may be any soluble phosphate including zinc phosphate , iron phosphate , calcium phosphate and mixed calcium zinc phosphate . iron phosphate is preferred . the concentration of the phosphate ion should be 1 to 4 % and the ph of the bath should be 2 to 6 . some phosphatizing baths include certain accelerators . these are all well known in the art . accelerators that are acceptable for use in the present invention include sodium chlorate , sodium molybdate , sodium nitrobenzene sulfonate , sodium nitrate , sodium nitrite , hydroxyl amine sulphate , sodium borate , plus other metal or amine salts of the above . particular phosphatizing agents can be purchased from parker , dubois chemical and betz dearborn . these are used per the manufacturer &# 39 ; s instructions . preferably the parts are simply immersed in the phosphatizing bath at a temperature of 110 to about 150 ° f . for a period of about 50 to about 150 seconds . the parts are then removed and dried . the torsional vibration dampener is assembled by holding the hub and the annular weight in a jig or fixture leaving an annular space between the two . the elastomeric member is then placed in an appropriate fixture or annular space and hydraulic or pneumatic pressure is applied to force the elastomeric member into the annular space . adhesive is not applied to either surface of the annular weight or the hub . for use in the present invention , two preferred elastomeric members are ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber and ethylene acrylate polymers . the present invention improves the grip strength between any elastomeric member and the inner surface of the annular weight or the outer surface of the hub . when epdm or ethylene acrylate copolymer are used , the bond strength between the elastomeric member and the phosphated metal surfaces actually increases as surfaces are heated overtime . this heating typically occurs during use . for example an automobile &# 39 ; s torsional vibration dampener is subject to elevated temperatures ( in excess of 100 ° c .) for extended periods of time . this heat aging increases bond strength . this has been a description of the present invention along with the preferred method of practicing the invention .	8
in the diagrammatic device in fig1 a practically closed enclosure 10 protects a plasma burner from the ambient atmosphere . this burner comprises a silica tube 13 surrounded by an induction coil 14 electrically connected to a generator 15 . advantageously generator 15 is a high - voltage ( 10 kilovolts ), high - frequency ( 2 megahertz ) device . the burner is mounted on an adjustable support 12 which permits its oriention to be varied . the silica tube has one end closed by a nozzle 16 through which are introduced a plasma - forming gas or gases such as air , oxygen , argon , nitrogen protoxide or their mixtures . it is imperative to choose a gas mixture containing oxygen that is free or combined to assure the chemical formation of sio 2 and tio 2 . the plasma burner is started conventionally by first sending a gaseous argon current through nozzle 16 and introducing a grounded metal rod into the field of the induction coil . the argon is then replaced as quickly as possible with the plasma - forming gas chosen . a plasma 17 is then produced in a &# 34 ; flame &# 34 ; 18 which reaches very high temperatures on the order of 10 , 000 ° c . two nozzles 19 and 20 are placed on the outside of the plasma burner , preferably on each side of silica tube 13 , crosswise to and directed toward the flame . the nozzles are advantageously mounted on supports that make it possible to direct them at will , as shown in fig1 for nozzle 19 . nozzle 20 is connected by a pipe 21 to an evaporator 22 containing silicon tetrachloride in the liquid state , which is heated by a heating device 23 . the sicl 4 vapors are entrained by a vector gas which is piped into evaporator 22 by a pipe 26 . the entrained vapors are then piped through pipe 21 and nozzle 20 to the plasma flame . this vector gas is preferably oxygen but can also be nitrogen or argon if the plasma - forming gas is rich in oxygen . the vector gas can also consist of a mixture of oxygen or air with an inert gas . a low level of oxygen in the flame can be compensated for by use of a vector gas very rich in oxygen . a heating resistor 24 is placed around pipe 21 to prevent condensation of the silicon tetrachloride vapors that circulate therein . a flowmeter 25 , inserted in the circuit , indicates the amount of tetrachloride evaporated per unit of time . nozzle 19 is connected by a pipe 27 to an evaporator 28 containing titanium tetrachloride in the liquid state , which is heated by a heating device 29 . the ticl 4 vapors are entrained by a vector gas which is piped into evaporator 28 by a pipe 32 . the composition of this gas is identical to that of the gas supplied by pipe 26 . a heating resistor 30 surrounds pipe 27 to prevent condensation of the ticl 4 vapors on its walls . a flowmeter 31 , placed upstream from nozzle 19 , indicates the amount of tetrachloride evaporated per unit of time . the vector gas or gases , like the plasma - forming gases , must be rigorously dry and are dried , if necessary by a drying machine ( not shown ). in practicing the invention , the doped silica is deposited axially on a blank 33 of regular grade vitreous silica . this blank is carried by a mobile device 34 that includes apparatus that positions the blank in front of the flame and moves it in translation in relation to the flame in the direction indicated by the arrow on device 34 . in addition , during the entire period of the operation , a known type of mechanical mounting comprising a mandrel 35 rotates blank 33 in the direction indicated by the arrow on blank 33 . this rotation is necessary to obtain a cylindrical ingot of regular diameter . it obviously is possible to use more than two nozzles , for example , by arranging them in a crown around the plasma flame , to obtain a good distribution of the outside injection of the products . it is also possible , thanks to a shunt 36 placed downstream from the meters and to a system of valves 37 to 40 , to inject the mixture of silicon and titanium compounds directly into the flame by a single nozzle . to control the hydrogen supply , it is important to use raw materials , in particular plasma - forming gases and vector gases , which are absolutely free of hydrogen except in the case of at least one gas where the hydrogen is present in a predetermined amount . thus , to obtain oh ions , it is advantageous to work with pure sicl 4 and ticl 4 and to use a known amount of a silicon and / or titanium compound having a chemical formula containing at least one hydrogen atom . by way of nonlimiting example , it is practical to add a determined amount of trichlorosilane sihcl 3 to the sicl 4 , guaranteed pure , without hydrogenated impurity . it is also possible to use a titanium hydrogen compound which contains titanium in the form of ti 4 + . an advantageous example of the titanium compound that can be used is isopropyl titanate ti ( oc 3 h 7 ) 4 , because this product has a great hydrogen content . another is isobutyl titanate . it is indeed obvious that the necessary hydrogen can also come simultaneously from silicon and titanium compounds . injection of the hydrogen compound or compounds into the flame of the plasma burner can be done independently of the silicon and titanium compounds . after the plasma burner has been started as indicated above , the synthetic silica blank is heated in the plasma flame , with rotation on its mandrel on the inside of the enclosure , until a very high surface temperature , greater than 2 , 000 ° c ., is reached . the vapors of the silicon compound or compounds entrained by the vector gas are then injected in the flame by a nozzle 20 while those of the titanium compound or compounds arrive by nozzle 19 . in the presence of the oxygenated plasma , the silica compound or compounds are decomposed because of the very high temperature and react with the oxygen to form sio 4 and possibly h 2 . simultaneously , the titanium compound or compounds are decomposed and oxidized to form tio 2 and possibly h 2 o . the oxides thus formed in the state of microscopic particles are deposited on the blanks in a fairly uniform distribution . to obtain deposit of a transparent and homogeneous glass , it is important to have stable and invariable conditions . consequently , the &# 34 ; growth front &# 34 ; of the ingot must be kept at a constant distance from the plasma flame to maintain a constant temperature . this is achieved by progressively moving mobile device 34 back in the direction of the arrow thereon as the length of the ingot increases . consequently , the apparatus shown in fig1 also comprises a device ( not shown ) for detecting the position of the ingot in relation to the flame and for controlling the movement of the mobile support . such a device comprises , for example , a photoelectric cell and associated circuitry . the speeds of translation and rotation of the blank are regulated as a function of the diameter of the ingot and the degree of homogeneity or transparency one wants in the final product . they also depend on the rate of delivery of silicon and titanium compounds . the delivery of the titanium compound or compounds is regulated so as to obtain in the silica a weight percentage of tio 2 that can vary between 0 . 1 and 8 %. the qualities of the titanium - doped silica obtained by the process according to the invention are shown clearly by the two following comparative examples . according to the usual theories , we assume that water goes into silica glass in the form of oh ions . evaporator 22 is filed with a mixture of silicon tetrachloride ( sicl 4 ) and trichlorosilane ( sihcl 3 ) at a rate of 34 grams sihcl 3 per kilogram of sicl 4 . the vapors of the silicon compounds are entrained by a dry , pure oxygen current delivered by pipe 26 at a rate of 100 liters per hour . heating of evaporator 22 is regulated to obtain a delivery of 500 grams per hour of silicon compound . evaporator 28 is filled with titanium tetrachloride ( ticl 4 ). the ticl 4 vapors are entrained by a dry , pure oxygen current delivered by pipe 32 at a rate of 20 liters per hour . heating is regulated to obtain a ticl 4 delivery of 50 grams per hour . nozzle 16 delivers dry , pure oxygen at a rate of 5 normal cubic meters per hour . under these conditions , a deposit of vitreous silica containing 3 % titanium in the form of tio 2 is made at a rate of 160 grams per hour on a blank with an 80 - millimeter diameter that is rotated by mandrel 35 and moved axially by device 34 . at the end of the operation , a perfectly transparent , colorless doped silica cylindrical ingot , 90 millimeters in diameter and weighing 40 kilograms , is obtained . its average oh content is 22 parts per million . this silica exhibits an index of refraction n d = 1 . 470 . the attenuation in the mass is found to be lower than 4 db / km by microcalorimetric measurements of the glass as a whole with a continuous laser emitting at a wavelength of 1060 nm . the value found corresponds to the sensitivity limit of the equipment . with the same operating conditions of the preceding example being used , a titanium - doped silica ingot is formed from pure sicl 4 , excluding any presence of hydrogen . the oh content , measured by the absorption band at 2730 nm , is less than 3 parts per million . the material deposited has an index of refraction n d = 1 . 469 and exhibits a violet coloring in the entire mass . the attenuation , measured on the glass as a whole by microcalorimetry , is on the order of 10 , 000 db / km . fabrication of a semifinished product meeting the aims envisaged by the invention can be performed by radially depositing other doped silicas on the titanium - doped silica . to do this , the operation is as follows . two tails of regular quality silica are welded to the ends of the titanium - doped silica ingot made with the apparatus of fig1 . the ingot is then mounted , in a known manner , on any standard glass stand able to move horizontally . this mounting permits the rotation of the ingot on itself and its alternative movement at a constant speed in front of the plasma flame . as shown in fig2 ingot 50 , represented in cross section , is arranged so that its axis is approximately perpendicular to that of the plasma blowpipe described above . for clarity in the drawing , the glass stand and its movement device , which are well known , are not shown . the unit is enclosed in a practically closed enclosure 51 . two nozzles 52 and 53 are also placed in this enclosure and offer the same regulation possibilities as nozzles 19 and 20 described above . nozzle 52 is connected by pipes 54 and 55 , respectively , to an evaporator 56 containing a silicon compound or compounds and to an evaporator 57 containing a titanium compound or compounds . this part of the apparatus is identical with that shown in fig1 . nozzle 53 is connected by pipes 55 and 58 to evaporator 57 and by pipe 59 to a tank 60 containing a fluorine product under pressure . pipe 59 is provided with a pressure regulator 61 and a flowmeter 62 . further , a vector gas , such as dry oxygen , can be introduced into pipe 59 by a pipe 63 connected upstream from flowmeter 62 . after the plasma blowpipe has been heated by the known technique and ingot 50 heated in rotation , valves 64 to 68 are opened while valves 69 to 71 are kept closed . evaporators 56 and 57 contain mixtures identical with those described in example 1 . pure dry oxygen at a rate between 20 and 100 liters per hour is sent through valves 65 and 67 . heating of evaporators 56 and 57 is regulated to obtain the delivery of between 0 . 5 and 3 kilograms per hour of the silicon compound and between 50 and 200 grams per hour of the titanium compound . the entrained vapors are injected in the plasma flame by nozzle 52 . thus , titanium - doped silica is deposited radially on ingot 50 , the tio 2 concentration being constant or variable depending on whether the delivery of the titanium compound is kept constant or progressively reduced during the operation . when ingot 50 reaches the desired diameter , valves 66 and 68 are closed and valves 71 and 70 are opened . fluorine gas and pure , dry oxygen are sent through valves 71 and 70 at a rate of 20 to 100 liters per hour ; and the mixture of oxygen and fluorine gas is injected in the plasma flame by nozzle 53 . if a fast rate of deposit is desired , the fluorine gas will preferably be an inorganic compound such as sulfur hexafluoride sf 6 , nitrogen trifluoride nf 3 or their mixture . however , other fluorine compounds can also be used such as dichlorodifluoromethane ccl 2 f 2 because , in accordance with the invention , there is no longer any risk that the titanium in the titanium - doped silica would be reduced to ti 3 + . the silicon and fluorine compounds , injected in the plasma flame , are transformed into silica and fluorine and deposited radially on ingot 50 in the form of a transparent , bubble - free layer of fluorine - doped silica glass . the resulting silica can contain a weight percentage of fluorine between 0 . 1 and 3 %; and this percentage can be constant or varying in the radial direction in ingot 50 . depending on the index of refraction desired for the deposited silica and the nature of the fluorine gas , the rate of delivery of the fluorine - containing gas is regulated to send from 0 . 1 to 1 kilogram per hour of fluorine compound as shown in the following examples . in this example , evaporator 56 contains only pure sicl 4 . the vapors of this compound , entrained by pure , dry oxygen , are injected in the flame by nozzle 52 at a rate of 900 grams of sicl 4 per hour . sulphur fluoride sf 6 stored under pressure in tank 60 is also injected in the flame by nozzle 53 at a delivery of 280 grams per hour . under these condition , fluorine - doped silica , exhibiting an index of refraction n d = 1 . 453 , is obtained at a rate of 50 grams per hour . no coloration of the core is observed . in this example , pure silicon tetrachloride vapors , entrained by pure , dry oxygen , are injected in the flame by nozzle 52 at a rate of 1000 grams of sicl 4 per hour . nitrogen trifluoride nf 3 is sent through nozzle 53 at a rate of 270 grams per hour . under these conditions , fluorine - doped silica , exhibiting an index of refraction n d = 1 . 450 , is obtained at a rate of 55 grams per hour without drawbacks . it is also possible to deposit an intermediate layer between the titanium - doped silica and the fluorine - doped silica . this layer will exhibit a concentration gradient characterized by a continuous reduction of titanium with increasing radial distance in the ingot . to form such an intermediate layer , the titanium compound or compounds can be injected by nozzle 52 or nozzle 53 ; and the rate of injection can be varied by progressive closing and opening of valves 66 to 71 . the various gas deliveries can be regulated by electrically or pneumatically controlled valves . when the fluorine - doped silica layer is sufficient , valve 71 is closed to terminate the operation by deposit of a fine protective layer of pure silica . although fluorine is the most advantageous element , it is possible to lower the index of refraction by doping the silica with boron . boron can be supplied advantageously by decomposition of boron halide . if the two types of composites , sio 2 . tio 2 -- sio 2 . f and sio 2 . tio 2 -- sio 2 . b 2 o 3 , are compared , it is found that the maximum divergence between the indices of refraction can be on the same order of magnitude . on the other hand , the coefficients of expansion are very close in the fluorine - doped composite , while they diverge considerably in the boron - doped composite . to avoid the formation of harmful stresses in the boron - doped composite , it is recommended that an intermediate layer be used , consisting of a mixture of titanium - doped silica and boron - doped silica , between the titanium - doped core and boron - doped sheath . in accordance with the invention , it is possible to obtain by axial deposition a titanium - doped silica ingot exhibiting a diameter of 30 to 50 millimeters and a length of 400 to 1000 millimeters . then , with a radial deposition of a silica doped , for example , with fluorine , it is possible to reach a final diameter that can be between 50 and 120 millimeters . besides the advantages already mentioned , the ingots obtained by the process of the invention can be heated to their softening temperature without taking particular precautions . the ingots made according to the invention can then be placed in a vertical drawing furnace and easily be transformed into transparent rods several meters long whose diameter is between 8 and 20 millimeters . after careful cleaning of their surface , these rods can then be drawn by known means into fibers with a diameter of 100 to 600 μm . these fibers can be protected by a series of plastic coatings by methods known in the art . by way of example , an optical fiber obtained by drawing an ingot made by the process of the invention under conditions close to those described in examples i and iii exhibits the following structure and characteristics : a core 200 micrometers in diameter , consisting of titanium - doped silica ( 3 % tio 2 ) exhibiting an index of refraction n d = 1 . 470 , and a sheath 50 micrometers thick , consisting of fluorine - doped silica ( 2 % fluorine ) exhibiting an index of refraction n d = 1 . 448 . this fiber is then covered with two layers of coatings performing solely the role of mechanical protection . the first coating , 30 micrometers thick , is made with a &# 34 ; high index &# 34 ; ( n d & gt ; 1 . 460 ) vulcanizable silicone resin . the second coating , 120 micrometers thick , is formed by a thermoplastic material . this fiber exhibits a numerical aperture equal to 0 . 253 and an attenuation on the order of 5 db / km at the usual wavelengths in the near infrared .	8
embodiments of a light modulator of the present invention create controllable structures that , depending on the configuration , rotate a diffraction plane such that diffracted light is similarly rotated . by selectively configuring the light modulator to diffract light along one of a plurality of selectable diffraction planes , a first order of diffracted light is essentially directed to one of a plurality of different locations . each location corresponds to one of the plurality of diffraction planes . one advantage of directing light into selective diffraction planes is in switching applications . first order diffracted light can be collected at the different locations , each different location corresponding to an output port of a switch . a diffractive light modulator 13 according to a first and preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in fig1 . preferably , the diffractive light modulator is a grating light valve . the diffractive light modulator 13 comprises elongated elements 15 suspended by first and second posts , 14 and 16 , above a substrate 20 . preferably , the elongated elements 15 are ribbons of the grating light valve , and each ribbon is separated by a constant gap width . the substrate 20 comprises a conductor 18 . in operation , the diffractive light modulator 13 operates to produce modulated light selected from a reflection mode and one of two diffraction modes . preferably , the incident light comprises wavelength division multiplexed ( wdm ) signals where each wavelength comprises an optical channel , as is well known in the art . each channel impinges appropriate ones of the elongated elements 15 on the diffractive light modulator 13 . preferably , each channel impinges 12 elongated elements 15 . fig1 illustrates the elongated elements 15 corresponding to a single optical channel . it is understood that the diffractive light modulator 13 can include more , or less , elongated elements 15 than that shown in fig1 . it is also understood that each optical channel can impinge more , or less , than 12 elongated elements 15 , as appropriate . the elongated elements 15 comprise a conducting and reflecting surface 22 and a resilient material 24 . preferably , the resilient material 24 comprises silicon nitride . preferably , the conductive and reflective surface 22 comprises aluminum . alternatively , the conductive and reflective surface 22 comprises a different metal , and the resilient material comprises a different resilient material . each elongated element 15 includes a first edge and a second edge . in the preferred embodiment , the first edge is linear and parallel to a lengthwise axis of the elongated element 15 , and the second edge is linear and is formed at an angle to the lengthwise axis of the elongated element 15 within an active optical area ( fig2 a ). within the preferred embodiment , the first edge is referred to as a straight edge and the second edge is referred to as a diagonal edge . the active optical area is an area of the diffractive light modulator 13 on which the incident light impinges the elongated elements 15 . the portion of the second edge that is at an angle to the lengthwise axis includes the active optical area . preferably , a remaining portion of the second edge , which is outside the active optical area , is parallel to the lengthwise axis of the elongated elements 15 . fig2 a illustrates a top - down view of the diffractive light modulator 13 according to the preferred embodiment . fig2 b illustrates a cross - section of the elongated elements 15 of the diffractive light modulator 13 according to the preferred embodiment . both fig2 a and 2b illustrate the diffractive light modulator 13 in a reflection mode . in the reflection mode , the conducting and reflecting surfaces 22 of the elongated elements 15 form a plane so that incident light i ( fig2 b ) reflects from the elongated elements 15 to produce reflected light r ( fig2 b ). fig3 a illustrates a top - down view of the first embodiment of the diffractive light modulator 13 in a first diffraction mode . fig3 b illustrates a cross - section of the elongated elements 15 of the diffractive light modulator 13 in the first diffractive mode . in the first diffraction mode , adjacent pairs of elongated elements 15 are configured as groups . each group includes a first group edge and a second group edge . while in the first diffraction mode , the first group edge and the second group edge are the straight edges of the two elongated elements 15 comprising the group , where the straight edges are the linear edges parallel to the lengthwise axis of the elongated elements 15 . in the first diffraction mode , an electrical bias causes alternate groups of the elongated elements 15 to move toward the substrate 20 . as shown in fig3 a and 3b , ribbons 3 , 4 , 7 , 8 , 11 and 12 are the elongated elements 15 that are moved according to the first diffraction mode . the electrical bias is applied between the reflecting and conducting surfaces 22 of the alternate groups of the elongated elements 15 and the conductor 18 . the electrical bias results in a height difference between the alternate groups of the elongated elements 15 and non - biased ones of the elongated elements 15 . a height difference of a quarter wavelength λ / 4 of the incident light i produces maximum diffracted light including plus one and minus one diffraction orders , d + 1 and d − 1 , as shown in fig3 b . it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the conducting and reflecting surface 22 can be replaced by a multilayer dielectric reflector and a conducting element where the conducting element is buried within each of the elongated elements 15 . further , it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the conducting and reflecting surface 22 can be coated with a transparent layer such as an anti - reflective layer . in the first diffractive mode , the straight edges of each group form “ steps .” these straight edges are parallel to each other and the steps lie in the same plane , and therefore form a periodicity . light diffracts in the direction of the periodicity . in general , if there is periodicity in one - dimension , then there is diffraction in one - dimension . if there is periodicity in two - dimensions , then there is diffraction in two - dimensions , and so on . as shown in fig3 a , the direction of the periodicity while in the first diffraction mode is perpendicular to the straight edges of the elongated elements 15 . therefore , the diffracted light is directed along a first diffraction plane 30 . fig3 c illustrates an exemplary diffraction pattern along the first diffraction plane 30 . the diffraction pattern serves only to illustrate the possible locations of the diffracted light while the diffractive light modulator 13 is in the first diffraction mode . while in the first diffraction mode , the incident light i is primarily diffracted into the plus and minus first order along the diffraction plane 30 . trace amounts of the incident light i are diffracted into the higher order lights , for example a plus and minus second order , a plus and minus fourth order and a plus and minus sixth order . the circular shape of the diffraction pattern is for illustrative purposes only and should not serve as a limitation on the actual diffraction pattern . in the reflection mode , the reflected light r is specularly reflected as zero , “ 0 ”, order light . the diffraction pattern corresponding to the zero order light should approximate the shape of the incident light impinging the diffractive light modulator less attenuation , if any . the diffraction pattern corresponding to the “+ 1 ” and “− 1 ” order light are smaller than the “ 0 ” order light because when light is diffracted , it is diffracted into the plus and minus first orders as well as the higher orders . therefore , the diffracted light is distributed over more orders . the size of any one of the diffraction patterns can also vary depending on any attenuation that is performed . fig4 a illustrates a top - down view of the first embodiment of the diffractive light modulator 13 in a second diffraction mode . fig4 b illustrates a cross - section of the elongated elements 15 of the diffractive light modulator 13 in the second diffractive mode . in the second diffraction mode , adjacent pairs of elongated elements 15 , different from those in the first diffraction mode , are configured as groups . each group includes a first group edge and a second group edge . in this second diffraction mode , the first group edge and the second group edge are the diagonal edges of the two elongated elements 15 comprising the group , where the diagonal edges are the linear edges formed at an angle to the lengthwise axis of the elongated elements 15 . an electrical bias causes alternate groups of the elongated elements 15 to move toward the substrate 20 . as shown in fig4 a and 4b , ribbons 1 , 4 , 5 , 8 , 9 and 12 are the elongated elements 15 that are moved according to the second diffraction mode . it is understood that although it is preferred that each group comprises a pair of adjacent elongated elements 15 , the end ribbons 1 and 12 are not part of a group pair in the second diffraction mode . this is due to the “ odd - man - out ” nature of reconfiguring the elongated elements 15 into groups , as is expected . the electrical bias results in a height difference between the alternate groups of the elongated elements 15 and non - biased ones of the elongated elements 15 . a height difference of a quarter wavelength λ / 4 of the incident light i produces maximum diffracted light including plus one and minus one diffraction orders , d + 1 and d − 1 , as shown in fig4 b . in the second diffractive mode , the diagonal edges of each group form steps . since the diagonal edges are parallel to each other and the steps lie in the same plane , the diagonal edges form a periodicity . as shown in fig4 a , the direction of the periodicity , while in the second diffraction mode , is perpendicular to the diagonal edges of the elongated elements 15 . while in the second diffraction mode , light is diffracted similarly as in the first diffraction mode , except that the diffracted light is directed along a second diffraction plane 40 . fig4 c illustrates an exemplary diffraction pattern along the second diffraction plane 30 . the diffraction pattern illustrated in fig4 c is similar to that illustrated in fig3 c related to the first diffraction mode , except that the diffraction pattern of the second diffraction mode is directed along the second diffraction plane 40 . if the diagonal edge is formed at an angle θ1 ( fig3 a ) to the diffraction plane 30 , then the diffraction plane 40 lies at an angle 90 - θ1 ( fig4 c ) to the diffraction plane 30 . the first embodiment of the diffractive light modulator 13 can be used as a 1 × 3 switch . in this case , the zero order light is collected as the output of a first output port , the first order light in the diffraction plane 30 is collected as the output of a second output port , and the first order light in the diffraction plane 40 is collected as the output of a third output port . preferably , only the plus first order light or the minus first order light is collected along the diffraction plane 30 for the second output port , and only the plus first order light or the minus first order light is collected along the diffraction plane 40 for the third output port . alternatively , both the plus and minus first order light is collected along the diffraction plane 30 for the second output port , and both the plus and minus first order light is collected along the diffraction plane 40 for the third output port . it is understood that although the first edge is preferably a straight edge parallel to the lengthwise axis of the elongated elements 15 , the first edge can be a linear edge at an angle to the lengthwise axis . the first edge and the second edge are at different angles to the lengthwise axis in order to produce two different diffraction planes when in operation fig5 a illustrates a top - down view of a second embodiment of the diffractive light modulator of the present invention . each elongated element 15 includes a first edge and a second edge . in the second embodiment , the first edge is linear and parallel to a lengthwise axis of the elongated element 15 , and the second edge is linear and is formed at a plus or minus angle to the lengthwise axis of the elongated element 15 within an active optical area . within the second embodiment , the first edge is referred to as a straight edge and the second edge is referred to as a diagonal edge . as illustrated in fig5 a , alternating pairs of elongated elements 15 preferably form mirror shapes of each other due to the plus or minus angle of the diagonal edge . ribbons 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 9 and 10 include the diagonal edge at the minus angle to the lengthwise axis . ribbons 3 , 4 , 7 , 8 , 11 , and 12 include the diagonal edge at the plus angle to the lengthwise axis . in other words , the pattern of the elongated elements 15 repeats every fifth element . the active optical area is an area of the diffractive light modulator 13 on which the incident light impinges the elongated elements 15 . the portion of the second edge that is at an angle to the lengthwise axis includes the active optical area . preferably , a remaining portion of the second edge , which is outside the active optical area , is parallel to the lengthwise axis of the elongated elements 15 . in the second embodiment , the diffractive light modulator 13 operates in a reflection mode and one of a plurality of diffraction modes . in the reflection mode , the conducting and reflecting surfaces 22 of the elongated elements 15 form a plane so that incident light i reflects from the elongated elements 15 to produce reflected light r . the second embodiment of the diffractive light modulator 13 shown in fig5 a is in a third diffraction mode . fig5 b illustrates a cross - section of the elongated elements 15 of the diffractive light modulator 13 in the third diffractive mode . in the third diffraction mode , adjacent fours of elongated elements 15 are configured as groups . each group includes a first group edge and a second group edge . in the third diffraction mode , the first group edge and the second group edge are the straight edges of the first and fourth elongated elements 15 comprising the group , where the straight edges are the linear edges parallel to the lengthwise axis of the elongated elements 15 . in the third diffraction mode , an electrical bias causes alternate groups of the elongated elements 15 to move toward the substrate 20 . as shown in fig5 a and 5b , ribbons 5 , 6 , 7 , and 8 are the elongated elements 15 that are moved according to the third diffraction mode . the electrical bias is applied between the reflecting and conducting surfaces 22 of the alternate groups of the elongated elements 15 and the conductor 18 . the electrical bias results in a height difference between the alternate groups of the elongated elements 15 and non - biased ones of the elongated elements 15 . a height difference of a quarter wavelength λ / 4 of the incident light i produces maximum diffracted light including plus one and minus one diffraction orders , d + 1 and d − 1 , as shown in fig5 b . in the third diffractive mode , the straight edges of each group form steps . since the straight edges are parallel to each other and the steps lie in the same plane , the straight edges form a periodicity . as shown in fig5 a , the direction of the periodicity while in the third diffraction mode is perpendicular to the straight edges of the elongated elements 15 . therefore , the diffracted light is directed along the first diffraction plane 30 . fig5 c illustrates an exemplary diffraction pattern along the first diffraction plane 30 . while in the third diffraction mode , the diffraction pattern serves only to illustrate the possible locations of the diffracted light while the diffractive light modulator 13 is in the third diffraction mode . while in the third diffraction mode , the incident light i is primarily diffracted into the plus and minus first order along the diffraction plane 30 . trace amounts of the incident light i are diffracted into the higher order lights , for example a plus and minus second order , a plus and minus fourth order and a plus and minus sixth order . the circular shape of the diffraction pattern is for illustrative purposes only and should not serve as a limitation on the actual diffraction pattern . in the reflection mode , the reflected light r is specularly reflected zero , “ 0 ”, order light . the diffraction pattern corresponding to the zero order light should approximate the shape of the incident light impinging the diffractive light modulator less attenuation , if any . the diffraction pattern corresponding to the “+ 1 ” and “− 1 ” order light are smaller than the “ 0 ” order light because when light is diffracted , it is diffracted into the plus and minus first orders as well as the higher orders . therefore , the diffracted light is distributed over more orders . the size of any one of the diffraction patterns can also vary depending on any attenuation that is performed . fig6 a illustrates the second embodiment of the diffractive light modulator 13 in a fourth diffraction mode . fig6 b illustrates a cross - section of the elongated elements 15 of the diffractive light modulator 13 in the fourth diffractive mode . in the fourth diffraction mode , adjacent fours of elongated elements 15 , different from those in the third diffraction mode , are configured as groups . each group includes a first group edge and a second group edge . in this fourth diffraction mode , the first group edge and the second group edge are the diagonal edges at the minus angle to the lengthwise axis of the elongated elements 15 . an electrical bias causes alternate groups of the elongated elements 15 to move toward the substrate 20 . as shown in fig6 a and 6b , ribbons 1 , 6 , 7 , 8 , and 9 are the elongated elements 15 that are moved according to the fourth diffraction mode . it is understood that although it is preferred that each group comprises four adjacent elongated elements 15 , the end ribbon 1 and the partial group of ribbons 10 , 11 and 12 are not part of a complete group of four in the fourth diffraction mode . this is due to the “ odd - man - out ” nature of reconfiguring the elongated elements 15 into groups , as is expected . the electrical bias results in a height difference between the alternate groups of the elongated elements 15 and non - biased ones of the elongated elements 15 . a height difference of a quarter wavelength λ / 4 of the incident light i produces maximum diffracted light including plus one and minus one diffraction orders , d + 1 and d − 1 , as shown in fig6 b . in the fourth diffractive mode , the diagonal edges at the minus angle of each group form steps . since the diagonal edges at the minus angle are parallel to each other and the steps lie in the same plane , the diagonal edges at the minus angle form a periodicity . as shown in fig6 a , the direction of the periodicity , while in the fourth diffraction mode , is perpendicular to the diagonal edges at the minus angle of the elongated elements 15 . while in the fourth diffraction mode , light is diffracted similarly as in the third diffraction mode , except that the diffracted light is directed along a third diffraction plane 45 . fig6 c illustrates an exemplary diffraction pattern along the third diffraction plane 45 while in the fourth diffraction mode . the diffraction pattern illustrated in fig6 c is similar to that illustrated in fig5 c related to the third diffraction mode , except that the diffraction pattern of the fourth diffraction mode is directed along the third diffraction plane 45 . if the diagonal edge at the minus angle is formed at an angle θ2 ( fig5 a ) to the diffraction plane 30 , then the diffraction plane 45 lies at an angle 90 - θ2 ( fig6 c ) to the diffraction plane 30 . fig7 a illustrates the second embodiment of the diffractive light modulator 13 in a fifth diffraction mode . fig7 b illustrates a cross - section of the elongated elements 15 of the diffractive light modulator 13 in the fifth diffractive mode . in the fifth diffraction mode , adjacent fours of elongated elements 15 , different form those in the third and fourth diffraction modes , are configured as groups . each group includes a first group edge and a second group edge . in this fifth diffraction mode , the first group edge and the second group edge are the diagonal edges at the plus angle to the lengthwise axis of the elongated elements 15 . an electrical bias causes alternate groups of the elongated elements 15 to move toward the substrate 20 . as shown in fig7 a and 7b , ribbons 1 , 2 , 3 , 8 , 9 , 10 , and 11 are the elongated elements 15 that are moved according to the fifth diffraction mode . it is understood that although it is preferred that each group comprises four adjacent elongated elements 15 , the end ribbon 12 and the partial group of ribbons 1 , 2 and 3 are not part of a complete group of four in the fifth diffraction mode . this is due to the “ odd - man - out ” nature of reconfiguring the elongated elements 15 into groups , as is expected . the electrical bias results in a height difference between the alternate groups of the elongated elements 15 and non - biased ones of the elongated elements 15 . a height difference of a quarter wavelength λ / 4 of the incident light i produces maximum diffracted light including plus one and minus one diffraction orders , d + 1 and d − 1 , as shown in fig7 b . in the fifth diffractive mode , the diagonal edges at the plus angle of each group form steps . since the diagonal edges at the plus angle are parallel to each other and the steps lie in the same plane , the diagonal edges at the plus angle form a periodicity . as shown in fig7 a , the direction of the periodicity , while in the fifth diffraction mode , is perpendicular to the diagonal edges at the plus angle of the elongated elements 15 . while in the fifth diffraction mode , light is diffracted similarly as in the third diffraction mode , except that the diffracted light is directed along a fourth diffraction plane 50 . fig7 c illustrates an exemplary diffraction pattern along the fourth diffraction plane 50 while in the fifth diffraction mode . the diffraction pattern illustrated in fig7 c is similar to that illustrated in fig5 c related to the third diffraction mode , except that the diffraction pattern of the fifth diffraction mode is directed along the fourth diffraction plane 50 . if the diagonal edge at the plus angle is formed at an angle − θ2 ( fig5 a ) to the diffraction plane 30 , then the fourth diffraction plane 50 lies at an angle −( 90 - θ2 ) ( fig7 c ) to the diffraction plane 30 . the second embodiment of the diffractive light modulator 13 can be used as a 1 × 4 switch . in this case , the zero order light is collected as the output of a first output port , the first order light in the diffraction plane 30 is collected as the output of a second output port , the first order light in the diffraction plane 45 is collected as the output of a third output port , and the first order light in the diffraction plane 50 is collected as the output of a fourth output port . preferably , only the plus first order light or the minus first order light is collected along the diffraction plane 30 for the second output port , only the plus first order light or the minus first order light is collected along the diffraction plane 45 for the third output port , and only the plus first order light or the minus first order light is collected along the diffraction plane 50 for the fourth output port . alternatively , both the plus and minus first order light is collected along the diffraction plane 30 for the second output port , both the plus and minus first order light is collected along the diffraction plane 45 for the third output port , and both the plus and minus first order light is collected along the diffraction plane 50 for the fourth output port . although it is preferred that the second edges are diagonal within the active optical area , it is understood that the second edges can be diagonal over a length larger than the active optical area , up to the entire length of the elongated element . it is preferable that the diagonal edge is made within the active optical area to enable use of smaller angles θ from the diffraction plane 30 . to clarify , since the length of the elongated elements 15 is large relative to the width , a diagonal edge along the entire length of the elongated element 15 is only marginally less than 90 degrees from the diffraction plane 30 . such a large angle only rotates the diffraction plane by a correspondingly small degree from the diffraction plane 30 . a smaller angle rotates the diffraction plane by a correspondingly larger degree , which produces better de - coupling of the diffracted light in the two diffraction planes . it is understood that although the first edge is preferably a straight edge parallel to the lengthwise axis of the elongated elements 15 , the first edge can be a linear edge at an angle to the lengthwise axis . the first edge and the second edge are at different angles to the lengthwise axis in order to produce different diffraction planes when in operation . fig2 b , 3 b , and 4 b depict the first embodiment of the diffractive light modulator 13 in the reflection mode , first diffraction mode , and second diffraction mode , respectively . for a deflection of the alternate groups of the elongated elements 15 of less than a quarter wavelength λ / 4 , the incident light i both reflects and diffracts producing the reflected light r and the diffracted light including the plus one and minus one diffraction orders , d + 1 and d − 1 . in other words , by deflecting the alternate groups of the elongated elements less the quarter wavelength λ / 4 , the diffractive light modulator 13 produces a variable reflectivity . by varying the reflectivity in this manner , each incident light can be equalized to a specified intensity . it should be born in mind that terms like “ equalize ” and “ equalization ” as used with respect to the present invention are to be broadly interpreted with respect to regulating the power levels of component light signals to any pre - determined level of relative power levels . accordingly , the term “ equalize ” as used herein is not to be limited to any one particular curve or ratio , but simply constitutes a regulation or normalization of signal power against any pre - determined curve or ratio of power levels at different frequencies . it is understood that other embodiments , including the second embodiment , of the present invention can also produce a variable reflectivity . in the case of the first embodiment , the diffractive light modulator 13 can also be used for switching and attenuating . when used solely as a switch , light is directed into output port 1 , 2 or 3 , as described above . when used as a switch and attenuator , one of the output ports , say output port 3 , is used as a “ throw away ” port to direct attenuated light . for example , an input signal ( incident light i ) is to be switched to port 2 and equalized to a level 90 % of its input level . to switch and attenuate the input signal , 90 % of the input signal is directed by diffraction to output port 2 while 10 % of the input signal is directed by diffraction to output port 3 . since output port 3 is not collected as a switched output port , the 10 % portion of the input signal directed to output port 3 is effectively “ thrown away .” fig8 a illustrates a first example of a 1 × 2 switch and attenuation application of the diffractive light modulator 13 according to the first embodiment of the present invention . in this case , output port 1 ( collected zero order light ) and output port 2 ( collected plus first order light in diffraction plane 30 ) are switching ports , and output port 3 ( plus first order light in diffraction plane 40 ) is a throw away port . the configuration of the elongated elements 15 in fig8 a is similar to the configuration in fig4 b such that any diffracted light is diffracted along the diffraction plane 40 . in fig8 a however , the ribbons 1 , 4 , 5 , 8 , 9 , and 12 are not moved into the maximum diffraction position of λ / 4 . the ribbons 1 , 4 , 5 , 8 , 9 , and 12 in fig8 a are configured for variable reflectivity , and therefore , only diffract a portion of the incident light i into the diffraction plane 40 . in this manner , an input signal ( incident light i in fig8 a ) is switched to port 1 ( reflected light r in fig8 a ) and a portion of the input signal is attenuated and thrown away at the output port 3 ( diffracted light d + 1 in fig8 a ). the configuration of the elongated elements 15 shown in fig8 a creates a superposition of reflected light in the diffraction plane 30 , and the diffraction pattern in the diffraction plane 40 . the net result is attenuated light at the output port 1 . fig8 b illustrates a second example of a 1 × 2 switch and attenuation application of the diffractive light modulator 13 according to the first embodiment of the present invention . in this case , output port 1 ( collected zero order light ) and output port 2 ( collected plus first order light in diffraction plane 30 ) are switching ports , and output port 3 ( collected plus first order light in diffraction plane 40 ) is a throw away port . the configuration of the elongated elements 15 in fig8 b is similar to the configuration in fig3 b in that ribbons 3 , 4 , 7 , 8 , 11 , and 12 are moved to maximum diffraction position to diffract light along the diffraction plane 30 . in fig8 b , however , the ribbons 2 , 6 , and 10 are also moved which creates a periodicity corresponding to the diffraction plane 40 . this periodicity creates diffraction along the diffraction plane 40 . in this manner , an input signal ( incident light i in fig8 b ) is switched to port 2 ( diffracted light d + 1 in fig8 b ) and a portion of the input signal is attenuated and thrown away at the output port 3 ( not shown in fig8 b ). the configuration of the elongated elements 15 shown in fig8 b creates a superposition of diffraction patterns in both the diffraction plane 30 and the diffraction plane 40 . the net result is attenuated light at the output port 2 . similarly , the second embodiment of the diffractive light modulator can be used as a 1 × 3 switch and attenuator . the edges of the elongated elements 15 are not restricted to a single linear 5 direction , as in the straight edge or the diagonal edge . fig9 - 11 illustrate exemplary edge patterns for the elongated elements 15 . the edge patterns illustrated in fig9 - 11 are preferably used in attenuation applications . alternatively , these edge patterns can be used for switching and attenuation applications . fig9 illustrates a single saw - tooth edge pattern . in a diffraction mode where the single saw - tooth forms the outer edges of a group , two additional dimensions of periodicity exist , one according to each side of the saw - tooth . the three dimensions of periodicity form three simultaneous diffraction planes 30 , 60 and 62 . in the case where the saw - tooth forms an isosceles triangle with the lengthwise axis of the elongated element 15 , the diffraction plane 60 is formed at an angle φ1 to the diffraction plane 30 , and the diffraction plane 62 is formed at an angle − φ1 to the diffraction plane 30 . in the diffraction mode , where the ribbons are deflected to form a step at the saw - tooth edge , light is diffracted along diffraction planes 30 , 60 and 62 . fig1 illustrates a saw - tooth pattern . in a diffraction mode where the saw - tooth pattern forms the outer edges of a group , the saw - tooth pattern in fig1 forms three simultaneous diffraction planes 70 , 71 and 72 . in the case where each saw - tooth in the saw - tooth pattern forms an isosceles triangle with the lengthwise axis of the elongated element 15 , the diffraction plane 70 is formed at an angle φ2 to the diffraction plane 30 , and the diffraction plane 72 is formed at an angle − φ2 to the diffraction plane 30 . the diffraction plane 71 is formed perpendicular to the diffraction plane 30 . due to the higher frequency of the saw - tooths in fig1 as compared to fig9 the angle φ2 is greater than φ1 . in the diffraction mode , light is diffracted along diffraction planes 70 , 71 and 72 . fig1 illustrates a sinusoid edge pattern . in a diffraction mode where the sinusoid pattern forms the outer edges of a group , the sinusoid pattern provides an additional periodicity in a direction parallel to the lengthwise axis of the elongated element 15 , and therefore forms an additional diffraction plane 80 perpendicular to the diffraction plane 30 . the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention . as such , references herein to specific embodiments and details thereof are not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made in the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .	6
although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration , anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention . accordingly , the following preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss of generality to , and without imposing limitations upon , the claimed invention . this invention generally relates to exercise devices having a ring element and at least one mobile element movable therein , and , more particularly to an exercise device in which the at least one mobile element is movable within a toroidally shaped inner chamber of the ring element by cyclical motion , upon movement of the ring element by means of a handle or any other supporting structure capable of transferring the motion to the at least one ball . one embodiment of an exercise device 100 of the present invention is illustrated in fig1 - 3 . a first embodiment of the device 100 may generally comprises a ring element 10 having a toroidally shaped inner chamber 11 defined by the ring element 10 . within the center of the ring element 10 , a handle 15 may span across the diameter of the ring element 10 from a first end 16 of the handle 15 to a second end 17 of the handle 15 . as shown in fig1 - 3 , at least one mobile element 20 may be disposed and movable within the toroidally shaped inner chamber 11 of the ring element 10 . in a preferred embodiment , the range of motion or travel of the at least one mobile element 20 may be restricted to two semi - circular pathways that are equal to or less than one half of the entirety of the toroidally shaped inner chamber 11 wherein at least one mobile element 20 may be disposed within each respective semi - circular pathway . an internal bumper 25 disposed at each end of the semi - circular pathway may provide the structure for limiting the range of motion or travel of the at least one mobile element 20 and / or reduce impact shock of the at least one mobile element 20 . in such a preferred embodiment , two respective semi - circular pathways may be present , wherein each pathway may have at least one mobile element 20 disposed therein ( see fig1 ). in a preferred embodiment of use , an individual may grasp the handle 15 with either one hand or both hands and rotate the device 100 within the plane of the ring element 10 . the device 100 may be held with a user &# 39 ; s arms bent or fully extended at the elbow and the device 100 may be statically maintained in one position or moved about the user &# 39 ; s body during use . in other preferred examples of use , the device 100 may be held with one or both arms in a relaxed downward position with the device 100 in front , behind , or at either side of the user . as an alternative , the device 100 may be held at shoulder height with the device 100 in front , behind , or out to either side of the user . still further , the device 100 may be held overhead by the user during use . the scope of the present invention includes any and all incremental angular positions located within a user &# 39 ; s bodily range of motion . the ring element 10 and the toroidally shaped inner chamber 11 defined therein may take one of several configurations . in a preferred embodiment , shown in fig1 - 7 , the “ top ” of the ring element 10 may comprise a split - open top configuration . the split - open top may be very narrow ( e . g . a thin slit ) or the split - open top may be very wide ( see fig1 - 7 ). as shown in fig3 , even with a wide split - open top the concave interior walls of the ring element 10 may encircle the circumference of each of the at least one mobile elements 20 to retain each of the at least one mobile elements 20 within the toroidally shaped inner chamber 11 no matter the orientation of the ring element 10 . in this manner , the at least one mobile element 20 is free to move , roll , slide , and the like within the toroidally shaped inner chamber 11 while the at least one mobile element 20 is also retained and may be “ snap - fit ” within the inner chamber 11 . in an alternative embodiment , the top surface of the ring element 10 may be completely solid thus obscuring any view of the at least one mobile element 20 therein . in narrow split - open top or solid - walled ring element 10 embodiments , one or more removable sections of a wall portion of the ring element 10 may allow for access to and / or replacement of the at least one mobile element 20 . the handle 15 of the device 100 may comprise a variety of configurations that allow for use by either one hand or two hands of a user . the handle 15 may be composed of rigid material or , alternatively , the handle 15 may be composed a flexible resilient material . in a preferred embodiment the handle 15 may be slim and ergonomic , as shown in fig1 - 2 . such a slim - gripped handle 15 may allow for maximum muscle rotation flex and an improved muscle rotation tone as compared to use of a larger diameter handle 15 . handle 15 may be unitary with the device 100 or the handle 15 may be removable to allow for the interchangeability of handles 15 and ring elements 10 that may change relative weights and / or materials of the components comprising the device 100 . a preferred embodiment of a removable handle is shown in fig1 - 2 wherein a post 30 may be disposed on each of the first end 16 and second end 17 of the handle 15 wherein a complimentary post - hole 35 may be disposed at diametrically opposed portions of the inner circumference of the ring element 10 . the flexibility or resiliency of the handle 15 and / or ring element 10 may provide for a secure connection that is releasable with the application of a sufficient amount of force to slightly deform either of the components to allow for removal of the handle 15 from the ring element 10 . the scope of the present invention further includes all other manners known within the art for removably securing the handle 15 to the ring element 10 which may include but are not limited to complimentary screws and nuts or threaded recesses , tabs and grooves , and the like . a user &# 39 ; s grip on the handle 15 may also be improved by providing any beneficial secure gripping surface known within the art including but not limited to an elastomeric or resilient outer coating , knurling , texturing , grooves , and the like on the outer surface of the handle 15 . the at least one mobile element 20 is disposed within the toroidally shaped inner chamber 11 of the ring element 10 . in a preferred embodiment , the at least one mobile element 20 may comprise a spherical structure known within the art including but not limited to a steel ball capable of rolling within the inner chamber 11 . in another preferred embodiment , the at least one mobile element 20 may comprise a cylindrical - shaped configuration that is capable of sliding within the inner chamber 11 . the at least one mobile element 20 is movable within the inner chamber 11 to provide an ever changing resistance against the muscle flexion of the user . in alternate embodiments the at least one mobile element 20 may comprise multiple ball members or multiple cylindrical members including but not limited to two , three , four , five , or six mobile elements 20 disposed within the inner chamber 11 . in other alternate embodiments , the at least one mobile element 20 comprise any shape configuration capable of sliding , rolling , or otherwise moving within the inner chamber 11 or the ring element 10 . the clearance of the at least one mobile element 20 in the inner chamber 11 should be sufficient to allow for free and unobstructed rolling , sliding , or other movement of the at least one mobile element 20 within the inner chamber 11 . if the clearance is insufficient the diameter of the toroidally shaped inner chamber 11 may be increased by any means known within the art , and if the clearance is too large the diameter of the toroidally shaped inner chamber 11 may be decreased by any means known within the art . in a preferred embodiment , the clearance may be increased by sanding or otherwise abrading the inner surface of the ring element 10 to increase the internal diameter of the toroidally shaped inner chamber 11 . in another preferred embodiment , the clearance may be decreased by first sanding or otherwise abrading the inner surface of the ring element 10 and thereafter applying an appropriate thickness of one or more paint layers onto the inner surface of the ring element 10 to decrease the internal diameter of the toroidally shaped inner chamber 11 . as shown in fig1 - 2 and fig4 , internal bumpers 25 may be disposed within the toroidally shaped inner chamber 11 to separate the inner chamber 11 into two or more interior spaces . in a preferred embodiment four internal bumpers 25 may be used to separate the toroidally shaped inner chamber 11 into four interior spaces . the majority of the volume of such an inner chamber 11 may comprise two semicircular pathways with each having at least one mobile element 20 disposed therein . the four internal bumpers 25 may further define a void space disposed between each of the two semicircular chambers and immediately adjacent each of the first end 16 and the second end 17 of the handle 15 . such void spaces may be used to provide or facilitate access to the connection points between the handle 15 and the ring element 10 where the handle 15 is either permanently affixed or removably affixed to the ring element 10 . the internal bumpers 25 may comprise a flat , convex , or concave surface that interacts with the at least one mobile element 20 and provides a stopping point for the at least one mobile element &# 39 ; s 20 range of motion or travel within the toroidally shaped inner chamber 11 . in an alternate embodiment , the surfaces of the internal bumpers 25 that interact with the at least one mobile elements 20 may further comprise at least one resilient insert 40 that may include but is not limited to a spring , cylindrical - shaped resilient material , or any other resilient or soft material of any shape known within the art . in one embodiment , as shown in fig4 , the at least one resilient insert 40 may be secured to the surface of the internal bumper 25 that contacts the at least one mobile element 20 and provide a rebounding spring action and / or dampen the sound of the at least one mobile element 20 when the at least one mobile element 20 reaches the end of its range of motion or travel within the toroidally shaped inner chamber 11 . in still another embodiment , the at least one resilient insert 40 may remain movable within the inner chamber 11 of the ring element 10 sharing the space with at least one mobile element 20 . in a preferred embodiment , as shown in fig5 , the at least one resilient insert 40 may comprise a generally cylindrical configuration and may have an outer diameter sized less than the inner diameter of the toroidally shaped inner chamber 11 . additionally , the at least one resilient insert 40 may have a roller bearing inserted therein to allow for unobstructed motion of the at least one resilient insert 40 within the inner chamber 11 . in alternate embodiments the at least one resilient insert 40 may comprise a plurality of resilient inserts 40 including but not limited to two , three , four , five , or six resilient inserts 40 disposed within the inner chamber 11 and the potential internal spaces thereof and / or a plurality of resilient inserts 40 fixed to the surface of one or more internal bumpers 25 . the scope of the present invention further includes the use of a plurality of resilient inserts 40 wherein each embodiment may be used either alone or in any combination with other embodiments of the at least one resilient inserts 40 ( e . g . springs used along with cylindrical - shaped resilient material ). still another alternate embodiment , as shown in fig6 , may comprise at least one mobile element 20 having at least one magnet member 55 thereon . additionally , at least one magnet member 55 may also be further incorporated onto one or more internal bumpers 25 , at least one resilient insert 40 , one or more springs 36 , or other resilient members to provide a repulsive magnetic force as the at least one mobile element 20 and its at least one magnet member 55 thereon approaches any of these other structures having at least one magnet member 55 thereon as well . in this manner , opposing magnetic forces may provide and / or assist in slowing and / or stopping the continued motion of the at least one mobile element 20 as it approaches the end of its range of motion or travel within the inner chamber 11 . opposing or repulsive magnetic forces between the at least one mobile element 20 having at least one magnet member 55 thereon and any structures and / or surfaces in close proximity ( e . g . an internal bumper 24 , a resilient insert 40 , a spring 36 , or other resilient member ) may provide a rebounding magnetic force and / or assist in reducing or slowing the speed of the at least one mobile element 20 having the at least one magnet member 55 thereon as it reaches the end of its range of motion or travel within the toroidally shaped inner chamber 11 . in one exemplary embodiment , the at least one mobile element 20 may comprise a cylindrical structure , similar to the at least one resilient insert 40 described above , wherein the mobile element 20 may be weighted as needed and the diameter tolerances allow the at least one mobile element 20 to slide freely within the inner chamber 11 . as shown in fig6 , a first flat end and a second flat end of such a cylindrically - configured mobile element 20 may have magnet members 55 disposed thereon . any surface or structure that may approach and / or contact the at least one mobile element 20 and its at least one magnet member 55 thereon at the end of its range of motion within the inner chamber 11 ( e . g . an internal bumper 24 , a resilient insert 40 , a spring 36 , or any other resilient material ) may comprise a magnet member 55 that provides a beneficial opposing or repulsive magnetic force as the two structures come within close proximity to each another . in another embodiment or configuration ( not shown ), one or more removable elements may be removably attached to both the first end 16 and the second end 17 of the handle 15 thereby effectively replacing the ring element 10 . the one or more removable elements may be available in different total weights to provide a variety of resistances for changing workout intensity . in a preferred embodiment , the one or more removable elements may comprise one removable element disposed at each of the respective ends 16 , 17 of the handle 15 . the two removable elements may be of equal weight or one removable element may be of a greater weight than the other removable element to provide an additional workout variation . the one or more removable elements may be provided in near endless variety of shape configurations , wherein a preferred variation may include the spherical configuration . each of the one or more removable element may further comprise an attachment structure that is complimentary to a reciprocal structure found on each end 16 , 17 of the handle 15 . such complimentary attachment structures provide for a removable connection between the handle 15 and the one or more removable elements and may include but are not limited to complimentary post and holes , screws and nuts or threaded recesses , tabs and grooves , and the like . in still another embodiment or configuration , a plurality of resilient members 50 and / or struts 51 may be disposed either between the handle 15 and the inner circumference of the ring element 10 or between separate portions of the inner circumference of the ring element 10 . as shown in fig7 , any configuration of resilient members 50 and rigid struts 51 used alone or in combination may provide for alternate hand grip positions that allow additional exercise variations to be performed . resilient members 50 in the form of bungee cords or other known pliant or resilient material allow a user to perform additional elastic resistance exercises while using the device 100 of the present invention . connection points for the resilient members 50 and / or struts 51 may include end points independently selected from the ring element 10 , the handle 15 , other resilient members 50 , and other struts 51 . the above - described embodiments comprise a generally internal configuration wherein the operative structures and elements are contained within the ring element 10 and function within the toroidally shaped inner chamber 11 . as shown in fig8 , the same operative principles and structures may be applied in an external configuration 200 of the present invention as well . in an external configuration 200 , the ring element 10 may comprise a structure having a solid cross - section wherein the other elements are disposed about the outer surface or circumference of the ring element 10 . the handle 15 may be attached to diametrically opposed portions of the ring element 10 in the same manner as described above for the previous embodiments . the at least one mobile element 20 may comprise a sphere , a cylinder , or any other shape that may have a cylindrical hole 60 defined there through . the at least one mobile element 20 may slide upon the outer surface of the ring element 10 wherein the diameter of the cylindrical hole 60 is greater than the outer diameter of the ring element 10 . the internal bumpers 25 of the internal configurations in the previous embodiments may be reconfigured as external bumpers 65 or flanges to provide a stopping surface for the at least one mobile element 20 on the outer surface of the ring element 10 . as with the internal configurations described in detail above , an external configuration 200 may also further comprise a plurality of mobile element 20 , at least one magnet member 55 , one or more springs 36 , at least one resilient insert 40 , or other resilient material disposed about the outer surface of the ring element 10 either alone or in any combination thereof . such additional or alternative structures provide the same function whether incorporated on an internal or external configuration of the present invention . accordingly the reader will see that , in use one or more embodiments of the present invention provide for a hand held exercise device 100 that may be grasped by either one hand or two hands of the user . user rotation of the device 100 within the plane of the ring element 10 provides a force applied to the hand ( s ) and arm ( s ) of the user that must be countered by muscle flexion by the user . for a less intense workout , a user may rotate the device 100 with the user &# 39 ; s arms pointing toward the ground . for increased intensity , the user may rotate the device 100 while the device 100 is held up to resist gravity ( e . g . at shoulder level , overhead , and the like ). in a preferred embodiment , rotation of the device 100 causes the at least one mobile element 20 disposed within the toroidally shaped inner chamber 11 to roll , slide or otherwise move within the semicircular pathway of the preferred embodiment as the device 100 is repeatedly rotated clockwise and then counterclockwise within the plane of the ring element 10 . as the direction of rotation of the preferred embodiment is changed , the at least one mobile element 20 contacts an internal bumper 25 within the inner chamber 11 once the mobile element 20 has reached the end of its range of motion or travel within the inner chamber 11 causing a transfer of force to at least the hands and arms of the user . muscle flexion on the part of the user may be required to stop the current rotation of the device 100 ( as at least one mobile element 20 impacts the internal bumper 25 ) and then to impart a counter - rotation force that sends the at least one mobile element 20 back within its semicircular range of motion within the inner chamber 11 . as the rotation of the device 100 slows and then stops due to either muscular flexion or the limits of the user &# 39 ; s bodily range of motion for his or her hands , wrist , or arms , the at least one mobile element 20 begins to travel back through the semicircular inner chamber 11 and impacts the internal bumper 25 at the opposite end of the semicircular pathway of the inner chamber 11 . the weight and the overall number of at least one mobile elements 20 may be changed to provide for varying exercise resistance level and / or intensity . also , a user may desire to stop the rotation of the device 100 earlier via their own muscle flexion as opposed to ending rotation of the device 100 only when the user &# 39 ; s bodily range of motion is reached . while the above description contains much specificity , these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment , but as exemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof . many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments . thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents , and not by the examples given .	0
referring now in detail to the drawings , and , in particular , fig1 therein illustrated is a novel wrapping machine especially intended for wrapping cylindrical articles which includes a machine base or table 10 , which supports a web feeding assembly 11 , an article infeed assembly 30 , and an indexing article transport conveyor assembly 31 , and a heat tunnel 70 . the basic construction and operation of the machine is perhaps best illustrated in the schematic drawing of fig3 . as can be seen therein , the web feeding assembly includes an overwrap material mill roll 8 supported on a shaft 9 , the free rotation of which is controlled by a mill roll brake consisting of a brake disk 110 and brake caliper 111 . the web 6 of overwrap material wound on mill roll 8 , typically consists of a shrinkwrappable film , such as pvc , polyethylene or polyolefin . however , other materials , such as paper , could also be used . web 6 is fed from the mill roll over guide rollers 12 . web 6 is then guided past a multiplicity of slitting blades 13 which serve to longitudinally slit the web according to the number of articles to be wrapped simultaneously . slitting blades 13 are demountably secured to a mounting bar 15 supported on a shaft 16 which , in turn , is connected to a throw - off handle 17 . this permits the slitting blades 13 to be pivoted into and out of engagement with the web , as desired , such as for replacing blades , adding additional blade subassemblies , etc . as can be seen best in fig2 there are five slitters 13 provided which thereby produce six web panels for , in turn , wrapping six articles at a time . this , of course , can be varied , depending upon the particular application and desire of the operator . web 6 is then fed between the overwrap material feed roller 18 and overwrap material pressure roller 22 . feed roller 18 is mounted on feed roller shaft 20 which , in turn , is controlled by feed roller brake 21 and brake / clutch drive 44 , as described in greater detail hereinafter . the web 6 is then fed along the overwrap material feed skid plate 25 , which is disposed to guide the web 6 on to the inlet end of the endless transport conveyor assembly 31 consisting of a pair of spaced - apart chain sprocket wheels 33 , 33 &# 39 ; on which are mounted chain driven , independently and freely rotatable , spaced - apart conveyor rollers 36 . sprocket wheel 33 is mounted on sprocket shaft 34 for rotation therewith which , in turn , is coupled to sprocket shaft clutch 35 . clutch 35 is operatively coupled via a belt to a feed roller brake 21 coupled to feed roller shaft 20 . this conventional brake / clutch drive 44 composed of clutch 35 and brake 21 serves to permit timed feeding of the web in relation to the indexing of the conveyor . a suitable brake / clutch drive is sold by warner electric brake and clutch company of south beloit , ill . ( eb475 per drawing i 256927 sf400 per drawing i 25696 . sprocket sheel 33 &# 39 ; is coupled via a belt to stepping motor 39 which , in turn , is controlled by an electronic motor controller 40 . the electronic motor controller 41 controls the speed of the stepping motor 39 , allowing it to accelerate at a set rate , to the predetermined running speed . similarly , it controls the rate of deceleration according to the set rate until the base speed ( 0 ) is reached . this rate is set to allow an extremely smooth starting and stopping of the motor drive and , in turn , the conveyor . a suitable electronic motor controller ( packaged translator / oscillator 3180 - pto ) and a drive or stepping motor ( slo - syn stepping motor m112fj8012 ) is sold by superior electric of bristol conn . the article infeed station 30 has a removable infeed table or base 3 , having a series of lane dividers 4 , so as to allow a row of articles to be fed in accordance with the number of rows defined by the number of slitters 33 employed . the infeed table 3 has a conventional pneumatically - operated pivotal article escapement device 5 associated therewith for successively feeding the articles in timed relation to the feeding of the web 6 . as a result , after the web 6 is deposited upon two adjacent rollers 36 , the article would then also be fed on to the same adjacent rollers 36 . as can be seen best in fig2 article escapement device 5 includes an infeed gate assembly 14 comprised of a pivotably supported pivot shaft 52 and two gate arms 51 . pivot shaft 52 is operated by pneumatic cylinder 57 . as shown in fig1 and 3 , disposed adjacent to the article infeed assembly 11 is a transversely disposed parting wire 26 supported by a parting wire carriage 27 . carriage 27 is supported and activated via pneumatic cylinder 28 for effecting reciprocal vertical movement of wire 26 in the direction of arrow 28 for cutting the web into discrete portions . following the parting wire 26 , a series of atomizing nozzles 56 ( fig3 ) are provided for wetting the web , preferably with distilled water . the various movements of the machine are controlled in timed sequence ( as described hereinafter ) by a conventional programmable electronic sequence controller 41 . a suitable controller is the eptak 100 programmable controller sold by eagle signal controls of austin , tex . a control panel 86 is provided ( fig1 ) for operating the machine ( e . g ., start , stop , etc .). fig5 illustrates the construction of the heating tunnel 70 which is mounted on the machine table 10 above the discharge end of the transport conveyor 31 . heating tunnel 70 has a longitudinal passageway 71 having an inlet end 72 and a discharge end 73 . as seen best in fig3 the upper run of the roller conveyor 31 which serves to transport the wrapped articles passes through tunnel 71 . heating tunnel 70 is double - walled , having an outer shell 74 separated by an air space and a layer of insulation 75 from a plenum shell 76 of a hot air plenum 77 . two cooling fans 78 are used to cool the air space and , in turn , the outer shell 74 of the heating tunnel , so as to prevent possible injury to operators of the machinery . a series of electrical heating elements 79 are disposed in hot air plenum 77 , adjacent to the entrance 72 of the hot air chamber 71 . the tunnel inner shell 84 has a baffle with a plurality of apertures 81 disposed underneath the heating elements 79 to allow the heated air to be directed towards the wrapped articles ( not shown ). this is assisted by a high temperature blower 82 , the motor housing of which is mounted in the outer air gap , and the fan of which communicates with the hot air chamber 71 and the hot air plenum 77 to effect circulation of the hot air in the direction of the arrows 83 . although not shown , it is also possible to have openings 81 in the side walls of the heating tunnel 70 so as to direct heated air to the sides of the articles , if desired . a control panel 85 ( fig1 ) is provided for operating the heating tunnel ( e . g ., start , stop , temperature control , etc .). turning now to the operation of the machine , a machine cycle begins with overwrap material 6 having been drawn in the form of a web 6 from the overwrap material mill roll 8 in the direction indicated by arrow 7 . web 6 is then guided around overwrap material guide rollers 12 , and past overwrap material slitting blades 13 to effect longitudinal slitting of the web into the desired number of &# 34 ; sub &# 34 ; webs for simultaneously and individually wrapping a similar number of articles 1 . the slit web 6 is then fed between the overwrap material feed roller 18 and overwrap material pressure roller 22 and along the overwrap material feed skid plate 25 . the web 6 is then fed on to an adjacent pair of article support rollers 36 having been brought into and held in an appropriate position by the indexing transport conveyor motor 39 operating according to instructions previously programmed into the electronic motor controller 40 and being monitored by the programmable electronic sequence controller 41 . to prepare for continuous and automatic machine operation , excess overwrap material is initially parted from the web 6 by the material parting wire 26 . wire 26 is held perpendicular to the direction of travel 32 ( fig3 ) of the indexing transport conveyor 31 , by the material parting wire carriage 27 and brought into contact with the overwrap material 6 by the overwrap material parting wire carriage actuators 28 secured to the near and far ends of the parting wire carriage 27 acting in the direction indicated by the arrow 8 ( fig3 ). the overwrap material parting wire 26 and parting wire carriage 27 are engaged and withdrawn to their appropriate positions and in an appropriate sequence according to instructions programmed into the programmable electronic sequence controller 41 . upon withdrawal of the overwrap material parting wire 26 and parting wire carriage 27 , water is atomized through nozzles 56 ( fig3 ) suspended above the indexing transport conveyor 31 and forward , in the direction of travel 32 of the indexing transport conveyor 31 , of the parting wire carriage 27 across the width of the overwrap material 6 at a point directly behind , in the direction of travel 32 of the indexing transport conveyor 31 , the point 42 at which the overwrap material 6 has been parted from the web 6 by the action of the overwrap material parting wire 26 . at this point , an appropriate amount of overwrap material 6 rests on an adjacent pair of article support rollers 36 , with the indexing transport conveyor 31 in the dwell portion of its cycle . the overwrap material parting wire 26 and parting wire carriage 27 having been withdrawn to an appropriate position by the parting wire carriage actuators 28 ( fig1 and 2 ) operating according to instructions previously programmed into the programmable electronic sequence controller 41 . water has been atomized through nozzles 56 suspended above the indexing transport conveyor 31 to coat the width of the overwrap material 6 at a point directly behind , in the direction of travel 32 of the indexing transport conveyor 31 , the point 42 at which the overwrap material 6 has been parted from the web by the action of the overwrap material parting wire 26 . then , an article 1 , being held by the escapement mechanism 5 which is suspended above the article infeed lane dividers 4 ( see fig1 ) is deposited , by the action of the escapement mechanism 5 according to instructions previously programmed into the programmable electronic sequence controller 41 , on to the adjacent pair of article support rollers 36 carrying the overwrap material 6 and holds the overwrap material 6 between the article 1 and the adjacent pair of article support rollers 36 . with an article 1 on the adjacent article support rollers 36 and the overwrap material held between the article 1 and the adjacent article support rollers 36 , the indexing transport conveyor 31 accelerates to its nominal running speed by consequence of the action of the transport conveyor motor 39 according to instructions previously programmed into the electronic motor controller 40 and being constantly monitored by the programmable electronic sequence controller 41 . overwrap material 6 is fed simultaneously , and at a rate consistent with the rate of advance of the indexing transport conveyor 31 , thus maintaining the relationship previously established between the article 1 , the overwrap material 6 , and the adjacent article support rollers 36 . a chain or belt drive 44 couples the indexing transport conveyor sprocket shaft 34 to the overwrap feed roller shaft 20 and overwrap material feed roller 18 the configuration of which assures the simultaneity of the complementary actions . the indexing transport conveyor advance and overwrap material feed continue , monitored by the programmable electronic sequence controller 41 through the transport conveyor rollers sensors 38 ( fig3 ) until an appropriate length of overwrap material , determined by instructions previously programmed into the programmable electronic sequence controller , has passed the point 42 . the indexing transport conveyor 31 now decelerates from its nominal run speed by consequence of the action of the transport conveyor motor 39 according to instructions programmed into the electronic motor controller 40 . at a moment just prior to the moment at which the indexing transport conveyor 31 completes its deceleration and comes to rest , the material feed roller brake 21 is actuated causing the overwrap material 6 being carried by the adjacent article support rollers 36 to withdraw from its original position forward of the lead article support roller 36 , to a position which places the leading edge of the overwrap material at a point where the article 1 and the lead support roller 36 are tangent ( fig4 ). the leading edge of the overwrap material having been previously coated with water atomized through nozzles 56 is now adhered to the article 1 by the compression of the article 1 against the adjacent pair of article support rollers 36 . the indexing transport conveyor 31 now comes to rest by consequence of the action of the transport conveyor motor 39 according to instructions programmed into the electronic motor controller 40 . with the indexing transport conveyor 31 in the dwell portion of its cycle , the overwrap parting wire 26 and parting wire carriage 27 are engaged and withdrawn to their appropriate positions separating the previously metered length of overwrap material 45 from the web of overwrap material 6 . subsequent articles are brought into the ready position in the escapement mechanism 5 by the action of gravity , the article infeed base 3 having been fixed , at an appropriate angle of declination , above the indexing transport conveyor 31 . continuous and automatic machine infeed operations proceed with individual motions occurring in proper sequence , as previously described , according to instructions previously programmed into the electronic motor controller 40 and the programmable electronic sequence controller 41 . with the subsequent infeed sequence now complete , the indexing transport conveyor 31 accelerates to its nominal running speed , the rate and uniformity of which ( and similarly , the rate and uniformity of deceleration ) is governed by the transport conveyor motor 39 and electronic motor controller 40 . this assures the stability of articles - in - process 46 , allows higher machine cycle rates , and eliminates interruption of continuous and automatic machine cycles caused by toppling articles associated with previously available indexing transport conveyors . as the indexing transport conveyor accelerates to its nominal run speed the adjacent pair of article support rollers 36 now carrying the article - in - process 46 and the separated , metered length of overwrap material 45 are brought into contact with the support roller guide rails 37 . the forward motion 32 of the indexing transport conveyor 31 in combination with the tangential contact of rollers 36 with rails 37 imparts rotation to the adjacent pair of article support rollers 36 in the direction indicated by the arrow 48 shown in fig4 . the resultant counter - rotation 48 of the article - in - process 46 draws the separated , metered length of overwrap material 45 around the circumference of the article - in - process 46 , the leading edge of the separated , metered length of overwrap material having been adhered to the article - in - process 46 as previously described . continuous and automatic machine cycles proceed carrying the now overwrapped article - in - process along the length of the indexing transport conveyor 31 . the counter - rotation 48 of the article - in - process continues as the article enters the integral heat tunnel 70 . the circulating hot air in the heat tunnel heats the web causing it to be firmly adhered to the article . subsequent machine cyles carry the completed , overwrapped or shrink - wrapped articles to the discharge end of the indexing transport conveyor 31 where an accumulation tray 80 or automatic collection assembly is positioned ( fig1 ). the integral heat tunnel 70 is an improvement over previously available equipment in that it eliminates the transfer of articles - in - process to a secondary conveyor which , by action of the transfer , often topples articles , especially narrow or unstable cylindrical articles , causing interruption of continuous operation . furthermore , this integral heat tunnel configuration eliminates the need for , and additional power consumption of , a preshrink section previously employed to keep the overwrap material from unwrapping during transfer in particular , these prior art machines have a set of oscillating heat guns mounted above the wrapping conveyor . after the packaging material is wrapped around the product but prior to being transferred on to the shrink tunnel conveyor , the heat guns oscillate down to direct hot air on to the wrapped products to provide a &# 34 ; pre - shrink &# 34 ;. this pre - shrink causes the package material to draw in around the product sufficiently to allow it to be transferred without stripping the package film . this entire subassembly is eliminated in the present machine . moreover , because of the very direct air flow and extremely short travel distance of the heated air , this tunnel provides enough energy to shrink the packaging material in a very short period of time , allowing for a more compact unit . in addition , the physical design of the tunnel is such that a thermal barrier is created between the interior and exterior shells . by forcing ambient air through the thermal barrier , via cooling fans , the skin temperature of the outer casing stays at a much cooler level than prior art designs as previously noted , existing equipment utilizes a waterbased adhesive ( e . g ., wallpaper paste ), to create the required adhesion between the product and the packaging material . this requires that the adhesive be mixed and stored in a pressurized tank to be fed to the spray valves . the adhesive by its very nature causes the spray valves to clog , necessitating periodic maintenance . also , the overspray adhesive directed at the packaging material requires periodic cleaning of the infeed assembly , the conveyor rollers and all adjacent components . the present system , however , as a result of the use of the integrated shrink tunnel eliminates the need for a &# 34 ; strong &# 34 ; adhesive . relatively weak adhesive obtained by wetting the web with filtered water is sufficient in the present machine . as a result , there is no mixing , no holding tank , no adhesive build - up and , therefore , no required periodic maintenance . in contrast to existing equipment , wherein the film feeding and slitting section is covered by the product infeed tooling , the present design affords the advantage of an easily removable article infeed assembly which , when removed , provides complete access to the film feed slitting section . another advantage of the present invention is the elimination of the need for crush - cut slitters for severing the mill roll into individual strips for wrapping around the articles . a crush - cut slitter is a hardened rotating blade running at &# 34 ; zero clearance &# 34 ; against a hardened anvil . both the slitter and the anvil must be extremely hard and precision ground . by their very nature , the slitter blades dull fairly quickly which requires either regrinding or replacement . in contrast thereto , the present invention utilizes a commercial razor blade which only contacts the sheet material . as a result , the service life of the razor blade is dramatically longer than the crush cut blade and its replacement cost is negligible in comparison . also , in the course of production , as the crush cut slitter begins to dull , it will not severe the film completely . therefore , when two adjacent products are wrapped and shrunk , they will shrink together , creating a rejected product . this , however , may not be readily apparent to the machine operator . in contrast , when a razor blade reaches the end of its service life , it will tear the film , as opposed to slitting it , which will become readily apparent to the operator . another disadvantage of the prior art machines is that the anvil for the crush cut slitters also serves as the film feed roll . contacting this roller are individual pressure rolls , e . g ., after the film has been slit , each strip has its own pressure roller . if there is a inconsistency in the winding of the film from side to side , it will now manifest itself at the feed roller . this will cause a sagging or a loss of tension in one or several of the strips between the mill roll and the feed roller . without some level of tension in the film , it will neither track true or slit properly . when the condition reaches this point , it requires the operator to stop the machine and draw up the excess film in those lanes in order to produce a constant tension across the entire web . in contrast thereto , the present invention utilizes a single full width feed roller and pressure roller , as a result of which a variation in film winding will not manifest itself as a problem . in the prior art machine between the mill roll and the film feed roll , a set of festooning rollers are attached to a mechanical brake to maintain web tension . in the present invention , on the other hand , a pair of stationary idler rollers are positioned between the mill roll and the film feed roller and a pneumatic disc brake , controlled via the microprocessor , maintains web tension . as previously noted , the existing machine utilizes an electro - mechanical clutch brake system for the indexing of the transport conveyor . because of the shock load incurred during the start and stopping of each conveyor cycle , these components are subject to wear and require periodic replacement . the present invention , on the other hand , uses an electronic drive system which accelerates from 0 to a predetermined speed and decelerates back to 0 from each conveyoring index and is therefore not subject to the shock load and wear otherwise heretofore incurred . this also minimizes the possibility of toppling of the individual cylindrical articles . the overall design of the present machine greatly improves the speed of operation . in fact , a test was conducted between the present invention and the machine of u . s . pat . no . 3 , 659 , 394 . the machines were employed to wrap 3 / 4 inch wide tape for a period of eight hours . the prior art patented machine was able to produce 210 cases of 3 / 4 inch tape , 48 wrapped tapes per case , with a rejection rate of 8 %. in contrast , the present invention was able to produce 380 cases , with a rejection rate of only 1 to 2 %. as can be appreciated , various modifications may be made to the method and machine of the present invention , as will be apparent to those skilled in the art . for example , although the machine is specifically intended for wrapping adhesive tape rolls , other items such as wrapping paper , wallpaper , etc . could be used in the present machine . in addition , although the machine is specifically intended for use with shrink - wrap film , such as pvc , polyethylene or polyolefin , which typically come in thicknesses of 3 / 4 mil to 11 / 4 mil , it would be possible to wrap articles with paper , if so desired , although it may be necessary to use glue in such a case . thus , while only one embodiment of the invention has been shown and described , it is obvious that there are many changes and modifications that may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .	1
after creating , or opening a saved , dataset of text data objects with a plurality of parameters , the user clicks ( 101 ) to view a list of available parameters as depicted in the “ parameter ” column at ( 102 ). the user then selects those the computer is to identify and retrieve text data objects to be listed on a data table . familiar to those skilled in the art are means , such as adjacent to ( 102 ), to limit the imaging of text data objects on a data table to those with singular parametric values or satisfying one of selected preset formulas such as “ greater or equal ,” “ less than ,” etcetera . the initial order of the columns of parameter values on the data table , thus the initial order of sorting by the computer , is specified at ( 103 ). this discrete specification of select and sort criteria is named at ( 104 ) and saved ( 105 ). a list of such saved discrete specifications is available at ( 106 ). with the desired select and sort criteria in view the user clicks ( 107 ) to signal the computer to generate a data table , fig2 , that satisfies the chosen select and sort criteria . 0011 on the resulting data table , fig2 , the name of the select and sort specification chosen by the user is displayed and highlighted at ( 201 ). the user may have chosen to create and save , thus making immediately accessible , data tables defined in fig1 , the names of which are below ( 201 ). the identifiers ( names , numerals , and / or symbols ) of the associated text data objects are listed on the data table in the last column ( 202 ), preceded by the columns of parametric values . with the initial column arrangement as specified at ( 103 ) and , in this example , 120 such permutations of the 5 parameters to be examined , the user signals the computer at ( 203 ) and adjacent arrow icons to generate and image the next permutation configured according to an ordering algorithm incorporated in the software . a user preferring automated imaging of permutations clicks ( 204 ), then clicks “ auto ” in an imaged drop - down menu . the user then controls , with the slider at ( 205 ), the rate of automated sequencing according to the ordering algorithm . the relative position of a currently viewed permutation in the ordering algorithm is indicated at ( 206 ), thus in the present example the table in fig2 is the 3 rd of 120 possible permutations . by means familiar to those skilled in the art , the user edits text and adds color to text , fields , and rows as desired to assist in his or her evolving reasoning . such variants of the same permutation can be named by clicking ( 207 ), which enables entry of a name on the “ saved ” field drop - down list ( 208 ). later the user selects a saved variant to be imaged by clicking ( 209 ), then the word “ saved ”, which causes a drop - down list of saved variants to be imaged : if the imaging of text data objects on the data table exceeds the vertical size of the window , the lower edge ( 210 ) of the window can be dragged down . similarly , if the number of columns of parametric data and / or the width of said columns requires , the right edge ( 211 ) of the window can be dragged to the right . consequently the number of items that can be concurrently examined , the number of their parameters , and the size of parametric value fields are limited only by the size of the monitor on which the data table is imaged . the manipulation of imaged data to visually discover meaningful relationships , or potential relationships reflects the reasoning of the user . as an example of reasoning , the user examining fig2 , in which the “ items ” listed on the data table are numbered physical objects retrieved from a hypothetical archeological site , can conclude that because “ item 14 ” and ‘ item 15 ” were retrieved from measured locations , as in adjacent “ grids ,” possibly only inches apart , and at approximately the same “ depth ,” and that the items consist of “ clay ” is probably correct , the other assigned values of “ type ” and “ color ” are less certain . the user can further reason that because both objects are probably “ clay ” they may be parts of the same object , i . e . a “ bowl ” or a “ plate ,” and they both may be either “ gray ” or “ blue .” to reflect his or her personal reasoning , the user can manipulate the imaging of the data table by editing text and / or coloring text , fields , rows , or columns and again permuting the table to perceive the effect on other of the 120 permutations . that may lead to physical examination of both physical objects . alternatively , it could lead to examination of their images , if available as described in cross referenced u . s . pat . no . 6 , 134 , 564 ; especially if the images are 3 - dimensional and subject to manipulation by the user . because in the first two columns , the “ grid ” and “ depth ” parameters , the parametric values can be considered relatively accurate , the user has , with the present invention , clicked the name fields , ( 212 ) and ( 213 ), of those two columns . that causes those names to be clearly distinguished from other such fields by means such as a unique background , accented border , and / or bold letters . concurrently the computer is automatically configured to maintain static imaging of those columns and base further permutation on an ordering algorithm for the other three parameters , thus generating six different arrangements of the “ color ,” “ material ,” and “ object ” columns . because excluding selected parameters from sorting has the effect of locking their values to the identifiers of the text data objects they describe , automatically marking ( 202 ) in the same fashion when ( 212 ) or ( 213 ) are clicked can aid perception of that relationship . because parameters selected for exclusion from permutation by the present invention can be those located anywhere on the data table , the user may choose to predetermine excluded parameters during initial specification of sort order at ( 103 ) and locate them last in the initial sort order , thus adjacent to the column of text data object identifiers at ( 202 ). it is apparent that the users &# 39 ; reasoning about manipulation of text data displayed on a plurality of data tables for visual discovery of meaningful relationships incorporates only the visible data about the identifier and parametric values of the listed text data objects . if the user wishes additional information , clicking the identifier ( 214 ) of a text data object signals the computer to image a dialog box , such as described in cross - referenced u . s . pat . no . 6 , 216 , 139 , which is the source of the computer record of that text data object . functioning as the source of the row on the data table imaging the parameter names and values , the said dialog box contains an expandable field for entry of associated text such as further description , comments , etc . the dialog box also contains a list of other related text data objects , the dialog boxes of which can be viewed by clicking the object names on the list . such dialog boxes are cited herein because imaging concurrently the data table and a dialog box increases the amount of data in the user &# 39 ; s working memory while using the present invention to permute data tables , thereby increasing the merit of said invention . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention described herein increases the scope and integrity of human visual analysis of data tables of text data objects and , optionally , associated dialog boxes by maintaining user visibility of all parametric data a plurality of data about text data objects while reducing the number of permutations to be examined . it will also be apparent that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments discussed herein , and that various modifications can be made to this invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention .	6
[ 0012 ] fig1 shows a preferred embodiment of an overview functional block diagram of a central office switch ( cos ) on which the present invention resides . while there are a variety of cos vendors and architectures available in the marketplace , those skilled in the art of the invention will readily be able to adapt the discussion of the invention &# 39 ; s implementation on the exemplary switch to the switches and architectures they are familiar with . also , while various enabling state and federal statutes , rules and regulations , most deriving from the communications act of 1934 , give telecommunications providers the authority to preempt existing services based on priority service given to telephone lines associated with national security and emergency recovery , the exact implementation in the network is not specified . thus , similarly , those skilled in the art of the invention will readily be able to adapt the discussion of the invention &# 39 ; s implementation on the exemplary switch to the switches and architectures they are familiar with . telephony processor complex tpc 2 is the main processor for the cos . tpc 2 executes the higher level functions of a call and coordinates the space - time connectivity between peripheral processors and other call processing resources , such as digit receivers , directory number resolution , tones and announcements . administrative control processor apc 1 handles administrative duties of the cos , such as recent change functions , billing data generation , i / o terminal processing , and performance monitoring and error reporting . common memory unit cmu 3 contains static data , where the database for all devices in the cos is stored , and dynamic data about every call in progress on the cos . time switch and control units tcu 4 and tcu 7 are peripheral processors mainly controlled by tpc 2 that execute the scanning control code to look at lines , trunks and other devices , react to changes in their status , and report changes in status to tpc 2 . most of the hardware specific software resides in the tcus . tcu 4 and tcu 7 are connected to space switch unit ssu 6 , the switching matrix of the cos . tcu 4 and tcu 7 perform the time slot interchange functions , as directed by tpc 2 , to establish a call connection through ssu 6 . space interface controller sic 5 is the interface between ssu 6 and tpc 2 . sic 5 controls and directs information passed between tpc 2 and ssu 6 . it also monitors and reports any errors occurring in ssu 6 . analog line units alu 8 and alu 9 are connected to tcu 4 and tcu 7 , respectively . the alus contain the individual line cards for the system as well as the line concentration modules . in this overview , the alus also contain dtmf receivers and tone generators . telephone instruments and other customer stations such as 10 and 11 connect to line cards in alu 8 and alu 9 , respectively . the exemplary cos of fig1 includes the government emergency telephone system ( gets ) feature , which is a set of switch - based and advanced intelligent network ( ain ) features which allow authorized users to gain access to enhanced call completion features by dialing an access number , entering an authentication pin , then entering the desired destination number . this feature is available from virtually all telephone lines in the exemplary network . the cos of fig1 also includes the essential line service ( els ) feature , which is a switch - based priority dial tone feature that denies dial tone in a switch overload condition to all but class a lines . a line , such as those to which telephone instruments 10 and 11 are connected , may be defined as class a in the switch database in cmu 3 . administration software running on apc 1 monitors several critical switch resources to determine when machine overload is affecting the switch . these critical resources include processor real - time usage and common equipment usage . processor real - time usage is the percent busy of the switch &# 39 ; s telephony processor tpc 2 and the peripheral processors tcu 4 and 7 . various options allow for monitoring of individual processors and / or monitoring of an average usage across some or all processors . common equipment usage is the percent busy of the switch &# 39 ; s call registers in cmu 3 , and the dtmf and mf receivers in tcus 4 and 7 . in the exemplary switch of fig1 the els feature is activated when a first target percent usage of a critical resource is reached , and deactivated after a second lower target percent usage is reached , with the feature remaining active for at least a specified interval . typically , during periods of extraordinarily high usage , a switch moves in and out of the overload condition as actions taken have the desired affect , albeit possibly only temporarily . during normal switch operation , the scanning control function of a time switch and control unit , such as tcu 4 or 7 , formulates a list of lines to scan for state changes , and directs analog line units , such as alu 8 or 9 , to scan the lines on the list . when the els feature is activated , the tcus modify their scanning algorithm and choose only those lines defined as class a for alu scanning . when els is deactivated , the regular scanning algorithm is again invoked . in the preferred embodiment , the cos includes the feature of the present invention , referred to hereinafter as dynamic essential line service ( dels ). with the dels feature , if a first gets access is made from a telephone line as determined by tpc 2 detecting that a gets access directory number has been dialed , the line is changed to class a in its database entry , provided the line is not already defined as an els class a line . a dels_active bit is also set in the line &# 39 ; s database entry indicating that dels has updated the line to class a . on subsequent gets accesses from the line , dels determines that it has already updated the line to class a by the presence of the dels_active bit in the line &# 39 ; s database entry and no further action is taken . if a non - gets directory number is dialed , dels reverts the line to class b and the dels_active bit is turned off . in this manner , once a gets call has been placed , the caller will receive the benefits of els for at least the next call , and for a series of calls if all calls in the series are gets calls . [ 0026 ] fig2 shows a flowchart of a preferred embodiment of the present invention . after tcu 4 has collected digits , tpc 2 determines if the call is a gets call ( step 201 ). if the call is a gets call , tpc 2 examines the database entry for the calling line to determine if the dels feature is active on the line ( step 202 ). if dels is active on the line , tpc 2 exits the routine . if dels is not active on the line , tpc 2 determines if the line is defined as a class a line in accordance with the els feature ( step 203 ). if the line is defined as an els class a line , tpc 2 exits the routine . if the line is not defined as an els class a line , tpc 2 sets the line to class a ( step 204 ), sets the dels_active bit ( step 205 ), and exits the routine . if tpc 2 initially determines that the call is not a gets call ( step 201 ), tpc 2 determines if dels is active on the line ( step 206 ). if dels is not active on the line , tpc 2 exits the routine . if dels is active on the line , tpc 2 reverts the line to class b ( step 207 ), resets the dels_active bit ( step 208 ), and exits the routine . it is recognized that waiting until a non - gets call is placed before reverting the line back to class b may leave otherwise class b lines as class a well after an overload condition has abated , but it is felt that there is not a negative impact by this condition . at most , only the next non - gets call will receive els treatment , and all lines with dels active will revert to class b lines with the next non - gets call placed on the line . once the overload condition has abated , there is no adverse affect on the switch and no benefit is afforded to the line still temporarily marked as class a . however , if this should prove to be a concern , a method to alleviate this concern would be to start a call timer coincident with some event in the call , such as the start or end of each gets call or when the dels feature sets the dels_active bit ( step 205 ), and automatically revert the line to class b and reset the dels_active bit after a predetermined interval . while the present invention has been shown and described with respect to a preferred embodiment , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention . for example , while the preferred embodiment describes the dels feature determining if the call is a gets call , other or additional emergency related directory numbers may be added to the list . more generally , while the preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to emergency related calls , it is possible to activate such a feature that changes some aspect of the line definition based on a directory number being dialed of a predetermined set of numbers , and to revert the line aspect to its original setting once a number is dialed that is not in the predetermined set of numbers . also , while the disclosure above describes the dels feature as determining if the call should receive treatment based on a directory number dialed , more generally , any combination of numbers or digits dialed ( which includes “*” and “#” or other special characters ) may be used by the dels feature to identify a call to receive treatment . in the lexicon of this disclosure and claims , directory number should be understood to encompass any suitable combination of dialed digits and characters . also , while in the preferred embodiment , main processing of the dels feature takes place in tpc 2 , other switches and architecture may process this feature in other elements of the switch . it is understood that different service providers and manufacturers of central office switches may use terminology different from the “ essential line service ”, “ class a ” and “ class b ” terminology of this disclosure . in the lexicon of this disclosure and claims , these terms are intended to encompass equivalent functional features that may be referred to with different terminology . it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents .	7
the present invention provides methods and apparatus for matching audio advertisements to items on a shopping list in a mobile device . generally , aspects of the present invention make shopping lists in mobile devices , such as smart phones , more intelligent and dynamic by applying speech recognition techniques to audio advertisements . according to one aspect of the invention , a speech recognizer converts audio advertisements to text or another relevant format in order to identify keywords of interest . the identified keywords can be matched to one or more items on the shopping list of a user . as used herein , a “ shopping list ” comprises any listing of one or more items to be purchased by a user , including an ingredient list , a shopping cart for an e - commerce web site , and “ to do ” entries on a calendar that are related to a purchase ( such as “ buy milk ”). fig1 illustrates an exemplary advertisement matching system 100 that incorporates aspects of the present invention . as shown in fig1 , the exemplary advertisement matching system 100 may be implemented on a mobile device , such as a smart phone , of a user . the exemplary advertisement matching system 100 comprises a speech recognition module 110 and a shopping list module 120 . the exemplary speech recognition module 110 and shopping list module 120 may be implemented , for example , as client applications on the mobile device 100 of a user . the exemplary speech recognition module 110 listens to advertisements at stage 112 , recognizes text from the advertisement at stage 114 , and parses the advertisement at stage 116 . it is noted that the speech recognition module 110 can perform speech recognition directly on the mobile device of the user , or may transmit the audio information to a server or another computing device to perform the speech recognition . as discussed hereinafter , an advertisement matching process 200 , as discussed further below in conjunction with fig2 , listens to audio advertisements 150 in a background mode , performs speech recognition on the advertisements using the speech recognition module 110 and then parses the recognized text of the advertisements to match the advertisements to items on a shopping list using the shopping list module 120 . the audio advertisements 150 may be broadcasted , for example , from any audio source 160 , such as radio or another audio source . the exemplary shopping list module 120 synchronizes items on a shopping list 130 to generate the necessary notes and messages 140 from the audio advertisements 150 , as discussed further below . fig2 is a flow chart describing an exemplary implementation of an advertisement matching process 200 that incorporates aspects of the present invention . as shown in fig2 , the exemplary advertisement matching process 200 initially stores the shopping list 130 in the mobile device 100 of the user during step 210 . thereafter , one or more advertisements 150 are broadcasted , for example , from an fm radio or another audio source during step 220 . the speech recognition module 110 listens to the advertisements 150 in a background mode during step 230 . the speech recognition module 110 matches certain words from the advertisements 150 to items in the shopping list 130 during step 240 . thereafter , the speech recognition module 110 stores information from the advertisement 150 during step 250 in a dedicated memory location ( dml ) 400 , as discussed further below in conjunction with fig4 . the exemplary shopping list module 120 scans the items in the shopping list 130 during step 260 and tags the shopping list data 300 , as discussed further below in conjunction with fig3 , with the information from the advertisement 150 . as shown in step 270 and as discussed further below in conjunction with fig3 and 4 , the tag for the advertisement 150 contains specific data related to the advertisement 150 . as shown in fig2 , the tag for the advertisement 150 optionally pops up as a message to the user during step 280 when the user activates the mobile device 100 . fig3 illustrates exemplary shopping list data 300 for a shopping list 130 residing on a mobile device 100 of a user . the exemplary shopping list data 300 comprises a plurality of records 310 - 1 through 310 - n , each associated with a different item in the shopping list 130 . each exemplary record 310 identifies the item by one or more of name , quantity , pattern , color , type and brand . in addition , each exemplary record 310 comprises exemplary advertising tag information 320 , such as a link to the details of the advertisement 150 . fig4 illustrates an exemplary advertisement record 400 for a broadcast advertisement 150 . the exemplary advertisement record 400 comprises a field 410 containing the transcribed text of the broadcasted advertisement 150 and a field 420 comprising the generated information for the advertisement tag 320 . the exemplary field 420 comprises an advertiser name , a commodity name , a brand name and a summary of the offer . while fig2 shows an exemplary sequence of steps , it is also an embodiment of the present invention that these sequences may be varied . various permutations of the algorithms are contemplated as alternate embodiments of the invention . while exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described with respect to processing steps in a software program , as would be apparent to one skilled in the art , various functions may be implemented in the digital domain as processing steps in a software program , in hardware by a programmed general - purpose computer , circuit elements or state machines , or in combination of both software and hardware . such software may be employed in , for example , a hardware device , such as a digital signal processor , application specific integrated circuit , micro - controller , or general - purpose computer . such hardware and software may be embodied within circuits implemented within an integrated circuit . as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art , aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system , method or computer program product . accordingly , aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment , an entirely software embodiment ( including firmware , resident software , micro - code , etc .) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “ circuit ,” “ module ” or “ system .” furthermore , aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium ( s ) having computer readable program code embodied thereon . any combination of one or more computer readable medium ( s ) may be utilized . the computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium . a computer readable storage medium may be , for example , but not limited to , an electronic , magnetic , optical , electromagnetic , infrared , or semiconductor system , apparatus , or device , or any suitable combination of the foregoing . more specific examples ( a non - exhaustive list ) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following : an electrical connection having one or more wires , a portable computer diskette , a hard disk , a random access memory ( ram ), a read - only memory ( rom ), an erasable programmable read - only memory ( eprom or flash memory ), an optical fiber , a portable compact disc read - only memory ( cd - rom ), an optical storage device , a magnetic storage device , or any suitable combination of the foregoing . in the context of this document , a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain , or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system , apparatus , or device . a computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein , for example , in baseband or as part of a carrier wave . such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms , including , but not limited to , electro - magnetic , optical , or any suitable combination thereof . a computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate , propagate , or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system , apparatus , or device . program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium , including but not limited to wireless , wireline , optical fiber cable , rf , etc ., or any suitable combination of the foregoing . computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages , including an object oriented programming language such as java , smalltalk , c ++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages , such as the “ c ” programming language or similar programming languages . the program code may execute entirely on the user &# 39 ; s computer , partly on the user &# 39 ; s computer , as a stand - alone software package , partly on the user &# 39 ; s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server . in the latter scenario , the remote computer may be connected to the user &# 39 ; s computer through any type of network , including a local area network ( lan ) or a wide area network ( wan ), or the connection may be made to an external computer ( for example , through the internet using an internet service provider ). aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods , apparatus ( systems ) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention . it will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams , and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams , can be implemented by computer program instructions . these computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer , special purpose computer , or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine , such that the instructions , which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus , create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks . these computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer , other programmable data processing apparatus , or other devices to function in a particular manner , such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks . the computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer , other programmable data processing apparatus , or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer , other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks . fig5 is a block diagram of an advertisement matching system 500 that can implement the processes of the present invention . as shown in fig5 , memory 530 configures the processor 520 to implement the advertisement matching methods , steps , and functions disclosed herein ( collectively , shown as 580 in fig5 ). the memory 530 could be distributed or local and the processor 520 could be distributed or singular . the memory 530 could be implemented as an electrical , magnetic or optical memory , or any combination of these or other types of storage devices . it should be noted that each distributed processor that makes up processor 520 generally contains its own addressable memory space . it should also be noted that some or all of computer system 500 can be incorporated into a personal computer , laptop computer , handheld computing device , application - specific circuit or general - use integrated circuit . the flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture , functionality , and operation of possible implementations of systems , methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention . in this regard , each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module , segment , or portion of code , which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function ( s ). it should also be noted that , in some alternative implementations , the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures . for example , two blocks shown in succession may , in fact , be executed substantially concurrently , or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order , depending upon the functionality involved . it will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration , and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration , can be implemented by special purpose hardware - based systems that perform the specified functions or acts , or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions . it is to be understood that the embodiments and variations shown and described herein are merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and that various modifications may be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention .	6
fig1 shows the invention assembly 100 in a view normal to the angled top piece of clip 101 so that the plane of support back 102 will be seen at an angle slightly out of the page . although support back 102 is shown with extensive broken line dimensions in fig1 , a critical function to the invention clip is to provide opposing surfaces 103 for the contact legs 105 of clip 101 so that at least the front and back covers of spine bound pages 107 , as in fig9 , may be captured between them . it will be appreciated that a cutout portion 106 provides the effective departure from the prior art with respect to a standard clipboard design facilitating the invention function of securing the covers and / or one or more pages adjacent to them . the invention clip 101 comprises , as shown in fig2 , a top piece 109 that is attached at and rotates against spring resistance about holes 114 held by pins in connection with holes 116 of bottom piece 110 . bottom piece 110 is attached or is molded with support back 102 . spring means 118 in fig2 is shown apart from pieces 109 and 110 and typically comprises a leaf spring , wound wire spring or other such prior art spring means for clipboards . top piece 109 comprises a thumb depression portion 112 , two rotation extensions 113 having axis holes 114 , and legs section 111 . bottom piece 110 comprises to rotation extensions 116 having axis holes 117 , and a support back attachment portion 115 . fig3 shows the assembled top piece 109 , bottom piece 110 , and spring means 118 attached to support back 102 having a support lip 108 for a spine end of spine bound pages . the device of fig3 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention clip with a maximum height arising from the can attachment of the top piece to the bottom piece at holes 114 and 117 . the device of fig4 is an alternate embodiment to that shown in fig3 where the rotation extensions of the top piece and the bottom piece are shorter than those shown in fig3 resulting in a path of the clip of fig4 being capable of restraining fewer pages than the device of fig3 . the device of fig5 is substantially fat shown in fig3 although the legs portion 111 is modified at the legs 105 so that the plane of legs portion 111 is dog laid down at portion 119 and extends at a different angle through portion 120 , whereby the bottom surface 121 of portion 120 is adapted to press substantially flatter against spine bound pages 107 than the legs 105 of the device of fig3 . the device of fig6 comprises an invention clip with no some depressing section 112 , it &# 39 ; s lifting function replaced by a finger clip 123 on legs portion 111 . the device of fig7 is substantially that shown in fig3 although the some depressing section 112 is that a substantially different angle band that of the plane of the legs portion 124 . the several embodiments of the invention clip shown in fig2 through 7 demonstrate that the objects of the invention in effectively restraining the pages of spine bound pages 107 may be accomplished with one of several forms of the invention clip . fig8 shows a support back 102 having the approximate size of a standard prior art clipboard adapted to hold papers about 8½ inches by about 11 inches , where the invention clip 101 is shown in fig8 with its top piece plane parallel to the surface of the page . top piece 109 , as described above , in fig8 comprises a cut out portion having a cut out height of 106 / a and a width of 106 / b . in a preferred embodiment , height 106 / a is from about ¼ of an inch to about four inches , so that the top of the spine of spine bound pages 107 as in fig9 is located preferably near the top of height 106 / a . width 106 / b is preferably between about 1 inch and about 6 - 7 inches , although a more preferable with 106 / b is between about 2 to 4 inches . fig9 shows spine bound pages 107 located in the device of fig8 so that retained pages 126 are captured between legs 105 and the top surface of support back 102 , where the bottom of the spine of spine bound pages rests supportively against support lip 108 . free pages 125 rotate freely about the spine of spine bound pages 107 in fig8 separated from retained pages 126 by legs 105 , whereby free pages 125 are capable of lying substantially entirely toward the plane of one set of retained pages 126 or the other without being urged upward due to the restraint of pages 126 . fig1 shows cross section m of fig9 such that free pages 125 may be lifted somewhat above retained pages 126 by the effect of those three pages 125 rising above legs 105 of invention clip 101 . the invention further comprises adaptation of the bottom piece of the invention clip and the support back so that the entire invention clip is movable up and down the length of the support back , where the invention clip is capable of being secured at one or more positions in that up or down track for the invention clip . this clip moving embodiment permits to the use of the invention clip with spine bound pages having widely varying spine lengths . a set of spine bound pages having a short spine may be effectively engaged with the invention clip and supported by the support lip upon a much longer support back by placing the bottom end of the spine of the spine bound pages against the support lip and moving downward for effective page retention function the invention clip until the top part of height 106 / a is about at the top of the spine of the spine bound pages . it is intended that the embodiments of fig1 through 13 achieve the objects of the invention shown in fig8 through 10 , the although it is clear that the invention shown in fig1 is movable up and down with respect to slots 133 on support back 102 . fig1 shows clip 101 / a path in a top or upper most position while clip 101 / b is in a lower most position for a shortest spine length for a set of spine bound pages . the means for sliding and retaining in position the invention clip in positions at and between clips 101 / a and 101 / b as shown in fig1 comprise to sliding slots 133 and a notch portion 128 on support back 102 , while the bottom piece 110 is adapted to have for extensions 130 adapted to retain bottom piece 110 against the front surface of support back 102 by secure engagement of extensions 130 in slots 133 and where bottom piece 110 is further adapted to have a notch portion 134 adapted to slidably engage notch portion 128 on support back 102 . if fig1 and 13 respectively show cross sections bb and cc so that positions 101 / a and 101 / b may be appreciated from inside view whereby the upper most portion of height 106 / a may be appreciated as being movable from the upper most to lower most positions relative to support back 102 . thus the embodiments of fig1 through 13 permit a longest length 131 for a set of spine bound pages or a shortest length 132 for a set of spine bound pages or any length in between to be accommodated and supported between the invention clip and support lip 108 , while leaving free pages turnable without being urged unduly in a direction undesired for the user . fig1 through 17 show the bottom piece 110 of clip embodiment of fig1 - 13 apart from the top piece for appreciation of the structure and relative motion of the support back 102 and that bottom piece 110 . fig1 shows the top piece in broken lines . notch portion 134 is formed in relation to extensions 130 and slots 133 so the forced motion of portion 134 over 128 will provide a ratcheting securement of the invention clip in positions 101 / a through 101 / b . other means such as removable pins in through holes may be provided to accomplish this securing and movability functions . fig1 through 25 show an embodiment of an invention for the back surface of support back 151 . support back 151 is adapted to have a frame 160 hingedly attached to a top end of support back 151 . frame 160 allows the user to lift the bottom side 163 away from support back 151 ( as shown in fig2 and 20 respectively ) so the user can support the device on a substantially horizontal surface like a tabletop . however , frame 160 defines an opening comprising the inside edges of sides 161 - 163 where most of the back surface of support back 151 can be accessed . the present invention provides for storage of paper or other sheet material as sheets 167 against the back surface of support back 151 whereby a removable flexible sheet 164 provides for facial and top and bottom edge restraint for sheets 167 and where lateral restraint for sheets 167 is provided by concave portions of edges 161 . the embodiment so formed thus allows the user multiple functions for what is typically just the back side of a clipboard adapted only to lay flat against a horizontal surface or hung against a vertical surface . fig1 shows that frame 160 has pieces shown as sides 161 , 162 and 163 having a substantially inverted l - shape cross section ( as seen in fig2 through 23 ). that shape is adapted to provide means for restraining the edges of sheets 167 ( as in fig2 ) facially held below the upper inverted lip of the l - shape sides by flexible sheet 164 . the opening defined by sides 161 , 162 and 163 generally allows flexible sheet 164 to lift away from the back side of support back 151 at a top edge 166 , as shown in fig2 and 25 , so that sheets 167 can be inserted or removed from between flexible sheet 164 and the back side of support back 151 to provide storage of such sheets when they are not being used by the user or have been removed from clipping attachment to the front side of support back 151 . fig1 shows slots 133 and extensions 130 are operable together for the functions of the device shown in fig1 without interfering with the storage of sheets 167 between flexible sheet 164 and the back side of support back 151 . flexible sheet 164 comprises top edge velcro tabs 156 and bottom edge velcro tabs 157 , whereby tabs 156 permit securable attachment of top edge 166 against the back side of support back 151 and tabs 157 permit securable to attachment of bottom edge 167 against the back side of support back 151 to thereby secure flexible sheet 164 to add a position slightly elevated but substantially parallel to the back side of support back 151 to permit storage of sheets 167 therein . tabs 156 and 157 comprise mateable pieces , such as 156 / a and 156 / b , of velcro to with adhesive backs , where in such backs are adhered to opposing services of flexible sheet 164 and the back side of support back 151 . it is preferred that support back 151 and frame 160 be adapted to be releaseably latchable against one another with flashing means such as extension 153 from the edge of support back 151 , where such extension of 153 comprises a lip extension that will engage notch 171 at an opposing edge of frame 160 . flexible sheet 164 has sighed edges 165 the top edge 166 and bottom edge 163 . the width 172 of flexible sheet 164 is adapted to be effectively less than width 173 in the opening of frame 160 so that as shown in fig2 and 25 , flexible sheet 164 at its top edge 166 may be releaseably drawn away from support back 151 at tabs 156 without having to disturb frame 160 when it is latched against support back 102 . side edges 170 of sheets 167 are restrained from sliding out from under sheet 167 by the concave overhang of sides 161 . top edges 168 of sheets 167 are restrained from sliding from under sheet 167 by the concave overhang of side 162 and / or tabs 156 . bottom edges 169 of sheets 167 are restrained from sliding from under sheet 167 by the concave overhang of side 163 and / or tabs 157 . referring to fig1 and 23 , the hinge attachment of frame 160 to support back 151 may be appreciated as comprising a pin extension from piece 154 into a pin and hole means 155 so that side 162 is adapted to rotate about the axis formed by pin and hole means 155 . broken away section 168 more clearly shows the pin from extension 154 . fig1 shows a broken line section 158 on the front side of support back 151 where would be typically located the invention clip and / or a prior art clip . the with of sides 161 and / or 163 may be increased so that the see with a removable or hinged door may be located thereover so that articles such as pens and pencils may be stored in those cavities and secured therein by closure of the doors were covers . an alternate embodiment is now described for the slidable assembly as shown fig1 - 13 . fig2 , 27 and 28 are respectively cross sections cc , bb and manipulated bb for an alternate embodiment of the slidable assembly of the invention . it can be appreciated that fig1 shows piece 101 substantially covering the piece to which it is mounted for rotation and spring opposition . in fig1 and 13 , piece 110 is shown having an attachment means to board 151 that are flanged extensions that extend through slots 133 . the embodiment of fig2 - 28 provides a bottom side plate 174 with holes 175 aligned to holes 177 of extension 175 from plate 173 , thus to permit connection of the plates 173 and 174 by screws , rivets of other connection means . this connection improves the sliding stability of the slidable assembly , although other embodiments for such connection are within the invention . a further means for engaging and releasing the slidable assembly from the notches 134 are shown in fig2 - 30 . plate 173 has at an upper end extensions 178 and 179 capable of releasably holding a writing instrument . however , mating notches are provided on the underside of plate 173 to provide securement means for the slidable assembly only to the extent that they may be effectively released from securing interface 180 a as in fig2 to releasing interface as in fig2 by upward direction 182 finger pressure . thus , extension 179 provides for an easily releasable means for moving the slidable assembly from one height on the invention clipboard to another with direction 182 finger pressure . now an alternate embodiment of the device of fig1 - 23 is discussed . fig3 and 33 are respectively front and side views of a backside of a clipboard for an alternate embodiment of the device of fig1 - 23 , without the hinged legs . it will be appreciated that many of the structures are equivalent in function to those of fig1 - 23 . a clipboard 150 a has a flat plate 151 a with extensions 153 to releasably latch the hinged legs in a closed position , although the hinge means for the legs are now extensions 188 with holes therethrough adapted to receive the prongs 189 shown in fig3 - 38 . plate 151 a is adapted to have holes 186 to permit easy carrying and the overall shape is adapted to have a pleasing look . flexible sheet 164 is adapted to have adhesive attachment means 157 a to the lower portion of plate 151 in a manner the reduces the overall profile of the sheet 164 above the backside of plate 151 a , thereby making possible smooth and secure latching of the legs to extension 153 even with papers secured between sheet 164 and the backside of plate 151 a . extension 187 is substantially normal to the top edge of plate 151 a so that the entire assembly lying with the legs in a closed position on a table surface will be substantially parallel with that surface and permit easy writing on documents on the front side of plate 151 a . fig3 - 40 are respectively front , section gg , rear , section kk , detail j , detail 1 , section hh , and detail j views of the hinged legs for the embodiment of fig3 and 33 . the hinged legs of this embodiment are functionally equivalent to those of previous embodiments , as shown in the open position assembly of fig1 . it can be readily appreciated from fig3 that the concavity forming features of leg sides 161 and 163 ( side 162 is eliminated in this embodiment , its structure being functionally equivalently replaced with the prongs 189 and extension 188 combination ) are preserved with the side wall 161 a extending up and inward toward a center portion of plate 151 a when the legs are hingedly attached to board 150 a . fig4 shows the clipboard of fig3 and 33 and the hinged legs of fig3 - 40 engaged and moved apart to rest at their lowest edges on a substantially horizontal surface . fig4 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of fig3 in a manner indicating the absence of interference with retained papers under sheet 164 by the up and down motion of plate 174 against the backside of plate 151 a . fig4 and 44 respectively show the clipboard of fig3 and 33 attached in a closed position with the hinged legs of fig3 and 34 in broken lines . the invention comprises , with reference to the features analogously described above , a method for using a clipboard for securing and viewing spine bound pages on an inclined plane so that a user will not have to release a clip means to turn each page comprising : ( a ) the spine bound pages comprise multiple pages bound along a common edge to form a straight spine with an upper spine end and a lower spine end , where the spine bound pages are adapted to lie in a stack when the spine bound pages are in a closed position and may be turned page by page by a user for viewing each page when a user grasps a free page edge at a page edge distal to the straight spine and intermediate pages are located between a front page and a back page ; ( b ) a flat , generally rectangular board plate with dimensions less than or equal to eleven inches wide by fifteen inches long , inclining the board plate along its length to between about thirty degrees to about eighty degrees so that an upper surface of the board plate presents an inclined plane ; ( c ) a lower edge of the board plate comprises a ledge extending generally upward and normal to the inclined plane and adapted to support the lower spine end and bottom page edges of pages extending laterally from the bottom edge of spine bound pages so that the spine bound pages cannot slide off of the inclined plane when the spine bound pages are placed on the inclined plane ; ( d ) a clip means for securing top edges the front page and back page near the spine upper spine end onto the inclined plane leaving at least most intermediate pages free to be turned page by page by the user , where clip means are movable with hand motion from a top position near the top of the inclined plane to a lowest position about halfway down the inclined plane and are adapted to be releasably secured at several intermediate positions between the topmost position and the lowest position ; ( e ) clip means further comprise a sliding plate slideably engaged in a slot extending from the top position to the lowest position and a pivoting plate is connected by a pivot to the sliding plate , whereby the pivoting plate is urged by a spring so that ends two legs of the pivoting plate extend down from the pivot to press on the inclined surface to hold down respectively the first and second pages , where a generally arcuate cutout is defined by a space the two legs so that the ends of the two legs are at least three inches apart ; ( f ) opening the spine bound pages , laying the first and second pages on the inclined plane , abutting the lower spine end and bottom page edges against the ledge , moving clip means from the top position toward the top spine end and elevating and releasing the ends of the legs from the surface of the inclined plane to capture the first and second pages respectively so that a topmost part of the arcuate cutout does not lie above any page , and a user turns at least most of the intermediate pages back and forth while the first and second pages are captured beneath the leg ends . the invention also comprises a structure where the topmost part of the arcuate cutout lies always at least about 2 . 5 centimeters above the surface of the inclined plane . the invention also comprises a structure where leg ends are separated by the arcuate cutout by at least 5 centimeters . the above design options will sometimes present the skilled designer with considerable and wide ranges from which to choose appropriate apparatus and method modifications for the above examples . however , the objects of the present invention will still be obtained by that skilled designer applying such design options in an appropriate manner .	0
in the preferred embodiment , an stm runs on a tp with xr and xw registers , as described above . the stm has exclusive read access to xr , and exclusive write access to xw . see fig1 . on some tps , there might be a 160 - bit register to which the stm has exclusive read and write access , so it could serve as xr or xw . in that case it may be preferable to use the register for both , with maybe 100 bits for the xr register and 60 bits for the xw register . the user may be able to erase xr , xw , the stm , or its hash value , or otherwise sabotage the functioning of the stm . the tp is in his possession , and he could even destroy the whole computer . the security measures are intended to make it difficult for a user to subvert the system into a faulty stm that looks like a properly working stm . an alternate embodiment might be on a smart card , smart token , or other device . certificates are commonly used to bind public keys to personal identifiers or other information . each certificate has a subject name that identifies the certificate and the party using the certificate . for servers , it might be a business name or trademark . for users , it might be a random pseudonym . each certificate also has an issuer name , which is just the subject name of the signer &# 39 ; s certificate . each certificate also has a date of issue . each certificate has a public key for verifying signatures ( corresponding to some private key for creating signatures ). each certificate indicates whether it is a root certificate , certificate authority ( ca ) certificate , server certificate , or end - user certificate . each certificate specifies the stm it uses , such as “ acme stm v . 1 . 10 +”. the plus sign indicates that versions of the acme stm later than version 1 . 10 are also acceptable . each certificate has a url that specifies where certificate chains , certificate revocation lists , and other related information can be found . a certificate might also have a physical postal address , a telephone number , an email address , or other descriptive information . each server certificate may declare several labels for values that can be created by cooperating users on user computers , and for which the server is taking responsibility . the server certificate will usually declare “ id ” and “ key ” for the session identifier and the shared secret key . others , such as “ account ”, “ balance ”, and “ music_key ” can also be declared . by default , each value is unique to a given combination of server certificate and user certificate , but the label declarations can indicate that the label is inherited from the issuer certificate , or common to all users on a given computer . if it is inherited from the issuer certificate , then any user &# 39 ; s value is shared by all the servers that similarly inherit the label . for example , a ca might declare a “ money ” label and then a dozen vendors might sell products through the same money account . see fig4 . user ( or client ) certificates are described below . a certificate chain includes a certificate along with the certificate of the signing key , and the certificate of the signing key of that certificate , and so on , up to some root certificate that can be authenticated in some other way . certificates are often transmitted as part of a certificate chain of two or three certificates . an alternate embodiment might use x . 509 certificates or another certificate format . servers can store data on user computers in the form of a remotely - owned key value ( rokv ). each rokv has an owner , user , label , and value . the owner is an identifier for an owner certificate that documents a server &# 39 ; s role in transactions . the user is an identifier for a user certificate is in use . ( some users may have more that one certificate , representing different personalities .) the label is a name for a variable that holds a value , and must match a name defined in the owner certificate . the value might be any string of bytes , and represents the data that the owner is controlling on the user &# 39 ; s machine . a rokv can also have an attribute that qualifies its usage . for example , a rokv can be locked . once locked , an rokv cannot be accessed by the user until the owner unlocks it . in an alternate embodiment , some of the rokv information might be implicit . eg , a value might be restricted to being in some range , or being a cipher key , or being a floating point value . normally , the label / value pair would be bound to the particular owner and user . but if the owner certificate specifies that the label is shared by all users on the same computer , then the stm enforces that . fig2 shows how the rokvs are encrypted into encrokvs . first the value of the xw register is incremented ( or otherwise changed ), and stored back in xw . then the values of the xr and xw registers are fed into a key derivation function ( kdf ) such as one of those in common use based on ( the cryptographic hash function ) sha - 1 . the kdf produces three cipher keys : an aes encryption key , an aes initialization vector ( iv ), and an hmac key . the rokvs are encrypted with aes - cbc with the encryption key and iv . the value of xw is appended . then hmac - sha - 1 is applied , and the resulting message authentication code ( mac ) is appended . the result is encrokvs , an encrypted rokv block . an alternate embodiment might use a different cipher or a different mac . it might apply the mac and then the cipher , instead of applying the cipher and then the mac . it might also use a random component for the iv ( and store that component in the block ). preferably , the encryption should be resistant to an adaptive chosen ciphertext attack , so that the user himself is unlikely to get significant information by forging an encrokvs block and trying to get the stm to accept it . the stm performs a number of functions , including those listed below . controlling access to the xr and xw registers . the stm runs on a trusted platform ( tp ), and the tp insures that only the stm has the right access to the xr and xw registers . when the stm is installed , the xr register is filled with a random value . that value does not need to ever be changed , although there are some security advantages to doing so occasionally . the value is only readable by the stm and is not exported . the xw register is also initialized with a new value , but it is updated on a regular basis and the value is exportable . communicating with the ccm . the stm may have no direct access to disk or the internet , and is limited by what can be protected by the tp . preferably , the stm communicates with the ccm by means of an ordinary socket , but named pipes and other inter - process communication mechanisms are possible as well . maintaining the certificates . the stm has one or more root certificates built - in , and has access to an external database of ca , owner , and user certificates . these certificates can be stored outside the stm because they are authenticated against the root certificates . maintaining the rokvs . the rokvs are combined into one data structure , encrypted , and exported , as shown in fig2 . each change to the rokvs is accompanied by a change to xw . the value of xw can be a counter , or a random hash , or anything else that is very unlikely to repeat . it does not have to be secret . the values of xr and xw are fed into a key derivation function ( kdf ) to produce some cipher keys , which are then used to encrypt the rokvs . the value of xw is also put into the encrypted block . the changes to xw protect against the keys being reused . decryption is similar , with the existing xr and xw fed into the kdf , getting the keys for authenticating and decrypting the rokvs . executing a server command set . a server command streams might be unencrypted or encrypted . the unencrypted server command stream is of the following format : ( head , owner certificate , form , sig , foot ). the head just marks the beginning of the stream , and includes the version number of the stm that created it . the owner certificate is the certificate of the server and includes a public key for the server . a complete certificate chain to the root may be included as well . the form is similar to an html form , and is intended for secure display on the user &# 39 ; s console . the sig is a public key signature on the preceding part of the stream , using the public in the certificate . the foot just marks the end of the stream . when such a stream is input into a properly functioning stm , the stm parses it , checks the certificate or certificate chain against the internal root certificate , checks that the signature is valid , and securely displays the form using the tp . the encrypted server command stream is of the format ( head , session id , cipher nonce , body , sig , foot ). the head and foot are as before . the session id must match a previously established session id , and identifies a secret key that is shared by the user and the owner . the cipher nonce has a code to indicate the cipher being used ( such as aes - cbc - 128 with hmac - sha1 ), and a random string of 16 bytes or so . the body is an encrypted sequence of commands . the sig is a message authentication code . when such a stream is input into a properly functioning stm , the stm parses it , looks up the session id and finds the matching owner certificate and user certificate , checks that the signature is valid , decrypts the body , and executes the commands . most of the server commands relate to rokvs . here are examples : this substitutes the value of the rokv “ account ” for each occurrence of “$ account ” in any form . the stm checks that the server has authority to access the value . this causes the form to be displayed on a secure video display , so the user can input data with secure input devices . this causes a message to be displayed on a secure video display . this adds the value − 5 . 1 to the value of the rokv “ account ”. the stm checks that the server has authority to access the value . this defines a public encryption key for the user to encrypt a form submission . it only needs to be retained as long as the form is retained . commands such as the above can also accompany a file to be decrypted , or other data to be processed by the stm . processing a user submission . when the user submits data on a form that is securely displayed by the stm , the result is a set of name / value pairs . this result is similar to the result of an html cgi form in the prior art . for example , a form with two inputs might be encoded as “ name = schlafly & amp ; account = 501 ”. the stm encrypts the submission , and prepares it to be sent to the server that issued the form . if a session key has been established , then the encrypted submission has the format ( head , session id , cipher nonce , body , sig , foot ), as with a message from the server . if no session key has been established , then the encrypted submission has the format ( head , server name , ephemeral key , cipher nonce , body , sig , foot ). the head , cipher nonce , sig , and foot are as above . the server name identifies the server public key . the ephemeral key is a randomly generated public key to facilitate generation of a shared secret , as in a diffie - hellman ( dh ) key exchange . ( use of rsa is also possible .) the body is an encrypted copy of the submitted form data . when the user submits the form , he is implicitly agreeing to using his computer for communication parameters with that server , and to allow the server to control the rokvs . to make the stm usable , the user must create one or more user certificates . these allow the user to present a persona to servers on the internet , without unnecessarily revealing private information . a user obtains a certificate by connecting to a server , selecting a type of certificate , downloading an authenticated file into the stm , filling out the form appropriately , submitting it , and downloading the user certificate that the server issues . the submission includes an attestation that the stm is properly under the control of a recognized tp . one computer might have several user certificates , because several people use the computer , or because certificates might be used to separate personal and work transactions , or because one certificate might have sensitive credit card account information in it , or because of other privacy considerations . when the user installs a user certificate for himself , he gets several rokvs . one is “ random_seed ”, and is used by the random number generator . entropy can then be added to the seed by servers , as well as by resources on the tp . another rokv is “ last_gmtime ”, and holds the last authenticated value of greenwich mean time received by the stm . this allows comparisons against whatever clock might be available on the tp . another is “ counter ”, and gets incremented by server commands . depending on the tp , another embodiment might not need these rokvs . an owner or licensor can use rokvs to restrict the usage of licensed content and products . for example , he might want to restrict the number of times a movie is decrypted , or restrict the time period in which a movie can be decrypted , or discard the decryption key after the license has expired , or deduct a fee from a monetary balance each time a movie is decrypted . such restrictions can be facilitated by having rokvs on a user tp , and letting the owner control them . to help enforce licenses , there is a hierarchy of certified servers , as shown in fig4 . each server has a certificate that has been issued by some other server , until some server ultimately has a root certificate . each server is operated by a business entity that has signed ordinary legal contracts as well . those contracts require that the servers use their certificates in accordance with fair business practices . for example , one server might define a label called “ music_balance ” in its certificate , and then issue certificates to dozens of online music vendors who share controlled values on user computers with that label . vendors would sell to users increases in their balance , and vendors would sell music coupled with deductions in the balance . the vendors would be responsible for accounting for their sales , and abiding by their contracts regarding usage of the values under their control . the servers run a version of the stm with additional features . the servers are allowed to extract the values that they own , and put them in a plaintext database if they want . the system gives a method of doing business because it gives a medium for exchanging and tracking items , and for maintaining trust relationships for monetary transactions . the stm can be distributed to users with trusted platforms , and when they attest to their configurations , certificates can be issued . the user certificate certifies the platform , not the user , and very little trust needs to placed in the user . normally , the rokvs stay on one tp ( or copied to the owner in a form submission ), but an owner can authorize an rokv to be moved to another tp . fig5 shows how the transfer is done . a server supplies the certificate that defines the rokv , and it is installed by a user on a first stm running on a first tp . the user wishes to move the rokv to a second tp , such as a smart card or laptop computer . he gets a certificate from a s ™ running on the second tp , and validates that the certificate meets the minimum requirements for retaining a rokv . then the user has the first stm export the rokv as an encrypted message , and send it to the second stm so it can be decrypted and loaded as a regular rokv on that stm . in some cases , the rokv will represent money and copying it to another tp requires erasing it from the first tp . in other cases , the rokv represents a secret that a user might wish to share among several regular computers and a smart card or other smart token , and the rokv can be copied without erasing . it is the server certificate that defines whether a rokv can be moved or copied . the server certificate also defines the possible targets for a transfer . typically it says that any target is acceptable if it has a certificate that has been signed by a ca ( that is named in the server certificate defining the rokv ). the link between the first and second stm might be susceptible to a user attack . to guard against this , the second stm supplies a public key to the first stm so that the first stm can encrypt the rokv for the second stm only . when the first stm validates the certificate from the second stm , it is checking that the latter meets the security requirement of the server that defined the rokv . this means checking that the certificate properly attests to a legitimate stm running on a tp , checking signatures up to a trusted root , checking a crl ( if necessary ), and checking that the certificate &# 39 ; s ca matches the requirement in the server &# 39 ; s certificate . these requirements are made manageable to the user by naming conventions . each server and ca has a user - comprehensible name . the root and distributor of the stm might go under some name like “ acme ”. other cas and vendors would choose simple names of the sort that might be easily remembered and trademarked . these names would serve to place the certificates in a hierarchy and let the users recognize them . for example , the acme company could create a brand name “ s - card ” for smart cards that meet its security specifications , and then have a ca named s - card issue certificates for those smart cards ( once they attest that they have a tp and show that they meet the requirements ). then users might understand that they might want to buy an acme : s - card certified smart card . furthermore , other vendors can advertise that their key values are transferable to and from acme : s - card smart cards . the preferred embodiment has features that allow it to adapt and recover from many bugs , mistakes , hardware failures , and malicious attacks . one potential problem is that frequent changes to the rokvs require frequent changes to the xw register . the rokvs are encrypted using the xr and xw registers , and stored as a block in a possibly insecure location . the user can guard against loss or corruption of that block by storing backups ( ie , copies ) in other locations . in rare cases , he might lose the current block , and his most recent backup block was created with a different value in the xw register . in that case , the stm refuses to load the backup block normally because of the xw mismatch . the prior value of the xw register is in the block , and the stm can be configured to retrieve that value and store it in the xw register , so that the prior rokvs can be recovered . the preferred method is shown in fig3 . the user notifies his ca that he has had a hardware failure or intruder attack , and that he needs to restore a previous xw value . he does this by filling out a form and providing whatever information the ca requires . the ca check his policies , and grants permission ( in the form of an stm command ) to change the xw . the ca also sends a command to put a lock on all the rokvs . a lock on a rokv is just a flag limiting access to the rokv . to use those rokvs as before , the user must then submit requests to each owner for a command to unlock the rokvs under his control . again , this involves filling out a form and providing whatever information is required . the xr register is modified infrequently . changing xr results in all previous backups being unreadable . this may be desirable on an occasional basis but is not necessary as long is the tp is securely protecting it . if all backups are lost , then the user may be able to persuade the vendors to reinstate his accounts , but there is no assurance of that . it is expected that the stm will have to be regularly upgraded in order to fix bugs , close vulnerabilities , recognize new secure hardware devices , add commands and options , etc . an upgrade may lock out some users who are believed to be operating in an insecure environment . server certificates can also be upgraded . for example , a potato vendor might use the subject name “ famous potatoes 1 . 0 ”. later , when it wants to change its public key , declare additional labels , and require a newer version of the stm , it obtains a certificate in the name of “ famous potatoes 1 . 1 ”. the vendor might just use the new certificate for new customers , or it might migrate existing customers by asking them to submit the rokvs to the vendor , establish a connection with the new certificate , and let the vendor re - issue those rokvs under the control of the new certificate . certificates might also be revoked , and policies for checking a certificate revocation list ( crl ) might be changed . the invention has been described in its preferred embodiments , but many changes and modifications may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention . the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents .	7
now referring to the drawing . fig1 which is a schematic flow chart showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention , first shows two feed streams , one containing thermoplastic material such as polyethylene particles 20 and the other containing thermoset material such as prevulcanized rubber crumbs 30 . it is preferred that a relatively unbranched low density polyethylene be used as the thermoplastic feed . such a low density linear polyethylene has a crystallinity of about 50 percent . a true specific gravity between 0 . 90 and 0 . 95 is preferred . a true specific gravity between 0 . 91 and 0 . 93 is further preferred . many other thermoplastic materials such as branched polyethylene , high density polyethylene , polypropylene , polyvinylchloride , poly ( vinyl alcohol ), etc ., can be used . in this invention , recycled as well as virgin thermoplastic materials can be used as raw materials . one of the criteria for selecting a thermoplastic material is that it will soften or melt during a subsequent heating process to serve as a binder to bind the thermoset materials , which are fed in a form as particles . the thermoset feed 30 , which is introduced as small particles , is basically a filler material . it should stand a high temperature and would not be materially affected during the subsequent heating process . a preferred thermoset feed material is prevulcanized rubber crumbs , which can be obtained from used tires and / or other recycled rubber products . typically , the size of the thermoset material is maintained below 1 / 16th of an inch . it should be noted that the size of the rubber crumbs can greatly effect the porosity and the strength of the final product . the two streams of feed materials are first introduced into a blender 40 . this can be done with a batch process . the weigh scale 41 can be used to measure the amount of respective feed streams to be added to the blender 40 . the blender 40 contains a blending device , such as a rake , to thoroughly mix the feed streams therein to form a homogeneously blended solid mixture . the blended mixture exits the blender through a slit 42 or any other suitable means and into a feed hopper 51 . the slit may contain a gate means 43 to open and close the slit or to adjust the rate at which the blended mixture can exit the blender 40 . because the cross - sections of the feed hopper 51 are generally convergent from upstream ( top ) 52 to downstream ( bottom ) 53 , the blended mixture will accumulate in the hopper 51 exerting various degrees of compactional force upon the mixture particles . such a variation in the degree of compaction can cause the concentration of the mixture per unit of volume to change , which in turn can cause the variations in the porosity of the final product . such a compaction variation also causes the composition of the final product to be different from the feed composition . to avoid such a compaction problem , a level controller 54 is placed in the hopper . the level controller comprises a level monitoring device 55 , which can be a photo diode or an infrared level sensing device . when the level of the particles in the hopper reaches a certain level , the sensing device 55 will send a signal to a controller 54 , which in turn will close or reduce the gate size 43 of the slit 42 to stop or reduce the rate of the blended mixture from the blender . feed mixture from the blender is then fed to a screw conveyor 60 . the screw conveyor 60 , which is driven by a motor 61 , has small clearance to avoid any segregation of the two feed components during the feed transport process . the low clearance screw conveyor 60 transports the blended mixture into another hopper , an extruder hopper 71 , which is mounted immediately before the extruder barrel 70 . again , a level controlling 72 means is placed in the extruder hopper 71 to maintain a constant level of the blended mixture therein . when the level of the blended mixture reaches a certain level in the extruder hopper 71 , as detected by a sensing means 73 , it will send a signal to stop or slow down the rate of the screw conveyor . this may , in turn , cause the level of the feed hopper 51 to rise and initiate a response involving the first level controller 54 . the total control system can be cascaded to maintain uniformity over a range of operating inputs . the blended mixture then exits the extruder hopper 71 and is fed into an extruder 70 . the extruder 70 used here is a typical screw extruder driven by a motor 74 for wavy movement of blended mixture therein . the extruder 70 is provided with heating means to supply heat to the blended mixture . the temperature inside the extruder is maintained in such a manner so that the thermoplastic portion of the feed mixture will either melt or soften , while the thermoset component is relatively unaffected . an extruder 70 to be used to practice the invention typically is equipped with a drive motor 74 , which drives the wave screw inside the extruder cylinder 70 through a gear drive chain not shown . the extruder 70 may also be provided with a cooling means to maintain a constant temperature environment . further , the extruder 70 can be divided into separate temperature zones , each maintaining a separate temperature . the temperature in the extruder 70 is preferably maintained within a range between 250 to 350 degrees fahrenheit , or preferably around 300 degrees fahrenheit . the melted or softened thermoplastic material will form a coating around the thermoset particles . the thermoplastic material actually acts as a binder to bind the thermoset particles together in the final product . when the feed mixture is fed into the extruder 70 , the feed particles contain a certain amount of moisture and some gaseous components . the moisture will vaporize and expand in volume due to the heating action in the extruder 70 and create void spaces in the melted or softened mixture . the softened or melted mixture containing such void spaces is forced through an extruder die head 82 to form a hollow pipe . the extruder die head 82 provides a constriction in the effective cross - sectional area of the extruder cylinder 70 and causes the pressure to build up within the extruder cylinder 70 . a heating or cooling means , or combination thereof , may be provided in the extruder die head 82 for further temperature control . the extruded pipe is cooled quickly in a cooling means 90 such as a water bath , to make the final product . in preferred embodiment the temperature in the cold water bath is maintained at about 60 degrees fahrenheit . a post extrusion tension device 96 in conjunction with reel pipe coiler 91 driven by a set of gears is placed after the water bath to apply a controllable tension upon the final produced pipe to further insure a controlled constant porosity of the final porous pipe fabricate . because the present invention ensures that the feed composition in the extruder 70 is substantially the same as the feed composition in the initial input , the entire manufacturing process can be automated to make porous pipes of any desired porosity . in a preferred embodiment , separated controllers 92 , 93 , 94 are provided , respectively , for the reel pipe coiler 91 in conjunction with a post extrusion tension device 96 for controlling the tension exerted therefrom , and the extruder for controlling the temperature and pressure therein . each of these controllers can be connected to a computer 95 via a digital / analog converter to receive command therefrom . a group of process parameters can be stored in the computer , each set corresponding to a specific porosity , or a certain combination of porosity / strength . for example , to produce &# 34 ; low porosity &# 34 ; pipes , the process parameters can be set at low tension , low temperature and high pressure . on the other hand , if &# 34 ; high porosity &# 34 ; pipes are desired , the process parameters can be set at high tension , high temperature and low pressure . a code can be assigned to each set of parameters . to produce a length of porous pipes of pre - determined quality , the operator simply enters a code or presses a button , the computer will issue a series of commands to adjust the proper tension , pressure and temperature to produce the desired product via the digital / analog converter and controller combinations . such an automation is not possible with the prior processes due to the lack of control of the feed composition inside the extruder . whereas the present invention is illustrated with the best mode hereof , it should be realized that various changes may be made without departing from essential contributions to the art made by the teachings hereof .	1
the three - dimensional non - linear numerical ordering system being put forward consists of , as can be seen in the figures mentioned above , a digital information processing device that uses a complex system made up of simple interacting components , the sub - units or cells , that are able to exchange information with their environment . it is based on a discrete structure , preferably three - dimensional , where a non - linear ( non - consecutive ) ordering ( 49 ) has been established , through some symmetry operations that we are going to describe later , in such a way that , integrated in a standard information management system , makes it possible to operate with 512 8 information points . in order to establish the three - dimensional non - linear numerical ordering system ( 49 ), the initial structure is a cubic system ( 1 ) where each of its three axes is divided into eight segments , for example 0 to 7 in base 8 , from the origin of coordinates . consequently , the initial structure is divided into 512 equal sub - units , identified by three digits , each one of them being the segment of the coordinate that represents its location in relation to the z ( 2 ), y ( 3 ), x ( 4 ) axes respectively . the subunit that represents the origin point of coordinates will be identified by the digits 000 ( 5 ), and the adjacent sub - units at each of the three axes will be 100 ( 6 ), 010 ( 7 ), 001 ( 8 ), and so on until the 8 3 sub - units are completed . the last subunit , number 512 , will be defined , always following in base 8 , by the digits 777 ( 9 ) and will be located at the end opposite to the first one , identified by the digits 000 ( 5 ), as it can be seen in the first figures . fig1 to 20 show the result of a reflection on the middle plane of x coordinate ( 4 ). ( symmetry plane on π x ( 18 ) coordinate .) fig2 to 28 show the result of a reflection on the middle plane of y coordinate ( 3 ). ( symmetry plane on π y ( 29 ) coordinate .) fig2 to 36 show the result of a reflection on the middle plane of z coordinate ( 2 ). ( symmetry plane on π z ( 38 ) coordinate .) in fig1 to 36 you can see the variation — stay patterns , p 1 ( 19 ), p 2 ( 20 ),— of the sub - units or cells related to the initial ordering ( 1 ). to be more precise , we will see z x - 0 layer ( 21 ) on fig1 , corresponding to the result of a reflection on π x symmetry plane , going through the middle point of x coordinates axis ( 4 ). in order to describe previous result , if we begin on position 000 ( 5 ) of the initial ordering of the first row of z x - 0 ( 21 ), we can see that there has been a change on 007 value ; that sub - units or cells 001 and 002 have not changed , as it happens for 005 y 006 ; that cells 003 and 004 exchanged their values ; and that the value of the 007 cell in the initial ordering is now 000 . the transformation that generates the new ordering by acting on the top row is called p 1 pattern ( 19 ). strictly speaking , p 1 is a permutation of the first eight cells or sub - units of the first row of z - 0 layer ( 21 ). continuing with the description of the following row , we can appreciate that the variation ( 19 )- stay ( 29 ) pattern changes ; cell 010 stays , and the pair 011 - 012 on the initial ordering is replaced by pair 016 - 015 respectively , as a result of the reflection . pair 013 - 014 on the initial ordering stays , as well as cell 017 . the transformation that generates the new ordering by acting on the initial ordering ( 1 ) is called p 2 pattern ( 20 ). p 2 pattern ( 20 ) is another permutation , defined in the same way as p 1 . there are no more new patterns in the rows of the layer , but there is a pattern sequence that has a pattern itself . as previous definitions show , the pattern sequence &# 39 ; s pattern in z x - 0 layer ( 21 ) is ( only rows are taken into account ): this way , we can describe z x - 0 ( 21 ) layer with this list : continuing the description with next z x - 1 layer ( 22 ) ( fig1 ), using the same method - rows - as in previous layer , patterns p 1 ( 19 ) and p 2 ( 20 ) are the only patterns that appear , but in a different sequence . this can be described using the following list : in a general way , the structure of the cube resulting from the reflection can be described as a whole , using a list of lists , in the following way : the rest of the reflections can be described in a similar way using symmetry planes π y , π z . the symmetry operations set applied on the varying sub - units or cells can be any of those defining the holohedrism of the cubic system . therefore , these operations can preferably be : three consecutive reflections in relation to the three symmetry planes of the cube , all of which are orthogonal to its faces . three successive turns in the same direction , each one in relation to one of the three symmetry binary axes of the cube 3e 4 . four successive turns in the same direction , each one in relation to one of the four symmetry ternary axes of the cube 4e 4 . six successive turns in the same direction , each one in relation to one of the six symmetry binary axes of the cube 6e 4 . this result does not depend on the origin of coordinates 000 ( 5 ), that is to say wherever it is . preferably through these or other equivalent operations , we establish a non - linear ( non - consecutive ) ordering from the initial basic structure ( 1 ), obtaining as a result the unit pattern structure ( 49 ). the fractal and recurring behavior of the unit pattern structure ( 49 ) let us obtain every reference &# 39 ; s position ( defined by the three digits groups from 000 to 777 ) from its geometrical position . this is made possible by the relationships set that allows the positioning of the blocks formed by 2 , 4 , 8 , 16 , 32 , 64 , 128 , or 256 sub - units or cells in a way that we can simultaneously operate all the 512 sub - units or cells . in fig4 to 48 ( 49 ) we can see the variation / stay patterns of the sub - units or cells related to the initial ordering ( 1 ). to be more precise , we will comment the relationship between z m - 0 layer ( 50 ) in fig4 , and z m - 7 layer ( 57 ) on fig4 . starting from position 000 ( 5 ) in the initial ordering ( 1 ); in the first row of z m - 0 ( 50 ) we can see now the value 777 ( 9 ), coming from the initial ( 1 ) 777 position ( 9 ). initial positions 001 and 002 on the first row of z m - 0 ( 50 ) don &# 39 ; t change , but in initial positions 003 and 004 we have now the values 774 and 773 respectively . next initial positions , 005 and 006 , do not change either . in addition , the value of initial position 007 is now 770 . when the description continues with the row below and the row above the previous rows , respectively , we can see that the variation / stay pattern changes ; cells 010 and 760 stay ; and , because of the inversion in relation to the symmetry centre , pair 011 - 012 in initial ordering ( 1 ) is substituted by the pair formed with 766 and 765 , respectively . pair 013 - 014 in initial ordering ( 1 ) does not change , and the same happens for pair 763 - 764 . cells 015 and 016 from initial ordering ( 1 ) now have the values 762 and 761 , respectively . finally , cells 017 and 767 do not change . there are no new patterns . the relationship between the third row in z m - 0 layer ( 50 ), and the third row from the end in z m - 7 ( 57 ) follows the pattern described in the previous paragraph , while the fourth pair follows the pattern defined by the relationship between the first row in z m - 0 ( 50 ) layer , and the first row from the end in z m - 7 ( 57 ) layer . the other four pairs repeat the previously described pattern . the transformation that generates the new ordering by acting on the initial ordering ( 1 ) of this two layers is designated as p ′ 1 pattern . if we compare the figures for z m - 6 ( 56 ) and z m - 1 ( 51 ) layers and follow a similar procedure we are able to define p ′ 2 transformation . this way , the complete pattern structure could be described using the following list : if we define a fourth coordinate , w ( 58 ), we can add the fractal character to the structure . this way , this structure can be perfectly defined with the following list : this fourth coordinate , with the same characteristics as the previous ones , allows us to define 8 consecutive fractality levels in each of the 512 sub - units defined in the unit structure . the unit structure &# 39 ; s fractal property or characteristic does not change as long as the motion through the successive levels of the structure is horizontal , which means that the successive route is : 512 elements or sub - units in the first level , 512 2 elements in the second level , 512 3 elements in the third level and so on until the eighth level that will contain 512 8 elements . to pass from the last element of a certain level - x - ( subunit 777 x in base 8 ) to the first one of the next level ( subunit 000 x + 1 ) the patterns sequence previously described is used . the graphs in fig5 to 57 represent stages , and together show a pattern in graphs &# 39 ; sequence . with the exception of some kind of similarity , the graphs of the figures can be separated into class c 1 ( 59 ) and class c 2 ( 60 ), and based on this the regularity pattern can be described as follows : c 1 , c 2 , c 2 , c 1 , c 1 , c 2 , c 2 , c 1 . continuing with this description , the next sequence of eight graphs would render the following regularity : c 2 , c 1 , c 1 , c 2 , c 2 , c 1 , c 1 , c 2 . the previously described path is a 64 stages cycle ( closed path ). in short , it is an information processing system that , based on a three - dimensional non - linear ( non - consecutive ) numerical ordering of the information points , establishes within a discrete structure or matrix , that we will define as pattern unit , a series of relationships between the information points contained in it , in such a way that it allows us to operate on all of them simultaneously . considering the applications scope , the result produced by the inversion regarding the center of the cube , considering all the levels , generates a new ( non - sequential and non - random ) order , for the stack of memory . the 256th factorial possible permutations of the cells which vary in the first cube , are considered as simple geometric transformations . it is provided that the transformation who rules the permutations of the three - dimensional non - linear numerical ordering system , might be expressed on the basis of group theory ; for instance , if we use i = 1 , i = 2 , i = 3 , . . . i = 8 , we can span starting from scalars to reach the basic dimension of this system , which is really 8th , because the following properties are maintained . the positions are independent . all the space is spanned with the set of cube transpositions which can be achieved by the lie group theory in which the crystallographic transformations are considered . the applications of the three - dimensional non - linear numerical ordering system scope range over data base management , memory management , advanced compiler algorithms and distributed memory machines . being found that the involved transformation for i = 3 , considering the previous mentioned properties , 3 - d cube optimization is allowed , being possible to extend this property up to i = 8 dimension . the application of the three - dimensional non - linear numerical ordering system must be handled on distributed memory machines , given that these machines are more extended and include the previous ones . so , currently we have computers , going from private memory to shared memory , considering processes which can go from implicit to explicit . the compilers usually consider pointers to define memory positions ; so our cube system can assign these positions and many others , using powerful algorithms , which are involved in the lie group structure . the processes in distributed memory computers are parallel processes , which means that each array vector can be assigned to a vector of the cube system , which are independent and almost infinite , being this the basis required by parallel computers . the access to memory is also improved by the same reason , given that assigning the array vectors of the system to memory stack is easy , neither requiring a large capacity nor sophisticated algorithms . private memory computers are based on message passing interface ; using the three - dimensional non - linear numerical ordering system the algorithms — for this kind of machines , we can assign the value of these messages ( arrays ) to three - dimensional non - linear numerical ordering system vectors . using the same mentioned procedure , the accessing velocity is improved , being this the case of shared memory computers . it optimizes computing systems by reducing the number of digits required to identify and operate with information volumes , being able to represent hierarchically the connections that can be established between the information volumes considered in the sub - units or cells , and the number of possible sub - units or cells integrated in the system being in the order of 512 8 . the system can manage conceptual information bases with a capacity and definition level extraordinarily superior to the current ones . applications that are more specific include , amongst others hardware , such as computer hard drive organizing system , computer memory managing system , information compressing device that can be used when storing or transferring information , encoding and encrypting device that can be used when transferring digital information , and software , such as multimedia information manager in fields such as multimedia information base management or multiple signal control via satellite , searcher in interconnected networks , three - dimensional classification and representation system , electronic equipment control system , alert systems ( medical , etc . ), message connection , encoding , and exchange in electronic communications equipment ( management protocols , etc . ), conceptual ( knowledge oriented ) information base manager , as a new information organization method , management and artificial intelligence applications , such as , tool for ordering the genome , and its evolution based on the minimal significant elements ( acids ) and tool for controlling nuclear power stations and radioactive waste treatment . now that the nature of this invention has been sufficiently described , it only remains to be said that variations are possible either in the system as a whole or in any of its parts , for example , changing from a basic cube with 16 , 32 , 64 , etc ., segments in each coordinate , without changing the nature of the invention claimed hereunder . while a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention , it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles .	1
for convenience , the same or equivalent elements in the various embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings have been identified with the same reference numerals . further , in the description that follows , any reference to either orientation or direction is intended primarily for the convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention thereto . fig1 shows a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for the production of the bone replacement material according to the invention . generally , the apparatus comprises a hollow cylinder 1 , a piston 2 movably disposed in the hollow cylinder , and a head part 4 which can be screwed on the front end of the hollow cylinder 1 . head part 4 has a membrane 5 which is perforated by means of an adapter 6 with a perforating needle 7 , and is generally used for withdrawing blood . with use of the adapter 6 on the head part 4 , the adaptation of a standard cannula system ( for example , luer system — injection needle , catheter , butterfly , etc .) to the syringe becomes possible . a biocompatible , open - pore body 3 is housed in hollow cylinder 1 , and seals or obstructs the hollow cylinder 1 in the front section of the syringe so that a patient &# 39 ; s blood or blood components sucked or drawn up by the syringe must flow through the body 3 . generally , the bio - compatible body 3 comprises a bioresorbing material . for example , in one preferred embodiment body 3 comprises a hydroxylapatite , and in another embodiment body 3 comprises a tricalcium phosphate . the porosity of body 3 is preferably at least 25 %, more preferably at least 35 %. preferably , at least 50 % of the pores have a diameter in the range of 200 to 500 microns . the connections between the individual pores may have a diameter in the range of 10 to 300 microns , preferably from 200 to 400 microns . after withdrawing the blood , the adapter 6 is removed . thus , the membrane 5 of the head part 4 is sealed once more and the contents of the hollow cylinder 1 of the syringe are once again sealed air - tight . due to the vacuum arising on further drawing back of the piston 2 in the hollow cylinder 1 of the syringe , the blood flows through the entire body 3 , penetrates up to its center , and expels the air contained therein . instead of blood or blood components ( or growth factors promoting bone formation ), which are flowable as is , somatic cells can also be suspended in a body - compatible liquid , such as in an aqueous solution , in order to suck or draw them into the pores of the open - pore body . after successful impregnation of the body 3 with blood or blood components ( or other somatic cells in the flowable state ), the head part 4 can be screwed off of the syringe so that the impregnated body 3 can be pushed out of the hollow cylinder 1 by means of the piston 2 . the body 3 can then , if necessary after successful adaptation of its external form , be inserted in a prepared hole , or a bone defect , in the bone of the patient from whom the blood or other somatic cells needed for impregnation were drawn . due to the open - porosity of the body 3 and the autologous blood ( or blood components or other somatic cells ) located in the pore system , the growth of somatic cells in the body 3 is strongly promoted . in one preferred embodiment , the somatic cells are chosen from the group consisting of : autologous bone marrow , separated , concentrated cells from autologous bone marrow , cultivated autologous stem cells , differentiated autologous stem cells , or mesenchymal cells . the precursor cells ( precursors ) of the cells of the peripheral blood are constantly reproduced from immature hematopoetic cells , the so - called stem cells . advantageously the somatic cells are of an autologous nature , that is , the donor and the recipient of the somatic cells are the same individual . in one preferred embodiment of the invention , substances promoting bone growth are mixed , in flowable form , with the somatic cells such as , for example , a ) synthetic growth factors , b ) recombinant growth factors , preferably β growth factor ( tgf - β ) or fgf - 2 ( fibroblast growth factor ), c ) natural or synthetic peptides , d ) platelet - derived growth factor ( pdgf ), e ) insulin - like growth factor ( igf ), f ) fibrin as end product of blood coagulation , or g ) synthetic fibrin . it will be appreciated , that when the somatic cells are located in the pores of the biocompatible body ( for example , blood or the fibrin contained therein ) a network structure is formed for the somatic cells to be newly grown in the porous body . with the use of blood , the growth of the bone cells in the porous body is further promoted by the growth factors present in the blood platelets . an advantage of the process according to the invention consists of the fact that the porous body is not simply immersed in a suspension of somatic cells ( for example , blood ), in order to fill it by the capillary action of the pore system , but rather a vacuum is actively generated in the pores connected to one another by means of which osteoinductive and / or osteogenic substances in the flowable state ( for example , in the form of blood or in the form of an aqueous suspension ) can be sucked in homogeneously and up to the innermost part of the porous body . it will be appreciated that when the bone replacement material produced according to the invention , with its open - pore structure filled with suitable somatic cells , e . g . blood , blood components ( or growth factors promoting bone formation ), bone marrow , or bone cells ( all in a flowable form suitable for this purpose ) and implanted in a defect , it possesses beneficial osteoinductive properties . the blood clot in the interior of the structure organizes itself better , similar to healing of a fracture , into a granular , low - fiber , connective tissue rich in cells and vessels : the granulation tissue . diverse cells migrate into it and start the buildup of a cartilaginous matrix . this process continues until the entire granulation tissue is replaced by cartilage and later calcifies . without such advantages , this entire biological process would slowed down or made impossible by the pores filled only with air . while various descriptions of the present invention are described above , it should be understood that the various features can be used singularly or in any combination thereof . therefore , this invention is not to be limited to only the specifically preferred embodiments depicted herein . further , it should be understood that variations and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention may occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains . accordingly , all expedient modifications readily attainable by one versed in the art from the disclosure set forth herein that are within the scope and spirit of the present invention are to be included as further embodiments of the present invention . the scope of the present invention is accordingly defined as set forth in the appended claims .	0
the invention is described below with reference to drawings . these drawings illustrate certain details of specific embodiments that implement the systems and methods of the present invention . however , describing the invention with drawings should not be construed as imposing , on the invention , any limitations that may be present in the drawings . the present invention contemplates both methods and systems for remotely accepting a check for deposit and electronically processing the deposit without physically routing the physical paper copy of the check . the embodiments of the present invention may comprise a special purpose or general purpose computer including various computer hardware , the execution unit portion of which may also be known herein as a “ processor .” embodiments within the scope of the present invention also include computer - readable media for carrying or having computer - executable instructions or data structures stored thereon and also known as software . such computer - readable media can be any available media which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer . by way of example , and not limitation , such computer - readable media can comprise ram , rom , eprom , eeprom , cd - rom or other optical disk storage , magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices , or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer - executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer . when information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection ( either hardwired , wireless , or a combination of hardwired or wireless ) to a computer , the computer properly views the connection as a computer - readable medium . thus , any such a connection is properly termed a computer - readable medium . combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer - readable media . computer - executable instructions comprise , for example , instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer , special purpose computer , or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions . computer - executable instructions may also be properly termed “ software ” as known by those of skill in the art . although not required , the invention will be described in the general context of computer - executable instructions , such as program modules , being executed by computers in network environments . generally , program modules include routines , programs , objects , components , data structures , etc . that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types . computer - executable instructions , associated data structures , and program modules represent examples of the program code means for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein . the particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represent examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps . those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations , including personal computers , hand - held devices , multi - processor systems , microprocessor - based or programmable consumer electronics , network pcs , minicomputers , mainframe computers , and the like . the invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked ( either by hardwired links , wireless links , or by a combination of hardwired or wireless links ) through a communications network . in a distributed computing environment , program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices . an exemplary system for implementing the portions of the invention includes a general purpose computing device in the form of a conventional computer , including a processing unit , a system memory , and a system bus that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit . the system memory may include read only memory ( rom ) and random access memory ( ram ). the computer may also include a magnetic hard disk drive for reading from and writing to a magnetic hard disk , a magnetic disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk , and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to removable optical disk such as a cd - rom or other optical media . the drives and their associated computer - readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer - executable instructions , data structures , program modules and other data for the computer . program code or software means comprising one or more program modules may be stored on the hard disk , magnetic disk , optical disk , rom or ram , including an operating system , one or more application or software programs , other program modules , and program data . the computer may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers having processors . logical connections may include a local area network ( lan ) and a wide area network ( wan ) that are presented here by way of example and not limitation . such networking environments are commonplace in office - wide or enterprise - wide computer networks , intranets and the internet . it should also be pointed out that while the term “ check ” may be generically used herein , it is contemplated by the inventors that other financial instruments are also contemplated within this meaning and therefore , the use of the term “ check ” is assumed to have the broader meaning , both in the specification and the claims . additionally , the term “ bank of first deposit ” means the financial institution sponsoring the remote site and which owns or employs a central site for processing financial transactions . referring to fig1 , a bank of first deposit 101 receives a check from the bearer to begin processing the instrument . bank of first deposit 101 actually forwards , in step 113 , the physical check ( s ) to a central site 102 for additional physical processing of the actual check . the physical check is processed at central site 102 using a reader / sorter ( not separately shown but included in 102 ) to acquire information such as the information stored on the magnetic ink character recognition ( micr ) line . this information includes the maker bank number , the account number , a check serial number , etc . the information from the check is then sent to an in - house computer system ( included in 102 ) for posting in steps 114 , 115 to the appropriate bearer account ( s ) 103 , 104 in the bank of first deposit 101 . if the check is an on us item ( i . e . an item that is drawn on the bank that is processing it ), the check is retained in a step 117 at storage 105 at bank of first deposit 101 , otherwise the check is sent in steps 116 and 119 or , alternatively in step 118 into a maker bank 108 for collection of funds . the check ( s ) are either sent physically in step 18 directly to maker bank 108 or routed in steps 116 and 119 through a federal reserve banks ( frb ) 106 and 107 check clearing processes to a maker bank 108 . the path taken by the check is determined by the working agreement that bank of first deposit 101 has with maker bank 108 . if maker bank 108 is a member of the local clearing - house association ( thereby being a clearing bank ), the checks can be exchanged directly with maker bank 108 . if the maker bank 108 is a correspondent bank ( a bank that has agreed to exchange checks directly with the bank of first deposit ) the checks can be sent directly to maker bank 108 . all other checks are forwarded in steps 116 and 119 to the frbs , 106 and 107 for exchange with maker bank 108 . if a check is not paid by maker bank 108 for any reason ( i . e . it is a forgery , there are not sufficient funds in the makers account to cover the amount of the check , etc .) the check is returned to the depositor using the reverse path . once the check is received by maker bank 108 , the check is processed in step 121 through the maker bank &# 39 ; s check capture system 109 . information from the check is then sent in steps 122 and 123 to the maker bank &# 39 ; s accounting systems 110 and 111 and the checks are either stored in step 124 at the maker bank &# 39 ; s check storage 112 , or sent directly to the maker with their check statement . fig2 depicts a high - level processing diagram of the various entities involved in the overall financial processing of the present invention , in accordance with the preferred embodiment . the present invention comprises three primary processing entities : ( i ) a remote site 197 , ( ii ) a central site 198 , and ( iii ) a maker bank site 199 . each of these sites enlists specific processing techniques which furthers the novel financial instrument processing technique of the present invention . in the present invention , a remote site processor 201 ( further detailed in fig3 ) either autonomously , or under operator / depositor control initially remotely “ processes ” a check into electronic check data both in the form of image data and informational data which can be further processed and approved at subsequent portions of the overall process . in essence , the remote site provides a processing front - end that electronically interacts via interface 202 with central site 198 through the transfer of electronic check data for review and processing by electronic means at a central site . remote site 197 performs functions relating to the physical check including scanning , reading , and printing on the checks . remote site 197 also exchanges image and / or authorization data with the other entities as further described below . central site 198 of fig2 interacts via interfaces 207 , 208 with maker bank site 199 for completing the clearing process relating to the check or related instrument . central site 198 is comprised of a central site processor 203 which coordinates verification and account interaction . central site 198 also provides both electronic storage of image and information data as well as providing an interface to maker bank site 199 . central site 198 provides image conversion technology for converting check data from electronic form back to a hard copy check format for processing , printing , and archiving when required by more traditional banking processes . otherwise , a system 205 may process the image of the check in image format . system 205 prevents the need to reprint the check and send the duplicate check through the check reader sorters . maker bank site 199 performs more traditional account processing of information received from central site 198 such as from central site federal reserve bank 106 . maker bank site 199 is further comprised of maker bank frb 107 and maker bank 108 and engages in account processing and statement generation . fig3 depicts the remote site as well as the interaction by a depositor or operator , in accordance with a preferred embodiment . the present invention commences with the presentation of a physical instrument such as a check by a bearer to remote site 197 . a remote scanner / reader / printer 309 provides the interface to the bearer for presentment of the check . remote scanner / reader / printer 309 , in the preferred embodiment , is a multifunction device capable of independently performing each of the functions of scanning , reading , and printing upon the check or physical financial instrument . it is also contemplated that individual devices for performing each of these functions , scanning - reading - printing , may be integrated , whether automatically or manually , to perform the combination of functions upon the check . remote scanner / reader / printer 309 is connected via an interface 310 to remote processor 201 . remote site processor 201 , like each of the other processor elements in the present invention , may be comprised of execution - capable devices , and is preferably comprised of a computer , such as a personal , network , or general purpose computer . remote processor 201 is further coupled to central site processor 203 via an interface transmission or network media 202 , which may take the form of one or more of wired or wireless media such as public switched lines , internet or wide - area network connection , microwave , satellite , digital phone , private leased lines , or any other current or future acceptable communications facility and may further employ include encryption over the interface . remote site processor 201 executes according to executable instructions such as computer - executable instructions which are figuratively depicted in fig3 as software 313 . software 313 is loaded or interfaces with remote processor 201 via a bus or other physical interface depicted as interface 312 . generally , software 313 is comprised of executable instructions for ( i ) causing remote site processor 201 to instruct and execute the necessary steps for capturing the check or financial instrument both physically and electronically , ( ii ) performing requisite data processing on the electronic data from the capturing step , and ( iii ) exchanging the captured data over interface or media 202 to central site processor 203 when appropriate . while details relating to the processing and method steps executed by remote site processor 201 via software 313 are described below , remote site processor 201 further determines if remote processing decisional information such as comparison information for making decisions on the number of deposits , dollar amount of deposits or dollar amount of monetary items is available on remote site processor 201 . if such decisional information is not available at remote site 197 , then central site check processing may require additional steps . remote site processor 201 also determines if the remote processing information needed to void , endorse and itemize number each check 303 is available to remote processor 201 for processing of check 303 , according to the method of the present invention . if such remote processing information is available but not current , the remote processing information may be updated by either having the updated information manually entered , for example by way of an operator via a keyboard at terminal 301 attached to remote processor 201 , or the updated information may be retrieved by remote processor 201 , under the direction of software 313 , from central site processor 203 . in a preferred embodiment , the updated information may be housed in a data set at central site processor 203 and updated by the bank of first deposit , affiliated with remote site 197 prior to loading to remote site processor 201 . remote site processor 201 , executing software 313 , then determines if all of the decisions concerning voiding , endorsing , item numbering , number of deposits , number of checks or dollar sizes of deposits or items can be made by remote site processor 201 by checking the remote processing information as pre - defined in remote site processor 201 . if the decisions on endorsing , voiding , item numbering , number of deposits , number or dollar amounts of deposits or monetary items can be made by remote site processor 201 , then to ensure proper account processing of check 303 , a depositor at terminal 301 is lead through a series of instructions to gather deposit information required to ensure credits are made to the appropriate deposit accounts ( s ). in one preferred embodiment , the deposit information is read , interpreted and entered automatically by reader / scanner / printer 309 . in another embodiment , the deposit information is entered manually on , for example , terminal 301 attached to remote site processor 201 . additionally , during the practice of the invention , scanner / reader / printer 309 encodes check 303 with endorsement and voiding information in order to physically “ void ” check 303 , thereby keeping check 303 from being re - transmitted , for example over media 202 , or re - deposited at an actual financial institution location for an additional collection . in addition , a unique item identification number may be encoded on check 303 by remote site processor 201 via scanner / reader / printer 309 to aid in tracking data resulting from processing of check 303 . the process of the present invention continues when scanner / reader / printer 309 performs the functions of scanning check 303 to create electronic check data comprised of image data , informational data including micr encoding ( using either micr , optical character recognition ( ocr ) or other like techniques ). scanner / reader / printer 309 “ voids ” check 303 by endorsing check 303 and printing tracking data thereon . the electronic image data and informational data such as micr information of the voided and endorsed check 303 is transferred over interface 310 to remote site processor 201 for processing which includes image integrity verification . when the image integrity is suspect , the integrity is enhance by either rescanning check 303 or , alternatively , by manual intervention by an operator at terminal 301 . if check 303 is rescanned , scanner / reader / printer 309 does not reprint the endorsement , voiding and item numbering information on check 303 . once the electronic image data and the micr encoding for the first check 303 is determined to be readable and accurate , remote site processor 201 determines if this process should be repeated for additional deposits and / or monetary item ( s ). when remote site processor 201 determines that processing by scanner / reader / printer 309 of individual check ( s ), under the direction of remote site processor 201 has ended and that the information is complete and ready for transmission via interface / media 202 , remote site processor 201 formats the electronic image data and the micr encoding and adds any additional control information in preparation for transmission to central site processor 203 . the physical check 305 is stored in file 305 at the remote site . in addition , the check image is stored on the remote site processor ( i . e ., magnetic disk , cd rom , etc . not shown on drawing .) communications between remote site processor 201 and central site processor 203 preferably incorporates digital signature verification / certification performed by process 311 and data encryption performed by process 313 to ensure confidentiality . fig4 depicts the central site processor and the various processes and interfaces associated therewith , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention . while the accuracy of electronic check data transferred from remote site processor 201 to central site processor 203 will generally retain its integrity through the transmission , when electronic check data received by central site processor 203 , as evaluated and processed by computer - executable instructions or software loaded therein , is incomplete or inaccurate , or if the image data is not readable , central site processor 203 communicates with remote processor 201 giving detailed information to an operator at terminal 301 concerning the need for additional information to restore image information or complete incomplete or inaccurate data . depending upon the type of missing or otherwise incorrect information , corrected or supplemental information may be supplied by an operator at terminal 301 at remote site 197 . it may even be necessary to re - scan check ( s ) 303 and re - transmit at least portions of the check data including image and / or micr data to central site processor 203 . if check 303 is re - scanned , then endorsement , voiding and item number information are not reprinted on check 303 . once central site processor 203 determines the new check data received for the deposit is accurate and complete , central site processor 203 stores the check image and micr data of check ( s ) 303 along with any additional associated information such as time that deposit was captured , who the customer was who captured the deposit , item number , etc . as received from remote site 201 . central site processor 203 confirms receipt of accurate information by sending a notification reply to remote site processor 201 freeing - up remote site processor 201 for further processing of subsequent remote check deposit interactions . in alternate embodiments , central site processor 203 may store image data on an internet - enabled check image document storage 405 thereby allowing access by the depositor / operator from a terminal such as terminal 301 , their designee , or the financial institution of first deposit . it should be pointed out that because of present banking processes , the remote site should still be associated with a chartered financial institution that is authorized to accept the checks from the remote site and process them through normal check clearing paths . the remote site may be a branch extension of the financial institution or may be a person , or other entity with or without a legal relationship to the financial institution that provides the access services to the financial institution . such an affiliated financial institution is still known as the bank of first deposit . the present embodiment does not propose eliminating the bank of first deposit , only replacing the method used to capture deposits . central site processor 203 maintains authentication and data integrity at check image document storage 405 through the use of digital signature verification and certification , as well as via data encryption as shown in processes 314 and 315 . referring back to fig3 , in another embodiment , if the decisions of endorsing , voiding , item numbering , number of deposits number or checks or dollar amounts of deposits or monetary items cannot be made by remote site processor 201 , for example , when the telecommunications line goes down and the decision information cannot be updated on the remote site processor , or when the central site processor is inoperable , or the specific remote site is not authorized to make these decisions ( i . e . we will determine and pass that information to the remote site processor when the remote site processor contacts the central site processor prior to accepting deposit information at the remote site ), then remote site processor 201 leads a depositor at for example terminal 301 through a series of instructions to gather deposit information required to ensure credits are made to the appropriate deposit accounts ( s ) 104 . this can be done by either using the reader / scanner / printer 309 or by entering the necessary information on the terminal 301 attached to remote processor 201 . then , check 303 is placed into the scanner / reader / printer 309 where the item is scanned , the micr encoding is read preferably using either micr or optical character recognition ( ocr ) techniques , and an electronic image is created of check 303 . the electronic image data and informational data such as micr information is transferred from scanner / reader / printer 309 onto remote site processor 201 where remote site processor 201 edits and confirms that the electronic check data is readable . if the electronic check data is not readable or correct , the check data is corrected at the direction of remote site processor 201 by either re - scanning check 303 or having a remote site operator manually key the information in using terminal 301 or other interface device attached to remote site processor 201 . once the check data is determined to be readable and accurate , remote site processor 201 then formats the scanned check data and adds additional control information in preparation for transmission to central site processor 203 and the alternate embodiment approach concludes . returning to fig4 , after receipt of valid and accurate check data , if it is determined that the maker bank or maker of the check requires a physical item , the check image is printed in process 401 and then processed through the central site check image capture system 205 . if a physical item is not required , the image is sent to the check image capture system 205 . in either case , the check image capture system 205 interfaces with the central site 198 deposit systems 103 , cash management systems 104 , etc . for posting information . the central site then forwards either the printed duplicate check or check image to the maker bank 108 . this can be done directly through path 208 if the bank of first deposit &# 39 ; s central site 198 has an agreement with maker bank 108 to exchange checks directly , or if the maker bank and the central site bank of first deposit do not have an exchange agreement then through frbs 106 , 107 through path 207 . fig5 depicts the various component and processes of the maker bank site , in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention . the maker bank 108 receives either images of the original paper items 303 or printed duplicates of the original paper items 303 either directly from the bank of first deposit &# 39 ; s central site through path 208 or from the central site federal reserve bank ( frb ) 106 clearing process through path 206 ( fig4 ), 207 , 120 . central site frb 106 will process the check images or paper items through their capture system and forward the images or paper items to the maker bank frb 107 through path 207 . the maker bank frb then processes the items or images through their check capture system 504 through path 503 and if necessary , ( i . e ., when paper duplicate of item has not already been printed by the bank of first deposit ), print a duplicate of the original check 303 image if a paper item is required by maker bank 108 . a maker bank frb 107 will then forward the printed items or images to the maker bank 108 via communications or transportation path depicted as path 120 . maker bank 108 will then process the image or paper item though their in - house application systems depicted by deposit system 110 , print check image process , 509 , check system process , and customer statement process 506 through paths 122 , 507 , 508 , 121 , 505 , and 507 . these in house systems are not to be taken as systems that all banks will have or use for this process . they are meant to represent the in house processing by maker banks to post monetary items to their accounting systems and to send the items ( either image or printed duplicate of original items ) to the check maker . fig6 is an interface diagram depicting a high level description of the interactions between the various components of the present invention , in accordance with a preferred embodiment . in the preferred embodiment , the remote site operator enters deposit information into the remote processor then inserts a draft in a step 601 at the scanner / reader / printer located at the remote site . the scanner / reader / printer reads the item , digitizes and validates the check image information and passes it to the software on the remote site processor in a step 602 . the remote site processor software receives the digitized data from the scanner / reader / printer and validates data to ensure that the check information is readable and valid in a step 603 . when the image is ready for transmission to the central site . the remote site processor contacts the transmission facility and , incorporating digital signature verification and certification and data encryption software to ensure confidentiality , transmits in a step 604 the item image and control information to the central site . the central site receives the transmitted data and edits and in a step 611 verifies the check data for completeness and content . when the central site has determined the check image and other associated data ( relating to both the check image and data , and the deposit information ) is complete and accurate and meets the deposit and / or item dollar limits , the central site stores the electronic image of the check and any additional associated information received from the remote site , and then confirms in a step 605 receipt of good information by sending to the remote site information needed to endorse the physical check and to void the physical item to keep it from being re - transmitted or deposited at a physical financial institution location for collection . in addition , a unique item identification number can be transmitted to the inventive software on the remote site processor for printing on the physical checks as a tracking and research mechanism . the invention allows for printing of the unique item number if it is determined by the bank employing the present invention that it is desirable to print the unique item number for tracking and research purposes . after the inventive software on the remote processor receives specific information required to void , endorse , and print the unique item number , the remote site processor and the scanner / reader / printer will pass the check again where the remote site will print in a step 606 the information on the physical item at the locations required by the rules governing automated check processing . the item is also scanned in a step 607 again under the direction of the remote site inventive software and the new image ( containing endorsement , voiding and item number information ), and associated additional information required by the inventive software for tracking and control purposes , is edited in a step 608 for accuracy and completeness and if correct is then transmitted in a step 609 to the central site by the remote site using the transmission facility set up for this purposes . if the data is not readable or correct , the information is corrected at the direction of the remote site by either re - scanning the item or having the remote site operator key the information in using the terminal attached to the remote site processor . if the item is rescanned at this point , the endorsement , voiding and item number information is not reprinted by the scanner / reader / printer . when the image is ready for transmission to the central site , the remote site processor contacts the transmission facility and , incorporating digital signature verification and certification , and data encryption software to ensure confidentiality , transmits in a step 609 the item image and control information to the central site . the central site receives the transmitted updated image data and edits in a step 613 for completeness and content . if the data is incomplete or inaccurate , or if the image data is not readable , the central site communicates , with the remote processor and gives detailed information to the operator concerning the need for additional information to complete the inaccurate data or image information . based on the specific need , this information can be supplied using the terminal on the remote site processor or by re - scanning the physical item and re - transmitting it to the central site . in either case , this information is supplied under the direction of the remote site processor . such additional information is transmitted to the central site processor from the remote site processor . if the physical item is rescanned at this point , the endorsement , voiding and item number information is not reprinted by the scanner / reader / printer . once the central site determines the new data received for the deposit is accurate and complete , the central site stores in a step 618 the updated image of the physical item ( on the database ( s ) maintained by the bank of first deposit &# 39 ; s central site for this purpose ) along with any additional associated information received from the remote site , and then confirms receipt in a step 610 of good information by sending a notification to the remote site that the process for that specific deposit is complete unless more items are present in a step 615 and allows for termination of the transmission of information or for the same process to be followed for other items in a step 614 in that deposit or for another deposit in a step 616 . in another embodiment of the invention , the central site stores the check image ( s ) on an internet enabled documents storage system allowing access by the depositor , their designee , or the central site processing center of the bank of first deposit . the central site for storing check images and associated information preferably employees incorporating digital signature verification and certification , and data encryption to ensure confidentiality . if the check is removed from the scanner / reader / printer prematurely , at any time during the process of capturing and transmitting data from the remote site , the transaction information associated with that check will be considered invalid and not part of the deposit . the depositor will need to re - scan and re - enter data associated with that check . the remote site operator will have the option at the remote site to release deposit information to the central site for processing . this can be done after either a completion of single deposit in step 615 ( containing one or more checks ) or after completion of all deposits in step 616 ( each containing one or more checks ) from the remote site . after the deposit ( s ) from a specific remote site are complete , the central site formats deposit information for processing in the accounting systems of the bank of first deposit &# 39 ; s central site in a step 619 , including sending the image and other appropriate information for application processing in step 620 ( including deposit accounting systems , micr capture , cash management processing , float processing , etc .,). if an item is an “ on us ” item , the central site determines that a physical check is required by the maker , that information is relayed to the central site and an identical image or facsimile of the original item can be printed by either the central site processor or by the item capture system in step 619 . if the maker bank is a clearing or correspondent bank then the bank of first deposit will determine if the maker bank requires a paper or image item . if the maker bank requires a paper item , then the bank of first deposit &# 39 ; s central site will print an exact duplicate of the paper item and route in step 621 the item to the maker bank . the duplicate printed item will generally be as exact as possible based on the quality of the original image . if the maker bank does not require a paper item then the bank of first deposit will route the check image to the maker bank . if the maker bank is not a clearing or correspondent bank , the check data including image will be forwarded in step 621 using the frb item clearing processes to route the item image to the frb affiliated with the maker bank . the maker bank frb determines if the maker bank will accept check data including an image of the item . if the maker bank requires a paper item , the maker bank frb prints an identical image of the original item with information showing that it is a duplicate and that the bank of first deposit is central site guarantees the item . this duplicated item is then sent in step 621 to the maker bank for the collections of funds . as an alternative , the check image or a printed reproduction of the check can be sent in step 621 to the maker bank from either the bank of first deposit is central site or the maker bank frb using any other acceptable clearing method or process . check items that need to be returned , are done so in steps 624 and 625 to the bank of first deposit to be routed back through the same route that was used to clear the item . if a paper item has been created , that item will be returned along with information showing the reason for return . otherwise , the image will be used for return item purposes until the return item image is returned to the bank of first deposit &# 39 ; s central site . at that point , if the remote site processor 201 is able to receive an item image , the image along with the return reason will be passed to the remote site processor 201 . if the remote site processor is not capable of receiving check data including an item image , a paper duplicate showing the return reason will be printed either by the central site or by the item capture system under the direction of the central site and sent to the remote site operator 301 . the unique item number assigned at capture time by either the central site or the remote site can a be included in all return images and / or returned paper items to enable complete and accurate tracking of all return items re - deposit may be performed in steps 626 , 627 , 628 of items facilitated by the remote site prompting the remote site operator with instructions on how to scan and transmit the returned paper item or re - deposit the endorsed image previously captured and stored . the unique item number assigned at capture time by either the central site or the remote site facilitates both options . fig7 is a detailed flowchart depicting the specific steps for carrying out the invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment . in a step 700 , the software is loaded or otherwise made available to the remote site processor for execution . those skilled in the art appreciate the various processes and steps for performing loading of software into a processor such as the remote site processor . it is also contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the software for execution on any of the processors may take the form of embedded executable instructions . query step 900 determines if deposit processing criteria , ( e . g ., deposit limit and endorsement information ) are present at the remote site processor thereby enabling the initial check deposit processing decisions to be performed locally at the remote site processor or , alternatively , when the deposit processing criteria is not local on the remote site processor , processing passes through path 906 to step 701 . when query step 900 determines that deposit processing criteria is present at the remote site processor , a query step 910 determines if the information required to determine deposit limits and endorse the item is current on the remote site processor . if this information is present and current on the remote site processor , processing passes through path 911 to step 930 where the remote site operator enters deposit information , as well as the endorsement voiding and item numbering information in process step 931 prior to reading the first monetary item in process step 932 and then proceeding to query step 933 . if this information is not present on the remote site processor or if it is not current , then query step 920 determines if this information can be updated by the operator . if the operator cannot update this information , then process step 926 allows for updating the deposit information from the central site processor and then proceeds to process step 930 where the operator begins the remote capture function by entering deposit information . if the operator can update this information , then process step 921 allows for the operator to update the deposit limit and endorsement information and then proceed to process query step 922 . query step 922 determines if the remote site processor can make deposit limit and / or endorsement decisions . if the decision can be made by the remote site processor , then process step 930 allows for the remote operator to enter deposit information , as well as the endorsement voiding and item numbering information in process step 931 prior to reading the first monetary item in process step 932 and then proceeding to query step 933 . query step 933 determines if the current item exceeds the item dollar limit or makes the deposit exceed the deposit dollar limit . if the limits are exceed then the process of entering items for the given deposit in process end 934 , and the remote site operator has the option of beginning another deposit or ending the deposit process with the central site processor . if the limits are not exceeded , then process step 935 accounts for the scanned item 932 being edited for accuracy and completeness at the remote location prior to proceeding to query step 936 where it is determined if the data from the scanned item is correct . in query step 936 , if the data is correct , then query step 937 determines if there are more items to scan . if there are more items to scan , then process step 940 passes back to process step 930 to allow the remote operator to begin the item capture process over again . if query step 937 determines that there are no more items or deposits to process , then process step 941 prepares the item image data or check data for transmission prior to encrypting the data in process step 942 and digitally signing the data in process step 943 . process step 944 transmits the data image to the central site processor for editing in process step 747 . in query step 936 , if the data is not correct , then query step 938 determines if the operator can correct the data using a data terminal connected to the remote site processor . if the operator can correct the data , it is done in process step 946 prior to passing through process step 947 and going back to query step 936 to test data image for correctness . in query step 938 , if the scanned item image is not correct , process step 948 passes through to process 932 where the item is rescanned . stepping back to query step 922 , if endorsement and deposit limit information cannot be made by the remote site processor , then the remote site operator , enters deposit information in process step 701 before scanning the physical monetary item in process step 702 after which the item image is edited in process step 703 . in query step 704 , if the image data is not correct , the check is returned to process step 702 where it is rescanned and re - edited in step 703 . if query step 704 determines the image data is correct , then the data is passed successfully through process step 710 where the image is prepared for transmission to process step 711 where the date is encrypted and step 712 where the digital signature is added in preparation for transmitting the data to the central site in process step 713 . process step 714 receives the transmitted image data and passes it to query step 715 where it is edited for accuracy and completeness . if the data is not accurate or complete , it is passed to process step 720 where the data is corrected by requesting updated information from the remote site processor . if the remote site operator cannot supply correct date via the terminal attached to the remote site processor in query step 721 , then the check passes through process step 725 to process step 702 where it is scanned again in preparation for editing and transmitting the corrected image to the central site processor . if the remote site operator is able and authorized to correct the data in query step 721 , the data is entered in process step 722 and passed through path 723 to process step 711 where the data is encrypted in preparation for transmitting to the central site processor . if in query step 715 the check image data is complete and accurate , the data is passed to process step 730 where the image is stored in data sets used by the bank for document archival and research as well as in a database that is internet enabled and available for access and research purposes by the depositing customer and bank of first deposit . after the image is stored , a confirmation of good data receipt is created in process step 731 . this confirmation contains necessary endorsement , item numbering and voiding information , which is added to the confirmation record in process steps 732 and 733 prior to the confirmation being sent to the remote site processor . the confirmation record is then data encrypted in process step 734 and a digital signature is added in process step 735 prior to the record being transmitted to the remote processor in process step 736 . upon receipt by the remote processor in process step 737 , the endorsement , item numbering and voiding information is printed on the physical check in process step 738 prior to it being re - scanned in process step 739 . after a new check image is created showing the necessary endorsement and voiding information in process step 740 , the new check image is edited to ensure the scanned check data is correct . if in query step 742 , it is determined that the image data is not complete or accurate , the image is passed through process step 750 to process step 739 where the physical check is scanned again . if the check is passed through the reader again at this point , the endorsement information has already been printed and will not be printed again . if in query step 742 it is determined that the check image data is good , the data in prepared for transmission in process step 743 prior to the data being encrypted in process step 743 and digitally signed in process step 745 prior to being transmitted to the central site in process step 746 . as the central site receives the transmitted image data in process step 747 , the image is edited by the central site software in process step 748 to ensure completeness and accuracy of data . query step 756 determines quality of data and if the data is not complete or accurate , it is sent to query step 791 where it is determined if the deposit limit and or endorsement information is available on the remote site processor . if this information is available on the remote site processor then the central site processor communicates with the remote site processor through path 794 to determine if the remote site operator can supply the correct image data in query step 938 . the process involved in query step 938 was discussed above . if query step 791 determines that the deposit limit and endorsement information is not on the remote processor then query step 795 determines if the remote operator can supply the correct image information . if the operator can supply the correct image information , it is entered in process step 796 and the check image is prepared for transmission in process step 797 and passed to process step 744 ( previously discussed ) for digital signature and transmission . if in query step 795 the operator cannot correct / update the image information , the check is processed through path 798 to process step 739 ( previously discussed ) where it is scanned again in preparation for transmitting to central site processor . stepping back to query step 756 , if the data image is complete and accurate the endorsed image of the check is stored in process step 760 in datasets used by the bank for document archival and research as well as in a database in process step 762 that is internet enabled and available for the depositing customer and bank of first deposit to be able to access for research purposes . the central processor site then sends confirmation of good receipt of data in process step 762 to the remote processor in process step 763 . at this point query step 764 at the remote processor determines if the deposit currently being worked on is complete . if the deposit is not complete , then process step 780 returns control to the previously discussed process step 702 where the next item is scanned . if the deposit is complete query step 764 asks the operator in query step 765 if there is another deposit . if there is another deposit to be processed , process step 766 passes through to previously discussed process step 701 where the new deposit process is initiated . if there is not another deposit as determined in query step 765 , the remote entry process is completed and the captured deposit and image information is entered into application processing for the bank of first deposit &# 39 ; s central site item capture system in process step 771 , the deposit systems in process step 772 and the cash management systems in process step 773 . in the course of processing a deposit , it is integral to the decision making to understand which banks the deposited items are drawn ( i . e . who is the maker bank ). query step 774 determines if the monetary items in the deposit are “ on us ” items ( i . e . items drawn on the bank of first deposit ). if the items are “ on us ,” the system determines , in query step 850 , if the check maker requires a paper check . if they do , then a duplicate of the original check is printed in process step 851 and the paper item is sent to the maker of the check . in addition , the image of the item is sent to process step 860 ( discussed below ) for processing on internal computer accounting systems . in query step 850 , if the maker of the check does not require a paper duplicate of the original item , process step 860 passes the checks image through the internal accounting systems to query step 861 where it is determined if the item is payable ( i . e ., does the check maker have sufficient funds in their account to cover the check , is the maker account still open , etc .). if query step 861 determines the item is payable , the check data is posted to the maker &# 39 ; s account and the process ends for that check item in step 863 . if query step 861 determines the item is not payable , then process step 870 returns either the printed duplicate of the check or the check image to the original depositor at the remote location . in query step 871 , a remote site operator determines if they want to re - deposit the item or return it . if they decide to return the item , this is done in process step 880 and path 881 sends control to previously discussed process end step 863 . if query step 871 determines that the item should be re - deposited for collection , query step 872 determines if this is to be done using the duplicate paper item or the original check image . if the return from query step 872 is to be done using the duplicate paper item , then this is done in path 873 where control is sent back to previously discussed process step 764 where the item is deposited using the scanner / reader / printer . if the check return from query step 872 is to be done using the original captured check image for the item , process step 875 allows for the remote operator to initiate this process in a step 875 by entering the unique number assigned to the original check at capture time . this information is sent to the central site processor via process step 876 and control is then passed through path 877 to process step 764 where the item is deposited using the check original check image . stepping back to query step 774 where it is determined if the item is an on us item , if query step 774 determines that the item in not an “ on us ” item then query step 800 determines if the maker bank is a clearing bank or a correspondant bank . if the maker bank is a clearing bank or a correspondent bank , then query step 801 determines if the maker bank requires a paper copy of the original check item . if they require a paper duplicate , then a paper duplicate of the original item is printed in process step 802 and sent to the maker bank in path 803 which passes control to process step 805 discussed below . if query step 801 determines that the maker bank does not require a printed duplicate check , the image of the original item drawn on the maker bank is sent to the maker bank in process step 805 and the maker bank sends the item through path 806 to previously discussed process step 861 to determine if the item is payable at the maker bank . stepping back to query step 800 , if the payee bank is not a clearing bank or correspondent bank , process step 810 sends the check image to the federal reserve bank ( frb ) serving as the clearing entity for the bank of first deposit . that branch of the federal reserve bank forwards the check image to the federal reserve bank serving as the clearing agent for the maker bank . that federal reserve bank determines in query step 811 if the maker bank requires a paper duplicate of the original paper check . if the maker bank requires a paper item , the frb prints the paper item in process step 812 , incorporates the duplicate check in their processing systems as depicted in process step 813 where the item is sent in path 814 to process step 815 where the maker bank receives the paper item . if in query step 811 the maker bank does not require a paper check , the frb sends the image to the maker bank that receives the image in process step 815 and passes , via path 816 , either the check image or printed duplicate of the original check to previously discussed query step 861 to determine if the item is payable by the maker . the present invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics . as properly understood , the preceding description of specific embodiments is illustrative only and in no way restrictive . the scope of the invention is , therefore , indicated solely by the appended claims as follows .	6
fig1 shows the external form of the rotative toothbrush of the present invention . an eccentric aperture p of a round brushhead 1 is connected with the end of a grip 2 by a shaft 4 . the eccentric aperture p is eccentrically and rotatively located at the center of the round brushhead 1 . the rotative toothbrush is well rotative and all the brushhairs 3 of the brushhead are contacted with the teeth . as long as the ratio of the eccentricity that is , the ratio of the short radius ( a ): the long radius ( b ) of the round brushhead is large , the round brushhead will be well rotative when the user uses the rotative toothbrush of the present invention . however , it is inconvenient for the user to use the toothbrush of which the ratio of the eccentricity is large . and as long as the ratio is small , it is convenient for the user to use it . however , the rotating forces will be weak . the preferable ratio of a : b is about 2 : 3 to about 1 : 3 . the brushhead 1 , the grip 2 , and brushhairs 3 can be made of the conventional plastic materials used in a conventional toothbrush . fig6 a shows an embodiment of the structure of the rotative parts of the toothbrush . the shaft 4 which has a rounded end 4 &# 39 ; and a seal 4 is loosely set in a hole 6 formed in the end of the grip 2 . the upper end 4 &# 39 ;&# 34 ; of the shaft 4 is covered with a cap 7 having a hole 6 &# 39 ; through the hole 6 &# 39 ; and then the upper end 4 &# 39 ;&# 34 ; is firmly fitted in a hole 8 of the brushhead 1 . the cap 7 is sealed with the end of the grip 2 by a conventional way , e . g . by a supersonic sealing or by adhesives which are not solved in water or by heat - sealing method . fig6 b shows another embodiment of the rotative parts of the toothbrush . a base plate 41 &# 39 ; of a shaft 41 is vertically molded into the upper end of the grip 2 . then , the shaft 41 is set into a housing 71 having a hole 71 &# 39 ; and a groove 71 &# 34 ; in a way that the shaft 41 having a projection 41 &# 34 ; is loosely fitted into the hole 71 &# 39 ; of the housing 71 having the groove 71 &# 34 ;. then , the housing 71 is fixed into a hole 81 of the brushhead 1 . the shaft 4 or 41 becomes freely rotative in the set state . there are other various conventional structures of the rotative parts which come under the scope of the present invention . as long as the thin shaft 4 is used , the thin shaft 4 becomes well rotative . however , it is desirable that the shaft 4 with a diameter from 0 . 5 mm to 2 . 0 mm is used . the shaft 4 can be made of metal or plastic . however , metal is more desirable than the plastic material because metal is usually more stronger than the plastic material . when the user moves the grip of the toothbrush right and left in a conventional way , the brushhead 1 is rotated by 180 degrees at its maximum owing to the difference of the friction between the brushhairs of short radius and the brushhairs of long radius contacting the teeth . therefore , the same effect of brushing the teeth vertically up and down is obtained when the toothbrush of the present invention is used in a conventional way . fig3 shows another embodiment of the rotative toothbrush of the present invention . in this case , one or more round projections 5 are formed on the back along the eccentric circle of the brushhead 1 ( see fig4 a and 4c . when the user uses the toothbrush having one or more round projections 5 on the back along the eccentric circle of the brushhead 1 , the round projections 5 contact the inside muscle of the user &# 39 ; s mouth and produce friction and contact a slot portion 2 &# 39 ; of an end portion of the grip 2 and adjacent to the shaft 4 so as to effectively rotate the round brushhead 1 ( fig6 a and 6b ); and therefore generate a kind of forces between the eccentric aperture p and the round projections 5 . so , the brushhead 1 rotates more effectively and efficiently . preferably , the round projection 5 numbers one , two , or three .	0
the present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein . embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the figures . however , those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments . for example , it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will , in light of the teachings of the present invention , recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches , depending upon the needs of the particular application , to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein , beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown . that is , there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention . also , singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa , where appropriate , and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive . it is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology , compounds , materials , manufacturing techniques , uses , and applications , described herein , as these may vary . it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only , and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention . it must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims , the singular forms “ a ,” “ an ,” and “ the ” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise . thus , for example , a reference to “ an element ” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art . similarly , for another example , a reference to “ a step ” or “ a means ” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub - steps and subservient means . all conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible . thus , the word “ or ” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “ or ” rather than that of a logical “ exclusive or ” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise . structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures . language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise . unless defined otherwise , all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs . preferred methods , techniques , devices , and materials are described , although any methods , techniques , devices , or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention . structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures . the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings . from reading the present disclosure , other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art . such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art , and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein . although claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features , it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof , whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention . features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment . conversely , various features which are , for brevity , described in the context of a single embodiment , may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination . the applicants hereby give notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and / or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom . references to “ one embodiment ,” “ an embodiment ,” “ example embodiment ,” “ various embodiments ,” etc ., may indicate that the embodiment ( s ) of the invention so described may include a particular feature , structure , or characteristic , but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature , structure , or characteristic . further , repeated use of the phrase “ in one embodiment ,” or “ in an exemplary embodiment ,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment , although they may . as is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system , and in particular , the embodiments of the present invention . a commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application , whereby any aspect ( s ), feature ( s ), function ( s ), result ( s ), component ( s ), approach ( es ), or step ( s ) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted , included , adapted , mixed and matched , or improved and / or optimized by those skilled in the art , using their average skills and known techniques , to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application . it is to be understood that any exact measurements / dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way . depending on the needs of the particular application , those skilled in the art will readily recognize , in light of the following teachings , a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details . a preferred embodiment of the present invention and at least one variation thereof provide a tissue advancement device that generally ensures that facial tissue is conveniently accessible in an individual container even when the total contents of the container is low . in many preferred embodiments , the tissue advancement device comprises a spring - loaded platform that fits upon the interior floor of a facial tissue container and advances the tissues upward towards the retrieval aperture of the container . some preferred embodiments also comprise a stud / aperture locking system that enables the device to be locked in a closed position when the device is not in active use to require less storage space . fig1 a , 1 b , 1 c , and 1 d illustrate an exemplary tissue advancement device , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention . fig1 a is a front perspective view of the device in a closed position . fig1 b is a front perspective view of the device in an open position . fig1 c is a top perspective view of the device , and fig1 d is a bottom perspective view of the device . in the present embodiment the device comprises two plates 101 and a spring 103 between plates 101 . plates 101 are preferably made of a lightweight plastic material such as , but not limited to , polystyrene ( ps ) or polyvinyl chloride ( pvc ); however , in alternate embodiments the plates may be made of various different materials including , but not limited to , cardboard , lightweight metal , fiberglass , etc . in some alternate embodiments , the plates can be made of recycled materials and may be recyclable itself . in the present embodiment , plates 101 measure approximately four inches in length by four inches in width by one - eighth of an inch in depth ( 4 ″× 4 ″× ⅛ ″). plates 101 feature a concave design with a rounded perimeter that forms a radius edge about plates 101 when in the closed position . this creates a small hollow center area between plates 101 in the closed position to accommodate spring 103 . in alternate embodiments the plates may have various different sizes and shapes of applicability for use within a variety of facial tissue containers . for example , without limitation , some alternate embodiments may be implemented without a radius edge . some alternate embodiments may be in made in sizes and shapes for specific application within particular tissue containers of specific sizes and shapes . in the present embodiment , the maximum height of the device is preferably a half inch ( ½ ″) or less . referring to fig1 c and 1d , in the present embodiment , spring 103 attaches to the interior planes of each plate 101 within hosting sleeves 105 , included upon and as direct portions of the structure of plates 101 . spring 103 is situated into sleeves 105 in order to hold it in place . those skilled in the art , in light of the present teachings , will readily recognize that a multiplicity of suitable attachment means may be used to hold the spring in place in alternate embodiments including , without limitation , grooves in the plates , tightly wrapping the ends of the spring around cylindrical projections on the plates , snugly inserting the ends of the springs into round indentations in the plates , adhesives , etc . spring 103 must be durable and must be able to be compressed enough to enable plates 101 to lock together . additionally , when plates 101 are released , spring 103 must be strong enough to push the top plate 101 and tissue upward . in the present embodiment , spring 130 is preferably made of oil - tempered ( ot ) wire of an approximate one - eighth of an inch ( ⅛ ″) gauge ; however , various different materials may be used in alternate embodiments including but not limited to steel wire , various alloys , different gauges of wire , plastic , etc . in the present embodiment , spring 103 is coiled to form an approximate four - inch ( 4 ″) diameter , and the maximum extending length of spring 103 is approximately six inches ( 6 ″). spring 103 has a minimum height of three eighths of an inch ( ⅜ ″) when fully compressed . in alternate embodiments the spring can be produced in various maximum extending lengths and minimum heights to accommodate use in facial tissue containers of various unit quantities and heights . furthermore , the spring can be produced in various different tension strengths . it is contemplated that various different types of springs may be used in tissue advancement devices in alternate embodiments . for example , without limitation , in one alternate embodiment , the spring may be conical with the top of the spring having a narrower circumference than the bottom to enable the spring to compress to a smaller height . other types of springs that may be suitable for use in alternate embodiments include , without limitation , volute springs , flat springs , cantilever springs , etc . some alternate embodiments may comprise multiple springs . in the present embodiment , the device is completely assembled when purchased by a user . however , replacement springs may be optionally made available if spring 103 needs to be replaced for example , without limitation , if spring 103 breaks or loses its resiliency . to replace spring 103 , the user removes spring 103 from sleeves 105 and then places the replacement spring into sleeves 105 . referring to fig1 c and 1d , in the present embodiment , four extending studs 107 of an approximate quarter - inch ( ¼ ″) length are featured on the interior plane of one plate 101 which are in alignment with four apertures 109 featured on the interior plane of the second plate 101 . two stud 107 and aperture 109 combinations are featured on one side of the device while the other set of two studs 107 and apertures 109 is featured on the opposite wall . in alternate embodiments the configuration of the stud and aperture combinations may vary . for example , without limitation , in one alternate embodiment one stud and aperture combination may be placed in each corner of the device . in other alternate embodiments , each plate may comprise both studs and apertures rather than placing all of the studs on one plate and all of the apertures on the other plate . in the present embodiment , studs 107 have a small bulb head to be securely held in apertures 109 ; however , in some alternate embodiments the studs may not comprise bulb heads . the male / female design of stud 107 and aperture 109 combinations acts as the locking mechanism of the device to keep plates 101 in the closed position , as shown by way of example in fig1 a . when the device is in the closed position , spring 103 is entirely compressed and plates 101 contact one another so the device is compressed to its thinnest point . those skilled in the art , in light of the present teachings , will readily recognize that the two plates in alternate embodiments may be secured upon one another using means other than interlocking studs and apertures such as , but not limited to , clasp formats , spring - loaded tabs , hook and loop tabs , snaps , straps , clamps , latches , etc . other alternate embodiments may be implemented without interlocking studs and apertures or any other locking means . referring to fig1 a through 1d , the same two sides of plates 101 hosting stud 107 and aperture 109 combinations feature finger tabs 111 which project approximately one quarter of one inch ( ¼ ″) perpendicularly from the plane of plates 101 . tabs 111 are in pairs with one tab 111 projecting from the top plate 101 and the other tab 111 projecting from the bottom plate 101 . tabs 111 provide the user with something to grip when releasing plates 101 from the closed position . tabs 111 are situated near stud 107 and aperture 109 combinations so the user &# 39 ; s force is focused near these locking means to easily disengage studs 107 from apertures 109 . alternate embodiments of the present invention may be implemented without extending tabs on the plates . fig2 is a top perspective view of exemplary finger tabs 111 on a tissue advancement device in a closed position , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention . in the present embodiment , finger tabs 111 project outward horizontally from the edge of the device with one tab 111 projecting from a top plate 101 and another tab 111 projecting from a bottom plate 101 . tabs 111 are positioned to lie immediately next to each other when plates 101 make contact . tabs 111 enable a user to easily unlock the device with a small finger flip to enable the spring of the device to push the top plate 101 away from the bottom plate 101 . tabs 111 slant back toward plates 101 at their exterior edges . this design makes tabs 111 strong and durable and requires less plastic to produce . however , tabs in alternate embodiments may have various different designs such as , but not limited to , rounded designs , rectangular designs , spherical designs , etc . fig3 a and 3b illustrate an exemplary tissue advancement device 301 in use in a columnar tissue box 303 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention . fig3 a is a side perspective view of device 301 being inserted into tissue box 303 , and fig3 b is a partially transparent side perspective view of device 301 in use in tissue box 303 . in typical use of the present embodiment , once the contents of tissue box 303 reduces in quantity to the point where tissues 305 are not near an aperture 307 of box 303 , a user may turn box 303 upside down and cut a slot 309 into the lower sidewall of box 303 . slot 309 only needs to be big enough to accommodate device 301 . the user may then release a spring 311 of device 301 by separating its projecting tabs and releasing the studs from their hosting apertures , as described by way of example above in accordance with fig1 c and 1d . then , while holding device 301 in its closed position , the user places device 301 into tissue box 303 through slot 309 . alternatively , the user may insert device 301 into box 303 while device 301 is locked in the closed position then release the studs from their apertures while device 301 is in box 303 . the user may then return box 303 to an upright position . spring 311 then extends upward to raise remaining tissues 305 directly to retrieval aperture 307 of box 303 to enable the user to easily access and remove remaining tissues 305 without the need to reach inside box 303 , without contaminating tissues 305 , and without unintentionally removing an undesired quantity of tissues 305 . when box 303 is empty , the user may remove device 301 and use it with another container or store device 301 in the locked position . device 301 can be used in all types of tissue boxes and in other types of containers such as , but not limited to , refillable baby wipe containers , cleaning wipe containers , paper towel dispensers , bath tissue containers , note paper dispensers , etc . in some variations tissue advancement devices may be made for specific use with particular facial tissue containers that feature means to accommodate the application of the devices , such as but not limited to a pre - cut sidewall slot or a perforated floorboard or sidewall that can be opened for the insertion of a device . in the present embodiment , device 301 makes it faster and easier to access facial tissues 305 from box 303 by lifting tissues 305 to retrieval aperture 307 of box 303 and generally preventing tissues 305 from falling to the bottom of box 303 , which generally ensures that tissues 305 remain easily accessible directly from retrieval aperture 307 even when box 303 is near empty . device 301 generally eliminates the need to retrieve tissues 305 by inserting a hand or fingers into box 303 . this helps preserve the cleanliness of facial tissues 305 within box 303 and generally eliminates the transfer of dirt and germs upon facial tissues 305 within box 303 , which protects the user from secondary contamination and / or infection , generally prevents tissues 305 in box 303 from becoming a breeding ground of germs and helps users maintain their goals regarding their health . the easy access of tissues 305 with the use of device 301 helps anyone with dexterity and grip issues such as , but not limited to elderly , arthritic or otherwise relevantly disabled persons . furthermore , device 301 can reduce waste by enabling a user to retrieve only the amount of tissue 305 they desire rather than unintentionally removing multiple sheets of tissue 305 when the contents of box 303 are low . additionally , tissues 305 can easily tear when being retrieved by hand , and this tearing can make them unusable as intended . device 301 generally eliminates this waste as well . less tissue waste means less landfill waste or less flushing of the toilet to dispose of the tissue . device 301 can extend the length of use of facial tissues containers by controlling this unintentional waste , which can save money and can satisfy environmental concerns of users . those skilled in the art , in light of the present teachings , will readily recognize that tissue advancement devices such as , but not limited to , device 301 may be used in a wide variety of environments . for example , without limitation , these devices can be beneficial for households , especially households that go through a lot of tissue such as , but not limited to , households with kids , elderly people , or those who suffer from allergies . tissue advancement devices may also be used by the many public facilities that provide facial tissues within their environments such as , but not limited to , office buildings , hospitals , doctors &# 39 ; offices , schools , hotels , resorts , cruise lines , and many other facilities to help these facilities reduce waste , costs and liabilities and to help reduce the spread of germs . fig4 is a partially transparent front perspective view of an exemplary tissue advancement device 401 in use in a long rectangular tissue box 403 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention . in the present embodiment , tissue advancement device 401 is used similarly to tissue advancement device 301 , shown by way of example in fig3 a and 3b . the slot for device 401 to be inserted into is preferably cut into the back of box 403 rather than the side for aesthetic reasons . device 401 works particularly well with this type of the longer , rectangular box due to the fold of the tissues in these boxes . in some alternate embodiments the plates of the tissue advancement device may be made long and rectangular to match the shape of this type of container . fig5 is a partially transparent front perspective view of an exemplary tissue advancement device 501 in use in a refillable baby wipe container 503 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention . in the present embodiment , a user simply places device 501 into container 503 before container 503 is refilled with moist wipes 505 . device 501 then helps to push wipes 505 through a dispensing aperture 507 . those skilled in the art , in light of the present teachings , will readily recognize that alternate embodiments may be implemented with a multiplicity of additional features such as , but not limited to , means for releasing fragrance , odor absorbers , nightlights , antimicrobial coatings , rustproof springs , etc . one alternate embodiment may comprise means for indicating the approximate quantity of tissues remaining such as , but not limited to , a thin , flexible plastic strip attached to the top plate that varies in color from the top to the bottom , for example , without limitation , from white to pink to red . as the top plate advances upward , this strip extends with it . the user can look into the slot into which the device was inserted to see what portion of the strip is showing and , depending on the color that is visible , know how far the device is extended . another alternate embodiment of the present invention may be incorporated directly into facial tissue containers . in this embodiment , the top plate may be produced of a lightweight paperboard material or a lightweight plastic , and the end of the spring opposite the top plate may be attached directly to the lower plane of the container . such embodiments may also be implemented in various different types of containers such as , but not limited to baby wipe containers . in addition , alternate embodiments can be produced in various colors and may or may not include various images and / or logos , which may or may not be of registered trademark and / or copyright status . having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention , other equivalent or alternative methods of providing a tissue advancement device according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art . the invention has been described above by way of illustration , and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed . for example , the particular implementation of the plates may vary depending upon the particular type of advancement means used . the advancement means described in the foregoing were directed to spring implementations ; however , similar techniques are to use advancement means other than springs such as , but not limited to , materials that are able to compress and expand repeatedly such as , but not limited to , foam or sponges , or pieces of material such as , but not limited to , plastic or rubber formed into compressible shapes such as , but not limited to , z - shapes , circular shapes , v - shapes , etc . non - spring implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention . the invention is thus to cover all modifications , equivalents , and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims . claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and / or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding . any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and / or steps in the claims .	0
turning now to the drawings , a multiple use or function container 20 is illustrated which can assume a closed , carrying position as seen in fig1 , or alternately an open use position depicted in fig1 . broadly speaking , the container 20 is made up of a primary box - like container 22 , a shelf insert 24 within the container 22 , and an optional tray insert 26 likewise positioned within primary container 22 atop insert 24 . the primary container 22 is fabricated from primary container blank 28 , while shelf insert 24 is fabricated from shelf insert blank 30 , and tray insert 26 is fabricated from tray insert blank 32 . in more detail , turning initially to fig1 and 2 , the primary container blank 28 is in the form of an integral sheet of paperboard or the like , presenting a front panel 34 , bottom panel 36 and closure assembly 38 . the front panel 34 is rectangular and presents front and rear margins 40 , 42 , and opposed side margins 44 and 46 . when including an optional handle feature , the panel 34 has a pair of spaced handle - receiving apertures 48 formed therein . a pair of first flaps 50 , 52 are respectively secured to the side margins 44 , 46 of panel 34 , along fold lines 54 , 56 . the bottom panel 36 is likewise rectangular in configuration and is secured to front panel 34 along lateral fold line 58 . the panel 36 has a front margin 60 , rear margin 62 and side margins 64 , 66 . a pair of second flaps 68 , 70 are secured to and extend from each of the side margins 64 , 66 , along respective fold lines 72 , 74 . each of the flaps 68 , 70 has an outermost connection tab 76 , 78 , the purpose of which is to be described below . in addition , each of the flaps 68 , 70 has an intermediate fold line 80 , 82 , which divides the flaps into respective sections 68 a , 68 b and 70 a , 70 b . it will be observed that the fold lines 80 , 82 are located such that the distance between the fold lines 80 , 82 and the corresponding adjacent fold lines 72 , 74 is greater than the distance between the fold lines 80 , 82 and the corresponding outer free edges of the flaps 68 and 70 . the closure assembly 38 is secured to the rear margin 62 of bottom panel 36 along fold line 84 . the assembly 38 also presents side margins 86 , 88 , as well as outboard , transverse margin 90 . the assembly 38 has first , second and third mutually parallel and spaced apart intermediate fold lines 92 , 94 and 96 , thereby defining a rear panel 98 between fold line 84 and first intermediate fold line 92 ; a top panel 100 between first and third intermediate fold lines 92 , 96 ; and a connection panel 101 between third intermediate fold line 96 and outboard margin 90 . it will be observed that the distance between fold lines 84 and 94 is substantially equal to the distance between fold lines 58 and 84 . the first intermediate fold line 92 is also oriented such that the distance between it and third intermediate fold line 96 is also substantially equal to the distance between fold lines 58 and 84 . in addition , the distance between fold line 84 and fold line 92 is substantially equal to the distance between front and rear margins 40 and 42 of front panel 34 . the connection panel 101 optionally includes a central handle - clearing slot opening 102 , and also includes laterally extending third connection flaps 104 , 106 secured along respective fold lines 108 , 110 . turning next to fig3 and 4 , the shelf insert blank 30 is integrally formed from paperboard or the like , and has a front step panel 112 , top panel 114 and sidewall panel 116 . step panel 112 is generally rectangular , presenting a forward margin 118 , rear margin 120 and side margins 122 , 124 . as illustrated , the step panel 112 also has an intermediate , laterally extending fold line 126 extending between side margins 122 , 124 and parallel with the front and rear margins 118 , 120 . the top panel 114 is generally rectangular , having front margin 128 , rear margin 130 and side margins 132 , 134 . the top panel 114 is connected to step panel 112 via fold line 136 . the sidewall panel 116 is generally rectangular , having front margin 138 , rear margin 140 and side margins 142 , 144 . the sidewall panel 116 is connected to top panel 114 via fold line 137 . the blank 30 also includes sidewall flaps 146 and 148 which are secured to sidewall panel 116 and top panel 114 along fold lines 150 , 152 . the flaps 146 , 148 also extend beyond the fold line 136 , but are not connected with step panel 112 . as shown , each of the flaps 146 , 148 is somewhat of inverted l - shape , and has a diagonal fold line 154 , 156 extending from the adjacent end of fold line 130 to the juncture of the “ l .” finally , it should be noted that a pair of connection slots 158 , 160 are provided along the fold lines 150 , 152 , at the central region of top panel 114 . turning next to fig5 and 6 , the tray insert blank 32 is integrally formed of paper board or the like , including food safe cardboard , and has a bottom wall panel 162 , a sidewall 164 and an apertured top panel 166 . the bottom panel 162 has front and rear margins 168 , 170 , and side margins 172 , 174 . panel 164 is secured to the panel 162 along fold line 176 and has front and rear margins 178 , 180 and side margins 182 , 184 . the apertured top panel 166 is secured to panel 164 along fold line 186 , and has front and rear margins 188 , 190 , and side margins 192 , 194 . as shown , the panel 166 has a circular opening 196 as well as a rectangular opening 198 . the panels 162 and 164 each have a rectangular flap 200 , 202 secured thereto along individual fold lines 204 , 206 . each of the flaps 200 , 202 has a lateral fold line 208 , 210 extending from fold line 176 to the outer margin of the respective flap . in addition , each of the flaps 200 , 202 has a diagonal fold line 212 , 214 extending from the fold line 176 as shown . the top panel 166 also includes a pair of flaps 216 , 218 secured along respective fold lines 220 , 222 . finally , the panel 166 also has a side flap 224 secured thereto along fold line 226 . the container 20 is fabricated from the blanks 28 , 30 and 32 . generally , this construction proceeds by first fabricating the shelf insert 24 , using blank 30 . this involves folding the step panel 112 about fold lines 126 and 136 ( fig4 ), and then folding the sidewall flaps 146 , 148 about fold lines 150 , 152 and 154 , 156 , and sidewall panel 116 about fold line 137 . this opens the slots 158 , 160 and creates the shelf insert 24 which is inserted within the primary container 22 as will be described . in the next step ( fig2 ), the primary container 22 is partially fabricated . if an optional handle is desired , this step involves first installing a flexible , synthetic resin handle 228 within the apertures 48 . next , front panel 34 is folded upwardly along fold line 58 , with the first flaps 50 , 52 folded inwardly along fold lines 54 , 56 . next , the second flaps 68 and 70 are folded upwardly along fold lines 72 and 74 , and flap sections 68 b and 70 b are folded upwardly along fold lines 80 and 82 , until the blank assumes the fig2 configuration . at this point ( fig7 and 8 ), the insert 24 is positioned over bottom panel 36 with the front margin 118 abutting the inner surface of front panel 34 and with the sidewall flaps 146 , 148 essentially in face - to - face contact with the inner surfaces of the second flap sections 68 a , 70 a . the second flap sections 68 b and 70 b are then folded along fold lines 80 , 82 over the upper edges of first flaps 50 , 52 , and the sidewall flaps 146 , 148 . thereupon , the tabs 76 , 78 are inserted into the slots 158 , 160 . this serves to lock the shelf insert 24 in place within the confines of primary container 22 . in this condition , it will be seen that the container 22 has a lower storage compartment 229 between top panel 114 , bottom panel 36 , second flaps 68 , 70 and step panel 112 . the compartment 229 also has a rearwardly facing access opening 229 a . as seen in fig5 and 6 , the tray insert 26 is constructed by folding panel 164 upwardly about fold line 176 and also folding the flaps 200 , 202 upwardly about fold lines 204 , 206 . also , the ends of the flaps 200 , 202 are folded inwardly along lines 208 , 210 , thereby allowing the flap ends to be secured via adhesive 230 to the adjacent face of panel 164 . in order to complete the insert , the flaps 216 , 218 and 224 are folded downwardly about lines 220 , 222 and 226 . upon completion , the insert 26 is placed within primary container 22 , atop panel 114 . this construction is illustrated in fig9 and 10 , for example . the container 20 is next loaded with a video cassette 232 , book , prepackaged food item or other appropriately sized item as well as associated activity materials ( not shown ). in particular , the cassette 232 is inserted into space 229 through opening 229 a , and the other associated activity materials are placed on bottom panel 162 and within the openings 196 and 198 as required . once loaded , the closure assembly 38 is used to close the container 20 , as illustrated in fig1 and 12 , until it assumes the storage , carrying , or mailing position depicted in fig1 . specifically , the closure assembly 38 is grasped and folded about fold line 84 so that rear panel 98 comes into facing and covering relationship with upstanding flap 202 ( or shelf sidewall panel 116 if tray insert 26 is not utilized in a particular configuration ) and compartment access 229 a . the assembly is then further folded about line 92 so that the top panel 100 is moved into full covering relationship with the open top of container 22 . finally , the connection panel 101 is folded downwardly about line 96 and the flaps 104 , 106 are folded about lines 108 , 110 . these flaps 104 , 106 are inserted between the side margins 44 , 46 of front panel 34 , and the adjacent segments 68 a and 70 a of second flaps 68 and 70 . handle 228 is then passed through slot 102 . when it is desired to access the contents of container 20 , the connection panel 101 is folded upwardly and outwardly until the flaps 104 , 106 are free , and the closure assembly 38 is lifted upwardly about fold line 92 until top panel 100 is no longer in covering relationship with the open top of container 22 , allowing access to the contents above top panel 114 . closure assembly 38 is then unfolded about fold line 84 to allow access to storage compartment 229 , as in fig1 . when it is desired to secure closure assembly 38 when in an open configuration , such that closure assembly 38 is stowed out of the way of the user , closure assembly 38 is folded under container 22 about fold line 84 , and is placed beneath bottom panel 36 . in this manner , rear panel 98 and the portion of top panel 100 between fold line 92 and fold line 94 are positioned in facing and contacting relationship with bottom panel 36 . the assembly 38 is then folded upwardly about intermediate fold line 94 , while reverse folding the connection panel 101 against the face of the portion of top panel 100 between fold lines 94 and 96 ( see fig1 ). then , assembly 38 is folded upwardly along fold line 94 , such that connection panel 101 is positioned in facing contact with front panel 34 , as the flaps 104 , 106 are again inserted between the side margins 44 and 46 of front panel 34 and the adjacent segments 68 a and 70 a of second flap 68 , 70 , so that the container 20 assumes the position depicted in fig1 . in this orientation , the user can access storage compartment 229 and also the contents placed within tray insert 26 ( or on shelf top panel 114 if tray insert 26 is not utilized in a particular configuration ) without any interference from closure assembly 38 , effectively converting container 20 into a tray or activity surface . it will be appreciated that the blanks and fabricated container components can be produced from a variety of materials , so long as they are suitable for container and activity usage . in addition , in the illustrated embodiment , the fold lines shown as dashed lines are perforation lines , whereas solid fold lines are score lines . here again , the use of particular types of fold lines is a matter of design choice .	1
illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below . in the interest of clarity , not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification . one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in the development of any such actual embodiment , numerous implementation - specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers &# 39 ; specific goals , such as compliance with system - related and business - related constraints , which will vary from one implementation to another . moreover , it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time - consuming , but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure . the present invention may be better understood by reading the following description of non - limitative embodiments with reference to the attached drawings wherein like parts of each of the figures are identified by the same reference characters . the words and phrases used herein should be understood and interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the understanding of those words and phrases by those skilled in the relevant art . no special definition of a term or phrase , for example , a definition that is different from the ordinary and customary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art , is intended to be implied by consistent usage of the term or phrase herein . to the extent that a term or phrase is intended to have a special meaning , for example , a meaning other than that understood by skilled artisans , such a special definition will be expressly set forth in the specification in a definitional manner that directly and unequivocally provides the special definition for the term or phrase . moreover , various streams or conditions may be referred to with terms such as “ hot ,” “ cold ,” “ cooled , “ warm ,” etc ., or other like terminology . those skilled in the art will recognize that such terms reflect conditions relative to another process stream , not an absolute measurement of any particular temperature . the present application is directed to an improved biomass pyrolysis process that performs in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis - vapor using different catalysts . specifically , a catalyst bed with multi - layered catalysts or cascaded catalytic reactors with different catalysts are implemented in a regular fast pyrolysis unit . the biooil produced this way will have improved properties , for instance , lower oxygen content and / or less acidity , over biooils produced from regular fast pyrolysis . the present application is also directed to systems for implementing such processes . referring to fig1 , a process 100 for in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis vapor using a multi - layered catalyst bed reactor 102 is illustrated . a biomass stream 104 and a recycled off - gas stream 106 are fed into a fluid bed pyrolysis reactor 108 . in certain exemplary embodiments , the recycled off - gas stream 106 includes nitrogen ( n 2 ). the recycled off gas stream 106 fluidizes the bed in the pyrolysis reactor 108 . in certain exemplary embodiments , the biomass stream 104 includes wood sawdust , bark , yard waste , waste lumber , agricultural wastes , peat , paper mill wastes , cellulosic wastes , municipal solid waste , food processing wastes , sewage sludge , and the like . in certain embodiments , the biomass stream 104 can be dried prior to entering the fluid bed pyrolysis reactor 108 . in certain exemplary embodiments , the biomass stream 104 is dried to less than 10 wt % moisture content . in certain exemplary embodiments , the biomass stream 104 is ground to form small particles , for instance , less than 3 millimeters ( mm ) in its shortest dimension . the pyrolysis reactor 108 is any reactor type capable of completing a pyrolysis reaction involving thermal decomposition of the biomass stream 104 at short reaction times . the pyrolysis reaction is sometimes called “ fast ”, “ flash ”, or “ rapid ” pyrolysis . the reaction is conducted in a reactor type capable of high heat transfer rates to small biomass particles , in order to achieve the rapid increase in temperature of the particle that is necessary . suitable examples of pyrolysis reactors include , but are not limited to , fluidized bed reactors , circulating fluidized bed reactors , and transport reactors . in fluidized bed reactors and circulating fluidized bed reactors , hot gases and solids are brought into intimate contact with the biomass particles in the biomass stream 104 . in certain exemplary embodiments , the solids are normally inert , for instance , silica or sand . in transport reactors , either hot gas alone or a mixture of hot gas and solids may be used . all reactors generally require a significant recycled off - gas flow , usually from about 1 to about 10 times the weight of biomass stream 104 being processed . if the pyrolysis reaction is carried out in the absence of oxygen , for example , in a nitrogen atmosphere , then the non - condensable gases formed have significant contents of carbon monoxide , hydrogen , methane and other light hydrocarbons or organics , which can be burned . the pyrolysis reactor 108 is generally operated at conditions which promote maximum yield of organic liquid . in certain exemplary embodiments , the pyrolysis reactor 108 is operated at a temperature in the range of from about 400 degrees celsius (° c .) to about 650 ° c ., a vapor residence time of less than about 2 seconds , and at substantially atmospheric pressure . generally , the pyrolysis reaction yields a pyrolysis vapor stream 110 that exits a top 108 a of the pyrolysis reactor 108 . once the pyrolysis on the biomass stream 104 is complete , the pyrolysis vapor stream 110 is often passed through separation devices , such as filters or cyclones , in order to remove any entrained solid particles , or char , 112 a , 112 b , resulting from the pyrolysis reaction . in certain exemplary embodiments , the pyrolysis vapor stream 110 enters a first cyclone reactor 114 to separate pyrolysis vapors from entrained char . a pyrolysis vapor stream 116 exits the first cyclone reactor 114 and enters a second cyclone reactor 118 to further separate pyrolysis vapors from entrained char . a pyrolysis vapor stream 120 exits the second cyclone reactor 118 and is introduced at a top 102 a of the multi - layered catalyst bed reactor 102 . in certain exemplary embodiments , the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 is substantially free of particles so as not to plug the catalyst bed reactor 102 . the catalyst bed reactor 102 includes multiple layers of the different catalysts . the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 passes through each catalyst bed , in sequence from the top 102 a to a bottom 102 b , in the multi - layer catalyst bed reactor 102 . the selection and proper combination of different catalysts is important , as it determines the performance of the catalytic treatment of the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 . in certain exemplary embodiments , a top catalyst 102 c would be a zeolite type cracking catalyst , preferably hzsm - 5 , as this catalyst can be operated at a temperature between about 370 and about 410 ° c ., at atmospheric pressure . the cracking catalyst will crack the hydrocarbon in the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 . suitable examples of other zeolite cracking catalysts for use include , but are not limited to , rex , rey , and usy zeolites . any suitable temperature and pressure can be used , based upon the degree of cracking desired . some zeolite type catalysts , such hzsm - 5 , are prone to coke or char formation on the catalyst . the extent of the coking can be controlled by the relative space velocity of the pyrolysis vapor stream in the catalyst bed . other cracking catalysts , for example those used in catalytic crackers ( for instance fluid catalytic cracking units ), may be less prone to coking relative to zeolites . other types of catalysts , such as alumina based catalysts , can be used as cracking catalysts and will have lower coking tendencies . in certain exemplary embodiments , a middle catalyst 102 d would be a high temperature water - gas - shift catalyst , for example , a precious metal catalyst such as platinum ( pt )/ mixed oxide , which are good for operating in the temperature range of from about 350 to about 450 ° c . the purpose of using a shift catalyst is to convert the water and carbon monoxide ( co ) in the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 into hydrogen ( h 2 ) and carbon dioxide ( co 2 ), thus providing the hydrogen required by hydrodeoxygenation or hydrotreating . the water - gas shift reaction catalysts generally include a transition metal or transition metal oxide . in certain exemplary embodiments , precious metal catalysts , such as platinum in a mixed oxide , are utilized for operating in a temperature range of from about 350 to about 450 ° c . the hydrogen is then available for the hydrotreating or hydrodeoxygenation . the relative space velocity of the hot vapor stream through the bed can be designed and controlled to produce the maximum amount of hydrogen . the limiting factor will be the amount of carbon monoxide present in the pyrolysis vapor stream . since water - gas shift is an equilibrium process , injection of additional hot water vapor before this catalyst would drive the conversion of all of the carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and produce more hydrogen . a third catalyst 102 e would include a hydrotreating ( or hydrodeoxygenation ) catalyst . suitable examples of hydrotreating or hydrodeoxygenation catalysts include , but are not limited to , any known nickel molybdenum ( nimo ), cobalt molybdenum ( como ), or noble metal catalyst supported on γ - alumina . generally , such catalysts are commercially available . in certain exemplary embodiments , the reaction is generally run at a temperature in the range from about 350 to about 450 ° c ., at atmospheric pressure . the hydrotreating removes the oxygen containing - hydrocarbons in the pyrolysis vapor . in certain exemplary embodiments , a solid acid catalyst 102 f , such as sulfated zirconia , zeolite β , or nafion - silicone disoxide ( sio 2 ) composite ( sac - 13 ), can be added to the very bottom 102 b of the catalyst bed reactor 102 with an injection of an alcohol stream 124 to perform an esterification process . the alcohol stream 124 can include methanol or ethanol , and can be injected into the catalyst 102 f bed , catalyst bed reactor 102 , or pyrolysis vapor stream 120 to support the esterification reaction . the purpose of using the catalyst 102 f is to reduce the acidity of pyrolysis vapor stream 120 by letting the carboxylic acid ( e . g ., acetic acid ) in the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 react with the alcohol stream 124 to form ester and water . an upgraded pyrolysis vapor stream 130 is removed from the bottom 102 b of the catalyst bed reactor 102 and directed to a quench tower 134 . the pyrolysis vapor stream 130 is generally less acidic and safer for transport through pipes and equipment . the order in which the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 contacts the foregoing catalysts can be any order . in certain exemplary embodiments , the water - gas shift catalyst is generally contacted prior to the hydrotreating catalyst so that the water - gas shift reaction can produce hydrogen , which can be used in the hydrotreating reaction , and thereby make the process more efficient . in one embodiment , the cracking catalyst is contacted first , followed by the water - gas shift catalyst , hydrotreating catalyst , and then the acid catalyst . in another embodiment , the water - gas shift catalyst is contacted first , followed by the hydrotreating catalyst , the acid catalyst , and then the cracking catalyst . the pyrolysis vapor stream 130 is quenched and converted into a liquid biooil product 140 , and collected at a base 136 of the quench tower 134 . a portion 140 a of the biooil product 140 is collected in a biooil collection tank 144 , while a portion 140 b can be pumped via pump 146 through a heat exchanger 148 to produce a cooled biooil stream 150 . in certain exemplary embodiments , the cooled biooil stream 150 is reintroduced at a top 134 a of the quench tower 134 to quench the pyrolysis vapor stream 130 . in certain exemplary embodiments , a biooil vapor stream 154 from the quench tower 134 is directed to a condenser 156 to cool and condense the biooil vapor stream 154 to produce a condensed biooil stream 158 and a non - condensable gas stream 160 . in certain exemplary embodiments , the condensed biooil stream 158 is routed to the biooil collection tank 144 . the biooil collected in tank 144 generally has an oxygen content in the range of from about 30 to about 40 percent (%) ( dry , ash free basis ) and a water content in the range of from about 15 to about 25 %, depending on the operating temperatures of the quench tower and the condensers . the biooil product is generally phase stable and which may separate from a lighter density , more water rich product phase . typical ph values for the biooil product are in the range of from about 2 to about 5 . fig2 illustrates a process 200 for in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis vapor , according to another exemplary embodiment . the process 200 for in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis vapor is the same as that described above with regard to the process 100 for in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis vapor , except as specifically stated below . for the sake of brevity , the similarities will not be repeated hereinbelow . the process 200 utilizes cascaded catalytic reactors , each having a single type of catalyst therein . referring now to fig2 , the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 free of particles exits the second cyclone reactor 118 and is passed through a heat exchanger 202 to control the temperature of the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 to produce a pyrolysis vapor stream 204 . the temperature of the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 is adjusted to achieve optimal conditions for catalysis . the pyrolysis vapor stream 204 is introduced into a first catalytic reactor 208 . in certain exemplary embodiments , the first catalytic reactor 208 includes a zeolite cracking catalyst therein . a pyrolysis vapor stream 210 exits the first catalytic reactor 208 and is passed through a heat exchanger 212 to control the temperature of the pyrolysis vapor stream 210 to produce a pyrolysis vapor stream 214 . the temperature of the pyrolysis vapor stream 210 is adjusted to achieve optimal conditions for catalysis . the pyrolysis vapor stream 214 is introduced into a second catalytic reactor 218 . in certain exemplary embodiments , the second catalytic reactor 218 includes a water - gas shift catalyst therein . a pyrolysis vapor stream 220 exits the second catalytic reactor 218 and is passed through a heat exchanger 222 to control the temperature of the pyrolysis vapor stream 220 to produce a pyrolysis vapor stream 224 . the temperature of the pyrolysis vapor stream 220 is adjusted to achieve optimal conditions for catalysis . the pyrolysis vapor stream 224 is introduced into a third catalytic reactor 228 . in certain exemplary embodiments , the third catalytic reactor 228 includes a hydrotreating catalyst therein . a pyrolysis vapor stream 230 exits the third catalytic reactor 228 and is passed through a heat exchanger 232 to control the temperature of the pyrolysis vapor stream 230 to produce a pyrolysis vapor stream 234 . the temperature of the pyrolysis vapor stream 230 is adjusted to achieve optimal conditions for catalysis . the pyrolysis vapor stream 234 is introduced into a fourth catalytic reactor 238 . in certain exemplary embodiments , the fourth catalytic reactor 238 includes an acid catalyst therein . the alcohol stream 124 can be injected with the pyrolysis vapor stream 234 to perform the esterification process and lower the acidity of the resulting upgraded pyrolysis vapor stream 240 . the pyrolysis vapor stream 240 exits the fourth catalytic reactor 238 and is directed to the quench tower 134 . generally , the processes of the present invention involves thermal conversion of biomass by pyrolysis , i . e ., in a pyrolysis reactor . a greatly improved liquid , biooil product is obtained by the present process as the pyrolysis vapor is upgraded . the pyrolysis vapor is contacted with a cracking catalyst , a water - gas shift reaction catalyst , a hydrotreating catalyst and an acid catalyst . this particular selection of catalysts provides an upgraded vapor that is converted into a liquid product by a means such as by quenching , thus resulting in a biooil liquid so refined that it can be combined with crude oil to give a useful gasoline product . no additional refining is necessary . further refining , of course , can be conducted to fine tune the properties of the biooil product , depending on the ultimate product desired . the selection and proper combination of the different catalysts allows for upgrading of the pyrolysis vapor , and thereby provides the resulting refined biooil . the use of a cracking catalyst , in combination with a hydrotreating catalyst and a water - gas shift reaction catalyst , and an acid catalyst , can provide one with a liquid biooil product having reduced oxygen and water content as well as lowered acidity . in general , the pyrolysis vapor can contact the different catalysts in any order desired . the catalysts can be arranged in a multi - layer fashion , in separate reactors , or in a combination of such . contacting the catalysts with the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 can be conducted in any suitable fashion . in certain embodiments , the contacting is conducted in a single reactor where the catalysts are situated in a multilayer fashion . the vapor contacts each catalyst in order as situated in the multilayer fashion . in other embodiments , the catalysts are arranged in separate reactors , with the pyrolysis vapor being passed in sequence through each reactor . heat exchangers can be included in between the cascaded reactors to heat or cool the pyrolysis vapor for the appropriate temperatures required by various upgrading catalysts . in addition , it would allow for easier sampling of the upgraded vapor for analysis after each stage , thus allowing more control over the process . in such an embodiment , the temperature and pressure for each reaction can be better fine tuned to control the reaction . also , guard beds can be placed before each reactor to filter out unwanted materials , if so desired . fig3 illustrates a process 300 for in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis vapor using the acid catalyst , according to an exemplary embodiment . the process 300 for in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis vapor is the same as that described above with regard to the process 100 for in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis vapor , except as specifically stated below . for the sake of brevity , the similarities will not be repeated hereinbelow . referring now to fig3 , the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 enters a catalyst bed reactor 302 . the catalyst bed reactor 302 includes a solid acid catalyst bed 302 f with an injection of alcohol stream 124 to perform an esterification process . an upgraded pyrolysis vapor stream 330 is removed from a bottom 302 b of the catalyst bed reactor 302 and directed to the quench tower 134 . the pyrolysis vapor stream 330 is generally less acidic and safer for transport through pipes and equipment . fig4 illustrates a process 400 for in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis vapor using a water - gas shift catalyst and a hydrotreating ( or hydrodeoxygenation ) catalyst , according to an exemplary embodiment . the process 400 for in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis vapor is the same as that described above with regard to the process 100 for in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis vapor , except as specifically stated below . for the sake of brevity , the similarities will not be repeated hereinbelow . referring now to fig4 , the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 enters a catalyst bed reactor 402 having a top catalyst 402 d and a bottom catalyst 402 e . the catalyst bed reactor 402 includes multiple layers of the different catalysts . in certain exemplary embodiments , the top catalyst 402 d is a water - gas shift catalyst . in certain exemplary embodiments , the bottom catalyst 402 e is a hydrotreating catalyst . the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 passes through each catalyst bed , in sequence from a top 402 a to a bottom 402 b , in the multi - layer catalyst bed reactor 402 . in certain exemplary embodiments , the water - gas shift catalyst is contacted first , followed by the hydrotreating catalyst . an upgraded pyrolysis vapor stream 430 is removed from the bottom 402 b of the catalyst bed reactor 402 and directed to the quench tower 134 . fig5 illustrates a process 500 for in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis vapor , according to another exemplary embodiment . the process 500 for in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis vapor is the same as that described above with regard to the process 400 for in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis vapor , except as specifically stated below . for the sake of brevity , the similarities will not be repeated hereinbelow . the process 500 utilizes cascaded catalytic reactors , each having a single type of catalyst therein . referring now to fig5 , the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 is passed through a heat exchanger 512 to control the temperature of the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 to produce a pyrolysis vapor stream 514 . the temperature of the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 is adjusted to achieve optimal conditions for catalysis . the pyrolysis vapor stream 514 is introduced into a first catalytic reactor 518 . in certain exemplary embodiments , the first catalytic reactor 518 includes a water - gas shift catalyst therein . a pyrolysis vapor stream 520 exits the first catalytic reactor 518 and is passed through a heat exchanger 522 to control the temperature of the pyrolysis vapor stream 520 to produce a pyrolysis vapor stream 524 . the temperature of the pyrolysis vapor stream 520 is adjusted to achieve optimal conditions for catalysis . the pyrolysis vapor stream 524 is introduced into a second catalytic reactor 528 . in certain exemplary embodiments , the second catalytic reactor 528 includes a hydrotreating catalyst therein . a pyrolysis vapor stream 530 exits the second catalytic reactor 528 and is directed to the quench tower 134 . by upgrading the pyrolysis vapor in accordance with the processes 400 , 500 , the overall upgrading process is more thermally efficient . the heat loss due to condensation of pyrolysis vapor and the reheating of biooil is avoided . furthermore , no hydrogen is needed , as hydrogen can be provided internally by the water - gas - shift reaction . in addition , the biooil produced from the quench tower 134 would have a lower oxygen content , lower water content , and lower acidity . fig6 illustrates a process 600 for in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis vapor using a cracking catalyst , a water - gas shift catalyst , and a hydrotreating ( or hydrodeoxygenation ) catalyst , according to an exemplary embodiment . the process 600 for in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis vapor is the same as that described above with regard to the process 100 for in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis vapor , except as specifically stated below . for the sake of brevity , the similarities will not be repeated hereinbelow . referring now to fig6 , the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 enters a catalyst bed reactor 602 having a top catalyst 602 c , a middle catalyst 602 d , and a bottom catalyst 602 e . the catalyst bed reactor 602 includes multiple layers of the different catalysts . in certain exemplary embodiments , the top catalyst 602 c is a cracking catalyst . in certain exemplary embodiments , the middle catalyst 602 d is a water - gas shift catalyst . in certain exemplary embodiments , the bottom catalyst 602 e is a hydrotreating catalyst . the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 passes through each catalyst bed , in sequence from a top 602 a to a bottom 602 b , in the multi - layer catalyst bed reactor 602 . the order in which the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 contacts the foregoing catalysts can be any order . in certain exemplary embodiments , the water - gas shift catalyst is generally contacted prior to the hydrotreating catalyst so that the water - gas shift reaction can produce hydrogen , which can be used in the hydrotreating reaction , and thereby make the process more efficient . in one embodiment , the cracking catalyst is contacted first , followed by the water - gas shift catalyst , and then the hydrotreating catalyst . in another embodiment , the water - gas shift catalyst is contacted first , followed by the hydrotreating catalyst , and then the cracking catalyst . an upgraded pyrolysis vapor stream 630 is removed from the bottom 602 b of the catalyst bed reactor 602 and directed to the quench tower 134 . fig7 illustrates a process 700 for in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis vapor , according to another exemplary embodiment . the process 700 for in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis vapor is the same as that described above with regard to the process 600 for in - situ upgrading of pyrolysis vapor , except as specifically stated below . for the sake of brevity , the similarities will not be repeated hereinbelow . the process 700 utilizes cascaded catalytic reactors , each having a single type of catalyst therein . referring now to fig7 , the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 is passed through a heat exchanger 702 to control the temperature of the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 to produce a pyrolysis vapor stream 704 . the temperature of the pyrolysis vapor stream 120 is adjusted to achieve optimal conditions for catalysis . the pyrolysis vapor stream 704 is introduced into a first catalytic reactor 708 . in certain exemplary embodiments , the first catalytic reactor 708 includes a zeolite cracking catalyst therein . a pyrolysis vapor stream 710 exits the first catalytic reactor 708 and is passed through a heat exchanger 712 to control the temperature of the pyrolysis vapor stream 710 to produce a pyrolysis vapor stream 714 . the temperature of the pyrolysis vapor stream 710 is adjusted to achieve optimal conditions for catalysis . the pyrolysis vapor stream 714 is introduced into a second catalytic reactor 718 . in certain exemplary embodiments , the second catalytic reactor 718 includes a water - gas shift catalyst therein . a pyrolysis vapor stream 720 exits the second catalytic reactor 718 and is passed through a heat exchanger 722 to control the temperature of the pyrolysis vapor stream 720 to produce a pyrolysis vapor stream 724 . the temperature of the pyrolysis vapor stream 720 is adjusted to achieve optimal conditions for catalysis . the pyrolysis vapor stream 724 is introduced into a third catalytic reactor 728 . in certain exemplary embodiments , the third catalytic reactor 728 includes a hydrotreating catalyst therein . a pyrolysis vapor stream 730 exits the third catalytic reactor 728 and is directed to the quench tower 134 . by upgrading the pyrolysis vapor in accordance with the processes 600 , 700 , the overall upgrading process is more thermally efficient . the heat loss due to condensation of pyrolysis vapor and the reheating of biooil is avoided . also , a liquid biooil product is obtained that is refined such that the product can be combined with crude oil to produce gasoline . furthermore , no hydrogen is needed , as hydrogen can be provided internally by the water - gas - shift reaction . in addition , the biooil produced from the quench tower 134 would have a lower oxygen content , lower water content , and lower acidity . by upgrading pyrolysis vapor in accordance with the processes of the present invention , the overall upgrading process is more thermally efficient than conventional processes . heat loss due to condensation of pyrolysis vapor and reheating of biooil is avoided . furthermore , no hydrogen ( h 2 ) is needed , as hydrogen can be provided internally by the water - gas - shift reactions . in addition , the biooil produced from the quench tower has less oxygen , less water , and fewer acids than biooils produced using conventional processes , and therefore has an improved quality over conventional biooils . by treating the pyrolysis vapor in accordance with the present invention , a liquid biooil product can be obtained that is already so refined that it can be combined directly , or with minimal further refining , to crude oil to make a gasoline product . to facilitate a better understanding of the present invention , the following examples of certain aspects of some embodiments are given . in no way should the following examples be read to limit , or define , the scope of the invention . the typical operating conditions for a multi - layer fixed - bed reactor would be : 2nd layer — pt supported on mixed oxide ( water - gas shift catalyst ); 3rd layer — nimo and como supported on γ - alumina ( hydrotreating catalyst ); bottom layer — zeolite β ( acid catalyst ). pressure : atmospheric temperature : 350 - 400 ° c . volume ratio : determined by space velocities required ; also considering cost , generally the typical operating conditions for an acid catalyst fixed - bed reactor would be : catalysts used : zeolite β ( acid catalyst ). pressure : atmospheric temperature : 350 - 400 ° c . expected bio - oil quality : the typical operating conditions for a multi - layer fixed - bed reactor would be : catalysts used : top layer — pt supported on mixed oxide ( water - gas shift catalyst ); the typical operating conditions for a multi - layer fixed - bed reactor would be : 2nd layer — pt supported on mixed oxide ( water - gas shift catalyst ); 3rd layer - nimo and como supported on y - alumina ( hydrotreating catalyst ). pressure : atmospheric temperature : 350 - 400 ° c . volume ratio : determined by space velocities required ; also considering cost , generally therefore , the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein . the particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only , as the present invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein . while numerous changes may be made by those skilled in the art , such changes are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the appended claims . furthermore , no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown , other than as described in the claims below . it is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention . the terms in the claims have their plain , ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee .	8
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention , a blood transfusion monitoring and management system 10 ( fig1 - 4 ) and portable ( i . e . handheld ) medical device 22 ( fig5 - 17 ) are provided . the backbone of system 10 is described generally in wipo international publication number wo 2005 / 111086a2 , which was filed on apr . 28 , 2005 , and which is commonly assigned and is entitled “ system and method for medical error monitoring ” ( claiming priority u . s . provisional application no . 60 / 575 , 244 , filed on may 28 , 2004 ; u . s . provisional application no . 60 / 571 , 434 filed may 14 , 2005 and u . s . provisional application 60 / 566 , 439 filed on apr . 30 , 2004 under 35 u . s . c . 119 ( e )), and is incorporated by reference herein . fig1 - 4 illustrate variations in systems 10 in which the network 40 links with different information systems ( e . g . lis 24 , 11 s 38 , adt 26 ). the network can take the form of a cable - based or fiber optic network , a local are network ( lan ), or wide area network ( wan ) a virtual private network ( vpn ), the internet , or any other type of network that allows communication between computing devices . in one embodiment , the handheld device 22 incorporates a scanner for scanning labels that contain unit information , patient information or both . examples of such labels include patient identification labels , unit labels , hospital order labels , hollister labels etc . the scanner may scan a one - dimensional bar code , two - dimensional bar code , or any other machine readable code . for illustrative purposes , the system 10 , including handheld device 22 , will be described herein with reference to blood transfusion procedures . it is to be understood that the system 10 , including handheld devices 22 , can also be used for monitoring the administration of other agents to patients . in accordance with an embodiment of the invention , the handheld device or pdt 22 ( fig5 ) allows a user ( the term “ user ” is used herein to describe a person who uses a handheld device to track samples of specimens collected from patients , especially in the healthcare setting ) such as a nurse , doctor or phlebotomist to access information regarding the units and , among other things , to match such information with the patient information ( e . g ., scanned from the patient wristband ) and confirm that the unit ( not shown ) is the correct one for the patient . when the handheld device 22 is replaced in its cradle 34 ( see fig1 ), the handheld synchronizes with the specimen management server ( sms ) 44 , which is then able to communicate with the lis 24 . in the embodiments described herein , sms contains unit data and has the ability to query other systems on the network for unit data or patient data and to store that data . consequently , sms server is also referred to herein as blood transfusion server ( bts ) or simply server . with reference to fig1 through 4 , the system 10 preferably comprises a server 20 ( e . g ., containing unit data in database 44 ), a plurality of client handhelds 22 with data accessibility to the sms 20 , a lis ( laboratory information system ) 24 , and an adt ( admission , discharge and transfer system ) 26 . the system components are connected to a network 40 to allow for specific communication events to occur . other embodiments might include aspects of the server 20 embedded into other systems ( e . g . the lis 24 ). the handheld device 22 communicates with hospital computer systems ( e . g ., the lis , adt and his ) via the server 20 and network 40 . in alternate embodiments , the system 10 is configured for direct communication between the handheld and other systems ( the lis 24 , for example ). to better understand the present invention , certain terms shall be defined as follows : the client is the handheld device 22 that can download files and data for manipulation , run applications , or request application - based services from a file server . a cradle 34 is a docking station used to provide an interface with the system 10 . the cradle 34 can be adapted to receive and secure the handheld device 22 . a detector element can be included to detect when the handheld device 22 is placed in the cradle . data can be received from a server 20 and selectively downloaded when the handheld 22 is placed in the cradle . in the embodiments described herein , the server 20 may comprise a bts . an actuator on the handheld device 22 can be employed for initiating the transfer of data to a process in the host terminal if the detector indicates that the handheld device 22 has been placed in the cradle 34 . the term database includes one or more large structured sets of persistent data , such as database 44 , usually associated with software to update , insert , and query the data . the term handheld ( e . g ., handheld device 22 ) describes portable computers useful for blood transfusion management at the point of use . one example of such a portable handheld element is the symbol technologies ppt 1700 series handheld . this handheld device has infrared ( ir ) and barcode scanning capabilities . the handheld comprises a graphical user interface ( gui ) for displaying information useful during blood transfusion processes . however , the scanning feature of the handheld is optional . the handheld device 22 typically includes a processor . in the system of an embodiment of the present invention , the processor can be located in the handheld device 22 or in another part of the system 10 ( e . g . the bts 20 ). the processor is configured to process data relating to the patient identification information or unit information ( e . g . hollister code ). as previously noted , the handheld device 22 is optionally equipped with a scanner or other type of reader . in the described embodiments of the present invention , the data is entered into the handheld device 22 directly by the operator , or it is otherwise received by the scanner or reader . for example , a barcode scanner reads identification information from a patient identification code or hollister code printed on a patient &# 39 ; s wristband . in an embodiment of the present invention , the scanner is a miniature code reader . the code reader could be a barcode scanner , imager , infrared identification reader , rfid reader or similar technology . the barcode scanner can either be integrated into the handheld device 22 or attached to the handheld device 22 via an accessory device . likewise , an rfid reader may be integrated into the handheld device 22 so that when in proximity to the agent ( e . g ., blood ) container , the information transmitted by the container &# 39 ; s rfid device , if available , could be read by the reader . the handheld device 22 can optionally include a variety of other features and accessories . the features enumerated herein are by way of illustration , and not by limitation . for example , the handheld device 22 may also include a battery , a display screen for the graphical user interface ( gui ), depressible keys , communication circuitry , a memory element , housing for securing all the handheld subcomponents and a speaker for emitting an audible sound . in another embodiment , a handheld device 22 can be secured to a sled accessory ( not shown ) that contains a barcode scanner . the sled accessory can have latching mechanisms that allows the user to irremovably secure the sled accessory to the handheld device 22 . when the two components are so engaged , a communications port on the sled accessory is in communication with a similar port on the back of handheld device 22 . this connection allows the transfer of data and information between the two components . the handheld device 22 can be configured in a number of different ways , as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art . for example , the handheld device can be configured as a portable digital assistant ( pda ), tablet pc , or notebook computer that includes a module and / or software for communicating with a server . in an embodiment , an information code reader ( not shown ), such as a barcode reader , is used to input data into the system via handheld device 22 . the barcode reader can be attached to the handheld device or can be a separately held wand that transmits signals to the handheld device . input data received through the barcode reader includes , but is not limited to , codes or other indicia placed on units , patient id tags , hollister coded wristbands , and health practitioner personnel tags . for example , the system 10 and handheld device 22 are configured such that a user can remove the handheld device 22 from its cradle and then scan his or her id badge to communicate to the handheld device 22 who is currently using the handheld device 22 and who will be performing the transfusion / collection of blood units within a given hospital ward , section , or floor . the hospital information system ( his ) 38 ( fig2 ) is a system developed with the objective of managing and streamlining the treatment flow of a patient in the hospital , along , with all data associated with the patient necessary for efficient and organized healthcare service . the his 38 allows doctors and other staff to perform to their peak ability in an optimized and efficient manner . most hiss are modular , thus ensuring sustained benefits through changes in technology such as integration with new and improved lis systems 24 ( described below ). treatment flow can include , but is not limited to , blood transfusion management . as described more fully below , blood transfusion management include information about the patient &# 39 ; s blood type as well as information about the blood that the patient is designated to receive ( i . e ., the patient &# 39 ; s own blood , blood designated for the patient or a transfusion from the general supply bank ). hiss 38 use a network of computers to gather , process , and retrieve patient care and , administrative information for most hospital activities . hiss 38 can be configured in a variety of ways to satisfy the functional requirement of the users . hiss 38 also provide decision support systems for hospital authorities developing and managing comprehensive healthcare policies . hiss 38 incorporate integrated computerized clinical information systems for improved hospital administration and patient healthcare . they also provide for accurate , electronically stored medical records for one or many patients . typically , hiss 38 are centralized information systems designed for quick delivery of operational and administrative information and include software capable of optimizing core data and other application modules that can be customized to the hospital or healthcare facility . the term lis 24 preferably defines a computer network comprised of industry standard network hardware and software ( network and communication protocols ) that serves to allow communication between the patient health record repository , the end - user client applications running on various device types , and the various types of servers . this network can take the form of a cable - based or fiber optic network , a local area network ( lan ), a wide area network ( wan ), a virtual private network ( vpn ), the internet , or any other type of network that allows communication between computing devices . the lis 24 typically organizes and tracks information pertaining to laboratory tasks such as how orders are generated and communicated to the lab , how patients or units are delivered , how the units are accessioned and prepared , how testing is actually accomplished , and how results are communicated to healthcare providers . liss can also organize , track , and determine how the health enterprise is reimbursed for the work done in the lab , and how the reimbursement , information is exchanged . as shown in fig2 , an enterprise server 42 can include the lis 24 and the his 38 , or the admission , discharge and transfer system ( adt ) 26 , lis 24 and the his 38 , as shown in fig3 . alternatively , the his 38 and the adt 26 operations can be combined in a single server ( fig4 ), among other configurations . in one embodiment described herein , the lis 24 has a bi - directional interface with the server 10 . through this interface , blood transfusion inventory information sent from the lis to the server 20 , and data and canceled orders are sent from the server 20 to the lis 24 . the lis / his data interface 48 is an element that allows for facilitated communication for multiple modules sending and receiving data packets and signals across a network . examples include health level seven ( i . e . hl7 3 . 0 ), astm 1238 , astm 1394 , dbase , comma delimited ascii , and fixed length ascii . it is through this interface that the various elements of the system communicate with each other . in one embodiment of the present invention , the system has a webpage that presents information regarding blood transfusions from the server . the webpage may be updated automatically based on a time interval set by a user . referring to fig1 , the webpage is displayed on computer terminal 28 referring to fig5 through 17 , different handheld device 22 screen displays or guis are shown for the blood transfusion monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present invention . the handheld device comprises a display 23 , such as a liquid crystal display . this display is used to communicate information from the system to the user . in certain embodiments , the display 23 may be touch - sensitive . using the touch sensitive feature , a user can use their fingers or a touch pen to enter information into the system 10 . the system 10 also includes a memory for recording orders and events associated with the blood transfusion / agent administration process . the memory is , for example , an internal fixed memory on a semiconductor integrated circuit ( ic ). alternatively , the memory may be removable semiconductor memory such as flash drive , memorystick ®, sd card , xd card , or any other commercially available external memory . in one embodiment , this memory is located in the handheld device 22 . fig6 illustrates the handheld device 22 display screen when the blood transfusion process begins . the screen displays a synchronize icon 601 . when activating ( e . g . by touch ) synchronize icon 601 , synchronization of the handheld device 22 with the server 20 may take place , via , for example , a wireless connection or through the cradle 34 ( fig1 ) if placed therein . icon 602 is used to switch access between a transfusion management system ( tx ) and a specimen management system or database ( dx ). if the handheld device 22 is set for tx , then icon 602 displays dx . alternatively , if the handheld device is accessing the database , icon 602 displays tx . keyboard icon 603 allows a user to access a keyboard graphic allowing a user to type in information , enter passwords , etc . when the icon is activated . as shown in fig6 , the handheld device 22 prompts the user to enter ( e . g ., scan ) in his / her user id by prompt 604 . scan button 606 is used to activate the scan feature of the handheld device 22 . after the user id is scanned , the handheld device 22 may prompt the user to enter a password 607 associated with the user id 606 as shown in fig7 . in the illustrated embodiment , the keypad 603 will be touched or otherwise activated for the user to enter their password . if the password does not match , the handheld device 22 will display an error message and / or issue an audible sound indicating the error . this prevents unauthorized users from using the handheld device 22 and performing blood transfusions using system 10 . additionally , different users may have different access rights / permissions . these rights / permissions include , but are not limited to , viewing transfusion tracking data , editing transfusion tracking data , generating transfusion management reports , enabling pre - transfusion signoff , receipt of units issued , return of units to the blood bank , transfusion of product , etc . after the user has been authenticated , the handheld device 22 prompts the user to scan the unit number associated with a blood unit , as shown by prompt 605 in fig8 . when the unit information is received by for example server 20 , database 44 is accessed to obtain the information relevant to the sample . for information to be accessed , the scanned unit information must match the sample identifier in the data base for that unit . fig9 illustrates the display on the handheld device 22 if the unit number is not recognized by the system 10 . in such an event , the screen 23 displays an error message that indicates the unit is not recognized . this may happen for various reasons including , but not limited to , the unit being misdelivered or the handheld device 22 not being properly synchronized before the unit number is scanned . fig1 shows a display screen from which a user can control / manage the transfusion process . the screen 23 has two actions that the user can select : 1 ) start the transfusion ( 615 ); and 2 ) stop the transfusion ( 620 ). if the user selects “ start transfusion ,” the handheld device will display a checklist as shown in fig1 . the user selects between starting and stopping the transfusion by touching the desired action on the display 23 . the checklist of fig1 prompts the user to perform a number of actions / obtain certain information . for example , the handheld device prompts the user to scan the unit number and then the unit &# 39 ; s hollister number . the hollister number is a secondary form of identification issued by a blood bank . the hollister number may be color coded and be a pre - assigned number depending on the type of product . as indicated in fig1 , once the requested information is provided , a check mark appears adjacent the field that indicates that the requested information has been received . the screen 23 also displays information about the blood sample at this point ( e . g . blood type , expiration date , etc .). due to the high risk involved in blood transfusions , many hospitals and other medical institutions may require a second person to be present during blood transfusions . in this embodiment , the handheld device 22 is configured to prompt the user to scan the id of a secondary registered nurse ( rn ). after the secondary rn &# 39 ; s id is scanned , the secondary rn is prompted to provide a password on the password screen as shown in fig7 . if the unit information stored in database 44 and / or handheld device 22 yields that the unit is not reserved for or compatible with the patient , as described below , an error message , such as message 655 of fig1 is displayed . fig1 illustrates another checklist that may be displayed on the handheld device . in fig1 , the handheld device prompts the user to confirm details 670 about the scanned unit to ensure correspondence between the unit and the transfusion record . these may include the unit &# 39 ; s number 660 such as an accession number and the unit &# 39 ; s expiration date 665 . units typically have a limited shelf life and therefore have an expiration date . the expiration date depends on the type of blood product , the conditions under which the blood products were stored , etc . for example , a packed cell blood product may have an expiration date of six to seven weeks after it has been extracted from a donor . once it is removed from a blood bank , there is a limited time period before the unit must be used , returned to the blood bank or discarded . if it is not going to be used , a user may have for example thirty minutes to return the unit before it is no longer viable . system 10 may be configured to automatically monitor the expiration time / date and alert the user that the unit has expired via a visual indication or an audible indication on handheld device 22 . a color coded system may also be used to provide the alert , wherein when the unit is released for 0 to 10 minutes a green display is provided , when the unit is released between 10 and 20 minutes a yellow display is provided and when the unit is released between 20 to 30 minutes a red display is provided . fig1 depicts another checklist that may be displayed on the handheld device 22 . in fig1 , patient data is confirmed as it is reflected in the transfusion record . the fields illustrated in fig1 may include , e . g ., the name of the patient 675 , the medical record number on the unit 680 and blood type on the unit 685 are confirmed to ensure that the unit is given to the correct patient . the screen in fig1 also includes a field 690 for special requirements on the unit and the transaction record . referring to fig1 , after the unit and patient details are confirmed , the user may be prompted by message 695 to start the transfusion . the user may then elect to start the transfusion process by selecting start icon 700 or to cancel the transfusion process by selecting cancel icon 705 . if the user selects start , this provides an input to the handheld device 22 that causes the system to keep a record of the date and time that the transfusion is started as shown in 695 of fig1 . once the transfusion has commenced , the handheld device 22 may be used to receive and transmit history data regarding the transfusion . this information is entered into the system 10 using the screen illustrated in fig1 . fig1 displays a termination screen 710 that appears when the user presses the stop transfusion icon in fig1 . when the termination screen is displayed , the user enters a date 711 and time 712 that the transfusion was terminated . in other embodiments , the date and time fields are filled in automatically when the transfusion icon is activated . the volume that was transfused 713 may also be entered . in addition , the reason the transfusion is terminated 714 may be entered . in this embodiment , illustrated in fig1 , the handheld device 22 provides a dropdown menu from which a reason for termination is selected . the transfusion may have been completed or it may have been terminated for other reasons which may include , but are not limited to the following : fig1 depicts a handheld device 22 when it is accessing unit data . the handheld device 22 can track different units by displaying unit records , for example unit records 715 and 716 , the location 720 of the units , and the patient 725 for which the units are intended . the unit records may also be color coded to indicate the amount of time that has elapsed since the unit was issued from the blood bank . likewise using workstation 28 , a user may access system 10 to view and / or edit transfusion data ( providing , in one embodiment , the user has the appropriate authorization ). in addition , workstation 28 may receive ( and in some cases process ) information regarding one , some or all blood units of a given setting . the transfusion data may be separated into various categories , such as units that have been issued and units that are being transfused . further , each unit may be associated with various type of information , including , but not limited to , a patient ( name or other identification data ), the patient &# 39 ; s location in a hospital or some other healthcare setting , identification information regarding the issued unit , the type of unit , when it was issued , when it was received , and the time remaining to return the unit before the unit is no longer useful . thus , as illustrated in the guis of fig5 - 17 , handheld device 22 may be used to receive information and display information for managing and administration of certain aspects of the transfusion process — such as tracking units that have been requested for release from the blood bank . as described above , the handheld device 22 is equipped with a display screen , which allows for communication between a healthcare provider &# 39 ; s central system , such as bts 20 , and healthcare provider &# 39 ; s users , through for example handheld device 22 . such a network enables various processes , as described below , for effectively conducting blood transfusions . for example , turning to fig1 , the status of one or more units may be conveyed to a user that performs a unit request . thus , if a user , through for example handheld device 22 , makes a request for unit status information ( step 1802 ), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention , handheld device 22 determines whether status information is available ( step 1804 ). if unit status information is available , such information may be sent to handheld device 22 ( either automatically or upon a user requesting such information ) ( step 1806 ). if , however , such information is not found , then an error message is displayed ( step 1808 ). unit status information may comprise various types of unit data , including the type of blood contained in the unit , the unit location , whether it has been allocated to a patient , and the like . the absence of unit status information may arise for various reasons , including the unit identification information is incorrect , handheld device 22 ( and / or database 44 ) does not have the most up to date information , etc . in addition , as illustrated in fig1 , system 10 may also determine whether the unit has already been requested by a user . at step 1902 , handheld device 22 receives a unit request . the device 22 then determines whether the unit has already been requested ( step 1904 ). if the unit has already been requested , then an error message is displayed indicating that a previous request has been made ( step 1906 ). if , however , the request has not been previously made , then handheld device determines whether to fulfill the request based upon one or more protocols provided in detail below ( e . g ., in connection with fig1 ), that evaluates whether a match between the patient and the unit exists ( step 1908 ). if the request is not to be fulfilled ( e . g ., there is no match ), an error message is displayed ( step 1906 ). if , however , handheld 22 determines that request is to be fulfilled , then a message is displayed informing the user that the unit is being requested ( step 1910 ) and the unit request is fulfilled ( step 1912 ). system 10 may also track the time that has elapsed since the blood bank issued the unit . specifically , the time that the blood bank issued the unit is tracked and the time elapsed since the unit issued is computed by the processor ( which may be located in the handheld device 22 or elsewhere in the system 10 ). the time ranges ( e . g . elapsed time , maximum allowable time out of storage ) may be displayed on the handheld 22 with a visual indicator indicating how much time is left to return the unit to the blood bank . such visual indicators may be different colors , different symbols , etc . additionally , if a particular unit has to be used or returned to the blood bank imminently ( i . e . before the sample is deemed too long out of storage and must be destroyed ), the handheld device 22 may emit an audible sound / visual warning that alerts the user to that fact . fig2 illustrates the process for monitoring the time for allowing a unit to be returned to a blood bank or used — before it must be disposed . at step 2002 , system 10 receives information indicating the time that a unit was released from a blood bank . in addition , database 44 stores information that is accessible to ( and may be stored by ) handheld device 22 that indicates the amount of time before the unit must be used or returned to the blood bank — in order for the unit to be acceptable for transfusion . at step 2006 , handheld device 22 monitors for whether the time period of such use or return has been met and whether , within that time period , data has been received indicating the unit &# 39 ; s use or return . if the unit is not used within the predetermined timeframe , then an error message is displayed by handheld device 22 ( step 2008 ). if , however , the unit is used within the predetermined timeframe , then no error message is displayed ( step 2010 ). in addition , to tracking whether the a unit is used or returned to the blood bank within a predetermined time from when it is released , system 10 can monitor for the total time that a unit has been released from the blood bank — even when the unit has been released from the blood bank multiple times . this may occur if , for example , a unit is released two or more times and the total release time is of relevance to determining the integrity of the unit . thus , at step 2102 of fig2 , handheld device 22 receives information indicating the time that a unit has been released . at step 2104 , handheld device 22 receives information about the duration of time in which the unit has been previously released . next , at step 2106 , handheld device determines whether the total release time exceeds a predetermined amount of time for the unit . if such predetermined time period is exceeded , then an error message is displayed by handheld 22 ( step 2108 ). if , however , such predetermined time period is not exceeded , then no error message is displayed ( step 2110 ). as described above , there are instances when a unit should be disposed — for example , when a unit &# 39 ; s expiration date passes or a unit is released beyond a predetermined time . fig2 illustrates the process for generating an error message when a unit that is intended to be disposed is requested for a transfusion . at step 2202 , handheld unit 22 receives a request for a unit to be released . in accordance with an embodiment of the invention , handheld 22 determines the requested unit is one that should have been ( or already has been ) disposed ( step 2204 ). if the unit has been or should have been disposed , the handheld device 22 displays and error message ( step 2206 ). if , however , the unit has not been or should not have been disposed , no error message is displayed ( step 2208 ). in one embodiment , the system is configured to obtain information to provide an “ audit trail ” for each unit . in this embodiment , information is entered into the system about the unit , when in leaves the blood bank , when it reaches the patient location and , if it is returned , when it is returned to the blood bank . for example , when a unit is returned to the blood bank , the user may have to scan their user id , the unit id and enter other information concerning the return of the unit . examples of such other information include : why it was returned ; time it was returned ; patient it came from ; unit number ; user &# 39 ; s electronic signature ; and time and date of return . other examples of information that the system might be configured to obtain in order to provide a complete audit trail for the unit are readily apparent to one skilled in the art . in addition to providing an audit trail for the units , the system can be used to monitor the transfusion process and assist the medical professional in administering the transfusion . for example , some transfusion specifications set guidelines for how long blood may be transfused into a patient . for instance , some guidelines set a four hour window for transfusing blood . because the handheld device 22 can be taken to the location where the patient is to be transfused , the handheld device 22 can be used to communicate the time at which the transfusion starts to the rest of system 10 . in one embodiment , the user activates the start transfusion icon on the handheld device 22 . this records the transfusion start time for the specific unit ( step 2302 ). the elapsed time for the transfusion may be displayed on the handheld device 22 or another display screen such as on the workstation 28 . the system processor has stored therein data for the maximum transfusion time and begins monitoring the time elapsed against the maximum permissible time . the transfusion termination time may also be received by the handheld device ( step 2302 ) and the time between transfusion commencement and termination may thereby be compared with the maximum time allowed for transfusion ( step 2304 ). if the transfusion is completed within the predetermined maximum time , then no error message is displayed ( step 2308 ). if , however , the transfusion is not completed within the predetermined maximum time , then an error message is displayed by handheld device 22 ( step 2308 ). the system may cause the handheld device 22 to provide a visual indication or emit an audible sound when the maximum permissible transfusion time has elapsed . in some instances , the user is required to stay in the room for a period of time after the transfusion has started . in one embodiment of the present invention , the handheld device 22 provides a message informing the user how long the user must remain in the room . in other embodiments , the handheld is equipped with a position detector such as global positioning system ( gps ). in this embodiment , when the user exits the room with the handheld before the time for monitored transfusion has expired , the handheld device emits an audible or visual signal to alert the user that he / she should go back to the room until the time for monitored transfusion has elapsed . in another embodiment , depicted in the flowchart of fig2 , the handheld device receives information indicating that a transfusion has commenced ( step 2402 ) and monitors for information indicating the presence of a healthcare personnel during transfusion ( step 2404 ). the information may be generated by the scan of the patient &# 39 ; s wristband every five or ten minutes . at step 2406 , handheld device 22 monitors whether such indication is received . if the indication is not received , an error message is generated by handheld device 22 ( step 2408 ). if , however , the indication is not received , no error message is generated ( step 2410 ). in accordance with an embodiment of the invention , after scanning the unit &# 39 ; s information , the handheld device 22 prompts the user to scan the patient &# 39 ; s identification number which may be situated on the patient &# 39 ; s wristband and associated hollister number ( if applicable ). once the patient information is received , bts 20 compares the patient data with the unit data to determine if there is a match between the data such that the transfusion process may continue . the user may also be prompted to confirm the blood type of the unit . this is indicated by prompt 672 in fig1 . there are four basic blood types : a , b , ab , and o . type ab blood type is known as a universal acceptor because it can receive all four blood types without causing complications ( as long as the rh factors match ). type o blood is known as the universal donor because it can be given to patients of any blood type . if , for example , a person with type a blood is given type b blood , complications , including fatality may occur . as such , the handheld device 22 or system may be configured to run a simple check between the patient &# 39 ; s blood type and the blood type of the unit . if they do not match or the two types would conflict and cause complications or fatality , the handheld device may issue a visual and / or audible warning . the unit may also be configured to match the rh factor of the patient and the unit . the blood types and rh factors may be indicated in different colors on the display screen . turning to fig2 , a process is illustrated to ensure that a patient is administered the appropriate source of unit . there are typically three sources for blood used in blood transfusions , autologous ( from the patient ), directed ( from a specific donor for the patient ) or allogenic ( from a random donor ). the order of preference for blood use is autologous , directed , and then allogenic . for instance if the unit scanned is allogenic blood and the system has the patient linked to directed blood , the handheld device may alert the user to this fact . however , there may be an emergency situation where there is no time to get the directed blood . as such , the user may override the handheld device alert and may enter a reason for not using the directed blood into the handheld device . when the user overrides the handheld device 22 , a dropdown menu is provided so the user can select the reason for the override . alternatively , the user may be prompted to enter the reason for the override using the keyboard provided by the handheld device . this may allow the user to keep an accurate record of what has transpired in real time for later use . thus , at step 2502 , handheld device 22 receives a request to use a certain unit . handheld device 22 determines or receives information to enable a determination as to whether the requested unit matches the source information associated with the patient ( step 2504 ). if the request matches the patient &# 39 ; s source requirements ( i . e ., autologous , directed or allogenic ), no error message is displayed ( step 2506 ) and the transfusion process may proceed . if , however , the request does not match the patient &# 39 ; s source requirements , the handheld device 22 prompts the user to send information to handheld device 22 indicating whether an emergency circumstance exists prompting a mismatch between the unit and the patient &# 39 ; s source requirements ( step 2508 ). if there is indeed an emergency , a message is generated for storage by system 10 explaining the emergency status contributing to the mismatch ( step 2510 ). if however , no emergency existed , an error message is generated ( step 2512 ). in another embodiment of the invention , system 10 may also monitor the american association of blood banks ( aabb ) requirement that the unit be maintained in a specific temperature range . the handheld device 22 may prompt the user to check the temperature of the unit . if the temperature of the unit exceeds the temperature range , the handheld device 22 directs users to discard that particular unit . various specific features of system 10 have been described . the typical sequential order of the transfusion process may be summarized in four phases : 1 ) pre - transfusion ; 2 ) issue ; 3 ) unit receipt ; and 4 ) unit return phases of the transfusion process . initially , the user logs into system 10 ( as described above ) and selects the transfusion module . after which , the user retrieves the patient info by scanning the patient &# 39 ; s wristband using , for example , scanner of handheld device 22 . the handheld device 10 displays the patient information and the user is directed to verify the doctor &# 39 ; s blood bank order , patient &# 39 ; s consent signature , type of unit or product requested ( e . g . whole blood or packed cells ) and the number of units requested . then the user indicates that the order is complete . the order is transmitted from the handheld device 22 to the blood bank that is networked with the system 10 . if the handheld device 22 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the system , the order can be sent immediately through the wireless connection . otherwise , the order is transmitted when the handheld device is placed back in the cradle and synchronized with the system . the blood bank also enters the issuing information such as unit number , date and time issued , etc . to the system 10 . the unit is then transported by messenger , pneumatic transport system or any other suitable means to a specified location . as previously described , the system 10 may have a webpage that displays the status of the ordered unit ( i . e ., the time released from the blood bank , an indication that the unit is in transit , etc .). the webpage may also display the time window in which the unit must be used or returned before the unit must be discarded . the time window can be displayed in color coded manner , so that the user can receive a quick visual reference for the amount of time remaining ( e . g . blue for one or more hours , red for less than one hour , etc .). the information displayed from the webpage can be displayed on the handheld device 22 . when the unit is received , the user once again logs into the system 10 and scans the unit . the user then selects the “ unit received ” option and the system , in response , records the date and time the unit was received . the system then determines whether or not the patient is ready to be transfused . if the patient is not ready but a time window for safe return of the unit set by the hospital ( and entered into the system 10 ) has not elapsed ( for example , 30 minutes ), then the user is prompted to return the units to the blood bank . if the unit is to be returned , the unit is scanned , and the return option is selected on the handheld device 22 . the handheld device 22 displays the patient information and indicates to the user that it is permissible to return the unit to the blood bank . in response , the system 10 changes the unit status and date and time of return and updates the information stored by database 44 . if the unit is not returned within the previously set window ( and the unit has not been transfused into the patient ), then the handheld device 22 displays the patient information and indicates that it is not permissible to return the unit . once again , the system changes the status of the unit and updates the information stored in database 22 relative to that unit to remove it from the stored inventory of available units . once a transfusion is ready to proceed , the user scans the patient &# 39 ; s wristband and the unit &# 39 ; s identification information , so that the system can determine if there is a match between the patient and the unit in the system . if the patient &# 39 ; s identification information does not match the unit number , then the transfusion process is stopped by alerting the user , the blood bank is notified and the unit is returned . if the patient &# 39 ; s information does match the unit information , the user is required to verify particular secondary information such as patient first and last name , patient mr number , patient blood group and type , donor blood group and type , donor expiration date , special requirements , product type and compatibility , and the like . this data verification ensures that there is a match , and thereby adds reliability to the system . after the data is verified , the system 10 indicates to the user that the transfusion may commence . the user then begins the transfusion sequence as previously described . with the termination sequence of the transfusion process , in one instance , the unit number is scanned and the reason for terminating the transfusion is entered by the user through the previously described drop down menu displayed on the handheld device 22 ( e . g . the transfusion was completed , the maximum allowable transfusion time elapsed , transfusion reaction , etc .). the system may then print a label for the patient &# 39 ; s medical chart . the label may include information specific to the particular transfusion . the system 10 may implement additional steps in the transfusion sequence for receiving additional information about the unit . this ensures that the unit is indeed the correct unit for the patient identified in the system 10 to be transfused with the unit . thus , after the system 10 has determined that there is a match between the patient &# 39 ; s primary identification and the scanned unit , a secondary identifier on the unit is scanned or manually entered by the user through the handheld device 22 . the secondary identifier is , for example , a hollister number given by the blood bank . next a determination is made as to whether the hollister number for the unit matches the patient . if it does , the transfusion proceeds . if the hollister number on the unit does not match the hollister number for the patient , the transfusion process is stopped . further steps may be implemented in the transfusion sequence for receiving additional information about the unit &# 39 ; s association with the patient to be transfused . after the system 10 determines that the patient &# 39 ; s primary identifier matches the unit information , a secondary identifier on the unit is scanned or manually entered by the user . the secondary identifier may be an accession number given by the blood bank . next , the system 10 determines whether the accession number for the unit matches the scanned patient information . if there is a match , then the system 10 indicates that the transfusion can proceed , and manages that transfusion as previously described . if the system determines that the accession number on the unit does not match the scanned patient information , the transfusion process is stopped . although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments , it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention . it is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims . for example , while the system 10 and the associated processes were described in connection with transfusions many aspects of the system 10 and processes may be implemented in other healthcare systems that require the monitoring of time - sensitive and / or patient - specific medical procedures . in addition , while many of the processes were processed by handheld 22 which is synchronized with system 10 , wireless handheld device 32 could also effectuate the processes in real - time or close to real - time . in addition , much of the processing may be performed by a central server , such as server 20 .	6
the present invention includes processes for preparing baked goods with two sections , or a base portion and a filling , baked in place so that they adhere and bond together , and the diverse products of such processes . while the invention will be described primarily in terms of a dry , hard , pet egg treat , this should not be considered as limiting , for the processes can be used in the production of many different types of products which include features of the invention . for example , the dough for the base portion of the baked product can be a conventional dough for dog biscuits , optionally containing discrete particles of meat and / or meat by - products . such doughs typically contain fat solids . suitable doughs for the production of hard biscuits are disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 454 , 163 , and suitable doughs for the production of soft biscuits ( containing a humectant ) are disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 454 , 164 . both patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety . in one embodiment of the invention both the base portion and the egg yolk portion are integrated into a single product and are baked , which causes adhesion and bonding of the egg yolk portion to the base portion . the base portion is formed with an indentation on one surface . the yolk portion is applied in fluid form by extruding or depositing the yolk portion into the indented portion . both the egg yolk portion and the base portion are hard . because the yolk portion is hard , solid fats do not leach or bleed after baking . baking the product with low heat is essential because high temperature heat could prematurely set the product before sufficient bonding has occurred . the dry , hard pet treat of the invention comprises 2 portions shaped similarly to the cross - section of a hard - boiled egg wherein yellow yolk portion 22 is surrounded by a bone white or light brown meat and / or meat by - product portion which is referred to hereunder as egg white portion 21 . the pet treats are microbiologically stable and can be stored without refrigeration or special packaging for periods up to at least 12 months , up to 18 months . the preferred shape is that of a longitudinal or lateral cross - section of a hard - boiled egg but other shapes such as round , animal - shaped , or steak - like ( steak and eggs ) are also contemplated and are within the scope of the invention . preferably , the shape of the product is related to the contents and / or flavor of the base and / or filling portions . in a preferred embodiment , a thickness of approximately 1 / 2 inch is used and is typical for this and other pet treats . the long shelf life is attributable to a moisture content of less than about 15 percent , preferably less than 14 percent , and most preferably from 8 to 12 percent , and a water activity in a range well - recognized and conventionally known for stability , usually in the range of , or below , 0 . 65 to 0 . 70 ( water activity being defined as the ratio of partial pressure of h 2 o in the product , to the partial pressure of h 2 o at standard laboratory conditions ). the high viscosity of the unbaked filling or upper portion ( i . e ., a consistency similar to peanut butter ) has the added desired effect of preventing bleeding from filling to the base portion because water or other liquids do not work into any capillary cracks . higher moisture and water activity levels than those set forth in the invention could cause bleeding or smearing of the yolk portion into the meat - containing , or meat - by - product containing , surrounding area during extrusion , cutting , curing , and baking of the compositions employed in the present invention . hardness reduction is caused by the formation of steam pockets which convert into air pockets when the pet treat is baked . the following description uses the word &# 34 ; meal .&# 34 ; the meal can be any one or more of the following plant or animal meals including , but not limited to , soybean meal , wheat meal , meat and bone meal , fish meal , poultry meal , oat meal , rye meal , corn meal , rice meal and barley meal . the stability of the pet treat is achieved through a low water activity of the range well recognized for stability , which is generally in the range of 0 . 65 to 0 . 70 or less . this low water activity is achieved by dehydration or the use of humectants known to those skilled in the art such as glycerin , propylene glycol , salt , corn syrup , sugar and the like . the meat and / or by - product containing the base portion of the invention , i . e ., the egg white portion in the pet treat , can contain from about 40 to 50 percent by weight of flour ; about 10 to 20 percent of meal ; about 2 . 5 to 3 . 5 percent of flavoring , vitamin and mineral preblends and preservatives , from 0 to about 15 percent ( from 0 . 1 to 15 percent , when present ) of egg solids ; and 25 to 30 percent water , and preferably contains : from about 40 to 50 percent by weight of flour ; about 10 to 15 percent of meal ; about 2 . 5 to 3 . 5 percent of flavoring , vitamin and mineral preblends and preservatives , 10 to 15 percent of egg solids ; and 25 to 30 percent water , based upon the total ingredients of the base portion . the filling or upper portion dough of the invention can contain about 15 to 25 weight percent of flour , about 4 to 8 weight percent of meal , about 2 to 18 weight percent of a sugar , about 5 to 20 weight percent of a heat - coagulable protein or gelatinizing component and 30 to 40 weight percent of water . the preferred yolk filling of the invention contains : about 15 to 25 percent of flour ; 4 to 8 percent of meal ; 3 to 5 percent flavoring , mineral and vitamin premix ; 1 to 2 percent coloring agents and preservatives ; 12 to 18 percent sugar ; 15 to 20 percent of a heat - coagulable protein such as egg solids or a gelatinizing component ; and 30 to 40 percent of water , all based upon the total ingredients of the filling . the meat or meat byproduct - containing portion comprises 90 to 95 percent by weight of the entire egg treat ( shown in fig4 and 5 ) before baking . the baked weight of the pet treat is approximately 70 to 80 percent of the weight of the egg treat before baking . the dry ingredients can be blended together in any typical mixer such as a ribbon blender , rotary blade mixer or hobart type mixer until a substantially homogeneous composition is achieved . the water is then added to produce a stiff dough which can be extruded through a die to form the base portion . the consistency of the dough should be neither sticky nor dry and suitable for either extrusion or molding as desired . all mixing can be performed at a suitable speed such as 20 to 100 rpm of the blades . the dry blending is typically at room temperature and atmospheric pressure for a period of about 3 to 10 minutes , but any amount of time may be used to blend the ingredients . the water can be hot tap water having a temperature of approximately 90 ° to 150 ° f . nonetheless , any lukewarm , to very hot , to boiling water may be used if such is available . after the hot water has been added , additional mixing of 3 to 5 minutes is necessary to form the stiff dough , although this can vary greatly depending upon how the dough is mixed . generally , the base or the egg white portion can be extruded and an indentation is formed on the top surface thereof . this is not the preferred method of making the egg white portion , however , since the extruded product must be sliced , as by a wire slicer . slicing causes warping , bending , and other types of distortion of the egg white portion , which is not rectified by settling of the egg white portion since the dough of the egg white portion is too stiff or viscous to settle flat without application of an additional external force . warped egg white portions are not as attractive as flat egg white portions , nor are they as amenable to addition of the yolk portion in an automated production process . however , in a preferred method of forming , the egg white portion dough can be rolled flat and cut into an egg shape by a rotary cutter as described hereunder . in preparing yolk portion 22 , the dry ingredients are generally blended for approximately the same length of time as the egg white portion dry ingredients in order to achieve substantial uniformity . again , however , any suitable amount of time can be used for blending , depending on the mixer , the speed of operation , and the amount and quality of the materials to be blended . then cold tap water of about 40 ° to 80 ° f . is added and additional mixing for about 3 to 5 minutes yields a peanut butter type consistency of product having a yellow coloring . any available cold tap water will suffice . this filling is preferably placed into an ejector or extruder and forced outwardly through a die or nozzle into the indented portion of the base of the pet treat ; but any suitable application method can be used . the pet treats or other products are baked to achieve a shelf stable product without the need for a moisture barrier protector . typical baking temperatures are from about 200 ° to 325 ° f . for approximately 12 to 25 minutes in a forced air dryer . on a weight basis , the final product is approximately 70 to 80 percent of the weight of the prebaked product . this results from evaporation of the water during baking . the final moisture content should be less than 15 weight percent , preferably less than 14 weight percent , and most preferably about 8 to 12 weight percent . referring now to the figures , the process and products of the present invention are described with reference to the non - limiting example of a preferred embodiment , the pet egg treat . fig1 is a top elevational view of a mold element showing mold element 1 for producing egg white portions 21 using a conventional rotary cutter ( not shown ). in a rotary cutter , a large cylindrical support or rotor , having molds fixed thereto , is rotated in place in contact with a moving flat sheet of dough . a support is under the moving dough . pressure between the molds and the dough support forces the dough to fill the mold . in accordance with the invention , the molds are designed to impress at least one groove or depression in the molded base portion to receive the filling when applied . the groove ( s ) can be imprinted in a flush surface of the base portion or in a recessed portion configured to receive the filling . a single groove , e . g ., a longitudinal groove in a molded bone - shaped dog biscuit , can be used but preferably a plurality of grooves are used to receive the filling , which then adheres and bonds to the base portion during baking . four egg white mold patterns 2 , 13 , 14 , 15 are formed in mold element 1 . as shown in section in fig2 and 3 , the pattern shown is formed in depressions 4 in the mold surface . two pairs of intersecting ridges 10 , 11 are raised above elevated die surface 7 . raised die surface 7 is used to form an indentation in egg white dough 21 for egg yolk portion 22 ( both shown in fig4 and 5 ). raised ridges 10 , 11 are used to form corresponding depressions in egg white dough 21 . yolk portion 22 , when injected into the depression formed by surface 7 in egg white portion 21 , spreads into the depressions formed by ridges 10 , 11 of the mold element so as to increase the strength of the bond between egg yolk portion 22 and egg white portion 21 . this advantageously improves the quality of the final product to the consumer . projections or dockering pins 9 , 18 , 19 , 20 are formed above the depression 4 in each mold . each projection is spike - like . none of the projections extend above the level of the top of the surrounding body 1 . projection 9 extends above the flat raised surface 17 to a point close to the top of the surrounding body 1 . projection 9 , although shown as centrally located on raised surface 17 , can be located anywhere on raised surface 17 or could be omitted entirely . projections 18 to 20 extend above level 5 of the raised portion 7 , and are spaced away from raised portion 17 along the bottom surface of depression 4 . raised surface 17 is bounded by edge 6 . the lower portion or base of ridge 7 is designated by the numeral 5 in fig1 to 3 . the base portions of raised ridges 11 are designated in the drawings as base 7 . the base portions of raised ridges 10 are designated as base 8 . the outermost edge of depression 4 is denoted by juncture 2 which is the intersection of the generally smooth curve of the top surface of body 1 with the upwardly extending walls of depression 4 . the base of the depression wall is indicated in fig1 as numeral 3 ; the upwardly sloping sidewall between sidewall base 3 and junction 2 is angled outward to permit ease of removal of dough 21 from depression 4 during operation of the rotary cutter . projections 9 and 18 to 20 similarly are provided for aiding in the smooth removal of dough 21 from the respective mold depression 4 and for dockering the molded dough piece for baking . mounting holes 12 having bevelled edges 16 are shown in fig1 and receive fastening elements for attaching body 1 to the rotating cutter . fig2 shows a side cross - sectional view of the mold taken along line 2 -- 2 in fig1 . the elements shown in fig2 have been discussed above with reference to fig1 . raised intersecting ridges 10 and 11 are shown in fig2 with ridge 10 being slightly higher than ridge 11 . however , the relative heights can be equal or can be reversed , without departing from the scope of the invention . additional ridges can also be provided at any location on raised surface 17 , and can be at any desired angle to ridges 10 , 11 . other shapes can be used instead of linear ridges , including circular , s - shaped , angled , dotted , dashed , or even flat - topped raised surfaces of planar extent less than that of raised surface 17 . fig3 shows a sectional view taken along line 3 -- 3 of fig1 . the elements shown are as discussed above . fig3 illustrates the curved shape of the mold , suitable for mounting upon a rotating molder support cylinder surface ( not shown ). the bottom surface of depression 4 and raised surface 17 are similarly curved or arcuate , so as to produce generally planar surfaces in the molded products . while curved elements constructed for mounting upon a cylindrical rotor as described above permit convenient changes of the elements , for production purposes it is often preferred to engrave the mold cavities directly into a solid cylindrical rotor . the objects of the invention can be achieved by the use of any suitable rotary molding system which will mold base portions containing the type of recesses , grooves or the like which are required to retain the filling in the baked product . fig4 is a top elevational view of the egg treat product of the invention . egg white portion 21 has the overall shape of the longitudinal cross - section of an egg . egg yolk portion 22 rests in a depression in egg white portion 21 formed by operation of the rotary molder on dough 21 , as discussed above . fig5 is a side view in section taken along line 5 -- 5 in fig4 . fig5 clearly shows the depression formed in egg white portion 21 in which egg yolk portion 22 is received . typically , 5 to 10 percent of the total weight of egg treat base 21 and egg yolk portion filling 22 is the filling portion before baking . the indentation in the base portion before the injection of the yolk portion includes in a preferred embodiment a grooved cross hatching pattern at the bottom of the indentation . the cross hatching pattern is formed by grooves 10 , 11 of the mold . upon heating , the yolk filling first flows into the grooves , and is then baked in place , thereby causing the yolk filling to lock itself into the base portion such that it adheres and is strongly bonded to the base portion . the filling is thus bonded to the base portion by a combination of effects including physico - chemical effects such as adhesion and the mechanical pressure of the baked surfaces pressing against each other . by a strong bond , it is meant that the strength of the bond between filling and base portion is at least as great as that of the baked base portion itself . fig6 to 10 illustrate another embodiment of the invention , the production of dog - bone shaped biscuits having a longitudinal groove in the top surface thereof which can be filled with a filling or upper portion which is subsequently baked in place . such biscuits can be prepared of any suitable dough , such as the doughs for hard and soft dog biscuits described above , and produced in any shape , provided at least one groove or depression is present for depositing the filling or upper portion . fig6 is a top elevational view of a mold element 30 similar to those described above for the pet egg treat , for molding a dog - bone shaped biscuit with a longitudinal groove . ridge 32 , shown in fig6 and the sectional views in fig7 and 8 , imprints a longitudinal groove 42 in the molded product , shown in fig1 . dockering pins or projections 34 are provided , serving the same functions as described above regarding fig1 to 5 and producing docker holes 40 . ridges 36 in mold element 30 imprint grooves 38 in the molded product , dividing the knobs from the shaft or main portion of the bone - shaped biscuit . ridge 36 can be seen in fig6 , 8 and 9 . fig1 shows the molded biscuit or dough piece unfilled for clarity , but in the process of the invention longitudinal groove 42 is at least partially filled with a filling or upper portion dough before the product is baked . as with the pet egg treat described in detail above , the result is a two - portion baked product with a filling or upper portion baked securely in place on the biscuit base portion . the filling can be essentially confined to the immediate vicinity of such a groove , or the filling or upper portion can cover all or a portion of the upper surface of the base portion , with the portion which is baked into the groove still serving to retain the two portions in place . this embodiment of the invention is representative of a general form of the baked product in which the base portion contains at least one groove or indentation in the top surface for deposit of the filling or upper portion . as described above for the pet egg treat , multiple grooves in various configurations can be used , either imprinted directly in the upper surface of the base portion as shown in fig1 or in the bottom of a depression imprinted in the base portion , as shown in fig5 for the egg treat . sugar , tallow , and water give the yolk portion a suitable fluidity , particularly when these ingredients are mixed with higher shear mixing devices such as an eppenbach ® or oakes ® mixer . these mixers quickly homogenize the ingredients , yielding a composition about the consistency of peanut butter , which is pumpable and ejectable . the low temperature setting and low residence time in the baking oven prevents the filling from prematurely setting before it has time to flow and fill the entire indentation . furthermore , temperature sufficient to cause premature setting would also prevent the filling from interlocking with the base portion , including the grooves at the bottom of the indentation . preferably , the viscosity of the yolk portion and the baking temperature are chosen so that the yolk first softens and flows into the grooves , then sets and bakes in place . the texture of the yolk portion can be varied from the texture of the base portion by introducing air into the yolk filling . likewise , the base and filling can be of different colors , different sweetness levels , or any other contrasting properties , thus permitting the possible production of many varieties of products . for example , products with combinations of flavors such as steak and eggs , ham and eggs , poultry with onion filling and the like can be produced . in addition to the pet treat biscuits described as exemplary , numerous products for human consumption can be produced , including snack foods based upon filled biscuits , cookies containing fillings of bakable confectionary compositions or doughs of contrasting textures , flavors or colors , and the like . with both pet foods and items for human consumption , preferred embodiments include products whose shapes suggest their flavor and / or content , as with the pet egg treat -- e . g ., bone - shaped dog biscuits , fish shapes / flavors , poultry leg shapes / flavors , ham , steak , chops and the like , as well as fruit - shaped base portions with fruit - flavored fillings . the flour is generally a blend of a hard flour and a medium flour in order to attain a stiff , but not inelastic , dough for the egg treat base portion . any suitable flours which will produce stiff doughs compatible with rotary molding can be used , milled from grains including hard and soft wheats , corn , rye , barley and the like . the meal can be any one of the following plant or animal meals including , but not limited to , soybean meal , wheat meal , meat and bone meal , fish meal , poultry meal , oatmeal , rye meal , corn meal , rice meal , and barley meal . the coarser meals can be used in conjunction with flour to provide the desired texture as well as protein content , flavors and the like . the various flavorings can be either liquid or dry type flavorings including powdered milk , salt , citric acid , calcium carbonate , myf ( which stands for molasses yeast fermented solids ) flavoring , inedible tallow ( stabilized with bha ), ascorbic acid , meat , liver , bone marrow , poultry or fish flavorings , cheese and vegetable flavorings , among others . various fruit or confectionary flavors can be used in cookies , tarts and similar confectionary products . the minerals and vitamins generally may comprise any of such minerals as calcium , phosphate , etc . and a conventional commercially available vitamin mix . a dough conditioner is typically sodium metabisulfite to produce a more workable dough , used alone or in combination with preservatives . egg portion 22 ingredients can include conventional , commercially available egg solids comprising commercially dried eggs or ground hard - boiled eggs . for products of the invention in which the flavor or content of egg are not to be emphasized at least a portion of the egg solids in the filling can be replaced by a heat - coagulable protein or gelatinizing component such as a modified starch or a vegetable gum . such materials are included in the base portion dough and / or filling to provide the desired flow properties and baked texture as well as a nutritious component of the product . any suitable heat - coagulable protein can be used , including various denatured proteins , egg solids as discussed above , and albumens from dairy , vegetable or fish sources . a suitable soy albumen is available from the gunther company ( a subsidiary of general mills ) and dairy albumen is typically recovered from the whey fraction of milk . suitable vegetable gums , modified starches and gelatins can also be used to substitute for a portion of the egg solids by functioning as a gelatinizing agent . generally , any suitable sugar can be used in the various products within the scope of the invention as desired , to produce sweetening and viscosity effects . thus , &# 34 ; a sugar &# 34 ; as used in the filling and / or base portion dough of the products ( e . g ., where at least one cookie dough is used ) can be at least one of the normal sugars used in foodstuffs , such as sucrose , fructose , dextrose , corn syrups and the like . however , the presence of some sugars in fillings or doughs containing egg solids contributes to browning during baking , presumably due to the maillard reaction . this may not be desirable in products such as the egg treat . in order for the egg yolk portion to be extrudable , it must have sufficiently low viscosity . a sugar provides the necessary viscosity and aids in uniform spreading of the filling to obtain a final egg treat which is somewhat planar . the sugar to water ratio is important because the sugar helps bind the yolk portion of the egg portion and because the sugar to water ratio affects the extrudability and the viscosity of the egg yolk portion . the sugar content is preferably between about 5 percent to about 20 percent . a proportion higher than 20 percent wherein too much sugar is present causes browning . a proportion lower than about 5 percent causes poor bonding between the yolk and base portion due to the lack of sugar , and may cause short shelf life due to excessive water . because the egg white portion is desired to be white , the use of most sugars is impractical . for example , if dextrose or fructose is employed , such sugars cause browning upon baking . corn syrup does not produce a sufficiently low viscosity . accordingly , only sucrose simultaneously produces the desired viscosity and prevents browning of the egg white portion in this egg treat embodiment . the sugar normally employed in products containing egg solids is preferably a non - reducing sugar such as sucrose sugar . it has been found that fructose and dextrose cause the egg treat to brown when baking when employed in the yolk filling . corn syrup normally does not produce a sufficiently low viscosity nor the binding action necessary to bind yolk filling portion 22 to base portion 21 . accordingly , sucrose , which does not brown upon baking to the extent that dextrose and fructrose do , is the most practical and economically useful sugar . in egg yolk portion 22 filling , various coloring agents can be employed such as titanium dioxide , carotenoid , or any other conventional coloring agents . the sucrose sugar is generally a finely ground sugar . a coarser sugar is not desirable , but still can be used , because from the practical standpoint , the quick solubility of the finer sugar shortens the preparation time and would result in lower production costs . yolk portion 22 may , if desired , extend substantially above the surface of base portion 21 , especially if such a filling is injected into a shallow recess in the base portion or applied to a base portion in which the grooves are imprinted in the flush top surface . in certain embodiments , e . g ., confectionary products , a high melting point fat such as a stearine , a stearate or commercial &# 34 ; hard flakes &# 34 ; can be included in the filling to provide suitable flow properties when the filling is heated , with at least partial hardening taking place upon cooling . in an embodiment of the invention , a multi - colored or multi - flavored cookie or a dual or multi - textured cookie can be produced by molding a base portion of a cookie dough and applying a filling or upper layer of a dissimilar filler cookie dough . the dissimilar cookie dough can contain a humectant for imparting a softer texture to the filler portion . suitable soft cookie doughs which may be used are disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 444 , 799 , herein incorporated by reference in its entirety . the filling or dough can be applied to the flush top surface of the base portion or injected into a recess as before , provided that at least one groove is provided for the filling to flow into so that the two portions adhere and bond together when baked . any suitable combination of cookie doughs can be used , provided that the filler dough can penetrate the grooves in the base portion and the doughs will bake together to the desired texture . the filler dough and the base cookie dough can each contain the same or different particulate flavoring ingredients . if desired , the base portion with the filling or second layer applied can be subjected to compressive action from a set of rollers or a press to force the filling into the recess and / or grooves before baking . in certain embodiments of the invention , the product ( i . e ., the base portion with filling ) is at least partially covered with a coating or glaze and then baked so that at least a portion of the surface is covered with a continuous solid coating . coating formulations can be chosen which will bake into coatings with surface consistencies ranging from hard to soft , but preferably not sticky . such coatings can be opaque , translucent or even transparent . such coatings can be used to protect the product from moisture and friction during handling and storage , and to provide additional bonding of the filling and base portion . additional flavors such as meat , liver , fish and the like can be imparted by the coatings , and they can provide a glaze or glossy surface which enhances the appearance of the product . the coating can be applied in a liquid form to the unbaked or partly baked product by any suitable method , preferably by a method achieving relatively complete coverage , such as enrobing . various formulations known in the art , such as glazes comprising sugar and / or starch and proteinaceous compositions , can be used depending upon the nature of the product and the object of applying the coating . presently preferred for the pet treat embodiments of the invention are formulations comprising meat or fish solids , gelatin , modified starches , gums and saccharides . the egg treat base portion comprises 43 . 38 percent of flour , 13 . 23 percent of meal , 2 . 81 percent of flavoring , 0 . 41 percent vitamin and mineral premix , 0 . 04 percent preservative , 12 . 08 percent egg and 28 . 5 percent of water . the percentages are all based upon weight and total approximately 100 percent of the base portion of the egg treat . all the ingredients , except the water , are mixed at room temperature in a mixer for a sufficient time to obtain a uniform mixture . hot tap water is added to the dry blended mixture and mixing is continued until a uniform mixture is obtained and results in a stiff dough . the base filling is molded into an egg shape by a rotary molder . dough 21 is molded and an indentation is then made on the upper surface of dough 21 with grooves 10 , 11 forming a cross hatched pattern in the bottom surface of the indentation . the egg treat yolk filling portion comprises 21 . 41 percent of flour , 5 . 60 percent of meal , 3 . 24 percent of flavoring , 0 . 27 percent of vitamin and mineral premix , 15 . 55 percent of sugar ( sucrose ), 1 . 11 percent of coloring agents , zero to 0 . 01 percent of preservative , 16 . 28 percent of egg solids and 36 . 53 percent of water . preservatives are not usually used or needed . these percentages of ingredients are based upon weight and comprise 100 percent of the filling . all of the ingredients , except water , are mixed at room temperature to obtain a uniform mixture . cold tap water is then added to the dry blend mixture and mixing is continued until a consistent mixture is obtained to form a stiff filling having a peanut butter - like consistency and viscosity . the mixing is accomplished in a high speed oakes r mixer . the yolk filling is then extruded through a band depositor having multiple nozzles into the indentations of base portion 21 which is discussed above . then the egg treat product is baked at a temperature of about 200 ° to 600 ° f for about 5 to 15 minutes . drying occurs at about 200 ° to 325 ° f . for about 12 to 25 minutes , in a forced air dryer including about a 7 minute retention time in the oven . this reduces the weight of the egg product by approximately 25 percent . the weight reduction is due to loss of moisture ; the final product then has a moisture content of approximately 11 percent . although in the preferred embodiment a depression is formed on the egg white portion 21 , a raised area can be provided instead . that is , surface 17 formed on the egg white portion can in the alternative embodiment , be raised above the remaining areas of egg portion 21 and still retain the function of assisting in the attachment of egg yolk portion 22 . the improved baked goods of the invention are capable of achieving the above - enumerated advantages , and while preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed , it will be understood that it is not limited thereto but can be otherwise embodied within the scope of the following claims .	0
fig1 - 3 are preferred embodiments of the present invention . the present invention will be further described below in connection with fig1 - 3 . in a power distribution network , power distribution network switches mainly have the following forms : an end switch , a section switch , and a substation outlet switch . each power distribution network switch is provided with a one - to - one corresponding power distribution network intelligent terminal stu , and according to the specific form of each power distribution network switch , its corresponding power distribution network intelligent terminal stu is configured with a required application network topology . in a power distribution network , any power distribution network intelligent terminal stu is on equal footing in functional distribution , and what application network topology is configured for it is completely dependent on its location , and may be changed . as shown in fig1 , the process steps of a method for automatic identification of an application network topology for power distribution network control according to the present invention are as follows . the switch attributes including an inherent attribute and position attribute are statically configured for a power distribution network intelligent terminal stu corresponding to each power distribution network switch . the inherent attribute of power distribution network switch includes a substation outlet switch , section switch , and end switch . position attribute of a switch is a position of the switch in the network and network addresses of power distribution network switches adjacent to the switch . when statically configuring the position attribute , it is only needed to configure network addresses of the switches adjacent to it . as shown in fig3 , a and b are substations , power distribution network switches 11 and 22 are substation outlet switches , power distribution network switches 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , and 7 are section switches , and power distribution network switches 6 and 8 are end switches , wherein the end switch 8 is connected with a distributed power source . when statically configuring switch attributes for each power distribution network intelligent terminal stu , it is required to statically configure the types of application network topology in regard to the specific form of power distribution network switch corresponding to it at the same time . application network topology refers to real - time network topology information required by a specific control application . any power distribution network intelligent terminal stu can establish its application topology , and whether or not to establish application network topology is determined by its attributes . there are mainly the following types of application network topologies : a position application topology , a load pre - judgement application topology , an application topology for automatic identification of tie switches , and an application topology for tracking a main network power source for islanding protection . the power distribution network intelligent terminals stus corresponding to the substation outlet switches 11 and 22 need to be configured with the position application topology and load pre - judgement application topology . power distribution network intelligent terminals stus corresponding to section switches 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 and 7 need to be configured with the position application topology , load pre - judgement application topology and application topology for automatic identification of tie switches . power distribution network intelligent terminals stus corresponding to end switches 6 and 8 need to be configured with the position application topology . the end switch 8 is connected with a distributed power source . therefore , power distribution network intelligent terminal stu corresponding to the terminal switch 8 needs to be also configured with the application topology for tracking a main network power source for islanding protection at the same time . at step 2 , power distribution network intelligent terminal stu determines whether a query trigger condition is satisfied . application network topology configured for each power distribution network intelligent terminal stu needs to be updated in real time . the power distribution network intelligent terminal stu determines whether a preset query trigger condition is satisfied , which is a preset query period ; or a switch state change signal of a power distribution network switch corresponding to the power distribution network intelligent terminal stu . if the query trigger condition is satisfied , then step 3 is carried out , and if the query trigger condition isn &# 39 ; t satisfied , then a query is not initiated . at step 3 , an inquirer sends a query command to initiate a query into application network topology . a query into application network topology is initiated by the inquirer that may be any power distribution network intelligent terminal stu in the power distribution network corresponding to the power distribution network switch . after the power distribution network intelligent terminal stu satisfies the query trigger condition , it sends a query command for querying application network topology to a preconfigured adjacent power distribution network intelligent terminal stu that continues to pass the query command for querying application network topology to its adjacent lower level of power distribution network intelligent terminal stu , and so on , until a substation outlet switch or an end switch is encountered . as described above , there is a plurality of application network topologies in a power distribution network . in order to relieve channel stress and processing workloads of power distribution network intelligent terminal stu , the inquirer sends the same query command for querying application network topology . as shown in fig2 , assuming that the section switch 3 is in open state , the power distribution network intelligent terminal stu corresponding to the section switch 3 would send a query command for querying application network topology , which is passed to section switch 2 in the left direction and to section switch 4 in the right direction , and to section switch 7 in the downward direction at the same time . section switch 2 sends it to two adjacent switches , i . e ., section switch 1 and section switch 5 . section switch 1 sends it to substation outlet switch 11 , and section switch 5 sends it to end switch 6 ; thereby the query in the left direction ends here . section switch 4 sends it to an adjacent substation outlet switch 22 ; thereby the query in the right direction ends here . section switch 7 sends it to an adjacent end switch 8 ; thereby the downward query ends here . after receiving the query command for querying application network topology , the substation outlet switch or end switch sends its switch attributes to the adjacent power distribution network intelligent terminal stu that has sent the query command for querying application network topology to it . any power distribution network intelligent terminal stu , which has received the switch attribute information returned from its adjacent power distribution network intelligent terminal stu , would send its switch attribute information along with the received switch attribute information returned by the adjacent power distribution network intelligent terminal stu back to the upper level of adjacent power distribution network intelligent terminal stu that has sent the query command for querying application network topology , and refill the data length check code , and so on , until the information is sent to the original inquirer . as shown in fig2 , assuming that the inquirer is the power distribution network intelligent terminal stu corresponding to the section switch 3 , and using substation outlet switch 11 as an example , after receiving the query command for querying application network topology sent by the section switch 1 , the substation outlet switch 11 returns its switch attribute in the following format : substation outlet switch 11 passes its switch information to the section switch 1 being an inquirer . after receiving the information returned by the substation outlet switch 11 , the section switch 1 adds its switch attribute information to the received information and continues to pass it to the section switch 2 being an inquirer . the returned information to the section switch 2 is as follows : the section switch 2 receives the information returned by the section switch 1 and section switch 5 , combines and adds the information to the present switch thereto , and then continues to pass it to the inquirer . the returned information to the section switch 3 is as follows : the inquirer receives switch attribute information of all power distribution network switches in the power distribution network . in the present embodiment , as shown in fig2 , the power distribution network intelligent terminal stu corresponding to the section switch 3 being an inquirer receives switch attribute information , which includes switch attribute information from the section switch 2 , including switch attribute information of the substation outlet switch 11 , end switch 6 , section switch 1 , section switch 5 and section switch 2 ; switch attribute information from the section switch 4 including switch attribute information of the section switch 4 and substation outlet switch 22 ; and switch attribute information from the section switch 7 including switch attribute information of the section switch 7 and end switch 8 . at step 6 , the integrity of switch attribute information is checked . the inquirer checks the integrity of the received switch attribute information . after receiving switch attribute information of all power distribution network switches in the power distribution network , the inquirer checks the integrity of the switch attribute information . the end of information should be a substation outlet switch or a terminal switch . if all switch attribute information is complete , then step 7 is carried out . if not , which means failure of the query , then step 2 is carried out again for a next query . there are many application network topologies in a power distribution network . in order to relieve channel stress and processing workloads of power distribution network intelligent terminal stu , the inquirer sends the same query command for querying application network topology . for all of the received switch attribute information , the inquirer extracts its required information from switch attribute information of all power distribution network switches according to the type of application network topology configured for itself , so as to form the application network topology . the topology establishment modes of application network topologies that are required by power distribution network switches at step 1 and switch attribute information of the power distribution network switches that is required to be extracted are as follows . as described above , all power distribution network switches in the power distribution network need to be configured with the position application topology . as an inquirer for the position application topology , the power distribution network intelligent terminal stu corresponding to a power distribution network switch , after receiving switch attribute information of all power distribution network switches in the power distribution network , firstly checks the integrity of information , with the end of the information being a substation outlet switch or a terminal switch ; and extracts information related to its application for establishing the application topology . with respect to the position application topology , only position attributes in the returned information need to be extracted for identifying positions of power distribution network switches in the entire network . as described above , section switches in a power distribution network all need to be configured with the application topology for automatic identification of tie switches . using section switch 3 as an example , as an inquirer for the application topology for automatic identification of tie switches , the section switch 3 , after collecting network topology information , firstly checks the integrity of the information , with the end of the information being a substation outlet switch or terminal switch ; and extracts information related to its application for establishing the application topology . with respect to the application topology for automatic identification of tie switches , only position attributes , switch information and voltage information in the returned information need to be extracted for determining whether it is or not a tie switch . ( 3 ) application topology for tracking a main network power source for islanding protection as described above , an end switch in the power distribution network connected with a distributed power source needs to be configured with the application topology for tracking a main network power source for islanding protection . in the present embodiment , as an inquirer for the application topology for tracking a main network power source for islanding protection , the end switch 8 , after collecting network topology information , firstly checks the integrity of the information , with the end of information being a substation outlet switch or terminal switch ; and extracts information related to its application for establishing the application topology . with respect to the application topology for tracking a main network power source for islanding protection , only position attributes and switch information in the returned information need to be extracted for determining a main network power source connected with the distributed power source . the end switch 8 detects the connection relationship between the distributed power source and main network power source in real time by utilizing the network topology information , and performs an islanding protection after detecting detachment from the main network power source . as described above , section switches and substation outlet switches in the power distribution network all need to be configured with a load pre - judgement application topology . using section switch 3 as an example , after confirming itself as a tie switch , the section switch 3 needs to prejudge load before the tie switch is to be switched on . as an inquirer for the load pre - judgement application topology during a load transfer process , the tie switch 3 , after collecting network topology information , firstly checks the integrity of the information , with the end of the information being a substation outlet switch or terminal switch ; and extracts information related to its application for establishing the application topology . with respect to the load pre - judgement application topology , only position attributes and load information in the returned information need to be extracted for determining whether the tie switch can be switched on . if the spare capacity is sufficient , then the tie switch may be switched on , and if the spare capacity is insufficient , then the tie switch can not be switched on . what have been described above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention , but are not intended to limit the present invention in any other forms . those skilled in the art can change or modify the above disclosed technical aspects into equivalent embodiments , without departing from the scope of technical aspects of the present invention . any simple modifications , equivalent variations and changes made to the above embodiments according to the technical essence of the present invention shall still be within the scope of the technical aspects of the present invention .	7
the following examples set forth preferred concentrate compositions and techniques for formulation thereof , as well as test results demonstrating the chlorine stability of the compositions . it is to be understood , however , that these examples are presented by way of illustration only and nothing therein should be taken as a limitation upon the overall scope of the invention . the stable chlorinated alkaline compositions of these examples were prepared by mixing the indicated ingredients in the following order : water , potassium hydroxide , sodium hydroxide , polyacrylate , amine oxide , fatty acid soap , and bleach ( hypochlorite ). the compositions were stored in glass containers at 40 ° c . for eight weeks ( some for only four weeks ). the actual available chlorine loss for each composition ( determined by thiosulfate titration ) was compared to the theoretical chlorine loss for each respective composition . the theoretical percent chlorine loss for each composition , as used below , was calculated as follows : ## equ1 ## where : a2 = chlorine loss in amine oxide reference composition ( i . e ., containing no fatty acid soap ); a5 = chlorine loss in soap reference composition ( i . e ., containing no amine oxide ); and in table 1 below , examples 1 - 6 are directed only to c 9 soap ( potassium nonanoate ) and show the effect of varying the weight ratio of amine oxide to soap in the surfactant system ( while maintaining the surfactant concentration essentially constant ( 4 . 64 - 4 . 65 %)) on the chlorine loss during an 8 - week period . example 1 is the soap reference composition for the c 9 soap tests , whereas example 6 is the amine oxide reference composition for these tests . table 1__________________________________________________________________________ wt . % lauramine wt . % potassium total wt . ratio % chlorine % chlorine oxide ( 30 % by nonanoate ( 45 % active amine loss 8 losscomposition wt . solution ) by wt . solution ) surfactant oxide : soap weeks theoretical__________________________________________________________________________1 0 10 . 30 4 . 64 % 0 : 100 622 11 . 63 2 . 258 4 . 65 % 75 : 25 59 653 7 . 75 5 . 20 4 . 65 % 50 : 50 59 644 13 . 95 1 . 00 4 . 64 % 90 : 10 64 655 3 . 88 7 . 75 4 . 65 % 25 : 75 57 636 15 . 50 0 4 . 65 % 100 : 0 66__________________________________________________________________________ all compositions contain : 30 % by weight naocl ( 12 . 0 %), 5 % by weight koh ( 45 %), 8 % by weight naoh ( 50 %), 1 % goodrite k7058 , q . s . water to 100 %. burco ldao was used as the amine oxide . fig1 is a plot of actual and theoretical chlorine losses based upon the data developed in connection with compositions 1 - 6 . this plot demonstrates that varying the weight ratio of amine oxide to soap between 90 : 10 and 25 : 75 , respectively , results in compositions having substantially enhanced chlorine stability , as demonstrated by the reduction in chlorine loss of the actual versus the theoretical calculated losses . in another series of tests c 8 and c 10 fatty acid soaps were employed , in order to study the effect of changing the carbon number of the soap upon chlorine stability . in the following table , composition 7 is the amine oxide reference sample , composition 8 is the c 8 soap reference sample and composition 9 is the c 10 soap reference sample . compositions 10 - 13 demonstrate the effect of varying the weight ratio of amine oxide to soap between 25 : 75 and 90 : 10 , when employing the c 8 soap as a part of the surfactant system . compositions 14 - 17 demonstrate the effect of varying the weight ratio of amine oxide to soap between 25 : 75 and 90 : 10 when using the c 10 soap as a part of the surfactant system . table 2__________________________________________________________________________ wt . % lauramine wt . % potassium wt . % potassium oxide ( 30 % by wt . octanoate ( 22 . 5 % deconate ( 22 . 5 % total active wt . ratio amine % chlorine % chlorine losscomposition solution ) by wt . solution ) by wt . solution ) surfactant oxide : soap 8 weeks theoretical__________________________________________________________________________7 15 . 5 4 . 65 % 100 : 0 698 20 . 6 4 . 64 % 0 : 100 579 20 . 6 4 . 64 % 0 : 100 5310 11 . 63 5 . 16 4 . 65 % 75 : 25 51 6611 7 . 75 10 . 40 4 . 67 % 50 : 50 47 6312 3 . 88 15 . 5 4 . 65 % 25 : 75 48 6013 13 . 95 2 . 10 4 . 66 % 90 : 10 70 6814 11 . 63 5 . 16 4 . 65 % 75 : 25 50 6515 7 . 75 10 . 40 4 . 67 % 50 : 50 49 6116 3 . 88 15 . 5 4 . 65 % 25 : 75 49 5717 13 . 95 2 . 10 4 . 66 % 90 : 10 61 68__________________________________________________________________________ all compositions contain : 30 % by weight naocl ( 13 . 0 %), 2 . 5 % by weight koh ( 45 %), 4 . 0 % by weight naoh ( 50 %), 1 % by weight goodrite k7058 , q . s . water burco ldao was the source of the amine oxide . fig2 below is a plot of percent actual chlorine loss versus calculated theoretical chlorine loss for the c 8 soap compositions ( compositions 10 - 13 ), whereas fig3 is a similar plot for the c 10 soap compositions ( compositions 14 - 17 ). the data of table 2 demonstrates that when c 8 and c 10 soaps are used , substantial reductions in chlorine loss can be obtained as compared with the theoretical losses . the following compositions were prepared to demonstrate that c 6 and c 12 fatty acid soaps can also be used to good effect in the invention . in table 3 below , composition 18 is the c 6 soap reference sample , composition 20 is the c 12 soap reference sample , and composition 22 is the amine oxide reference sample for both the c 6 and c 12 soap samples . table 3__________________________________________________________________________ wt . % lauramine wt . % potassium wt . % potassium oxide ( 30 % by wt . hexanoate ( 22 . 5 % dodeconate ( 22 . 5 % total active wt . ratio amine % chlorine % chlorine losscomposition solution ) by wt . solution ) by wt . solution ) surfactant oxide : soap 8 weeks theoretical__________________________________________________________________________18 20 . 6 4 . 64 % 0 : 100 8319 11 . 65 5 . 16 4 . 66 % 75 : 25 76 92 . sup . 20 . sup . 1 20 . 16 4 . 64 % 0 : 100 5921 11 . 65 5 . 16 4 . 66 % 75 : 25 52 8622 15 . 5 4 . 65 % 100 : 0 95__________________________________________________________________________ all compositions contain : 30 % by weight naocl ( 12 . 3 %), 2 . 5 % buy weight ko ( 45 %), 4 . 0 % by weight naoh ( 50 %), 1 % by weight goodrite k7058 , q . s . water ninox l was used as the source of the amine oxide . . sup . 1 composition 20 solidified during the test . another test was undertaken to demonstrate the effect of using various amine oxides having different alkyl substituent groups . this data is set forth in table 4 below , which gives the specifics of compositions 23 - 39 , and shows the effect of substituting the various amine oxides from different suppliers having different carbon number alkyl substituents . as set forth , substantially all commercially available amine oxides can be used in the surfactant systems of the invention . table 4__________________________________________________________________________ wt . % potassium nonanoate ( 45 % by total active wt . ratio amine % chlorine % chlorine lesscomposition lauramine oxide source wt . % wt . solution ) surfactant oxide : soap loss 8 weeks theoretical__________________________________________________________________________23 burco ldao 11 . 65 3 . 85 5 . 23 67 : 33 53 7024 bureo ldao 15 . 50 0 4 . 65 100 : 0 7225 incromine oxide l 11 . 65 3 . 85 5 . 23 67 : 33 50 6126 incromine oxide l 15 . 50 0 4 . 65 100 : 0 6227 mackamine lo 11 . 65 3 . 85 5 . 23 67 : 33 50 6428 mackamine lo 15 . 50 0 4 . 65 100 : 0 6529 stepan ninox l 11 . 65 3 . 85 5 . 23 67 : 33 58 8130 stepan ninox l 15 . 50 0 4 . 65 100 : 0 8831 10 . 30 4 . 64 0 : 100 4032 ammonyx mo 10 . 30 3 . 44 4 . 64 66 : 34 45 63 . sup . 33 . sup . 1 ammonyx mo 15 . 50 4 . 65 100 : 0 7434 ammonyx mco 10 . 30 3 . 44 4 . 64 66 : 34 42 60 . sup . 35 . sup . 1 ammonyx mco 15 . 50 4 . 65 100 : 0 6936 ammonyx lo 10 . 30 3 . 44 4 . 64 66 : 34 40 5037 ammonyx lo 15 . 50 4 . 65 100 : 0 55 . sup . 38 . sup . 2 ammonyx so 12 . 40 3 . 44 4 . 65 66 : 34 100 . sup . 39 . sup . 2 ammonyx so 18 . 60 4 . 65 100 : 0 100__________________________________________________________________________ burco ldao ( 30 % by weight lauramine oxide ) supplied by burlington chemica co ., inc ., burlington , nc mackamine lo ( 30 % by weight lauramine oxide ) supplied by mcintyre chemica co ., ltd ., chicago , il incromine oxide l ( 30 % by weight lauramine oxide ) supplied by croda surfactants , inc ., new york , ny ninol l ( 30 % by weight lauramine oxide ) supplied by stepan co ., northfield , il ammonyx mo ( 30 % by weight myristyl amine oxide ), ammonyx lo ( 30 % by weigh lauramine oxide ), and ammonyx so ( 25 % by weight stearamine oxide ) are all supplied by stepan co . all compositions contain : 30 % by weight naocl ( 13 . 0 % for compositions 23 - 30 , 12 . 3 % for compositions 31 - 39 ), 2 . 5 % by weight koh ( 45 %), 4 . 0 % by weight naoh ( 50 %), 1 % by weight goodrite k7058 , q . s . water to 100 %. . sup . 1 compositions 33 and 35 gelled during the test . . sup . 2 compositions 38 and 39 , the stearamine oxide did not completely dissolve . in another series of tests , various amounts of koh and naoh were employed . the data is set forth in table 5 and demonstrates that the compositions have reduced chlorine loss with levels of total base ranging from 1 . 125 - 4 % by weight . table 5__________________________________________________________________________ wt . % % % wt . % koh wt . % naoh lauramine oxide wt . % potassium wt . ratio chlorine chlorine % ( 45 % by wt . ( 50 % by wt . ( 30 % by wt . nonanoate ( 45 % total active amine loss 4 loss theoreticalcomposition solution ) solution ) solution ) by wt . solution ) surfactant oxide : soap weeks weeks 4__________________________________________________________________________ weeks40 0 8 11 . 65 3 . 85 5 . 23 67 : 33 61 . 441 0 8 15 . 50 0 4 . 65 100 : 0 66 . 742 5 0 11 . 65 3 . 85 5 . 23 67 : 33 60 . 643 5 0 15 . 50 0 4 . 65 100 : 0 96 . 744 2 . 5 4 11 . 65 3 . 85 5 . 23 67 : 33 54 . 245 2 . 5 4 15 . 50 0 4 . 65 100 : 0 78 . 346 2 . 5 10 . 30 3 . 44 67 : 33 45 . 8 80 . 8 72 . 447 2 . 5 15 . 5 0 100 : 0 99 . 1 10048 2 . 5 10 . 33 0 : 100 19 . 8 33 . 649 1 . 0 10 . 3 3 . 44 67 : 33 99 . 8 10050 1 . 0 15 . 5 0 100 : 0 99 . 7 10051 1 . 0 10 . 33 0 : 100 27 . 9 91 . 9__________________________________________________________________________ all compositions nos . 40 - 45 contain : 30 % by weight naocl ( 12 . 0 %), 1 % by weight goodrite k7058 , q . s . water to 100 %. burco ldao was used as the source of the amine oxide . all compositions nos . 46 - 51 contain : 30 % by weight naocl ( 12 . 3 %), 1 % by weight goodrite k7058 , q . s . water to 100 %. ninox l was the source of the amine oxide . in the next test , the effect of varying the level of initial chlorine was studied . this data is given in table 6 wherein compositions 53 , 55 and 57 are reference compositions . compositions 52 - 57 demonstrate that reduced chlorine loss can be obtained when the level of naocl is varied between 1 . 2 - 4 . 8 % by weight . table 6__________________________________________________________________________ wt . % wt . % lauramine potassium wt . % naocl oxide nonanoate total % wt . ratio chlorine ( 12 . 0 % by wt . ( 30 % by ( 45 % by wt . active amine loss 8composition solution ) wt . solution ) solution ) surfactant oxide : soap weeks__________________________________________________________________________52 20 11 . 65 3 . 85 5 . 23 67 : 33 5553 20 15 . 5 0 4 . 65 100 : 0 6454 10 11 . 65 3 . 85 5 . 23 67 : 33 6855 10 15 . 5 0 4 . 65 100 : 0 9256 40 11 . 65 3 . 85 5 . 23 67 : 33 7257 40 15 . 5 0 4 . 65 100 : 0 74__________________________________________________________________________ all compositions contain : 5 % by weight koh ( 45 %), 8 % by weight naoh ( 50 %) 1 % by weight goodrite k7058 , q . s . water to 100 %. burco ldao was used as the source of the amine oxide . the next series of compositions demonstrate that reduced chlorine loss can be obtained with naocl levels of from about 0 . 6 - 6 % by weight , with 1 . 125 by weight koh and 2 . 0 % by weight naoh levels . this data is set forth in table 7 . table 7__________________________________________________________________________ wt . % lauramine wt . % potassium wt . ratio % chlor - % chlor - wt . % naocl ( 12 . 3 % oxide ( 30 % by wt . nonanoate ( 45 % total % active amine oxide ine loss ine losscomposition by wt . solution ) solution ) by wt . solution ) surfactant soap 4 weeks 8 weeks theoretical__________________________________________________________________________58 5 15 . 5 4 . 65 100 : 0 95 . 8 10059 5 10 . 33 3 . 44 4 . 65 67 : 33 57 . 7 97 66 . sup . 160 5 10 . 3 4 . 64 0 : 100 7 . 3 2061 50 15 . 5 4 . 65 100 : 0 9862 50 10 . 33 3 . 44 4 . 65 67 : 33 60 85 . sup . 263 50 10 . 3 4 . 64 0 : 100 60__________________________________________________________________________ . sup . 1 based on 4 weeks result . sup . 2 based on 8 weeks result all compositions contain : 2 . 5 % by weight koh ( 45 %), 4 . 0 % by weight naoh ( 50 %), 1 % by weight goodrite k7058 , q . s . water to 100 %. ammonyx lo was the source of the amine oxide . a further set of test compositions was prepared wherein the surfactant system concentration range was varied between 3 % and 6 % by weight . this data is given in table 8 . table 8__________________________________________________________________________ wt . % wt . % lauramine potassium oxide nonanoate total % wt . ratio % chlorine chlorine ( 30 % by ( 45 % by wt . active amine loss 8 losscomposition wt . solution ) solution ) surfactant oxide : soap weeks theoretical__________________________________________________________________________64 10 3 . 0 100 : 0 4465 7 . 5 1 . 66 3 . 0 75 : 25 41 4066 68 3 . 0 0 : 100 2867 20 . 0 6 . 0 100 : 0 7368 15 . 0 3 . 35 6 . 0 75 : 25 45 6569 13 . 35 6 . 0 0 : 100 42__________________________________________________________________________ all compositions contain : 2 . 5 % by weight koh ( 45 %), 30 % by weight naocl ( 12 . 0 %), 4 % by weight naoh ( 50 %), 1 % by weight goodrite k7058 , q . s . water to 100 %. burco ldao was used as the source of the amine oxide . it has also been found that various levels of optional ingredients such as chlorine stable polyacrylate ( employed for thresholding , chelating and rinsing properties ), sodium tripolyphosphate , silicates , bases and other chlorine stable surfactants ( e . g ., dowfax 3b2 ) can also be employed without detracting from the desirable properties of the compositions of the invention . the various commercial products identified in the foregoing examples are further described in individual product bulletins distributed by the manufacturers thereof . these product bulletins are hereby incorporated by reference herein .	2
fig1 shows a filtering apparatus 20 for separating particulate matter from a gas stream . this apparatus includes a pressure vessel 22 in which there are mounted a plurality of clusters 24 comprising a plurality of filter element arrays 26 . these filter element arrays 26 include a plurality of filter elements 28 . the pressure vessel 22 has a dome - shaped head 30 and a body 32 . the dome - shaped head 30 terminates in a linear tip 34 , defining an exit opening or nozzle 36 for the filtered gas to be removed from the vessel 22 . while the exit is shown at the top , it may also be at the side of the head 30 for ease of attachment of auxiliary components . the body 32 includes a dirty gas inlet 25 , where gas containing particulates enters at a temperature of from about 1110 ° f . ( 600 ° c .) to about 1830 ° f . ( 1000 ° c .) and also usually contains about 2 vol . % to 25 vol . % water vapor in the form of steam , 200 ppmv to 0 . 5 vol . % sulfur in the form of so 3 , so 2 , h 2 s and other components such as c , chloride , alkali , and the like . the body also contains an upper part 38 having a generally circular cylindrical shape joined by a frustoconical ash hopper 40 for receiving the particulate matter terminating in a linear tip defining an opening or nozzle 42 connected to an ash discharge line . a plurality of ports 44 extend from the dome - shaped head 30 . the ports 44 provide a site for inserting instrumentation and for viewing the interior of the dome - shaped head 30 during shutdown periods . through each port , tubes 46 for supplying a backpulse burst of gas for cleaning the filters 28 can be placed . referring to fig2 the pressure vessel includes a tube sheet 48 . the tube sheet 48 supports the plurality of filter element arrays 26 . each filter element array 26 comprises a manifold plenum consisting of an upper plate 50 and a lower plate 52 and side plate . in accordance with the present invention , each filter element 28 is held by a filter assembly 60 and coupled to the corresponding lower plate 52 of the manifold plenum . the filter assemblies 60 are integrated into a structural unit by plenum support pipes 54 . each plenum support pipe 54 is secured centrally within the pressure vessel 22 . a dust shed or particle - deflector 56 having a generally frustoconical shape is also shown . referring now to fig3 a single filter holder and gasket assembly 60 is shown in assembled form . the filter holder and gasket assembly 60 comprises a filter holder 72 having a peripheral sidewall 74 which defines an interior chamber 76 . a fail - safe regenerator device 78 is positioned within the interior chamber 76 , and an annular spacer ring 80 is mounted within the interior chamber 76 . the assembly 60 also includes a sock or sleeve 82 , a top compliant gasket 84 , a middle compliant gasket 86 , an additional compliant primary gasket 85 and a cast clamp 88 . it is noted that the fail - safe regenerator device 78 is preferably , but not necessarily , a part of the assembly . the spacer ring 80 is positioned adjacent to and / or in contact with the compliant primary gasket 85 . referring again to fig3 in one embodiment of the invention shown , the spacer ring 80 is permanently mounted to the fail - safe regenerator to produce a single unit that is placed within the interior chamber 76 of the filter holder and gasket assembly 60 . while this arrangement makes assembly more convenient , one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the spacer ring 80 and fail - safe regenerator 78 can be assembled as two separable components . in the embodiment illustrated , the spacer ring 80 may be welded in abutment with the fail - safe regenerator device 78 to provide a means for positioning the fail - safe regenerator unit 78 in the interior chamber 76 . so positioned , the top gasket 84 is compressed between the bottom of the spacer ring 80 and the top surface 81 ′ of a candle filter flange 83 ; and the compliant primary gasket 85 is compressed between the top section of the spacer ring 80 ′ and the stepped section of the interior chamber 76 ′. when assembled with cast clamp 88 and bolt 89 the filter element 28 resists moving and contacting the inner surface of the filter holder 77 , thereby preventing possible damage to the filter element 28 . the fail - safe regenerator device 78 is provided to prevent particulate matter from traveling into the clean gas area of the pressure vessel if a filter element or gasket fails , is damaged or breaks . additionally , the fail - safe regenerator 78 will heat the backpulse gas , which is generally cooler than the gas stream coming from the combustion or gasification process gas stream , minimizing thermal fatigue , cracking and / or failure of the filter element 28 . referring again to fig3 the filter holder 72 , annular spacer ring 80 , and fail - safe regenerator device 78 are made of a material that can withstand the relatively high temperatures that are reached in a particular system and possess the strength and durability to support the filtering components , preferably a high temperature metal material , such as 310s stainless steel . referring again to fig3 the gaskets and cushions 82 , 84 , 85 and 86 are individual components that are separate and apart from the filter holder 72 . these components are preferably made from high temperature ceramic fibers that are woven or braided into a desired pattern or shape , such as an annular gasket or circular sleeve . the shape and size of each component must be large enough to be positioned on or around the candle filter 28 to provide an adequate particulate barrier seal to resist gas leakage . more particularly , the sleeve or sock 82 is preferably made of a woven or braided oxide fabric . the top gasket 84 and middle gasket 86 can be made of a braided or woven oxide based fabric that encases an oxide fiber , intermeshed , compliant mat , or of a lapped or rolled woven or braided configuration . referring again to fig3 the sock or sleeve 82 is positioned around the outer surface of a filter flange 83 of the candle filter element 28 to prevent contact of the filter element 28 and / or filter flange 83 with the interior surface of the metal filter housing 77 . the top compliant gasket 84 is positioned along the top surface 81 ′ of the filter flange 83 to provide a compliant cushion and particulate matter barrier seal between the spacer ring 80 and filter flange top surface 81 ′. the middle compliant gasket 86 is positioned at the base of the filter flange 83 over the sock or sleeve 82 . the middle compliant gasket 86 provides a cushion between the lower section of the filter flange 83 ′, the upper section of the filter body 28 ′ and the cast clamp 88 . the gasket 85 is positioned around the spacer ring . when the gasket 85 is compressed by the cast clamp ring 88 , a primary particulate barrier seal can be formed . the assembled filter holder and gasket assembly 60 can then be coupled to the rest of the combustion assembly . referring now to fig4 in the form of the present invention shown , there is disclosed an assembly 101 for securing the position of the mat - filled complaint ceramic gasket seals during use of candle filter elements in hot gas filter system applications . this assembly 101 includes an extended metal collar 102 as either an integral or separately connected part of an annular spacer ring 104 that is positioned above a candle filter element 106 . the extended collar 102 is positioned along the inside diameter of the spacer ring 104 . the dimensions of the extended metal collar 102 are provided such that it can extend axially into the inside diameter bore of the candle filter 106 , preferably such extension distance is approximately 10 - mm . the extended metal collar 102 is also structured such that an approximately 1 - mm gap results between itself and the inside diameter of the candle filter element 106 . preferably , the annular spacer ring 104 with extended metal collar 102 is joined to the failsafe - regenerator 112 , forming an integral unit to facilitate installation within the filter holder assembly 101 . referring again to fig4 a top or mat - filled compliant ceramic gasket 110 is positioned along the outer surface of the extended metal collar 102 of the annular spacer ring 104 as shown . the gasket 110 seats against the annular spacer ring 104 , which serves as the base for a fail - safe regenerator unit 112 . in this manner , the extended metal collar 102 protects the top gasket 110 from contact with pulse cleaning gas and dislocation during a filter process operation , as well as during back pulse cleaning . as a result , the top gasket 110 remains properly positioned during operation of the hot gas filter system ; maintains alignment of the fail - safe regenerator unit 112 within the filter housing , the primary compliant gasket 111 , the candle filter element 106 , the middle compliant gasket 114 , and a cast metal clamp 116 ; and , resists passage of fines from the process gas stream into the cleaned gas passage of the filter assembly 101 . referring now to fig5 in the form of the invention shown , the extended metal collar 102 of the annular spacer ring 104 can be represented as having dimensions x and y . a properly selected y dimension , for example , can be effective in providing the annular spacer ring 104 with the capability to secure and retain the position of a gasket such as gasket 110 as shown , along the top surface of the candle filter 106 within the filter assembly . it is important to note that the design of the spacer ring 104 provides a relatively simple geometry that , with respect to manufacturability considerations , does not require extensive machining to form . the substantially l - shaped cross - section of the spacer ring 104 , for example , eliminates the need for forming relatively complex geometries by excessive machining of components . table 1 provides examples of preferred x and y dimensions for candle filter elements with variably sized flange configurations . it can therefore be appreciated that the appropriate dimensions can be selected for a given candle filter element to promote securement and retention of the top compliant gasket 110 , shown in fig4 and 5 , within the candle filter system . the extended collar of the present invention therefore provides the benefits of : ( i ) proper positioning and retention of the top compliant gasket 110 , shown in fig4 and 5 , during filter operation ; ( ii ) aligning the candle element properly within the metal filter housing ; ( iii ) resisting passage of fines into the clean gas passage of the filter system ; and ( iv ) mitigating catastrophic failure of the filter elements and release of particulates to a turbine , for example . it can be appreciated that the extended collar of the present invention can also be applied to a broad range of filter elements with variable flange geometries and configurations . it can be further appreciated that the dimensions of the collar can be adjusted to accommodate both commercially available , conventional filter elements as well as “ non - standard ” or developmental candle filter elements . in a preferred embodiment of the present invention , the outside diameter along the axial extension of the extended collar is dimensioned to provide a gap between this outside diameter and the inside diameter of a given candle filter element flange . the present invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof . for example the alternate embodiment illustrated in fig6 can be employed , particularly for metal , intermetallic , and superalloy porous filter elements . in this embodiment an annular , axial extension 122 is formed during manufacture of the filter element 120 along the flange surface 124 proximate the bore 126 of the filter element . the raised section 122 thus captures the top compliant gasket 128 between the top surface 124 of the flange 130 and the now recessed annular spacer ring 132 . the arrangements of the primary compliant gasket 134 , fail - safe regenerator 136 , sleeve 138 , middle compliant gasket 140 , cast clamp / bolts ( shown in fig4 ) would all remain as previously described . accordingly , reference should be made to the appended claims , rather than to the foregoing specification , as indicating the scope of the invention .	1
the invention accordingly provides compositions which may consist of a mixture or may comprise a mixture which contains at least one component which ( a ) comprises a compound n which exhibits wetting activity in aqueous cementitious binder systems , and which ( b ) comprises at least one further component which comprises a compound e which exhibits defoaming properties in aqueous cementitious binder systems , the compound e being different from the compound n , where the mass ratio of compound n to compound e is from 0 . 001 : 1 to 1000 : 1 , preferably 0 . 01 : 1 to 100 : 1 , more preferably 0 . 1 : 1 to 10 : 1 and very preferably 0 . 15 : 1 to 7 : 1 . the composition may be present as a solid at a temperature of 25 ° c . the composition of the invention is preferably characterized in that the compound n of component a ) and / or the compound e of component b ) are / is present as a solid at a temperature of 25 ° c . a further subject of the invention is that component a ) and / or component b ) of the composition may consist exclusively of the respective compound n or of the respective compound e . in another embodiment of the invention , the compositions , the components a ) and / or b ), and the compounds n or e themselves may be present applied to a carrier , absorbed , encapsulated or adsorbed on or mixed with a carrier material , the carrier material being selectable from inorganic or organic materials or mixtures thereof , preferably silicas , aluminium oxide , sand , cement , flyash , bentonites , xonotlites or lime or starch , cellulose , wood granules or proteins , plastics pellets ; from the standpoint of cost , inorganic carrier materials are used with particular preference . where at least one of the components is a solid itself at 25 ° c ., the respective other component may be applied to the first itself or may be in carried , absorbed or adsorbed form , or , where both components are solids at 25 ° c ., they may simply be physically mixed . it is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention , while eliminating , for purposes of clarity , many other elements which are conventional in this art . those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other elements are desirable for implementing the present invention . however , because such elements are well known in the art , and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention , a discussion of such elements is not provided herein . the present invention will now be described in detail on the basis of exemplary embodiments . the mass fraction of the compounds n or of the compounds e , based on the sum of the masses of the compounds n and / or compounds e and of the carrier materials in the respective components a ) and / or b ), may be from 0 . 001 % to 50 % by weight , preferably 0 . 01 % to 30 % by weight , more preferably 0 . 1 % to 20 % by weight , very preferably 1 % to 10 % by weight . the mass fraction of the compounds which are liquid at 25 ° c ., based on the sum of those fractions of the composition that are solid at 25 ° c ., consisting of the compounds n and e , and also the carrier material , may be from 0 . 002 % to 60 % by weight , preferably 0 . 02 % to 35 % by weight , more preferably 0 . 05 % to 25 % by weight , very preferably 0 . 5 % to 12 % by weight . in one particular embodiment of the invention , the composition of the invention may comprise at least one compound n in component a ) which represents a nonionic or amphoteric surfactant . the nonionic or amphoteric surfactant may preferably be an alkyl alkoxylate or a betaine , more preferably a betaine , which may be liquid or solid , and more particularly a betaine which is present as a solid at a temperature of 25 ° c . the compound e in component b ) of the composition of the invention may preferably be a polyetherpolysiloxane , in which case the polyetherpolysiloxane may be applied on a carrier material , preferably an inorganic carrier material , more preferably fly ash . component a ) of the composition of the invention may be a betaine present as a solid at a temperature of 25 ° c ., component b ) may consist of an optionally liquid polyetherpolysiloxane applied to flyash as carrier material , where the fraction of the compound e in component b ) is from 1 % to 10 % by weight , and the mass ratio of component a ) to component b ) is from 1 : 10 000 to 1 : 1 , preferably 1 : 1000 to 1 : 10 and more preferably 1 : 500 to 1 : 20 . the composition of the invention may , besides the mixture containing components a ) and b ), comprise further additions , and the mass fraction of the sum of components a ) and b ) may be from 0 . 001 % to 10 % by weight , preferably from 0 . 01 % to 5 % by weight and more preferably from 0 . 05 % to 1 % by weight , based on the mass of the overall composition . these further additions may be selected from water , binding agents or binders , preferably port land cement and / or alumina cement , fillers , preferably calcium sulphate , its hydrates , silica sand and / or finely ground limestone , additives , preferably redispersible powders , setting accelerators , preferably lithium carbonate , setting retarders , preferably citric acid , shrinkage reducers , plasticizers and superplasticizers . in a further embodiment of the invention , the composition of the invention may , besides the mixture containing components a ) and b ), comprise further additions , with a further component possibly being portland cement , gypsum and / or alumina cement or mixtures thereof . the compositions of the invention may be used as mineral construction compounds , or at least as a constituent of mineral construction compounds , preferably self - levelling mineral underlayments or in self - levelling mineral flooring compounds . the mineral construction compound in question may also be mixed with organic binders or binding agents . the invention further provides a method for producing a mineral construction compound , in which a composition of the invention is mixed with water and binders , preferably portland cement , gypsum and / or alumina cement , and optionally one or more further components , selected from fillers , preferably calcium sulphate , its hydrates , silica sand and / or finely ground limestone , additives , preferably redispersible powders , setting accelerators , preferably lithium carbonate , setting retarders , preferably citric acid , shrinkage reducers , plasticizers and superplasticizers . the compositions of the invention can be used in mineral construction compounds for producing floors which are preferably self - levelling . as compound e of component b ) it is possible more particularly to use those compounds selected from finely divided , hydrophobic solids and oils which are insoluble in water under application conditions . to improve their activity , the oils may comprise finely divided , hydrophobic particles . such hydrophobic solids , oils or dispersions of particles in oils can be modified by blending with additives ( e . g . emulsifiers ) in such a way that they are easy to emulsify , with little shearing , in aqueous applications . optionally these oils or dispersions may also be formulated directly into aqueous emulsions , in which case customary additives ( emulsifiers , thickeners , protective colloids , preservatives ) and homogenizing techniques for emulsion preparation may be used . examples of hydrophobic oils which may be used as compound e are mineral oils ( a ), vegetable oils ( b ), silicone oils ( c ), polyoxyalkylenes ( d ), modified polysiloxanes ( p ), and also mixtures of two or more of these compounds . the mineral oils ( a ) may more particularly be fuel oils , mineral sealing oils , naphthenic oils and paraffinic oils . vegetable oils ( b ) ( plant oils ) are fats and fatty oils that are obtained from oil plants . starting materials for producing vegetable oil are oil seeds and oil fruits , in which the oil is present in the form of lipids . plant oils and plant fats are primarily esters of glycerol with fatty acids , known as triglycerides . the delimitation relative to plant fats is the fluidity at room temperature . the essential oils , which are likewise obtained from plants , are not vegetable oils . in contrast to vegetable oils , they do not leave behind any grease spots on paper on drying . vegetable oils include , for example , sunflower oil , rapeseed oil , safflower oil , soya oil , maize kernel oil , peanut oil , olive oil , cottonseed oil , palm oil , palm kernel fat and coconut fat . the silicone oils ( c ) may be linear or branched polysiloxanes which possess methyl and / or hydroxyl end groups and preferably have a brookfield viscosity & gt ; 50 mpas , with particular preference a viscosity between 100 mpas and 10 000 mpas . r 1 —{[( c 2 h 4 − d r ′ d o n ( c x h 2x o ) r ( c 2 h 4 − d r ″ d o t ]— r 2 } z ( d - 1 ) r 1 corresponds to the radical of an alcohol , polyetherol or phenol r 1 — h ( the h belongs to the oh group of the alcohol or phenol ). r 1 — h preferably comprises monohydric or polyhydric polyether alcohols or alcohols having molar masses of preferably 32 to 2000 g / mol and 1 to 8 , preferably 1 to 4 , hydroxyl groups . examples include allyl alcohol , butanol , octanol , dodecanol , stearyl alcohol , 2 - ethylhexanol , cyclohexanol , benzyl alcohol , ethylene glycol , propylene glycol , di -, tri - and polyethylene glycol , 1 , 2 - propylene glycol , di - and polypropylene glycol , 1 , 4 - butanediol , 1 , 6 - hexanediol , trimethylolpropane , glycerol , pentaerythritol , sorbitol , or hydroxyl - bearing compounds based on natural substances . r is greater than or equal to 0 , preferably 5 to 350 , r ″ is a hydrogen radical or a monovalent hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 18 carbon atoms , and r 2 is an h atom , a monovalent organic linear or branched alkyl radical with a chain length of c 1 - c 40 , or a carboxyl radical of an optionally branched alkyl or aryl ester . the compounds may be present either as pure substances or else in a statistical mixture with one another , in which case the numerical values indicated in the formulae correspond to the average of the statistical distribution of the value of the indices . suitable polysiloxanes ( p ) are described in de 10 353856 and de 28 29906 , for example , whose disclosure content directed to the disclosed structures is hereby , in its entirety , made part of the present disclosure content . they may have the following structure ( p - i ) r 1 may be identical or different in the average molecule and corresponds to a hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 14 carbon atoms , that optionally contains double bonds and may be — oh - functional , or to a radical — o — r * where r * is an alkyl radical having 1 , 2 , 3 or 4 carbon atoms , or to the radical — z —( c n h 2n — o ) m r ′, where r ′ is a hydrogen radical or an alkyl radical having 1 to 8 carbon atoms , or acyl , r 2 is phenyl , ethyl , methyl , hydroxyl , amine , with at least 90 % methyl , z is a divalent radical of formula — o —, — nh —, — nr 3 — with r 3 = c 1 - 4 alkyl radical , — s —, —( ch 2 ) p — o — or — ch 2 — ch ( ch 3 )— ch 2 — o — with p = 2 , 3 or 4 , n has an average numerical value of greater than 2 . 5 to 4 . 0 , m has an average numerical value of 5 to 350 , a has an average numerical value of 4 to 1500 , b has an average numerical value of 0 to 100 , c has an average numerical value of 0 to 100 . suitable modified polysiloxanes ( p ) may also be structures of the formula ( p - ii ) m has a value from 2 to 100 , p has a value of 0 or 1 and q has a value of 0 or 1 , and where the radicals ( r 1 , a , b ) have the following definitions , r 1 is an h atom , a monovalent organic linear or branched alkyl radical with a chain length of c 1 - c 40 , or a carboxyl radical of an optionally branched alkyl or aryl ester , [( c 2 h 4 − d r ′ d o ) n ( c x h 2x o ) r ( c 2 h 4 − d r ″ d o ) t ] ( p - iia ) d is 1 to 3 , n is greater than or equal to 0 , x is 2 to 10 , r is greater than or equal to 0 , t is greater than or equal to 0 , n + r + t ≧ 1 , and r ′ is a monovalent aromatic , optionally substituted hydrocarbon radical , and r ″ is a hydrogen radical or a monovalent hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 18 c atoms , r 2 is identical or different at each occurrence and comprises an alkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms , or a phenyl radical , and y has a value from 5 to 200 . suitable modified polysiloxanes ( p ) may also be structures of the formula ( p - iii ) where the radicals r 1 , a , and b and indices m , p and q have the above - designated definitions as in formula ( p - ii ), the radical r 2 has the definition as in formula ( p - iib ), and c is a linear or branched alkylene radical having 2 to 20 carbon atoms . the compounds may be present as pure substances or else in a statistical mixture with one another , with the numerical values indicated in the formulae corresponding to the average value of the statistical distribution of the value of the indices . as compound e it is preferred to use a polyetherpolysiloxane of the formula ( e - i ) where r 5 in the average molecule may be identical or different and corresponds to an alkyl radical having 1 to 8 carbon atoms , preferably methyl , ethyl , n - or iso - propyl or n -, sec - or tert - butyl , but at least 90 % of the radicals r 5 are methyl radicals , x has an average numerical value of 2 . 6 to 3 . 0 , preferably , 2 . 8 - 3 . 0 , y has an average numerical value of 8 to 80 , preferably 8 - 40 , w has an average numerical value of 7 to 50 , preferably 7 - 25 , z has an average numerical value of 1 . 5 to 10 , preferably 1 . 5 - 5 . the polyether fraction of the compound e according to formula ( e - i ) is indicated by y . these polyethers are obtained by methods familiar to the skilled person , from the reaction of alkylene oxides in a ring - opening polymerization , started with alcohols having the radical r 5 . more preferably the alkylene oxides are reacted under basic conditions to give the corresponding polyethers . the polyethers are prepared preferably by reaction of a starting alcohol with ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide . the polymerization of the alkylene oxides may be carried out alone or in any desired mixtures . the sequence of the addition - reaction steps may be arbitrary , and so , depending on the procedure , unsaturated polyethers of random , block or gradient construction are obtained . as alkylene oxides it is possible , generally , to use all of the alkylene oxides that are known to the skilled person , alone or in any desired mixtures . with preference it is possible to use ethylene oxide , propylene oxide , 1 , 2 - butylene oxide , 2 , 3 - butylene oxide , isobutylene oxide , oct - 1 - ene oxide , dec - 1 - ene oxide , dodec - 1 - ene oxide , tetradec - 1 - ene oxide , hexadec - 1 - ene oxide , octadec - 1 - ene oxide , □- pinene epoxide , cyclohexene oxide , 3 - perfluoroalkyl - 1 , 2 - epoxypropane and styrene oxide . particular preference is given to using ethylene oxide , propylene oxide , dodec - 1 - ene oxide and styrene oxide . ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide are / is used with very particular preference . the aforementioned compounds also may be present bound on suitable carrier materials , and may thus form hydrophobized solids . the solids used for this purpose include , for example , silica ( f ), aluminium oxide , alkaline earth metal carbonates , or similar and customary finely divided solids known from the prior art . organic hydrophobic substances are alkaline earth metal salts of long - chain fatty acids having 12 to 22 carbon atoms , which are known for this purpose , the amides of such fatty acids , polyureas ( g ) and waxes ( h ), and also mixtures of these solids . examplary urea derivatives ( g ) are described in de 3245482 and de 19917186 . de 19917186 indicates the general formula ( g - 1 ): r 1 is a hydrocarbon radical having 4 to 30 carbon atoms or a hydrocarbon radical having 4 to 24 carbon atoms and a nitrogen atom , or a hydrocarbon radical having 4 to 30 carbon atoms and a carbonyl group , r 2 is a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 24 carbon atoms , r 3 is a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 24 carbon atoms , r 4 is an organic radical having 2 to 30 carbon atoms , and examples of the waxes ( h ) are polyethylene waxes , polyamide waxes or mixtures thereof , having a melting point or softening point above the application temperature , preferably at an ambient temperature of 25 ° c . compounds n for the purposes of this invention are surface - active substances , which may belong to the classes of nonionic . cationic , anionic or amphoteric surfactants , and also gemini surfactants . in the formulae below , for the explanation of the compounds n , the radical p denotes : —( ch 2 —) g ( oc 2 h 4 —) h ( oc 3 h 6 —) i ( oc 4 h 8 ) j ( och 2 ch ( c 6 h 5 )) k or 20 r 20 is a hydrogen , alkyl or carboxyl radical . preferably r 20 is a hydrogen or methyl radical or acetyl radical , h is a number from 0 to 20 , preferably from 5 to 80 , i is a number from 0 to 50 , preferably from 0 to 30 , with h + i ≧ 1 , j is a number from 0 to 10 , preferably & lt ; 5 , more particularly 0 , and k is a number from 0 to 10 , preferably & lt ; 5 , more particularly 0 . in the formulae below , for the explanation of the compounds n , the radical r 21 corresponds to hydrogen or a linear or branched , optionally unsaturated alkyl radical having 1 - 25 carbon atoms , examples being methyl , ethyl , 1 - propyl , 2 - propyl , 1 - butyl , 2 - butyl , 2 - methyl - 1 - propyl ( isobutyl ), 2 - methyl - 2 - propyl ( tert - butyl ), 1 - pentyl , 2 - pentyl , 3 - pentyl , 2 - methyl - 1 - butyl , 3 - methyl - 1 - butyl , 2 - methyl - 2 - butyl , 3 - methyl - 2 - butyl , 2 , 2 - dimethyl - 1 - propyl , 1 - hexyl , 2 - hexyl , 3 - hexyl , 2 - methyl - 1 - pentyl , 3 - methyl - 1 - pentyl , 4 - methyl - 1 - pentyl , 2 - methyl - 2 - pentyl , 3 - methyl - 2 - pentyl , 4 - methyl - 2 - pentyl , 2 - methyl - 3 - pentyl , 3 - methyl - 3 - pentyl , 2 , 2 - dimethyl - 1 - butyl , 2 , 3 - dimethyl - 1 - butyl , 3 , 3 - dimethyl - 1 - butyl , 2 - ethyl - 1 - butyl , 2 , 3 - dimethyl - 2 - butyl , 3 , 3 - dimethyl - 2 - butyl , heptyl , octyl , nonyl , decyl , undecyl , dodecyl , tridecyl , tetradecyl , pentadecyl , hexadecyl , heptadecyl , octadecyl , nonadecyl , icosyl , henicosyl , docosyl , tricosyl , tetracosyl , pentacosyl , hexacosyl , heptacosyl , octacosyl , nonacosyl , triacontyl , phenylmethyl ( benzyl ), diphenylmethyl , triphenylmethyl , 2 - phenylethyl , 3 - phenylpropyl , cyclopentylmethyl , 2 - cyclopentylethyl , 3 - cyclo - pentylpropyl , cyclohexylmethyl , 2 - cyclohexylethyl , 3 - cyclohexylpropyl , allyl , undecaenyl , dodecaenyl , octadecaenyl , eicosaenyl , docosaenyl , tetracosaenyl , octadecadienyl , octadecatrienyl , eicosatetraenyl , eicosapentaenyl , docosapentaenyl or docosahexaenyl . alkylamine alkoxylates , e . g . polyethylene glycol cocosamine ( traded as varonic k - 205 ) or polyethylene glycol stearylamine ( traded as varonic s ), of the general formula alkanolamides , e . g . diethanolamides ( traded under the names rewomid dc212s or rewomid s280 ) of the general formula alkylglucosides , e . g . n - nonyl - β - d - glucopyranoside or octyl - β - d - thiogluco - pyranoside ( traded under the range name agnique pg ) alkyl alkoxylates or fatty alcohol alkoxylates , e . g . polyethylene glycol p -( 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetramethylbutyl ) phenyl ether ( traded under the name triton x - 100 ) or polyethylene glycol isotridecyl ether ( traded under the name tego alkanol td 6 ) or polyethylene glycol stearyl ether ( traded under the names tego alkanol s 2 , s 10 roh , s 20p ) or polyethylene glycol oleyl ether ( traded under the name tego alkanol o 20 ) or polypropylene glycol myristyl ether ( traded under the name varonic apm ) or polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether or polyethylene glycol polypropylene glycol copolymers ( traded under the pluronic names , e . g . f68 or f127 ) of the general formula polyether polyols ( traded , for example , under the names tergitol l - 62 e and l - 62 and l - 81 ) sorbitan esters , e . g . sorbitan monolaurate ( traded under the name tego sml ) or sorbitan trioleate ( traded under the name tego sto ), of the general formula sorbitan ester ethoxylates , e . g . polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaurate ( traded under the name tego sml 20 ) or polyethylene glycol monooleate ( traded under the name tego smo ) or polyethylene glycol sorbitan tristearate ( traded under the name tego sts ) fatty alcohols , e . g . isostearyl alcohol ( traded under the name tego alkanol 66 ) or oleyl alcohol ( traded under the name tego alkanol 80 , 85 and 90 ) of the general formula fatty acid ethoxylates , e . g . polyethylene glycol stearate ( traded under the name tego acid s ) or polyethylene glycol oleate ( traded under the name arosurf 8 - 190 or rewopal eo 70 ) of the general formula neutralized polyether phosphates ( e . g . traded under the name tego dispers 651 ) ester ethoxylates , e . g . polyethylene glycol glyceryl laurate ( traded under the name tagat l2 ) or polyethylene glycol glyceryl oleoricinoleate ( traded under the name tagat v20 ) or polyethylene glycol glyceryl cocoate ( traded under the name varonic l1 ) organomodified siloxanes , for example : polyethersiloxanes , e . g . traded under the range name tegopren or the range name tego wet . particularly suitable polyethersiloxane derivatives are those of the following general formula ( xviii ): r 1 is an alkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms , or an aryl radical , or r f is the radical r 2 or r 3 , with the proviso that at least one radical r f is the radical r 2 , where r 2 and r 3 independently of one another are polyether radicals of the formula ( xix ) f q [ o ( c 2 h 4 − d r ′ d o ) m ( c x h 2x o ) r z ] w ( xix ) d is 1 to 3 m is & gt ; 1 q is 0 or 1 x is 2 to 10 r is & gt ; 1 w is 1 to 4 f is a hydrocarbon radical , which may also be branched , r ′ is a hydrogen radical or a monovalent hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 18 c atoms z is an h atom or a monovalent organic radical such as alkyl or alkyl ester or aryl ester , a is a number from 1 to 100 , if b is a number from 6 to 8 , a is a number from 1 to 200 , if b is a number from 3 to 6 , a is a number from 1 to 300 , if b is a number from 0 to 3 . the values of a and b are to be understood as average values , since the silicone polyether copolymers used in accordance with the invention are present in the form of regularly equilibrated mixtures . the radicals r 1 ( in formula xviii ) are alkyl radicals having 1 to 4 carbon atoms , such as methyl , ethyl , propyl or butyl radicals , or aryl radicals , with the phenyl radicals being preferred . on the basis of preparation and price , the methyl radicals are preferred , and so at least 80 % of the radicals r 1 are methyl radicals . particularly preferred polysiloxanes are those in which all of the radicals r 1 are methyl radicals . the siloxane mixture may be straight - chain ( b = 0 ) or branched ( b & gt ; 0 to 8 ). from experience , the value of a can be combined with values of b only in the manner stated , since otherwise the increased viscosity makes handling impossible . particularly preferred silicone polyether copolymers are those of the general formula ( xx ) r 1 is an allyl alcohol or a polyether which is prepared starting from alkyl and is reacted with 1 to 10 ethylene oxide molecules and between 1 and 25 propylene oxide molecules . functionalized polyethersiloxanes , e . g . traded under the product name tegopren 7100 polyethersiloxanes of blockwise construction . suitable polyethersiloxanes of blockwise construction are structures of the formulae ( xxi ) or ( xxvi ) m is a value from 2 to 100 , p is a value of 0 or 1 and q is a value of 0 or 1 , and where the radicals ( r 1 , a , b ) have the following definitions : r 1 is an h atom , a monovalent organic linear or branched alkyl radical with a chain length of c 1 - c 40 , or a carboxyl radical of an optionally branched alkyl or aryl ester , [( c 2 h 4 − d r ′ d o ) n ( c x h 2x o ) r ( c 2 h 4 − d r ″ d o ) t ] ( xxii ) d is 1 to 3 , n is greater than or equal to 0 , x is 2 to 10 , r is greater than or equal to 0 , t is greater than or equal to 0 , n + r + t ≧ 1 , and r ′ is a monovalent aromatic , optionally substituted hydrocarbon radical , and r ″ is a hydrogen radical or a monovalent hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 18 c atoms , r 2 is identical or different at each occurrence and comprises an alkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms , or a phenyl radical , and y has a value of 5 to 200 ; where the radicals r 1 , a and b and indices m , p and q have the above - designated definition as in formula ( xxi ), the radical r 2 has the definition as in formula ( xxiii ), and c is a linear or branched alkylene radical having 2 to 20 carbon atoms . esterquats , e . g . available commercially under the names rewoquat we 15 , varisoft we 16 or rewoquat we 38 dpg , of the general formula diamidoamine quats , e . g . available commercially under the names varisoft 110 - 75 [ n , n - bis ( hydrotallowamidoethyl )- n - polyethoxy - n - methyl - ammonium methylsulphate ], varisoft 222 lt - 90 [ n , n - bis ( oleylamidoethyl )- n - polyethoxy - n - methylammonium methylsulphate ], or rewoquat we 38 dpg or variquat 238 - 90 [ n , n - bis ( tallowamidoethyl )- n - polypropoxy - n - methylammonium methylsulphate ], of the general formula alkoxyalkyl quats , e . g . available commercially under the name variquat 638 [ n - methyl - n , n - bis ( 2 - hydroxyethyl )- n - cocosammonium chloride ] benzylquats , e . g . available commercially under the names variquat 80 mc [ dimethylalkyl ( c 12 - c 16 ) benzylammonium chloride ] and variquat sdac [ dimethylstearylbenzylammonium chloride ], of the general formula silicone quats , e . g . available commercially under the names tego pr en 6921 [ diquaternary polydimethylsiloxane ], tegopren 6924 [ diquaternary polydimethylsiloxane ], tegopren 6925 [ diquaternary polydimethylsiloxane ], tegopren 6930 [ organomodified polydimethylsiloxane preparation ] and tegopren 7990 [ diquaternary polyetherpolydimethylsiloxane ]. betaines of the general formula ( ii ), such as , for example , 3 -[ n , n - dimethyl ( 3 - myristoylaminopropyl ) ammonio ] propanesulphonate ( available commercially under the name amidosulfobetaine - 14 ) or 1 -( 3 - sulphopropyl ) pyridinium betaine or 3 - dodecyldimethylammoniopropane - 1 - sulphonate ( available commercially under the name zwittergent 3 - 12 ) or 3 -[( 3 - cholamidopropyl ) dimethylammonio ]- 1 - propansulphonate ( traded under the name chaps ) or laurylbetaine ( traded under the name rewoteric am dml - 35 ) or cocamidopropyl betaine ( traded under the name tego beta in f 50 or l 7 ) alkylglycines , e . g . n - dodecyl - n , n - dimethylglycine ( traded under the name empigen bb ) or tallowglycine ( traded under the name rewoteric am teg ), of the general formula sultaines , e . g . cocamidopropylhydroxysultaine ( traded under the name rewoteric am cas ), of the general formula amphopropionates , e . g . cocoamphopropionate ( traded under the name rewoteric am ksf 40 ), of the general formula amphoacetates , e . g . sodium cocoamphoacetate ( traded under the name rewoteric am c ), of the general formula amine oxides , e . g . cocamidopropyldimethylamine oxide ( traded under the name varox 1770 ), of the general formula anionic emulsifiers comprise anionic groups which confer solubility in water , such as a carboxylate , sulphate , sulphonate or phosphate group , for example , and a lipophilic radical . anionic surfactants are known to the skilled person in large numbers and are available commercially . they include more particularly alkyl sulphates or alkyl phosphates in the form of their alkali metal salts , ammonium salts or alkanolammonium salts , alkyl ether sulphates , alkyl ether carboxylates , acylsarcosinates and also sulphosuccinates and acylglutamates in the form of their alkali metal salts or ammonium salts . use may also be made of dialkyl and trialkyl phosphates and also mono -, di - and / or tri - peg - alkyl phosphates and the salts thereof . it is likewise possible to employ maleic anhydride copolymers . acetylenediol alkoxylates , e . g . traded under the names surfynol 400 or surfynol 2502 alkanediols , alkanedicarboxylic acids and the esters thereof , e . g . traded under the names envirogem ad01 , envirogem ae01 , envirogem ae02 and envirogem ae03 . siloxane - based gemini surfactants , as described in ep1382632a1 , e . g . traded under the name tego twin 4000 . the content of ep1382632a1 is considered in its entirety to form part of the present disclosure content . the compositions of the invention preferably comprise , as a performance additive , one or more nonionic surfactants , more preferably one or more organomodified siloxanes , more preferably one or more polyethersiloxanes and more particularly polyethersiloxanes of the formula ( xviii ). the compositions of the invention preferably comprise nonionic or amphoteric surfactants , preferably one or more alkoxylates and / or betaines , more preferably one or more betaines , more particularly betaines of the formula ( t - ii ), especially cocoamidopropyl betaines of the formula ( t - ii ). tego , tegosurf , arosurf , rewoquat , varonic , adogen , rewomid , varamid , rewocoros , rewopal , tagat , tego wet , tegopren , varisoft , variquat and rewoteric are trade marks of evonik industries ag . surfynol , dynol and envirogem are trade marks of air products , inc . agnique is a trade mark of cognis the abovementioned compounds n may be used alone or in any desired mixtures with one another . further customary solvents , adjuvants and additives may likewise be present or admixed . the compositions of the invention and their use are described exemplarily below , without any intention that the invention should be considered to be confined to these exemplary embodiments . where ranges , general formulae or classes of compound are indicated in this description , they are intended to encompass not only the corresponding ranges or groups of compounds that are explicitly stated , but also all sub - ranges and sub - groups of compounds which may be obtained by extracting individual values ( ranges ) or compounds . where the present description cites documents , the intention is that their content should belong in whole to the disclosure content of the present invention . where % figures are given below , these , unless otherwise specified , are figures in % by weight . in the case of compositions , unless otherwise specified , the % figures are based on the overall composition . where average values are stated below , these are , unless otherwise stated , arithmetical average values ( numerical averages ). where , below , measurement values are indicated , these measurement values , unless otherwise indicated , were determined under a pressure of 1013 . 25 hpa and at a temperature of 23 ° c . the present invention is illustrated more closely with reference to fig1 , 2 and 3 , without any intention that the subject matter of the invention should be confined to these exemplary embodiments . the figures show height diagrams of the surfaces of the cured construction compounds along a line , the quality of which was determined using method 3 as described in the examples . on the basis of visual examinations by means of the practised eye , or with the assistance of a microscope , the surfaces of the cured and dried construction compounds are evaluated . on the basis of the number , shape and testing of the superficial unevennesses , with craters , dimples or so - called pin - holes , it is possible to evaluate the quality of the surface and hence also the quality and grade of the construction compound . with the aid of a leica ® dmre microscope with a leica ® tcse scanner , the qualitative assessment can be expanded by a quantitative statement . by means of a surface scan by the scanner , it is possible to determine the number of deviations , and the magnitude of the deviation , in the surface smoothness , in millimetres or fractions thereof . in this way , multiply , measurement fields were defined per 1 cm 2 of surface area , and 100 measurement scans were carried out per 1 cm . fig1 shows the cross section ( determined using a leica ® dmre microscope with a leica ® tcse scanner ) through a surface of a dried slu , which was assessed by method 3 as a poor surface with a large number of craters , with a grading of 3 . fig2 shows the cross section ( determined using a leica ® dmre microscope with a leica ® tcse scanner ) through a surface of a dried slu , which was assessed by method 3 as a moderately good surface with few craters , with a grading of 2 . fig3 shows the cross section ( determined using a leica ® dmre microscope with a leica ® tcse scanner ) through a surface of a dried slu , which was assessed by method 3 as a good surface with few craters or none at all , with a grading of 1 . the subject matter of the present invention is elucidated in more detail below , using examples , without any intention that the subject matter of the invention should be confined to these exemplary embodiments . example 1 : preparation of an slu ( self - levelling underlayment ) as an example of a construction compound the slus for testing were prepared using the components indicated in table 1 , with the constitution of the inventive composition employed being varied as indicated in table 2 . the pulverulent components of the slus to be prepared and tested were weighed out into the stirring pot of a hobart mixer . the pot was attached to the hobart mixer and secured . in order to reduce dust , a moist nonwoven cloth was placed on the protective grid . the dry mixture was mixed for two minutes at a stirrer setting of 1 . the required amount of water was incorporated during one minute at the same stirrer setting ( setting 1 ). the stirrer setting was then increased . the stirrer was removed from the mount , and the sediment formed was briefly redispersed by manual stirring . the stirrer was attached again and the stirrer setting was increased to setting 2 . the stirrer was switched on again and the mixture was mixed for two minutes . the mixture thus obtained is used within 1 to 10 minutes for determining the air content and the slump . the tests are notable for high repeatability . after the curing and drying of the construction compound , the surface quality is assessed . method 1 : determination of the pore volume by din 18555 part 2 the complete slu was placed in the container of an air content tester ( testing type , serial number 2558 , manufacturer tecnotest , it ) for determining the pore volume , from the company form + test ®, and spread smoothly ; the remainder was kept for the determination of the slump . the upper part of the instrument was then placed on , and the instrument was closed and filled with distilled water to the overflow point . air was then pumped into the top part of the container , and the pressure was set so that the pointer of the scale stood at the zero mark . the system was let down via a valve and the air content ( in %) was read off on the display . method 2 : determination of the slump on the matrix board by din 18555 part 2 the remainder of the slu mixture was introduced into a test sleeve 30 mm in diameter and 50 mm long , and placed on the horizontally oriented laboratory bench . beneath the test sleeve there was an untreated pe film . the filled test sleeve was raised to a height of approximately 5 cm for 15 seconds and then finally ( without dripping ) removed from the bench . after 60 and 90 seconds , a ruler was used to determine the slump , which was recorded . the slump here corresponds to the average value of the two diameters , measured along the half - radii of the circular or elliptical propagation of the construction compound . after a drying time of 24 hours , the surface of the dried slu obtained by method 2 was subjected to visual assessment . the surface in this case was assessed according to the number of craters , i . e . surface defects , such as “ pin - holes ”, for example , which have formed during the drying process of the slu . evaluation was made in accordance with the following scheme : no craters ( 0 - 1 / cm 2 ), few craters ( 2 - 10 / cm 2 ), numerous craters (& gt ; 10 / cm 2 ). the surface quality was additionally evaluated using a microscope ( e . g . confocal laser scanning microscope ). a deviation from a planar surface of at least 0 . 05 mm was considered to constitute a surface defect . in borderline cases , the overall impression was employed for assessment . fig1 to 3 , produced using microscopy , can be used as examples of the surface quality evaluation . the parameter z is used as a measure of the surface . craters are considered to be deviations of z from the average value of z ( transverse ) of greater than or equal to 0 . 05 mm . accordingly , three craters are shown in fig1 , one crater in fig2 , and no craters in fig3 . as can be seen from the results listed in table 2 , the properties of the self - levelling underlayment are set optimally in relation to surface quality , air content and slump for blends with a mass ratio of compound e to compound n of 6 : 1 . while this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above , it is evident that many alternatives , modifications , and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art . accordingly , the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative , not limiting . various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions as defined in the following claims .	2
embodiments of methods and apparatus for a tri - gate device with a conformal workfunction metal of nearly equivalent thickness on all three gates are described herein . in the following description , numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention . one skilled in the relevant art will recognize , however , that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details , or with other methods , components , materials , etc . in other instances , well - known structures , materials , or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention . reference throughout this specification to “ one embodiment ” or “ an embodiment ” means that a particular feature , structure , or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention . thus , the appearances of the phrases “ in one embodiment ” or “ in an embodiment ” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment . furthermore , the particular features , structures , or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments . an example for how a conformal metal with a pre - determined work function having a nearly equivalent thickness on all three sides of a tri - gate transistor can be formed is described in fig1 . a workfunction metal is a metal with a known work function , which is an inherent characteristic of the metal . fig1 describes an embodiment whereby a workfunction metal is formed on three surfaces of a semiconductor body and the workfunction metal on a top surface of the semiconductor body is eroded to create a metal gate on all three surfaces that has a consistent thickness . the process is initiated ( element 100 ) by forming the workfunction metal on the top and two side surfaces of a semiconductor body . the semiconductor body may be formed , for example , from a monocrystalline substrate or from a silicon - on - insulator ( soi ) layer . the three surfaces of the semiconductor body may be coated with a thin dielectric layer which may comprise a silicon oxide , or alternatively , a high - k dielectric layer such as lanthanum oxide , tantalum oxide , titanium oxide , hafnium oxide , zirconium oxide , lead - zirconate - titanate ( pzt ), barium - strontium - titanate ( bst ), or aluminum oxide . in one embodiment , the high - k dielectric layer is between 15 angstroms and 30 angstroms in thickness , although these values for the dielectric layer are not limiting . the workfunction metal can be formed using a directional sensitive pvd metal deposition process whereby ions of an inert gas are accelerated towards a workfunction metal target , which may comprise titanium nitride ( tin ), tantalum nitride ( tan ), or another transition nitride metal . upon impact , the ions from the inert gas sputter - off a target material and the target material forms on the surface of the tri - gate device in an anisotropic manner . the deposition rate depends on the angle of incidence of incoming particles , resulting in a higher deposition rate on the top gate than the side gates of the tri - gate device . deposition of the workfunction metal layer using the pvd process is characterized by a microstructure that comprises columnar grains . in another embodiment , a workfunction metal layer may be formed using anisotropic layering techniques including molecular beam epitaxy ( mbe ), chemical vapor deposition ( cvd ), electroplating , or evaporation . in one embodiment , a target thickness of the workfunction metal layer is between 25 angstroms and 300 angstroms in thickness . the workfunction metal layer thickness selected by the device designer is a function of the targeted v t for the tri - gate device . after forming the workfunction metal layer , a sacrificial masking layer ( element 102 ) is deposited as a blanket layer . the sacrificial masking layer is applied to mask and planarize vertical features on the wafer . in one embodiment , the sacrificial masking layer may be a thick layer ( 1100 - 1500 angstroms ) of a sacrificial light absorbing material ( slam ). slam is a material that covers the surface of the wafer by filling vias and normalizing a topography , thereby providing a consistent hole - free and opaque surface . the sacrificial masking layer may comprise another organosiloxane film such as bottom anti - reflective coating ( barc ) or an organic spin - on coating such as photoresist . the sacrificial masking material is etched ( element 104 ) to remove a top portion of the material to expose the workfunction metal on the top gate of the tri - gate device . the sacrificial masking material may be dry - etched using sulfur hexafluoride ( sf6 ), octafluorocyclobutane ( c4f8 ), or another fluorocarbon ( cxfy ) gas in a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition ( pecvd ) chamber . the dry - etch process may be terminated by sensing a workfunction metal surface on the top gate of the tri - gate device . however , the sacrificial masking material may also be eroded using a wet - etch process . in one embodiment , the wet - etch process may comprise hf or hydroxide containing solutions . the workfunction metal on the top gate of the tri - gate device is eroded ( element 106 ) so that the thickness of the workfunction metal on the top gate is nearly equal to the thickness of the workfunction metal on the two side gates of the tri - gate device . in one embodiment , the workfunction metal on the top gate of the tri - gate device is eroded using sulfur hexafluoride ( sf6 ), octafluorocyclobutane ( c4f8 ), or another fluorocarbon ( cxfy ) gas in a pecvd chamber . the two side gates are protected from erosion by the sacrificial masking material during this process and maintain their initial thickness . as a result , the thickness of the workfunction metal on the two side gates of the tri - gate device are left unchanged . other erosion techniques may be employed to achieve equivalent results . examples may include wet - etch , chemical mechanical polishing ( cmp ) or ion milling techniques . the remaining sacrificial masking material may be stripped or removed ( element 108 ) once a desired workfunction metal thickness has been achieved on the top gate of the tri - gate device . in one embodiment , the remaining slam material is removed using an aqueous buffered hydrogen fluoride ( hf ) stripping solution . the stripping solution should selectively remove the sacrificial masking material without eroding a material amount of the workfunction metal . after removing the remaining sacrificial masking material , the workfunction metal is clean and free of polymer residue and a top surface of the workfunction metal is suitable for further processing . in one embodiment , a polysilicon layer may be deposited on the top surface of the workfunction metal . a polysilicon layer may be deposited to create a vertical or nearly vertical wall adjacent to a side gate of a tri - gate device . a polysilicon layer may also be deposited to protect the workfunction metal ( element 110 ) from interacting with an atmosphere or during subsequent processing steps that would be harmful to a workfunction metal surface . in one embodiment , a workfunction metal formed as a top gate of a tri - gate transistor is noticeably thicker than the workfunction metal formed as two side gates , as illustrated in fig2 . a semiconductor body 200 constructed from a silicon substrate is formed to create gate regions that are separated by a silicon dioxide layer 210 . a gate dielectric layer 220 covers the silicon dioxide layers 210 and the gate regions . a workfunction metal 230 is then formed on the gate dielectric layer 220 . the workfunction metal 230 may be a metal film such as tungsten , tantalum , titanium and / or nitrides and alloys thereof . for n channel - type transistors , the workfunction metal 230 provides a work function in the range of 3 . 9 to 4 . 6 . for the p channel - type transistors , the workfunction metal 230 provides a work function of 4 . 6 to 5 . 2 ev . accordingly , for substrates with both n channel and p channel transistors , two separate metal deposition processes may need to be used . the workfunction metal 230 , such as tin is formed as a layer on the surface of the dielectric layer 220 on all three gates of the tri - gate device . the tin layer may be formed by using physical vapor deposition ( pvd ), atomic layer deposition ( ald ), molecular beam epitaxy ( mbe ), chemical vapor deposition ( cvd ), electroplating , or evaporation . after forming the workfunction metal layer 230 , a sacrificial masking layer 300 is deposited as a blanket layer as illustrated in fig3 . the sacrificial masking layer 300 is applied to mask and planarize the vertical features . in one embodiment , the sacrificial masking layer 300 may be a slam layer with a thickness of 1100 angstroms to 1500 angstroms . the sacrificial masking layer 300 may also be a organosiloxane layer such as bottom anti - reflective coating ( barc ) or an organic spin - on coating such as photoresist . a top portion 400 of the sacrificial masking layer 300 is removed to reveal the workfunction metal 230 on the top gate of the tri - gate device , as shown in fig4 . the sacrificial masking layer 300 is eroded , resulting in a surface 400 that is below a top surface of the workfunction metal 230 on a top gate of the tri - gate device . in one embodiment , the sacrificial masking layer 300 may be dry - etched using sulfur hexafluoride ( sf6 ) in a pecvd chamber . after etching a top portion of the sacrificial masking layer 300 , the workfunction metal 230 on the top gate of the tri - gate device is eroded , as illustrated in fig5 , so that the thickness of the workfunction metal 230 on the top gate is nearly equivalent to the thickness of the workfunction metal 230 on two side gates of the tri - gate device . an upper surface of the sacrificial masking layer 500 may be minimally eroded depending on the process used to etch the workfunction metal 230 on the top gate . for instance , if a dry - etch process is used to erode the workfunction metal 230 on the top gate , the etch process may also consume a small amount of an upper portion of the sacrificial masking layer 500 . the amount removed is dependent on the selectivity of the etch chemistry . once eroded , a thickness of the workfunction metal 230 on the top gate 510 of the tri - gate device will be nearly equivalent to the thickness of the two side gates . in one embodiment , the thickness of the workfunction metal 230 on the top gate of the tri - gate device will match the thickness of the workfunction metal 230 on the two side gates of the tri - gate device within a maximum deviation of +/− 10 %. fig6 illustrates an embodiment after the sacrificial masking layer 300 has been stripped from the workfunction metal 600 . in one example , the thickness of the workfunction metal 600 on the top gate of the tri - gate device may be nearly equivalent to the thickness of side gates 610 and 620 . fig7 illustrates another embodiment where a polysilicon layer 700 is deposited on a workfunction metal of a tri - gate device with a workfunction metal layer that has a nearly equivalent thickness on a top surface and two side surfaces of a semiconductor body . the polysilicon layer 700 is normally doped for reduced resistance and is used to create a conductive path to the workfunction metal 600 . the polysilicon layer 700 may be deposited to create a vertical or nearly vertical wall adjacent to a side gate of a tri - gate device . the thickness of the polysilicon layer 700 may range for example from a minimum of 400 angstroms and a maximum of 1200 angstroms . the polysilicon layer 700 may be doped or un - doped and can be used to protect the workfunction metal 600 from interaction with an atmosphere or during subsequent processing steps that would be harmful to the workfunction metal surface . for example , a subsequent processing step may contain aqueous acids , bases , or oxidizers that would erode or modify the surface of the workfunction metal . the above description of illustrated embodiments of the invention , including what is described in the abstract , is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed . while specific embodiments of , and examples for , the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes , various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention , as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize . these modifications can be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description . the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the drawings . rather , the scope of the invention is to be determined entirely by the following claims , which are to be construed in accordance with established doctrines of claim interpretation .	7
as illustrated in fig1 , at least one known network - connected device 10 is provided . network - connected devices 10 may consist of a number of digital devices that provide connectivity to a network of computers . for example , the network - connected device 10 may consist of a known personal computer or a known wap device , cell phone , pda or the like . the network - connected device 10 is connected to the internet 12 in a manner that is known . specifically in relation to fig1 , the connection of a network - connected device 10 that is a known wap device to the internet is illustrated , whereby a known wap to web gateway 107 is provided , in a manner that is also known . also as shown in fig1 a , each of the network - connected devices 10 may include a known computerized device , which includes a browser 20 and / or client application 40 . the browser can be a standard internet based browser , such as netscape &# 39 ; s navigator ™ or microsoft &# 39 ; s internet explorer ™ or a known mini browser for wireless devices such as cell phones or pdas . client application 40 can be a known email program such as microsoft &# 39 ; s outlook ™, outlook express ™, lotus notes ™, novell &# 39 ; s groupwise ™, eudora ™ or another known email program for wireless devices such as cell phones or pdas , including those commonly bundled in such devices as part of the devices &# 39 ; operating system or is distributed as a separate component . the client application 40 can also be a custom client used to create secure messages . each of the network - connected devices 10 also includes the application 22 of the present invention , which consists of the computer program of the present invention . certain attributes of this application 22 , in particular the manner in which it permits public key cryptography ( pkc ) enabled communications over wired and wireless networks is disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 678 , 821 issued to echoworx corporation and the co - pending patent application ser . nos . 10 / 178 , 224 and 10 / 379 , 528 ( the “ patent ” or the “ co - pending patent applications ”, as applicable ). as particularized below , the application 22 includes a pkc utility ( not shown ). in one particular embodiment of the application , 22 , illustrated in fig1 b , the application 22 consists of a specialized browser extension 309 or plug - in . specifically in this particular embodiment of the invention , the application 22 and the browser 20 inter - operate by means of , for example , customized html tags . as opposed to using an intermediate host server , or a relatively large computer program ( as is the case with prior art technologies ), application 22 preferably provides the necessary resources to enable the network - connected device 10 , as particularized below , to function with any third party pki system , including for example , entrust ™, microsoft ™, baltimore ™, rsa ™ and so forth . it should also be understood that the functions of the application 22 described herein can also be provided as an “ active x object ” in a manner that is known , or integrated directly into a browser . in another embodiment of application 22 , illustrated in fig1 c , the application 22 consists of a client extension 409 or plug - in is provided in a manner that is known . specifically , the application 22 and the client application 40 inter - operate by means of , for example , customized programming specific to the client application 40 . as opposed to using an intermediate host server , or a relatively large computer program ( as is the case with prior art technologies ), application 22 ( in this particular embodiment of the invention also ) preferably provides the necessary resources on the network - connected device 10 , as particularized below , to function with any third party pki system , including for example , entrust ™, microsoft ™, baltimore ™, rsa ™ and so forth . it should also be understood that the functions of application 22 described herein can also be integrated directly into the client application 40 . application 22 functions as a cryptographic utility , provided in the manner described in the patent and co - pending patent applications , such that the application 22 is adapted to perform at the network - connected device 10 one or more of a series of cryptographic operations , including but not limited to : digital signature of data in s / mime format ; encryption of data in s / mime format ; digital signature of data in form fields ; encryption of data in form fields ; decryption of data in form fields ; verification of signature of data in form fields ; digital signature and encryption of data in form fields ; verification of digital signature and decryption of data in form fields ; digital signature of full pages ; verification of digital signature of full pages ; encryption of full pages ; decryption of full pages ; and file attachment encryption and signing . specifically , application 22 includes a crypto library 300 , provided in a manner that is known . in one particular embodiment of the present invention , the application 22 also includes a user certificate and private key 302 which contains the cryptographic data required to encrypt and / or digitally sign data included in data communications ( including email ) contemplated by the present invention . for example , in one particular implementation of the present invention , namely one whereby microsoft software provides the security services 312 , the . pfx or der ( distinguished encoding rules asn . 1 ) encoded x509 certificate files required to authenticate the sender , or encrypt data for the recipient , are downloaded to the network - connected device 10 or are generated by the network - connected device 10 . the . pfx file is an encrypted file that is used to access the user credentials and private key required to process cryptographic operations . the pfx file is formatted based on the pkcs12 standard . the der encoded x509 certificate file provides the public key and certificates of the recipient . security services 312 should be understood as a general term describing a known pki infrastructure . pki infrastructures can vary as to the particulars of their architecture , or their hardware or software components . typically , however , a pki infrastructure consists of the components illustrated in fig1 a : a certificate authority for issuing and certifying certificates for enrolled users ; a lightweight directory access protocol ( or “ ldap ”) for storing the public key and certificates of enrolled users ; and a certificate revocation list ( or “ crl ”) for revoking certificates . in another aspect of security services 12 also illustrated in fig1 a , a roaming key server ( or “ rks ”) is used for storing private keys of enrolled users . as stated earlier , application 22 of the present invention includes a pkc extension , and specifically a browser extension 309 or the email client extension 409 described below . the pkc extension permits the encryption and decryption of data communications ( including email ) in a browser or email client , as particularized herein . this has the advantage of broad - based deployment as browser technology and email software is commonplace . this also has the advantage of deployment across wireless and wired networks as the application 22 of the present invention , including the browser or client extension , can be associated with a web browser or a wap browser , as shown in fig1 a . in addition , the invention disclosed herein requires only a browser or email client and the associated application 22 at each network - connected device 10 rather than a relatively thick client at each network - connected device 10 which reduces the resources required at each such device to provide pki functionality . also , as further explained below , in accordance with the present invention , secure encrypted communications are possible without the need to possess the certificates and public key of the recipients , resources usually required to send fully encrypted messages such as s / mime messages on the network - connected device 10 . each of the browser extension 309 and the email client extension 409 is generally reduced to code in a manner known by a skilled programmer . however , it is desirable for the browser extension 309 or client extension 409 of the present invention to have a number of attributes . first , as a result of the method of the present invention detailed below , it is desirable that the browser extension 304 and client extension 409 be able to generate a public key pair and to secure the private key based on a secret that is shared between the sender and the recipient such that the password is used to encrypt the private key . second , the key generation , security , and the encryption and decryption of data described herein involve a potential security risk if the browser extension 309 or client extension 409 is not designed properly . specifically , it is necessary to ensure that browser memory is ( in the case of the browser extension 309 ) utilized in the course of the cryptographic operations such that security is not compromised . in one particular embodiment of the present invention , this is achieved by using the “ temp ” memory space of the browser 20 or client application 40 , in a manner known by a skilled programmer . third , the browser extension 309 or client extension 409 further includes a cleanup routine or equivalent provided in a manner that is known that eliminates any remnants from the memory associated with the browser , email client , or otherwise with the network - connected device 10 , of either the message , the user credential or private key that is part of the user certificate and private key store 302 , in order to maintain confidentiality . specifically , for example in relation to the browser extension 309 , the browser extension 309 is configured such that it will not store a copy of the email in the browser cache . in addition , the browser extension 309 or client extension 409 will delete any copies of any attachments associated with a secure message . as stated earlier , the present invention also contemplates that the browser extension 309 or client extension 409 provides means to establish a shared secret that will be used by the browser extension 309 or the client extension 409 to encrypt the private key corresponding to the public key that is used to encrypt the message or to authenticate a non - enrolled recipient to a trusted intermediary . this particular aspect of the present invention is illustrated in fig4 and 5 . in addition , the present invention contemplates that the browser extension 309 and the client extension 409 facilitate the notification and delivery of secure messages to a recipient not enrolled in a pki . more particularly , the browser extension 309 or the client extension 40 is adapted to permit the non - enrolled recipient to respond to a request for a shared secret which upon successful provision thereof releases the private key or authenticate the non - enrolled recipient ( illustrated in fig1 a ) to a trusted intermediary in order to decrypt and view the secure message . also connected to the internet 12 , is a web server 106 that is provided using known hardware and software utilities so as to enable provisioning of the network - connected device 10 , in a manner that is known . the web server 106 includes a web application 16 . the web application 16 is adapted to execute the operations , including pki operations , referenced below . the system , computer program and method of the present invention are directed to : creating , encrypting and delivering secured messages including s / mime compliant email messages to an email server or a message storage / database server ; retrieving and deciphering secured messages , including s / mime compliant email messages , from an email server or a message storage / database server ; and creating , securing and delivering recipient data and private key ( s ) to a secure storage server . in order to achieve the foregoing , the system , computer program and method of the present invention rely on aspects of the patent and the co - pending patent applications for engaging in pki enabled transactions . specifically , email messages are created and delivered in accordance with the present invention in a manner that is analogous with the “ posting data on a secure basis ” and “ secure delivery of s / mime encrypted data ” described in the co - pending patent applications . an email message is retrieved and deciphered in the manner described under the heading “ retrieving of data on a secure basis ” and the “ secure receipt of s / mime encrypted data ” also described id the co - pending patent applications . as illustrated in fig1 a , one aspect of the system of the present invention also includes a known email server or message server 306 . the email server or message server 306 sends and receives emails in a manner that is well known . the email server or message server 306 is provided by known hardware and software utilities . also as illustrated in fig1 a , one aspect of the system of the present invention includes an email protocol translator 308 . the email protocol translator 308 is a known utility which permits the web server 106 and the email server or message server 306 to communicate by translating messages sent by the web server 106 to the particular email protocol understood by the email server or message server 306 such as for example pop3 or imap4 . also as illustrated in fig1 a , another aspect of the system of the present invention includes a known message storage / database server 315 . the message storage / database server 315 stores and delivers user credentials and secure messages in a manner that is well known . the message storage / database server 315 is also provided by known hardware and software utilities . the web server 106 , the web application 16 , and the email protocol translator 308 are used to support browser - based encryption and / or decryption of s / mime messages in the browser as described in the co - pending patent applications . the roaming key server 310 is used to store and provision private keys to enrolled users ( supporting user mobility ) and private message keys for non - enrolled users for the encryption and / or decryption of non - enrolled users for the encryption and / or decryption of s / mime messages in the browser as described in the co - pending patent applications . normally , private keys are stored on users &# 39 ; desktop computers for use with email client software . however , browser based email allows the user to send or retrieve email from any device with a standard browser . the roaming key server 310 stores and provisions private message keys for use by non - enrolled recipients for decrypting secure messages ( as particularized below ). in one particular embodiment of the invention , the email server 306 or the message storage / database server 315 is used to store encrypted messages for non - enrolled recipients . in either case , the message storage / database server 315 can be used to store the shared secret for authenticating non - enrolled recipients . the trusted intermediary 316 cooperates with the web server 106 and the web application 16 to authenticate non - enrolled recipients , and in one embodiment of the present invention , upon provision by the recipient of the correct shared secret , decrypt the message and securely deliver the message to the non - enrolled recipient &# 39 ; s browser . the certificate authority that is part of the security services 312 , in one particular embodiment of the present invention , is used to generate “ message keys ” for non - enrolled recipients . the directory 314 illustrated in fig1 a , which is part of the certificate authority , is used to store public keys of enrolled recipients and to search for the recipient &# 39 ; s public keys for encrypting messages . browser based creating , signing , encrypting and sending messages with private key generation for non enrolled recipients fig2 a illustrates browser based creation and delivery of secure messages for recipients who are not enrolled in a pki in accordance with the present invention . a user associated with a network - connected device 10 who desires to create and send an email on a secure basis ( the “ sender ”) requests a page on the web server 106 using the browser 20 loaded on the network - connected device 10 . the web server 106 , and specifically in co - operation with the web application 16 loaded on the web server 106 , responds to the network - connected device 10 by presenting a web page that is a web form requesting that the user associated with the network - device 10 provide authentication in order to gain access to the web application 16 , and specifically a secure message application ( not shown ) that is included in the web application 16 . the sender supplies information in the authentication form fields ( such as username and password ) on the web page and concludes with submitting the form , typically by pressing a ‘ submit ’ button or equivalent . the authentication credentials are passed to the web server 106 . the web server 106 in turn delivers the authentication credentials to the email server or message server 306 via the email protocol translator 308 in one embodiment of the application or authenticates the user credentials from the message storage / database server 315 in alternate embodiment of the application . specifically in accordance with the aspect of the present invention whereby the roaming key server 310 is used to access the user certificate and private key by mean of the user certificate and private key store 302 , the web server 106 also transfers the user credentials to the roaming key server 310 . the email server 306 or message storage / database server 315 authenticates the sender and then passes back , through the email protocol translator 308 , message waiting lists and other pertinent information about the sender &# 39 ; s email account to the web server 106 for display in the sender &# 39 ; s browser 20 and establishes an email session typically using a cookie , in a manner that is known . the web server 106 authenticates the sender for the message storage / database server 315 and then passes back message waiting lists and other pertinent information about the sender &# 39 ; s account to the web server 106 for display in the sender &# 39 ; s browser 20 and establishes a session typically using a cookie , in a manner that is known . again , in accordance with the aspect of the present invention utilizing the roaming key server 310 , the roaming key server 310 authenticates the sender and transmits the sender &# 39 ; s private key and certificate through the web server 106 to the browser extension 309 . in accordance with the aspect of the present invention whereby the user certificate and private key store 302 resides on the network - connected device 10 , the private key and certificate is accessed by the browser extension 309 . the sender prepares a message by completing the appropriate fields of a web form referred to , including for example the message subject , body and intended recipient &# 39 ; s fields . in one particular embodiment of the present invention , the application 22 also provides the recipients &# 39 ; shared secret ( s ). the security services 312 is contacted whereby the recipient &# 39 ; s ( s &# 39 ;) public keys and certificates are verified and retrieved from the associated directory 314 or from the sender address book stored on the message storage / database server 315 . in the event that the recipient ( s ) public key ( s ) and certificate ( s ) cannot be retrieved from either “ publicly accessible ” location , application 22 of the present invention is invoked to create a shared secret and generate a pkc key pair by application 22 to secure the message for non - enrolled recipients . it should be understood that the present invention refers in various places to “ non - enrolled recipients ”. what is meant is that the sender does not possess , or have access to , the pki credentials of the recipient , whether the recipient has been enrolled in a pki or not . in other words , “ non - enrolled recipients ” also means “ non - credentialed recipients ”. the private key ( s ) of the key pair is encrypted in a manner that is well known using the shared secret ( s ) as the pass phrase which is secured in a manner which is as known . the encrypted private key ( s ) for non enrolled recipients is ( are ) stored on the message storage / database server 315 along with recipient information including the shared secret question which the recipient must answer fig5 . private key ( s ) storage is not limited to the message storage / database server 315 and could use the roaming key server 310 or email server or message server 306 as alternate locations for private key storage . the message form data is passed to the application 22 , including the browser extension 309 , for signing and encrypting the message and any attachments using the private key of the sender and the public key ( s ) of the recipient ( s ), and in one embodiment of the invention to form an s / mime compliant email message . the message is returned to the browser 20 and sent from the browser 20 to the web server 106 , and using the email protocol translator 308 to the email server or message server 306 for forwarding to the identified recipients in one embodiment . in another embodiment of the present invention the secured message for non - enrolled recipients is stored to the message storage / database server 315 and an email advisory is generated by the web application 16 and sent to the non - enrolled recipients advising of the secure message waiting and providing instructions on how to retrieve the secure message . client based creating , signing , encrypting and sending messages with private key generation for non enrolled recipients fig2 a illustrates client based creation and delivery of secure messages for recipients who are not enrolled in a pki in accordance with the present invention . a user associated with a network - connected device 10 who desires to create and send a message on a secure basis ( the “ sender ”) invokes the client application 40 ( as stated earlier , consisting of a known communication utility such as an email program ) loaded on the network - connected device 10 . the sender supplies authentication information ( such as a username and password ) and concludes with submitting the form , typically by pressing a ‘ submit ’ button or equivalent . often email client programs are set up such that user authentication is configured in the email client program to automate the authentication process such that it does not require user intervention . the authentication credentials are passed to the email server or message server 306 . the email server or message server 306 authenticates the sender and then passes back message waiting lists and other pertinent information about the sender &# 39 ; s email account for display in the sender &# 39 ; s client application 40 in a manner that is known . the sender prepares a message by completing the appropriate fields of the email message from referred to , including for example the message subject , body and intended recipient ( s ) fields . security services 312 is contacted whereby the recipient &# 39 ; s ( s &# 39 ;) public keys and certificates are verified and retrieved from the associated directory 314 or from the sender &# 39 ; s address book stored on the communication utility consisting of the email client program 40 . in the event that the recipient ( s ) public key ( s ) and certificate ( s ) cannot be retrieved from either location , application 22 of the present invention is invoked to create a shared secret as illustrated in fig4 and 5 to generate a pkc key pair to secure the message for non - enrolled recipients . the private key ( s ) of the key pair are encrypted in a manner that is well known using the shared secret ( s ) as the pass phrase . the encrypted private key ( s ) for non enrolled recipients is ( are ) stored on the message storage / database server 315 along with recipient information including the shared secret question which the recipient must answer as illustrated in fig5 . private key ( s ) storage is not limited to the message storage / database server 315 and could use the roaming key server 310 or the email server or message server 306 as alternate locations for private key storage . the message form data is passed to the application 22 , including the email client extension 409 , for signing and encrypting the message and any attachments using the private key of the sender and the public key ( s ) of the recipient ( s ), and in one embodiment of the invention to form an s / mime compliant email message . the message is sent from the client to the email server or message server 306 for forwarding to the identified recipients in one embodiment . in another embodiment of the present invention the secured message for non - enrolled recipients is stored to the message storage / database server 315 and an email advisory is generated by the web application 16 and sent to the non - enrolled recipients advising of the secure message waiting and providing instructions on how to retrieve same . browser based retrieving and decrypting an encrypted message from an email or message by non - enrolled recipients fig3 a illustrates browser based receipt , verification , decryption and display of an encrypted message from an email server or message server 306 or message storage / database server 315 in accordance with the present invention . a non - enrolled user associated with a network - connected device 10 who desires to display an encrypted message or s / mime email that they have received on a secure basis ( the “ recipient ”) requests a page from the web application 16 using the browser 20 loaded on the network - connected device 10 . the web application 16 detects if the browser extension 309 is available on the network - connected device 10 . if the browser extension 309 is not available , the web application 16 automatically downloads and installs the browser extension 309 . when the browser extension 309 is available on the network - connected device 10 the recipient &# 39 ; s authentication credentials are passed to the browser extension 309 in accordance with the aspect of the present invention whereby message storage / database server 315 or in another embodiment , the roaming key server 310 is used to store the non - enrolled user &# 39 ; s private key store 302 which then downloads a copy of the encrypted private key to the browser extension 309 , and for non - enrolled users the question associated with the shared secret pass phrase . the browser extension 309 requests the non - enrolled recipient to provide authentication and for an answer to the shared secret question , in order to decrypt and display the encrypted message or s / mime email message . the recipient supplies password or shared secret information in response to the authentication request ( fig5 ) to the browser extension 309 and concludes with submitting the form ) typically by pressing a ‘ submit ’ button or equivalent . the authentication credentials are passed to the browser extension 309 in accordance with this aspect of the present invention . the application 22 authenticates against its user certificate and private key store 302 and if the provided pass phrase is correct , the private key is released to the browser extension 309 component thereof where upon the message signature can be verified and the message decrypted for display in the recipient &# 39 ; s browser 20 . client based creating , signing , encrypting and sending messages for non enrolled recipients using a trusted intermediary fig7 a illustrates client based creation and delivery of secure messages for recipients who are not enrolled in a pki using a trusted intermediary 316 in accordance with the present invention . a user associated with a network - connected device 10 who desires to create and send a message on a secure basis ( the “ sender ”) invokes a client program loaded on the network - connected device 10 . in a preferred embodiment of the present invention the client program would be an email client program such as microsoft outlook express ™. the sender supplies authentication information ( such as username and password ) and concludes with submitting the form , typically by pressing a ‘ submit ’ button or equivalent . often email client programs are set up such that user authentication is configured in the email client to automate the authentication process such that it does not require user intervention . the authentication credentials are passed to the email server or message server 306 . the email server or message server 306 authenticates the sender and then passes back , message waiting lists and other pertinent information about the sender &# 39 ; s email account for display in the sender &# 39 ; s email client 40 in a manner that is known . the sender prepares a message by completing the appropriate fields of the email client email form referred to , including for example the message subject , body and intended recipients fields . the security services 312 is contacted whereby the recipient &# 39 ; s ( s &# 39 ;) public keys and certificates are verified and retrieved from the associated directory 314 or from the sender &# 39 ; s address book stored on the email client 40 . in the event that the recipient ( s ) public key ( s ) and certificate ( s ) cannot be retrieved from either location , application 22 of the present invention is invoked to create a shared secret ( fig4 and 5 ) and retrieves the key pair of the trusted intermediary 316 to secure the message for non - enrolled recipients . the recipient information for non - enrolled recipients including the shared secret question which the recipient must answer ( fig5 ) is ( are ) stored on the message storage / database server 315 . the message form data is passed to the application 22 , including the email client extension 409 , for signing and encrypting the message and any attachments using the private key of the sender and the public key ( s ) of the recipient ( s ) and the trusted intermediary 316 for non enrolled recipients , in one embodiment of the invention to form an s / mime compliant email message . the message is sent from the client to the email server or message server 306 for forwarding to the identified recipients in one embodiment . in another embodiment of the present invention the secured message for non - enrolled recipients is stored to the message storage / database server 315 and an email advisory is generated by the web application 16 and sent to the non - enrolled recipients advising of the secure message waiting providing instructions on how to retrieve the secure message . in another embodiment , and for reasons of scaleability and efficiency of the encryption algorithm , the secured message for non - enrolled recipients is decrypted by the trusted intermediary 315 , the digital signature is verified , and the message is re - encrypted using a symmetric key unique to the trusted intermediary 316 and stored to the message storage / database server 315 with a copy of the original message stored to a message archive . client based retrieving and decrypting an encrypted message from an email or message by non enrolled recipients fig3 b illustrates client based receipt , verification , decryption and display of an encrypted message from an email server or message server 306 or message storage / database server 315 in accordance with the present invention . there are three components required to view and encrypted message : the encrypted message , the client extension 409 and the non - enrolled recipient &# 39 ; s private key . the method by which the non - enrolled recipient accesses these components can range from providing a link in a standard email message for the non - enrolled user to access the components as described in the previous section concerning browser based access , to providing a three components as attachments to a standard message as depicted in fig3 b or any combination of the two approaches . as depicted in fig3 b , a non - enrolled user associated with a network - connected device 10 who desires to display an encrypted message that they have received on a secure basis ( the “ recipient ”) first installs the client extension 409 . when the client extension 409 is available on the network - connected device 10 , the recipient invokes the decryption process and the encrypted private key for the secure message is passed to the client extension 409 in accordance with this aspect of the present invention . the client extension 409 requests the non - enrolled recipient to provide the pass phrase in order to decrypt and display the encrypted message . the non - enrolled recipient supplies the client extension 409 shared secret information in response to the shared secret request ( fig5 ) to the client extension 409 and concludes with submitting the form , typically by pressing a ‘ submit ’ button or equivalent . the private key is then passed to the client extension 409 in accordance with this aspect of the present invention where upon the message signature can be verified and the message decrypted for display in the client application 40 . in another aspect of the present invention , the persistent field level encryption disclosed in the patent and co - pending patent applications is used for the purposes of the present invention to maintain the confidentiality of the identities of users ( and for example their clients with whom they communicate on a secure basis ) in accordance with the present invention and other personal information , by encrypting related data and storing the data in an encrypted form at a database ( not shown ) associated with the web server 106 . the system of the present invention is best understood as the overall system including the network connected device 10 and the resources thereof , including the application 22 , and also the web server 106 and the email server or message server 306 , the message / database storage server 315 as well as the resources of these as well . the computer program of the present invention is the application 22 on the one hand , but also the web application 16 , on the other . another aspect of the present invention includes the remote key server 310 . fig6 illustrates the interactions involved in signing and encrypting messages in relation to the various components of the pki infrastructure . a user associated with a network - connected device 10 who desires to create and send an email on a secure basis ( the “ sender ”) signs on to the web server 106 using the browser 20 loaded on the network - connected device 10 . the web server 106 , and specifically in co - operation with the web application 16 loaded on the web server 106 , responds to the network - connected device 10 by presenting a web page that is a web form requesting that the user associated with the network - device 10 provide authentication in order to gain access to the web application 16 , and specifically a secure message application ( not shown ) that is included in the web application 16 . the sender supplies information in the authentication form fields ( such as username and password ) on the web page and concludes with submitting the form , typically by pressing a ‘ submit ’ button or equivalent . the authentication credentials are passed to the web server 106 . the web server 106 in turn delivers the authentication credentials to the email server or message server 306 via the email protocol translator 308 in one embodiment of the application or authenticates user credential for the message storage / database server 315 in an alternate embodiment of the application . specifically in accordance with the aspect of the present invention whereby the roaming key server 310 is used to access the user certificate and private key from the user certificate and private key store 302 , the web server 106 also transfers the user credentials to the roaming key server 310 . the email server or message server 306 authenticates the sender and then passes back , through the email protocol translator 308 , message waiting lists and other pertinent information about the sender &# 39 ; s email account to the web server 106 for display in the sender &# 39 ; s browser 20 and establishes an email session typically using a cookie , in a manner that is known . the web server 106 authenticates the sender for the message storage / database server 315 and then passes back message waiting lists and other pertinent information about the sender &# 39 ; s account to the web server 106 for display in the sender &# 39 ; s browser 20 and establishes a session typically using a cookie , in a manner that is known . again , in accordance with the aspect of the present invention utilizing the roaming key server 310 , the roaming key server 310 authenticates the sender and transmits the sender &# 39 ; s private key and certificate through the web server 106 to the browser extension 309 . in accordance with the aspect of the present invention whereby the user certificate and private key store 302 resides on the network - connected device 10 , the private key and certificate is accessed by the browser extension 304 . the sender prepares a message by completing the appropriate fields of the web form referred to , including for example the message subject , body and intended recipient ( s ) fields . in one particular embodiment of the present invention , the application 22 also provides the recipient ( s ) the shared secret ( s ). security services 312 is contacted whereby the recipient &# 39 ; s ( s &# 39 ;) public keys and certificates are retrieved and optionally verified from the associated directory 314 or from the sender address book stored on the message storage / database server 315 . in the event that the recipient ( s )&# 39 ; public key ( s ) and certificate ( s ) cannot be retrieved from either location , application 22 of the present invention is invoked to create a shared secret ( fig4 ) and retrieves the pkc key pair of the trusted intermediary 316 by application 22 to secure the message for non - enrolled recipients . the recipient information for non - enrolled recipients including the shared secret question which the recipient must answer ( fig5 ) is ( are ) sent by the sender and stored on the message storage / database server 315 . the message form data is passed to the application 22 , including the browser extension 309 , for signing and encrypting the message and any attachments using the private key of the sender and the public key ( s ) of the recipient ( s ) and trusted intermediary 316 for non - enrolled recipients , in one embodiment of the invention to form an s / mime compliant email message . the message is returned to the browser 20 and sent from the browser 20 to the web server 106 , and using the email protocol translator 308 to the email server or message server 306 for forwarding to the identified recipients in one embodiment of the invention . in another embodiment of the present invention the secured message for non - enrolled recipients is stored to the message storage / database server 315 and an email advisory is generated by the web application 16 and sent to the non - enrolled recipients advising of the secure message waiting and providing instructions on how to retrieve the secure message . in another embodiment , and for reasons of scaleability and efficiency of the encryption algorithm , the secured message for non - enrolled recipients is decrypted by the trusted intermediary 316 , the digital signature is verified , and the message is re - encrypted using a symmetric key unique to the trusted intermediary 316 and stored to the message storage / database server 315 ( with an optional copy of the original message stored to a message archive ). the method of the present invention is best understood as a process for exchanging pki encrypted messages and s / mime messages through a browser , whether a web browser or waf browser or message client whether personal computer based or wireless device based , for recipients who are not enrolled in a pki or where the sender does not have access to the pki credentials of the recipient . the method of the present invention should also be understood as a method for integrating wireless devices with internet secure messaging using s / mime or pki based message encryption for non - enrolled recipients . another aspect of the method of the present invention is a method for delivering private keys to non - enrolled recipients , through the internet or a wireless network . yet another aspect of the method of the present invention , is a method for eliminating the “ man in the middle ” security hole of proxy based gateways between the internet and wireless networks by providing persistent secure data communication using s / mime or pki for encrypting messages . a still other aspect of the present invention is a method for allocating data resources as between the web server and a wireless device such that pki is provided on the wireless device so as to provide encryption on a persistent basis . the present invention also provides for persistent field level encryption on a selective basis throughout an internet - based data process . this promotes efficient , utilization of resources by invoking pki operations in relation to specific elements of an internet based data process where security / authentication is most needed . the present invention also provides a set of tools whereby pki encryption and s / mime capability is added to a browser in an efficient manner for non enrolled recipients . the present invention should also be understood as a set of tools for complying with legal digital signature requirements , including in association with a wireless device using a web email or client based email system incorporating s / mime for non - enrolled recipients .	7
depicted in fig1 is a view of a first embodiment of the invention showing one of the warming devices 2 for warming either intravenous ( i . v .) bags , or the like , or i . v . infusion equipment such as i . v . tubing . the warming device includes a substantially rectangular wrap material 4 , preferably formed of a lightweight durable synthetic material such as nylon . the wrap material 4 is preferably lined on its interior surface with thermal insulating material 6 such as , for example , thinsulate ®. the wrap material 4 can be formed of a single piece of material having dimensions of approximately 20 &# 34 ; by 14 &# 34 ; such that , when folded , it can surround at least 1 liter sized i . v . bags or similar containers . although not shown , it is also contemplated that the wrap material 4 can be formed as two separate and smaller substantially rectangular pieces of material joined by flexible tether means such as elastic straps , for example . continuing , it can be seen that the interior surface of the wrap material 4 is further provided with a number of straps 8 , which are preferably elastic straps , for replaceably retaining at least one and preferably two heating means in the form of heat packs 10 . while any suitable type of relatively small and portable heat packs may be used , the preferred heat packs 10 for use with the present invention are of the class of reusable and rechargeable heat packs disclosed in u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 077 , 390 and 4 , 572 , 158 and formed of a crystalizable supercooled aqueous salt solution encased in a preferably flexible container . the solution may be of any suitable variety of chemical compositions which as they crystallize give off heat through the flexible container . various solutions such as sodium acetate and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate are examples such solutions . the temperature as well as the duration of heat given off by such packs is accurately predictable and is controlled merely by the concentration of the aqueous salt solution in the pack . thus , different heat packs formed in accordance with the above - mentioned design having various heat outputs and heat duration times may quickly interchanged in the warming device of the present invention depending on , inter alia , the ambient temperature , the temperature of the patient , and the heat requirements of the i . v . fluids to be infused . however , since any suitable type of small and portable heat pack may be used and since the specific designs of the heat packs 10 , per se , do not form part of the present invention , further description thereof is considered unnecessary . still referring to fig1 there can be seen extending from along an upper edge of the wrap material 4 a pair of first fastening means preferably in the form of nylon straps 12 . straps 12 are approximately 12 &# 34 ; long and are secured to the wrapping material 4 . the straps 12 are designed to engage with and be detachable from second fastening means such as ring members 14 which are secured along a lower edge portion of the wrapping material 4 of a similar warming device 2 . the provision of the first and second fastening means permits the warming devices 2 to be connected in series so that one of the devices 2 may be used to warm an i . v . bag or similar container while a second of the devices 2 may be used to warm the i . v . infusion apparatus associated with the i . v . bag . explanation of such a system is presented in greater detail hereinbelow in the descriptions of fig2 and 3 . the wrap material 4 further has a suspending means 16 secured to an upper portion thereof . the suspending means serves to maintain the vertical position of an i . v . bag 17 within the warming device 2 . the suspending means 16 can be formed of either flexible or rigid material so long as it can pass through the hanger hole in the i . v . bag 17 and can be used to suspend and support , in an elevated fashion , the weight of at least a small series of the warming devices 2 , including the i . v . bags and / or the infusion apparatus contained therein . detachably secured to a lower edge region of the wrap material 4 is a means 18 for insulating portions of the i . v . infusion apparatus which should at all times be quickly and easily assessable and which are not normally required nor intended to be enclosed within the wrap material 4 . as can be most clearly seen in fig2 the insulating means 18 is used to insulate i . v . infusion apparatus including i . v . tubing 20 , drip chamber 22 and metering means 24 . the insulating means 18 preferably is formed of a strip of insulated , preferably nylon , material having velcro fastening means along its longitudinal edges . by virtue of the velcro fastening means , the insulating means 18 can be formed into a tubular enclosure about the exposed i . v . infusion apparatus to protect it from cold weather environments . a similar insulating means 18 can insulate a major portion of the i . v . tubing 20 leading to the i . v . needle 26 . a plurality of eyelet means 28 are provided on the interior surface of the wrap material 4 . the eyelet means 28 permit serpentine lacing of a desired length of i . v . tubing 20 therebetween . the eyelet means 28 may be so arranged as to permit either vertical or horizontal lacing of the tubing 20 within the warming means 2 . the eyelet means 28 thus serve as a means for supporting a maximum length of tubing within the warming device such that when the heat packs 10 are activated and the warming device 2 is closed , a maximum length of i . v . tubing 20 is warmed within the warming device 2 rather than being exposed to the colder ambient environment thus ensuring a continuous flow through the tubing , even at low flow rate conditions . at least one and preferably two velcro securing straps 30 are secured to the exterior surface of the wrap material 4 of each warming device 2 so that the warming device 2 can be completely and securely enclosed about the i . v . bag 17 and , if desired , the serpentine length of i . v . tubing 20 . as can be seen in fig2 and 3 , each of the warming devices 2 is constructed in substantially the same manner . with such a construction , each warming device 2 can interchangeably be used to warm either the i . v . bag 17 or the serpentine length of i . v . tubing 20 . when connected in series as shown in fig2 and 3 , the warming devices 2 serve as a complete equipment system for warming both an i . v . bag and all of the i . v . infusion apparatus associated therewith with the exception , of course , of the most distal end of the i . v . tubing 20 which carries the i . v . needle 26 . in fig4 where like references indicate similar elements , there is illustrated a second and most preferred embodiment of the warming device 2 . the fig4 embodiment is preferred over the fig1 and fig2 embodiments because it provides a more complete coverage of the i . v . bag to be warmed therein . as can be seen in fig4 there are three rather than two heat packs 10 in warming device 2 and they extend along virtually the full width of the wrapping material 4 so that when folded around an i . v . bag 17 , they serve to provide direct heating contact with all regions of the i . v . bag , including the side seams thereof . the embodiment of fig1 and 2 , on the other hand , illustrates heat pack arrangements which can only provide direct heating contact with the front and back surfaces of the i . v . bag 17 when the warming device 2 is enclosed therearound . the fig4 embodiment also includes means 28 &# 39 ; for supporting a serpentine length of i . v . tubing within the warming device 2 . means 28 &# 39 ; are formed as snap closure means . when formed as snap closures , means 28 &# 39 ; permit not only serpentine lacing of an i . v . tubing therebetween but they also serve as a secondary type of securement means which work in cooperation with and assist the velcro straps 30 in maintaining complete and secure enclosure of the warming device 2 about either an i . v . bag 17 or a serpentine length of i . v . tubing 20 . while not shown , it should be appreciated that the warming device 2 of fig4 can be connected in series with a similar warming device in order to produce a system of equipment for simultaneously warming both an i . v . bag and its associated infusion apparatus in a manner similar to that illustrated in fig2 and 3 . in all embodiments , the structure of the warming device 2 is formed of commercially available materials and is uncomplicated and inexpensive to construct . it is compact , lightweight and portable , and it further provides rapid yet predictable and controllable heating of i . v . bags or the like and , if desired , the infusion apparatus associated therewith , even in the coldest of environments . it further is completely free of any attachment to a remote energy source for providing energy to its heating source . still further , the warming device 2 can be formed of a number of different sizes or as a &# 34 ; one size fits all &# 34 ; size so that it can accommodate small i . v . bags of one - half liter or less to large i . v . bags of one liter or more . while the present invention has been described in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the various figures , it is to be understood that other similar embodiment may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same functions of the present invention without deviating therefrom . therefore , the present invention should not be limited to any single embodiment but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of the appended claims .	8
fig1 - 3 show typical problems that occur while processing contaminated cotton fibers . fig1 shows the problems that occur on draw frame creels due to the stickiness problems related to cotton contaminates . fig2 shows the problems that can occur on dram frames due to the sticky deposits left by cotton . fig3 shows the problems that occur on ring spinning frames because of the sticky deposits left from cotton processing . in order to elucidate the type of sugars which accumulate on the textile equipment , high performance liquid chromatography ( hplc ) tests were performed on fiber , flat wastes and rotor dusts . fig4 and fig5 show the hplc profiles of non - sticky cotton at high speed stickiness detector ( h2sd ) readings of 2 . 0 and 2 . 6 , respectively . fig6 and fig7 show the profiles of sticky mixes ( low levels of stickiness — spinable mixes ) at h2sd readings of 4 . 0 and 5 . 6 , respectively . it was found that trehalulose , white fly dominant sugar , becomes more concentrated in both flat wastes and rotor dusts . in another experiment , contaminated cotton was blended with polyester . the mixture did not reduce the stickiness impact as expected but rather made the problem worst . indeed , a large number of ends - down ( yarn breakage ) formation during the processing of cotton / polyester blend ( 35 / 65 ) ( fig8 ) occurred . scanning electron microscopy ( sem ) was used to examine the cause of the ends - downs . as shown on fig9 the fibers stick together by means of an amorphous substance on which other substances stick , causing defects in the yarn structure and leading to yarn breakage . the ends - down could be related to the structural changes of some sugars during the fiber processing . this is based on the fact that the frictional forces involved in the textile processing lead to a significant increase of the temperature , as shown in fig9 b , affecting , therefore , the sugar properties . consequently , differential scanning calorimetry ( dsc ) profiles were recorded on the following sugars ( non - hydrated state ): fructose , glucose , inositol , trehalose , trehalulose , turanose , melezitose and sucrose . fig1 a shows the dsc profiles for fructose , glucose and inositol . fig1 b shows the dsc profiles for trehalose , trehalulose and turanose . fig1 c shows the dsc profile for melezitose and sucrose . all of these sugars are known to be present on contaminated cottons . among the sugars tested , trehalulose is the only one having a low melting point ( around 48 ° c .). [ 0038 ] fig1 a - c show sem pictures of hydrated sugars . fig1 a shows sem pictures of hydrated sucrose , the sugar involved in stickiness from physiological origin . fig1 b shows sem pictures of hydrated melezitose , the sugar involved in stickiness coming from aphids and white fly . fig1 c shows sem pictures of hydrated trehalulose , the sugar involved in stickiness coming from white flies . sucrose and melezitose remain crystalline even in their hydrated state . however , trehalulose appears to have an amorphous structure ( film - like ) even in its dry state . in addition , trehalulose and fructose are highly hygroscopic sugars . fig1 a shows the hydration kinetics of known sugars such as trehalose , glucose , sucrose , melezitose , maltose , trehalulose and fructose . after conditioning dry sugar samples at 65 % relative humidity and 70 ° c ., the quantity of adsorbed water at equilibrium was about 15 % for trehalulose and 22 % for fructose , corresponding to 3 and 2 molecules of water , respectively , as shown in fig1 b . at room temperature and atmospheric pressure , the hydration is not reversible for trehalulose but is for fructose . in order to achieve a realistic understanding of the cotton stickiness problems that occur in the cotton mill due to trehalulose , a testing method showing the level of stickiness at various temperatures was developed . the testing of the cotton at various temperatures may be accomplished by using any appropriate testing device capable of conducting testing at two or more temperatures . existing instruments , such as the fct and h2sd , may be modified or adapted to test cotton stickiness at more than one temperature . since the normalized manufacturer setting for the hot plate of the h2sd is 54 ° c ., radical design variations would be necessary to perform the multi - temperature testing at multiple temperatures such as 27 ° c ., 34 ° c ., 40 ° c ., 54 ° c . and 67 ° c . the general design for the multi - temperature testing apparatus includes a flat or cylindrical heating element , which is in contact with the sample surface . in addition , this element has to be able to deliver temperatures in the range of 10 ° c . to 120 ° c . the heating element contains two or more sub - elements having a temperature differential of at least 10 ° c . the two or more sub - units of the heating element simultaneously exert a pressure on the sample surface . the combined effect of heat and pressure selectively renders the sugar contaminants sticky , depending on their origin . the lowest temperature will render the white flies honeydew stickier than the other types of contaminants . the highest temperature will render all the sugar - contaminated cottons sticky . the differential in two or more readings will indicate the type of processing troubles to be expected in the mill . the samples for testing are prepared by means of any mechanical device able to produce a smooth surface sample , such as a rotor - type opener , an aero mechanical individualiser , or a needle - type fiber blender . the mechanical device could be independent or integrated in the measurement system . the testing conditions of the sample are preferably 21 ° c .± 1 ° c . and 65 %± 2 % relative humidity ( rh ) or 55 %± 2 % rh . the test results and the relation test results - spinning performances are rh - dependant . the sticky deposits are preferably deposited directly onto the surface of the heating elements . alternatively , the sticky deposits are deposited on any type of disposable material such as aluminum , paper or plastic foil . if high temperatures are used , a cooling element will be necessary in order to lower the honeydew temperature before removing the non - sticky material . the cooling of the sample is preferably attained by either a cold pressure element ( flat or cylindrical ) at laboratory temperature or by airflow . the removal of the non - sticky materials from the heating element or the disposable foils are preferably obtained by means of brushes , airflow , vacuum or a combination of the pre - mentioned techniques . the detection of the sticky deposits may be obtained by any known suitable method , preferably by visual inspection , scanner technologies or cameras . additionally , special wavelength in the visible , uv or infrared spectra may be advantageously utilized to render the sticky deposits more easily detectable . various techniques are also used to count and size the sticky deposits , preferably visual counting or image processing . one hundred and fifty cotton bales representing a wide range of stickiness and different types of contamination , i . e . white fly , aphid and physiological sugars , were selected for multi - temperature cotton stickiness testing . the samples are from arizona ( known to have important white fly populations and very little to no aphids ), california ( where both types of insects coexist ), and texas ( where large populations of aphids exist and very little to no white flies ). in addition , for texas mainly , high physiological sugar contents could be obtained after a freeze . this could also happen in california but this is a rare event . the bales were sampled ( 2 samples per bale ), and then the samples were tested using the multi - temperature cotton stickiness test . fig1 shows cotton stickiness readings of the three sample bales at 27 ° c . fig1 shows cotton stickiness readings of the three sample bales at 34 ° c . fig1 shows cotton stickiness readings of the three sample bales at 40 ° c . fig1 shows cotton stickiness readings of the three sample bales at 54 ° c ., the standardized temperature reading . fig1 shows cotton stickiness readings of the three sample bales at 67 ° c . fig1 shows a comparative picture of the cotton stickiness readings of the three sample bales at 27 ° c . and 54 ° c . fig1 to 18 show clearly that : for arizona : all the cottons sticky at 54 ° c . are also sticky at the lowest temperature . for california , most of the cottons sticky at 54 ° c . are slightly sticky at the lowest temperature . for texas , nearly all the cottons sticky at 54 ° c . are not sticky at 27 ° c . these results demonstrate that by testing at high temperature , nearly all the contaminated cottons become sticky , even the one having little to no trehalulose . keeping in mind that the temperature of the spinning equipment is by far lower than 54 ° c ., a good stickiness device has to : detect the trehalulose - rich honeydew droplets at low temperature ( the higher the number of sticky deposits at low temperature , the worse the problems will be at the mill ). detect the non trehalulose - rich honeydew droplets and physiological sugars at higher temperature ( the higher the number of sticky deposits at high temperature , the worse the problems will be at the mill ) although the present invention has been disclosed in terms of a preferred embodiment , it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims :	6
fig8 is a flowchart for use in explaining an amcs method according to a first embodiment of the present invention . in this embodiment , the ue selects the appropriate mcs level for each frame of the downlink signal and reports the selected level to the base station . in this example , the method is used to adapt the mcs level of a downlink packet access signal in an hsdpa system . fig9 is a schematic view for explaining signalling in the first embodiment . for downlink signalling , four channels are used . a common pilot channel ( cpich ) is used to broadcast a signal to all ues in the cell served by the base station , in order to enable each ue to measure a downlink channel quality based on the cpich signal . a high - speed downlink shared channel hs - dsch is used to transmit packet data to a ue . a high - speed shared control channel hs - scch is used to carry transport format and resource related information ( tfir ). this tfir is , for example , 8 bits and includes information regarding a channelisation code , a mcs level , and a transport block size . the hs - scch also carries harq related information . this harq information is , for example , 12 bits and includes a harq process number , a redundancy version , a new data indicator , and a ue id . a dedicated physical channel dpch is optionally employed to transmit a high - speed data control signal for indicating whether or not the high - speed packet mode is in use . uplink signalling is carried out using a high - speed dedicated physical control channel hs - dpcch . this channel is used to transmit a channel quality indicator , an harq acknowledgement ( ack / nack ) and , in the present embodiment , a mcs level selected by the ue . referring back to fig8 , the amcs method according to the first embodiment operates on a frame - by - frame basis . in each downlink frame ( tti ) the method involves the steps s 1 to s 7 . in step s 1 , the ue produces a measure of downlink channel quality . this measure is , for example , based on the cpich and represents a ratio of a received power or of the cpich signal to background noise including interference i oc . the ratio or / i oc is a signal - to - interference ratio . also in step s 1 the ue carries out a cyclic redundancy check ( crc ) on the current frame of the hs - dsch signal . the crc result ( pass or fail ) is needed to generate the ack / nack message but , as described below , is also used for another purpose in the present embodiment . in step s 2 the measure of downlink channel quality produced in step s 1 is compared with a set of threshold values held by the ue for mcs selection purposes . there is one such threshold value for each pair of adjacent mcs levels . these threshold values correspond to the threshold values th 01 , th 02 and th 03 described with reference to fig4 above . based on the comparison , it is determined whether or not the measure of downlink channel quality is within a predetermined range ± αdb of one of the threshold values . as described later in more detail , a may be different for different threshold values in the set . also , for each threshold value there may be two α - values , α 1 and α 2 , and the downlink channel quality measure is considered to be within the predetermined range if it is greater than the threshold value less α 1 and less than the threshold value plus α 2 . if the downlink channel quality measure is outside the predetermined range of each of the threshold values , it is determined in step s 3 that no change to any of the threshold values is required , and processing proceeds to step s 7 . in step s 7 , the downlink channel quality measure is compared with the different threshold values and the appropriate mcs level is selected based on the comparison . thus , in the example of fig4 , if the downlink channel quality measure is greater than the threshold value th 03 , mcs 8 is selected ; if the measure is between the threshold values th 02 and th 03 mcs 6 is selected ; if the measure is between the threshold values th 01 and th 02 , mcs 5 is selected , and if the measure is less than the threshold value th 01 , mcs 1 is selected . the selected mcs level is reported to the base station using the hs - dpcch . if in step s 2 the downlink channel quality measure is found to be within the predetermined range of one of the threshold values of the set , processing proceeds to step s 4 . in step s 4 it is determined whether the crc result in step s 1 was a pass or fail . if the result was a pass , i . e . the ack message was sent from the ue back to the base station , the threshold value that has found to be within the predetermined range is decreased by a downward amount δdown in step s 5 . if , on the other hand , the crc result was a fail , i . e . the nack message was sent by the ue back to the base station , the threshold value found to be within the predetermined range is increased by an upward amount δup in step s 6 . in steps s 5 and s 6 only the threshold value found to be within the predetermined range of the downlink channel quality message is changed . each of the remaining threshold values is left unchanged . the upward and downward amounts δup and δdown are discussed in detail below . after step s 5 or step s 6 , processing proceeds to step s 7 to select the appropriate mcs level for the next downlink frame . in this case , therefore , the selection is made based on the updated set of threshold values . thus , in the first embodiment the threshold values are adjusted according to whether the downlink signal was received successfully by the ue or not ( steps s 4 to s 6 ) as in the previous joint proposal of nec and modus telecom described in the introduction . however , whereas that previous proposal changed the threshold values every frame irrespective of downlink channel quality , the present embodiment only adjusts a threshold value if the downlink channel quality measure is within a predetermined range of that value . otherwise , no change is made to the threshold values ( step s 3 ). this has the effect of limiting the changes to the threshold values in use of the method . surprisingly , it is found that this simple measure provides a significant improvement in performance of the amcs method , as will now be explained with reference to fig1 to 13 . fig1 shows a throughput versus downlink channel quality characteristic for a first conventional amcs method having fixed threshold values ( solid line ), a second conventional amcs method according to the joint nec / modus telecom proposal having adjustable threshold values ( dotted line ), and an amcs method embodying the present invention ( dashed line ). fig1 assumes that the ue is moving at a low speed of 3 kph and that the channel estimation carried out by the ue is perfect . further it is assumed that the path conditions prevailing between the base station and the ue are such that there is a single dominant path . this kind of path condition arises , for example , in open countryside , as opposed to urban environments . as is evident from fig1 , an amcs method embodying the present invention provides a significant improvement in performance over both conventional methods , over a very wide range of downlink channel qualities ( e . g . from − 6 db to + 16 db ). by contrast , the second conventional method has a significant dip in performance under the single path condition for downlink channel qualities in the range from about − 10 db to + 4 db . this dip is thought to arise from a bunching of the threshold values under the single dominant path condition . fig1 shows the corresponding results for the three methods , again under single path conditions , but with the ue moving at a medium speed of 60 kph . in this case , also , it is evident that the amcs method embodying the present invention avoids the undesirable dip in the second conventional method . fig1 shows some results obtained under two - equal - gain path conditions for the three different methods , and also shows ( for comparison purposes ) the performance of the first conventional method and a method embodying the present invention for single - path conditions . in fig1 , the ue is assumed to be moving at 3 kph as in fig1 . it can be seen that under two - equal - gain path conditions , a method embodying the present invention outperforms the two conventional methods , as well . finally , fig1 shows results corresponding to fig1 but for a ue moving at a very high speed of 120 kph . under these conditions as well , a method embodying the present invention outperforms both the conventional methods , in particular the first conventional method ( fixed thresholds ) which has a significant performance dip for downlink channel qualities between + 4 and + 24 db . next , a possible modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to fig1 . this modification relates to the operations carried out in step s 7 in fig8 . in this modification , as well as making the selection of the mcs level for the next downlink frame based on the updated set of threshold values , the ue also takes account of the crc result in deciding the mcs level . fig1 shows the threshold value th 02 used for selecting between mcs 5 and mcs 6 , and the threshold value th 03 used for selecting between mcs 6 and mcs 8 . assume that the threshold values have been adjusted as necessary in step s 5 or s 6 or maintained unchanged in step s 3 and that the current mcs level is mcs 6 . of course , if the downlink channel quality measure is within a region r 1 , i . e . between th 02 and th 03 , the mcs level is maintained unchanged in step s 7 . similarly , if the downlink channel quality measure is within a region r 2 , i . e . between th 02 and a lower threshold value not shown in fig1 , the mcs level is reduced from its current level mcs 6 to a lower level mcs 5 . if , however , the downlink channel quality measure is within a region r 3 , i . e . greater than th 03 , the mcs level is not automatically increased to mcs 8 as in step s 7 as previously described . instead , the mcs level is maintained at its current level mcs 6 when the crc result is a failure , and only increased to mcs 8 when the crc result is a pass . in this way , selection of a higher mcs level , although suggested by the threshold value comparison , is prevented if the signal is not received successfully . as indicated above , the value α ( or pair of values α 1 and α 2 ) can be different for each threshold value . a typical value of α is 1 db . however , for some threshold values , it may be appropriate to make α large , or at least to make one of α 1 and α 2 large in relation to the other . for example , fig7 , discussed in the introduction , showed that when the path conditions are two equal - gain paths , and the fading model is a rayleigh fading model , mcs 6 always achieves a greater throughput than mcs 8 . in other words , the threshold value th 03 for selecting between mcs 6 and mcs 8 is redundant , which is equivalent to it having an infinite value . this suggests that th 03 can vary in a very wide range . in this case α 2 for th 03 can be chosen to be arbitrarily large or even infinite . the upward amount δup and downward amount δdown are preferably set such that δ ⁢ ⁢ down = δ ⁢ ⁢ up ⁢ ⁢ fer 1 - fer , ( 1 ) the target frame error rate may be different for each different threshold value . a fer value of around 10 to 15 % may be considered typical . the target fer could alternatively be a target fer value for the currently - selected mcs level , for example a target value for a quality measure in the middle of the band of quality measures over which that mcs level is selected . it is also possible to make one or both of the upward amount δup and the downward amount δdown dependent upon a difference between the present downlink channel quality measure and the threshold value being adjusted . for example , δ ⁢ ⁢ up = δ ⁢ ⁢ up 0 max ⁢ { a , b ⁡ (  sir - thx  ) } ( 2 ) where δup 0 is an initial value of δup , thx is the threshold value being adjusted , sir is the present downlink channel quality measure , and a and b are constants . here a & gt ; 0 ( a sensible value could be 0 . 25 to 1 ) and b ≧ 0 . this leads to a relationship between δup and a difference between sir and thx as shown in fig1 ( a ). the constant b controls the slope of the side portions in fig1 ( a ), and the constant a controls the level at which δup is capped . the relationship between δup and δdown may be the same as in equation ( 1 ) above . where βand b are constants and b ≧ 0 . the constant βrepresents a threshold adjustment bandwidth similar to α , and it is possible to set β = α . equation ( 3 ) results in a relationship between δup and the difference between sir and thx as shown in fig1 ( b ). equation ( 1 ) may be used to set δdown in this case also . equations ( 2 ) and ( 3 ) have the effect of increasing δup ( and δdown ) when the downlink channel quality measure becomes closer to one of the current threshold values . in the first embodiment described with reference to fig8 , the adjustment of the threshold values and the selection of the mcs level was made in the ue . however , it is not necessary for these operations to be carried out in the ue . it is also possible for one or both of these operations to be carried out in the base station , as will now be described in relation to a second embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig1 , in a first step s 10 the ue produces a measure of downlink channel quality and also carries out a cyclic redundancy check on the current frame of the hs - dsch . the downlink signal quality measure and the crc result are reported by the ue to the base station via the hs - dpcch . the base station then carries out steps s 11 to s 15 , which correspond respectively to the steps s 2 to s 6 in fig6 , except that the operations are in this case carried out in the base station rather than in the ue . in step s 16 the base station selects the mcs level for the next downlink frame based on the threshold values ( in the same way as the ue did in step s 7 in fig8 ). in both the first and second embodiments the mcs selection made according to the downlink channel quality measure ( step s 7 or s 16 ) may be overridden by the base station , for example depending on the amount of data waiting at the base station for transmission to the ue concerned . although in the examples described above the available mcs levels were mcs 1 , mcs 5 , mcs 6 and mcs 8 , it will be appreciated that any two or more different mcs levels may be made available in embodiments of the present invention . a table showing the characteristics of mcs levels 1 to 8 as an example is presented in fig1 . as is well known in the art , different modulation schemes involve different numbers of bits per modulated symbol . quadrature phase shift keying ( qpsk ) has 2 bits per symbol , 8 phase shift keying ( 8psk ) has 3 bits per symbol , 16 quadrature amplitude modulation ( 16 qam ) has 4 bits per symbol , and 64 quadrature amplitude modulation ( 64 qam ) has 6 bits per symbol . each scheme results in 2ˆn constellation points , where n is the number of bits per symbol . the constellation points in i - q signal space are shown for 8psk , 16 qam and 64 qam in fig1 ( a ) to ( c ) respectively . although an example of the present invention has been described above in relation to a wideband cdma network having an asynchronous packet mode , it will be appreciated that the present invention can also be applied to any other networks in which amcs can be used . these networks could be , or could be adapted from , other cdma networks such as an is95 network . these networks could also be , or be adapted from other mobile communication networks not using cdma , for example networks using one or more of the following multiple - access techniques : time - division multiple access ( tdma ), wavelength - division multiple access ( wdma ), frequency - division multiple access ( fdma ) and space - division multiple access ( sdma ). those skilled in the art will appreciate that a microprocessor or digital signal processor ( dsp ) may be used in practice to implement some or all of the functions of the base station and / or user equipment in embodiments of the present invention .	7
an electron - beam - induced deposit of hydrocarbon compounds , water , or other material on sample surfaces in the context of so - called cd - csem measurement is depicted schematically in fig1 . in this cd ( critical dimension ) measurement , which is performed with a confocal scanning electron microscope , high magnifications and therefore high electron - beam loads per unit area are necessary . approximately rectangular contamination products 10 typically occur in this context upon irradiation of specimen 12 . contamination product 10 absorbs the electron radiation and thereby considerably interferes with measurement . in addition , contamination product 10 can result in destruction of the mask , which in the present case constitutes specimen 12 being examined . it is correspondingly also necessary to prevent the formation of contamination product 10 even during irradiation of specimen 12 with the electron beam , or at least to reduce it as much as possible . it has been found , surprisingly , that the formation of contamination products 10 upon irradiation of a specimen 12 with electron beams can be reduced by directing light of a suitable wavelength onto the surface of specimen 12 simultaneously with the electron beams . the layer thickness of contamination products 10 can be determined by ellipsometer measurements , since this measurement is very sensitive in the case of thin layers . if irradiation of the measurement spot with a duv lamp ( deuterium lamp having a 190 to 400 nm wavelength range ) is accomplished simultaneously with the ellipsometer measurement , a definite drop in total thickness over time can be observed . fig2 reproduces the decrease in layer thickness for a period of ten minutes : upon irradiation of the measurement spot with a duv lamp , the layer thickness decreases by approximately 0 . 6 angstrom within the time span 14 to 18 depicted ( i . e . ten minutes ). this decrease in layer thickness can be attributed to a duv - induced removal of the contamination layer . the chemical bond between the specimen surface and contamination products 10 is weak , comprising substantially van der waals bonds . these are broken by the duv irradiation . the hydrocarbons , water , or other contamination compounds on the surface of specimen 12 are thus split off by irradiation with a suitable light source , in particular with high - energy duv radiation . they are therefore also removed from the surface of specimen 12 . as further experiments have shown , the removal rate and the total magnitude of the removed contamination layer depend on the intensity of the light used , in particular of the duv light beam . [ 0033 ] fig3 depicts a layer thickness measurement which once again depicts the influence of duv irradiation on the layer thickness of the contamination layer as a function of time . at time t = 0 , a contamination layer thickness of approx . 25 . 900 nm is present . with the passage of time the thickness of the layer decreases , as depicted qualitatively in fig3 in accordance with curve 22 ; at time t = 3 hours , indicated in fig3 by the reference character 20 , it has reached a value of approx . 25 . 548 nm . as is also evident from fig3 in the context of exposure with the duv lamp a state close to equilibrium is established from time t = 1 hour ( marked with reference character 24 ) until time 20 at which the measurement ends . this means that no further significant removal of the layer occurs in this time window between times 24 and 20 . the equilibrium layer thickness is correspondingly less when a duv lamp having a greater light intensity is used . in the measurements on which fig2 and 3 are based , an sio 2 contamination layer on a silicon substrate was measured with simultaneous duv irradiation . both figures show clearly that the light energy of a duv lamp in a wavelength region from 190 to 400 nm is sufficient to break the bond between a contamination product 10 and the surface of a specimen 12 . the removal rate , however , is very slow . in other words , in the context of a short - term measurement that is typical in particular of cd measurements , an already - contaminated surface of a specimen 12 therefore cannot be completely cleaned with short - term irradiation . if irradiation with the duv lamp is already begun before illumination of specimen 12 with the electron beam , however , the formation of further hydrocarbon deposits on specimen 12 can be prevented or at least reduced within certain limits . [ 0035 ] fig4 shows an apparatus that can be used in many microscopes to reduce the electron - beam - induced deposition of contamination products 10 . the basis taken for this in fig4 is , as an example , a csem . firstly , a vibration - isolating layer 26 is typically provided . on this is mounted a positioning device 28 on which a specimen 30 , for example a wafer , can be positioned . using an electron - beam source 42 , an electron beam 44 is guided through a focusing unit 50 onto the surface of specimen 30 . the x - y scanning necessary for csem examinations is generated by an x - y deflection device 54 . the signals obtained upon scanning of specimen 30 are acquired by detectors 52 and conveyed to a signal acquisition unit 46 . signal acquisition unit 46 is connected to a data processing and data display device 48 , so that the acquired data can be processed and displayed . since electron - beam examination system 11 must be housed in a vacuum , it has proven favorable to house the additional illumination source , i . e . for example deuterium lamp 34 , outside the vacuum in a lamp housing . light beam 32 proceeding from deuterium lamp 34 is conveyed to a vacuum passthrough 36 . advantageously , the light beam from deuterium lamp 34 is fed directly into a light guide 38 . light guide 38 is then guided through vacuum passthrough 36 and positioned in the vicinity of the surface of specimen 30 being examined , in such a way that the light radiation can emerge at its end onto the specimen surface being examined . a focusing device 40 can additionally be provided at the end of the light guide so that the light beam can be focused exactly onto the surface of specimen 30 . although light beam 32 of the deuterium lamp can be guided by means of a light guide 38 onto the sample , it is of course also possible to use a window that is transparent to the light being used . the light beam can thereby enter the interior of electron - beam examination device 11 . if only portions of light 32 emitted by lamp 34 , for example a specific spectral region , are to be used , suitable light filters can be utilized . light source 34 can also be arranged in the interior of electron - beam examination device 11 for the examination of specimen 30 . a prerequisite for this , however , is it be appropriate in terms of the installation space in the interior of electron - beam examination device 11 , and the type of light source 34 . sensors 52 for the detection of signals that result from irradiation of specimen 30 with electron beam 44 are preferably arranged in such a way that they are not influenced by light beam 32 .	7
in accordance with the present invention , small particles of magnetic metal or metal oxide are attached to an organosilane coupling agent , which in turn is attachable to an oligomer subunit so that oligomer subunits can be attached to the support system and used for oligomer synthesis . for example , magnetite [ fe 3 o 4 ] particles can be prepared by pyrolysis of ferrous formate particles in a stream of dry argon at 350 ° c . the particles of ferrous formate may be prepared by drying an aerosol of a ferrous formate solution in a stream of heated air at 180 °- 220 ° c . the average size of the magnetite particles can be controlled by varying the concentration of the ferrous formate solution , by varying the size of the aerosol droplets , or by milling , as will be appreciated by those skilled in that art . these magnetic particles may preferably then be coated with silica , e . g . by reaction with solutions of sodium silicate in water or in mixtures of ethanol and water . the compositions of the present invention are made by derivatizing the support particle by silylation . silylation is the replacement of an active hydrogen of a protic material with a substitute silicon atom . preferably , the derivatized support particle is then brought in contact with reagents containing oligomer subunits under reaction conditions which will vary depending upon the type of oligomer being constructed and the functional group of the coupling agent . the preferred coupling agents for use in the present invention are organosilanes of the general formula : where si is the silicon of the organosilane coupling or linking agent , x is a leaving group i . e ., an organic moiety which can be displaced by the bonds formed between silicon and the reactive groups on the support surface . x may be alkoxy , preferably lower alkoxy , alkenyloxy , alkaryloxy , aryloxy , alkynyloxy , halo or amino , preferably a secondary amino e . g ., dialkylamino . r is a linking group -- a bond or an organic moiety which can link the silicon , or another linking group attached directly or indirectly to the silicon , to a functional group which can serve as the point of attachment of the oligomer subunit which is to be bound to the substrate , e . g ., the initial subunit of the oligomer which is to be synthesized . because it is a linker , r must be at least bifunctional , but r may also be tri - or tetrafunctional . thus , any given r group may be bound to up to three functional groups or further linking groups , in addition to the moiety through which it is directly or indirectly attached to the silicon . typically , r will be alkylene , e . g ., methylene or polymethylene , and where it is desired to space the functional group ( s ) which will ultimately take part in the synthesis reaction in a position which is removed from the metallic support , r may be long chain alkylene , e . g ., preferably a long chain polymethylene . however , r may generally by any multifunctional derivative of alkyl , alkylene , alkenyl , alkynyl , aryl , alkaryl or aralkyl groups , and can include ester , amino , amido , ether , thioether or other linking functional groups where the group consists preferably or more than five atoms in length and more preferably fifteen atoms or more . y is simply a functional group which can react with and bind the reactant to its desired support , e . g ., an oligomer subunit , to bind that reactant , through the linking groups and silicon bonds , to the synthesis support particle . the nature of the functional group depends on the nature of the reactant , ( e . g . initial oligomer subunit ) to which it is to bind . preferably , y is an amino , hydroxyl , carboxyl or other functional group which will covalently attach to a linker group and which will covalently combine with the reactant it is desired to support ( e . g . an oligomer subunit ). &# 34 ; n &# 34 ; is an integer having a value of 1 - 3 , reflecting the fact that the silicon can be attached to up to three leaving groups , in addition to the linker chain for the initial oligomer subunit . at least one of those leaving groups must be replaced with a bond between the silicon and the particle surface , and up to three may be so replaced . &# 34 ; m &# 34 ; is an integer having a value of at least 1 , which simply reflects the fact that there must be at least one linker to bind the initial oligomer subunit to the silicon portion of the coupling agent . typically , one linker , r , e . g ., a polymethylene unit of one to twenty carbons , will be used to support one functional group y . however , more than one functional group can be attached to the organic portion of the coupling agent , either within the linker chain ( e . g . si -- r -- y -- r --) or branched from it , ## str1 ## preferably , m is 1 - 3 ; most preferably m is 1 , having a value of at least 1 . this means that there must be at least one group attached to the silicon portion of the coupling agent with which the initial oligomer subunit will bind . preferably , p has a value of 1 - 3 , most preferably 1 . if there is more one , x , y or r group , each such group can be different from the others . many organosilane compounds of formula ( 1 ) are commercially available , see e . g . petrarch systems , inc ., silicon compounds , supra . in the particularly preferred coupling agents , x is lower alkoxy or chloro , r is an alkylene group containing at least one amido functionality , preferably having a straight chain of at least five and preferably fifteen or more atoms , and y is an amino , hydroxyl or carboxyl group . such coupling agents include : linkages between the coupling agent and the surface of the magnetic particle can be stabilized by covalently crosslinking some of the functional groups ( y ) of the coupling agent having the general formula ( 1 ) to functional groups ( y ) of other molecules of the same coupling agent or of other coupling agents having the general formula ( 1 ). some covalent crosslinks can be chemically synthesized after the coupling agents are affixed to the surface of the magnetic particle either by direct linking between y groups or by using bifunctional or polyfunctional crosslinking agents corresponding to the general formula : ## str2 ## wherein b and b &# 39 ; are chemical bonds or functional groups which react to form covalent bonds with the functional group y of the coupling agent and a linking group designated as a in equation 1a . linking group a is a chemical bond or functional group which bridges between the y groups through the moieties b and b &# 39 ;. a may serve as the support for chemical synthesis , e . g . of amino acids or dna or other oligomers by attachment of one of the elements of the oligomer ( e . g . an amino acid for polypeptide synthesis or a nucleotide for dna or dna synthesis ) to the a linking agent , either directly or through a reactive group designated as c in equation ( 1a ). the letters q , r and s in equation 1 ( a ) represent integers , with q and r each preferably being at least 1 , and more preferably q and r amount to 3 and 7 . where a contains a group which can form a direct attachment to the oligomer subunit of interest , s can be 0 . otherwise , the attachment can be formed via a reactive group ( s ) where s is 1 , or greater . preferably from s is 0 to 2 , and q and r is from 2 to 5 . linking group a can be a chemical bond or any multifunctional derivative of alkyl , alklene , alkenyl , alkynyl and alkaryl , or aralkyl groups , and can have functionalities which include one or more of amino , amido , ether , thioether and others known in the art . preferably a is a lower alkyl group , or a lower alkyl group containing an aryl , amino , amido , ether , ester , etc ., functionality with lower alkyl meaning from one to about 4 carbon atoms . b and b &# 39 ; may be lower alkyl , amino , carboxyl , hydroxyl , haloalkyl or other functional groups which react with the groups y in formula ( 1 ). b and b 1 may be the same or may be different . c may be a carboxyl , ester , amino , hydroxyl or other functional group which can form a bond or attachment with the oligomer subunit or other functional group which can form a bond or attachment with the oligomer subunit or other compound or chain to be supported by the magnetic particles and synthesized or otherwise reacted . examples of crosslinking agents of formula ( 1a ) includes the following : ## str3 ## this is a trifunctional crosslinking agent in which the following elements can be considered in connection with formula ( 1a ): ## str4 ## in that compound , the oligomer subunit would be bound to the unused carboxylic acid by de - esterification . ## str5 ## this is a trifunctional crosslinking agent in which a =-- n ( ch 2 ) 2 nh in this compound , the oligomer subunit could be bound to the c moiety at the carboxylate group by replacement of the ethyl ester group . ## str6 ## this is a tetrafunctional crosslinking agent , in which : a =-- nh ( ch 2 ) 2 -- nh ( ch 2 ) 2 -- n --( ch 2 ) 2 nh -- in this embodiment , the oligomer subunit to be worked on would be bound to the secondary amine of the linking group a e . g . by reacting a carboxylic acid derivative of the oligmer subunit with the amine in the presence of a condensing agent , such as dicyclohexyl carbodiimide ( dcc ). the crosslinking agents of the present invention can be prepared from available starting materials and methods well known in the art . for example , the first exemplary cross linker may be prepared by condensed benzene 1 , 3 , 5 - tricarboxylic acid with the ethyl ester of 4 - amino butyric acid in the presence of dcc , followed by limited hydrolysis . the second compound may be prepared by reacting ethyl [ 2 - aminoethylene - 2 - aminoethylene - 3 - amino - butyrate ] with succinic anhydride . the third crosslinker can be prepared by reacting tetraethylene pentaamine with four molar equivalents of succinic anhydride . alternatively , coupling agents may be covalently linked before they are attached to the surface of the magnetic particle using crosslinking agents having the general formula ( 1a ). also , several organosilane compounds are commercially available that contain two reactive silicon coupling agents of the general formula ( 1 ) connected by crosslinking group , see e . g . petrarch systems , inc ., silicon compounds , supra . the most preferable coupling agents are ones obtained by reacting aminopropyltriethoxysilane and bis [ 3 -( trimethoxysilyl )- propyl ] ethylenediamine . using various silyl groups , particles may be produced having amino , carboxyl , hydroxyl or other functional groups covalently attached to the surface of the particle . procedures for the derivatization of metal oxides generally may be employed . for example , reaction of magnetite particles suspended in dry toluene with coupling agents in accordance with formula ( 1 ) in which at least one y is amino , such as aminopropyltriethoxysilane , yields particles covalently linked to an amino functionality . see o . r . zaborsky , meth . enzymol ., 44 : 317 ( 1976 ), which is incorporated herein by reference . it is preferred to avoid the use of solvents during silylation which may react with the organic end of the linking agents , such as amines or alkylthiols . the amino functionality can then be directly covalently attached to reagents or substrates to participate in a chemical transformation , or longer spacer arms can be attached which , in turn , are covalently attached to the desired reagent or substrate . for example , the amino functionality can be succinylated with succinic anhydride and reacted with an appropriately protected nucleoside in the usual manner for synthesis of dna oligomers . see j . am . chem . soc ., 103 , supra . other reactions may require some rigorous conditions as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art . as noted above , it is preferred that the magnetic particles be coated with silicon , e . g . from an aqueous sodium silicate solution , prior to derivatization with the silyl group of choice . this results in a higher binding of the silyl groups being covalently attached to the particle surface . without wishing to be bound by theory , it is believed that this occurs because this coating presents more of an opportunity for coupling agents to be bound and / or because the silicon oxide coating forms a strong intermediate bond to the ion in the particle , possibly by chemical reaction to form ion silicates , and / or the incomplete particles may be to some extent physically entrapped in a silicone oxide gel , to which the coupling of agents can be bound . the silicon coating is preferably formed in aqueous medium , e . g . by exposure of the particles to an aqueous silicate solution followed by dehydration e . g . using non - aqueous solvents and / or heating , preferably in an inert atmosphere . after the coupling agent has been attached to the magnetic particles , the remaining reactive groups on the particle surface are preferably blocked with blocking agents to prevent competition or interfering reactions . known blocking agents can be used which are reactive with nucleophilic groups on the particle surface . preferred are blocking agents having the formula : where x is a leaving group , e . g ., an alkoxy , halogen , amine , etc ., preferably chloro ; r is a group which is not a leaving group and which lacks any functionality which would compete or interfere with the reactions needed to adjust the coupling agent , attach the initial oligomer subunit thereto , or carry on the oligomer synthesis , such as alkyl , aryl , etc ., and n is an integer having a value of 1 or 2 . the r &# 39 ; s can be the same or can be different . in the preferred case , x is chlorine , n is 1 and r is alkyl , preferably methyl . during the blocking of unreacted sites on the particle surface , any y &# 39 ; s should be either ( a ) unreactive with the blocking reagent and / or ( b ) protected so as to be made unreactive with the blocking agent . in the preferred case , the unprotected functional group is carboxyl , which does not react significantly with trimethylsilylchloride . when remaining reactive groups on the surface are blocked , e . g ., trimethylsilylated , the particles are remarkably resistant to oxidation , reduction and acidic dissolution . thus , the particles withstand 6n hcl , 0 . 2 m iodine in water - tetrahydrofuran mixtures , and 1 m nitric acid for an extended period of time . the surface derivatization withstands all of the conditions required for chemical synthesis of dna , rna and peptides , including organic solvents ( acetone , benzene , dimethylsulfoxide , nitromethane , tetrahydrofuran , ether , hexane , acetonitrile , methylene chloride , chloroform , etc . ), acids ( zinc bromide , trichloroacetic acid , etc . ), bases ( pyridine , lutidine , 2 n naoh , etc . ), oxidants ( iodine , nitric acid , etc .) and reductants ( phosphites , sodium borohydride , etc .). the particles do appear to react with thiophenoxide . thiophenoxide is a reagent often used to remove methyl groups from methylphosphate esters which are intermediates of in vitro nucleic acid synthesis . see example 1 . nucleic acid synthesized on magnetic oxide supports is most preferably removed with ammonium hydroxide from the support prior to demethylation with thiophenoxide . thus the support particle / linking agent oligomer subunit system of the present invention generally has the structure indicated in formula 2a or 2b below : wherein m is the support particle with the remaining nucleophilic sites blocked ; o is the oxygen of the metal oxide or hydroxide , which is bound to the silicon ; si is the silicon of the organosilane linking or coupling agent ; x may be as above - defined or may be replaced by additional covalent bonding to the surface of the support particle ; n is an integer having a value of 0 , 1 or 2 . r is as above defined ; y is as above defined ; m is as above defined ; p is as aboved defined . alternatively , if crosslinking agents are used , some of the functional groups y of the support particle / linking agent oligomer subunit system of formula ( 3 ) are crosslinked to other y groups on the magnetic particle , in accordance with formula ( 2b ): ## str7 ## wherein m is the support particle , o is the oxygen of the metal oxide or hydroxide , si is silicon , x is a leaving group , r is a linking group , y is a functional group which can react with and bind the oligomer subunit or a group linked thereto , or cross linking agents b and b &# 39 ; which are chemical bonds or functional groups which react to form covalent bonds with the functional group y , a is a linking group wich bridges the y groups and is bound to the oligomer subunit to be worked on , either directly or through reactive group c , n is an integer having a value of 1 to 3 , m is an integer having a value of at least 1 , p is an integer having a value of 1 - 3 , q and r are integers having the value of at least 1 , q + r preferably being from 3 - 7 , and s is 0 to 5 . m in either formula is any magnetic particle , having reactive groups on its surface , which can form bonds with silicon . preferably , the magnetic particles are less than 1 millimeter in average diameter , since the smaller the particle , the greater the surface area , and the more available the reactive groups attached to the surface will be . more preferably , the particles are of a size which permits them to be contained in the reaction mixture in a colloidal suspension , e . g ., below about 100 , 00 angstroms . most preferably , the particles are much smaller , e . g ., between about 10 and 10 , 000 angstroms , and are single magnetic domain particles , which do not exhibit residual magnetism when extracted from a magnetic field . such single domain particles are &# 34 ; superparamagnetic ,&# 34 ; as dicussed above . such particles exhibit greater magnetic force in a given magnetic field per unit volume or per unit mass , than multidomain particles . the preferred material for component m is magnetite , although it can be other magnetic metals or metal oxides , whether in pure , alloy or composite form , so long as they have the required paramagnetism and reactive surfaces . other materials that can be used in place of or in combination with iron include but are not limited to silicon , cobalt , nickel and other elements of group viii of the periodic table of the elements . such particles can be made by the methods disclosed in this application or by the methods discussed by vandenberghe et al ., or matijevic , discussed supra , or may be purchased commercially from various sources , including ferrofluidics inc ., of nashua , n . h ., or the bioclinical group of cambridge , mass . in one embodiment , in accordance with formula ( 2a ), m is magnetite , x n is ( c 2 h 5 o --) n , n is 1 to 2 , r is n - trimethylene - carboxamido - dimethylene ( ch 2 -- ch 2 -- ch 2 -- nhco -- ch 2 ch 2 ), y is a carboxyl group , m w and p are 1 , and z is a deoxyribonucleic acid oligomer subunit attached to y . this represents the product of silylation of magnetite with addition of a second linker arm and an initial oligomer subunit . the reactions which produce such an embodiment may be written as follows , with m representing the surface of the support particle : wherein n is an integer of the value 3 , 2 or 1 . in this reaction , at least one of the leaving groups ( x ) is replaced by the silicon oxygen bond . intermediate reactions may also take place , e . g . where the linking group ( r ) is expanded by adding another linking unit , or where one functional group ( y ) is substituted for another . another preferred embodiment is identical with the preceding one , except that m is magnetite coated with silica prior to derivatization with the particle surface . ## str8 ## wherein o and m are as above defined ; preferably m is magnetite , c is co ( ch 2 ) 2 co , and z is a 2 &# 39 ; deoxyribonucleotide oligomer subunit . the method of use of appropriately derivatized particles in the present invention is direct . dna can be synthesized in aqueous media using magnetic particles as supports . preferably , the specific functionality covalently bound to the surface of the particle may be linked to the appropriate polymer and remain in solution pending completion of the reaction series and separation of the product . a standard repetition of a sequence of reactions , as described by s . l . beaucage and m . a . caruthers in tetrahedron letters , 22 : 1859 - 1862 ( 1981 ) which is incorporated herein by reference , produces oligomers of dna attached to magnetic particles . this sequence will take approximately ten minutes per cycle and produces coupling in yields similar to the quantitative amounts mentioned above , as compared to synthesis on silica gel supports where cycle times need to be greater than one hour to obtain optimum results . the invention will be further understood with reference to the following examples which are purely exemplary in nature and are not meant to be utilized to limit the scope of the invention . a solution of barium formate was prepared by dissolving barium oxide powder in formic acid , the ph being adjusted to between 4 and 7 as a result . the concentration of the solution of barium formate was determined by precipitation of barium as its sulfate . this solution was then mixed with an equimolar amount of a freshly prepared solution of ferrous sulfate ( 0 . 05 m ). the precipitate , barium sulfate , was removed by centrifugation . the supernatant contained a solution of ferrous formate having a concentration of approximately 0 . 04 m . this solution was diluted 10 : 1 with deionized , deaerated water , and then immediately passed through a niro particle generator blow drier . inthe blow drier , the solution was atomized to form a fine aerosol , which was then dried in a stream of air between 190 ° and 210 ° c ., to produce a powder of finely divided ferrous formate , presumably accompanied by small amounts of ferric formate and hydroxide . the particles were then heated for three hours at 310 ° c . under an inert atmosphere ( argon ). the heating converted the particles of ferrous formate to particles of ferrous oxide , carbon monoxide , and water in accordance with the equation : evolution of carbon monoxide and water was detected during the course of the heating . ferrous oxide is oxidized in ambient air . these particles , upon cooling , were exposed slowly to atmospheric oxygen , during which exposure they were converted to magnetite ( fe 3 o 4 ) according to the following equation : the particles were analyzed by oxidation to ferric oxide ( fe 2 o 3 ), and their size was determined by electron microscopy . the particles used in this example had a median diameter of less than 500 angstroms , and were single domain , superparamagnetic particles . however , if the particles were not of the desired size , the process could be repeated with more concentrated solutions of ferrous formate for larger particles or more dilute solutions of ferrous formate for smaller particles . the particles can also be made smaller by milling them in a high speed blender . after the appropriate analytical procedures , the particles were derivatized . finely divided magnetite ( 1 gram ) was suspended in water ( 15 ml ) with sonication . aminopropyltriethoxysilane ( 1 gram ) was then added to the aqueous mixture , and the ph was adjusted to 4 with 1 n hcl . the mixture was then stirred for one hour , after which the particles were recovered by application of a magnetic field . the particles were then washed and dried . a spacer arm was than attached to the amino functionality attached to the particles . this was done by adding small portions of succinic anhydride to a stirred aqueous suspension of the particles . several additions were made , and the ph was maintained at 7 - 8 throughout the addition by adding drops of 1 n naoh . the product of the addition , magnetic particles to which were covalently appended the chain : ## str9 ## was collected by application of a magnetic field , washed with water and ethanol , and dried . the value of n will vary for particular magnetite / organosilane bonds , since the organosilane can react to form 1 , 2 or 3 bonds with the reactive groups of the metal particles . the dried particles were then suspended in anhydrous toluene and treated with trimethylsilychloride . this treatment trimethylsilylated any unreacted nucleophilic sites , rendering them unreactive under conditions of subsequent synthesis as stated below . the particles were recovered with a magnetic field , washed with acetone and water , and used as supports for synthesis . 5 &# 39 ;- o - dimethoxytritylthymidine was attached by its 3 &# 39 ;- hydroxyl group to the carboxyl group affixed to the magnetic particle , using dicyclohexylcarbodiimide as a condensing reagent , in a procedure similar to that used by caruthers and coworkers , tet . let ., 22 , supra . successive elongation of the dna chain was made by successive repetition of a sequence of three organic reactions . each of the reacting reagents was added in an appropriate solvent , and the particles dispersed in the solvent to initiate the reaction . the reactions were as follows : 1 . removal of the 5 &# 39 ;- dimethoxytrityl blocking group , leaving a free 5 &# 39 ;- hydroxyl group , with a solution of zinc bromide in nitromethane , carried out at room temperature , with occasional shaking . as the product of this reaction is brightly colored , the extent of the reaction could be determined spectrophotometrically . 2 . condensation of 5 &# 39 ;- dimethoxytritylthymidine - 3 &# 39 ;- o - dimethylaminomethoxyphosphine with the free 5 &# 39 ;- hydroxyl group of the thymidine , from step 1 above , attached to the magnetic particle through the y carboxyl group , done in the presence of tetrazole as acid in acetonitrile as solvent . the reaction conditions were again room temperature , with stirring . 3 . oxidation of the resulting trivalent phosphorus compound formed above was accomplished by using a solution of 0 . 2 m iodine in a 1 : 2 : 1 water - tetrahydrofuran - lutidine mixture , at room temperature , with stirring . these three steps are well known in the art as steps leading to the preparation of dna oligomers . in this example , d ( t10 ) was prepared , removed from the magnetic support with ammonium hydroxide , demethylated with thiophenoxide , and analyzed by sequence using the method of maxam and gilbert , proc . nat . acad . sci . usa 74 : 560 ( 1977 ), which is incorporated herein by reference . in a second example , particles available commercially as biosorb c were obtained from the bioclinical group inc . of cambridge , mass . the dimensions of these particles , were greater than 1000 but less than 100 , 000 angstroms . these particles were of unknown composition , advertised only as having carboxyl groups covalently attached to magnetite . the length and chemical nature of the spacer was unknown . the particles were not single domain , and were not superparamagnetic . between each step , the particles were removed from suspension with a magnet , and then resuspended by demagnetization in the discharging field of a demagnetizer . 5 &# 39 ; o - dimethoxytritylthymidine was covalently coupled to the carboxyl group appended to the magnetic particles as described in steps 1 , 2 and 3 in example 1 , and an oligomer ten thymidines long was synthesized . the magnetic particles were first reacted with trimethylsilyl chloride in anhydrous toluene , as described in example 1 , so as to block any remaining nucleophilic sites on the surface of the particle . the oligomer was prepared in 70 % yield based on the number of sites on the particle originally covalently bound to the monomer , the yield being judged by the extend of color released in the removal of the blocking 5 &# 39 ;- o - dimethoxytrityl group in each cycle , as measured at 400 nm in a spectrophotometer . finely divided magnetite ( 2 . 27 gm . ), prepared by the method described in example 1 , was suspended in deionized water ( 30 mls ), and a solution of sodium silicate ( 6 ml , fischer , 40 %) was added . the mixture was then sonicated ( branson sonic oscillator , microtip at power setting 3 ). to the resulting emulsion was added ethanol ( 95 %, 7 . 3 ml ), and the mixture was shaken for 15 min . deionized water was then added to the mixture of magnetic particles coated with silicate , and the particles were removed from suspension with a magnet , and repeatedly washed with hot water ( 30 ml ) to remove excess sodium silicate until the washings showed no formation of precipitate with addition of cupric sulfate solution . the particulates were then washed with cold water ( 3 × 30 ml ) and then twice with 1 : 1 mixture of ethanol and water , and then with ethanol , then toluene , and finally resuspended in 30 ml of anhydrous toluene . excess water and ethanol was removed by azeotropic distillation with toluene . magnetic particles of prepared were than derivatized as described in example 1 . finely divided magnetite ( 2 . 0 gm . ), prepared by the method described in example 1 , was suspended in dry toluene ( 25 ml ) with sonication . to the suspenion was added bis [ 3 -( trimethoxysilyl )- propyl ]- ethylenediamine ( 2 . 0 ml of a 40 % solution in methanol ), and the mixture was heated at reflux for 3 hours . the particles were than removed from liquid by application of a magnetic field , washed with acetone and methanol , dried , and then further derivatized as described in example 1 . additional advantages and modifications of the invention disclosed herein will occur to those persons skilled in the art . accordingly , the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details or illustrated example described . therefore , all departures made from the detail are deemed to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims .	1
as illustrated in the drawings , the invention comprises conduits or envelopes 10 supported on the surface of a pond 11 by the buoyant forces exerted by the fluid . polyethylene tubing has been found to be eminently suitable as a material for conduits or envelopes 10 . other materials which permit support by the buoyant forces of the fluid are suitable as well . the conduits 10 are attached to and in fluid communication with a supply pipe 12 through which air and neutralizing vapor or odorant is passed by means such as a blower 14 . the neutralizing vapor is drawn into the blower inlet and mixed with inlet air , and the air - vapor mixture is fed through conduits 10 . conduits 10 are attached to supply pipe 12 at one end by ordinary means such as connecting flanges or the like and preferably anchored at their other end 16 by anchoring means 17 . typically , anchoring means 17 can be a wire extending from the area adjacent the pond to the end of conduit 10 . the anchoring means 17 does not serve to support conduits 10 to any great extent but instead prevents the conduits 10 from moving out of their planned distribution pattern . those distribution patterns are shown particularly in fig1 which is a parallel pattern , fig2 and 3 which are radial patterns and fig4 which is a pattern for an irregular area . other patterns may be used as well depending on the particular requirements of various situations and will be apparent to those skilled in the art . in fig5 is illustrated a preferred arrangement of the orifice holes 18 in conduit 10 . the holes 18 are placed below the median plane of conduit 10 and above the fluid surface and serve to direct the neutralizing vapor downwardly onto the surface of the pond . in particular instances , it may be desirable to employ a nozzle ( not shown ) within orifice holes 18 to control the flow of neutralizing vapor therethrough . fig6 illustrates the embodiment wherein a plurality of feeder or supply pipes 12 are utilized . the remainder of the apparatus remains as hereinbefore described . required air flow rates , concentration of neutralizing vapor feed rates and particular design of the distribution system can be varied to the particular treatment situation at hand . the following example is given for illustration purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention . on a retention pond 400 feet by 600 feet a supply of air is provided every 120 feet by 5 , 1 horsepower , 30 inch , 10 , 000 cfm fan blowers which are each connected to two 30 inch conduits to provide a parallel arrangement of conduit 120 feet apart . an odor control unit it supply neutralizing vapor is connected to the air supply serving two of the conduits at one time . as air is drawn into the fan - blowers , the neutralizing vapor is drawn from the odor control unit and passes into the air stream . one hundred and thirty - three pairs of holes on three foot centers and of a diameter of about 2 . 4 inches are provided in each conduit . the gauge pressure at each housing is &# 34 ; 2 - 3 &# 34 ; of water and the differential head across the orifices is 0 . 2 inches of water and a mean velocity in the conduits of 18 feet / sec . is provided .	8
referring to fig2 a - 2 o ′, which illustrate the cross - section of one embodiment of the flip chip substrate structure of the present invention . first , as shown in fig2 a , a carrier 201 is provided , which is a metal plate , preferably a copper plate . then , as shown in fig2 b , a first resist layer 202 is formed on the carrier 201 , wherein the material of the resist layer 202 can be a dry - film , and plural first openings 203 are formed in the resist layer 202 by exposure and development , as shown in fig2 c . as shown in fig2 d , a first metal layer 204 , an etching - stop layer 205 and a second metal layer 206 are formed sequentially by electroplating or electroless plating , wherein the materials of the first metal layer 204 and the second metal layer 206 are copper , and the material of the etching - stop layer 205 is at least one selected from the group consisting of iron , nickel , chromium , titanium , aluminum , silver , tin , lead and the alloys thereof . then referring to fig2 f , a first solder mask 207 is formed on the surface of the second metal layer 206 and the carrier 201 , wherein plural second openings 208 are formed by exposure and development in the first solder mask 207 , the plural second openings correspond to the second metal layer 206 . referring to fig2 g , a dielectric layer 209 is laminated on the surfaces of the first solder mask 207 and the second metal layer 206 , wherein the dielectric layer 209 is at least one selected from the group consisting of : photo - sensitive and non - photo - sensitive organic resins such as abf ( ajinomoto circuit build up film ), bcb ( benzocyclo - buthene ), lcp ( liquid crystal polymer ), pi ( poly - imide ), ppe ( poly ( phenylene ether )), ptfe ( poly ( tetra - fluoroethylene )), fr4 , fr5 , bt ( bismaleimide triazine ), and aramide , or mixtures of epoxy resins and glass fibers . plural fourth openings 210 are formed by means of laser drilling or exposure and development in the dielectric layer 209 , wherein at least one of the fourth openings 210 corresponds to the positions of the second metal layer 206 . note that de - smear processes must be performed to remove the smears generated in the fourth openings when laser drilling is employed . as shown in fig2 h , a seed layer 211 is formed on the surface of the dielectric layer 209 and the fourth openings 210 , which serves as a current conducting route during electroplating and comprises one selected from the group consisting of copper , tin , nickel , chromium , titanium , copper - chromium alloy , and tin - lead alloy , formed by a approach selected from the group consisting of sputtering , vapor deposition and electroless plating ( or called chemical deposition ). besides , the seed layer 211 can comprise conductive polymers , which are one selected from the group consisting of polyacetylene , polyaniline , and organic sulfur polymers , and the seed layer 211 is formed by means of spin coating , ink - jet printing , screen printing , or imprinting . as shown in fig2 i , a patterned resist layer 212 is formed on the seed layer 211 , which is used to form plural resist layer openings 213 by exposure and development , wherein at least one resist layer opening 213 corresponds to the positions of the second metal layer 206 . referring to fig2 j , the plural resist openings 213 are electroplated with an electroplating metal layer 214 , the electroplating metal layer 214 is most preferably copper . as shown in fig2 k , then the resist layer 212 and the seed layer 211 covered therebeneath are removed , and a circuit build up structure 215 a is obtained . referring to fig2 l , a multiple - layer circuit build up structure 215 is obtained through the aforementioned procedures , and a second solder mask 216 is coated on the surface of the multiple - layer circuit build up structure 215 , and plural third openings 217 are formed by exposure and development in the second solder mask 216 to expose the portions of circuits of the circuit build up structure 215 to be the electrically conductive pads 218 . then , as shown in fig2 m , the carrier 201 , the first metal layer 204 , and the etching - stop layer 205 are removed by etching to expose the second metal layer 206 that will serve as electrically conductive pads 218 ′ on the other side . further referring to fig2 n , solder bumps 219 are formed directly on the electrically conductive pads 218 and 218 ′, and the method to form the solder bumps 219 can be electroplating or printing . alternatively , as shown in fig2 n ′, if needed , metal posts 220 can be formed first by electroplating in the second openings 217 of the second solder mask 216 , metal posts 220 ′ can be formed by electroplating under the second metal layer 206 , and the material of the metal posts 220 and 220 ′ is copper ; then , solder bumps 219 ′ are formed respectively on the metal posts 220 and 220 ′, the method to form the solder bumps 219 ′ can be electroplating or printing , and the material of the solder bumps 219 and 219 ′ is one selected from the group consisting of copper , tin , lead , silver , nickel , gold , platinum , and the alloys thereof . finally , as shown in fig2 o and 2 o ′, a holding element 221 is mounted upon the contour of the second solder mask 216 , which is used to prevent the substrate from warping . please refer to fig3 a to 3 o ′ to see the cross - section of another embodiment of the flip chip substrate structure of the present invention . first , as shown in fig3 a , a carrier 301 is provided , which is a metal plate , preferably copper . then , as shown in fig3 b , a resist layer 302 is formed on the carrier 301 , the material of the resist layer 302 is dry - film , and plural first openings 303 are formed by exposure and development in resist layer 302 , as shown in fig3 c . as shown in fig3 d , a first metal layer 304 , an etching - stop layer 305 and a second metal layer 306 are formed sequentially by electroplating or electroless plating in the first openings 303 , wherein the material of the first metal layer 304 and the second metal layer 306 is copper , the material of the etching - stop layer is a metal that does not oxidize easily , most preferably gold , and the method of formation can be electroless plating . then the resist layer 302 is removed , as shown in fig3 e . further referring to fig3 f , a first solder mask 307 is formed on the carrier 301 and the surface of the second metal layer 306 , and plural second openings 308 are formed in the first solder mask 307 by exposure and development , the second openings 308 correspond to the second metal layer 306 . subsequently , referring to fig3 q a dielectric layer 309 is laminated on surface of the first solder mask 307 and the metal layer 306 , the material of the dielectric layer is identical to that of example 1 and therefore is not set forth herein . plural fourth openings 310 are formed by means of laser drilling or exposure and development in the dielectric layer 309 , wherein at least one of the fourth openings 310 corresponds to the positions of the second metal layer 306 . note that de - smear processes must be performed to remove the smears generated in the fourth openings 310 when laser drilling is employed . as shown in fig3 h , a seed layer 311 is formed on the surface of the dielectric layer 309 and the fourth openings 310 , which serves as a current conducting route during electroplating and comprises one metal selected from the group consisting of copper , tin , nickel , chromium , titanium , copper - chromium alloys , and tin - lead alloys , formed by a approach selected from the group consisting of sputtering , vapor deposition , and electroless plating ( or called chemical deposition ). besides , the seed layer 311 can comprise conductive polymers , which are one selected from the group consisting of polyacetylene , polyaniline , and organic sulfur polymers , and the seed layer 311 is formed by means of spin coating , ink - jet printing , screen printing , or imprinting . subsequently , as shown in fig3 i , a patterned resist layer 312 is formed on the seed layer 311 , which is used to form plural resist layer openings 313 by exposure and development , wherein at least one resist layer opening 313 corresponds to the positions of the second metal layer 306 . referring to fig3 j , the plural resist openings 313 are electroplated with an electroplating metal layer 314 , the electroplating metal layer 314 can be copper . then as shown in fig3 k , the resist layer 312 and the seed layer 311 covered therebeneath are removed , such that a circuit build up structure 315 a is obtained . referring to fig3 l , a multi - layered circuit build up structure 315 is obtained , and a second solder mask 316 is coated on the surface of the multi - layered circuit build up structure 315 , and plural third openings 317 are formed in the second solder mask 316 by exposure and development to expose the portions of the circuit build up structure 315 circuits that will serve as electrically conductive pads 318 . then , as shown in fig3 m , the carrier 301 and the first metal layer 304 are removed by etching to expose the etching - stop layer 305 that will serve as electrically conductive pads 318 ′ on the other side . further referring to fig3 n , solder bumps 319 are formed directly on the electrically conductive pads 318 and 318 ′, and the method to form the solder bumps 319 can be electroplating or printing . alternatively , as shown in fig3 n ′, if needed , metal posts 320 can be formed first by electroplating in the third openings 317 of the second solder mask 316 , metal posts 320 ′ are formed on the surface of the etching - stop layer 305 , and the material of the metal posts 320 and 320 ′ is copper ; then , solder bumps 319 ′ are formed respectively on the metal posts 320 and 320 ′, the method to form the solder bumps 319 ′ can be electroplating or printing , and the material of the solder bumps 319 , 319 ′ is one selected from the group consisting of copper , tin , lead , silver , nickel , gold , platinum , and the alloys thereof . finally , as shown in fig3 o and 3 o ′, a holding element 321 is mounted upon the contour of the second solder mask 316 , which is used to prevent the substrate from warping . please refer to fig4 a to 4 p ′ to see the cross - section of still another embodiment of the flip chip substrate structure of the present invention . first , as shown in fig4 a , a carrier 401 is provided , which is a metal plate , preferably copper . then , as shown in fig4 b , a resist layer 402 is formed on the carrier 401 , the material of the resist layer 402 is dry - film , and plural first openings 403 are formed by exposure and development in resist layer 402 , as shown in fig4 c . as shown in fig4 d , a first metal layer 404 , a protection layer 405 , an etching - stop layer 406 and a second metal layer 407 are formed sequentially by electroplating or electroless plating in the first openings 403 , wherein the material of the first metal layer 404 and the second metal layer 407 is copper , the material of the etching - stop layer is a metal that does not oxidize easily , most preferably gold , and the method of formation can be electroplating . however , copper dissolves in the gold electroplating solution , so nickel must be electroplated as the protection layer 405 to protect copper from dissolving . then the resist layer 402 is removed , as shown in fig4 e . further referring to fig4 f , a first solder mask 408 is formed on the surface of the carrier 401 and the second metal layer 407 , and plural second openings 409 are formed in the first solder mask 408 by exposure and development , the second openings 409 correspond to the second metal layer 407 . subsequently , referring to fig4 g , a dielectric layer 410 is laminated on the surface of the first solder mask 408 and the second metal layer 407 , the material of the dielectric layer is identical to that of example 1 and therefore is not set forth herein . plural fourth openings 411 are formed by means of laser drilling or exposure and development in the dielectric layer 410 , wherein at least one of the fourth openings 409 corresponds to the positions of the second metal layer 407 . note that de - smear processes must be performed to remove the smears generated in the fourth openings 411 when laser drilling is employed . as shown in fig4 h , a seed layer 412 is formed on the surface of the dielectric layer 410 and the fourth openings 411 , which serves as a current conducting route during electroplating and comprises one metal selected from the group consisting of copper , tin , nickel , chromium , titanium , copper - chromium alloys , and tin - lead alloys , formed by an approach selected from the group consisting of sputtering , vapor deposition and electroless plating ( or called chemical deposition ). besides , the seed layer 412 can comprise conductive polymers , which are one selected from the group consisting of polyacetylene , polyaniline , and organic sulfur polymers , and the seed layer 412 is formed by means of spin coating , ink - jet printing , screen printing , or imprinting . subsequently , as shown in fig4 i , a patterned resist layer 413 is formed on the seed layer 412 , which is used to form plural resist layer openings 414 by exposure and development , wherein at least one resist layer opening 414 corresponds to the positions of the metal layer 407 . referring to fig4 j , the plural resist openings 414 are electroplated with an electroplating metal layer 415 , the electroplating metal layer 415 can be copper . then as shown in fig4 k , the resist layer 413 and the seed layer 412 covered therebeneath are removed , such that a circuit build up structure 416 a is obtained . referring to fig4 l , a multi - layered circuit build up structure 416 is obtained , and a second solder mask 417 is coated on the surface of the multi - layered circuit build up structure 416 , and plural third openings 418 are formed in the second solder mask 417 by exposure and development to expose the portions of the circuit build up structure 416 circuits that will serve as electrically conductive pads 419 . then , as shown in fig4 m , the carrier 401 , the first metal layer 404 and the protection layer 405 are removed by etching to expose the etching - stop layer 406 that will serve as electrically conductive pads 419 ′ on the other side . further referring to fig4 n , solder bumps 420 are formed directly on the electrically conductive pads 419 and 419 ′, and the method to form the solder bumps 419 can be electroplating or printing . alternatively , as shown in fig4 n ′, if needed , metal posts 421 can be formed first by electroplating in the third openings 418 of the second solder mask 417 , metal posts 421 ′ are formed on the surface of the etching - stop layer 406 , and the material of the metal posts 421 and 421 ′ is copper ; then , solder bumps 420 ′ are formed respectively on the metal posts 421 and 421 ′, the method to form the solder bumps 420 ′ can be electroplating or printing , and the material of the solder bumps 420 ′ is one selected from the group consisting of copper , tin , lead , silver , nickel , gold , platinum , and the alloys thereof . finally , as shown in fig4 o and 4 o ′, a holding element 422 is mounted upon the contour of the second solder mask 417 , which is used to prevent the substrate from warping . in sum , the present invention solves the problems of low integration , too many layers , long leads and high resistance in packaging substrate having core substrate known in the art . the non - through hole structure increases circuit integration , streamlines the process , reduces thickness and achieves the purpose of miniaturization . although the present invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment , it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed .	7
the following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses . furthermore , there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field , background , brief summary or the following detailed description . as used herein , the term module refers to an application specific integrated circuit ( asic ), an electronic circuit , a processor ( shared , dedicated , or group ) and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs , a combinational logic circuit , and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality . with initial reference to fig1 , in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure , a speech system 10 is shown to be included within a vehicle 12 . as discussed in the exemplary embodiments herein , the vehicle 12 is an aircraft . as can be appreciated , the vehicle 12 can be an automobile , a watercraft , a sport utility vehicle , or any other type of vehicle or speech related application and is not limited to the present examples . the speech system 10 is configured to provide speech recognition capability for speech inputs 14 received through a human machine interface ( hmi ) module 16 . the hmi module 16 receives speech input directly from a user through an internal input device ( s ) 18 ( e . g ., a microphone present within the cockpit or other location of the vehicle ), and / or indirectly , for example , from other users through an external input device ( s ) 20 that communicates speech signals to the vehicle 12 ( e . g ., an air traffic controller ( atc ), radio broadcasts , etc .). the speech system 10 includes a speech module 22 that provides recognized speech output 24 to one or more vehicle systems 26 - 30 . provided the aircraft example , such vehicle systems 26 - 30 can include , for example , but are not limited to , flight management systems , control systems , display systems , communication systems , navigation systems , or any other aircraft system that may include a speech dependent application . as can be appreciated , one or more embodiments of the speech system 10 can be applicable to other non - vehicle systems having speech dependent applications and thus , is not limited to the present vehicle example . for exemplary purposes , the speech system 10 will be discussed in the context of the vehicle example . in various embodiments , the speech system 10 communicates with the multiple vehicle systems 26 - 30 directly through a communication bus and / or other communication means 32 ( e . g ., wired , short range wireless , or long range wireless ) and / or indirectly through the hmi module 16 ( flow not shown ). as can be appreciated , in various other embodiments not shown , the speech system 10 and / or hmi module 16 may be combined , and / or may be integrated with one or more of the vehicle systems 26 - 30 . generally speaking , the speech system 10 validates speech inputs 14 periodically and / or upon events with predictive phraseology stored in a data storage device 34 and / or vehicle situational information 36 received from one or more of the vehicle systems 26 - 30 , such that a confidence level 38 can be determined and associated with the speech output 24 . the confidence level 38 is then made available to consumer functions of the vehicle systems 26 - 30 . the eligibility of certain voice recognition enabled features of the vehicle systems 26 - 30 can thus , be determined according to their criticality to the flight safety , equipment operation / interaction procedures , or other factors . referring now to fig2 , a dataflow diagram illustrates the speech module 22 of the speech system 10 in accordance with various embodiments . as can be appreciated , various embodiments of speech module 22 , according to the present disclosure , may include any number of sub - modules . for example , the sub - modules shown in fig2 may be combined and / or further partitioned to similarly validate speech inputs and generate the confidence level 38 . in various embodiments , the speech module 22 includes a speech recognition module 40 , a speech validation module 42 , and a validation monitoring module 44 . as can be appreciated , the modules of speech system 10 can be implemented all on the vehicle 12 or part on the vehicle 12 and part on a remote system such as a remote server ( not shown ). the speech recognition module 40 receives and processes the speech input 14 from the hmi module 16 . for example , speech inputs 14 from one or more audio channels ( e . g ., radio tx / rx channels , intercom , etc .) are fed from the hmi module 16 ( or other audio inputs ) to the speech recognition module 40 . the speech recognition module 40 performs one or more speech recognition methods on the speech inputs 14 and produces recognized results 46 including for example , a digitalized output ( e . g ., in textual , and / or binary representations ). the speech validation module 42 receives the recognized results 46 and validates the recognized results 46 . in various embodiments , the validation is performed for each channel . for example , the speech validation module 42 computes an accuracy level 48 ( al ) of the recognized result 46 from a particular channel and associates a tag indicating the al 48 to all messages associated with the particular channel . the al 48 can be computed , for example , by comparing the content ( e . g ., codes , words , phrases , etc .) of the recognized results 46 to expected content and assigning a level ( numeric or other descriptive level ) based on the comparison . the expected content can be determined from predictive phraseology 47 retrieved from one or more information databases , procedural models , communication protocols , etc . stored in the data storage device 34 . in various embodiments , the speech validation module 42 maintains the al 48 for the associated channel until a time elapses or an event occurs and is recognized as impacting the recognition . the event can include , for example , but is not limited to , an event that causes a change in the noise level , a change in speaker , turbulence or other environmental condition , distance from the transmitter , etc . the validation monitoring module 44 receives the recognized results and any other required information and determines an integrity level ( il ) 50 for the validated recognized results . the validation monitoring module associates a tag indicating the il 50 with all messages associated with the particular channel . the il 50 can be computed , for example , by comparing the content of the recognized results to expected content and assigning a level based on the comparison . the expected content can be determined from situational awareness information 49 such as current vehicle configuration settings , situational data , etc . retrieved from the data storage device 34 . as shown in fig3 , the al 48 and il 50 are then provided along with the digitized output of the recognized results 46 to consumer functions of the vehicle systems 26 - 30 . the al 48 and il 50 act as the indicators for the confidence level 38 . in various embodiments , the validation monitoring module 44 includes a descriptive label with with the tag . the descriptive label indicates the cause for the updating of the il 50 . for example , the descriptive label can indicate the situational awareness information that changed or that caused or did not cause the updating of the il 50 . in various embodiments , the il 50 is reset upon validation , and the il 50 degrades over time and based on events which affect the channel , e . g ., frequency change for a radio rx channel . for events or situation changes that don &# 39 ; t significantly impact the given channel , the il 50 may maintain its value , e . g ., flaps deployment which changes cockpit noise level but has less impact to rx radio channel . referring now to fig4 and with continued reference to fig1 - 3 , a flowchart illustrates speech recognition and validation methods that may be performed by the speech system 10 in accordance with various exemplary embodiments . as can be appreciated in light of the disclosure , the order of operation within the methods is not limited to the sequential execution as illustrated in fig4 , but may be performed in one or more varying orders as applicable and in accordance with the present disclosure . as can further be appreciated , one or more steps of the methods may be added or removed without altering the spirit of the method . in one example , the method may begin at 100 . the speech input 14 is received at 110 and speech recognition is performed on the speech input 14 at 120 . the confidence level 38 is then selectively computed for the source of the speech input at 130 . for example , the accuracy level 48 and the integrity level 50 can be computed separately at 150 and 170 respectively . in various embodiments , the accuracy level 48 can be computed if , for example , one or more conditions exist ( e . g ., an occurrence of an event , a time lapse , and / or a certain phrase identified in the recognized results ) for updating the confidence level 38 at 140 . the accuracy level 48 can be computed by comparing the content with expected content defined by , for example , by communication protocols , procedural manuals , information databases , etc . the integrity level 50 can be computed if , for example , one or more conditions exist ( e . g ., an occurrence of an event , a time lapse , and / or a certain phrase identified in the recognized results ) for updating the integrity level 50 at 160 . the integrity level 50 can be computed based on the context of the speech input as indicated by the current configuration settings of the vehicle , and / or situational data provided by the vehicle or remote systems . the al 48 and il 50 are then provided along with the digitized output to consumer functions of the vehicle systems at 180 . the al 48 and il 50 are then evaluated by the consumer functions to selectively determine whether to rely on the speech input at 190 . thereafter , the method may end at 200 . while at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description , it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist . it should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples , and are not intended to limit the scope , applicability , or configuration of the disclosure in any way . rather , the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments . it should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof .	6
one embodiment of this invention will now be described below by referring to the accompanying drawings . in fig1 a reference oscillator 11 comprises , for example , a crystal oscillator . the output signal of the oscillator 11 is frequency divided at a frequency divider 12 into , for example , a one pulse per second ( 1 p / 1 sec ) clock signal . the 1 p / 1 sec signal of the frequency divider 12 is supplied as a time count signal to a time count circuit 13 having time count sections corresponding to hours , minutes and seconds , respectively . the time count circuit 13 generates a one pulse / per day ( 1 p / 1 d ) output signal . the 1p / 1 d output signal of the time count circuit 13 is fed as a count step signal to a date count circuit 14 having date count sections corresponding to &# 34 ; months &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; dates of the month &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; days of the week &# 34 ;, respectively . the count output signals of the respective count sections in the time count circuit 13 and date count circuit 14 are coupled to a selection circuit 15 . the count output signal of the time count circuit 13 is selected at the selection circuit 15 so that a time display is , for example , normally digitally effected at time display sections in a display unit 16 which correspond to &# 34 ; hours &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; minutes &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; seconds &# 34 ;, respectively . first and second switches are usually used in an electronic timepiece to control the functions of the timepiece . the first and second switches 36 and 37 generate switch signals s 1 and s 2 , respectively , upon operation . the first switch signal s 1 is supplied to and circuits 17 and 18 and the second switch signal s 2 to and circuits 19 and 20 . the output signal of the and circuit 17 is fed as a switching instruction signal to the selection circuit 15 through an or circuit 21 and the signal of the date count circuit 14 is selected at the selection circuit 15 so that a date data including a month data , date - of - month data and day - of - week data is displayed on the time display sections in the display unit where a time data is usually indicated . the output signal of the and circuit 19 is supplied as a clear instruction to the frequency divider 12 and time count circuit 13 ( particularly to the &# 34 ; second &# 34 ; count section in the time count circuit 13 ) to enable a usual small time correction to be effected , by the second switch signal s 2 , for example , in time units of seconds . in this case , it is needless to say that a time correction is done in the time count circuit 13 in time units of &# 34 ; a minute &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; second &# 34 ; so as to be consistent with the &# 34 ; second &# 34 ; data adjustment . the output of the and circuit 18 corresponding to the first switch signal s 1 is supplied as a gate signal to an and circuit 22 to which the clock signal of the frequency divider 12 is coupled . the output signal of the and circuit 22 is supplied to and circuits 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 and 27 . the output signals of the and circuits 23 and 24 are supplied as count step signals to the &# 34 ; minute &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; hour &# 34 ; count sections , respectively , in the time count circuit 13 , and the output signals of the and circuits 25 , 26 and 27 are fed as count step signals to the &# 34 ; day - of - week &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; data - of - month &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; month &# 34 ; count sections , respectively , in the date count circuit 14 . when a count step signal is coupled by the signal of the and circuits 23 to 27 to the count section of the time count circuit 13 and date count circuit 14 , a carry signal from the lower order time unit section to the higher order time unit section is cut off , as required , and a count step control is effected only at the corresponding time unit section . the and circuits 23 to 27 are controlled according to the count value of , for example , a scale - of - six counter 28 . the scale - of - six counter 28 has the contents stepped by a signl corresponding to the second switch signal s 2 of the and circuit 20 . for example , when the count value of the counter 28 is ( 1 ), a gate signal is applied to the and circuit 27 ; when the count value is ( 2 ), a gate signal is applied to the and circuit 26 ; when the count value is ( 3 ), a gate signal is applied to the and circuit 25 ; when the count value is ( 4 ), a gate signal is applied to the and circuit 24 ; when the count value is ( 5 ), a gate signal is applied to the and circuit 23 ; and when the count value is ( 6 ), a clear instruction to the &# 34 ; second &# 34 ; count section in the time count circuit 13 . the count value ( 1 ), ( 2 ) and ( 3 ) signals of the counter 28 are also connected through an or circuit 29 and and circuit 35 to the or circuit 21 to permit the switching selection instruction to be applied to the selection circuit 15 . an initial setting signal generating means 30 for generating , for example , a trigger pulse - like signal is provided in the electronic timepiece so as to be ready for the incorporation of a new battery . the initial setting signal generating means 30 is constructed of a switch mechanism adapted to be driven when a back covering is closed after the incorporation of a battery into the body of the timepiece . that is , a battery 43 is incorporated , in a direction of arrows in fig2 into the body of the timepiece through an opening 42 in a wiring board 41 supported on the inner surface of a casing 40 . contact pieces 44 and 45 are mounted on the wiring board 41 and when the battery is fitted into the body of the timepiece the circuit is in the ready state for drive . a contact piece of a switch 46 connected to the circuit is provided on the outer surface of the wiring board 41 . a projection 48 is provided in the inner surface of the back covering so as to face the contact piece of the switch 46 . upon closure of the back covering in a direction indicated by arrows in fig2 the switch 46 is closed to generate the above - mentioned initial setting signal . the contact piece of the switch 46 as shown in fig3 may be manually operated before the battery is built into the body of the timepiece so that a power supply can be obtained . in another form of initial setting signal generating means 30 , shown in fig4 a rise of voltage is utilized which develops at a junction a between a resistor 48 and a capacitor 49 to generate a one - shot signal from a point b through a c - mos inverter 50 . the initial setting signal of the initial setting signal generating means 30 is supplied as a reset instruction to the counter 28 and as a set instruction to a flip - flop circuit 31 , which functions as a state holding means . the set output of the flip - flop circuit 31 is delivered as a gate signal to the and circuits 18 , 20 and 35 and it is also coupled to an inverter 32 . the gates of the and circuits 17 and 19 are controlled by the output signal of the inverter 32 . the flip - flop circuit 31 is reset by the output signal of an and circuit 33 to which are applied the count value ( 6 ) signal of the counter 28 and output signal of the and circuit 20 . a timer device 34 to which the initial setting signal of the initial setting signal generating means 30 is coupled may be provided , as required , without using the and circuit 33 . in this case , the flip - flop circuit 31 is reset after a lapse of a predetermined time period from the generation of the initial setting signal . with the battery incorporated into the body of the electronic timepiece an oscillation signal of the reference oscillator 11 is coupled through the frequency divider 12 to the time count circuit 13 for time counting and thence to the date count circuit 14 for date counting . the time count signal of the time count circuit 13 is coupled to the selection circuit 15 so that a time data including &# 34 ; hour &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; minute &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; second &# 34 ; data are displayed at the display unit 16 . if in this state the first switch 36 is operated , a first switch signal s 1 is generated . since at this time the flip - flop circuit 31 is in the reset state , an output signal is generated from the and circuit 17 to permit a switching instruction to be applied to the selection circuit 15 . that is , a switching from the time count data to the date count data is effected at the selection circuit 15 so that a date data is indicated on the display unit 16 . if in the normal time counting state the second switch 37 is operated according to the time signal , a second switch signal s 2 is supplied to the and circuit 19 , the output of which is applied as an adjust instruction to the frequency divider 12 and the &# 34 ; second &# 34 ; count section in the time count circuit 13 . as a result , a &# 34 ; second &# 34 ; correction is effected . that is , when the electronic timepiece performs a normal function , the first switch 36 is used to effect a switching from the time display to the date display and the second switch 37 is used to effect a time adjustment , for example , in time units of &# 34 ; seconds &# 34 ;. when a battery is removed from the electronic timepiece for replacement , the power supply to all the circuits associated with the time counting operation , display operation , etc . is interrupted , resulting in a discontinuance of the time counting operation and disappearance of all count values stored in the time count circuit 13 and date count circuit 14 . even when in this state a new battery is incorporated into the timepiece for power supply , no time or date count data appear on the display unit and a correct time and date setting is necessary . with the new battery 60 incorporated into the body of the electronic timepiece the initial setting value generating circuit 30 generates an initial setting signal , causing the counter to be reset to an initial setting value while at the same time setting the flip - flop circuit 31 to permit a gate signal to be fed to the and circuits 18 , 20 and 35 . the counter 28 delivers a count value &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; output signal to the and circuit 27 and at the same time imparts an instruction through the or circuit 29 , and circuit 35 and or circuit 21 to the selection circuit 15 to permit a count value in the date count circuit 14 to be displayed at the display unit 16 . if , this state , the first switch 36 is operated to cause a first switch signal s 1 to be generated , since at this time the oscillator 11 has already been driven , clock signals from the frequency divider 12 are coupled through the and circuits 22 and 27 to the &# 34 ; month &# 34 ; count section in the date count circuit 14 . during the operation of the first switch 36 the contents of the &# 34 ; month &# 34 ; count section in the date count circuit 14 is stepped by the clock signals of the frequency divider 12 . that is , the &# 34 ; month &# 34 ; count value is set by the first switch 36 . when upon completion of a month setting operation the second switch 37 is operated to cause a second switch signal s 2 to be generated , the contents of the counter 28 are stepped . a count value &# 34 ; 2 &# 34 ; signal from the counter 28 is coupled as a gate signal to the and circuit 26 . the contents of the &# 34 ; date - of - month &# 34 ; count section in the date count section 14 are stepped by the first switch signal s 1 resulting from the operation of the second switch 37 , so that a &# 34 ; date - of - month &# 34 ; data is set . likewise , the contents of the counter 28 are stepped by the second switch signal s 2 so that a &# 34 ; day - of - week &# 34 ; data is set . the date display operation is completed while reviewing the date data in the date count section 14 in the display unit 14 . then , a second switch signal s 2 is generated by the operation of the second switch 37 . the contents of the counter 28 are sequentially stepped to ( 4 ) and ( 5 ) and the corresponding gate signals are delivered to the and circuits 24 and 23 , respectively . in this way , &# 34 ; hour &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; minute &# 34 ; data are set at the hour and minute count sections in the time count circuit 13 by the first switch signal s 1 of the first switch 36 . since at this time a signal is not supplied from the counter 28 to the or circuit 29 , the counted value of the time count circuit 13 is displayed at the display unit 16 . in this case , the hour and minute setting operations are performed while reviewing the time display at the display unit 16 . next when the contents of the counter 28 are stepped to ( 6 ) by the second switch signal s 2 , the second count section in the time count circuit 13 is cleared , thus completing the time and date setting operations with respect to the time count circuit 13 and date count circuit 14 . when in this state a second switch signal is generated according to the time signal , the contents of the counter 28 become ( 1 ) and a second counting is started . the and circuit 33 generates an output signal , causing the flip - flop circuit 31 to be reset to permit the subsequent time and date adjusting operations to be inhibited . as a result , a gate signal is delivered to the and circuits 17 and 19 so that a date display at the normal time count operation time and &# 34 ; second &# 34 ; adjusting operation can be effected respectively by the first and second switches . with such an electronic timepiece , time counting is very accurately effected during the normal time counting operation . once a time correction has been effected , no great time adjustment is necessary and , for example , it is only sufficient that a &# 34 ; second &# 34 ; adjustment will be made by the second switch signal s 2 from the second switch 37 so as to meet the time signal . in actual practice , a time adjustment is necessary only when a battery is initially inserted into the body of the timepiece or replaced by a new one . that is , the necessity for time adjustment is restricted to a battery replacement time or an original battery incorporation time . stated more in detail , such time adjustment is done through a switching means normally used for the control of the time counting function and at this time a signal is generated from the initial setting signal generating circuit upon insertion of a new battery into the body of the timepiece . during the normal time counting time a change of the time and date display is inhibited and any erroneous display such as an erroneous time display is prevented from occuring due to an erroneous operation . although the time and date setting operations have been explained as effected during the time period required from the initial setting of the time and date data until the and circuit 33 generates an output signal , when a timer device 34 is used , a time adjustment can be made during a time period as determined when the time and date data are initially set . although in the above - mentioned embodiment the time units &# 34 ; month &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; date - of - month &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; day - of - week &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; hour &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; minute &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; second &# 34 ; are sequentially selected using the scale - of - six counter , a very great amount of time will be required , since the time unit &# 34 ; minute &# 34 ; is based on a scale - of - six . in actual practice , however , it will be convenient to divide the minute count time into , for example , a &# 34 ; 10 - minute &# 34 ; unit and &# 34 ; 1 - minute &# 34 ; unit . in this way , the minute count time can be arbitrarily set . the switch means used in this invention includes not only a display change - over switch and a second adjusting switch as mentioned in the above - mentioned embodiment , but also may include another control switch such as an illumination switch for a liquid crystal timepiece and / or a control switch for a timepiece incorporating a stopwatch function , counter function , a global watch function , etc . a plurality of switch signals such as s 1 and s 2 can be arbitrarily obtained by a combination of a corresponding number of switches .	6
in the present invention , a fullerene of selected molecular weight is separated from a mixture of fullerenes using a column of activated carbon . fullerene includes any fullerene or fullerene derivative , including metal encapsulating fullerene derivatives or metallic fullerene endohedral complexes , metallic fullerene exohedral complexes , and substituted fullerene derivatives or fulleroids . the purified fullerene is eluted from the activated carbon by passing a solvent in which the pure fullerene is soluble through the activated carbon . suitable eluting solvents include aromatic , heteroaromatic and halogenated hydrocarbon solvents in which the fullerene is soluble . suitable aromatic solvents include mesitylene , benzene , toluene , xylene and combinations thereof . toluene is a preferred eluting solvent as it is less toxic than benzene and has a lower boiling point than xylene . suitable solvents also include halogenated , preferably chlorinated , aromatics , alkyls , alkyenes , and alkynes , as well as perhalogenated carbons such as carbon tetrachloride . suitable heteroaromatics contain sulfur , oxygen or nitrogen atoms , for example , pyridine . surprisingly , it has been found that activated carbon , an inexpensive and readily available material , provides for efficient separation of gram quantities of a fullerene of a selected molecular weight from a mixture of fullerenes . typically , activated carbon has a surface area of 2 × 10 4 to 6 × 10 4 cm 2 per gram . activated carbon is not pure carbon ; many noncarbon elements are present and are attached to the carbon atoms by chemical bonds . during the activation process , carbonized raw material , for example charcoal , is oxidized using suitable gases . activated carbon can be divided into two classes , polar ( oxidized ) and nonpolar ( graphitized ). preferred activated carbons have a particle size of 37 - 841 μ ( 20 - 400 mesh ) and lie in between the two polar and nonpolar classes . a most preferred activated carbon is alkaline norit ®- a having a particle size greater than 149 μ (& lt ; 100 mesh ) available from fisher scientific company , pittsburgh , pa . in the present invention , activated carbon may be used alone or it may be used in combination with other materials , preferably nonreactive solids which aid in column packing and eluent flow . preferred non - reactive solids include silica gel and diatomaceous earth . preferably the ratio by weight of activated carbon to silica gel or activated carbon to diatomaceous earth is 1 : 2 or 1 : 1 , respectively . the purification method according to the invention can be carried out using inexpensive , easily assembled laboratory equipment such as a flash chromatography apparatus , as described by still , w . clark , kahn , michael , mitra , abhijct ; &# 34 ; rapid chromatographic technique for preparative separations with moderate resolution &# 34 ;; j . org ; chem ., vol . 43 , no . 14 pp . 2923 - 2925 ( 1978 ). flash chromatography is a technique in which eluent solvent is driven through a chromatography column by applying a medium pressure , 5 to 10 p . s . i . of a gas . in addition , the column can be run under gravity feed conditions at atmospheric pressure . moreover , by using a column of a material which can withstand high pressures , for example stainless steel , high pressures up to 5000 p . s . i . can be applied to one end of the column . 500 mg of crude c 60 was dissolved in 100 ml of toluene . this solution was poured onto the top of a standard 2 cm diameter , 50 cm long liquid chromatography column that had been slurry - packed with 12 grams of norit ®- a and plugged at the bottom with cotton . the column was then pressurized to 10 p . s . i . with a nitrogen head pressure and eluted with toluene at the rate of 2 ml / min . fractions were collected for the next 300 ml during which most of the c 60 had eluted as a deep purple solution . the fractions were combined and solvent was removed by rotary evaporation to give 375 mg of pure c 60 . the material was characterized by mass spectrometry and 13 c nmr and was shown to be & gt ; 95 % pure . 500 mg of crude c 60 was dissolved in 100 ml of distilled toluene . this solution was poured onto the top of a standard 2 cm diameter , 50 cm long liquid chromatography column that had been slurry - packed with a mixture of 9 g norit ®- a and 18 g flash chromatography grade silica gel , having a particle size of 37 - 63 μ ( 230 - 400 mesh ), available from em science , in gibbstown , n . j . while , silica gel aided in the packing of the column so that the fractions ran more quickly and evenly ; numerous uniform solids could also be used for this purpose . the column was then pressurized to 10 p . s . i . with a nitrogen head pressure and eluted at the rate of 5 ml / min . fractions were collected for the next 250 ml during which most of the c 60 had eluted as a deep purple solution . the fractions were combined and solvent was removed by rotary evaporation to give 333 mg of pure c 60 . the material was characterized by mass spectrometry and 13 c nmr and was shown to be & gt ; 95 % pure . in each of the above examples , not only is a high purity c 60 fullerene recovered , but a c 70 fraction containing some c 60 is eluted having a reddish - brown color . by rechromatographing this c 70 fraction over two columns , as described herein , an enriched c 70 fraction which is 3 : 1 by weight c 70 : c 60 can be obtained . a comparison of the time and expense required to purify one gram of buckminsterfullerene according to the method of the present invention as compared to conventional methods is shown in table 1 . as can be seen from table 1 , the present invention provides a method for purification of fullerenes which gives a high recovery of pure fullerene from starting material at a low solvent and stationary phase cost , which is 24 to 96 times faster than other known purification methods . table 1__________________________________________________________________________ cost of eluent amount ( g ) of startingseparation solvent and starting material to price per grammaterial stationary material cost obtain 1 g of time purifiedtechnique phase ($) ($) c . sub . 60 fullerene ( hrs ) product ($) __________________________________________________________________________ . sup . 1 alumina 204 1 , 667 1 . 85 24 + 1 , 871 . sup . 2 powdered 72 2 , 812 3 . 125 12 2 , 884graphite . sup . 3 gel * . 35 1 , 062 1 . 18 48 + 1 , 062permeation . sup . 4 , 5 alumina 5 2 , 727 3 . 00 11 2 , 732 ( soxhlet 31 2 , 093 2 . 33 30 2 , 124extraction ) example 1 - 2 1 , 197 1 . 33 4 1 , 199active carbonexample 2 - 2 1 , 359 1 . 51 0 . 5 1 , 361active carbon / silica gel__________________________________________________________________________ . sup . 1 wudl , f . ; koch , a . s . ; khemani , k . c . j . org . chem . 1991 , 56 , 4543 . sup . 2 vassallo , a . m . ; palisano , a . j . ; pang , l . s . k . ; wilson , m . a . j . chem soc ., chem comm . 1992 , 1 , 60 . sup . 3 meier , m . s . ; selegue , j . p . j . org . chem . 1992 , 57 , 1924 . sup . 4 chatterjee , k . et al . j . org . chem . 1992 , 57 , 3253 . sup . 5 wudl , f . ; khemani , k . c . ; prato , m . j . org . chem . 1992 , 57 , 3253 * solvent cost only	2
the present invention solves the problem outlined above by the method of synthesising compounds of formula ( i ) described hereinafter . the invention thus relates to a process for preparing compounds of general formula i r 1 denotes a group selected from the group consisting of chlorine , fluorine , bromine , methanesulphonyl , ethanesulphonyl , trifluoromethanesulphonyl , paratoluenesulphonyl , ch 3 s (═ o )— and phenyls (═ o )— r 2 denotes hydrogen or c 1 - c 3 - alkyl , r 3 denotes hydrogen or a group selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted c 1 - c 12 - alkyl , c 2 - c 12 - alkenyl , c 2 - c 12 - alkynyl and c 6 - c 14 - aryl , or a group selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted and / or bridged c 3 - c 12 - cycloalkyl , c 3 - c 12 - cycloalkenyl , c 7 - c 12 - polycycloalkyl , c 7 - c 12 - polycycloalkenyl , c 5 - c 12 - spirocycloalkyl and saturated or unsaturated c 3 - c 12 - heterocycloalkyl , which contains 1 to 2 heteroatoms , r 4 , r 5 which may be identical or different denote hydrogen or optionally substituted c 1 - c 6 - alkyl , or r 4 and r 5 together denote a 2 - to 5 - membered alkyl bridge which may contain 1 to 2 heteroatoms , or r 4 and r 3 or r 5 and r 3 together denote a saturated or unsaturated c 3 - c 4 - alkyl bridge , which may optionally contain 1 heteroatom , and a 1 and a 2 which may be identical or different represent — ch ═ or — n ═, preferably — n ═, in which a compound of formula ii r 1 — r 5 and a 1 , a 2 have the stated meaning and r 6 denotes c 1 - c 4 - alkyl , a ) is hydrogenated with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst and b ) a copper , iron or vanadium compound is added , in which steps a ) and b ) may take place simultaneously or successively . in a preferred process , the hydrogenation of the compound of formula ii is carried out directly in the presence of the hydrogenation catalyst and the copper , iron or vanadium compound to form the compound of formula i . in a particularly preferred process , after the first hydrogenation step a ), first of all the intermediate product of formula iii is obtained , which may optionally be isolated , and is then further reduced in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst and a copper , iron or vanadium compound to form a compound of formula i also preferred is a process in which the hydrogenation catalyst is selected from the group consisting of rhodium , ruthenium , iridium , platinum , palladium and nickel , preferably platinum , palladium and raney nickel . platinum is particularly preferred . platinum may be used in metallic form or oxidised form as platinum oxide on carriers such as e . g . activated charcoal , silicon dioxide , aluminium oxide , calcium carbonate , calcium phosphate , calcium sulphate , barium sulphate , titanium dioxide , magnesium oxide , iron oxide , lead oxide , lead sulphate or lead carbonate and optionally additionally doped with sulphur or lead . the preferred carrier material is activated charcoal , silicon dioxide or aluminium oxide . preferred copper compounds are compounds in which copper assumes oxidation states i or ii , for example the halides of copper such as e . g . cucl , cucl 2 , cubr , cubr 2 , cui or cuso 4 . preferred iron compounds are compounds wherein iron assumes oxidation states ii or iii , for example the halides of iron such as e . g . fecl 2 , fecl 3 , febr 2 , febr 3 , fef 2 or other iron compounds such as e . g . feso 4 , fepo 4 or fe ( acac ) 2 . preferred vanadium compounds are compounds wherein vanadium assumes the oxidation states 0 , ii , iii , iv or v , for example inorganic or organic compounds or complexes such as e . g . v 2 o 3 , v 2 o 5 , v 2 o 4 , na 4 vo 4 , navo 3 , nh 4 vo 3 , vocl 2 , vocl 3 , voso 4 , vcl 2 , vcl 3 , vanadium oxobis ( 1 - phenyl - 1 , 3 - butanedionate ), vanadium oxotriisopropoxide , vanadium ( iii ) acetylacetonate [ v ( acac ) 3 ] or vanadium ( iv ) oxyacetylacetonate [ vo ( acac ) 2 ]. vanadium ( iv ) oxyacetylacetonate [ vo ( acac ) 2 ] is particularly preferred the copper , iron or vanadium compound may be used either directly at the start of the hydrogenation or after the formation of the intermediate of formula ( iii ), as preferred . also preferred is a process wherein the amount of added hydrogenation catalyst is between 0 . 1 and 10 wt .-% based on the compound of formula ( ii ) used . also preferred is a process wherein the amount of copper , iron or vanadium compound used is between 0 . 01 and 10 wt .-% based on the compound of formula ( ii ) used . also preferred is a process wherein the reaction is carried out in a solvent selected from the group consisting of dipolar , aprotic solvents , for example dimethylformamide , dimethylacetamide , n - methylpyrrolidinone , dimethylsulphoxide or sulpholane ; alcohols , for example methanol , ethanol , 1 - propanol , 2 - propanol , the various isomeric alcohols of butane and pentane ; ethers , for example diethyl ether , methyl - tert .- butylether , tetrahydrofuran , 2 - methyltetrahydrofuran , dioxane or dimethoxyethane ; esters , for example ethyl acetate , 2 - propylacetate or 1 - butylacetate ; ketones , for example acetone , methylethylketone or methylisobutylketone ; carboxylic acids , for example acetic acid ; apolar solvents , for example toluene , xylene , cyclohexane or methylcyclohexane , as well as acetonitrile , methylene chloride and water . the solvents may also be used as mixtures . also preferred is a process wherein the reaction temperature is between 0 ° c . and 150 ° c ., preferably between 20 ° c . and 100 ° c . also preferred is a process wherein the hydrogen pressure is 1 bar to 100 bar . wherein r 1 to r 5 may have the stated meaning . preferred compounds of formula ( iii ) are those wherein a 1 and a 2 are identical and denote — n ═. the reactions are worked up by conventional methods e . g . by extractive purification steps or precipitation and crystallisation methods . the compounds according to the invention may be present in the form of the individual optical isomers , mixtures of the individual enantiomers , diastereomers or racemates , in the form of the tautomers as well as in the form of the free bases or the corresponding acid addition salts with acids — such as for example acid addition salts with hydrohalic acids , for example hydrochloric or hydrobromic acid , or organic acids , such as for example oxalic , fumaric , diglycolic or methanesulphonic acid . examples of alkyl groups , including those which are part of other groups , are branched and unbranched alkyl groups with 1 to 12 carbon atoms , preferably 1 - 6 , particularly preferably 1 - 4 carbon atoms , such as for example : methyl , ethyl , propyl , butyl , pentyl , hexyl , heptyl , octyl , nonyl , decyl and dodecyl . unless otherwise stated , the above - mentioned designations propyl , butyl , pentyl , hexyl , heptyl , octyl , nonyl , decyl and dodecyl include all the possible isomeric forms . for example the term propyl includes the two isomeric groups n - propyl and iso - propyl , the term butyl includes n - butyl , iso - butyl , sec . butyl and tert .- butyl , the term pentyl includes isopentyl , neopentyl etc . in the above - mentioned alkyl groups one or more hydrogen atoms may optionally be replaced by other groups . for example these alkyl groups may be substituted by fluorine . it is also possible for all the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group to be replaced . examples of alkyl bridges , unless otherwise stated , are branched and unbranched alkyl groups with 2 to 5 carbon atoms , for example ethylene , propylene , isopropylene , n - butylene , iso - butyl , sec . butyl and tert .- butyl etc . bridges . particularly preferred are ethylene , propylene and butylene bridges . in the above - mentioned alkyl bridges 1 to 2 c atoms may optionally be replaced by one or more heteroatoms selected from among oxygen , nitrogen or sulphur . examples of alkenyl groups ( including those which are part of other groups ) are branched and unbranched alkylene groups with 2 to 12 carbon atoms , preferably 2 - 6 carbon atoms , particularly preferably 2 - 3 carbon atoms , provided that they have at least one double bond . the following are mentioned by way of example : ethenyl , propenyl , butenyl , pentenyl etc . unless otherwise stated , the above - mentioned designations propenyl , butenyl etc . include all the possible isomeric forms . for example the term butenyl includes 1 - butenyl , 2 - butenyl , 3 - butenyl , 1 - methyl - 1 - propenyl , 1 - methyl - 2 - propenyl , 2 - methyl - 1 - propenyl , 2 - methyl - 2 - propenyl and 1 - ethyl - 1 - ethenyl . in the above - mentioned alkenyl groups , unless otherwise described , one or more hydrogen atoms may optionally be replaced by other groups . for example these alkyl groups may be substituted by the halogen atom fluorine . it is also possible for all the hydrogen atoms of the alkenyl group to be replaced . examples of alkynyl groups ( including those which are part of other groups ) are branched and unbranched alkynyl groups with 2 to 12 carbon atoms , provided that they have at least one triple bond , for example ethynyl , propargyl , butynyl , pentynyl , hexynyl etc ., preferably ethynyl or propynyl . in the above - mentioned alkynyl groups , unless otherwise described , one or more hydrogen atoms may optionally be replaced by other groups . for example these alkyl groups may be fluorosubstituted . it is also possible for all the hydrogen atoms of the alkynyl group to be replaced . the term aryl denotes an aromatic ring system with 6 to 14 carbon atoms , preferably 6 or 10 carbon atoms , preferably phenyl , which , unless otherwise described , may for example carry one or more of the following substituents : oh , no 2 , cn , ome , — ochf 2 , — ocf 3 , halogen , preferably fluorine or chlorine , c 1 - c 10 - alkyl , preferably c 1 - c 5 - alkyl , preferably c 1 - c 3 - alkyl , particularly preferably methyl or ethyl , — o — c 1 - c 3 - alkyl , preferably — o - methyl or — o - ethyl , — cooh , — coo — c 1 - c 4 - alkyl , preferably — o - methyl or — o - ethyl , — conh 2 . examples of cycloalkyl groups are cycloalkyl groups with 3 - 12 carbon atoms , for example cyclopropyl , cyclobutyl , cyclopentyl , cyclohexyl , cycloheptyl or cyclooctyl , preferably cyclopropyl , cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl , while each of the above - mentioned cycloalkyl groups may optionally also carry one or more substituents , for example : oh , no 2 , cn , ome , — ochf 2 , — ocf 3 or halogen , preferably fluorine or chlorine , c 1 - c 10 - alkyl , preferably c 1 - c 5 - alkyl , preferably c 1 - c 3 - alkyl , particularly preferably methyl or ethyl , — o — c 1 - c 3 - alkyl , preferably — o - methyl or — o - ethyl , — cooh , — coo — c 1 - c 4 - alkyl , preferably — coo - methyl or — coo - ethyl or — conh 2 . particularly preferred substituents of the cycloalkyl groups are ═ o , oh , methyl or f . examples of cycloalkenyl groups are cycloalkyl groups with 3 - 12 carbon atoms , which have at least one double bond , for example cyclopropenyl , cyclobutenyl , cyclopentenyl , cyclohexenyl or cycloheptenyl , preferably cyclopropenyl , cyclopentenyl or cyclohexenyl , while each of the above - mentioned cycloalkenyl groups may optionally also carry one or more substituents . examples of heterocycloalkyl groups are , unless otherwise described in the definitions , 3 - to 12 - membered , preferably 5 -, 6 - or 7 - membered , saturated or unsaturated heterocycles , which may contain nitrogen , oxygen or sulphur as heteroatoms , for example tetrahydrofuran , tetrahydrofuranone , γ - butyrolactone , α - pyran , γ - pyran , dioxolane , tetrahydropyran , dioxane , dihydrothiophene , thiolane , dithiolane , pyrroline , pyrrolidine , pyrazoline , pyrazolidine , imidazoline , imidazolidine , tetrazole , piperidine , pyridazine , pyrimidine , pyrazine , piperazine , triazine , tetrazine , morpholine , thiomorpholine , diazepan , oxazine , tetrahydro - oxazinyl , isothiazole and pyrazolidine , preferably morpholine , pyrrolidine , piperidine or piperazine , while the heterocycle may optionally carry substituents , for example c 1 - c 4 - alkyl , preferably methyl , ethyl or propyl . examples of polycycloalkyl groups are optionally substituted , bi -, tri -, tetra - or pentacyclic cycloalkyl groups , for example pinane , 2 , 2 , 2 - octane , 2 , 2 , 1 - heptane or adamantane . examples of polycycloalkenyl groups are optionally bridged and / or substituted , 8 - membered bi -, tri -, tetra - or pentacyclic cycloalkenyl groups , preferably bicycloalkenyl or tricycloalkenyl groups , if they contain at least one double bond , for example norbornene . examples of spiroalkyl groups are optionally substituted spirocyclic c 5 - c 12 alkyl groups . halogen generally denotes fluorine , chlorine , bromine or iodine , preferably fluorine , chlorine or bromine , particularly preferably chlorine . the substituent r 1 may represent a group selected from the group consisting of chlorine , fluorine , bromine , methanesulphonyl , ethanesulphonyl , trifluoromethanesulphonyl and para - toluenesulphonyl , preferably chlorine . the substituent r 2 may represent hydrogen or c 1 - c 3 - alkyl , preferably hydrogen . or a group selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted c 1 - c 12 - alkyl , c 2 - c 12 - alkenyl , c 2 - c 12 - alkynyl , and c 6 - c 14 - aryl , preferably phenyl , or a group selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted and / or bridged c 3 - c 12 - cycloalkyl , preferably cyclopentyl , c 3 - c 12 - cycloalkenyl , c 7 - c 12 - polycycloalkyl , c 7 - c 12 - polycycloalkenyl , c 5 - c 12 - spirocycloalkyl and saturated or unsaturated c 3 - c 12 - heterocycloalkyl , which contains 1 to 2 heteroatoms . the substituents r 4 , r 5 may be identical or different and may represent hydrogen , or optionally substituted c 1 - c 6 - alkyl , or r 4 and r 5 together represent a 2 - to 5 - membered alkyl bridge which may contain 1 to 2 heteroatoms , or r 4 and r 3 or r 5 and r 3 together represent a saturated or unsaturated c 3 - c 4 - alkyl bridge , which may optionally contain 1 heteroatom . a 1 and a 2 which may be identical or different represent — ch ═ or — n ═, preferably — n ═. r 6 may represent a c 1 - c 4 - alkyl , preferably methyl or ethyl . the compound of formula ( ii ) may be prepared according to methods known from the literature , for example analogously to the syntheses described in wo 03 / 020722 . the compounds of general formula ( i ) may be prepared inter alia analogously to the following examples of synthesis . these examples are , however , intended only as examples of procedures to illustrate the invention , without restricting it to their content . the general synthesis is shown in scheme ( 1 ). 30 g ( 84 . 2 mmol ) of 1 are dissolved in 300 ml of tetrahydrofuran and 3 g pt / c ( 5 %) are added . the reaction mixture is hydrogenated for 5 h at 35 ° c . and a hydrogen pressure of 4 bar . the catalyst is filtered off and washed with approx . 30 ml of tetrahydrofuran . the filtrate is concentrated by evaporation under reduced pressure . 25 . 6 g of product 2 are obtained as a yellow solid . 1 h - nmr ( 400 mhz ) ( dmso d6 ): δ 11 . 05 ( bs 1h ); 7 . 85 ( s 1h ); 4 . 47 - 4 . 45 ( dd 1h ); 4 . 16 - 4 . 08 ( t 1h ); 1 . 95 - 1 . 67 ( m 10h ); 0 . 80 - 0 . 73 ( t 3h ). 5 . 22 g ( 17 . 6 mmol ) of 2 are dissolved in 55 ml of tetrahydrofuran . 520 mg pt — c ( 5 %) and 250 mg vanadium ( iv ) oxyacetylacetonate are added . the reaction mixture is hydrogenated for 6 hours at 20 ° c . and a hydrogen pressure of 4 bar . the catalyst is filtered off and washed with approx . 15 ml of tetrahydrofuran . the filtrate is concentrated by evaporation under reduced pressure . 5 . 0 g of product 3 are obtained as a yellow powder . 1 h - nmr ( 400 mhz ) ( dmso d6 ): δ 11 . 82 ( bs 1h ); 7 . 57 ( s 1h ); 4 . 24 - 4 . 21 ( dd 1h ); 4 . 17 - 4 . 08 ( m 1h ); 1 . 97 - 1 . 48 ( m 10h ); 0 . 80 - 0 . 77 ( t 3h ). 70 g pt / c ( 5 %) are added to a solution of 700 g ( 1 . 96 mol ) of 1 in 700 ml of tetrahydrofuran . the reaction mixture is hydrogenated for 2 . 5 hours at 35 ° c . and a hydrogen pressure of 4 bar until the hydrogen uptake has stopped . the autoclave is opened and 35 g vanadium ( iv ) oxyacetylacetonate are added . the mixture is hydrogenated for a further 2 . 5 hours at 35 ° c . and a hydrogen pressure of 4 bar . it is filtered and the residue is washed with tetrahydrofuran . the filtrate is concentrated by evaporation under reduced pressure . the residue is dissolved in 2 . 75 l acetone and precipitated by the addition of an equal amount of demineralised water . the solid is suction filtered and washed with an acetone / water mixture ( 1 : 1 ), then with tert .- butylmethylether . after drying 551 g of product 3 are obtained . 30 g ( 84 mmol ) of i are dissolved in 300 ml of tetrahydrofuran . 3 g pt / c ( 5 %) and 1 . 5 g vanadium ( iv ) oxyacetylacetonate are added . the reaction mixture is hydrogenated for 24 hours at 35 ° c . and a hydrogen pressure of 4 bar until the reaction is complete . it is filtered , the residue is washed with tetrahydrofuran and the filtrate is concentrated by evaporation under reduced pressure . the residue is dissolved in 118 ml acetone and precipitated by the addition of an equal amount of demineralised water . the solid is suction filtered and washed with an acetone / water mixture ( 1 : 1 ) and then with tert .- butylmethylether . after drying 18 g of product 3 are obtained . 10 g ( 316 mmol ) of 4 are dissolved in 800 ml of tetrahydrofuran and 200 ml isopropanol . 10 g pt / c ( 5 %) and 5 g vanadium ( iv ) oxyacetylacetonate are added . the reaction mixture is hydrogenated for 24 hours at 35 ° c . and a hydrogen pressure of 4 bar until the reaction is complete . it is filtered and the filtrate is evaporated down until crystallisation sets in . 150 ml isopropanol are added and the suspension is heated to 70 - 80 ° c . until fully dissolved . after the addition of 600 ml demineralised water the product is brought to crystallisation . it is suction filtered and washed with demineralised water . after drying 68 g of product 5 are obtained . 1 h - nmr ( 400 mhz ) ( dmso d6 ): δ 10 . 81 ( bs 1h ); 7 . 56 ( s 1h ); 4 . 37 - 4 . 24 ( m 2h ); 1 . 89 - 1 . 65 ( m 2h ); 1 . 34 - 1 . 31 ( m 6h ); 0 . 80 - 0 . 73 ( t 3h ).	2
example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings , in which example embodiments are shown . example embodiments may , however , be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein . rather , these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete , and will fully convey the scope of example embodiments to those skilled in the art . in the drawings , the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity . it will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “ on ”, “ connected to ”, or “ coupled to ” another element or layer , it can be directly on , connected to , or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers that may be present . in contrast , when an element is referred to as being “ directly on ”, “ directly connected to ”, or “ directly coupled to ” another element or layer , there are no intervening elements or layers present . as used herein , the term “ and / or ” includes any an all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items . it will be understood that , although the terms first , second , etc . may be used herein to describe various elements , components , regions , layers , and / or sections , these elements , components , regions , layers , and / or sections should not be limited by these terms . these terms are only used to distinguish one element , component , region , layer , and / or section from another element , component , region , layer , and / or section . thus , a first element , component , region , layer , or section discussed below could be termed a second element , component , region , layer , or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments . spatially relative terms , such as “ beneath ”, “ below ”, “ lower ”, “ above ”, “ upper ”, and the like , may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature &# 39 ; s relationship to another element ( s ) or feature ( s ) as illustrated in the figures . it will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures . for example , if the device in the figures is turned over , elements described as “ below ” or “ beneath ” other elements or features would then be oriented “ above ” the other elements or features . thus , the exemplary term “ below ” can encompass both an orientation of above and below . the device may be otherwise oriented ( rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations ) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly . embodiments described herein will refer to plan views and / or cross - sectional views by way of ideal schematic views . accordingly , the views may be modified depending on manufacturing technologies and / or tolerances . therefore , example embodiments are not limited to those shown in the views , but include modifications in configuration formed on the basis of manufacturing processes . therefore , regions exemplified in figures have schematic properties and shapes of regions shown in figures exemplify specific shapes or regions of elements , and do not limit example embodiments . example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to fig3 to 5 , in which example embodiments are shown . fig3 is a plan view illustrating a pcb strip according to example embodiments . a pcb strip may include a plurality of units 20 uniformly arrayed on a surface of a pcb main body 10 . the area on the surface of the pcb main body 10 upon which the plurality of units 20 are arrayed is a working area . the pcb main body may have a rectangular shape based on a given or predetermined size . each unit 20 may include a chip mounting part having a circuit pattern . information for respective units 20 may be represented in indication marks 30 along one side outer edge in a length direction of the pcb main body 10 , and in such outer edge part , alignment holes 40 may be formed with a given interval in a length direction . in another side outer edge part , corresponding to the one side outer edge part on which the indication marks 30 are formed in the length direction of the pcb main body 10 , indication marks 30 having information of the units 20 may be formed in the same scheme as the one side outer edge part according to the structure of the packaging mold . in the alternative , a mold gate as an injection passage of mold may be formed . as illustrated in fig3 , the size of pcb main body 10 may be extended twice in a width direction . the working area , upon which a plurality of units are arrayed , may be based on a process execution unit and may be divided into a first working area 50 and a second working area 60 . in the conventional art only one working area is formed , but in example embodiments , the area of pcb main body 10 may be extended twice and the same two working areas may be formed in one pcb main body 10 . the respective units 20 , formed in respective working areas , may be arrayed in a point symmetry . for example , units a 1 , a 2 , and a 3 in the first working area 50 of fig3 may correspond to units b 1 , b 2 , and b 3 in the second working area 60 . as illustrated , units a 1 , a 2 , and a 3 may be point symmetric to units b 1 , b 2 , and b 3 . for reference , a working area in a pcb main body may indicate an area of width and length to perform a work per pcb in a process execution position of the system , and the pcb strip may have a size based on a unit of such working area . as described above , two working areas may be formed in a width direction in the pcb main body 10 , and respective units 20 in two working areas may be formed in a point symmetry . in extending twice in a width direction the size of the pcb main body 10 the formation space of unit 20 may become wide compared with one working area formed in one pcb main body . according to a conventional art , non - working areas may be formed on both sides of the pcb main body , in the width direction . when two conventional pcb main bodies are connected , the two non - working areas may be continuously arrayed in the mutually coupled portion . however , according to example embodiments , the size of pcb main body may be extended twice and a non - working area on a connection portion between conventional pcb main bodies may be omitted , thus space to form units thereon may increase . accordingly , in the pcb strip according to example embodiments , the size may be extended in a width direction , and first and second working areas 50 and 60 may be formed in a line , thereby omitting a non - working area between these working areas , so that more units 20 may be formed on each working area . as described above , in example embodiments , two working areas may be formed on a large and extended area and units 20 of the two working areas may be formed in a point symmetry . a given number of the pcb strips according to example embodiments may be transferred by a transfer unit , e . g ., a specific cassette , in a movement between pieces of equipment . to each piece of equipment , the pcb strips may be supplied , one by one , by a robot . in the pcb strip , an assembly process , e . g ., a die attach , wire bonding , and a packaging , according to a characteristic of the units , may be performed . during assembly , specific processes may be performed by a robot , and the process equipment may be installed in a direction corresponding to an engineer &# 39 ; s management area on a guide rail . fig4 is a plan view schematically illustrating a pcb strip assembly device according to example embodiments . in the pcb strip assembly device according to example embodiments , a guide rail 73 may be installed between a loader part 71 and an unloader part 72 , and a pcb strip 10 may be transferred in the guide rail 73 . at a process execution position along the guide rail 73 , a specific separate process , e . g ., die attaching or wire bonding or packaging , may be performed by process equipment 74 . the process equipment 74 may be adapted only in one side of the guide rail 73 , and another side thereof may be a working space for an engineer . in such configuration , the width of the guide rail 73 , individually supporting the low face of both end parts of the pcb strip , may be controlled to account for the width of the pcb strip . the width control of the guide rail 73 may be adjusted by a simple manipulation without replacing the unit . in the pcb strip assembly device according to example embodiments , a pcb stage 75 may be installed at a position of the guide rail 73 where a specific process of the process equipment 74 may be performed . the pcb stage 75 may be configured to raise and / or rotate the pcb strip from the guide rail 73 a given or predetermined height and / or configured to rotate the pcb strip a given or predetermined degree , e . g ., about 180 °. the pcb stage 75 may be formed in a given size to mount the pcb strip on an upper part thereof . a driving unit ( not shown ) for an elevation and rotation may be provided below the pcb stage 75 . process equipment 74 may be arrayed in series , for example , the same two process equipment 74 may be coupled in series in one system , and one process equipment 74 may perform a process for a first working area 50 , and other process equipment 74 may perform a process for a second working area 60 . the pcb stage 75 may be adapted in any one of the process equipment 74 . it may be beneficial to apply a compressed mold scheme to example embodiments rather than the mold scheme illustrated in fig1 . the mold scheme of fig1 injects mold from a gate on one side of the pcb strip . because the distance between the edges of the pcb strip in example embodiments is increased over the distance between the edges of the pcb strip in the conventional art , the increased distance may cause a deviation in the molding state thereby increasing process error . because it may be beneficial to apply a compressed mold scheme to example embodiments , it may also be beneficial to have a non - working area with indication marks on both end parts of a width direction thereof . as described above , the pcb strip according to example embodiments may be twice as wide as a conventional pcb strip , thus , the width of guide rail 73 for transferring the pcb strip of example embodiments may be changed appropriately for the new configuration . also , in a middle position between the guide rails 73 , a pcb stage 75 ascending / descending and rotatable may be adapted . a specific process of the first working area , e . g ., a die attach or wire bonding , may be performed in the pcb main body 10 at a process execution position of the process equipment 74 , and the pcb stage 75 may raise the pcb main body 10 a predetermined or given height from the guide rail 73 . the pcb main body may also be rotated by a given angle , e . g . about 180 °. the process equipment 74 may process the first working area 50 and the second working area 60 . for example , when the process for the first working area 50 is completed , the pcb main body 10 may be raised a given or predetermined height and rotated about 180 ° so that the second working area 60 may be positioned in the process equipment 74 side . the process execution may also occur in the pcb stage 75 . the pcb strip may be induced into the process execution position of process equipment 74 , and the pcb stage 75 may be raised by a given height so that the process may be performed in a state that the pcb strip is distant from the guide rail 73 . when the process execution for the first working area 50 of the pcb strip is completed , a process for the second working area 60 may be performed by rotating about 180 ° the guide rail 73 . when processes for the second working area 60 are completed , the pcb stage 75 may be lowered intact or may be lowered again after rotating it by about 180 °. when the pcb strip is mounted on the guide rail 73 through the lowered operation of the pcb stage 75 , the pcb strip completed in the process may be transferred to the unloader part . in a specific respective equipment , two lines may be installed in series so that the processes for the first and second working areas 50 and 60 may be performed on different lines . fig5 is a plan view schematically illustrating a rotation of a pcb strip according to example embodiments . as shown , the pcb may be rotated to reposition the working areas of the pcb so that the different working areas may be processed by the process equipment 74 . as shown in fig5 , a specific process for first working area 50 of pcb strip may be performed , and then the pcb stage 75 may rotate about 1800 so that the second working area 60 may be positioned at a process execution position of the process equipment 74 . thus , a relatively larger area for a working area as a process execution unit may be obtained according to example embodiments , thereby simultaneously forming two working areas of first and second working areas 50 and 60 on the pcb strip and increasing space use efficiency through an increase of unit formation rate in the pcb main body 10 . in addition , according to example embodiments , an interval between guide rails 73 may be controlled and the pcb stage 75 ascendable / descendable and rotatable may be added , thereby increasing a process execution efficiency and productivity only through a relatively minimum equipment alteration . in particular , relatively more units may be adapted in one pcb main body 10 , thereby substantially reducing a manufacturing cost of the pcb strip . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in example embodiments without deviating from the spirit or scope of example embodiments . thus , it is intended that example embodiments cover any such modifications and variations provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents . accordingly , these and other changes and modifications are seen to be within the true spirit and scope of example embodiments as defined by the appended claims . in the drawings and specification , there have been disclosed example embodiments and , although specific terms are employed , they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation , the scope of example embodiments being set forth in the following claims .	7
the embodiments disclosed in the detailed description below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed . rather , the embodiments selected for the description are disclosed so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings . fig1 shows a portable electronic device 10 packaged as a wristwatch including housing 12 , display 14 and band 16 . extending into housing 12 are push - button switches including select switch 18 , set switch 20 , forward switch 22 , and reverse switch 24 , the operation of which will hereinafter be described . in an exemplary embodiment , display 14 is a tn type ⅛ duty cycle , multiplexed liquid crystal display . display 14 is divided into an actual time are 26 ( shown for illustration purposes with broken lines ) and an event data are 28 ( also shown with broken lines ). actual time area 26 includes a time region 30 for displaying the time of day , an am / pm indicator 32 , a day region 34 for displaying a three - letter abbreviation of the day of the week , and a date region 36 for displaying the year , month , and day of the month . event data area 28 includes location region 38 , “ vs ” ( versus ) symbol 40 , opponent region 42 , special circumstances region 44 , miscellaneous alarm indicator 46 , event alarm indicator 48 , start time region 50 , and time zone region 52 . location region 38 displays the symbol “ h ” or “ a ” to indicate home and away games respectively . the “ vs ” symbol is always displayed when display 14 is displaying a page of information corresponding to a scheduled event . opponent region 42 displays a four - letter abbreviation of the name of the opposing team . special circumstances region 44 displays the symbol “ d ” to indicate double - header games . miscellaneous alarm indicator 46 and event alarm indicator 48 either contain the symbols shown in fig1 or are blank , depending upon the device settings as hereinafter described . start time region 50 displays the hour and minute corresponding to the starting time of the match . time zone region 52 displays a one - letter abbreviation of the time zone corresponding to the starting time . as shown in the block diagram of fig3 device 10 includes a processor 70 or micro - controller , which , in an exemplary embodiment , is a 4 - bit single - chip device with a ⅛ duty cycle direct , 320 segment display drive ( such as samsung part no . ks 5 7c2504 ). processor 70 is connected to display 14 over segment driver lines 72 and com lines 74 . a battery 76 provides power ( vcc ) to device 10 . processor 70 includes a 4000 byte internal rom memory 78 which contains application program 80 and data representing schedule information 82 . fig9 - 14 provide an example of the contents of memory 78 . switches 88 , 90 , 92 and 94 are connected to select switch 18 , set switch 20 , forward switch 22 , and reverse switch 24 respectively . an alarm 96 and an oscillator 98 are connected to processor 70 . as seen in fig2 housing 12 includes a removable backplate 13 which permits access to a module 99 which contains processor 70 and battery 76 . since module 99 is removable , processor 70 and battery 76 can be replaced . of course , one skilled in the art could readily select an appropriate memory and design module 99 such that memory 78 of processor 70 could be re - programmed with schedule information using standard programming techniques . during assembly , memory 78 is loaded with schedule information 82 and application program 80 using a standard memory programming device and procedures well known in the art . schedule information 82 for the purpose of this description relates to a selected baseball team and includes data describing all games scheduled for that particular season involving the team . it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that schedule information for teams or individual players of other sports could be programmed into memory 78 . associated with each game is data indicating the location of the game ( i . e ., whether “ home ” or “ away ”), the selected team &# 39 ; s opponent , the starting time of the game , the time zone corresponding to the starting time , and whether the game is a double - header . the data is arranged in memory 78 by calendar day . the first and last calendar days that contain a corresponding page of schedule information indicate the first and last days of the season , respectively . any calendar day between those dates which does not contain a corresponding page of schedule information ( i . e ., a game is not scheduled for that day ), is an “ off ” day as explained below . after processor 70 is programmed and installed , power applications ( i . e ., connection to battery 76 ) causes program 80 to execute an initialization sequence . during the initialization sequence , program 80 enables processor 70 to generate default values corresponding to actual time , date , day of the week , and alarm time . timer 98 then begins incrementing this data in a manner well known in the art . during initialization , program 80 also writes data to memory 78 to indicate that the miscellaneous alarm is disabled , and the event alarm is enabled . device 10 has several modes of operation including normal display mode ( fig1 ), alarm display mode ( fig5 ), schedule viewing mode ( fig6 ), time setting mode ( fig7 ), alarm setting mode ( fig8 ), and a dormant mode . immediately upon completion of the initialization procedure , program 80 enters the normal display mode and processor 70 to generate a display of information on display 14 similar to that shown in fig1 . before device 10 is shipped for distribution and sale , processor 70 is preferably put in dormant mode to extend the life of battery 76 . to enter dormant mode , switches 20 , 22 and 24 are pressed simultaneously and held for at least two seconds . program 80 interprets such an input as a command to disable display 14 . the purchaser or user of device 10 causes the device to return to normal display mode by again pressing and holding switches 20 , 22 and 24 . at some later time if the processor is in a dormant mode , or prior to use , either the distributor or the user sets the actual time . device 10 enters time setting mode when select switch 18 is actuated . select switch 18 is protected from accidental actuation by a button guard and is actuated using a pointed object such as a pen . program 80 interprets select input signal 88 as a command to enter the time setting mode . when device 10 is in time setting mode , processor 70 enables display 14 to clear all contents of event data area 28 as shown in fig7 . the seconds portion of the actual time data flashes on and off . if the user presses forward switch 22 , the seconds portion is reset to zero . all data for display in actual time area 26 is modified by first pressing the set switch 20 to select the data region ( causing it to flash ), then incrementing or decrementing the data by pressing forward switch 22 or reverse switch 24 , respectively . if while in the time setting mode , processor 70 receives an input 88 from select switch 18 , device 10 exits time setting mode and enters normal display mode . the device also exits time setting mode and enters normal display mode after the time setting sequence is completed or if none of the three switches 20 , 22 and 24 are pressed for at least ten seconds . during normal operation , device 10 remains in normal display mode . at the beginning of each day , when actual time reaches 12 : 00 : 00 am , program 80 accesses memory 78 to retrieve a page of schedule information 82 corresponding to the current calendar day . a page of information is all information describing the event scheduled for a particular day . the new or current page of information is displayed in event data area 28 according to the predetermined format shown in fig1 . if memory 78 does not contain a page of information corresponding to the current calendar day ( i . e ., no game is scheduled for that day ), and the current calendar day falls between the first and last events stored in memory 78 ( i . e ., the season is still on ), program 80 enables processor 70 to generate the message “ day off ” for display on display 14 in event data area 28 . if the current day is before the first day of the season or after the last day , but before the first day of the next year , program 80 enables processor 70 to generate the message “ season off ” in the event data area 28 of display 14 . on the first day of the calendar year following the pre - programmed season , and for all days thereafter , program 80 enables process 70 to generate the message “ game day ” in event area 28 . alarm 96 functions both as an event alarm and a miscellaneous alarm . if the event alarm function of device 10 is enabled , processor 70 generates the musical symbol shown in fig1 in event alarm indicator location 48 . as timer 98 advances the actual time data stored on memory 78 and displayed in actual time area 26 , program 80 compares the data to the start time data displayed in start time region 50 . when the start time data matches the actual time data , program 80 enables processor 70 to activate alarm 96 . in an exemplary embodiment , processor 70 sends a sequence of signals to alarm 96 which generates a series of tones such as to the well - known tune “ take me out to the ball game ” to remind the user that the scheduled game for the day is beginning . alarm 96 continues playing the tune for approximately twenty - five seconds or until any one of the switches 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 is actuated . if the event alarm function is disabled , event alarm indicator location 48 is blank and the event starting data is ignored for purposes of activating alarm 96 . similarly , if the miscellaneous alarm function is enabled , processor 70 generates the symbol shown in fig1 in miscellaneous alarm indicator location 46 . program 80 compares the actual time data as it is updated according to timer 98 to the miscellaneous alarm time data storage in memory 78 . when the actual time data equals the miscellaneous alarm time data , program 80 enables processor to activate alarm 96 by sending a series of signals which can generate a “ beep - beep ” sound . alarm 96 continues to produce the “ beep - beep ” sound for approximately fifteen seconds or until set switch 20 is actuated . if the miscellaneous alarm function is disabled , miscellaneous alarm indicator location 46 is blank and the miscellaneous alarm data stored in memory 78 is ignored . the miscellaneous alarm time data is changed by entering alarm setting mode . the user first presses the set switch 20 to command program 80 to enter the alarm display mode . processor 70 causes display 14 to display the alarm time and the characters “ alm ” as shown in fig5 . while in alarm display mode , the user can enable and disable the vent alarm function and the miscellaneous alarm function by pressing the reverse switch 24 or the forward switch 22 , respectively . the user enters the alarm setting mode by pressing select switch 18 while in the alarm display mode . the desired alarm hour , minute , and am / pm are selected ( and displayed as flashing ) by pressing set switch 20 as shown in fig8 . the data is incremented or decremented by pressing forward switch 22 or reverse switch 24 in a manner similar that described above in the description of setting the actual time data . as with the actual time setting mode , the user exits the alarm setting mode by pressing the select switch 18 , completing the setting sequence , or doing nothing for at least ten seconds . referring now to fig6 the schedule viewing mode is entered whenever the user desires information about games scheduled for any day of the year other than the current calendar day . the schedule viewing mode is entered from the normal display mode by pressing either the forward switch 22 or the reverse switch 24 . when either switch is pressed , program 80 enables processor to clear actual time region 30 of display 14 . when the forward switch 22 is pressed , the program 80 causes processor 70 to access the portion of memory 78 corresponding to the calendar day following the current calendar day . if a page of schedule information exists in that portion of memory 78 , processor 70 causes the page of information to be displayed in event data area 28 according to the pre - determined format of fig1 . the data displayed in day region 34 and date region 36 is also advanced by one day . each time the forward switch 22 is pressed , the data displayed in day region 34 and date region 36 is advanced by one day and program 80 causes processor 70 to access a page of schedule information in memory 78 corresponding to the displayed calendar day . the page of information is displayed in event data area 28 . if no match is scheduled for the displayed day , the message “ day off ” is displayed in event data area 28 as shown in fig3 . if the displayed day is not within the season programmed into memory 78 , but is prior to the first day of the following year , the message “ season off ” is displayed in event data area 28 . event data area 28 continuously displays the message “ game day ” after the year corresponding to the programmed season . the user similarly reviews past scheduling information or decrements the displayed information by one day by pressing the reverse switch 24 . the user can advance the displayed schedule information in one month increments by pressing set switch 20 while in the schedule viewing mode . each time set switch 20 is actuated , program 80 interprets input signal 90 as a command to advance to the page of information stored in memory 78 corresponding to the first day of the following month . inputs from forward switch 22 or reverse switch 24 increment or decrement the displayed page of information by one calendar day as described above . by using a combination of the set switch 20 , the forward switch 22 and the reverse switch 24 , the user can quickly access scheduling information for any day of the year . while this invention has been described as having exemplary embodiments , the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure . this application is therefore intended to cover any variations , uses , or adaptations of the invention using its general principles . further , this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims .	6
the present invention provides methods , computer program products , and systems for dynamically generating per - station real lists for hot spot connections . a hot spot operated by a device ( e . g ., an access point or a smart phone ) provides a wlan connection for a mobile device within range for data roaming . generally , the term realms is used generically herein to refer to nai ( network access identifier ) realms , ois ( organization identifier ), ouis ( organizationally unique identifier ), isps ( internet service providers ), ssp ( subscription service providers ), and other network service providers configured to provide roaming data services through not spots . the techniques ease hot spot connections for roaming stations and others . for example , a smartphone can automatically roam to a hot spot for offloading data from a cellular network . although the hot spot allows the connection without a fee to the user , based on the amount of data usage , the hot spot can charge the cellular network for the offloading . although the description refers to wi - fi , other types of wireless communication networks , such as bluetooth , can be substituted . one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many other scenarios are possible , as discussed in more detail below . systems to dynamically generate per - station realm lists for hot spot connections ( fig1 - 4 ) fig1 is a high - level block diagram illustrating a system 100 to dynamically generate per - station realm lists for hot spot connections , according to one embodiment . the system 100 comprises a ( hot spot ) access point 110 , an advertisement server 120 , a controller 130 , service providers 140 a - n , and ( roaming ) stations 150 a - n . the components can be coupled to a network 199 , such as the internet , a local network or a cellular network , through any suitable wired ( e . g ., ethernet ) or wireless ( e . g ., wi - fi or 4g ) medium , or hybrid combination of network types . in a preferred embodiment , the access point 110 is coupled to the stations 150 a - n through wireless communication channels 115 a - n . additionally , the access point 110 is coupled to back - end components such as the advertisement server 120 , the controller 130 , or the like , through wired communication channels 125 a , 125 b , and coupled to and to the network 199 and external resources , such as the service providers 135 a - n and web site hosts , through wired communication channels 135 a , 135 b . other devices , such as smart phones and lap top , can also operate hot spots . other embodiments of communication channels for system 100 are possible . additional network components can also be part of the system 100 , such as additional controllers ( e . g ., an sdn , or software - defined networking , controller ), additional access points , firewalls , virus scanners , routers , switches , application servers , databases , and the like . numerous hot spots can overlap in coverage areas , operating jointly or autonomously . moreover , an enterprise can also operate hot spots at different locations under centralized information servers . the access point 110 dynamically narrows down a list of available realms to a list of preferred realms sent to the stations 150 a - n . the list of available realms can be preconfigured ( e . g ., manually ) in the access point 110 , automatically discovered , or provided by an external source ( e . g ., the controller 130 ). various factors can dictate narrowing algorithms , including previous connection histories ( e . g ., database record ) of the stations 150 a - n , specific agreements between service providers and entities associated with the hot spot ( e . g ., starbucks and verizon ), and link quality ( e . g ., accessibility ) to the service providers 140 a - n . the number of factors , relative weighting , and other algorithm details are implementation - specific . while a newly connecting station receives a list closer to static realm lists of the prior art , in an embodiment , returning stations with more history can receive a more customized list . returning stations are identifiable by mac addresses stored in a searchable database . neighboring access points , external resources , or other components other than the access point 110 can also update database records ( e . g ., responsive to a connection with a neighboring access point ). the connection process for the access point 110 begins with broadcasted beacons that include an nai realm list that identifies all realms available through the bss ( basic service set ). according to the techniques described herein , the top three preferred realms are provided in a format compliant with , for example , ieee 802 . 11u . additionally , realms for roaming consortiums can be identified by an oi ( organization identifier ) which is a 24 - bit strings assigned by ieee . other realms can be identified by an oiu which is a globally - unique 36 - bit string , identifying a manufacturer , operator , or other organization . in some embodiments , additional realms can be provided upon request from stations 150 a - n . at this point , the access point 110 is able to identify the station and provide customized aspects of dynamically generated realm lists . the resulting list can be the same as the beacon or modified . in some cases , the requests to the access point 110 for additional realms can be offloaded to the advertisement server 120 to prevent disruption of access point services . the access point 110 broadcasts beacons advertising one or more bssids ( basic service set identifiers ) in accordance with ieee 802 . 11 or other protocols to allow connections by the stations 150 a - n that are able to authenticate with the preferred realms of the access point 110 . in one example , a bssid is a 48 - bit field of the same format as an ieee 802 mac address that uniquely identifies a bss ( blind service set ). the access point 110 can authenticate a selected realm of the preferred realms suing ieee 802 . 1x or other authentication paradigms . once the stations 150 a - n establish a connection by associating and authenticating , data services to the network 199 are made available by the access point 110 on behalf of one or the service providers 140 a - n . in another embodiment , a nai home realm query can be received from the stations 150 a - n that are actively discovering supported realms . the nai home realm query includes nai realms for which it has authentication credentials . more generally , an nai is a standard under rfc 4282 for identifying users requesting access to the network . the nai realm identifies the proper authentication server or domain for the user &# 39 ; s authentication exchange . optionally , the nai realm can also indicate the eap ( extensible authentication protocol ) types supported by each realm as well as authentication parameters for that eap type . once connected , the access point 110 uses ieee 802 . 1x to authenticate the station with a realm and begins forwarding packets concerning the stations 110 a - n . in some cases , the service providers 140 are charged based on an amount of network usage by associated stations . the access point 110 can be implemented as a server blade , a pc , a laptop , a smartphone with tethering services , any appropriate processor - driven device , or any of the computing devices discussed herein ( e . g ., see fig7 ). the access point 110 can be specifically configured for hot spot roaming or be generically configured . for example , the access point 110 can be an ap 110 or ap 433 ( modified as discussed herein ) by meru networks of sunnyvale , calif . a network administrator can strategically place multiple access points for optimal coverage area over a locale . the access point 110 can , in turn , be connected to a wired hub , switch or router connected to the network 199 . in another embodiment , the functionality is incorporated into a switch or router . in some embodiments , a controller ( not shown ) provides management and offloading services to a group of access points over a lan in a single locale or through cloud - services for geographically distributed or independent access points . more detailed embodiments of the access point 110 are discussed below in association with fig2 . the stations 150 a - n detect various hot spots as a user moves to different locations . at this point , the stations 150 a - n are in a network discovery mode because the stations 150 a - n are unauthenticated and unassociated with respect to the access point 110 . beacons from the access point 110 and potentially other available access points are detected , along with available realms in one case . also , a request is sent to available access points to receive available realms in another case . more specifically , a public action frame provided by ieee 802 . 11u enables the stations 150 a - n to prompt the access point 110 for more information before an association for obtaining an ip address is formed . for example , gas ( generic advertisement service ) frames with anqp ( access network query protocol ) requests can be utilized the stations 150 a - n to discover supported realms beyond the three advertised ( see e . g ., fig4 b an 4 c ). once a list of preferred realms is sent to the stations 150 a - n from the access point 110 , a realm can be automatically selected or manually input by a user . authentication credentials provided by ieee 802 . 1x or some other mechanism are forwarded from the stations 150 a - n to the access point 110 to begin normal wi - fi use . the stations 150 a - n can be implemented as a personal computer , a laptop computer , a tablet computer , a smart phone , a mobile computing device , a server , a cloud - based device , a virtual device , an internet appliance , or any of the computing devices described herein ( see e . g ., fig7 ). the stations 150 a - n can be specifically configured for hot spot roaming ( e . g ., with authentication credentials or with a mobile application ) or be generically configured ( e . g ., with operating system integration ). no special client is needed for techniques described herein , although other aspects of the network may require downloads to the stations 150 a - n . the stations 150 a - n connect to the access point 110 for access to a lan or external networks using an rf ( radio frequency ) antenna and network software complying with , for example , ieee 802 . 11 . fig2 is a more detailed block diagram illustrating an access point 110 of the system 100 , according to one embodiment . the access point 110 comprises a realm list engine 210 , a station records database 220 , a realm tracking module 230 , a beacon and response generation module 240 , and a realm authentication module 250 . the components can be implemented in hardware , software , or a combination of both . the realm list engine 210 generates a list of preferred realms from a list of available realms , at least partially on - the - fly . to do so , the station records data base 220 is called to search database records for mac addresses of stations requesting realm lists . the database can be stored locally or be shared database stored remotely . the realm list engine 210 can also call a realm tracking module 230 to check for inaccessible realms that should be removed from the list . exceptions for a particular realm can be monitored to identify problems . realms can be just temporarily removed until later connections show more reliability . finally , the beacon and response generation module 240 can embed the list of realms in beacons or probe responses transmitted by access points . also , one or more bssids are included in beacons or probe responses . the realm authentication module 250 handles authentication of stations with selected realms . fig3 is a sequence diagram illustrating interactions 300 between components of the system 100 of fig1 , according to one embodiment . the illustrated interactions 300 are not intended to be limiting . as such , the interactions 310 to 380 can be a portion of steps from a longer process , separate interactions can be combined ( e . g ., interactions 320 and 340 ), and can occur in different orders . initially , the access point 110 broadcasts beacons to all stations including the station 150 that includes a bssid and an initial list of three realms ( interaction 310 ). in response , the station 150 uses the bssid as an address to send a gas query to the access point 110 ( interaction 320 ). then the access point 110 sends a gas query response containing a query protocol id to the station 150 ( interaction 330 ). given this information , the station 150 sends an anqp query for a nai realm list to the access point 110 ( interaction 340 ). techniques herein are applied in order to dynamically generate a list of realms customized for the requestor . the access point 110 sends the dynamically generated list to that station 140 in an anqp response ( interaction 350 ). a selected realm along with authentication information is finally sent from that station 110 to the access point 110 ( interaction 360 ) which in turn presents the information to the service provider 150 ( interaction 370 ) and receives a success or failure message concerning the authentication information ( interaction 380 ). fig4 a shows an interworking element 400 included in beacons and probe responses . inclusion of the interworking element 400 indicates ieee 802 . 11u compatibility . within the internetworking element 400 , a network type element can indicate a network type as private , private with guest access , chargeable or free . an internet field can be set to 1 if wi - fi network provides internet access . an asra ( additional authentication step required ) field and emergency service accessible field can also be included . in response , a station can request a list of reams from an access point . fig4 b shows a roaming consortium element 410 included beacons and probe responses . the roaming consortium element 420 indicates to stations which realms are available to an access point at a host spot . in return , stations can quickly scan to determine if there are any wi - fi networks for which it has valid security credentials . a number of anqp ois provides number of additional ois ( or ouis ) which are available upon request to an access point , and can be provided upon request by stations to an access point . the oi fields provide the three default realms . stations unsatisfied with the default ois can request additional realms from an access point . fig4 c shows an advertisement protocol element 420 included in beacons and probe responses . by scanning advertisement protocol tuple fields of the advertisement protocol element 420 , a station can determine the protocol necessary to query an access point for additional information . in particular , support for anqp protocol is one mechanism for a list of dynamically generated realms to be sent . in some embodiments , the elements 400 , 410 , 420 are transmitted together within a single frame , and in other embodiments , are transmitted over more than one frame . one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that alternative protocols formats , later versions of ieee 802 . 11u formats , and proprietary frame formats , are all contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure . methods for dynamically generating per - station realm lists for hot spot connections ( fig5 - 6 ) fig5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 500 for connected roaming stations to hot spots , according to one embodiment . the method 500 can be implemented , for example , in the access point 100 of fig1 . beacons are broadcast to stations within range ( step 510 ). queries for realm lists received from stations are responded to with dynamically generated real lists ( step 520 ). once a real selection is received , the station is authenticated with that realm ( step 530 ). data transfer services are then available for stations ( step 540 ). fig6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of the step 520 for dynamically generating per - station realms lists for host spot connections in more detail , according to one embodiment . a query for an nai realm list is received from a station ( step 610 ). if a record exists for a station requesting the realms , a list of most recent realms is retrieved ( e . g ., last n realms ) ( step 630 ), but if no record exists , a list of all supported realms is returned ( step 625 ) and the process is not necessarily customized per - station in this instance . however , other profiling characteristics can be used for realm selection , such as device type or bandwidth needs . various narrowing algorithms can be applied . in the present embodiment , inaccessible realms are filtered out of the list ( step 640 ). additional realm ranking factors can also be applied , such as preferring realms due to financial consideration or popularity ( step 650 ). fig7 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computing device 700 for use in the system 100 of fig1 , according to one embodiment . the computing device 700 is an exemplary device that is implementable for each of the components of the system 100 , including the access point 110 and the stations 150 a - n . the computing device 700 can be a mobile computing device , a laptop device , a smartphone , a tablet device , a phablet device , a video game console , a personal computing device , a stationary computing device , a server blade , an internet appliance , a virtual computing device , a distributed computing device , a cloud - based computing device , or any appropriate processor - driven device . the computing device 700 , of the present embodiment , includes a memory 710 , a processor 720 , a storage device 730 , and an i / o port 740 . each of the components is coupled for electronic communication via a bus 799 . communication can be digital and / or analog , and use any suitable protocol . the memory 710 further comprises network applications 712 and an operating system 714 . the network applications 712 can include the modules of sdn controllers or access points as illustrated in fig2 and 3 . other network applications 712 can include a web browser , a mobile application , an application that uses networking , a remote application executing locally , a network protocol application , a network management application , a network routing application , or the like . the operating system 714 can be one of the microsoft windows ® family of operating systems ( e . g ., windows 95 , 98 , me , windows nt , windows 2000 , windows xp , windows xp x64 edition , windows vista , windows ce , windows mobile , windows 7 or windows 8 ), linux , hp - ux , unix , sun os , solaris , mac os x , alpha os , aix , irix32 , or irix64 . other operating systems may be used . microsoft windows is a trademark of microsoft corporation . the processor 720 can be a network processor ( e . g ., optimized for ieee 802 . 11 ), a general purpose processor , an application - specific integrated circuit ( asic ), a field programmable gate array ( fpga ), a reduced instruction set controller ( risc ) processor , an integrated circuit , or the like . qualcomm atheros , broadcom corporation , and marvell semiconductors manufacture processors that are optimized for ieee 802 . 11 devices . the processor 720 can be single core , multiple core , or include more than one processing elements . the processor 720 can be disposed on silicon or any other suitable material . the processor 720 can receive and execute instructions and data stored in the memory 710 or the storage device 730 the storage device 730 can be any non - volatile type of storage such as a magnetic disc , eeprom , flash , or the like . the storage device 730 stores code and data for applications . the i / o port 740 further comprises a user interface 742 and a network interface 744 . the user interface 742 can output to a display device and receive input from , for example , a keyboard . the network interface 744 ( e . g . rf antennae ) connects to a medium such as ethernet or wi - fi for data input and output . many of the functionalities described herein can be implemented with computer software , computer hardware , or a combination . computer software products ( e . g ., non - transitory computer products storing source code ) may be written in any of various suitable programming languages , such as c , c ++, c #, oracle ® java , javascript , php , python , perl , ruby , ajax , and adobe ® flash ®. the computer software product may be an independent application with data input and data display modules . alternatively , the computer software products may be classes that are instantiated as distributed objects . the computer software products may also be component software such as java beans ( from sun microsystems ) or enterprise java beans ( ejb from sun microsystems ). furthermore , the computer that is running the previously mentioned computer software may be connected to a network and may interface to other computers using this network . the network may be on an intranet or the internet , among others . the network may be a wired network ( e . g ., using copper ), telephone network , packet network , an optical network ( e . g ., using optical fiber ), or a wireless network , or any combination of these . for example , data and other information may be passed between the computer and components ( or steps ) of a system of the invention using a wireless network using a protocol such as wi - fi ( ieee standards 802 . 11 , 802 . 11a , 802 . 11b , 802 . 11e , 802 . 11g , 802 . 11i , 802 . 11n , and 802 . 11ac , just to name a few examples ). for example , signals from a computer may be transferred , at least in part , wirelessly to components or other computers . in an embodiment , with a web browser executing on a computer workstation system , a user accesses a system on the world wide web ( www ) through a network such as the internet . the web browser is used to download web pages or other content in various formats including html , xml , text , pdf , and postscript , and may be used to upload information to other parts of the system . the web browser may use uniform resource identifiers ( urls ) to identify resources on the web and hypertext transfer protocol ( http ) in transferring files on the web . this description of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description . it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described , and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teaching above . the embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications . this description will enable others skilled in the art to best utilize and practice the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to a particular use . the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims .	7
now , an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings . referring to fig1 a keyboard 1 has as shown in fig3 keys from notes f1 to c4 . key operation signals are fed to cpu 4 . as shown in fig3 a switch input section 2 includes mode switches 2a for selecting one of three modes , i . e ., a power - off mode , a normal play mode and a navigate or training play mode for playing the keyboard in conformity to leds which are lit . the switch input section 2 also includes guide select switches 2b for determining the kind of guide ( melody guide i or ii ) depending on whether an automatic accompaniment follows key operations in the navigate training play mode or not . the switch input section 2 further includes rhythm select switches 2c , timbre select switches 2d , volume control knob 2e and an end switch for stopping the training play mode . the outputs of these switches are fed to cpu 4 . leds 3 are provided for the respective keys . the musical data of a musical piece stored in a rom pack 5 is read out into an automatic play ram 6 for the preparation of automatic play of the musical piece . during the automatic play leds for keys corresponding to notes being played are successively turned on . the player operates keys for training under the guide of leds 3 . a timer ( tc ) 7 comprises a clock pulse generator for generating a clock pulse signal , one cycle period of which defines the minimum unit time of musical performance . for instance , one cycle of the clock pulse corresponds to 1 / 4 of 1 / 96 note duration . the clock frequency of the timer is set by a tempo switch ( not shown ), and the timer clock output is fed to cpu 4 . key operation signals from keyboard 1 or data read out from ram 6 are fed to musical tone signal generator 8 to generate musical tone signals . these tone signals are sounded through amplifier 12 and loudspeaker 13 . it should be noted that , in the training play mode , data from ram 6 are used only for turning on leds 3 . a plurality of accompaniment pattern data are stored in an auto - accompaniment pattern data rom 10 , and they are selected by switches in switch input section 2 . the selected pattern data is read out under control of cpu 4 to auto - accompaniment control circuit 9 . the data is then fed to auto - accompaniment tone generator 11 to generate auto - accompaniment tone signals which are sounded through amplifier 12 and loudspeaker 13 . as will be described later , in a performance practiced under the melody guide made i or ii , leds 3 corresponding in number to the accuracy of performance are lit to mark the performance of the trainee . in the melody guide mode i the auto - accompaniment follows the key operation , but in the melody guide mode ii it does not follow the key operation but proceeds in synchronism to the read - out of the musical data from ram 6 . now , the construction of register section 4a in cpu 4 will be described with reference to fig2 . registers p1 and p2 are loaded with note data . registers l1 and l2 are loaded with duration data . these note and duration data are read out from rom pack 5 into ram 6 . register 6 is a reaction speed register for accumulating a time difference between a correct key depression timing defined by duration data from rom pack 5 , and an actual key depression timing . register m is incremented by 1 when a key is depressed , which is not specified by note data from rom pack 5 . in other words , the number of mis - operated keys is accumulated . registers f1 to f4 are flag registers . delayed depression flags 1 and 2 are set in registers f1 and f2 . an early depression flag is set in register f3 . &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; is set in register f4 when data in register l2 becomes negative . register k is a counter for counting notes successively read out from ram 6 . as is shown , registers l1 and l2 each consist of a high order ( h ) section , a middle order ( m ) section and a low order ( l ) section are , these sections each comprised of 4 bits . for the calculation of marks , data of the lower order ( l ) section are neglected as minute data . now , the appearance of musical instrument body 14 will be described with reference to fig3 . as noted above , keyboard 1 has 32 keys of notes f1 to c4 and leds 3 are provided for the respective keys . to indicate the accuracy of performance on the basis of the number of leds 3 which are lit , a word &# 34 ; failure &# 34 ; and one star mark are represented for seven low - pitch tone - side leds 3 , a word &# 34 ; fair &# 34 ; and two star marks are represented for the next ten leds , a word &# 34 ; good &# 34 ; and three star marks are represented for the next nine leds , and a word &# 34 ; excellent &# 34 ; and four star marks are represented for the next six leds . these 32 leds are turned on in increasing number from the low - pitch tone side with increasing accuracy of performance . casing 15 accommodating rom pack 5 is provided at the upper portion of loudspeaker 11 , so that the rom pack can be freely loaded into casing 15 . the operation of the embodiment will now be described with reference to the flow charts of fig4 and 5 , exemplary scores shown in fig6 to 11 and mark tables shown in fig1 and 13 . the flow chart of fig4 shows an example of operation in the melody guide mode i where an auto - accompaniment follows the key operation . the flow chart of fig5 shows an example of operation in the melody guide mode ii where the autoaccompaniment does not follow the key operation but proceeds at a speed specified by tempo clock generator 7 . the score shown in fig6 is to be performed correctly and stored in rom pack 5 . fig7 shows an actual performance which was carried out on the keyboard in the guide mode i , and fig8 to 11 show actual performances which were played on the keyboard in guide mode ii . in fig6 l1 indicates duration data ( which is read out from rom pack 5 ) representing a time length up to a time when the first tone ( note c4 , duration l2 of a quarter tone ) is sounded . t1 is a timing at which the key corresponding to the first tone is to be operated , t2 a timing of operation of the key corresponding to the second tone ( note e4 and duration l3 of a half tone ), and t3 a timing of operation of the key corresponding to the third tone ( note d4 and duration l4 of a quarter tone ). first , the training play mode is selected in the mode switch section 2a , and then the guide mode i is designated in the guide select switch section 2b . also , to designate the music shown in fig6 musical piece data are read out from rom pack 5 to be transferred through cpu 4 to ram 6 . the selection of a musical piece in rom pack 5 is done by operating a key in the keyboard . as a result , the routine of the flow chart of fig4 a - 4c is started . in step s1 of fig4 a , registers r , m and k are cleared . in subsequent step s2 , duration data l1 representing duration up to the time when the first tone ( c4 ) is sounded is set in l1 register . in subsequent step s3 , duration data l2 and note data c4 of the first tone are set in registers l2 and p2 . in subsequent step s4 , flag register f2 is cleared . in step s5 a check is done as to whether a key is on . in step s6 , the data in register l1 and the shortest unit time ( tc ) specified by timer ( tc ) 7 are compared in magnitude . at this moment , l1 & gt ; tc , so that the routine goes to step s7 , in which one - bit data ( tc ) representing the shortest unit time specified by timer 7 is subtracted from the data in register l1 and the result is set in register l1 . the routine then goes to step s22 , in which a check is done as to whether end switch 2f is &# 34 ; on &# 34 ; ( indicating the termination of the training mode ). since the result is no , the routine goes back to step s5 . the above steps s5 , s6 , s7 and s22 are repeatedly executed until the key of the first tone is operated at time t &# 39 ; 1 earlier than a predetermined time t1 . when the key for the first tone ( c4 ) is depressed at instant t1 &# 39 ; earlier by a time interval a than the normal timing t1 , the routine goes from step s5 to step s9 . in step s9 ( fig4 b ), a check is done as to whether the key data signal produced coincides with note data c4 in register p2 , i . e ., whether the correct key has been depressed . since in this case the correct key has been depressed , the routine proceeds to step s11 . if a wrong key has been operated , the routine goes to step s10 , in which register m is incremented by 1 . the routine then goes to step s11 . when the key is depressed at t &# 39 ; 1 , a tone corresponding to this key is sounded , and an accompaniment tone is sounded in synchronism with the key depression . in step s11 it is detected that data in flag register f2 is &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; ( indicating that the key is depressed earlier ), and the routine goes to step s19 . in step s19 a check is done as to whether data in register k represents a number greater than a predetermined number , i . e ., 128 , i . e ., whether over 128 note data has been read out from ram 6 . at this moment , the result is no , so that the routine goes to step s12 . in step s12 , data a of upper order bits ( h , m ) in register l1 is added to data in register r , and the result constitutes data ( a ) in register r . data of lower order bits ( l ) of register l , representing duration shorter than 1 / 96 note duration is neglected . the routine then proceeds to step s14 , in which data of duration l2 in register l2 is set in register l1 , and data of note c4 in register p2 is set in register p1 . when it is detected in step s15 that the musical piece has not yet been completed , step s16 is executed , in which data of duration l3 ( a half tone ) and note e4 are loaded into registers l2 and p2 from ram 6 . in subsequent step s18 , register k is incremented by 1 to represent the read - out of the second tone data . the routine then returns to step s4 . steps s5 to s7 and s22 are repeatedly executed until the time tt , determined by duration data l2 , arrives . at the time tt , the data in register l1 becomes negative in step s7 . therefore , in subsequent step s6 executed after steps s22 and s5 the result of decision is no . the routine thus proceeds to step s8 , in which 1 is set to flag register f2 , representing that a key has been depressed later . then , steps s7 , s22 and s5 are executed . then , steps s5 to s7 and s22 are executed until the key for the second one is depressed at late instant t2 &# 39 ;. during this time interval , data in register l1 increases in the negative direction through the calculation in step s7 and approaches - b till a point of time t2 &# 39 ;. when the key for the second tone is depressed at time t2 &# 39 ; later by duration b than time tt , the routine goes through steps s5 , s9 and s11 . since the f2 flag is &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; ( indicating that the key is depressed later ), the routine goes to step s13 , in which the complement ( negative value ) b of data in l1 register is added to data in r register so that data a + b is obtained , which represents the extent of delayed depression of keys , that is , the degree of reaction speed of the trainee . in step s14 , data l3 is set in register l1 and data e4 in register p1 . in subsequent step s16 data l4 ( quater tone ) is set in register l2 , and data d4 is loaded in register p2 . further , in step s18 the data in register k becomes &# 34 ; 2 &# 34 ;, and the routine goes back to step s4 . the operation for the third and following tones is performed similarly . if it is determined in step s19 that data in register k indicates 128 or above , the long performance made so far with 128 notes or more is considered in marking the result of performance made by the trainee as described later . if a key is depressed earlier by a time period equal to or shorter than 1 / 96 note duration , it is detected in step s20 , and the routine then proceeds to step s21 , in which data of register r divided by 128 is subtracted from the value accumulated in register r to give a premium to the mark . when the end of musical data is detected on the basis of an end mark in the data in step s15 , step s17 is executed , in which a processing for notifying the result of training to the performer is done . more specifically , referring to fig4 c , in steps s17a and s17b the mark ( m ) representing the number of erroneous key operations and the mark ( r ) representing key operation timing errors are obtained from erroneous key operation data in register m and timing error data in register r from the mark tables shown in fig1 and 13 . as shown in fig4 c , in step s17c , the marks ( m ) and ( r ) are compared . if ( m )& lt ;( r ), step s17d is executed , in which led driver lines are enabled according to the erroneous key operation mark ( m ) which is smaller than the timing error mark ( r ). when ( r )& lt ;( m ), in step s17e led driven lines are enabled in accordance with the mark ( r ) for key operation timing error . in step s17f , leds are lit which correspond in number to the smaller one of the erroneous key operation mark and timing error mark . the full mark of the result of practice is set to 32 points . the operation in the melody guide mode ii will now be described with reference to the flow chart of fig5 . in this mode , auto - accompaniment proceeds in synchronism to the read - out of musical data from ram 6 irrespective of the key operation . in the example of key operations in the performance pattern shown in fig8 all the keys are operated earlier than normal timings t1 , t2 and t3 . in the melody guide mode ii , the auto - accompaniment tones are sounded at normal timings t1 , t2 and t3 . the operation performed until a key is operated at time t1 &# 39 ; earlier than the normal timing t1 , is the same as that shown in fig7 . that is , steps s1 to s7 ( fig5 b ), s11 and s33 ( fig5 a ) are executed , and then steps s5 , s11 and s33 are repeated . in the mode ii , flag f4 is cleared in step s1 . in step s4 , flags f1 , f2 and f3 are cleared . data l1 is loaded in register l1 , data l2 in register l2 , and data c4 is loaded in register p2 . when the key of c4 is depressed at time t1 &# 39 ;, steps s5 , s16 ( fig5 c ), s18 , s27 , s20 ( here data in register r becomes a ) and s21 ( here earlier depression flag f3 is set to &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;) are executed , and the routine returns to step s5 . steps s5 , s6 , s7 , s11 and s33 are repeated until time t1 arrives . when data in register l1 becomes negative in step s11 , the routine goes from step s5 through steps s6 , s7 , s8 ( here data &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; is set to flag registers f1 and f2 ), steps s9 , s22 ( here data l2 and c4 are loaded in registers l1 and p1 ), steps s23 , s24 ( here data l3 representing a half tone duration and data e4 are loaded in respective registers l2 and p2 ), and s26 ( here data in register k becomes 2 ), and the routine then goes back to step s4 . the flags in flag registers f1 , f2 and f3 are thus reset . in the guide mode ii , the loading of melody data from ram 6 into cpu 4 is determined by rest duration data loaded from ram 6 into register l1 . therefore , after data a in register l1 has been added to data in register r at time t1 &# 39 ;, it is necessary to wait the loading of the next data for a time period of a . therefore , after setting &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; to flag register f3 in step s21 , the routine returns to step s5 . while the time interval l2 passes until time t2 &# 39 ;, steps s5 to s7 , s11 , s33 and s5 are repeated . when the key for the second tone e4 is subsequently depressed at time t2 &# 39 ; earlier than instant t2 , the routine also goes from step s5 through steps s16 , s18 , s27 , s20 ( data in register r becomes a + b ) and s21 , and the routine then goes back to step s5 . similar operation then is executed with respect to the key for the third tone d4 . now , the example of fig9 will be described . in this example , the first key c4 and second key e4 are both depressed earlier than the normal timing t1 . what takes place until the first key c4 is depressed is the same as in the case of fig8 . when the second key e4 is depressed at a time earlier by b than time t1 , the routine goes from step s5 to step s16 . since the data in register p2 represents noted c4 now , the routine goes to step s17 in which data in register m becomes &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; indicating an occurrence of erroneous key depression . then , steps s18 , s27 , s20 ( here data in register r becomes b ), s21 ( here flag f3 is &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;), s5 to s7 , s11 , s33 and s5 are executed . subsequently at time t1 , steps s5 to s8 ( here data in flag registers f1 and f2 become &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;), s9 , s22 , s23 , s24 ( here note e4 and half tone duration of the second tone are read out from ram 6 ) and s26 are executed , and the routine goes back to step s4 . the example of fig1 will now be described . in this example , the depression of the first key c4 is done after a delay of time t1 &# 39 ;, and the second key e4 after a delay of t2 &# 39 ;. until time t1 , steps s1 to s7 , s11 and s33 are repeated . until the data in register l1 becomes negative at time t1 and the first key c4 is depressed at time t1 &# 39 ;, the routine goes through steps s5 , s6 , s7 , s8 ( here data in flag registers f1 and f2 is &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;), s9 , s11 , s33 and s5 , and then steps s5 , s6 , s12 , s10 , s11 , s33 and s5 are repeated . when the key c4 is depressed at time t1 &# 39 ;, steps s5 , s16 , s18 , s19 ( here data in register r becomes a ), s30 , s22 , s23 , s24 , s26 are executed , and the routine goes back to step s4 . subsequent operation performed until the second key e4 is depressed at time t2 &# 39 ; is the same as the operation until the first key c4 is depressed at time t1 &# 39 ;. when the second key e4 is depressed at time t2 &# 39 ;, steps s5 , s16 , s18 , s19 ( here data in register r becomes a + b ), s30 , s22 , s23 , s24 and s26 are executed , and the routine goes back to step s4 . the example of fig1 will now be described . in this example , the first key c4 and second key e4 are both depressed after delay from the normal timing t2 . steps s1 to s7 , s11 , s33 and s5 are repeated up to time t1 . when time t1 comes , steps s5 to s9 ( flags f1 and f2 become &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; during these steps ). s11 , s33 , s5 , s6 , s12 , s10 , s11 , s3 and s5 are executed . now , the data in register l1 is negative , so that steps s5 , s6 , s12 , s10 , s11 , s33 and s5 are repeated . after time t2 , the routine proceeds through steps s5 , s6 and s12 , then since the data in l2 register is negative the routine proceeds through step s32 ( here flag register f4 is set to &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;), s13 ( here data in register l1 is negative ) and s14 ( here the negative data in register l1 , i . e ., duration l2 between times t1 and t2 is added to r register ). then , in step s15 register m is incremented by 1 to count an erroneous key depression . then , step s22 ( here data l2 and c4 are set in respective registers l1 and p1 ), s23 , s24 ( here data e4 and l3 are set in respective registers l2 and p2 ) and s25 ( here data in register k is &# 34 ; 2 &# 34 ;) are executed , and the routine goes back to step s4 . then the routine goes through steps s5 , s6 and s7 . since the data in register l1 now is substantially 0 , no is yielded , so that steps s8 ( here flag f1 and f2 are set to 1 ), step s9 , s11 , s33 and s5 are executed . until t1 &# 39 ; comes , steps s5 , s6 , s12 , s10 , s11 , s33 and s5 are repeatedly executed . when the key c1 is depressed at time t1 &# 39 ;, the routine proceeds through steps s5 and s16 to step s17 . since data in register p2 is e4 , it is determined that the key has been operated erroneously . the data in register m is incremented by 1 to &# 34 ; 2 &# 34 ;. in step s18 it is detected that data in flag register f2 is &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ; ( indicative of delayed depression ), and the routine proceeds to step s19 , in which data representing duration between times t2 and t1 &# 39 ; is added to data in register r . it is detected in step s30 that flag f4 is &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;, so that step s31 is executed , in which flag f is cleared . the routine then is returned to step s5 . until time t2 &# 39 ; comes the steps s5 , s6 , s12 , s10 , s11 , s33 and s5 are repeated . when the second key e4 is depressed at t2 &# 39 ;, steps s5 , s16 , s18 ( data in register p2 is e4 ), s19 ( here data representing duration between times t2 and t2 &# 39 ; is added to data in register r ), s30 ( here flag f4 is &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ;), s22 , s23 , s24 and s26 are executed , and the routine goes back , to step s4 . then operation with respect to the third key d4 is performed similarly . in this embodiment , the mark of the result of performance is displayed using display elements provided for the respective keys . therefore , there is no need of providing an exclusive score display device , and the panel surface can be effectively uitilized .	6
referring initially to fig1 , a high - fidelity transducer ( hft ) 100 receives an input signal from an external source and delivers it as a signal to a signal recording and processing apparatus 102 . the apparatus 102 may be an information recordal system , or a communication system that permits further analysis of the signal received from the hft 100 . the input signal is in general a signal propagated as disturbances in a physical transmission medium , such a vibration , and for convenience of description it will be assumed that the signal is a vibration that provides an acoustic signal . the hft 100 is formed as an integrated structure on a printed circuit board 104 and comprises a low - fidelity transducer ( lft ) 10 , an analog - to - digital converter ( adc ) 20 , and a digital signal processor ( dsp ) 30 . the lft 10 is a transducer of suitable form factor to provide an analogue output signal representative of the acoustic signal received from the external source . additional signal conditioning may be incorporated between the components , such as a filter , but these have not been shown for clarity . the hft 100 is formed as an integrated structure on a printed circuit board 104 and comprises a low - fidelity transducing element ( lft ) 10 , an analog - to - digital converter ( adc ) 20 , and a digital signal processor ( dsp ) 30 . the lft 10 is a transducing element , commonly referred to as a microphone , of suitable form factor to provide an analogue output signal representative of the acoustic signal received from the external source . as may be seen in greater detail in fig2 , the dsp 30 includes a micro - processor 32 , and an instruction set 34 to implement a set of program instructions in the micro processor 32 to reproduce a signal augmentation algorithm . the dsp 30 also includes signal sample memory 36 and an instrument characteristic data store 38 that stores a data set of the parameters of an operator that maps the received acoustic signal in to the space of the data . experimentation has shown that loss of information caused by poor characteristics of an acoustic or vibration transducer , such as , for example , lft 10 , may be partially compensated for by appropriate processing of its output signal y ( t ), the processing being based on an a priori identified mathematical model of the transducer . since the fidelity limitations imposed by physical size of an acoustic or vibration transducer are well understood , it has been found experimentally that by characterizing a lft 10 it is possible to define a transform r for transforming the lft 10 data , y ( t ), into a more accurate , i . e . a higher - fidelity , representation of the sound , x ( t ), provided to the lft 10 input . to facilitate the definition of the transform r , dsp 30 is provided , during a calibration process , with information on the metrological imperfections of lft 10 . in essence , as indicated in the calibration loop of fig3 , known acoustical signals are provided to the lft 10 and the resultant signal y ( t ) analysed against known acoustical profiles for those signals . a set of calibration data resulting from the comparison of the electronic data and the known acoustical signal is determined and stored as a set of characteristic data in the data store 38 where it may be used during implementation of the signal augmentation algorithm in the processor 32 . in order to better understand the methods of acoustic signal reconstruction executed by dsp 30 , the following notation is used : t — time ; n — number of the data at the adc 20 output ; δt — step of time discretization ; { t n \| n = 1 , . . . , n }— the sequence of time points , resulting from time dicretization ; t n + 1 − t n = δt ; {{ tilde over ( y )} n }— the data representative of x ( t ) acquired at the adc 20 output ; { tilde over ( y )} n ≅ y ( t n ); g — an operator ( algorithm ) of projection mapping the acoustic signal x ( t ) into the space of the data : { { tilde over ( y )} n }= g └ x ( t ); p g ┘ where p g is a vector or matrix of the parameters of the operator g , as stored as the data set 38 and determined during characterization of lft 10 ; p g =[ p g , 1 p g , 2 . . . ] t or : p g = [ p g , 1 , 1 p g , 1 , 2 … p g , 2 , 1 p g , 2 , 2 … ⋮ ⋮ ⋰ ] r — an operator of reconstruction , as implemented by the instruction set 34 , such as a generalized deconvolution operator for transforming the data {{ tilde over ( y )} n } into , an estimate { circumflex over ( x )}( t ) of x ( t ): { circumflex over ( x )} ( t )= r [{{ tilde over ( y )} n }; p r ] where p r =[ p r , 1 p r , 2 . . . ] t are parameters of the operator r including regularization parameters derived from the parameters p g determined during characterization of lft 10 . the relationship between p g and p r will depend upon the nature of r and in some cases the parameters of r may be obtained directly from the calibration process . the main objective of the method of enhancing the fidelity of lft 10 is providing an estimate { circumflex over ( x )}( t ) of the acoustic signal x ( t ) on the basis of the acquired data {{ tilde over ( y )} n }. the feasibility of this operation is critically conditioned by an auxiliary operation referred to as characterization ( or calibration ) of lft 10 . this operation is aimed at the acquisition of information on a mathematical model of a relationship between the data {{ tilde over ( y )} n } and the acoustic signal x ( t ). although calibration does not necessarily directly precede estimation of x ( t ) on the basis of the data {{ tilde over ( y )} n } by the reconstruction algorithm , valid characterization results from the data set should be available during this process . referring therefore to fig3 , initially , one or more known acoustic signals are provided to the lft 10 and the resulting data set y ( t ) stored . the known signals may be in the time and frequency domain and are chosen to provide sufficient information to determine the frequency domain transfer function . the dsp 30 processor 32 calls a comparison routine from the instruction set 34 and compares the actual data received with an anticipated set of data for that known set of signals . the processor 32 generates a data set based upon the comparison to provide the parameters pr and which are stored as the data set 38 . subsequently , a signal is received at the lft 10 which is processed by the adc 20 to provide a set of data {{ tilde over ( y )} n } to the dsp 30 . the instruction set 34 is applied to the processor 32 to augment the data {{ tilde over ( y )} n } using the reconstruction algorithm and data set 38 to output an augmented set of data { circumflex over ( x )}( t ) that is representative of the received signal x ( t ). the augmented signal { circumflex over ( x )}( t ) is then passed to the processing apparatus 102 where the augmented signal is utilised for further processing . it will be observed that result of the processing of the apparatus 102 is no longer dependant on the fidelity of the lft 10 as it is operating on an augmented signal , { circumflex over ( x )}( t ) rather than the relatively lower fidelity provided by the signal {{ tilde over ( y )} n }. consequently , a lower fidelity transducer may be utilised , providing either a decreased cost or decreased form factor to facilitate its deployment . in the simplest case , the chosen operator of projection g for mapping the acoustic signal into the data space , is defined by the following operation : y ⁡ ( t ) = ⁢ ∫ - ∞ + ∞ ⁢ g ⁡ ( t - τ ) ⁢ x ⁡ ( τ ) ⁢ ⁢ ⅆ τ y ^ n ≅ ⁢ y ⁡ ( t n ) ⁢ ⁢ for ⁢ ⁢ n = 1 , … ⁢ , n where the function g ( t ) is the impulse response of the model of lft 10 . consequently , the vector of the parameters p g of the operator g contains discrete values of this function or the parameters of a function used for its approximation ( e . g . a linear combination of exponential functions ). the chosen operator of reconstruction r , for transforming the data {{ tilde over ( y )} n } into an estimate { circumflex over ( x )}( t ) of x ( t ), may be obtained as a pseudoinverse of the operator g with respect to x ( t ). for example , it may be designed as : a rational filter described in m . wisniewski , r . z . morawski , a . barwicz : “ using rational filters for digital correction of a spectrometric microtrairsducer ” , ieee trans . instrum . & amp ; meas ., vol . 49 , no . 1 , february 2000 , pp . 43 - 48 . or a spline - based kalman filter described in m ben slima , r . z . morawski , a . barwicz : “ kalman - filter - based algorithms of spectrophotometric data correction — part ii : use of splines for approximation of spectra ” , ieee trans . instrum . & amp ; meas ., june 1997 , vol . 46 , no . 3 , pp . 685 - 689 . in the first case , the vector p r =[ p r , 1 p r , 2 . . . ] t of parameters of the operator r contains coefficients of the rational filter ; in the second case — discrete values of the function g ( t ) and regularization parameters for the spline - based kalman filter . many variations of operators and mathematical models or algorithms may be implemented in the dsp 30 to obtain an augmented signal . for example , the following mathematical models of the data at the adc 20 output may be used for defining the operator g : y ⁡ ( t ) = ∫ - ∞ + ∞ ⁢ g ⁡ ( t - τ ) ⁢ x ⁡ ( τ ) ⁢ ⁢ ⅆ τ y ⁡ ( t ) = ∫ - ∞ + ∞ ⁢ g ⁡ ( t , τ ) ⁢ x ⁡ ( τ ) ⁢ ⁢ ⅆ τ y ⁡ ( t ) = ⁢ ∫ - ∞ + ∞ ⁢ g ⁡ ( t - τ ) ⁢ f x ⁡ [ x ⁡ ( τ ) ] ⁢ ⁢ ⅆ τ , y ⁡ ( t ) = ⁢ f y ⁡ [ ∫ - ∞ + ∞ ⁢ g ⁡ ( t - τ ) ⁢ x ⁡ ( τ ) ⁢ ⁢ ⅆ τ ] ⁢ ⁢ or y ⁡ ( t ) = ⁢ f y ⁡ [ ∫ - ∞ + ∞ ⁢ g ⁡ ( t - τ ) ⁢ f x ⁡ [ x ⁡ ( τ ) ] ⁢ ⁢ ⅆ τ ] y ⁡ ( t ) = ⁢ ∫ - ∞ + ∞ ⁢ g ⁡ ( t , τ ) ⁢ f x ⁡ [ x ⁡ ( τ ) ] ⁢ ⁢ ⅆ τ , y ⁡ ( t ) = ⁢ f y ⁡ [ ∫ - ∞ + ∞ ⁢ g ⁡ ( t , τ ) ⁢ x ⁡ ( τ ) ⁢ ⁢ ⅆ τ ] ⁢ ⁢ or y ⁡ ( t ) = ⁢ f y ⁡ [ ∫ - ∞ + ∞ ⁢ g ⁡ ( t , τ ) ⁢ f x ⁡ [ x ⁡ ( τ ) ] ⁢ ⁢ ⅆ τ ] where g ( t ) and g ( t , r ) are the impulse responses of lft 10 ; f x and f y are non - linear functions . the following methods of signal reconstruction in the form of deconvolution or generalized deconvolution may be used for defining the operator r : the original domain , numerical differentiation - based method as described in r . z . morawski , p . sokolowski : “ application of numerical differentiation for measurand reconstruction ” , proc . 7th imek0 - tc4 int : symp . modern electrical & amp ; magnetic measurements ( prague , cssr , sep . 13 - 14 , 1995 ), pp . 230 - 234 . ; the iterative methods of jansson and gold ; the spectrum - domain , tikhonov - regularization - based method ; the cepstrum - domain , tikhonov - regularization - based method ; the original - domain , tikhonov - regularization - based method with the positivity constraint imposed on the solution ; the kalman - filter - based method with the positivity constraint imposed on the solution ; the kalman - filter - based method with spline - approximation of the solution ; the adjoint - operator method as described in r . z . morawski , b . pawiński : “ improving resolution of spectrometric analysis by means of adjoint - operator method and b - splines ”, proc . 6th int . conf . industrial metrology cimi &# 39 ; 95 ( zaragoza , spain , oct . 25 - 27 , 1995 ), pp . 382 - 390 . ; the entropy - based variational method ; the volterra - series - based methods ; the rational - filter - based method as described in m . wiśniewski , r . z . morawski , a . barwicz : “ using rational filters for digital correction of a spectronletric microtransducer ” , ieee trans . instrum . & amp ; meas ., vol . 49 , no . 1 , february 2000 , pp . 43 - 48 . moreover , many other methods developed in the domain of chemometrics , telecommunications , seismology and image processing may also be used to provide to obtain the benefits inherent in those techniques . a direct transformation of the parameters of the operator g may be used ; to obtain the operator r directly it is possible to use :— the minimization of any norm of the solution ∥ p r ∥ under constraints imposed on another norm of the discrepancy ∥ x cal ( t )− r [{{ tilde over ( y )} n cal }; p r ]\|; where x cal ( t ) and {{ tilde over ( y )} n cal } are reference signal and data , respectively ; the minimization of any norm of the discrepancy \| x cal ( t )− r [{{ tilde over ( y )} n cal }; p r ]\| under constraints imposed on another norm of the solution \| p r \|; where x cal ( t ) and {{ tilde over ( y )} n cal } are reference signal and data , respectively . fusion of the functional blocks lft 10 , adc 20 , and dsp 30 enables a designer of the hft 100 to profit from advantages of both mechanical and electrical methods of signal processing . in fact , reprogramming of the instruction set 34 of the processor 32 in the hft 100 is possible and software modifications that improve the overall performance are anticipated . it is well known that software distribution and upgrading is inexpensive relative to the costs associated with similar hardware upgrades . the use of an integrated device provides excellent opportunity for automatic correction of temperature - induced errors which are common in industrial applications . fig4 , in which like components will be denoted with like reference numerals with a suffix “ a ” added for clarity , shows a block diagram of a hft 100 a in which a small temperature sensor circuit 40 is disposed in at least one location within the integrated device . the temperatures are determined and provided to the dsp 30 and appropriate correction of the ltf 10 output signal is performed depending on those temperatures by providing , within transform r , for errors induced by temperature fluctuations . of course , dsp 30 is not susceptible to errors induced by temperature fluctuations so long as it operates within a suitable temperature range . therefore , the eft 100 a is provided with an effective low - cost system of compensating for temperature fluctuations . the hft 100 a may also be provided with one or more additional sensors 50 for sensing other quantities capable of inducing errors within the lft 10 output data y ( t ). although the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments thereof , various changes and modifications are optionally carried out by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention . therefore , it is intended that the present invention encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims .	7
the invention is a funds comparison tool that provides financial advisors and clients with a modern experience to comprehensively research and more clearly visualize mutual fund comparison data . the invention is an open - architecture analytical tool , optimized for ipad , mobile phones / devices , and desktop usage , that enables in - depth evaluations of thousands investment choices in real time , using a plurality of selection criteria . in particular , the funds comparison tool is a dynamic tool allowing for visually compelling , side - by - side comparisons of funds , across all categories , including electronic transfer funds ( etfs ). fund - to - fund comparisons or comparisons of portfolios of funds using data points related to performance , risk , and other crucial factors , and obtain a prospectus for any fund can be accomplished using the invention . moreover , the information provided can be visualized in a context friendly fashion that is easily understood by both advisors and clients . the invention can be used either on a desktop or mobile devices , such as the ipad , android - based devices , and other mobile platforms . the software package that defines the invention is platform independent and can be stored and executed by a processor that lie within the various mobile devices as well as a computer systems used in accordance with the invention . moreover , the invention operates in a client - server network environment that includes a plurality of computer systems or mobile devices intercommunicating with the other . also , the various mobile devices and computer systems associated with the network can have different operating system executing on their respective platforms . the invention is platform independent and therefore does not require specific operating system platform . fig1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the software architecture of the funds comparison tool 2 . the funds comparison tool 2 is modeled as a two - tier client - server architecture : a presentation layer having client components intended for use by the various end user populations ( rmds , advisers and rmas ) and an application tier having supporting web services and application logic . an additional pseudo - tier exists , including databases 26 , 28 , and 30 and services backing the application . the funds comparison tool 2 includes a mobile app and a web - based tool that are client applications interacting with the funds comparison tool . the presentation tier 4 includes various client interfaces 8 , 10 , 12 for the funds comparison tool 2 , including a mobile component 8 , a web component 10 , and the session management tools component 12 . the true client applications ( either the mobile app or web - based tool ) interact with the application tier 6 components exclusively through the web services component 14 . the web - based tool also interacts directly with the netinsight interface ; the web analytics endpoint provided by the web services component 14 is used exclusively by the mobile app . the application tier 6 includes a spring framework 10 . in addition to implementing the web services component 14 and session management tools component 12 , the application tier 6 provides the container for the ipad application . the invention can include a monolithic application for all of these components or can split these components into separate applications . the application tier 6 relies on a dedicated oracle database 26 to provide fund data imported from the morningstar data source 28 , and the advisor address book or rmd territory database 30 can act as the repository of session data . the funds comparison tool 2 also relies on the spring framework 10 for authentication and authorization for the services for the mobile app . the web - based tool uses the access controls of the host web site to determine user information and access levels . the mobile component 8 is a web - deployed , offline - capable html5 application optimized for deployment on the apple ipad or other mobile platforms . the mobile component 8 is intended for use by various retail sales team ( rmds ), and provides rmds with tools for presenting fund - to - fund comparisons and portfolio models in real time . the primary use case for the mobile component 8 is as an informational tool for use during a meeting with a financial advisor . in addition to presenting fund and portfolio data , the mobile component 8 captures “ snapshots ” of data during a given session and transmits the snapshots to a backend repository via the web services component 14 . captured sessions can be used for reporting purposes and can be retrieved and viewed by the web component 10 . the mobile component 8 also captures session - oriented analytical information for business intelligence and usage pattern analysis . this data is sent to the web services component 14 , which is provided to the putnam netlnsight web analytics suite . as an html5 application , this component can be modified for use on other platforms . the web component 10 is a flash - based web application . the web component 10 is targeted for use by financial advisors outside of putnam . like the mobile component 8 , the web component 10 provides an interface for creating fund comparisons and portfolio models directly and is also able to display sessions captured on the mobile version and stored in the system . the core of the funds comparison tool 2 is the web services component 14 . the web services component 14 provides the data used by the clients , such as the mobile component 8 and the web component 10 , data storage and retrieval for session data and an interface for the analytics information captured during sessions . the web services component 14 provides an interface for the client components of the system . the interface is composed of discrete http urls , each of which is responsible for a particular functional aspect of the funds comparison tool 2 . the session management tools component 12 includes a reporting tools component that is a web - based interface for interacting with sessions generated by rmds on the mobile component 8 . the reporting tools component provides tools for managing some of the metadata associated with sessions , re - sending sessions emails to advisors and linking to the session views in the web component 14 . in addition , the session management tools component 12 provides a system administration interface intended for use for use by system administrators . the administration interface is a web - based user interface for managing the data import process for the system . the administration interface integrates with the reporting tools component and administrators can use the interface for looking up session information for troubleshooting purposes . the spring framework 10 addresses the enterprise concern of taking the classes , model objects 32 , and services that are to compose an application , by providing a formalized means of composing these various disparate components into a fully working application ready for use . the spring framework 10 takes best practices that have been proven over the years in numerous applications and formalized as design patterns , and actually codifies these patterns as first class objects that one can take away and integrate into various application ( s ). the spring framework 10 includes a spring orm module 20 , a jdbc module 22 , and a spring security module 18 . the spring orm module 20 is a package that provides integration layers for model objects 32 using popular object - relational mapping application programming interfaces ( apis ), including jpa , jdo , hibernate , and ibatis . using the spring orm module 20 , one can use all those oir - mappers in combination with all the other features spring framework 10 offers in relations to various model objects 32 . the jdbc module 22 provides a jdbc - abstraction layer that removes the need to do tedious jdbc coding and parsing of database - vendor specific error codes . in this case , the jdbc module 22 provides a jdbc - abstraction layer to the morning star database 28 and rmd territory database 30 . also , the jdbc module 22 is a jdbc package providing a way to do programmatic as well as declarative transaction management , not only for classes implementing special interfaces , but for all pojos ( plain old java objects ). the spring security module 18 provides comprehensive security services for j2ee - based enterprise software applications used by the funds comparison tool 2 . there are two major areas of application security are “ authentication ” and “ authorization ” ( or “ access - control ”). these are the two main areas that spring security module 18 targets . “ authentication ” is the process of establishing a principal is who they claim to be ( a “ principal ” generally means a user , device or some other system which can perform an action in your application ). “ authorization ” refers to the process of deciding whether a principal is allowed to perform an action within your application . to arrive at the point where an authorization decision is needed , the identity of the principal has already been established by the authentication process using the sun access manager . 24 these concepts are common , and not at all specific to spring security . fig2 is a schematic diagram illustrating using the funds comparison tool 2 to start a session . in this case , the mobile app is being used with an ipad 40 , however , in other embodiments of the invention other mobile devices can be used . also , the illustration of the user interface 42 will not vary in scope as compared to the web - based tool . once a user executes the mobile app , the user interface 42 is presented with two options including descriptions to create a new session tab 44 that associates the user with an advisor or instantly start fund - to - fund comparison tab 46 without associating the user with an advisor . the user can tap either tab options 44 , 46 to proceed . once a new session is created the user can save that session for later use . fig3 is schematic illustrating opening a previous session 54 using the funds comparison tool 2 . from the home screen 60 , a user can tap the “ sessions ” bar 62 to view a previous session and its snapshots . in this case , this session includes a portfolio snapshot 56 and fund comparison 58 . the user can tap either of these two sessions 56 , 58 and continue working and save these sessions 56 , 58 for later use . with regards to the portfolio snapshot 56 , a user can select a portfolio of funds and perform various analytics which are later displayed in various charts or graphs using a snapshot of data of a defined time period . moreover , the funds comparison session 58 allows the user to select a number of funds , which in this case is 4 but can be more in other embodiments of the invention , and various comparisons analytics are provided to aid in determining the best funds for a user . fig4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the comparison screen 68 used in funds comparison . the comparison screen 68 includes a number of “ add fund ” tabs 70 and a performance table 72 that defines the performance before and after sale charges . the user can tap on the “ add fund ” tabs 70 to add their respective funds they prefer to run for comparison . once all the funds are provided , the information in the performance table 72 are included as shown in fig5 . also , a user can tap the camera icon 74 to produce a snapshot of the current contents in the comparison screen 68 . fig6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a funds comparison chart 84 used in accordance with the invention . as shown , the funds comparison chart 84 displays comparison data of the various funds used in the comparison . also , an “ available charts ” tab 88 is provided demonstrating the various analytic comparison charts 86 that are provided by the funds comparison tool 2 . the user can select a chart by selectively tapping one of the charts 86 in the “ available charts ” tab 88 . moreover , the user can create a snapshot of the comparison chart 84 by selectively tapping the camera icon 90 . fig7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a portfolio comparison chart 68 used in accordance with invention . the portfolio chart 68 includes a portfolio tab 112 defining the number of portfolio used in the comparison . a user must provide a name of the portfolio , the benchmark 118 , and the funds defining a respective portfolio , and a weight value defining the percentage of the portfolio associated with the fund . in this case , the user can define up to 4 portfolio funds but in other embodiments of the invention more portfolio funds can be defined . based on the provided portfolio information , the funds comparison tool 2 retrieves information regarding the funds in the portfolio from the various database described herein . using this information , the portfolio comparison chart 110 is formed including the analytic information 114 comparing the performance of the portfolios provided . moreover , the current snapshots of the portfolio chart 110 and its respective analytics 114 can be taken by the user by selectively tapping the camera icon 116 . although the present invention has been shown and described with respect to several preferred embodiments thereof , various changes , omissions and additions to the form and detail thereof , may be made therein , without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .	6
the preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings . throughout the drawings , the same reference numerals and letters are used to designate same or equivalent elements for the sake of simplicity of explanation . fig1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for warning of the abnormality of an engine according to the present invention . the apparatus is composed of an engine system 1 and an oil shortage detection section 10 . the engine system 1 comprises a magneto 3 , an ignition drive section 4 , an ignition section 5 , and an engine 2 . the detection section 10 comprises a voltage stabilizing section 11 , an oil sensor 12 , an oil - shortage judging section 13 , a signal generation section 14 , an engine - stop control section 15 and an oil - shortage display section 16 . next as is shown in fig2 and 3 an oil sensor 12 is fixed on a boss 20a integrally formed on an oil pan 20 of the engine 2 . an electrode 12a provided in the vicinity of the sensor 12 acts as a cylindrical sensor body . an electrode 12c is inserted into the center of the axis of the electrode 12a through an insulation member 12b . both electrodes 12a and 12c are exposed into the oil pan 20 and connected to the detection section 10 through a lead wire 24 . in fig4 an anode of a diode d1 provided in the voltage stabilizing section 11 is connected to the magneto 3 . a cathode of the diode d1 is connected to a capacitor c1 of the judging section 13 through a resistor r1 and an extra high resistor r2 . the capacitor c1 is then connected to a ground g . in the voltage stabilizing section 11 , an anode of a zener diode zd1 and a minus terminal of an electrolytic capacitor c2 are grounded together . a plus terminal of the capacitor and a cathode of the zener diode zd1 are together connected between the resistors r1 and r2 . resistors r3 and r4 and a resistance - detection type temperature sensor 8 such as a ntc ( negative temperature coefficient ) thermistor are connected in parallel to the resistor r2 and the capacitor c1 . a non - inverting input terminal of a comparator op1 is connected to a point p1 between the resistor r2 and the capacitor c1 , while an inverting input terminal of the comparator op1 is connected to a point p2 between the resistors r3 and r4 . a plus terminal of an electrolytic capacitor c3 whose minus terminal is connected to the ground g is connected between the inverting terminal of the comparator op1 and the point p2 . a terminal t1 is connected to the point p1 , while a terminal t2 is connected to the ground g . the electrodes 12a and 12c of the sensor 12 are connected to the terminals t1 and t2 , respectively . an electric potential va of the point p1 under the conditions that the sensor 12 is properly connected across the terminals t1 and t2 is obtained from a following equation : where vcc is obtained by smoothing and stabilizing the voltage vc applied from the magneto 3 by the voltage stabilizing section 11 and rdut is the resistance of lubricating oil existing across the electrodes 12a and 12c of the sensor 12 . on the other hand , an electric potential vb of the point p2 , which is a reference voltage applied to the inverting input terminal of the operator op1 , is obtained from a following equation : r2 , r3 , r4 and rrtd are determined so as to establish the relationship va & lt ; vb when the oil exists across the electrodes 12a and 12c of the sensor 12 . as is shown in fig5 the insulation resistance of the oil is gradually reduced as its temperature increases . therefore , it is necessary for the reference voltage at the point p2 to vary along the characteristic of the voltage at the point p1 . fig6 shows that the temperature t of the oil with which the oil pan 20 is filled and the ambient temperature t &# 39 ; due to heat radiated from the engine 2 have the relationship t ≧ t &# 39 ; when the engine 2 is ordinarily operated . therefore , the relationship va & lt ; vb is established . however , the relationship between the voltages va and vb at the points p1 and p2 changes to va & gt ; vb in a high temperature condition , since the temperature sensor 8 has a proportional characteristic as shown by broken lines in fig6 . the resistor r4 assures the minimum value of the voltage vb in order to avoid such situation . the temperature sensor 8 does not directly detect the temperature t but the ambient temperature t &# 39 ;. however , the resistors r2 , r3 and r4 may be determined so as to establish the relationship va & lt ; vb when the oil exists across the electrodes 12a and 12c of the sensor 12 and the temperatures t and t &# 39 ; are almost equal to each other before the engine 2 starts . in the operating range where the ambient temperature t &# 39 ; does not increase but the temperature t increases , immediately after the engine 2 starts , the resistance of the oil is gradually reduced as the temperature t increases . accordingly , the potential va is further reduced . the relationship va & lt ; vb is thus ensured . the relationship va & lt ; vb is further ensured when the ambient temperature t &# 39 ; gradually increases against the temperature t in ordinary operation , since the temperature t rapidly increases compared to the ambient temperature t &# 39 ; ( t = 80 ° c . when t &# 39 ;= 20 ° c . according to an experiment ). in fig4 an output terminal of the comparator op1 is connected to another comparator op2 through resistors r5 and r6 . a plus terminal of an electrolytic capacitor c4 whose minus terminal is connected to the ground g is connected between the resistors r5 and r6 . an anode of a diode d2 is connected among the resistors r5 and r6 and the plus terminal of the capacitor c4 . a cathode of the diode d2 is connected between the output terminal of the comparator op1 and the resistor r5 through a resistor r7 . the resistor r5 and the capacitor c4 constitute a charge timer which determine , the duration for the capacitor c4 to be charged , while the resistor r7 and the capacitor c4 form a discharge timer which determines the duration for the capacitor c4 to be discharged . the time constant th of the charge timer and that t1 of the discharge timer are respectively obtained from the following equations . where th and t1 are determined so as to establish the relationship th & gt ; t1 . a terminal of a resistor r8 of the signal generation section 14 is connected between the resistors r1 and r2 , while the other terminal of the resistor r8 is connected to the ground g through a resistor r9 . an inverting input terminal of the comparator op2 is connected between the resistors r8 and r9 . an output terminal of the comparator op2 is connected to a gate of a thyristor scr1 ( a trigger thyristor ) of the engine - stop control section 15 through a resistor r10 . a cathode of the thyristor scr1 is connected to the ground g . an anode of the thyristor scr1 is connected between an anode of a diode d1 of the voltage stabilizing section 11 and the magneto 3 through a resistor r11 and a capacitor c5 . a gate of another thyristor scr2 ( a drive thyristor ) is connected to a point p3 between the resistor r11 and the capacitor c5 . an anode of the thyristor scr2 is connected to the ground g . a cathode of the thyristor scr2 is connected between an anode of the diode d1 and the magneto 3 through the resistor r12 . an anode of a diode d3 is connected to a point p4 between the cathode of the thyristor scr2 and the resistor r12 . a cathode of the diode d3 is connected to the point p3 through a resistor r13 . a plus terminal of an electrolytic capacitor c6 is connected between the cathode of the diode d3 and the resistor r13 . a minus terminal of the capacitor c6 is connected between the anode of the diode d1 and the magneto 3 . an anode of a diode d4 of the oil - shortage display section 16 is connected to the point p4 . a plus terminal of an electrolytic capacitor c7 is connected between the cathode of the diode d4 and a resistor r14 . a minus terminal of the capacitor c7 is connected between the anode of the diode d1 and the magneto 3 . an anode of a light emitting diode led1 is connected to the resistor r14 . a cathode of the led1 is connected between the magneto 3 and the anode of the diode d1 . in the ignition section 5 , a primary side of an ignition coil 6 is connected across the magneto 3 and the ground g . an ignition plug 7 is connected to a secondary side of the ignition coil 6 . resistors r15 and r16 are connected across the magneto 3 and the ground g . a base of a npn - type transistor tr1 is connected between the resistors r15 and r16 . a collector of the transistor tr1 is connected to the ground g through a resistor r17 . an emitter of the transistor tr1 is connected between the magneto 3 and the primary side of the ignition coil 6 . a base of a npn - type transistor tr2 is connected between the collector of the transistor tr1 and the resistor r17 . a collector of the transistor tr2 is connected between the primary side of the ignition coil 6 and the ground g . an emitter of the transistor tr2 is connected between the magneto 3 and the primary side of the ignition coil 6 . when the engine 2 is ordinarily operated , the magneto 3 generates an alternating voltage vc synchronized with an engine speed . the voltage vc is then applied to the voltage stabilizing section 11 where the voltage vc is rectified by the diode d1 , smoothed by the capacitor c2 and stabilized by the zener diode zd1 to be applied to the oil - shortage judging section 13 . when the oil pan 20 is filled with the oil , the resistance rdut thereof is detected across the electrodes 12a and 12c of the sensor 12 , both being exposed into the oil pan 20 . the voltage va obtained from the following equation is applied to the non - inverting input terminal of the comparator op1 . the reference voltage vb obtained from the following equation is applied to the inverting input terminal of the comparator op1 . the capacitor c3 smooths the reference voltage vb and the resistor r4 assures the minimum value of the reference voltage vb . as is already described , the resistors r3 and r4 are adjusted so as to establish the relationship va & lt ; vb while the resistance of the oil is detected by the sensor 12 . the comparator op1 thus generates a signal &# 34 ; l &# 34 ; then the comparator op2 generates a signal &# 34 ; l &# 34 ;. the gate of the thyristor scr1 is thus still in off - state . the oil shortage display section 16 is therefore not operated . the sensor 12 detects air insulation resistance by means of the electrodes 12a and 12c when the oil is consumed and the electrodes 12a and 12c are exposed to air . the air insulation resistance is extremely larger than the resistance of the oil . the voltage va which is almost equal to the voltage vcc is thus applied to the non - inverting input terminal of the comparator op1 . this results in the relationship va & gt ; vb . the comparator op1 then generates a signal &# 34 ; h &# 34 ;. the voltage vd applied to the non - inverting input terminal of the comparator op2 then gradually increases with the time constant th determined by the resistor r5 and the capacitor c4 . the comparator op2 generates a signal &# 34 ; h &# 34 ; ( a shortage signal ) to turn on the thyristor scr1 when the voltage vd becomes higher than the reference voltage ve applied to the inverting input terminal of the comparator op2 , which is obtained from the following equation the comparator op1 generates the signal &# 34 ; h &# 34 ; even if the sensor 12 instantaneously detects the air insulation resistance when the oil waves . however , the comparator op2 does not erroneously generate the signal &# 34 ; h &# 34 ; if the duration of the signal &# 34 ; h &# 34 ; of the comparator op1 is shorter than the time constant th of the charge timer . furthermore , even if the duration of the signal &# 34 ; h &# 34 ; due to the waves of the oil is longer than the time constant th , when the comparator op1 generates the signal &# 34 ; l &# 34 ;, electric charges charged in the capacitor c4 are immediately discharged through the diode d2 at the time constant t1 ( t1 & lt ; th ) of the discharge timer composed of the capacitor c4 and the resistor r7 . therefore , the engine 2 does not erroneously stop becaue the comparator op2 turns the output signal to &# 34 ; l &# 34 ;. the discharge timer also prevents the capacitor c4 from charging due to high impedance of the resistance detected between the electrodes 12a and 12c of the sensor 12 . when the thyristor scr1 is turned on , a forward current flows therethrough through the resistor r12 , the diode d3 , the resistors r13 and r1l if the voltage vc is higher than the ground level g , whereas , a backward current ( a reverse recovery current ) flows therethrough to charge the capacitors c5 and c6 if the voltage vc is lower than the ground level g . the thyristor scr2 is then turned on when a discharged voltage from the capacitor c6 reaches a turn - on voltage of the gate of the thyristor scr2 . the voltage applied across the primary side of the ignition coil 6 is short - circuited to be the level below the ignition threshold level so as to extinguish the ignition plug 7 . the thyristor scr2 thus turned on applies a charge current ( short - circuit current ) to the capacitor c6 to be charged . as a result , the thyristor scr2 remains on - state due to a discharge current from the capacitor c6 without respect to on / off - state of the thyristor scr1 . the voltage applied to the primary side of the ignition coil 6 is kept below the ignition threshold level until the engine 2 stops . furthermore , the short - circuit current flowing through the thyristor scr2 charges the capacitor c7 of the oil shortage display section 16 and turns on the light emitting diode led1 to warn an operator of the cause of engine - stop . as is already described , the voltage vc is generated from the magneto 3 synchronized with the engine speed while the engine 2 is operated to apply a primary current to the ignition coil 6 . when the voltage vc becomes negative , a base voltage is applied to the base of the transistor tr1 through the resistors r15 and r16 . the base voltage reaches the level for turning on the transistor tr1 at a specific timing such as btdc ( before top dead center ) 20 °. the transistor tr1 is then turned on and the power transistor tr2 is also turned on simultaneously to short - circuit the primary side of the ignition coil 6 at a peak of the voltage vc in a capacitance - discharge region tigc as shown in fig7 . the voltage as shown in fig7 is thus generated across the primary side of the ignition coil 6 due to self induction . consequently , the ignition plug 7 sparks when a voltage induced to the secondary side of the ignition coil 6 is discharged . as is already described , when the oil is consumed and the electrodes 12a and 12c are exposed to air , the thyristor scr2 is turned on before the peak of the voltage applied across the primary side of the ignition coil 6 to make the voltage below the ignition threshold level to stop the engine 2 . on the other hand , in the case where a warning device without stopping the engine is preferred , a discharge - time constant determined by the resistor r13 and the capacitor c5 is arranged as a large value to turn on the thyristor scr2 after the peak of the voltage vc , as shown in fig7 . specifically , it is available to turn on the thyristor scr2 in an induction - discharge region tigl . namely , the short - circuit current due to turning on the thyristor scr2 is applied to the light emitting diode led1 after arc discharge of the ignition plug 7 is completed in the capacitance - discharge region tigc and it starts glow discharge in the induction - discharge region tigl . the light emitting diode led1 is thus turned on when ignition of the ignition plug 7 is completed . the short - circuit current thus flows the light emitting diode led1 to be turned on through the thyristor scr2 , the diode d4 and the resistor r14 , and also the capacitors c6 and c7 are charged . ignition is usually performed at a fixed - ignition timing such as btdc 20 ° in an industrial engine . it is found that emitting the diode led1 does not influence to performance of the ignition in a spark - advance region until btdc 20 ° and to performance of the engine according to an experiment . when the thyristor scr2 is turned off , the discharge current flows from the capacitor c6 through the resistor r13 to charge the capacitor c5 with the time constant determined by r13 × c5 . accordingly , the thyristor scr2 becomes independent of on / off - state of the thyristor scr1 , once turned on . thus , the thyristor scr2 is again turned on by the capacitors c5 and c6 with the time constant determined by r13 × c5 to continuously turn on the light emitting diode led1 without degradation of the ignition performance . therefore , the light emitting diode led1 can be turned on without stopping the engine 2 to warn the shortage of the oil by adjusting the time constant determined by r13 × c5 so as to turn on the thyristor scr2 after arc discharge of the ignition plug 7 is completed and it starts glow discharge . as is described from the foregoing , the oil sensor is provided with the two electrodes which are disposed in the oil pan and one of the electrodes and the resistance - detection type temperature sensor such as a ntc thermistor are connected to input terminals of the comparator , respectively . therefore , the oil sensor is easily attached to the oil pan without installing electric circuits therein . overall structure of the oil sensor is thus simplified and sealability is improved to accurately detect the shortage of the oil . oil - shortage detection level is freely adjusted by varying the reference voltage to the comparator . the apparatus according to the present invention can be applied not only to a forced - feed lubrication - type engine but also to a natural lubrication - type engine . the shortage of the oil can be further accurately detected in entire operation region since the resistance - detection type temperature sensor compensates variation of the insulation resistance of the oil due to temperature variation . furthermore , the apparatus according to the present invention warns of the shortage of the oil without stopping the engine by short - circuiting the primary side of the ignition coil after the engine is ignited . operability of the engine to which the apparatus according to the present invention is attached is thus improved . while , the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described , it is to be understood that these disclosures are for the purpose of illustration and that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims .	6
a first embodiment of a low - fat saute is disclosed comprising maltodextrin in the range of about 15 to about 35 percent by weight , butter in the range of about 1 percent to about 15 percent by weight , and water in the range of about 50 to about 80 percent by weight . in addition , a water soluble starch is preferably added in the range of about 1 to about 15 percent by weight ( preferably a pregelatinized starch ). a second embodiment is disclosed comprising maltodextrin in the range of about 20 to about 30 percent by weight , butter in the range of about 1 percent to about 6 percent by weight , and water in the range of about 62 to about 72 percent by weight . in addition , a water soluble starch is preferably added in the range of about 1 to about 6 percent by weight ( preferably a pregelatinized starch ). in order to make the saute , the ingredients in either the first or second embodiment are mixed together . the following ingredients are preferably mixed in with the above ingredients in either embodiment : whey protein in an amount by weight of up to about 1 percent by weight , xanthum gum in an amount by weight of up to about 1 percent by weight , dried butter in the amount of up to about 0 . 5 percent by weight , and preservatives in an amount of up to about 1 percent by weight are mixed in with the above ingredients for improved shelf life , taste , texture , and presentation . butter should be used at room temperature so that it will be soft and other ingredients will disperse through the product quickly . butter , particularly cold butter , can be softened through a variety of processes , such as creaming . the following ingredients are also preferably mixed in with either embodiment to improve taste , ph , and color : ( 1 ) artificial flavoring in the range of up to about 5 percent by weight ; ( 2 ) food coloring in the range of up to 0 . 5 percent by weight to enhance butter - like appearance , the food coloring being either beta carotene or fd & amp ; c yellow no . 5 ( beta carotene is added in the preferred embodiment ); and ( 3 ) a ph adjuster in an amount necessary to adjust the ph of the mixture to 4 . 5 , which is preferred . salt may also be mixed in with the above ingredients as a preservative and soybean salad oil may be added to assist in the process of manufacture . one skilled in the art will easily determine that artificial flavoring serves as flavoring means to supply a favorable taste to the particular saute . other ingredients may serve the same function and therefore fall within the scope of the appended claims , such as flavoring oils . also , other food coloring agents may be used as food coloring means . the ingredients are mixed on a higher speed , preferably 109 revolutions per minute , until the butter is completely dispersed . to prevent spillage , certain mixers with a smaller capacity require that the mixture be mixed at a slow speed , preferably about 60 revolutions per minute , for 1 minute , before the mixture is mixed at the higher speed . cool water is preferred while mixing to prevent lumps . adding hot water may even be detrimental . cool water , commonly recognized as tap water from the cold faucet in a cooks &# 39 ; s kitchen at home or business , is also less expensive to supply than hot water . the mixture should then preferably be allowed to set up overnight and may then be used as a saute . the following formula is the applicant &# 39 ; s most preferred low - fat saute formula : ______________________________________formula aingredients % weight______________________________________butter 3 . 4maltodextrin maltodextrin corn 25 de 10 maltodextrin rice . 6 de 10pregelatinized starch stellar 100x 1 instant clear gel - starch 1 . 5water 67 . 3dried butter . 26vitamin : 1 % beta carotene . 029calcium propionate . 1sodium benzoate . 1whey protein . 1xanthum gum . 07salt ( preservative ) . 1soybean salad oil . 2optional : citric acid ( as needed ) butter flavoring . 18______________________________________ when using formula a , one cup of the saute contains less than 6 . 5 grams of fat and less than 312 calories , while one cup of butter contains 176 grams of fat and 1633 calories . cholesterol content is less than 17 . 5 mg versus 299 mg found in one cup of butter . in addition , the mixture employs no hydrogenated oils and very little , if any , trans - fatty acids and contains less than 6 % of the cholesterol found in real butter . since the saute in formula a contains less than 0 . 5 percent fat , the saute is considered non - fat by the food and drug administration . when the product is manufactured on a large quantity basis several steps are preferably taken to ensure proper mixing and preservation . after setting the agitators to about 170 rpm , approximately 1 / 4 ( most preferably about 25 . 7 percent ) of the total water to be added is added . calcium propionate , sodium benzoate , and citric acid are then added and mixed until the ingredients are in solution . stellar 100x , a commercially - produced pregelatinized starch is added slowly and mixed for five minutes at about 220 rpm . salt is then added , after which whey , butter flavor , and dehydrated butter are added . the agitation may be increased to 300 rpm , or left at 220 rpm , after which the maltodextrins are added slowly and mixed until the lumps are removed , after which agitators are reduced to 220 rpm , if they were increased . butter , which is at room temperature , is then added along with xanthum gum , the xanthum gum slurried in soybean salad oil . the beta carotene ( previously dissolved in warm water ) is then added , after which commercially produced pregelatinized starch insta - clear gel is added and the mixing is continued until the batch is a uniform slurry . the remaining 3 / 4 of the water is then mixed until the batch is uniform and the final mixture is then pumped to a filler at 126 to 130 rpm agitation . the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics . the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive . the scope of the invention , therefore , is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description . all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope .	0
refer now to fig1 showing a side elevation in section taken through a preferred embodiment fireplace according to the present invention . fireplace 10 is provided with a high btu gas burner system 11 which has inlet valves and control valves 12 located in a plenum 13 formed along the bottom outside wall 14 which further comprises an inner subwall or plenum 15 through which fresh outside air is introduced to the bottom sheet metal pan 16 to be described in more detail hereinafter . the fresh outside air is introduced into plenum 15 from a vertical side wall 17 shown as a rear wall . rear wall 17 is provided with a vertical inner plenum 18 which connects to the outside coaxial inlet stack 19 surrounding the exhaust stack 21 which is mounted through outside wall 22 . preferably the exhaust stack 21 and coaxial inlet stack 19 are provided with support means and insulating means which permit rapid and efficient installation . such exhaust and inlet stacks are explained in our prior art patents and references cited therein . top wall 23 is shown comprising an outer insulating subwall 24 , an insulating and air conducting middle subwall 25 and an inner insulated subwall 26 which is preferably insulated with heat resisting insulation or may be a dead air space insulating chamber . the inner panel 27 is juxtaposed the combustion chamber 31 located centrally in the fireplace and is shown to be tapered so as to divert the exhausting combustion gases shown at lines 28 into the exhaust stack 21 without diversionary resistance so as to enhance the velocity of the exhausting gases which produce an aspirating or suction effect in the combustion chamber and sucks outside fresh air from the plenum 15 into the combustion chamber through the burner system 11 . a diversionary baffle 29 may be provided in the combustion chamber 31 opposite the inner panel 27 to further enhance the aspiration effect of the exhaust gases 28 . room air to be heated enters plenum 13 through louvers or other means 32 and is circulated by blower 33 through outside subwall plenum 34 into middle subwall 25 . the heated air in subwall 25 is passed into one or more side wall plenums 35 and is preferably exhausted through the aperture 36 in the lower flange of the open box structure 35 into the room as heated air . side wall glass panel 37 is preferably a low cost tempered glass which is cooled by the outside air conducted through cooling slots 38 provided at the perimeter of the bottom sheet metal pan 16 along the edges of the side walls having glass paneis 37 . in the preferred embodiment of the present invention , sufficient outside air is provided beneath the burner system 11 to promote efficient and complete combustion so that the cooling air entering through slots 38 is not sucked into the combustion zone but is encouraged to rise vertically along the glass side walls 37 to efficiently cool the glass panels before being drawn into and mixed with the combustion gases 28 . it will be noted that subwall 26 and inner subwall 39 adjacent the combustion chamber are shown to be insulated . however , the bottom sheet metal pan and the side wall glass panel 37 are preferably uninsulated and are cooled by outside fresh air being drawn into the combustion chamber 31 . refer now to fig2 showing a side elevation of another preferred embodiment zero clearance fireplace of the type shown in fig1 . the only difference between the fireplace shown in fig1 and the fireplace shown in fig2 is that the exhaust stack 21 exits vertically through the top wall 23 rather than through the side wall 17 . an inlet plenum chamber 41 connects to the coaxial inlet stack 19 and to the vertical inner plenum 18 . the top wall 23 is further modified by removing a portion of the tapered inner insulating subwall 26 to provide access to the inlet and exhaust stacks 19 , 22 . the bottom wall 14 and the rear wall 17 do not require modification for this preferred embodiment and may employ the identical burner system 11 . further , the heat exchanger system which comprises plenums 13 , 25 and 34 as well as blower 33 are identical thereto and numbered the same , thus , do not require further explanation . in the preferred embodiment of the present invention it is cheaper to run the inlet stack 19 and exhaust stack 22 directly through a vertical outside wall 22 as shown in fig1 and 2 . sometimes it is desirable to provide the inlet and exhaust stacks in the top wall 23 inside of a chase wall enciosure which may exit vertically through the ceiling outside wall or may be turned horizontally 90 ° and exit through the wall 22 . having explained the preferred embodiment of the present invention which employs a highly efficient heat exchanger it will be appreciated that there may be instances in which the present invention fireplace could be desirably used in conjunction with a primary heating system which already exists in such instances the heat exchanger system may be completely eliminated or used as dead insulation space or provided with further insulation . the novel combustion chamber and burner system still acts independently to protect the side wall glass . refer now to fig3 showing a top view in section taken through the exhaust stack above the bottom pan 16 which supports the burner system . pan 16 is shown having a large rectangular opening 42 directly under the burner system ( not shown ). sheet metal pan 16 is shown being supported on z shaped or channel shape support members 43 which extend to the left completely underneath inner subwall 39 and terminate at the right edge of vertical inner plenum 18 , fresh air supply plenum 18 , which is connected to the outside air source through coaxial inlet stack 19 . it will be understood that the air shown at arrows 44 drops vertically downward in plenum 18 and enters the fresh air plenum 15 under the burner system 11 . thus , the opening 42 under the burner system 11 permits the maximum amount of fresh combustion air to be drawn into the combustion chamber area 31 . in the preferred embodiment of the present invention a steel support mesh ( not shown ) is placed over the aperture 42 to assist in supporting the burner system 11 . the side wall glass panel 37 shown in fig1 and 2 are shown attached to the sheet metal structure 45 comprising a part of the fireplace system and held in place thereto by wing nuts and l brackets 46 . sheet metal pan 16 stops short of the sheet metal 45 so as to provide an elongated slot 16 at the edge thereof adjacent the glass panel 37 . air rising from the slot 16 is not required for total combustion of the gas burner system , thus , rises almost to the top of the glass before being diverted into the combustion zone . the cool outside air sufficiently cools the glass panel 37 to permit use of tempered glass instead of high temperature glasses such as pyroceramic glass . similarly , side wall glass panel 47 is mounted on sheet metal side wall 48 adjacent and elongated cooling slot 49 provided at the edge of sheet metal support pan 16 . in similar manner side wall glass panel 51 is supported on sheet metal 52 adjacent elongated cooling slot 53 provided along the edge of sheet metal panel 16 . air entering the heat exchanger plenum 13 is moved into the vertical plenum 34 and rises to the top middle subwall plenum 25 where it is diverted into the side wall plenums 35 provided over the side walls having glass panels but not over the side walls which would not have glass panels which are preferably insulated . the heated air from the top plenum 25 enters the side wall plenums 35 and exits vertically through the apertures 36 in the lower flanges thereof . it is apparent such exit aperture 36 could be arranged so that the heated air is diverted horizontally into the room . refer now to fig4 to 8 showing schematic cross - sections in elevations of tapered inner panels at the top of the combustion chamber 31 . in fig4 there are provided two dead air or insulated spaces 54 and 55 on either side of the exhaust stack 21 and the space 56 therebetween is provided with one of the tapered shaped inner panels to be explained hereinafter . in fig5 different shaped insulating or dead air spaces 57 and 58 are shown on either side of the stack 21 and provide a space 59 therebetween which will be closed with one of the taper shapes to be explained hereinafter . fig6 shows yet another form of dead air space or insulating space 61 and 62 on either side of the exhaust stack 21 and has a space 63 for a tapered inner panel therebetween . fig7 and fig8 show yet other forms of tapered top walls which will divert exhaust gases into the exhaust stacks 21 at high velocity . these shapes 64 and 65 are complex curvatures and will require complex tapered shapes to achieve the desired inner top panel structure . when such shapes 64 and 65 are employed , they are manufactured as a unitary roof structure and then tilted at the desired angle and the edge flanges thereof removed to provide a desired taper shape as will be explained hereinafter . refer now to fig9 showing a simple and desired tapered inner panel 27 which can be employed to extend between the insulating spaces 54 and 55 or 57 and 58 or 61 and 62 as explained hereinbefore . the diversionary panel 29 has been found to enhance the aspiration effect of the exhaust gases 28 being directed into the exhaust staok 21 . it is not necessary to provide heat insulation inside the inner insulating subwall 26 if sufficient insulation is provided in an exterior subwall . refer now to fig1 showing a curved inner panel 66 which serves the identical same purpose as the inner wall 27 shown in fig9 . this more complex shape may be formed during the manufacture of the top wall system by placing stops or positioning means along the sides of the insulating structures 54 and 55 etc . refer now to fig1 showing yet another inner panel 67 which is designed for ease of manufacture and further provides additional dead air space insulation at portion 68 of the inner insulated subwall 26 . having explained several different tapered top wall structures for the combustion chamber 31 which may be used in conjunction with side wall insulating portions , it will be understood that various combinations and modifications of the top wall structure 27 may be made which achieve the enhancement of the velocity of the exhaust gases through the stack 21 which assist in cooling glass side walls 37 . refer now to fig1 showing one of the side walls of the preferred embodiment fireplace structure having a fixed glass panel 37 , 47 or 51 and a novel side wall plenum 35 . a removable mesh glass protector 69 is shown opposite the side wall 37 . wing nuts and l brackets 46 are shown holding the glass panel 37 onto the sheet metal 45 of the fireplace structure . in addition thereto a removable mesh glass protector system 69 is shown juxtaposed the glass panel 37 and is shown in rear elevation in fig1 where it comprises two angle shaped structural members 71 and 72 which are interconnected at the bottom by a rigid steel plate 73 . four decorative metal trim pieces 74 , which may be anodized to provide decorative color strips , are mounted across the front of the protector 69 . the mesh screen 75 is shown having random shaped edges 76 for purposes of illustration only and may be completely concealed from view when folded into edge fasteners of the type employed with window screens and fireplace screens . ln the preferred embodiment of the present invention the mesh 75 is made from small wire and opened sufficiently that it is virtually transparent to a person viewing the fire at a distance of more than four or five feet . however , the open mesh 75 shown attached by fastener 77 is sufficiently rigid when drawn taunt or tight to prevent children from being able to touch the hot glass panel 37 . mesh screen 75 provides a further safety factor in the event of some shock or force which would be great enough to fracture the tempered glass . having explained the preferred embodiment of the present invention employing a high btu gas burner system in a multiglass side wall fireplace system , it will be appreciated that such high output direct vented gas fireplace systems may be employed for the total heating system in a small house , apartment of condominium , etc . while achieving thermal efficiency with low carbon monoxide output . the prefabricated fireplace provides a safe and aesthetic decorative gas fireplace system which is pleasing to the viewer especially when artificial gas logs are used as the preferred gas burner system .	5
in the preferred embodiment illustrated , there is provided a mobile phone having an internal printer which includes a separately detachable printhead and ink supply module . the printer phone can be produced at or close to a standard size phone for any system including phs , gsm and gprs , thereby conferring a higher level of convenience during operation . turning initially to fig1 , there is illustrated the preferred embodiment 1 in the form of a phs phone and which in many ways looks like and includes the features of a conventional mobile phone of this type including an ear piece 2 , microphone 3 , aerial 4 , loud speaker 5 , a series of push buttons 6 and a preferably color lcd screen 7 for the display of information . also included is a battery 8 as shown in fig4 . the phone 1 can optionally be equipped with a camera device 10 comprising lenses 11 and associated ccd chip or cmos sensor 12 . the ccd or cmos sensor enables the device to store images on demand , so that the phone can effectively act as a camera device for the printing out of images , or for their capture and forwarding across a mobile phone network . the operation of the relevant part of the internal control electronics can be substantially as set out in the applicant &# 39 ; s earlier pct application wo 99 / 04551 entitled “ a replenishable one time use camera system ” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference . in other embodiments , the camera device may also be configured to enable video conferencing by facilitating simultaneous image processing during phone transmission . a camera function that is mounted for selective movable positioning on the phone device may be useful for this purpose . for example , it may be rotatable between a forward facing camera orientation and a rearward facing video conferencing orientation . the printer apparatus is shown generally at 15 and comprises a printhead and ink supply module 16 including a printhead 17 , an ink supply / distribution unit 18 and a print media feed apparatus 20 . the feed apparatus is of a conventional form including a motor 21 with associated gear train 22 which drive a series of feed rollers 23 . the packaging of the printer apparatus 15 is best shown in fig5 , 6 and 9 . in this regard the printer phone 1 is constructed around a rigid chassis molding 25 . the chassis is adapted to slidably receive and retain the printhead and ink supply module 16 by means of retaining flanges 26 provided on the outer casing of the printhead and ink supply module 16 which co - operate with under cut channels 27 provided on the chassis molding . the full operation of the printer apparatus 15 is best illustrated in fig9 . in use print media 30 , preferably in the form of business card sized paper or card sheets , is fed in through an entry slot 31 provided in the external phone casing 32 . this can be done manually or via a dispenser as described hereafter . the card 30 is then picked up by the powered entry feed rollers 23 and delivered to the printhead and ink supply module 16 . the printhead and ink supply module 16 can be substantially the same as that disclosed in australian provisional patent no . pp6534 filed 16 oct . 1998 ( u . s . ser . no . 09 / 425 , 419 filed 19 oct . 1999 ), the contents of which are also hereby incorporated by cross - reference . in such a device , the printhead is in the form of an elongate printhead chip that extends the full length of the print media pathway , so as to print the full width of the print media in a single pass without the need for any printhead traversing mechanisms . in this particular preferred embodiment , the printhead and ink module is formed as a sealed unit which is replaced in its totality after a predetermined amount of usage . the detailed structure of the ink supply and printhead module is shown more clearly in fig8 . the ink supply / distribution unit 18 is of a molded multi - part structure including a cover 35 , a macro channel molding 36 defining four separate ink supply chambers 37 - 40 having therein optional flow control baffles 41 . connected with converging outlets of the macro channel molding 36 is a micro - molding 42 which defines similarly converging ink flow nozzles 43 that accurately direct the ink to minute ink supply inlets on the rear of the printhead 17 . optionally , an ink filter 44 is provided between the two moldings . a capping device 47 is also provided as part of the module for sealing and protecting the nozzle outlets when the printer head is not in use . it is estimated that the ink supply will on average be sufficient for printing approximately 1000 pages at 15 % coverage of black or 100 photos of 50 % coverage of cmyk . an expanded technical description of the printhead and ink supply module can be found in the aforementioned provisional patent specification pp6534 and associated applications . the mobile phone system can be operated under the control of a series of one or more application specific integrated circuits ( asics ) which incorporate the usual mobile phone capabilities in addition to camera and image processing capabilities . an adaptation of the system outlined in pct patent application pct / au98 / 00544 filed by the present applicant ( also incorporated herein by reference ) can be utilised in the design of the asic . the electrical interconnections for the preferred embodiment are shown schematically as a block diagram in fig1 . other system designs well known to those skilled in this field may also be used . referring next to fig1 to 15 there is illustrated a print media dispenser 50 configured for use with the phs phone of the previous embodiments . the dispenser comprises a lower molding 51 that defines a media storage and dispensing region 52 and a cradle 53 which supports the printer phone 1 and aligns it with the outlet of the dispenser . the interactive operation of the print media dispenser with the phone 1 is best illustrated in fig1 . as can be seen , the dispenser 50 has a storage area 52 in which is disposed a quantity of print media in the form of business card sized paper or card sheets 54 . these cards are supported on a metal base plate 55 which is sprung by means of opposed spring fingers 56 as shown in fig1 . in this manner , the card supply is constantly biased upwardly toward a media ejector mechanism 58 . the ejector mechanism includes an ejector slider 59 which is operable upon manual sliding against a return spring 60 to pick up the top card and feed this out of the dispenser outlet 61 and into the media entry slot 31 on the phone 1 . on release , the slider automatically returns to the home position to engage the next card ready for further loading . desirably , the printer phone 1 and / or printhead and ink supply module 16 includes an authentication mechanism such as that outlined in the applicant &# 39 ; s earlier pct application no . pct / au98 / 00544 entitled “ a camera with an internal printing system ”. this can be used to ensure not only that an authenticated approved consumable ( such as the printhead and ink supply module ) is used with the printer phone , but can also be used to store data on the relative usages of the consumable components such as the ink or the printhead itself and can optionally be used to set a predetermined usage for these items . as noted above , the phone device of the invention may be any kind of mobile phone that sends and receives signals in a manner which can be processed into a printable form . further , while the preferred form described has a printhead and ink distribution unit which has an integrally formed and attached ink supply , the ink supply could be separate and optionally also separately replenishable . while the invention has been described with reference to specific examples , it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms .	7
looking specifically at the valve structure of fig1 - 7 , the valve includes a sleeve or body 10 having an elongated portion 12 which may be exteriorly threaded for connection to a conventional plumbing system . the valve structure shown herein has application as a kitchen or lavatory faucet or in a shower and / or tub combination . the invention should not be restricted to any specific plumbing application . the elongated portion 12 has an inlet 14 which will direct water inwardly through a chamber 16 and into a cylindrical projection 18 which may , in the form of fig1 - 5 , be integral with the sleeve or body 10 . projection 18 has a port 20 which is in register with a sleeve outlet 22 with the outlet being surrounded by a cylindrical boss 24 the sleeve 10 may include a flange 26 which gradually merges with cylindrical boss 24 and a second smaller flange 28 , again merging with cylindrical boss 24 . flanges 26 and 28 may be used in properly positioning and attaching the valve structure within a plumbing fixture . a rotatable valve member or stem is indicated at 30 and has an inwardly - extending cylindrical projection 32 which is positioned within the annular chamber defined by the exterior of cylindrical projection 18 and the interior of the sleeve adjacent outlet 22 . the stem 30 has a handle attaching portion 34 which will normally be accessible for some form of operating means . a stop support 36 , shown in fig6 has outwardly - directed lugs 38 which fit within mating grooves on the outward end of sleeve 10 . the mating lugs and grooves properly position the stem for rotation relative to a closure seal ring described hereinafter . stop support 36 has an inwardly - directed flange 40 which fits within a mating groove 39 in the stem , thereby holding the stem within the sleeve . the structure is assembled by means of a nut 42 which has an opening through which valve member portion 34 extends and which itself is in contact with an exterior of the stop support . the nut is threaded upon the exterior of the sleeve as particularly illustrated at 44 . valve closure is provided by an annular seal ring 46 which is positioned within an annular opening 48 in the cylindrical projecting portion 32 of the valve member . the seal is held in place by a seal retainer 50 , illustrated particularly in fig5 and which in general is a cup - shaped member having a port 52 similar in size and configuration to a port 54 formed in the cylindrical projecting portion 32 . mating projection 56 and groove 58 on the valve member and retainer , respectively , maintain these elements in proper relationship . both ports 52 and 54 have not only the customary circular portion , but have notches 52a and 54a , respectively , extending circumferentially therefrom , which notches perform a water modulation function in that they cause opening and closure of the valve to be more gradual than would normally be the case if only an annular or circular opening were present . referring specifically to fig1 and 2 , fig1 illustrates the open position of the valve and fig2 the closed position . the path of flow in fig1 is from sleeve inlet 14 , through chamber 16 and then outwardly through radial port 20 . port 20 is in alignment with or in register with valve member and retainer ports 52 and 54 which in the open position are in register or alignment with outlet 22 . thus , water will flow in an unobstructed path from sleeve inlet 14 to its outlet 22 . when the valve is to be closed stem or valve member 30 is rotated toward the closed position of fig2 . in the closed position note that seal ring 46 is coaxial with sleeve ports 20 and 22 , but effectively forms a closure therebetween . the seal is backed by its retainer 50 and this combination forms a complete closure at the sleeve outlet . rotational movement of the stem relative to the sleeve is controlled by an arcuate stop 41 on the stop support and by an arcuate lug 43 on the exterior of the stem . this combination of elements permits 180 ° of rotation from closed to full open . by reversing the stop support 180 °, fig1 a and fig7 the direction of closing or opening valve movement is reversed . thus , by reversal of a single part , stop member 36 , valve operation is reversed whereby the entire valve structure has utility in faucet housings arranged for either clockwise or counterclockwise opening valve movement . in no instance is the seal ring 46 a part of the path of flow from the inlet to the outlet . that is to say , at no time does water flow through the center of seal ring 46 . even when the seal ring is moving across aligned ports 20 and 22 , such water as may be still flowing at that time will flow around the seal and at no time does water flow through it . the above concept is important as it is well known in this art that seal rings which are positioned about an outlet port can come under enormous pressure just prior to valve closure . this is brought about because the size of the valve opening has been substantially restricted just prior to valve closure and yet there is no reduction in inlet pressure . such enormous inlet pressures have been known to cause seal rings to simply pop out of their seat and pass through the valve itself . such an event causes the valve to become completely useless as it can no longer be closed . in other instances it has been known for the pressure to cause the seal ring to extrude or be pushed outwardly from its seat to the point where the valve closing member cuts or abrades the seal causing the valve to become a leaker . the present invention is specifically directed to eliminating such pressures upon the seal and thereby preserving its integrity . the seal itself is never within or a part of the path of flow and therefore there is no pressure upon it which can cause it to be removed from its seat . in effect , the seal is so positioned that any pressure upon it during valve closure causes it to be more firmly held within its seat as such pressure will merely push the seal firmly against the retainer cup . stop support 36 in addition to controlling valve movement , as described above , functions as a thrust member . pressure on stem 12 is applied to &# 34 ; o &# 34 ; ring 45 which is fixed in position by the stop support . the inwardly - directed flange 40 will take up all outward thrust within the inner diameter of the &# 34 ; o &# 34 ; ring . this particular arrangement reduces the rotational frictional forces between the opposing surfaces of flange 40 and groove 39 . looking at the structure of fig8 and 9 , like parts have been given like numbers . the only difference in the structure of fig8 and 9 over that shown in fig1 and 2 is that the integral cylindrical projection 18 of the sleeve has been replaced by a separate preferably stainless steel piston 60 . the piston has a port 62 which functions the same as port 20 . the piston is held within the sleeve by the combination of lugs 64 which fit within mating slots 65 in the sleeve , thus preventing rotational movement of the piston . axial movement of the piston is prevented both by the described lugs and by a shoulder 66 . the lugs are further effective to support an &# 34 ; o &# 34 ; ring 70 . the end of projection or piston 60 may have an outwardly - flared area 68 with suitable notches which permit the outwardly - flared area to be in tight engagement with the interior of the sleeve . the operation of the structure of fig8 and 9 is identical to that of the valve shown in fig1 and 2 . the valve shown in fig1 and 2 is formed substantially or completely of plastic or a suitable plastic - like material . no metal is used . the same is true in the structure of fig8 and 9 , except that the piston or projection 60 may be formed of stainless steel or a similar material . whereas the preferred form of the invention has been shown and described herein , it should be realized that there may be many modifications , substitutions or alterations thereto .	5
referring to fig1 of the drawing , a hanger body member 10 is shown as being positioned within a well casing 11 . the casing 11 may be the production casing in the well and may be of any suitable size , say for example , 75 / 8 &# 34 ; or 95 / 8 &# 34 ; in diameter . the hanger body 10 is provided at the lower end with suitable connector means such as screw threads 12 for connecting the body 10 to a section of production tubing 13 . the production tubing may have a diameter of , say , 27 / 8 &# 34 ; or 31 / 2 &# 34 ;. in a like manner , the upper end of the body member 10 is provided with screw threads 14 for connecting into the lower end of the tubing string 13 . the upper end of the hanger body 10 is also provided with an inlet port 15 having a screw - threaded connection 16 for securing the lower end of a small diameter pressure tubing 17 . the pressure tubing 17 is bent over against the outer wall of the tubing string 13 and is secured thereto in any suitable manner well known to the art , as by straps ( not shown ). the inlet port 15 forms one end of a manifold 17a formed within the hanger body 10 which is provided with spaced - apart outlet ports 18 and 19 . formed within the lower part of the body member 10 are a plurality of vertically - extending and radially - directed slots 20 and 21 in which a pair of latching dogs 22 and 23 are slidably mounted for extension therefrom to contact the inner surface of the well casing 11 . the faces of the latching dogs 22 and 23 are preferably serrated as at 24 and 25 . the serrations may take the form of a plurality of horizontal teeth on the outer surface of the latching dogs 22 and 23 . preferably , the serrations are downwardly and outwardly sloping teeth so that in the event of failure of the apparatus , the hanger body could be pulled upwardly out of the well casing 11 . formed within the lower portion of the hanger body 10 are a pair of piston chambers 26 and 27 in which pistons 28 and 29 are slidably mounted . the lower parts of the pistons 28 and 29 are preferably wedge - shaped in form and are provided with camming surfaces 30 and 31 which cooperate with camming surfaces 32 and 33 on the inner side of the latching dogs 22 and 23 . the other side of each of the pistons 28 and 29 near the lower ends thereof are provided with serrated faces 34 and 35 . these serrated faces 34 and 35 are arranged to engage the outwardly - extending serrated faces 36 and 37 of cooperating wedge - shaped locking latches 38 and 39 which are slidably mounted in radially - extending slots in the hanger body 10 . the locking latches 38 and 39 are arranged to be energized for outward movement in any suitable manner , as by the use of springs 40 and 41 . thus , when a pressure fluid is applied through conduits 40 and 41 to the piston chambers 26 and 27 , the pistons 28 and 29 will be forced downwardly . at this time the camming faces 30 and 31 on the pistons engage the cooperating camming faces 32 and 33 of the latching dogs 22 and 23 to drive the dogs 22 and 23 outwardly until they engage the inner wall of the well casing 11 . at that time the serrated faces 34 and 35 on the inner wall of the piston will be forced down across the serrated faces 36 and 37 of the locking latches 38 and 39 forcing them inwardly . with the locking latches and 38 and 39 positioned in this manner , the pistons 28 and 29 are locked against any movement upwardly which would tend to release the latching dogs 22 and 23 from the casing wall . once the latching dogs 22 and 23 are in engagement with the inner wall of the casing 11 , the tubing string 13 at the surface is allowed to move downwardly so that the weight of the string forces the teeth of the latching dogs 22 and 23 further into the well casing 11 . the body member 10 of the hanger is provided with a central chamber 42 in which a sleeve valve is slidably mounted for limited vertical movement . mounted in the bottom of the central chamber 42 and extending up into the sleeve valve 43 are a pair of tubes 44 and 45 which are in communication at their lower ends with the fluid passageways 40 and 41 and are in communication at the upper end with the outlet port 19 . it is to be understood that flow passageways 46 and 47 are circular in form and extend around the sleeve valve 43 . the sleeve valve 43 is also provided with a series of fluid passageways 48 , 49 and 50 which are subsequently moved down with the sleeve valve to cooperate with the outlet port 18 of the manifold , as shown in fig2 . the upper end of the sleeve 43 is also provided with a latching groove 51 and / or a shoulder 52 . after the hanger body 10 has been set by hydraulic pressure applied through the tubing 17 , a wireline running tool of any suitable design well known to the art is lowered through the tubing string to engage the recess 51 or shoulder 52 to force the sliding sleeve valve 43 from its position shown in fig1 to its position shown in fig2 . in the position shown in fig2 the outlet port 19 is blocked off by the sleeve valve body so there is no further communication between the pressure tubing 17 and the piston chambers 26 and 27 . at the same time the fluid ports 48 , 49 and 50 in the upper part of the sleeve valve 43 are brought into communication with the outlet port 18 of the manifold . in orginally setting the hanger , water or glycol or any other fluid may be pumped down through tubing 17 to actuate the pistons of the hanger and set the dogs against the casing . after changing the sliding sleeve valve 43 to the position shown in fig2 a corrosion inhibitor or a hydrate inhibitor fluid may be pumped from the surface down through tubing 17 , out the outlet 18 and through the fluid passageways 48 , 49 and 50 to be discharged in the bore of the tubing 13 . as previously pointed out , in order to effectively prevent the formation of hydrates in a well tubing , it will be necessary to introduce a hydrate inhibiting fluid in a well below that point or depth at which the hydrates form . thus , in using the apparatus of the present invention to provide for a method of preventing the formation of hydrates in a well , a determination would be made after studying the well as to what depth in the well the hydrates formed . if the hydrates were found to form in a particular well at a depth of 3500 feet , a tubing string for that well would be made up by screwing together sections of tubing in a manner well known to the art . at a point in the tubing which would be below the hydrate - forming point , say , 3600 feet , the apparatus of the present invention would be connected into the tubing string and the entire tubing string with its hanger would be run into the well . with the hanger on the tubing string positioned at 3600 feet below the surface , a pressure fluid such as ethylene glycol , would be pumped down through tubing 17 and into the tubing hanger and piston chambers 26 and 27 to set the dogs 22 and 23 against the casing 11 . with the tubing anchored in place , the valve 43 would be moved downwardly to the position shown in fig2 by use of a wireline 2 , well known to the art . after withdrawing the wireline 2 from the tubing string , a hydrate preventing chemical in fluid form would be pumped down the tubing 17 and discharged into the bore of the tubing to return to the surface with the production fluid from the well . it may be seen that in utilizing the present invention in this manner the weight of all of the tubing string below the tubing hanger would not have to be supported from a wellhead , say , one that is buoyantly supported by a tensin leg platform . since in a 20 , 000 foot well , the tubing may weigh about 250 , 000 pounds , it may be seen that most of this weight would be removed from the floating platform and supported by the tubing hanger of the present invention . in one example of a deepwater well completion , a 20 , 000 - foot well may have a bottom hole pressure of 13 , 500 psi and a pressure of 10 , 000 psi at the mudline . the bottom hole temperature is 250 degrees f . while the temperature at the mudline can be as low as 40 degrees f . hydrates are known to form in production fluids from 40 degrees f . to as high as 70 degrees f . thus , in this case , a 31 / 2 &# 34 ; diameter tubing string equipped with the mudline hanger of the present invention would have the hanger set at between 4000 and 5000 feet . after setting the tubing hanger the injection of various chemicals would take place . such chemicals may be methanol , glycol , certain paraffin solvents such as toluene and diesel , amine based corrosion inhibitors , calcium bromide , zinc bromide , calcicum chloride , seawater and nitrogen .	4
as illustrated in fig1 a distance - measurement apparatus 100 comprises an operational end 102 , a transmit lens 104 , a receive lens 106 , a superimposed light beam viewfinder 108 , and a measure button 110 . as illustrated in fig2 the distance - measurement apparatus 100 further comprises a user end 112 , a range display 114 , a low battery indicator 142 , and a viewfinder switch 144 . fig2 also illustrates the viewfinder 108 and the measure button 110 . as illustrated in fig3 the distance - measurement apparatus 100 further comprises a photodiode receiver 118 , a laser diode 120 , and an electronic unit 122 . fig3 also illustrates the transmit lens 104 , the receive lens 106 , the viewfinder 108 , the range display 114 , and the low battery indicator 142 . as illustrated in fig3 the viewfinder 108 comprises a viewfinder light 124 , a reflector / window tube 126 , a pivot o - ring 128 , an x - axis adjustment screw 130 , and a reflector / window 134 . as illustrated in fig4 the viewfinder 108 further comprises a y - axis adjustment screw 132 . fig4 also illustrates the viewfinder light 124 , the reflector / window tube 126 , the pivot o - ring 128 , and the reflector / window 134 . as shown in fig5 a first embodiment of the electronic unit 122 comprises a time - measurement circuit 162 , a light transmitter unit 224 , a photodiode unit 226 , a microprocessor 212 , and a power supply 222 . the time - measurement circuit 162 comprises a ramp generator 154 , a successive approximation analog - to - digital converter ( s / a a / d ) 210 , a monostable multivibrator 214 , a d flip - flop 216 , a monostable multivibrator 218 , and a d flip - flop 220 . the ramp generator 154 comprises a constant current source 200 , a charge rate selection resistor 202 , a constant current transistor 204 , a charge / discharge switch 206 , and a charging capacitor 208 . in the preferred embodiment , the electronic unit 122 comprises a number of components that have relatively low power consumption . for example , the d flip - flops 216 and 220 and the monostable multivibrators 214 and 218 are preferably cmos type components . fig5 also illustrates the measure button 110 and the range display 114 . a first terminal of the charge rate selection resistor 202 is connected to the power supply 222 by an analog power line 294 . the analog power line 294 is also connected to the constant current source 200 , the s / a a / d 210 , the monostable multivibrator 214 , the d flip - flop 216 , the monostable multivibrator 218 , the d flip - flop 220 , the light transmitter unit 224 , and the photodiode unit 226 to provide power to these components , although , to simplify the drawing , these connections are not illustrated in fig5 . a second terminal of the charge rate selection resistor 202 is connected to an emitter terminal of the constant current transistor 204 by a charge rate line 252 . the constant current source 200 is connected to a base terminal of the constant current transistor 204 by a constant current line 250 . a collector terminal of the constant current transistor 204 is connected to a drain terminal of the charge / discharge switch 206 , to a positive terminal of the charging capacitor 208 , and to an analog input of the s / a a / d 210 by a ramp voltage line 254 . a source terminal of the charge / discharge switch 206 is connected to the power supply 222 by a ground line 296 . a negative terminal of the charging capacitor 208 is also connected to the ground line 296 . in addition , the ground line 296 is connected to the constant current source 200 , the s / a a / d 210 , the microprocessor 212 , the monostable multivibrator 214 , the d flip - flop 216 , the monostable multivibrator 218 , the d flip - flop 220 , the light transmitter unit 224 , and the photodiode unit 226 . a gate terminal of the charge / discharge switch 206 is connected to an inverted output of the d flip - flop 216 by a charge / discharge line 256 . a clock input of the d flip - flop 216 is connected to an active high output of the monostable multivibrator 218 by a charge line 260 , while a d input of the d flip - flop 216 is connected to the analog power line 294 . an inverted output of the monostable multivibrator 218 is connected to the light transmitter unit 224 by a transmit pulse line 262 . a reset input of the d flip - flop 216 is connected to a reset input of the d flip - flop 220 and to a reset output of the microprocessor 212 by a reset analog line 268 . a trigger input of the monostable multivibrator 218 is connected to a trigger output of the microprocessor 212 by a trigger line 258 . a clock input of the d flip - flop 220 is connected to the photodiode unit 226 by a receive pulse line 264 , while a d input of the d flip - flop 220 is connected to the analog power line 294 . an active high output of the d flip - flop 220 is connected to a trigger input of the monostable multivibrator 214 by a receive detection line 266 . an inverted output of the monostable multivibrator 214 is connected to a read input of the s / a a / d 210 by a read a / d line 270 . a set of digital data outputs of the s / a a / d 210 is connected to a set of digital data inputs of the microprocessor 212 by a set of digital data lines 272a - 272n . a data available output of the s / a a / d 210 is connected to a data available input of the microprocessor 212 by a data available line 273 . an analog power control output of the microprocessor 212 is connected to the power supply 222 by an analog power control line 278 . a power input of the microprocessor 212 is connected to the power supply 222 by a microprocessor power line 298 . an interrupt input of the microprocessor 212 is connected to the measure button 110 by a measure line 274 . a set of display outputs of the microprocessor 212 is connected to the range display 114 by a range display bus 276 . an output of the microprocessor 212 is connected to the viewfinder light 124 by a control line 279 . the light transmitter unit 224 preferably comprises the laser diode 120 ( shown in fig3 ), although other light transmitter devices can also be used . the light transmitter unit 224 also preferably comprises a laser driver ( not shown ) for driving the laser diode 120 with a desired voltage and current . the desired voltage and current depends on the particular application involved . the photodiode unit 226 preferably comprises the photodiode receiver 118 ( shown in fig3 ), a transimpedance amplifier ( not shown ), a video amplifier ( not shown ), and a comparator ( not shown ). as shown in fig6 the successive approximation analog - to - digital converter 210 of fig5 comprises a comparator 280 , a digital - to - analog converter ( d / a ) 282 , a successive approximation register 284 , an a / d control unit 290 , and a sample and hold latch 291 . the ramp voltage line 254 is connected to an analog data input of the sample and hold latch 291 . an analog data output of the sample and hold latch 291 is connected to a first compare input of the comparator 280 by a sampled analog voltage line 293 . a reference voltage line 286 is connected between an analog output of the d / a 282 and a second compare input of the comparator 280 . a compare line 288 is connected between a compare output of the comparator 280 and a compare input of the a / d control unit 290 . a sample line 295 is connected between the a / d control unit 290 and the sample and hold latch 291 . the read a / d line 270 is connected to a read input of the a / d control unit 290 . a successive approximation register control bus 292 is connected between the a / d control unit 290 and the successive approximation register 284 . the digital data lines 272a - 272n are connected between a set of data outputs of the successive approximation register 284 and a set of digital data inputs of the d / a 282 . the data available line 273 is connected to a data available output of the a / d control unit 290 . the latch 291 is an important element of the electronic unit 122 of the preferred embodiment . the latch 291 stores the analog voltage that has accumulated across the charging capacitor 208 at approximately the time that the reflected light pulse is received at the photodiode receiver 118 . the analog storage of this voltage allows the s / a a / d 210 to determine a digital representation of the analog voltage over a relatively large period of time . for example , in the preferred embodiment , the s / a a / d 210 takes approximately 25 microseconds to generate a digital value . this relatively slow analog to digital conversion time can be achieved by a s / a a / d 210 that has low power consumption . for example , the s / a a / d 210 of the preferred embodiment is a cmos component that requires a current in the range of microamperes . preferably , the s / a a / d 210 has a 12 bit resolution . as shown in fig7 a second embodiment of the electronic unit 122 comprises a time - measurement circuit 302 , the light transmitter unit 224 , the photodiode unit 226 , and the power supply 222 . the time - measurement circuit 302 comprises a ramp generator 300 , the microprocessor 212 , a monostable multivibrator 318 , a d flip - flop 320 , a slow - charge resistor 309 , a slow - charge capacitor 310 , and a voltage comparator 312 . the ramp generator 300 comprises the constant current source 200 , the charge rate selection resistor 202 , the constant current transistor 204 , a charge switch 304 , a discharge switch 306 , and a charging capacitor 308 . again , in the preferred embodiment , the electronic unit 122 comprises a number of components that have relatively low power consumption . fig7 also illustrates the measure button 110 , the viewfinder light 124 , and the range display 114 . the first terminal of the charge rate selection resistor 202 is connected to the power supply 222 by the analog power line 294 . the analog power line 294 is also connected to the constant current source 200 , the monostable multivibrator 318 , the d flip - flop 320 , the light transmitter unit 224 , and the photodiode unit 226 to provide power to these components , although these connections are not illustrated in fig7 . the second terminal of the charge rate selection resistor 202 is connected to the emitter terminal of the constant current transistor 204 by the charge rate line 252 . the constant current source 200 is connected to the base terminal of the constant current transistor 204 by the constant current line 250 . the collector terminal of the constant current transistor 204 is connected to a drain terminal of the charge switch 304 by a constant current line 353 . a collector terminal of the charge switch 304 is connected to a drain terminal of the discharge switch 306 , to a positive terminal of the charging capacitor 308 , and to a first input of the voltage comparator 312 by a ramp voltage line 356 . a source terminal of the discharge switch 306 is connected to the power supply 222 by the ground line 296 . a negative terminal of the charging capacitor 308 and a negative terminal of the slow - charge capacitor 310 are also connected to the ground line 296 . in addition , the ground line 296 is connected to the constant current source 200 , the microprocessor 212 , the monostable multivibrator 318 , the d flip - flop 320 , the light transmitter unit 224 , and the photodiode unit 226 . a gate terminal of the charge switch 304 is connected to an inverted output of the d flip - flop 320 by a charge line 368 . a gate terminal of the discharge switch 306 is connected to a transmit output of the microprocessor 212 and to an active low trigger input of the monostable multivibrator 318 by a discharge / trigger line 358 . an active high output of the monostable multivibrator 318 is connected to the light transmitter unit 224 and to a reset input of the d flip - flop 320 by a transmit pulse line 362 . a clock input of the d flip - flop 320 is connected to the photodiode unit 226 by a receive pulse line 364 , while a d input of the d flip - flop 320 is connected to the analog power line 294 . an active high output of the d flip - flop 320 is connected to a receive input of the microprocessor 212 by a receive detection line 366 . a first terminal of the slow - charge resistor 309 is connected to the analog power line 294 . a second terminal of the slow - charge resistor 309 is connected to a positive terminal of the slow - charge capacitor 310 , to a second input of the comparator 312 , and to a reset output of the microprocessor 212 by a ramp voltage line 372 . an output of the voltage comparator 312 is connected to an equal input of the microprocessor 212 by a compare - equal line 370 . the analog power control output of the microprocessor 212 is connected to the power supply 222 by the analog power control line 278 . the power input of the microprocessor 212 is connected to the power supply 222 by the microprocessor power line 298 . an interrupt input of the microprocessor 212 is connected to the measure button 110 by the measure line 274 . the set of display outputs of the microprocessor 212 is connected to the range display 114 by the range display bus 276 . the charging capacitor 308 of the second embodiment of the electronic unit 122 comprises both a charging device and a latching device . thus , the charging capacitor 308 serves the same general purpose as both the charging capacitor 208 and the latch 291 serve in the first embodiment of the electronic unit 122 . generally , the charging capacitor 308 and the charging capacitor 208 each accumulate a charge to provide a ramp voltage , and the charging capacitor 308 and the latch 291 each latch the accumulated voltage at approximately the time that the reflected light pulse is received at the photodiode receiver 118 . similar to the first embodiment , in the second embodiment , the analog storage of the ramp voltage allows the slow - charge resistor 309 , the slow - charge capacitor 310 , the voltage comparator 312 , and the microprocessor 212 to determine a digital representation of the analog voltage over a relatively large period of time . without the analog storage , a much faster analog - to - digital conversion technique would be required , causing increased power consumption . referring generally to fig1 to 7 , the laser 120 of the distance - measurement apparatus 100 generates a beam of light that is emitted from the transmit lens 104 . the light travels away from the distance - measurement apparatus 100 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the operational end 102 . if there is an object or surface in front ( toward the operational end 102 ) of the distance - measurement apparatus 100 , a portion of the light is typically reflected back toward the distance - measurement apparatus 100 . some of the reflected light that reaches the receive lens 106 is focused onto the photo - diode receiver 118 , which generates an electronic signal in response to the quantity of incident light within the operating range of the photo - diode receiver 118 . the electronic unit 122 controls the laser 120 to generate the light pulse . the electronic unit 122 then determines the time between the transmitted light pulse and a received light pulse at the photo - diode receiver 118 . this time calculation represents the time required for the light to travel from the distance - measurement apparatus 100 to the remote object or surface , and back . based on the speed of light and the calculated travel time , the electronic unit 122 calculates the distance between the distance - measurement apparatus 100 and the remote object or surface . in the preferred embodiment of the present invention , the electronic unit 122 executes a number of distance - measurement cycles to calculate a single distance value . a distance - measurement cycle is a process comprising the steps of generating a transmit light pulse , waiting for a receive light pulse , and , if a receive light pulse is detected , calculating the distance represented by the time delay between the transmit pulse and the receive pulse . if a receive light pulse is not detected within a predetermined period of time after generating a transmit pulse , the distance - measurement cycle is terminated with no resulting data value . in the preferred embodiment , the electronic unit 122 continues to execute distance - measurement cycles until a predetermined number of data values has been obtained . the electronic unit 122 then discards a number of the data values with the highest numerical values and a number of the data values with the lowest numerical values , and determines the average of the remaining data values . in the preferred embodiment , the distance - measurement apparatus 100 computes the distance between the distance - measurement apparatus 100 and the remote object or surface with an accuracy of approximately 0 . 5 yards . however , in some applications , such as golf , the distance may be indicated on the range display 114 only to the nearest yard . in one preferable embodiment , for example , distance - measurement cycles may be repeatedly executed until 64 data values have been obtained . then , the lowest 16 data values and the highest 16 data values are discarded . the remaining 32 data values are averaged to determine the distance to the remote object or surface . the distance - measurement apparatus 100 of the present invention is particularly useful as a portable , hand - held distance - measurement device . in particular , the distance - measurement apparatus 100 can obtain accurate distance measurements without the assistance of a tripod or other secure foundation . in most prior art distance - measurement devices , such a secure foundation is required to ensure that the transmitted pulse consistently reflects off the desired object or surface . however , with the distance - measurement apparatus 100 of the present invention , the user need not continuously maintain the direction of the transmitted light beam toward the desired object or surface . if the user does not continuously hit the desired target with the light beam , the light beam may occasionally fail to hit any surface , so that it is not reflected back to the distance - measurement apparatus 100 at all . this occurrence is termed a &# 34 ; miss &# 34 ;. alternatively , the light pulse may be reflected back to the distance - measurement apparatus 100 by contact with an incorrect object or surface . this occurrence is termed an &# 34 ; incorrect hit &# 34 ;. if the light beam is reflected back to the distance - measurement apparatus 100 by reflection off the desired object or surface , a &# 34 ; correct hit &# 34 ; occurs . of course , the light beam may also hit an object or surface at an angle or position so that insufficient light is reflected for detection at the distance - measurement apparatus 100 . such an occurrence is considered a miss . the present description assumes either that a light beam hits an object or surface so that sufficient light is reflected for detection , or the light beam completely misses the object or surface . if a miss occurs , no receive pulse is detected at the distance - measurement apparatus 100 , no data value is obtained , and the distance - measurement cycle is ignored . in this situation , the distance - measurement operation continues until the user correctly aims the light beam at the desired object or surface . thus , an occurrence of a miss does not affect the distance - measurement operation , except for delaying the operation until the user correctly aims the light beam at the desired object or surface . if an incorrect hit occurs , the data value obtained by the distance - measurement apparatus 100 is likely to be inaccurate , as the object or surface that is hit may be closer or further than the desired object or surface . however , as described above , the distance - measurement apparatus 100 discards the highest and the lowest data values before taking an average of the remaining data values . thus , as long as the user is generally able to aim the light beam toward the desired object or surface , data values obtained by incorrect hits are likely to be discarded as the highest or the lowest data values . thus , incorrect hits generally have no effect on the distance - measurement operation . in addition , the discarding of the highest and lowest data values , and the averaging of the remaining data values also reduces the effect of noise on the distance - measurement operation . the number of data values obtained and the number of minimum and maximum values that are discarded can be varied for various applications and circumstances . generally , in situations in which incorrect hits are more likely to occur , the number of data values that are discarded should be increased . alternatively , the distance - measurement apparatus 100 of the present invention may also be used in conjunction with a secure foundation . in this situation , the number of discarded data values can generally be decreased . the distance - measurement apparatus 100 of the present invention also has several power conservation features that further facilitate portable , hand - held operation . first , the distance - measurement apparatus 100 utilizes a ramped voltage and analog - to - digital conversion , instead of a high frequency clock , to determine the time of flight of the light pulse . a high frequency clock circuit requires substantially more electrical energy than the present invention . second , the design uses low power components such as cmos components and a relatively slow analog - to - digital conversion technique . third , the distance - measurement apparatus 100 powers down most of the electronic circuitry in the electronic unit 122 , whenever practicable , to reduce power consumption . fourth , the microprocessor 212 enters a sleep mode , whenever practicable , to further reduce power consumption . these power saving features conserve battery life , so that a relatively small and lightweight battery provides sufficient electrical energy to power the distance - measurement apparatus 100 for a useful period of time . in the preferred embodiment , the distance - measurement apparatus 100 requires approximately 100 milliamperes of current for a time period between approximately 20 milliseconds and approximately 160 milliseconds ( depending on the distance to be measured ) when performing a distance - measurement cycle , and approximately 50 microamperes when the distance - measurement apparatus 100 is inactive . in the preferred embodiment of the present invention , the power supply 222 comprises a common 9 - volt battery . the microprocessor 212 controls the electronic unit 122 to perform distance - measurement operations . referring to fig5 and the first embodiment of the electronic unit 122 , the microprocessor 212 receives power and ground signals from the power supply 222 . the power and ground signals are provided to the microprocessor 212 on the microprocessor power line 298 and the ground line 296 , respectively . the power supply 222 also provides power and ground signals to the remaining components in the electronic unit 122 on the analog power line 294 and the ground line 296 , respectively . the supply of power on the analog power line 294 can be controlled by the microprocessor 212 by controlling a signal on the analog power control line 278 . the microprocessor 212 begins a distance - measurement cycle by generating a reset pulse on the reset analog line 268 . the reset pulse is received by the d flip - flops 216 and 220 , and the d flip - flops 216 and 220 are reset so that their active high outputs are at a logic zero . the resetting of the d flip - flop 220 enables the d flip - flop 220 to detect a receive pulse from the photo - diode unit 226 . the resetting of the d flip - flop 216 causes a logic one signal at the inverted output of the d flip - flop 216 . this logic one signal is applied to the gate terminal of the charge / discharge switch 206 , which closes the switch 206 and effectively connects the ramp voltage line 254 to the ground line 296 . this causes the charging capacitor 208 to discharge any previously accumulated charge to ground through the switch 206 . the constant current source 200 generates a substantially constant current on the constant current line 250 that flows into the base terminal of the constant current transistor 204 . the constant current at the base terminal of the constant current transistor 204 produces a current at the collector terminal of the constant current transistor 204 that flows away from the constant current transistor 204 . however , while the switch 206 is closed , the current from the collector terminal of the constant current transistor 204 does not cause the charging capacitor 208 to charge because the current from the constant current transistor 204 also goes directly to ground through the switch 206 . the d flip - flop 216 is ready for a transmit pulse from the monostable multivibrator 218 . after delaying a sufficient amount of time to allow the charging capacitor 208 to discharge any accumulated voltage , the microprocessor 212 generates a trigger pulse on the trigger line 258 . the monostable multivibrator 218 receives the trigger pulse and generates a logic high pulse on its active high output and a logic low pulse on its inverted output , at approximately the same time . the d flip - flop 216 receives the logic high pulse at its clock input . this causes the d flip - flop 216 to become set to a logic one , as the d input is tied to the analog power line 294 . the setting of the d flip - flop 216 generates a logic zero on the charge / discharge line 256 , which opens the charge / discharge switch 206 . when the switch 206 is open , current from the constant current source 200 flows through the constant current transistor 204 to the charging capacitor 208 . the charge rate selection resistor 202 is a variable resistor that controls the magnitude of current that is applied to the charging capacitor 208 . the resistor 202 can be adjusted to apply a current to the charging capacitor 208 that is appropriate for the application for which the distance - measurement apparatus 100 is to be used . an appropriate current magnitude depends on the maximum distance for which a measurement is desired , the maximum voltage that can be converted to digital format by the s / a a / d 210 , and the capacitance of the charging capacitor 208 . for a golf application , a preferred maximum distance is about 300 yards . this corresponds to a maximum round trip travel time for a light pulse of approximately 1 . 8 micro - seconds . in this application , a maximum analog input voltage for the s / a a / d 210 is preferably 2 . 5 volts , the capacitance of the capacitor 208 is preferably 500 picofarads , and the charging current is preferably approximately 1 milliampere . preferably , the current supplied to the charging capacitor 208 is substantially constant , so that the capacitor 208 charges in a substantially linear manner . the linear charging of the capacitor 208 reduces the complexity of the equation that must be implemented in the microprocessor 212 to convert a measured voltage into a corresponding physical distance , and it reduces the magnitude of error introduced into the measurement . the charge / discharge switch 206 remains open until the microprocessor 212 generates another reset pulse on the reset analog line 268 . the light transmitter unit 224 receives the logic zero pulse generated by the monostable multivibrator 218 on the transmit pulse line 262 , and generates a pulse of light . as illustrated in fig3 the light pulse from the laser diode 120 is directed toward an inner surface of the transmit lens 104 . the light energy diverges between the laser diode 120 and the transmit lens 104 . the transmit lens 104 redirects the light energy into a substantially parallel beam of radiation . this beam of radiation is emitted from an outer surface of the transmit lens 104 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the operational end 102 . the optical characteristics of the distance - measurement apparatus 100 are preferably designed for use in a particular application . the distances of interest in the application and the particular type or types of objects or surfaces to which distances are to be measured are considered . in particular , the effective reflective size and the overall reflectivity of the intended objects and surfaces are important . the effective reflective size of an object or surface is the surface area of the object or surface that generally reflects incident light back in the direction from which it arrived . some objects , such as a sphere , may be relatively large , but have a relatively small effective size . when the light beam is directed toward a sphere , only a relatively small surface area of the sphere reflects light back toward the distance - measurement apparatus 100 , while other areas of the sphere direct light in different directions . thus , the effective reflective size of the sphere is limited to the relatively small surface area that reflects light back toward the distance - measurement apparatus 100 . the reflectivity of an object or surface is a measure of the amount of incident light that is reflected back in the opposite direction from which the light arrived . the reflectivity of an object or surface may depend on the incident angle and location of the light on the object or surface . the optical characteristics of the distance - measurement apparatus 100 include the characteristics of the optical components related to the transmission of light and the characteristics of the optical components related to the reception of light . these optical characteristics are selected to complement the optical characteristics of the intended objects or surfaces and the distances of interest in the particular application . for the transmission of light , the type of laser 120 , the distance between the laser 120 and the transmit lens 104 , and the size and optical characteristics of the transmit lens 104 are selected to maximize the amount of light that is reflected from the objects or surfaces for which distance measurements are desired , based on the expected distances to be measured and on the effective reflective size of the intended objects or surfaces . the amount of light energy generated at the laser 120 is controlled to obtain sufficient light reflection at the intended objects or surfaces , while also achieving adequate eye safety restrictions . for effectively larger objects or surfaces or for shorter distances , the beam of light need not be focused as narrowly nor contain as much energy as for effectively smaller objects or surfaces or for longer distances . for the reception of light , the size and optical characteristics of the receive lens 106 , the distance between the receive lens 106 and the photodiode receiver 118 , and the type of photodiode receiver 118 are selected to maximize the signal to noise ratio of the electronic pulse that is generated in response to receiving a reflected beam of light . the optical characteristics of the light transmission components of the distance - measurement apparatus 100 and the effective size , reflectivity , and expected distances of the intended objects or surfaces are considered in determining appropriate characteristics for the light reception components . the considerations for both transmission and reception of light are described in greater detail below with reference to fig9 and 11 . if a hit occurs , so that sufficient light is reflected back to the distance - measurement apparatus 100 for detection , a portion of the reflected light contacts the outer surface of the receive lens 106 . the receive lens 106 focuses incident light onto the photo - diode receiver 118 . referring again to fig5 the photo - diode unit 226 generates an active high electronic pulse on the receive pulse line 264 upon receiving the reflected beam of light . the d flip - flop 220 receives the active high pulse at its clock input . this causes the d flip - flop 220 to become set to a logic one , as the d input is tied to the analog power line 294 . the setting of the d flip - flop 220 generates a logic one on the receive detection line 266 . the monostable multivibrator 214 receives the logic one at its trigger input and generates an active low pulse on the read a / d line 270 . the s / a a / d 210 receives the active low pulse on the read a / d line 270 and performs an analog to digital conversion of the instantaneous voltage at the ramp voltage line 254 . the voltage at the ramp voltage line 254 is the voltage across the charging capacitor 208 . the charging capacitor 208 begins charging at approximately the same time that the light pulse is generated by the laser 120 and stops charging at approximately the same time that the light pulse is received by the photo - diode receiver 118 . thus , the voltage across the charging capacitor 208 is substantially proportional to the travel time of the light pulse in travelling from the distance - measurement apparatus 100 to the intended object or surface , and back . the voltage across the charging capacitor 208 is also substantially proportional to the distance between the distance - measurement apparatus 100 and the remote object or surface . referring to fig6 the a / d control unit 290 receives the active low pulse on the read a / d line 270 and controls the s / a a / d 210 to convert the instantaneous voltage at the ramp voltage line 254 into a digital representation . the a / d control unit 290 generates a signal on the sample line 295 . in response , the sample and hold latch 291 latches the instantaneous voltage at the ramp voltage line 254 and holds the analog voltage . the analog voltage is applied to a compare input of the comparator 280 over the sampled analog voltage line 293 . the a / d control unit 290 also loads the successive approximation register ( sar ) 284 to a variety of different values to determine an appropriate digital representation of the analog voltage at the sampled analog voltage line 293 . first , the a / d control unit 290 determines the appropriate logic level for the most significant bit ( msb ) of the digital representation by loading the sar 284 with a value having a logic one in the msb and all zeros in the remaining bits . thus , for a 12 bit s / a a / d 210 , the initial value for the sar 284 is 800 in hexadecimal notation ( 800 h ). this value is applied to the d / a 282 over the digital data lines 272a to 272n . the d / a 282 converts the digital value from the sar 284 into a corresponding analog voltage and applies the resulting voltage to the second compare input of the comparator 280 over the reference voltage line 286 . the comparator 280 generates a signal on the compare line 288 that reflects the relative voltages on the sampled analog voltage line 293 and the reference voltage line 286 . the a / d control unit 290 monitors the compare line 288 to determine the relative voltages . if the voltage on the sampled analog voltage line 293 is greater than or equal to the voltage on the reference voltage line 286 , the a / d control unit 290 leaves the msb of the sar 284 set . otherwise , the a / d control unit 290 clears the msb of the sar 284 . at this point the appropriate logic level for the msb for representing the sampled analog voltage has been established . next , the a / d control unit 290 determines an appropriate logic level for the next most significant bit of the digital representation . the sar 284 is loaded with a value having a msb as determined above , a next most significant bit that is a logic one and all zeros in the remaining bits . thus , for a 12 bit s / a a / d 210 , the next value for the sar 284 is c00 h if the msb has been determined to be a logic one , or 400 h if the msb has been determined to be a logic zero . again , this value is applied to the d / a 282 over the digital data lines 272a to 272n . the d / a 282 converts the digital value from the sar 284 into a corresponding analog voltage and applies the resulting voltage to the second compare input of the comparator 280 over the reference voltage line 286 . the comparator 280 generates a signal on the compare line 288 that reflects the relative voltages on the sampled analog voltage line 293 and the reference voltage line 286 . the a / d control unit 290 monitors the compare line 288 to determine the relative voltages . if the voltage on the sampled analog voltage line 293 is greater than or equal to the voltage on the reference voltage line 286 , the a / d control unit 290 leaves the next most significant bit of the sar 284 set . otherwise , the a / d control unit 290 clears the next most significant bit of the sar 284 . at this point the appropriate logic level for the msb and the next most significant bit have been established . the remaining bits of the digital representation are determined in the same manner . for each successive bit from the msb to the least significant bit ( lsb ), the bit is set in the sar 284 , the resulting analog voltage on the reference voltage line 286 is compared with the sampled analog voltage , and the a / d control unit 290 leaves the bit set or clears the bit , depending on the result of the comparison . after each of the bits of the digital representation have been established using the above - described procedure , the final value is applied to the digital data lines 272a to 272n , and the a / d control unit 290 asserts a signal on the data available line 273 . the microprocessor 212 receives the digital representation of the sampled analog voltage on the digital data lines 272a to 272n when the signal on the data available line 273 is activated . the microprocessor 212 computes the distance between the distance - measurement apparatus 100 and the remote target using the digital value received from the s / a a / d 210 , and the present distance - measurement cycle is complete . as described above , a number of distance - measurements are averaged to more accurately determine the desired distance . the second embodiment of the electronic unit 122 of fig7 operates in the same manner as the first embodiment of the electronic unit 122 of fig5 except as indicated immediately below . the microprocessor 212 begins a distance - measurement cycle by generating a positive transmit pulse on the discharge / trigger line 358 . when the pulse on the discharge / trigger line 358 is high , the discharge switch 306 is closed , causing the charging capacitor 308 to discharge . when the signal on the discharge / trigger line 358 goes low again , the discharge switch 306 is opened , so that the charging capacitor 308 no longer discharges . also , the monostable multivibrator 318 is triggered at the active low trigger input . the pulse on the discharge / trigger line 358 must be high long enough to allow the charging capacitor 308 to discharge any accumulated voltage . the monostable multivibrator 318 generates a pulse on the transmit pulse line 362 in response to the high - to - low transition of the discharge / trigger line 358 . the d flip - flop 320 receives the pulse from the monostable multivibrator 318 at the reset input , and the d flip - flop 320 is reset . the light transmitter unit 224 also receives the pulse generated by the monostable multivibrator 318 and generates a pulse of light . the resetting of the d flip - flop 320 generates a logic one at the charge line 368 . the logic one at the charge line 368 closes the charge switch 304 , which causes the charging capacitor 308 to begin charging . if a hit occurs , the photo - diode unit 226 generates an active high electronic pulse on the receive pulse line 364 upon receiving the reflected beam of light . the d flip - flop 320 receives the active high pulse at its clock input . this causes the d flip - flop 320 to become set to a logic one , as the d input is tied to the analog power line 294 . the setting of the d flip - flop 320 generates a logic one on the receive detection line 366 , which notifies the microprocessor 212 that a hit has occurred . the setting of the d flip - flop 320 also generates a logic zero on the charge line 368 , which opens the charge switch 304 to cause the charging capacitor 308 to stop charging . thus , the charging capacitor 308 begins to charge at approximately the same time that a pulse of light is transmitted and the charging capacitor 308 stops charging at approximately the same time that a reflected light pulse is detected . at this point , the charge across the charging capacitor 308 is substantially proportional to the distance between the distance - measurement apparatus 100 and the remote surface off which the light pulse reflected . now , the slow - charge resistor 309 , the slow - charge capacitor 310 , the voltage comparator 312 , and the microprocessor 212 perform an analog - to - digital conversion of the voltage across the charging capacitor 308 . after receiving the logic one on the receive detection line 366 , the microprocessor 212 generates an activate low reset pulse at the reset output . the active low pulse discharges any accumulated charge on the slow - charge capacitor 310 . next , the microprocessor 212 tri - states the reset output , which allows the slow - charge capacitor 310 to begin to charge by current flowing through the slow - charge resistor 309 . the microprocessor 212 also begins an internal counter at the same time that the slow - charging capacitor 310 begins to charge . the value of the resistor 309 and the capacitor 310 are selected so that the capacitor 310 charges slowly enough to allow an analog - to - digital conversion using the relatively slow clock of the microprocessor 212 . as the capacitor 310 charges , the voltage at the ramp voltage line 372 gradually increases . initially , the voltage comparator 312 generates a signal on the compare - equal line 370 indicating that the respective input voltages are not equal to one another . when the voltage at the ramp voltage line 372 reaches the voltage level stored in the capacitor 308 , the voltage comparator 312 generates a signal on the compare - equal line 370 indicating that the two input voltages are equal . at this point , the microprocessor 212 stops the internal counter . based on the charging rate of the slow - charge capacitor 310 , the clock frequency of the microprocessor 212 and the digital count of the internal counter of the microprocessor 212 , the microprocessor 212 determines the voltage across the charging capacitor 308 . based on the voltage across the charging capacitor 308 , the microprocessor 212 determines the distance between the distance - measurement apparatus 100 and the remote surface , which is substantially proportional to the voltage across the charging capacitor 308 . although in the preferred embodiment the microprocessor 212 determines a digital value that represents the voltage across the charging capacitor 308 , the values of the slow - charge resistor 309 and the slow - charge capacitor 310 may be selected , in conjunction with the clock speed of the microprocessor 212 , so that the digital value produced by the internal clock of the microprocessor 212 directly represents the distance between the distance - measurement apparatus 100 and the remote surface . the current used to charge the slow - charge capacitor 310 need not be constant , because the adjustment for the nonlinear charging of the capacitor 310 is relatively simple and accurate because of the longer charging time , in comparison to the charging capacitor 308 . fig8 a , 8b , and 8c form a flowchart that illustrates a method performed by the microprocessor 212 in the embodiment of fig5 and a similar method performed by the microprocessor 212 in the embodiment of fig7 to perform distance - measurement operations . during the method of fig8 a , 8b and 8c , the microprocessor 212 controls the distance - measurement apparatus 100 to perform distance measurements and to display the results on the range display 114 . the method begins at an initial block 400 . at a process block 402 , the microprocessor 212 initializes the distance - measurement apparatus 100 . the process block 402 is executed when power is initially applied to the distance - measurement apparatus 100 . in the preferred embodiment , for example , the process block 402 is executed when a rechargeable battery is inserted into the distance - measurement apparatus 100 . during the process block 402 , the microprocessor 212 controls the power supply 222 using the analog power control line 278 to disable power to the analog power line 294 . thus , the microprocessor 212 removes power from the time measurement circuit 162 or 302 , the light transmitter unit 224 and the photodiode unit 226 . next , the microprocessor 212 tests the range display 114 by driving it to display a sequence of digits from zero to nine for each digit location of the range display 114 . the microprocessor 212 also checks the voltage level provided by the power supply 222 on the microprocessor power line 298 . if the voltage at the microprocessor power line 298 is below a predetermined threshold , the microprocessor 212 illuminates the low - battery indicator 142 ( fig2 and 3 ). at a process block 404 , the microprocessor 212 enters a sleep mode in which the power consumed by the microprocessor 212 is substantially reduced . at a decision block 406 , the microprocessor 212 determines whether the measure button 110 has been activated . the measure button 110 is connected to an interrupt input of the microprocessor 212 that causes the microprocessor 212 to exit the sleep mode and return to operational mode upon activation of the measure button 110 . if the measure button 110 has not been activated , the microprocessor 212 remains in the sleep mode and continues to execute the decision block 406 until the measure button 110 is activated . when the measure button 110 is activated , the microprocessor 212 advances to a process block 408 . at the process block 408 , after being interrupted by the activation of the measure button 110 , the microprocessor 212 begins a distance - measurement operation . the microprocessor 212 controls the power supply 222 using the analog power control line 278 to enable power to the analog power line 294 . thus , the microprocessor 212 causes the power supply 222 to supply power to the time measurement circuit 162 or 302 , the light transmitter unit 224 and the photodiode unit 226 . at a process block 410 , the microprocessor 212 begins a distance - measurement cycle . first , referring to fig5 the distance - measurement cycle is described in terms of the first embodiment of the electronic unit 122 . the microprocessor 212 generates a reset pulse on the reset analog line 268 to reset the d flip - flops 220 and 216 . the resetting of the d flip - flop 220 enables the time measurement circuit 162 to receive a return pulse of light . the resetting of the d flip - flop 216 closes the charge / discharge switch 206 to discharge the charging capacitor 208 . at a process block 412 , the microprocessor 212 generates a transmit pulse on the trigger line 258 , which is received by the monostable multivibrator 218 . the monostable multivibrator 218 causes the light transmitter unit 224 to generate a pulse of light , and it opens the charge / discharge switch 206 . opening the charge / discharge switch 206 allows the constant current source 200 , as controlled by the charge rate selector resistor 202 and the constant current transistor 204 , to charge the charging capacitor 208 in a substantially linear manner . at a decision block 414 , the microprocessor 212 determines whether a receive pulse has been detected . if the light beam from the transmit lens 104 reflects off an object or surface and reflects back to the receive lens 106 , the receive lens 106 focuses the return beam of light toward the photodiode receiver 118 . the photodiode unit 226 generates an electronic signal at the receive pulse line 264 that is responsive to the amount of electromagnetic radiation contacting an active surface of the photodiode receiver 118 that is within the range of detection of the photodiode receiver 118 . if the photodiode unit 226 generates an electronic pulse of sufficient magnitude , in response to a sufficient quantity of reflected light , the d flip - flop 220 is set . in response to the setting of the d flip - flop 220 , the monostable multivibrator 214 causes the s / a a / id 210 to convert the instantaneous voltage across the charging capacitor 208 into a digital value . the s / a a / d 210 generates a corresponding digital value on the digital data lines 272a to 272n , and asserts the data available line 273 . thus , if the microprocessor 212 receives an active signal on the data - available line 273 , the microprocessor 212 determines that a receive pulse was detected by the photodiode unit 226 . next , referring to fig7 the distance - measurement cycle is described in terms of the second embodiment of the electronic unit 122 . at the process block 410 , the microprocessor 212 generates a transmit pulse on the discharge / trigger line 358 to discharge the charging capacitor 308 . at a process block 412 , the microprocessor 212 generates a falling edge on the discharge / trigger line 358 to trigger the monostable multivibrator 318 . the monostable multivibrator 318 causes the light transmitter unit 224 to generate a pulse of light , and it resets the d flip - flop 320 . after the falling edge on the discharge / trigger line 358 , the discharge switch 308 is open , so that the charging capacitor 308 no longer discharges . also , the resetting of the d flip - flop 320 closes the charge switch 304 , which causes the charging capacitor 308 to begin charging . at a decision block 414 , the microprocessor 212 determines whether a receive pulse has been detected . again , if the photodiode unit 226 generates an electronic pulse of sufficient magnitude , in response to a sufficient quantity of reflected light , the d flip - flop 320 is set . in response to the setting of the d flip - flop 320 , the charge switch 304 is opened to stop the charging of the charging capacitor 308 . also , the microprocessor 212 detects the setting of the d flip - flop 320 by monitoring the receive detection line 366 . the microprocessor 212 controls the discharging and charging of the slow - charge capacitor 310 , and uses an internal counter to effectively determine the analog voltage across the charging capacitor 308 . the microprocessor 212 determines that a receive pulse was detected by the photodiode unit 226 by receiving an active signal on the receive detection line 366 . referring again to both of the illustrated embodiments of the electronic unit 122 , as illustrated in fig5 and 7 , if no receive pulse is detected at the decision block 414 , the microprocessor 212 advances to a decision block 418 . at the decision block 418 , the microprocessor 212 checks an internal timer to determine whether the cycle time for the present transmit pulse is complete . in the preferred embodiment , the cycle time is approximately 2 . 5 ms . an appropriate cycle time can be determined based on government regulation of devices that emit electromagnetic radiation . if the cycle time is not complete , the microprocessor 212 returns to the decision block 414 . if the cycle time is complete , the microprocessor 212 advances to a decision block 424 . at this point the transmit pulse was sent , but a return pulse was not received . thus , the distance - measurement cycle is complete , but no current data value has been obtained . at the decision block 424 , the microprocessor 212 determines whether the measure button 110 remains activated . if the measure button remains activated , the microprocessor 212 returns to the process block 410 ( fig8 a ). if the measure button 110 is no longer activated , the microprocessor 212 discards any previously obtained data , checks the voltage level provided by the power supply 222 , momentarily illuminates the low - battery indicator 142 , if necessary , and returns to the process block 404 ( fig8 a ). if a receive pulse is detected at the decision block 414 , the microprocessor 212 advances to a process block 416 . at the process block 416 , the microprocessor 212 reads the digital representation of the sampled voltage either on the digital data lines 272a to 272n or from the internal counter . the microprocessor 212 may need to adjust the value obtained from the internal counter to compensate for nonlinear charging of the slow - charge capacitor 310 . this completes the present distance - measurement cycle with the microprocessor 212 having obtained a current data value . at a decision block 420 , the microprocessor 212 determines whether the last data value for the current distance - measurement operation has been obtained . as indicated above , in the preferred embodiment , the last data value is the sixty fourth data value . if the last data value has not been obtained , the microprocessor 212 advances to a decision block 422 . at the decision block 422 , the microprocessor 212 checks an internal timer to determine whether the cycle time has been completed . if the cycle time has not been completed , the microprocessor 212 continues to execute the decision block 422 until the cycle time is complete . when the cycle time is complete , the microprocessor 212 advances to the decision block 424 . if the last data value has been obtained at the decision block 420 , the microprocessor 212 advances to a process block 426 ( fig8 c ). at this point , the microprocessor 212 has obtained all of the required data values and can proceed to accurately determine the distance between the distance - measurement apparatus 100 and the remote object or surface . at the process block 426 , the microprocessor 212 controls the power supply 222 using the analog power control line 278 to disable power on the analog power line 294 to power down the time measurement circuit 162 or 302 , the light transmitter unit 224 and the photodiode unit 226 . at a process block 428 , the microprocessor 212 rearranges all the data values that have been obtained so that the data values are in ascending order from the lowest value to the highest value . at a process block 430 , the microprocessor 212 determines the average of a block of data values that is within the extremes of the ascending order . thus , the microprocessor 212 discards a block of data values at the lower end of the ascending order and another block at the higher end of the ascending order . as indicated above , for the preferred embodiment , the lowest 16 data values and the highest 16 data values are discarded . the remaining 32 data values are averaged . at a process block 432 , the microprocessor 212 applies a scale factor to convert the average voltage into a corresponding distance measurement . an appropriate scale factor is determined from the speed of light and the charging rate of the charging capacitor 208 or 308 . the microprocessor 212 also adjusts the resulting distance measurement by an offset to account for delays and other variations in the distance - measurement apparatus 100 . the sequence of calculations for determining an accurate value for the desired distance measurement can be altered without changing the overall result . for example , the time measurements can be converted to corresponding distance measurements before the values are sorted and averaged . at a process block 434 , the microprocessor 212 generates appropriate electronic signals on the range display bus 276 to cause the range display 114 to display the resulting distance measurement . the microprocessor 212 maintains the display of the distance - measurement result for approximately 5 seconds . after the process block 434 , the microprocessor 212 advances to a decision block 436 . at the decision block 436 , the microprocessor 212 determines whether the measure button 110 is still active . if the measure button 110 is still active , the microprocessor 212 returns to the process block 408 ( fig8 a ). otherwise , the microprocessor 212 returns to the process block 404 ( fig8 a ). in summary , in the method of fig8 a , 8b , and 8c , the microprocessor 212 enters a sleep mode when the distance - measurement apparatus 100 is not performing a distance - measurement operation . a distance - measurement operation generally comprises the steps of discharging the charging capacitor 208 or 308 , generating a pulse of light at the laser diode 120 , beginning to charge the charging capacitor 208 or 308 , detecting whether a reflected light pulse has been received at the photodiode receiver 118 , and converting the accumulated voltage across the charging capacitor 208 or 308 to a digital value upon reception of a reflected light pulse . when a predetermined number of digital values have been obtained , the microprocessor 212 powers down most of the components of the electronic unit 122 , sorts the digital values into ascending order , discards a predetermined number of digital values having the lowest numerical values , discards a predetermined number of digital values having the highest numerical values , averages the digital values that have not been discarded , applies a scale factor and an offset to the average of the digital values to obtain a distance - measurement value , and displays the distance - measurement value on the range display 114 . a person of skill in the art will understand that the sequence of the data manipulations and calculations required to determine a distance - measurement value from the obtained set of digital values can be altered without effectively changing the method of obtaining a distance - measurement value . a reflective target may be used in conjunction with the distance - measurement apparatus 100 to form a distance - measurement system . the reflective target is preferably substantially more efficient at reflecting light back towards a light source than most other surfaces . thus , the light beam from the distance - measurement apparatus 100 can be directed toward the target , so that the target reflects a relatively high proportion of the incident light back toward the distance - measurement apparatus 100 . use of a target that is substantially more reflective than other surfaces that are encountered in a specific application is generally advantageous in that the distance - measurement apparatus 100 can generally be designed to detect light pulses that are reflected off the target , but to ignore light pulses that reflect off other surfaces . light pulses that have reflected off the target will generally have substantially greater magnitude than light pulses that have reflected off other surfaces . thus , the sensitivity of the photodiode unit 226 can be designed to only detect the light pulses with greater magnitudes . in some applications , however , use of a target is either not possible , or not practical . the size , shape , and other characteristics of the reflective target may vary substantially , depending on the application involved . fig9 illustrates a preferable reflective target 500 for use in a golf environment . the reflective target 500 may also be used in numerous other environments . the reflective target 500 comprises a substantially cylindrical tube . alternatively , the reflective target 500 may have an elongated octagonal shape , or other similar shape . the reflective target 500 has a diameter of approximately 1 . 5 inches . the reflective target 500 comprises a reflective surface 502 that circumferentially encompasses the reflective target 500 . the reflective surface 502 has a length of approximately 12 inches . in the preferred embodiment , the reflective surface 502 comprises a material that , when mounted on a planar surface , is at least 1000 times more reflective than a lambertian target . many reflective surfaces only provide sufficient reflectivity for relatively small entrance angles . such reflective surfaces are not desirable in a golf application and many other applications . in a golf application , for example , the angle between the golfer using the distance - measurement apparatus 100 and the target 500 may be any horizontal angle , from 0 to 360 degrees . thus , the target 500 should preferably provide sufficient reflectivity at any horizontal entrance angle . on the other hand , providing sufficient reflectivity at a wide range of vertical entrance angles in a golf application is not as important . the substantially cylindrical shape of the preferred embodiment of the reflective target 500 provides reflectivity at substantially all horizontal entrance angles . thus , a light beam reflects off the reflective target 500 and back toward the distance - measurement apparatus 100 , regardless of the direction from which a golfer is approaching the target 500 . in the preferred embodiment , the reflective target 500 is at least 1000 times more reflective than a lambertian target for any entrance angle in a 360 degree circumference about the reflective target 500 . in an application for which vertical entrance angles are more important , a ring - shaped target or a spherical target may be preferred . the reflective target 500 may also comprise strips 504 and 506 that can be used for advertising . each of the strips 504 and 506 is preferably 0 . 75 inches wide . fig1 illustrates the structure of the reflective surface 502 of the preferred embodiment . the reflective surface 502 is preferably a reflective tape material that can be applied to various surfaces . the reflective surface 502 preferably comprises a large number of closely spaced micro retro - reflectors 508 . each micro retro - reflector 508 is preferably a three dimensional structure having a cross - sectional area on the order of tens or hundreds of microns . each micro retro - reflector 508 simulates the reflective characteristics of a cube corner . namely , each micro retro - reflector 508 preferably reflects substantially all incident light back in precisely the same direction from which the light came . the micro retro - reflectors 508 of the reflective surface 502 may be covered by a transparent coating . the reflective surface 502 may , for example , comprise a strip of reflective tape sold by the 3m packaging systems division , and described as &# 34 ; 2000x retroreflective targets &# 34 ;. other reflective materials may also be used for the reflective surface 502 . fig1 illustrates a second embodiment of a reflective target 600 that can be used with the distance - measurement apparatus 100 . the reflective target 600 comprises a set of three panels 602 , 604 , and 606 . all of the panels 602 , 604 , and 606 are connected together along a central axis . each of the panels 602 , 604 , and 606 extend outwardly from the central axis to form three horizontal angles of approximately 120 degrees each . the reflective target 600 also preferably comprises a top ring 608 and a bottom ring 610 . the top ring 608 is preferably connected to an outside edge of each of the panels 602 , 604 , and 606 at the top of the reflective target 600 . the bottom ring 610 is preferably connected to an outside edge of each of the panels 602 , 604 , and 606 at the bottom of the reflective target 600 . thus , the outside dimensions of the reflective target 600 defined by the rings 608 and 610 and the panels 602 , 604 , and 606 is a generally cylindrical shape . the diameter of the generally cylindrical shape of the reflective target 600 is preferably approximately 2 inches , while the length is preferably approximately 4 . 5 inches . the rings 608 and 610 serve to protect the panels 602 , 604 , and 606 from damage . each of the panels 602 , 604 , and 606 is preferably covered , on both sides , with the same reflective surface 502 that is illustrated and described above with reference to fig9 and 10 . either of the targets 500 or 600 , or targets having other shapes and sizes , may , for example , be attached to the top of a pole in a variety of applications . in a golf application , either of the targets 500 or 600 may be attached to the top of the pin at each hole of the course . either of the targets 500 or 600 may also be used for other purposes on a golf course . for example , a target 500 or a target 600 may be placed at or near a &# 34 ; hazard &# 34 ;, such as a sand trap , so that the golfer can determine the distance to the hazard . also , a target 500 or a target 600 may be placed at or near the tee area . in this situation , after a golfer hits an initial drive from the tee area , the golfer can go to the location of the ball and measure the distance from the golf ball back to the tee , to determine how far he hit the ball . a substantially cylindrical reflective target having a diameter that is larger than 1 . 5 inches may be preferable for marking hazards and tee areas . the reflective target 500 is preferable in a golf application , at least for placement on top of each pin on the course , because the reflective target 500 has a uniform reflectivity for all horizontal entrance angles . the reflectivity of the reflective target 600 , on the other hand , is not uniform for all horizontal entrance angles . however , the reflective target 600 may be preferable in other applications because the reflective target 600 is more effective at reflecting light for some entrance angles than the reflective target 500 . a distance - measurement system for a golf environment preferably comprises a distance - measurement apparatus 100 and a plurality of targets 500 . a reflective target 500 is preferably mounted on each of the pins on the golf course , near the top of the pin . then , a golfer can determine the distance from any location on the golf course to any pin on the course , by standing at the desired location on the course and directing the light beam of the distance - measurement apparatus 100 toward the desired pin . the light beam from the distance - measurement apparatus 100 reflects off the target 500 , back toward the distance - measurement apparatus 100 . the distance - measurement apparatus 100 will then compute and display the distance between the distance - measurement apparatus 100 and the target 500 . as described above , the distance - measurement apparatus 100 is preferably designed to have an optimal optical relation with the type or types of objects or surfaces to which distances are to be measured in a specific application . thus , in a golf environment , the optical characteristics of the distance - measurement apparatus 100 are selected to be compatible with the golf pin reflective target 500 . in the preferred embodiment , for a golf environment , the laser diode 120 comprises an eg & amp ; g part number pgau1s12 laser diode . the laser diode 120 is preferably driven with a peak power of 10 watts , a pulse width of 30 nanoseconds , and a cycle time of 400 pulses per second . the transmit lens 104 has a diameter of 25 millimeters and a back focal length of 26 . 5 millimeters . the transmit lens 104 is a positive or converging lens that effectively gathers light from the laser diode 120 for transmission toward the target 500 , and it satisfies eye safety considerations . the receive lens 106 has a diameter of 40 millimeters and a back focal length of 42 . 5 millimeters . the receive lens 106 is preferably an aspheric lens that is highly corrected to obtain a small spot size at the photodiode receiver 118 . the receive lens 106 is a positive or converging lens that efficiently gathers incident light and focuses it onto the photodiode receiver 118 . the photodiode receiver 118 is preferably a sfh217 component , with or without filtering , as sold by siemens . an operator of the distance - measurement apparatus 100 can determine the distance between the distance - measurement apparatus 100 and a remote object or surface by pointing the distance - measurement apparatus 100 toward the remote object or surface and pressing and holding the measure button 110 . if a correct hit occurs , the distance - measurement apparatus 100 displays the distance to the remote object or surface on the range display 114 . to achieve a correct hit , the distance - measurement apparatus 100 must be positioned so that the remote object or surface is directly in front of the transmit lens 104 , so that the transmit lens 104 directs the light from the laser diode 120 directly toward the remote object or surface . in the preferred embodiment , the distance - measurement apparatus 100 comprises the viewfinder 108 , as illustrated in fig1 , 3 , and 4 . the viewfinder 108 assists an operator in directing the light beam from the distance - measurement apparatus 100 toward a remote object or surface . referring to fig4 the length 146 of the reflector / window tube 126 is selected to be as long as practical . the distance 148 between the viewfinder light 124 and the reflector / window 134 is greater than the length 146 . the reflector / window 134 is a spherical lens of uniform thickness , with a radius of curvature equal to twice the distance 148 . the light from the viewfinder light 124 is directed toward a concave surface of the reflector / window 134 . this concave surface of the reflector / window 134 has a coating that has a reflectivity of 0 . 25 to 0 . 50 . thus , generally , less than half the light from the viewfinder light 124 is reflected back into the viewfinder 108 , while the remaining light passes through the reflector / window 134 and outside the viewfinder 108 . in addition , the reflector / window 134 generally allows more than half of the light that is incident on the reflector / window 134 from outside the viewfinder 108 , toward the operational end 102 , to travel through the reflector / window 134 and into the viewfinder 108 . the distance between the vertical center of the viewfinder light 124 and the vertical center of the reflector / window tube 126 is defined as a vertical travel distance 147 for reflected light . as illustrated in fig4 the reflector / window 134 is not perpendicular to the reflector / window tube 126 . instead , the reflector / window 134 forms a bevel angle 143 with the reflector / window tube 126 . the bevel angle 143 is selected so that the vertical travel distance 147 equals the distance 148 multiplied by the tangent of twice the bevel angle 143 . the shape , position and orientation of the reflector / window 134 relative to the viewfinder light 124 substantially collimates the light from the viewfinder light 124 and directs the collimated light in a direction that is substantially parallel to the reflector / window tube 126 . the reflector / window tube 126 is adjusted using the x - axis adjustment screw 130 and the y - axis adjustment screw 132 so that the reflector / window tube 126 is substantially parallel to the path of the light emitted from the transmit lens 104 . to use the viewfinder 108 , an operator first activates the viewfinder switch 144 ( fig2 ), which activates the viewfinder light 124 . next , the operator looks through the viewfinder 108 from the user end 112 . as described above , the reflector / window 134 allows light from the operational end 102 of the viewfinder 108 through to the inside of the viewfinder 108 . thus , the operator can see through the viewfinder 108 and observe anything that is directly in front of the viewfinder 108 toward the operational end 102 . in addition , the viewfinder light 124 produces a beam of colored light that travels toward the reflector / window 134 . some of the light from the viewfinder light 124 is collimated and reflected back toward the eye of the operator . however , the reflector / window 134 does not reflect enough of the light for the operator to determine that the light has been reflected . consequently , the light appears to be coming from in front of the viewfinder 108 , toward the operational end 102 . thus , the operator sees a colored dot of light from the viewfinder light 124 superimposed on the view in front of the viewfinder 108 . in addition , because the reflected light from the viewfinder light 124 is collimated , the colored dot appears to be very far away , allowing the operator &# 39 ; s eye to focus on the object or surface to which the distance is to be measured . if the operator aligns the image of the colored dot with the image of the remote object or surface , the light beam of the distance - measurement apparatus 100 is directed toward the remote object or surface . next , the operator presses and holds the measure button 110 to perform a distance - measurement operation , and the distance - measurement apparatus 100 displays the distance to the remote object or surface on the range display 114 . other viewfinding devices may also be used in connection with the distance - measurement apparatus 100 , instead of the superimposed light beam viewfinder 108 of the preferred embodiment . in an alternate embodiment , the distance - measuring device 100 incorporates an enhanced viewfinding system which improves the quality of a distance measurement by providing visual feedback to the user . the visual feedback is provided by using the microprocessor 212 to control the viewfinder light 124 . the viewfinder light 124 is provided primarily to help the user accurately aim the distance - measuring device 100 . in previous designs , the viewfinder light 124 did not turn on until after the data measurement cycle had begun . this technique conserved power , but , unfortunately the user could not accurately aim the device until measurements had begun . in the enhanced viewfinding system , the viewfinder light 124 turns on before a measurement cycle begins and thus allows the user to accurately aim the distance - measuring device 100 before taking any data . this greatly improves the quality of the data obtained by ensuring that no measurements are taken until the device is properly aimed ( i . e ., measurements are prevented until the device is properly aimed ). once the device is aimed , the user initiates a distance measurement cycle . the viewfinder light 124 stays on during the distance measurement cycle so that the user can keep the distance - measuring device 100 properly aimed . this ensures that each data point gathered during the distance measurement cycle corresponds to a reflection from the desired target . this improves the accuracy and reliability of the distance measurement . the viewfinder light 124 then turns off when the distance measurement cycle is complete . the viewfinder light 124 can also be made to flash in a manner that indicates the quantity and quality of data obtained during the distance measurement cycle . fig1 shows a flowchart that illustrates the interaction between the user and the enhanced viewfinding system . the method begins at an initial block 501 and advances to a process block 502 . at the process block 502 , the user looks through the viewfinder to locate the object to be ranged . advancing to a process block 503 , the user presses the measure button 110 in order to activate the viewfinder 108 . in response , the microprocessor 212 illuminates the viewfinder light 124 . advancing to a process block 504 , the user moves the distance measuring apparatus 100 so that the viewfinder light 124 appears to be on top of the object . advancing to a process block 505 , the user releases the measure button 110 which signals the microprocessor 212 to perform all of the steps necessary to measure the distance to the target and update the display 114 . advancing to a process block 506 , the microprocessor 212 deactivates the viewfinder light 124 to indicate that a distance measurement is complete , whereupon the user reads the display 114 . fig1 shows a flowchart of the method used by the microprocessor 212 to implement the enhanced viewfinding system . the method begins at an initial block 600 and immediately advances to a process block 602 . in the process block 602 , the microprocessor 212 initializes the distance - measurement apparatus 100 . the microprocessor 212 executes process block 602 when power is initially applied to the distance measurement apparatus 100 . in the preferred embodiment , for example , the process block 602 is executed when a rechargeable battery is inserted into the distance - measurement apparatus 100 . during the process block 602 , the microprocessor 212 controls the power supply 222 using the analog power control line 278 to disable power to the analog power line 294 . next , the microprocessor 212 tests the range display 114 by driving it to display a sequence of digits from zero to nine for each digit location of the range display 114 . the microprocessor 212 also checks the voltage level provided by the power supply 222 on the microprocessor power line 298 . if the voltage at the microprocessor power line 298 is below a predetermined threshold , the microprocessor 212 illuminates the low - battery indicator 142 ( see fig2 and 3 ). advancing to a process block 604 , the microprocessor 212 enters a sleep mode in which the power consumed by the microprocessor 212 is substantially reduced . once in sleep mode , the microprocessor advances to a decision block 606 . in the decision block 606 , the microprocessor 212 determines whether the measure button 110 has been activated . the measure button 110 is connected to an interrupt input of the microprocessor 212 that causes the microprocessor 212 to exit the sleep mode and return to operational mode upon activation of the measure button 110 . the microprocessor 212 remains in the sleep mode and continues to execute the decision block 606 until the measure button 110 is activated . the measure button 110 is activated by the user during the process block 503 shown in fig1 . when the measure button 110 is activated , the microprocessor 212 advances to a process block 608 . in process block 608 , the microprocessor 212 controls the power supply 222 using the analog power control line 278 to enable power to the analog power line 294 . thus , the microprocessor 212 causes the power supply 222 to supply power to the time measurement circuit 162 or 302 , the light transmitter unit 224 and the photodiode unit 226 . advancing to a process block 610 , the microprocessor 212 turns on the viewfinder light 124 and advances to a decision block 612 . the microprocessor 212 continues to execute the decision block 612 until the measure button 110 has been released . the user releases the measure button 110 during process block 505 shown in fig1 . when the measure button 110 is released , the microprocessor 212 advances to a process block 614 . at the process block 614 , the microprocessor 212 begins a distance - measurement cycle . first , referring to fig5 the distance - measurement cycle is described in terms of the first embodiment of the electronic unit 122 . the microprocessor 212 generates a reset pulse on the reset analog line 268 to reset the d flip - flops 220 and 216 . the resetting of the d flip - flop 220 enables the time measurement circuit 162 to receive a return pulse of light . the resetting of the d flip - flop 216 closes the charge / discharge switch 206 to discharge the charging capacitor 208 . continuing in the process block 614 , the microprocessor 212 generates a transmit pulse on the trigger line 258 , which is received by the monostable multivibrator 218 . the monostable multivibrator 218 causes the light transmitter unit 224 to generate a pulse of light , and it opens the charge / discharge switch 206 by sending a clock pulse to the d flip - flop 216 . opening the charge / discharge switch 206 allows the constant current source 200 , as controlled by the charge rate selector resistor 202 and the constant current transistor 204 , to charge the charging capacitor 208 in a substantially linear manner . after generating the transmit pulse , the microprocessor advances to a decision block 616 . in the decision block 616 , the microprocessor 212 determines whether a receive pulse has been detected . if the light beam from the transmit lens 104 reflects off an object or surface and reflects back to the receive lens 106 , the receive lens 106 focuses the return beam of light toward the photodiode receiver 118 . when the return beam of light contacts photodiode unit 226 , it generates an electronic signal at the receive pulse line 264 . if the photodiode unit 226 generates an electronic pulse of sufficient magnitude , in response to a sufficient quantity of reflected light , the d flip - flop 220 is set . in response to the setting of the d flip - flop 220 , the monostable multivibrator 214 causes the s / a a / d 210 to convert the instantaneous voltage across the charging capacitor 208 into a digital value . the s / a a / d 210 generates a corresponding digital value on the digital data lines 272a to 272n , and asserts the data available line 273 . thus , if the microprocessor 212 receives an active signal on the data - available line 273 , the microprocessor 212 determines that a receive pulse was detected by the photodiode unit 226 . next , referring to fig7 the distance - measurement cycle is described in terms of the second embodiment of the electronic unit 122 . in the process block 614 , the microprocessor 212 generates a transmit pulse on the discharge / trigger line 358 to discharge the charging capacitor 308 . the trailing edge on the transmit pulse on the discharge / trigger line 358 triggers the monostable multivibrator 318 . the monostable multivibrator 318 causes the light transmitter unit 224 to generate a pulse of light , and it resets the d flip - flop 320 . the trailing edge on the discharge / trigger line 358 also opens the discharge switch 306 so that the charging capacitor 308 no longer discharges . the resetting of the d flip - flop 320 closes the charge switch 304 , which causes the charging capacitor 308 to begin charging . after triggering the monostable multivibrator 318 , the microprocessor advances to a decision block 616 . at the decision block 616 , the microprocessor 212 determines whether a receive pulse has been detected . when a sufficient quantity of reflected light hits the photodiode unit 226 , the photodiode unit 226 generates a pulse that sets the d flip - flop 320 . setting the d flip - flop 320 opens the charge switch 304 and thereby stops the charging of the charging capacitor 308 . the microprocessor 212 detects the setting of the d flip - flop 320 by monitoring the receive detection line 366 . the microprocessor 212 controls the discharging and charging of the slow - charge capacitor 310 , and uses an internal counter to effectively determine the analog voltage across the charging capacitor 308 . the microprocessor 212 determines that a receive pulse was detected by the photodiode unit 226 by receiving an active signal on the receive detection line 366 . referring again to both of the illustrated embodiments of the electronic unit 122 , as illustrated in fig5 and 7 , if no receive pulse is detected at the decision block 616 , the microprocessor 212 advances to a decision block 618 . in the decision block 618 , the microprocessor 212 checks an internal timer to determine whether the cycle time for the present transmit pulse is complete . in the preferred embodiment , the cycle time is approximately 2 . 5 ms . one skilled in the art will recognize that an appropriate cycle time can be determined from various factors such as government regulation of devices that emit electromagnetic radiation and a need to conserve battery power . if the cycle time is not complete , the microprocessor 212 returns to the decision block 616 . the microprocessor continues to loop through the decision blocks 616 and 618 until either a receive pulse is detected , or the cycle time is complete . if no receive pulse is detected in block 616 , and the decision block 618 determines that the cycle time is complete , then microprocessor 212 advances to a process block 634 . at this point the transmit pulse was sent , but a return pulse was not received . thus , the distance - measurement cycle is complete , but no current data value has been obtained . alternatively , if a receive pulse is detected at the decision block 616 , the microprocessor 212 advances to a process block 622 . at the process block 622 , the microprocessor 212 reads the digital representation of the sampled voltage either on the digital data lines 272a to 272n or from the microprocessor &# 39 ; s internal counter . this completes the present distance - measurement cycle . with the microprocessor 212 having obtained a current data value the microprocessor 212 advances to a decision block 626 . in an alternate embodiment , as part of the process block 622 , the microprocessor 212 may cause the viewfinder light 124 to start blinking to indicate that the presence of the receive pulse . in yet another alternate embodiment , microprocessor 212 may vary the duty cycle or the blinking rate of the viewfinder light 124 to indicate the strength , quality , or quantity of the receive pulses . this advantageously provides a way to indicate the accuracy of a final result displayed on the range display 114 . at the decision block 626 , the microprocessor 212 determines whether the last data value for the current distance - measurement operation has been obtained . as indicated above , in the preferred embodiment , the last data value is the sixty - fourth data value . if the last data value has not been obtained , the microprocessor 212 advances to a process block 628 . at the process block 628 , the microprocessor 212 waits until an internal timer indicates that the cycle time has been completed . when the cycle time is complete , the microprocessor 212 advances to the process block 614 . if the last data value has been obtained at the decision block 626 , the microprocessor 212 advances to a process block 632 . at this point , the microprocessor 212 has obtained all of the required data values and can proceed to accurately calculate the distance between the distance - measurement apparatus 100 and the remote object or surface . to complete the process block 632 , the microprocessor 212 generates appropriate electronic signals on the range display bus 276 to cause the range display 114 to display the resulting distance measurement . the microprocessor 212 maintains the display of the distance - measurement result for approximately 5 seconds . advancing to the process block 634 , the microprocessor 212 turns off the viewfinder light 124 to indicate to the user that the measurement is completed . advancing to a process block 636 , the microprocessor 212 discards any previously obtained data , checks the voltage level provided by the power supply 222 , and momentarily illuminates the low - battery indicator 142 if the voltage level is too low . next the microprocessor 212 controls the power supply 222 using the analog power control line 278 to disable power on the analog power line 294 to power down the time measurement circuit 162 or 302 , the light transmitter unit 224 and the photodiode unit 226 . after the process block 636 , the microprocessor 212 returns to the process block 604 . in summary , in the method of fig1 , the microprocessor 212 enters a sleep mode when the distance - measurement apparatus 100 is not performing a distance - measurement operation . a distance - measurement operation generally comprises the steps of discharging the charging capacitor 208 or 308 , generating a pulse of light at the laser diode 120 , beginning to charge the charging capacitor 208 or 308 , detecting whether a reflected light pulse has been received at the photodiode receiver 118 , and converting the accumulated voltage across the charging capacitor 208 or 308 to a digital value upon reception of a reflected light pulse . when a predetermined number of digital values have been obtained , the microprocessor 212 computes a distance - measurement value , and displays the distance - measurement value on the range display 114 . a person of skill in the art will understand that the specific embodiments of the advanced viewfinder described above can be altered without effectively changing the method of the enhanced viewfinding system .	6
referring to fig1 a , a cross section view of a conical flow conditioner 100 is shown , according to an exemplary embodiment . the conical flow conditioner 100 is configured to provide a reduced flow diameter using a conical formation to introduce a uniform swirl to the flow profile to facilitate flow measurement . this conical formation increases the amount of swirl in the flow profile to mix the pattern of flow velocity and distribute the flow including the asymmetries uniformly across the flow profile . the conical flow conditioner 100 is shown rotated 90 degrees from the view in fig1 b , according to the same exemplary embodiment . fig1 c is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment . referring to fig1 a - 1d , flow conditioner 100 features a conical configuration having a top flange 102 and a base 104 with a cone wall 106 extending from the top flange 102 to the base 104 . the diameter of the cone wall 106 decreases from the point at which the cone wall 106 adjoins the top flange 102 to the point at which the cone wall 106 adjoins the base 104 . the cone wall 106 further defines a pre - conditioner flow space 108 . the conical shape of the pre - conditioner flow space 108 funned by the reducing diameter of the cone wall 106 introduces additional asymmetries to the flow entering the pre - conditioner flow space 108 based on interaction of the fluid with the cone wall 106 . fig1 d is an end view of the exemplary embodiment locking from the base 104 towards the top flange 102 . the cone wall 106 includes a plurality of cone wall apertures 110 that al low fluid to flow from the pre - conditioner flow space 108 thru the conical flow conditioner 100 . the cone wall 106 is angled such that the reduction in cross section increases pressure drop to promote flow to exit more evenly through the cone wall apertures 110 , rather than being biased towards the base 104 . cone wall apertures 110 are configured to decrease in diameter along the length of the cone wall 106 . accordingly , cone wall aperture 110 include a first row 112 of apertures having a diameter of 1 . 38 inches , a second row 114 of apertures having a diameter of 1 . 25 inches , a third row 116 of apertures having a diameter of 1 . 25 inches , a fourth row 118 of apertures having a diameter of 1 . 13 inches , a fifth row 120 of apertures having a diameter of 1 . 00 inches , and a sixth row 122 of apertures having a diameter of 0 . 88 inches . the apertures 110 have a reducing diameter to maintain aperture 110 spacing its the circumference of the cone wall 106 is reduced along the length of the cone wall 106 . further , the reducing diameter of apertures 110 may be based on the reduced flow velocity of a fluid as the fluid travels though the pre - conditioner flow space 108 from the top flange 102 to the base 104 . although a specific configuration and diameter of aperture 110 is shown and described , one of ordinary skill in the art would easily understand that the configuration and diameters of apertures 110 may vary considerably dependent on the size of the pipe , the type of fluid , etc . and still achieve the advantages described herein . flow conditioner 100 further includes a plurality of straightening vanes 130 to remove the swirl introduce by interaction of the fluid with the cone wall 106 in the pre - conditioner flow space 108 . one of the vanes 130 is configured to include a locking nut 140 configured to facilitate mounting of the flow conditioner 100 to a pipe wall ( not shown ). referring to fig2 a , a cross section view of a conical flow conditioner 200 is shown , according to an exemplary embodiment . the conical flow conditioner 200 is shown rotated 90 degrees from the view in fig2 b , according to the same exemplary embodiment . flow conditioner 200 similarly is configured to have a conical formation that increases the amount of swirl in the flow profile to mix the pattern of flow velocity and distribute the flow including the asymmetries uniformly across the flow profile . referring to fig2 a - 2c , flow conditioner 200 similarly features a conical configuration having a top flange 202 and a flow aperture 204 with a cone wall 206 extending from the top flange 202 to the flow aperture 204 . the diameter of the cone wall 206 similarly decreases from the point at which the cone wall 206 adjoins the lop flange 102 to the point at which the cone wall 206 defines the flow aperture 204 . the cone wall 206 further defines a pre - conditioner flow space 208 . the conical shape of the pre - conditioner flow space 208 formed by the reducing diameter of the cone wall 206 also introduces additional asymmetries to the flow entering the pre - conditioner flow space 208 based on interaction of the fluid with the cone wall 206 . fig2 c is an end view of the exemplary embodiment locking from the flow aperture 204 towards the top flange 202 . cone wall 206 is configured to be shape to include a defined radial curve to reduce the occurrence of vena contracta at the flow aperture 204 . vena contracta is the point in a fluid stream where the diameter of the fluid flow is the least , and fluid velocity is at its maximum . the maximum contraction of the fluid flow would typically take place at a section slightly downstream of the flow aperture 204 if the cone wall 206 were straight . however , introducing the defined radial curve to the cone wall 206 reduces the occurrence of vena contracta at the flow aperture 204 such that the maximum contraction of the fluid flow takes place more proximate to the flow aperture 204 . flow conditioner 200 further includes a plurality of straightening vanes 210 to remove the swirl introduce by interaction of the fluid with the cone wall 206 in the pre - conditioner flow space 208 . one of the vanes 210 is configured to include a locking nut 220 configured to facilitate mounting of the flow conditioner 200 to a pipe wall . flow conditioners as described herein in the above described embodiments reduce the straight pipe length that is required to achieve accurate measurement . further , the flow conditioners described herein provide this advantage by reducing the amount of restriction to the flow to avoid significantly reducing flow velocity and introducing a pressure drop . this reduction saves materials , space and cost . this has been a description of exemplary embodiments , but it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art dial variations may be made in the details of these specific embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention , and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by this description .	5
fig1 a to 1 c are sectional views which schematically show the steps in a method for fabricating a field - effect semiconductor device in an embodiment of the present invention . first , as shown in fig1 a , an insulating film 2 composed of sio 2 or the like is deposited on a compound semiconductor base 1 including a sapphire substrate , etc . a first resist layer 3 which determines the gate electrode length , and a second resist layer 4 and a third resist layer 5 which are used for forming an overhang of a t - shaped gate electrode are placed on the sio 2 insulating film 2 , and an opening with a predetermined size is formed . an opening is also formed in the sio 2 insulating film 2 . in order to form the opening in the sio 2 insulating film 2 , dry etching with high anisotropy using cf 4 , etc . or wet etching using an hf - based etchant may be employed . additionally , when the sio 2 insulating film is not required , the resist layers 3 to 5 are directly placed on the base 1 , and an opening for the gate electrode is formed . next , after the surface of the semiconductor base 1 provided with the openings is cleaned , a metal , such as ni / au , for forming the gate electrode is deposited . the resist layers 3 to 5 and the ni / au deposited on the third resist layer 5 are removed by a lift - off process , and a gate electrode 6 having a t - shaped cross section is thereby completed . since the gate electrode 6 has the t - shaped cross section , the resistance of the gate electrode 6 can be decreased , and the characteristics of the field - effect semiconductor device can be further improved . next , as shown in fig1 b and 1c , after the t - shaped gate electrode 6 is formed , the source electrode and the drain electrode are formed in a self - alignment manner using the t - shaped gate electrode 6 as a mask . for example , the source electrode and the drain electrode may be formed by a lift - off process or etching . when the lift - off process is employed , a resist layer 7 is placed on the entire surface of the semiconductor base 1 including the t - shaped gate electrode 6 , and then , as shown in fig1 b , an opening is formed in the resist layer 7 and portions of the sio 2 insulating film 2 corresponding to the regions for forming the source electrode and the drain electrode are removed . after the semiconductor base 1 at the openings and the metal surface are cleaned , an electrode material for the source electrode and the drain electrode , for example , a ti / al - based ohmic metal , is deposited . the resist layer 7 is then removed by a lift - off process , and the source electrode 8 and the drain electrode 9 are thereby completed . as shown in fig1 c , the ti / al - based ohmic metal is deposited on the source electrode - forming region , the drain electrode - forming region , and the top of the gate electrode 6 separately due to the presence of the overhang of the t - shaped gate electrode 6 . it is important that the source electrode 8 and the drain electrode 9 are lower than the bottom face of the overhang of the t - shaped gate electrode 6 . if the source electrode 8 and the drain electrode 9 are higher than the overhang of the t - shaped gate electrode 6 , short - circuiting may occur between the electrodes . although not shown in the drawing , when etching is employed , first , an electrode material for the source electrode 8 and the drain electrode 9 , for example , a ti / al - based ohmic metal , is deposited over the entire surface of the semiconductor base 1 . a resist layer provided with openings for the regions in which the ohmic metal is to be removed is placed on the ohmic metal layer , and the ohmic metal is removed by wet treatment or milling treatment . since the source electrode 8 and the drain electrode 9 are formed in the self - alignment manner using the t - shaped gate electrode 6 as the mask , the distances between the gate electrode 6 and the source electrode 8 and between the gate electrode 6 and the drain electrode 9 are determined when the t - shaped gate electrode 6 is formed without depending on the fabrication step of the source electrode 8 and the drain electrode 9 . consequently , in the field - effect semiconductor device of the present invention , if only formation accuracy of the t - shaped gate electrode 6 is improved , the distances between the electrodes can be decreased , and also it is possible to fabricate devices more uniformly and with a higher degree of consistency . therefore , while decreasing the variation in parasitic resistance due to the resistance between the source and gate , the resistance between the drain and the gate , etc . and minimizing the parasitic resistance , carrier transfer efficiency can be maintained satisfactorily . that is , sufficient carriers can be supplied to a gan layer 14 beneath the gate because of the reduction in resistance in response to the decrease in the distance between the source electrode and the drain electrode , because of a si - doped algan layer 16 , and because of the piezoelectric effect and spontaneous polarization . moreover , since a distance can be secured accurately between the alloyed regions beneath the source electrode and the drain electrode , short - circuiting does not occur . as a result , it is possible to produce an excellent gallium nitride - based field - effect semiconductor device with improved characteristics . in the method for fabricating the field - effect semiconductor device of the present invention , after the t - shaped gate electrode 6 , the source electrode 8 , and the drain electrode 9 are formed ( refer to fig1 c ), preferably , regions beneath the source electrode 8 and the drain electrode 9 are alloyed so as to come into ohmic contact with a channel layer ( not shown in the drawings ). however , when such alloying treatment is performed , the ohmic metal deposited on the gate electrode 6 may affect the gate metal - semiconductor junction which provides satisfactory schottky characteristics and degrade the gate electrode characteristics , resulting in a degradation in the characteristics of the field - effect semiconductor device . the present inventors have carried out research on the degradation in the gate electrode characteristics caused by the ohmic metal during the alloying treatment and have found that the problems described above can be overcome by at least partially forming the gate electrode 6 using a high - melting - point metal . that is , preferably , the gate electrode 6 has a multi - layered structure including a layer composed of a high - melting - point metal . preferably , at least one metal selected from the group consisting of mo , pt , w , hf , and cr is used as the high - melting - point metal . a high - melting - point metal with a higher melting point functions more suitably as a barrier metal even if the layer thickness thereof is small . preferably , the high - melting - point metal layer has a thickness of 200 nm or more . by partially forming the multi - layered structure using the high - melting - point metal layer , the ohmic metal does not affect the schottky characteristics of the gate electrode metal and the semiconductor , and thus it is possible to avoid the degradation in the gate electrode characteristics . fig1 d is a sectional view which schematically shows a field - effect semiconductor device of the present invention in which the gate electrode 6 has a multi - layered structure and the multi - layered structure includes a high - melting - point metal layer . in order to fabricate the field - effect semiconductor device shown in fig1 d , first , when the t - shaped gate electrode 6 shown in fig1 a is formed , a gate electrode metal group , such as ni / pt / au or ni / mo / au , including at least one high - melting - point metal selected from the group consisting of mo , pt , w , hf , and cr is deposited . the resist layers 3 to 5 are then removed by the lift - off process , and the t - shaped gate electrode 6 is thereby obtained . in the same manner as that described above , the electrode material for the source electrode 8 and the drain electrode 9 is vapor - deposited using the t - shaped gate electrode 6 as a mask to form the source electrode 8 and the drain electrode 9 in the self - alignment manner , and the lift - off process is performed . the field - effect semiconductor device of the present invention shown in fig1 d , in which the gate electrode 6 includes a high - melting - point metal layer 10 , is thereby fabricated . in the case in which the gate electrode 6 is formed without including a high - melting - point metal layer 10 , it has also been found that by removing the electrode material , for example , the ohmic metal described above , deposited on the gate electrode 6 after the source electrode 8 and the drain electrode 9 are formed , the ohmic metal can be prevented from affecting the metal - semiconductor junction which provides satisfactory schottky gate characteristics , and the degradation in the gate electrode can be avoided . fig1 e and 1f are sectional views which schematically show the steps of removing the ohmic metal deposited on the gate electrode 6 . first , after the t - shaped gate electrode 6 without including the high - melting - point metal layer , the source electrode 8 , and the drain electrode 9 are formed in the same manner as that described above , a planarizing film 11 composed a resist or the like is placed thereon . as shown in fig1 e , the planarizing film 11 is removed by an etch back process until the overhang of the t - shaped gate electrode 6 is exposed . next , only the ohmic metal which is the electrode material for forming the source electrode 8 and the drain electrode 9 and which is deposited on the t - shaped gate electrode 6 is removed by dry etching or wet etching , and the remaining planarizing layer 11 is removed ( refer to fig1 f ). in this way , even when the gate electrode 6 does not include a high - melting - point metal layer 10 , satisfactory gate electrode characteristics can be maintained . as described above , in the method for fabricating the field - effect semiconductor device in accordance with the present invention , since the source electrode and the drain electrode are formed in the self - alignment manner using the gate electrode as the mask , the distances between the gate electrode and the source electrode and between the gate electrode and the drain electrode can be decreased , and it is possible to fabricate devices uniformly and with a high degree of consistency . consequently , variations in parasitic resistance , such as the resistance between the source and the gate or the resistance between the drain and the gate , can be decreased and the parasitic resistance can be minimized , and therefore , it is possible to produce an excellent field - effect semiconductor device with improved characteristics . by forming the multi - layered structure including the high - melting - point metal layer , it is possible to prevent the ohmic metal which is the material for the source and drain electrodes and which is deposited on the gate electrode during the alloying treatment from affecting the gate electrode metal - semiconductor junction , and it is possible to produce a superior field - effect semiconductor device . furthermore , after the source electrode and the drain electrode are formed , by removing the ohmic metal which is the material for the source and drain electrodes and which is deposited on the gate electrode , it is possible to prevent the ohmic metal which is the material for the source and drain electrodes and which is deposited on the gate electrode during the alloying treatment from affecting the gate electrode metal - semiconductor junction , and it is possible to produce a superior field - effect semiconductor device . the present invention will be described in detail based on the examples below . an example of a field - effect semiconductor device of the present invention will be described , in which a gate electrode is formed so as to have a t - shaped cross section , the gate electrode having a multi - layered structure including a high - melting - point metal layer . fig2 a to 2 f are sectional views which schematically show the steps in a method for fabricating a field - effect semiconductor device in accordance with the present invention . as shown in fig2 a , an algan low temperature buffer layer 13 , a gan high resistivity layer 14 , an algan spacer layer 15 , a si - doped algan layer 16 , and an algan cap layer 17 were epitaxially grown in that order on a sapphire substrate 12 , and thereby a compound semiconductor base 1 was formed . in the compound semiconductor base 1 , a two - dimensional electron gas was formed in the vicinity of a heterojunction between the gan high resistivity layer 14 and the algan spacer layer 15 due to the piezoelectric effect and modulation doping . as shown in fig2 b , a sio 2 insulating film 2 with a thickness of 20 nm was provided on the upper surface of the compound semiconductor base 1 . a first resist layer 3 was placed on the sio 2 film 2 , and an opening for forming a gate - electrode region with a predetermined aperture was formed in the resist layer 3 . next , as shown in fig2 c , a second resist layer 4 for preventing the mixture of the resists was placed on the first resist layer 3 provided with the opening . after a third resist layer 5 was placed further thereon , an opening corresponding to the size of the overhang of the t - shaped gate electrode was formed . a portion of the sio 2 insulating film 2 corresponding to the gate electrode - forming region was removed , for example , by wet etching using an hf - based etchant to form an opening . as shown in fig2 d , a ni / au - based gate metal including a high - melting - point metal , for example , mo , was vapor - deposited . ni , mo , and au were deposited in that order with a thickness of 60 nm , 300 nm , and 500 nm , respectively . the resist layers 3 to 5 were removed by the lift - off process after the vapor deposition , and the t - shaped gate electrode 6 was thereby produced . next , a resist layer 7 was placed over the entire surface of the compound semiconductor base 1 including the t - shaped gate electrode 6 . as shown in fig2 e , an opening was formed in the resist layer 7 at predetermined positions corresponding to the t - shaped gate electrode 6 and the regions for forming the source electrode and drain electrode , and portions of the sio 2 insulating film 2 corresponding to the regions for forming the source electrode and the drain electrode were removed . a ti / al based ohmic metal as the material for the source electrode and the drain electrode was vapor deposited , with a thickness of 10 nm and 200 nm , respectively , for ti and al . thereby , it was possible to form the source electrode 8 and the drain electrode 9 in a self - alignment manner using the t - shaped gate electrode 6 as a mask . next , by removing the resist layer 7 by the lift - off process , the source electrode 8 and the drain electrode 9 were completed ( refer to fig2 f ). after the field - effect semiconductor device thus fabricated was cleaned , alloying treatment was performed by heating , for example , in a nitrogen atmosphere at 600 ° c . for 1 . 5 minutes to obtain a contact resistivity of 1 . 0 × 10 − 5 ω · cm 2 or less , and the fabrication of the device was thereby completed . since the source electrode 8 and the drain electrode 9 were formed in the self - alignment manner using the gate electrode 6 as the mask , it was possible to decrease the distances between the gate electrode and the source electrode and between the gate electrode and the drain electrode , and it was possible to fabricate devices uniformly and with a high degree of consistency . consequently , it was possible to decrease variations in parasitic resistance , such as the resistance between the source and the gate or the resistance between the drain and the gate , and to minimize the parasitic resistance , and therefore , it was possible to produce an excellent field - effect semiconductor device with improved characteristics . since the gate electrode 6 had the t - shaped cross section , the resistance of the gate electrode 6 was reduced , and it was possible to further improve the characteristics of the field - effect semiconductor device . furthermore , as shown in fig2 f , since the gate electrode 6 had the multi - layered structure including the high - melting point layer 10 , it was possible to prevent the ti / al based ohmic metal which was deposited on the gate electrode 6 from affecting the gate electrode metal - semiconductor junction during the alloying treatment . consequently , it was possible to maintain satisfactory gate electrode characteristics and it was possible to produce a superior field - effect semiconductor device . fig3 is a sectional view which schematically shows a structure of a schottky diode in which a layer including a high - melting - point metal was formed on a gan layer 18 having an electron concentration on the order of 10 17 with a thickness of approximately 1 μm . the schottky diode was prepared in order to investigate the thickness of the high - melting - point metal layer . a schottky metal 19 which corresponds to the gate electrode is composed of ni / mo / au , and a ti / al based ohmic metal 20 is deposited thereon . samples having the structure described above were prepared , in which the thickness of the high - melting - point metal layer composed of mo was varied , and the current - voltage characteristics after ohmic alloying for each sample were measured . the measurement results are shown in fig4 . in the schottky metal , the thickness of the ni , mo , and au layers was set to be 30 nm ; 100 , 200 , or 300 nm ; and 600 nm ; respectively , and a ti / al - based ohmic metal was deposited thereon with a thickness of 10 nm and 200 nm , respectively , for ti and al . after ohmic alloying was performed , the current - voltage characteristics were measured . as a comparative example , a sample was prepared in which a schottky metal composed of ni / au ( 30 nm / 600 nm ) only was deposited , and a ti / al - based ohmic metal was not deposited on the schottky metal layer . after ohmic alloying was performed , electrical characteristics after alloying treatment were checked . as is clear from fig4 , with respect to the samples having a mo thickness of 200 nm or more , schottky characteristics are substantially the same as those of the comparative example including ni / au only , and the characteristics are not degraded . in contrast , with respect to the sample with a mo thickness of 100 nm , the characteristics are extremely degraded . the reason for this is considered that the ohmic metal adversely affected the gate metal - semiconductor interface having satisfactory schottky characteristics because of ohmic alloying . consequently , in the field - effect semiconductor device of the present invention , by forming the gate electrode 6 so as to have a multi - layered structure including the high - melting - point metal layer 10 , it is possible to prevent the ohmic metal deposited on the gate electrode 6 from affecting the metal - semiconductor junction during alloying treatment , and satisfactory gate electrode characteristics can be maintained . therefore , it is possible to produce a superior field - effect semiconductor device . by setting the thickness of the high - melting point layer 10 at 200 nm or more , more satisfactory gate characteristics can be maintained . an example of a field - effect semiconductor device of the present invention will be described , in which a gate electrode is formed so as to have a t - shaped cross section , the gate electrode not including a high - melting - point metal layer , and after a source electrode and a drain electrode are formed , an electrode material , such as an ohmic metal , for forming the source electrode and the drain electrode deposited on the gate electrode is removed . fig5 a to 5 c are sectional views which schematically show the steps in a method for fabricating a field - effect semiconductor device of the present invention . apart from the fact that the gate electrode 6 was composed of ni / au instead of ni / mo / au , the field - effect semiconductor device was fabricated to the state shown in fig2 f in the same manner as that in example 1 . as shown in fig5 a , a sufficiently thick planarizing film 11 composed of a resist or the like was placed on the device in which a source electrode 8 and a drain electrode 9 were formed in a self - alignment manner using the gate electrode 6 as a mask . next , as shown in fig5 b , the surface of the planarizing film 11 was etched back until only the gate electrode 6 was exposed and the source electrode 8 and the drain electrode 9 were still covered with the planarizing film 11 . the ti / al - based ohmic metal deposited on the gate electrode 6 was removed , for example , by an hcl - based etchant . as shown in fig5 c , after the planarizing film 11 was removed , by performing the alloying treatment described above , the field - effect semiconductor device of the present invention was produced . fig6 a and 6b are scanning electron microscope ( sem ) images of the device before and after the removal of the ti / al - based ohmic metal deposited on the gate electrode 6 . as is clear from the images shown in fig6 a and 6b , the ohmic metal deposited on the gate electrode 6 was removed . fig7 is a graph showing the id - vg characteristics of a field - effect transistor in which the ti / al - based ohmic metal deposited on the gate electrode 6 was removed and a field - effect transistor in which the ti / al - based ohmic metal deposited on the gate electrode 6 was not removed . the transistor had a gate length of 0 . 4 μm and a gate width of 100 μm . as is obvious from fig7 , by removing the ti / al - based ohmic metal deposited on the gate electrode 6 , the off - state current was sufficiently reduced . as described above , since the source electrode 8 and the drain electrode 9 were formed in the self - alignment manner using the gate electrode 6 as the mask , the distances between the gate electrode and the source electrode and between the gate electrode and the drain electrode were reduced , and it was possible to fabricate devices uniformly and with a high degree of consistency . consequently , it was possible to decrease the variation in parasitic resistance , such as resistance between the source and the gate and the resistance between the drain and the gate and to minimize the parasitic resistance , and it was possible to produce an excellent field - effect semiconductor device with improved characteristics . since the gate electrode 6 was formed so as to have a t - shaped cross section , the resistance of the gate electrode 6 was reduced , and it was possible to further improve the characteristics of the field - effect semiconductor device . as shown in fig5 c , since the ti / al - based ohmic metal deposited on the gate electrode 6 was removed , it was possible to prevent the ohmic metal from affecting the gate electrode metal - semiconductor junction . therefore , it was possible to maintain satisfactory electrode characteristics and it was possible to produce a superior field - effect semiconductor device . first , a device as shown in fig1 c was fabricated . that is , a rectangular gate electrode was formed instead of a t - shaped gate electrode , and the gate electrode , a source electrode , and a drain electrode were formed by patterning . this device is referred to as a device ( a ). next , a field - effect semiconductor device in accordance with the present invention was fabricated . that is , a t - shaped gate electrode was formed , and a source electrode and a drain electrode were formed in a self - alignment manner . the t - shaped gate electrode was formed so as to have a multi - layered structure including a high - melting - point metal layer , and a ti / al - based ohmic metal deposited on the t - shaped gate electrode was removed . this device is referred to as a device ( b ). with respect to the devices ( a ) and ( b ), small - signal circuit analysis was carried out . in the circuit analysis , a small - signal equivalent circuit of an assumed transistor shown in fig8 was used , and by accomplishing the fitting of the s - parameters , which were obtained by small - signal measurement , of the device , the values of the individual components were obtained . as a result of the circuit analysis , the device ( a ) had a gate resistance ( rg ) of 2 . 7 ω · mm and a source resistance ( rs ) of 6 . 1 ω · mm . the device ( b ) had a gate resistance ( rg ) of 0 . 6 ω · mm and a source resistance ( rs ) of 3 . 5 ω · mm . consequently , in the field - effect semiconductor device of the present invention , the gate resistance ( rg ) was decreased by the use of the t - shaped gate electrode , and since the source electrode and the drain electrode were formed by the self - alignment manner and it was also possible to prevent the gate electrode characteristics from being degraded by the ohmic metal , the source resistance ( rs ) and the drain resistance ( rd ) were decreased . therefore , it was possible to improve the device characteristics . fig9 a and 9b are sectional view which schematically show the steps in a method for fabricating a fine t - shaped gate electrode 6 on the order of 0 . 1 μm . as shown in fig9 a , a first resist layer 3 provided with an opening corresponding to the gate electrode - forming region was placed on a sio 2 insulating film 2 formed on a semiconductor base 1 . an opening was formed in the sio 2 insulating film 2 , with a predetermined size of the gate electrode 6 , by dry etching , such as reactive ion plasma etching using a gas containing cf 4 . next , as shown in fig9 b , a second resist layer 4 and a third resist layer 5 were placed on the first resist layer 3 , and an opening corresponding to the region of the overhang of the t - shaped gate electrode 6 was formed . a metal ( such as ni / au ) for forming the gate electrode 6 was then deposited thereon . the subsequent fabrication steps are the same as those described above . that is , a source electrode and a drain electrode are formed in a self - alignment manner using the gate electrode 6 as a mask . although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments and the examples , it is to be understood that the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements based on the technical idea of the present invention . that is , although the gate electrode with a t - shaped cross section has been described in each of the examples , the shape of the gate electrode is not limited to this . the gate electrode may be formed into any shape as long as the gate electrode is allowed to be used as a mask . the source electrode and the drain electrode may be formed in a self - alignment manner using a side - wall technique instead of using the t - shaped gate electrode . an example in which at least a part of the gate electrode is composed of a high - melting - point metal and an example in which an electrode material for forming a source electrode and a drain electrode deposited on a gate electrode is removed have been described . in a field - effect semiconductor device of the present invention , at least a part of the gate electrode may be composed of a high - melting - point metal and also the electrode material deposited on the gate electrode may be removed . however , in the device in which at least a part of the gate electrode is composed of a high - melting - point metal , since the electrode material is deposited on the gate electrode , the gate electrode resistance can be further decreased , thus improving the device characteristics . in each of the examples described above , the compound semiconductor base 1 is formed by epitaxially growing the algan low temperature buffer layer 13 , the gan high resistivity layer 14 , the algan spacer layer 15 , the si - doped algan layer 16 , and the algan cap layer 17 in that order on the sapphire substrate 12 . however , instead of al , in may be used in the present invention .	7
the present invention is a telescopic actuator , a preferred embodiment of which is illustrated in fig1 . referring to fig1 , the telescopic actuator 10 of the present invention has housing 20 . housing 20 is telescopic in nature , and in the embodiment illustrated in fig1 , has tubular walls 22 , 24 , 26 and 28 . while four housing walls are illustrated in fig1 , more could be employed as the need arises . the housing walls 22 , 24 , 26 , and 28 are rotatably keyed to each other , such that each housing segment translates relative to its adjacent segment . a grounding bracket 18 is attached to one end of the actuator 10 to prevent that end of the actuator from turning . also , idler stops 11 a ; 12 a , 12 b and 12 c ; 13 a , 13 b and 13 c ; and 14 b and 14 c are attached to the inner and outer walls of the housing segments to mark the position of minimum compression and maximum extension of the actuator . that is , idler stops 11 a , 12 a , 12 b , 12 c , 13 a , 13 b , 13 c , 14 b and 14 c function as longitudinal limit stops which preserve a limited portion of overlapping sleeved engagement between the housing segments . the housing walls 22 , 24 , 26 and 28 can telescope down to a minimal length equal to the length of the largest housing segment , or telescope out to a maximum length substantially equal to the sum of the lengths of all the housing segments . fig1 shows the actuator 10 substantially extended out to its maximum length . the orientation of housing 20 can be an initial female segment from which successive male segments telescope out of and back into as illustrated in fig1 , or an initial male segment from which successive female segments telescope off of and back onto . whether the actuator 10 functions as male to female or female to male depends on which screw segment initiates the turning of the actuator . the housing segments 22 , 24 , 26 and 28 are machined so that they easily slide out of and back into , or off of and back onto , their respective mating segments . contained within housing 20 is telescoping threaded screw 30 . threaded screw 30 consists of threaded tiers or segments 32 , 34 , 36 , and 38 . as with the housing 20 , while four threaded segments are illustrated in fig1 , many more segments could be used depending upon the application . the screw segments 32 , 34 , 36 , and 38 can progress from male to female connections as shown in fig1 ( i . e . male screw 32 connecting with female end of screw 34 , male end of screw 34 connecting with female end of screw 36 , and so on ), or from female to male connections . additionally , housing segments that initiate with a male segment and progress and translate outward from within female segments can be combined with a threaded screw that begins with a female segment that translates off male segments . similarly , housing segments that initiate with a female segment and progress and extend off male segments can be combined with a threaded screw that begins with a male segment and progresses out from female segments . ( see fig4 ). moreover , both the housing and screw can initiate with a female segment and telescope off a male segment , or both can start with a male segment and telescope out from a female segment . segments 32 , 34 , 36 , and 38 in fig1 may be threaded along their entire length , or threaded on only a portion of the segment . threading only a portion of a segment saves on machining costs , especially for the interior threads which are more difficult to cut than the threads on the outside diameter of a segment . the actuator 10 will extend to its maximum length with only partial threading if the mating threads that the partial threads engage run the entire length of the segment . therefore , if partially threaded and fully threaded segments are cut in an alternating manner , the actuator can extend to its maximum length . fig2 is a longitudinal section of the actuator 10 in a fully collapsed state . specifically , fig2 illustrates threaded screw 32 with threads 52 that form a pitch p 1 . attached to threaded screw 32 is a stop cog 72 . stop cog 72 can be attached at the distal end of screw 32 , or anywhere along the threads 52 . stop cog 72 has longitudinal faces 83 and 84 that are perpendicular to the axis of screw 32 and transverse faces 85 and 86 ( not visible in fig2 ) that are parallel to the axis of screw 32 . placing the stop cog 72 along the mid - point of the screw 32 will shorten the distance that the actuator 10 telescopes . while this will shorten the maximum extension of the actuator 10 , the strength of the extended actuator will be increased because of the double walls formed by the partially extended screw segments . fig2 further illustrates threaded screw 34 which contains inner threads 54 a that form pitch p 1 so that threads 52 of screw 32 mate with inner threads 54 a of screw 34 in a male to female connection . screw 34 further contains outer threads 54 b , forming a pitch p 2 . outer threads 54 b form the male connection for inner threads 56 a ( which also form a pitch p 2 ) on the next screw segment 36 . attached to screw 34 are stop cogs 74 a and 74 c which are attached to the interior surface of screw 34 at the proximal and distal ends respectively , and stop cog 74 b which is attached to outer threads 54 b . stop cog 74 a has longitudinal faces 93 and 94 , and transverse faces 95 and 96 ( not visible in fig2 ). stop cog 74 c has longitudinal faces 153 and 154 , and transverse faces 155 and 156 ( not visible in fig2 ). similarly , stop cog 74 b has longitudinal faces 103 and 104 , and transverse faces 105 and 106 ( not visible in fig2 ). screw 36 has exterior threads 56 b , forming a pitch p 3 , which engage with the inner threads 58 a ( also forming pitch p 3 ) of screw 38 . screw 36 also has stop cogs 76 a , 76 b , and 76 c , with longitudinal faces 113 and 114 , 123 and 124 , and 163 and 164 , and transverse faces 115 and 116 ( not visible in fig2 ), 125 and 126 ( not visible in fig2 ), and 165 and 166 ( not visible in fig2 ). screw 38 , the terminal screw segment in this embodiment , has stop cog 78 a with longitudinal faces 133 and 134 , and transverse faces 135 and 136 ( not visible in fig2 ), and stop cog 78 c with longitudinal faces 173 and 174 , and transverse faces 175 and 176 ( not visible in fig2 ). it should be noted that the pitches of the different screw segments may all be equal . alternatively , some screw segments may have different pitches than others . different pitches will not affect the function of the invention as long as the mating pitches are equal . while the embodiment just described has four screw segments 32 , 34 , 36 and 38 , as explained earlier , more threaded segments could be added onto the screw 30 if the need arose . the actuator 10 operates as follows . fig2 shows the actuator 10 in a fully collapsed state . to begin the extension of the actuator , the lead screw 32 is rotated in the direction that will cause it to translate out from the segment 34 that it engages , thereby extending the length of the actuator 10 . while the direction of the rotation depends upon whether the lead screw 32 is left - handed or right - handed , the type of screw thread is not critical to the invention and the invention can work with either . as the lead screw 32 rotates out of the actuator 10 , stop cog 72 , because it is attached to threads 52 , rotates circumferentially with the screw 32 and travels toward stop cog 74 a of screw segment 34 . the actuator is designed so that stop cog 72 contacts stop cog 74 a not on the longitudinal faces 83 and 94 respectively , but on the transverse faces 85 or 86 and 95 or 96 which are parallel to the axis of rotation of the screw 32 . whether transverse face 85 of stop cog 72 contacts transverse face 95 of stop cog 74 a , or transverse face 86 of stop cog 72 contacts transverse face 96 of stop cog 74 a depends on the direction of rotation of the lead screw 32 . in either case , when lead screw 32 is rotated to its maximum extension , stop cog 72 contacts stop cog 74 a . ( see fig3 ). the contact of stops cogs 72 and 74 a is a simple surface to surface contact between transverse face 85 or 86 of stop cog 72 and one of the corresponding transverse faces 95 or 96 of stop cog 74 a that does not require frictional force . this is illustrated in fig1 and 3 wherein stop cog 74 a is shown partially in phantom since it is positioned behind stop cog 72 . this simple surface to surface contact can be described as a tangential interference or a tangential contact . a frictional engagement between longitudinal faces 83 and 94 on the other hand can be referred to as an axial engagement or an interlocking engagement . because frictional force is not involved in the tangential contact , disassociation of transverse and contacting stop cogs during collapse occurs by simple reversal of the screw rotation direction . that is , no unlocking force is required to overcome friction as it would be in an engagement of interlocking longitudinal faces . after stop cog 72 of screw 32 has contacted stop cog 74 a of screw 34 , the continued rotation of lead screw 32 causes screw 34 , which is engaged to screw 32 via threads 52 and threads 54 a , to rotate with screw 32 . as screw 32 and screw 34 rotate together , the outer threads 54 b of screw 34 with pitch p 2 rotate through the inner threads 56 a of screw 36 which has pitch p 2 . as this happens , screw 32 and screw 34 , now rotatably linked via stop cogs 72 and 74 a , extend further out from the collapsed portion of the actuator 10 . screw 34 will continue to rotate and move along the threaded pathway until stop cog 74 b of screw 34 engages stop cog 76 a of screw 36 . ( see fig1 ). at that point , the actuator 10 is now extended to a length that is substantially equal to the length of the screw segments 32 , 34 and 36 . in similar fashion , if the rotation of segments 32 and 34 is continued , screw segment 36 will rotate in unison with segments 32 and 34 , and stop cog 76 b will approach stop cog 78 a of screw segment 38 . when stop cog 78 a engages stop cog 76 b , the actuator will be extended to a maximum length that is substantially equal to the sum of the lengths of segments 32 , 34 , 36 , and 38 . ( see fig1 ). to reverse the process and collapse the actuator 10 , the rotation of the screw segment 32 is reversed , which causes the screw 32 to travel back into ( or onto ) segment 34 until stop cog 72 of screw 32 tangentially engages stop cog 74 c of screw 34 . at that point , further rotational force applied to segment 32 will cause segment 34 to rotate back into segment 36 until stop cog 74 b of screw 34 engages stop cog 76 c of screw 36 . this process is then continued until the actuator 10 has returned to its completely collapsed state . the rotation itself , whether to extend or collapse the actuator 10 , can be initiated and sustained by several methods supplying rotary motion and torque including an electric motor drive or mechanical shaft power . while the invention has been described in its preferred embodiment , it is to be understood that the words used are words of description rather than limitation and that changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention in its broader aspects .	5
as used herein , the term “ fragrance ” is intended to refer to a type of “ stimulus ” that could either be relaxing or stimulating , or perhaps could have no perceivable effect on a person . the terms “ fragrance ” or “ stimulus ” can be interchanged in most cases , with respect to the principles of the present invention . furthermore , the term “ fragrance ” can literally represent an actual fragrance ( e . g ., in a liquid state ) or an odor ( e . g ., in a gaseous state ), or the term “ fragrance ” can represent a flavor ( such as in a beverage ). the term “ fragrance ” can also represent essential oils , an aroma or scent . a “ fragrance ” can be subliminal ( at a concentration too low to be consciously detected by a human ) or non - subliminal ( at a concentration high enough to be consciously detected by a human ). finally , the terms “ fragrance ” or “ stimulus ” can alternatively represent some type of “ product ” or could represent a “ task .” as used herein , the term “ stimulus ” is intended to refer to any type of object , product or task that appeals to any of the five senses ( e . g ., smell , touch , hearing , taste , sight ). in the case of an object or product , a stimulus may include an aroma or an essential oil , among others . in the case of a “ product ,” the terms fragrance / stimulus could represent a perfume or a cologne , for example , or some other complex formulation ( e . g ., a mixture of two or more perfumes ); or some type of therapeutic device or medical device , for example , such as hot towels , or chemically - activated heat - releasing wraps such as those under the registered trademark thermacare ® heat wraps , owned by the procter & amp ; gamble company . in the case of a “ task ,” the terms fragrance / stimulus could represent some activity that may be relaxing , such as a person taking a hot shower , or cleaning , or washing dishes or clothing , ironing , or performing some other ergonometrically - designed tasks to relieve stress . further details of some of these examples are discussed below . the term “ product ” is intended to refer to , among others , one or more beauty and / or hair care products such as soaps , shower gels , shampoo , conditioners , personal cleansing ; fine fragrances or colognes ; home care products , such as dishwashing products , air fresheners , softeners , tissues , and towels ; baby care products , such as diapers , and wipes ; feminine care products , such as pms products , or products for menopause . other products could also include over the counter items , such as toothpaste , vapo - rub ® ointment , and cough syrups . particularly preferred products for purposes of the present invention include those marketed by the procter and gamble company of cincinnati , ohio . the terms “ subject ,” “ test subject ,” “ mammalian subject ,” and “ mammalian test subject ” are intended to refer to a mammal to which the methods of the present invention may be administered to elicit a meaningful , stress - related measurement . suitable mammals for use in the context of the present invention include : humans and domesticated animals , such as cats and dogs . in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention , a method of determining relative stress level in a subject is provided . said method comprises the steps of : determining a first ( i . e ., baseline ) physiological stress level of the subject ; administering one or more stimuli ( e . g ., product , task , aroma ) to the test subject , wherein said stimulus is intended to cause a change in the stress level of the subject ; determining a second physiological stress level of the subject ; and comparing said first physiological stress level and said second physiological stress level to measure the overall stress level of the test subject . in accordance with this aspect of the present invention , a first physiological stress level of the test subject may be determined by measuring one or more physiological characteristics of the subject ( described infra ). in another aspect of the present invention , the first physiological stress level may be measured by using the stress measurement apparatus disclosed in commonly - assigned u . s . provisional application ser . no . 60 / 369 , 678 , filed apr . 3 , 2002 . as will be described more thoroughly hereinafter , said physiological characteristics may include , yet are not limited to : heart period , pulse transit time , peripheral blood flow , standard deviation of normal to normal beats ( sdnn ) and combinations thereof . upon determining the first physiological stress level of the subject , a stimulus ( e . g ., product , task or aroma ) may be administered to the test subject . as described in the “ definitions ” section of the present disclosure , the term “ product ” for purposes of the present invention is intended to encompass any product , commercial other otherwise , that causes any perceivable change in the stress level of a test subject . particularly preferred products for purposes of the present invention include those that appeal to the senses of smell ( e . g ., perfumes , colognes , aromas ) and touch ( i . e ., hot towels , heating pads ). in another aspect of the present invention , particularly preferred products for purposes of the present invention include those marketed by the procter and gamble company of cincinnati , ohio , as well as products marketed by others that are part of the same product category as those products marketed by the procter and gamble company . in yet still another aspect of the present invention , the stimulus administered to the test subject may include a task . indeed , the test subject may engage in the completion of a task following measurement of the first physiological stress level of the subject . as described in the “ definitions ” section of the present disclosure , the term task is intended to refer to virtually any task that elicits a stress - related response in a test subject . tasks suitable for use in the context of the present invention include , without limitation , relaxation and / or cleaning . in one aspect of the present invention , the acute stress level of a mammalian subject may be ascertained while said subject is performing a task selected from the group consisting of taking a shower , cleaning , washing dishes , washing clothing , ironing clothing and other household - related activities . in yet still another aspect of the present invention , a test subject may be subjected to the use a product and the completion of a task simultaneously , upon measurement of the first physiological stress level . in one aspect of the present invention the task for which completion is intended during use of the product may indeed be associated with the intended use of the product . for example , a test subject may use a product such as the swiffer wet jet ™ floor - cleaning device , marketed by the procter and gamble company of cincinnati , ohio , to engage in a task such as cleaning a kitchen floor . while physical tasks may , in and of themselves , be relaxing or stressful , with the present invention it is nevertheless possible to also determine if a fragrance ( or “ stimulus ”) adds or subtracts any further component of relaxation to a person &# 39 ; s acute stress state . in yet still another aspect of the present invention , the stimulus of the present invention may be characterized based on the level of exertion associated with administration to the test subject . for example , a stimulus such as a product , fragrance or aroma , the administration of which requires little to exertion on the part of the test subject may be characterized as a “ passive stimulus .” conversely , a stimulus such as an activity or task , the administration of which requires active exertion and / or effort on the part of the test subject may be characterized as an “ active stimulus .” the methods of the present invention seek to encompass the measurement of stress following the administration of virtually any stimulus , whether passive , active or both . upon administering one or more stimuli to the test subject , a second physiological stress level may be measured . the second physiological stress level may be similarly assessed by measuring one or more physiological characteristics , as described hereinafter . upon ascertaining both the first ( baseline ) and second physiological stress levels , a comparison may be made between the two levels to provide an overall assessment of the level of stress of the test subject following administration of the product . in one aspect of the present invention , the first and second stress levels are simply compared to determine the relative change in stress level following the administration of one or more stimuli . in another aspect of the present invention , the first and second physiological stress levels are compared by assigning a numerical value to each of the overall physiological and psychological measurements . in one aspect of the present invention , the same method may be used to assign quantitative values to the both the physiological and psychological measurements such that the two measurements may be accurately compared . in another aspect of the present invention , the individual numerical values for each of the physiological and psychological characteristics may be merged into a single numerical value to provide an overall quantitative assessment of both the physiological and psychological characteristics of the test subject . in one aspect of the present invention , the overall numerical value assigned to the combined physiological and psychological characteristics may be assigned a qualitative label based on the overall numerical value . for example , a product may be assigned a qualitative label of “ strongly relaxing ” if the ratio of the physiological and psychological characteristics is between 0 . 0 and 0 . 5 . the term “ ratio ” is intended to refer to the absolute ratio between a given physiological characteristic and a psychological characteristic . the term “ ratio ” is also intended to refer to the level of change in a given physiological or psychological characteristic upon being exposed to a stimulus , in which case the ratio may be the level of stress in the subject prior to administration of a stimulus over the level of stress following administration of the stimulus . in yet another aspect of the present invention , a mathematical function that merges the individual physiological and psychological characteristics into a single number may be used to provide an overall assessment of the level of acute stress in the test subject under consideration . non - limiting examples of mathematical functions suitable for use in the context of the present invention include regression analysis , among others . suitable physiological characteristics suitable for quantifying stress in the context of the present invention , include but certainly are not limited to heart period , pulse transit time , peripheral blood flow , standard deviation of normal to normal beats ( sdnn ) and combinations thereof . in yet another aspect of the present invention , other non - invasive measurements could be used in addition to , or in lieu of , one or more of the above parameters . other non - invasive measurements may include , but certainly are not limited to muscle relaxation , skin temperature , skin conductivity measurements , pupil dilation , salivary flow , capillary dilation , bronchi constriction , stomach motility and combinations thereof . with regard to the above - noted four physiological measures , the “ heart period ” is the length of time between heartbeats , which is the inverse of the heart rate . an increase in heart period generally means a reduction in stress . the “ pulse transit time ” is the amount of time it takes for a bolus of blood squeezed from the heart to reach the fingertip ; it is an inverse analog of blood pressure . an increase in pulse transit time generally means a reduction in stress . the “ peripheral blood flow ” is a measure of how much blood is flowing in capillaries near the surface of the skin . when a person is under stress , the sympathetic nervous system constricts the capillaries in the skin to shunt blood to the muscles in preparation for fight or flight . an increase in peripheral blood flow generally means a reduction in stress . the sdnn is a measurement of heart rate variability , and is the standard deviation of the period of time between two normal heartbeats . most persons believe that the human heart beats at a steady pace ( under constant workload ); however , the time between beats for a healthy heart will vary quite a bit ( in the range of milliseconds for the variations ). when under stress , the variation decreases ; thus an increase in sdnn generally means a reduction in stress . in yet another aspect of the present invention , the level of stress in the mammalian subject may be assessed via the measurement of one or more psychological characteristics of the mammalian test subject . indeed , in one aspect of the present invention , a one or more psychological characteristics of the mammalian test subject are measured via the administration of a questionnaire to said subject , wherein one or more answers to questions from said questionnaire are designed to evaluate at least one psychological characteristic . any suitable questionnaire may be administered in accordance with the present invention . suitable questionnaires include the mood adjective check list ( macl ) of the university of wales institute of science and technology ; the abbreviated mehrabian pad scale ; and desmet &# 39 ; s premo instrument . particularly preferred questionnaires for purposes of the present invention include those which may be administered in less than five minutes , preferably less than two minutes , more preferably less than one minute , most preferably 20 seconds . suitable questionnaires for use in the context of the present invention may be provided in both oral and / or written form . other questionnaires suitable for use in the context of the present invention are described in the following references : ( 1 ) matthews , gerald , dylan m . jones , and a . graham chamberlain . refining the measurement of mood : the uwist mood adjective checklist . british journal of psychology , 1990 , vol . 81 , pp . 17 - 42 ; ( 2 ) mehrabian , albert . framework for a comprehensive description and measurement of emotional states . genetic , social , and general psychology monographs , 1995 , vol . 121 ( 3 ), pp . 339 - 361 ; and ( 3 ) desmet , pieter . designing emotions . phd dissertation 2002 , technical university of delft , netherlands . in yet another aspect of the present invention , a method for evaluating and / or developing a stimulus ( e . g ., product , task , aroma ) is provided . in one aspect of the present invention , said method comprises the step of using the method disclosed in the first aspect of the present disclosure to further develop and / or evaluate a product , task or aroma to which the test subject is exposed . in one aspect of the present invention , the psychological and / or physiological measurements obtained from one or more test subjects upon being exposed to the same product , task or aroma are compared to subsequent measurements to determine the overall level of stress related to administration of the product task or aroma to the test subjects . in another aspect of the present invention , one or more of the characteristics of a product , task , aroma or other stimulus may be modified and / or altered upon measurement of stress following its administration to one or more test subjects , to elicit a desired stress - related response . for example , if a qualitative stress - related response of “ relaxing ” is desired and a fragrance is used to elicit a stress - related response , then the composition or concentration of a fragrance may be altered accordingly . those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates will appreciate that the precise adjustment or alteration made to the product , task or aroma will depend upon several factors , including , but not limited to : the nature of the stimulus under consideration and the needs and / or abilities of the practitioner . the aroma therapy stress measurement protocol ( or asmp ) experiment is designed to test three fragrances and one control ( e . g ., water ). the blank is usually considered essential , because it provides the baseline stress / relaxation response that the fragrances will be compared to . the fragrances should be diluted to a strength that is appropriate to the purpose of the experiment and , if possible , to similar perceived strengths . if an olfactometer is available , it can be used to administer the fragrances . otherwise , the fragrances can be presented to the test subject by saturating equal - sized strips of filter paper with the fragrance and placing the filter paper in an open wide - mouth jar placed approximately 30 centimeters from and level with the test subject &# 39 ; s chin . the room in which the experiment is conducted should be designed for high air turnover ( at least eight complete air changes per hour is recommended ) or , at a minimum , have a fume hood . qualitative labels may be assigned to both the stress measurements obtained using the method of the present invention . in qualitatively analyzing a measurement , for example the measurement of a physiological characteristic , a qualitative label may be assigned to the measured stress level depending upon the ratio of the first stress measurement and second stress measurement . namely , if a first stress measurement , for example peripheral blood flow , was determined to be 0 . 42 and a second stress measurement was determined to be 0 . 84 , then a qualitative label of “ strongly relaxing ” may be assigned to the measurement . assignation of qualitative labels for combined measurements may be done in accordance with the following table : the physiological and psychological measurements obtained via practice of the methods disclosed herein may be combined and reported as a single , quantitative value . administration of the psychological questionnaires generates a set of n numbers that describe a person &# 39 ; s mood or emotional state . the physiological measurement ( s ) made during performance of the methods of the present disclosure generate a separate set of m numbers . the combined psychological and physiological measurements form an n + m dimensional space that must be reduced to a single value . a mathematical function is created that combines the n + m inputs into a single number indicating stress level . such a function could be created by a regression analysis of experimental data . the method of the present invention was performed employing only peripheral blood flow as the physiological measurement . the peripheral blood flow of each test subject was measured prior to administration of a stimulus . then , a lavender - based stimulus was administered to each subject for a period of 20 seconds . separately , the peripheral blood flow of each test subject was measured prior to the administration of an herbal - based stimulus . the herbal stimulus was then administered to each subject for a period of 20 seconds . based upon application of the ratios to the table listed in example 2 of the present disclosure , it was determined that the lavender fragrance is relaxing to test subjects and the herbal fragrance is stimulating . a laundry group seeks to create a detergent with a relaxing scent that is adapted to promote restful sleep when used on bedding . three candidate fragrances are developed and tested with the methods of the present invention to determine which is the most relaxing . three different fragrances are each administered to forty test subjects . the averages of the peripheral blood flow ratios for each fragrance are 0 . 84 , 0 . 67 , and 1 . 03 , respectively . the second fragrance , with an average ratio of 0 . 67 , is the most relaxing of the fragrances . the laundry group decides to use fragrance number 2 in the subject laundry detergent . the foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description . it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed . obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings . the embodiment was chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated . it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto . the dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited . instead , unless otherwise specified , each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value . for example , a dimension disclosed as “ 40 mm ” is intended to mean “ about 40 mm .” all documents cited in the detailed description of the invention are , in relevant part , incorporated herein by reference ; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention . to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference , the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern . while particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described , it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . it is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention .	0
β - lapachone , as well as its intermediates , derivatives and analogs thereof ( also referred to herein as the “ active compounds ”), are described in li , c . j . et al ., j . biol . chem ., 1993 . unlike prior art β - lapachone syntheses as illustrated in scheme 1 , the synthesis of β - lapachone , in accordance with the present invention and generally illustrated in scheme 2 , commences with the reaction of 2 - hydroxy - 1 , 4 - naphthoquinone with 1 - bromo - 3 - methyl - 2 - butene in the presence of sodium iodide and triethylamine ( a weak base ) in dimethylsulfoxide ( dmso ) to produce lapachol in up to 40 % yield , after purification ( 20 g , up to 40 % overall yield ). lapachol is then quantitatively converted to β - lapachone by treatment with sulfuric acid . the β - lapachone is purified by recrystallization from ethanol . any impurities detected by thin layer chromatography ( tlc ), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( nmr ) or hplc ( high pressure liquid chromatography ) can be removed by addition of repeated crystallization steps . with reference to fig1 and discussed in greater detail in the examples section below , the synthetic process for preparing the β - lapachone intermediate , lapachol , commences with the preparation of a reaction mixture comprised of 2 - hydroxyl - 1 , 4 - napthoquinone , 1 - bromo - 3 - methyl - 2 - butene , triethylamine ( tea ) and dimethylsulfoxide ( dmso ). this reaction mixture is first stirred at room temperature under a noble gas atmosphere for about one hour . the reaction mixture is then heated and subsequently cooled to stop the reaction the mixture is then extracted three times with ch 2 ci 2 ( e . g ., 500 ml , 300 ml , 200 ml ) and the organic phases pooled and successively washed with water , followed by two washings with 5 % sodium bicarbonate ( nahco 3 ) and one washing with 1 % sodium chloride ( nacl ). the organic phase is then dried with sodium sulfate ( na 2 so 4 ) and the filtrate , after filtration , is evaporated by rotovap . the residue is then dissolved in toluene heated in a water bath at 50 ° c . and any existing insoluble material is filtered off . the resulting toluene solution is then extracted three times with 2 n naoh ( e . g ., 800 ml , 300 ml , 200 ml ). the resulting combined aqueous phase is then neutralized with 220 ml concentrated hydrochloric acid ( hcl ) and the mixture is extracted three times with toluene ( e . g ., 500 ml , 300 ml , 300 ml ). the organic phases are then pooled and any ( black ) solids existing in the organic phase is removed by filtration . once filtered , the combined organic phase is then washed successively with 1 % nacl , 5 % aqueous sodium bicarbonate and 1 % aqueous sodium chloride , the resulting organic phase is then dried with sodium sulfate and the resulting filtrate is evaporated by rotovap to dryness , followed by the addition of isopropanol for co - evaporation to completely remove residual toluene . the residue is then dissolved in isopropanol , heated and then cooled . pure lapachol is obtained after filtering washing with cold isopropanol and drying under vacuum . with reference to fig2 and discussed in greater detail in the examples section below , the synthesis of β - lapachone from lapachol commences with preparation of a reaction mixture comprised of the pure lapachol ( 30 g ) in 300 ml of sulfuric acid . the reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes and poured into ice water with manual stirring . the mixture is then extracted twice with toluene ( e . g ., 600 ml and 400 ml ) to provide a combined organic phase , which is then washed successively with 800 ml of 1 % nacl , 400 ml of 1 % nahco 3 and 800 ml of 1 % nacl . the resulting organic phase is then dried with 50 g na 2 so 4 and the solid is filtered off . tolune in the remaining filtrate is then evaporated off by rotovap and co - evaporated following the addition of ethanol to completely remove residual toluene . the residue is then dissolved in either 75 % ethanol or absolute ethanol , preferably absolute ethanol , heated in an 80 ° c . water bath and then filtered and cooled to 4 ° c . pure β - lapachone is then isolated by filtration and washed with cold 75 % ethanol ( 4 ° c . 100 ml ), dried under vacuum , packed under argon atmosphere and stored at − 20 ° c . in the dark . the invention is further defined by reference to the following examples . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications , both to the materials and methods , may be practiced without departing from the purpose and interest of the invention . into a dried 2 , 000 ml round bottomed flask was added 2 - hydroxy - 1 , 4 - napthoquinone ( 69 . 7 g , 0 . 40 mol ), 1 - bromo - 3 - methyl - 2 - butene ( 66 g , 0 . 44 mol ), sodium iodide ( 60 g , 0 . 4 mol ), triethylamine ( 58 . 55 ml , 0 . 42 mol ) and dimethylsulfoxide ( dmso ), 500 ml . the mixture was stirred vigorously at room temperature under argon atmosphere for 1 hour , then heated with a heating mantle to 45 ° c . after 3 - 6 hours , at 45 ° c . with vigorous stirring , the mixture was cooled down in an ice bath , and 800 ml of water was added to stop the reaction . the mixture is then transferred into a 2 , 000 ml separatory funnel and extracted three times with methylene chloride ( 500 ml , 300 ml and 200 ml ). the organic phases were pooled and washed successively with water ( 800 ml ), 5 % aqueous sodium bicarbonate ( 2 × 800 ml )* and 1 % aqueous sodium chloride ( 800 ml ), then dried with sodium sulfate ( 50 g ). after filtration , the filtrate was evaporated to dryness by rotovap . the residue was dissolved in toluene ( 1 , 000 ml ) with heating in a 50 ° c . water bath , and any insoluble material existing was filtered off . the warm toluene solution was extracted three times with freshly prepared , warm 2n sodium hydroxide ( 800 ml , 300 ml and 200 ml ). the aqueous phases were pooled and neutralized by addition of hydrochloric acid ( 220 ml ) with vigorous manual stirring , then extracted three times with toluene ( 500 ml , 300 ml and 300 ml ). the organic phase were pooled and any black solid existing in the organic phases was removed by filtration . the combined organic phase was washed successively with 1 % aqueous sodium chloride ( 800 ml ), 5 % aqueous sodium bicarbonate ( 500 ml ) and 1 % aqueous sodium chloride ( 800 ml ), and then dried with sodium sulfate ( 50 g ). after filtration , the filtrate was evaporated to dryness by rotovap , then isopropanol ( 300 ml ) was added for co - evaporation to completely remove residual toluene . the residue was dissolved in isopropanol ( 300 ml ) with heating in an 80 ° c . water bath and then was cooled to 4 ° c . slowly . pure lapachol was obtained after filtering , washing with cold isopropanol ( 4 ° c ., 50 - 100 ml ) and drying under vacuum . during the 5 % aqueous sodium bicarbonate extractions , significant amounts of precipitate ( 2 - hydroxy - 1 , 4 - naphthoquinone ) appeared between aqueous phase and organic phase . the precipitate along with organic layer was separated from aqueous layer for the first extraction , but the precipitate was separated from both aqueous and organic layers for the second extraction , and was transferred into a 500 ml separatory funnel ; 5 % aqueous sodium bicarbonate ( 150 ml ) and methylene chloride ( 150 ml ) were added into the 50 ml separatory funnel . after shaking , the organic phase was separated and pooled with the major organic phases before extraction with 1 % aqueous sodium chloride . into a 1 , 000 ml beaker containing sulfuric acid ( 300 ml ), lapachol ( 30 g , 0 . 124 mol ) was added in portions slowly over 5 minutes at room temperature while stirring vigorously . after addition , the dark mixture was stirred for an additional 30 min and then poured into ice water ( 800 g ) with manual stirring in a 2 , 000 ml beaker . the mixture was transferred into a 2 , 000 ml separatory funnel and extracted twice with toluene ( 600 ml and 400 ml ). the toluene phases were pooled and washed successively with 1 % aqueous sodium chloride ( 800 ml ), 1 % aqueous sodium bicarbonate ( 400 ml ) and 1 % aqueous sodium chloride ( 800 ml ), and then dried with sodium sulfate ( 50 g ). after filtration , the filtrate was evaporated to dryness by rotovap and then ethanol ( 300 ml ) was added for co - evaporation to completely remove residual toluene . the residue was dissolved in 75 % ethanol or absolute ethanol , preferably absolute ethanol ( ethanol / water , 3 : 1 , 300 ml ) with heating in an 80 ° c . water bath , then was filtered and cooled to 4 ° c . slowly . pure β - lapachone was isolated by filtration , then washed with cold 75 % ethanol ( 4 ° c ., 100 ml ), dried under vacuum , packed under argon atmosphere and stored at − 20 ° c . in the dark . routine procedures were used for melting point measurement , hplc analysis and nmr analysis . melting point and nmr data reported in literature were used for comparison with obtained data ( see tables 2 and 3 below ). for hplc analysis , a linear gradient from 25 % to 75 % buffer ( methanol / acetonitrile / 0 . 1 % phosphoric acid ( 25 : 55 : 20 )) in 10 min at a flow rate of 1 ml / min was applied , and the sample was prepared by dissolving lapachol or β - lapachone in methanol at a concentration of 2 mg / ml and then diluting it in methanol / acetonitrile / 0 . 1 % phosphoric acid ( 25 : 20 : 55 ) to 10 μg / ml for 10 to 100 μl injections . methanol was fisher scientific cat # a452 - 4 . acetonitrile was fisher scientific cat # a998sk - 4 . phosporic acid was baker cat # 0260 - 03 . the bplc column used was a nova - pak c18 ( 5 micron ), 3 . 9 × 150 mm ( waters part no . wat086344 )., and the iplc system used was a beckman 126n solvent module / 168nm detector / system gold . in the lapachol synthesis , a weak organic base , triethylamine ( tea ) was used ( pyridine may also be used ) instead of strong inorganic bases such as potassium hydroxide or lithium hydroxide as used in prior art lapachol syntheses to trap the acid generated from the reaction between the quinone and bromide compound ( see schaffner - sabba , k ., et al ., β - lapachone : synthesis of derivatives and activities in tumor models , j . med . chem ., 27 , ( 1984 ) 990 - 994 ; sun , j . s . et al ., a preparative synthesis of lapachol and related naphthoquinones , tetrahedron letters , 39 ( 1998 ) 8221 - 8224 ). observation showed that use of a weak organic base simplified the procedures and enhanced the yield ( see scheme 1 above and table 1 below ), thus reducing production costs . the second step of the synthesis , conversion of the lapachol to β - lapachone , was shown to be relatively simple and resulted in high yield ( more than 90 %). the analytical data shown in table 2 ( melting point data for lapachol and β - lapachone ) and table 3 ( nmr data for β - lapachone ) confirm the identity of the synthesized compounds . hplc analysis of starting material ( 2 - hydroxy - 1 , 4 - naphtoquinone ), lapachol and β - lapachone prepared in accordance with the present method are more than 99 % pure . see fig3 a - 3 e . while there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof , it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the disclosed invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention . it is the intention , therefore , to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto .	2
the exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in relation to a support structure , such as drilling platform , supported by three piles and a central vertical member , such as drill pipe . however , to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention , the following description omits well - known structures and devices that may be shown in block diagram form or otherwise summarized . for the purposes of explanation , numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention . it should be appreciated that the present invention may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond these specific details . for example , the systems and methods of this invention can be generally expanded and applied to support any type of structure . furthermore , while exemplary distances and scales are shown in the figures , it is to be appreciated the systems and methods of this invention can be varied to fit any particular implementation . fig1 and 2 show an inward batter guide offshore platform indicated generally at 10 in which battered bracing piles 12 a - e are arranged so as to minimize platform dimensions at the water surface 14 while maximizing the spacing of the piles as they extend upward from the water surface so that loads from a deck 16 at the top of the piles are transferred directly to the piling . the platform includes a pile guide structure 18 which fits over and is connected to a central vertical member 20 to receive the piles 12 a - e at the water surface . the piles extend angularly through guides 22 of the pile guide structure in such a manner that the distance between piles is minimized at the water surface , but the distances between angled piles is maximized both at the ends supporting the deck 16 as well as at the opposed end buried below the mudline 24 . the pile guide connects the piles to act in unison to restrain lateral movement of the entire offshore platform 10 including the central vertical member 20 . the pile guide 18 also supports appurtenances such as ladders , boat landings , stairs , or the like , so that they can be installed in the field as a unit , thereby , for example , reducing installation expense for the platform . the legs 26 of the deck structure are connected to the tops of the piles . the increased pile spacing at the pile tops provides , for example , more structurally efficient support for the deck , reduced structural vibration periods for the platform and increased resistance to the rotation that results if the deck mass is eccentric to the central vertical member 20 than if the deck is supported by the central member . all field connections can be made above the water surface where structural integrity of the connections can be more easily verified than if the connections were made below the water surface . with reference to fig3 , once the piles 12 are in place , the deck frame 28 can be set on top of the piles and connected to the upper ends of the piles . then , as shown in fig4 , the main deck 16 is set on the deck frame , and finally , as shown by fig5 , a helideck 30 is set in place . fig6 - 19 illustrate an exemplary method for assembling a structure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this invention with , for example , a barge boat , around a ssc 50 ( self sustaining caisson ). in this exemplary embodiment , the ssc has been installed by a drilling rig , such as a rig drilling an exploration well . in fig6 , the position and orientation of the legs are determined and a lift boat 55 anchored and jacked - up relative to the installation point of the ssc . next , as illustrated in fig7 , the jack - up orientation of the lifeboat relative to the ssc is shown . next , as illustrated in fig8 , the guide structure 65 is unloaded from the barge 60 . then , as illustrated in fig9 , the legs or piles 70 , are unloaded , placed in the guide structure , and in fig1 , installed via the guide structure into , for example , the ocean floor with the aid of a hydraulic hammer . as can be seen from this illustration , the piles 70 intersect at a point just above the water line . this allows , for example , the piles and all associated connection to be made above water . in fig1 , the barge 60 is relocated and the deck frame 75 is unloaded . in fig1 the deck frame 75 installed on the piles . next , in fig1 - 16 , the southskid 80 , northskid and ventroom 85 , and helideck 90 , respectfully , are unloaded from the barge and installed on the piles . in particular , fig1 illustrates how the various portions of the rig are installed at an end of the piles above the intersection point , and thus above the water line . then , in fig1 - 18 , the main deck 95 unloaded and installed . fig1 illustrates the completed rig where the barge has been unloaded and the vent boom 100 rotated into position . fig2 - 27 illustrate exemplary steps for constructing a structure support according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of this invention where a ssc is not initially present at a well head . in particular , this exemplary method utilizes a jack - up drilling rig and derrick barge to construct the rig . specifically , in fig2 , a jack - up drilling rig is mobilized and the first conductor with a mudline suspension is drilled . next , as illustrated in fig2 , the jack - up rig installs a sub - sea template 200 that is used as a guide structure for the well head and the subsequent installation of the ssc . then , in fig2 , a second conductor with a mudline suspension is drilled and installed via the sub - sea template 200 . fig2 illustrates the installation of the caisson by , for example , a derrick barge 210 . next as illustrated in fig2 , for example , the derrick barge 210 installs the inward batter guide structure 220 . then , as illustrated in fig2 , the piles 70 are installed . fig2 illustrates the installation of the deck frame 230 and fig2 the helideck 240 . it is , therefore , apparent that there has been provided , in accordance with the present invention , a support and method for assembling the support to support a structure . while this invention has been described in conjunction with a number of illustrative embodiments , it is evident that many alternatives , modifications , and variations would be or are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts . accordingly , the disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives , modifications , equivalents and variations that are within in the spirit and scope of this invention .	4
for simplicity and ease of explanation , the invention will be described herein in connection with various embodiments thereof . those skilled in the art will recognize , however , that the features and advantages of the invention may be implemented in a variety of configurations . it is to be understood , therefore , that the embodiments described herein are presented by way of illustration , not of limitation . fig1 and 2 will be used to illustrate various aspects of the invention . shown in fig1 are a system 100 that includes a premises 102 ( such as a home or other residence ) to be secured using security panel 104 and one or more sensors 105 . sensors 105 are used to detect the occurrence of some alarm event and may communicate with security panel 104 either via a wired connection or wirelessly . for example , a contact sensor on a door or window would detect the ( unauthorized ) opening of the door or window , a smoke detector would detect the presence of smoke ; a motion detector would sense movement , etc . various types of such sensors are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and will not be further elaborated upon here . when sensor 105 detects an event ( smoke , window opening , etc . ), it sends a signal to security panel 104 . upon receiving a signal from sensor 105 , processing technology within security panel 104 would interpret the signal , and if appropriate , generate an event signal to be sent to remote monitoring center 118 . security panel 104 may communicate with remote monitoring center 118 in a number of ways . security panel 104 could communicate over a conventional twisted pair telephone line via public switched telephone network ( pstn ) 114 . security panel 104 could also communicate over wireless network 120 . this may be in lieu of pstn 114 , as a backup to pstn 114 , or the primary means of communication with pstn 114 being a backup . as shown in fig1 , security panel 104 may include radio communicator 108 for communication with remote monitoring center 118 over wireless network 120 . wireless network 120 may comprise , for example , a carrier operated cellular network , two - way radio network , or the like . radio communicator 108 may comprise , for example , a cellular radio that employs cellular communication capability commonly known to those of skill in the art ( e . g ., 2g , 3g , gsm , etc . ), two - way radio , and the like . radio communicator may be physically separate from security panel 104 , or integral therewith ( such as with many aio panels ). if security panel 104 is an aio panel , it may also include an integrated keypad 105 for programming and controlling security panel 104 , as well as an integrated notification appliance 107 ( such as a horn , strobe , etc .). in an aio panel , local wireless module 106 and remote wireless communicator 108 may also be integral with security panel 104 . in addition to enabling communication between security panel 104 and radio communicator 108 , security panel 104 may include wireless module 106 also enables security panel 104 to communicate locally with additional wireless device 110 , either directly or indirectly ( for example , via a local wireless router 116 ). further illustration of an embodiment of additional wireless device 110 is shown in fig2 . as shown , additional wireless device 110 may include a communicator having a local communication module 122 , remote communication module 124 , and processor 126 . additional wireless device 110 may further include , input 128 , premises power supply 130 , and back - up power supply 132 . local communication module 122 may include appropriate processing chips / circuitry , and an antenna to enable additional wireless device 110 wirelessly receive the event signal from ( and transmit other signals to ) security panel 104 — either directly from local wireless module 106 or indirectly through a wireless router 116 . this may be accomplished using any number of wireless network technologies , such as ethernet , z - wave , zigbee , bluetooth , and the like . remote communication module 124 similarly may enable additional wireless device 110 to communicate with remote monitoring center 118 via wireless network 120 . this may be accomplished using any number of cellular technologies ( such as 2g , 3g , 4g , lte , etc . ), two - way radio , and the like . alternatively , remote communication module 124 may connect to remote monitoring center 118 by connecting to a local area network ( such as via wireless router 116 , or a wired connection ) that is connected to the internet . such technologies are well known to those of skill in the art and will not be further elaborated upon here . the components of additional wireless device 110 may be powered via premises power supply 130 or back - up power supply 132 . premises power supply 130 may comprise , for example , removable connector 131 , such as power cord for plugging into a standard electrical outlet , and a transformer ( not shown ) for drawing and utilizing household current to power the device ; alternatively the transformer can be embedded in the device with prongs on the device that can be plugged directly into a standard electrical outlet . back - up power supply 132 may comprise , for example , a battery , or other replaceable / rechargeable source of power that can be contained in the device . processor 126 contains programming to control the reception and transmission of signals by additional wireless device 110 , and allows additional wireless device 110 to initially engage in communication with security panel 104 . this may be accomplished automatically , for example by sensing an initial powering of the additional wireless device 110 ( either by premises power supply 130 or by back - up power supply 132 ). alternatively , additional wireless device 110 may also include an input 128 to allow a user , for example , to reset the device , or trigger the device to communicate with security panel 104 . input 128 may comprise a push button switch , a keypad , a capacitive sensor , or other input devices known to those of skill in the art . in the event that there is a change in wireless network 120 , such as a change in communication protocols ( such as 2g to 3g , etc . ), that necessitates a change to wireless communicator 108 , then system 100 can be easily upgraded by simply adding ( or replacing ) additional wireless device 110 to the system . this has the advantage that it can be done easily by a user of the system , without the need to incur the cost of sending trained service technicians to the premises to otherwise replace or upgrade the system . in accordance with embodiments of the present invention , a wireless communication device can be sent to a customer , which allows the customer to upgrade the communication capability of the security panel by self - enrolling the device with the existing premises security panel as a replacement for the obsolete radio , without the need to have their equipment modified or replaced by a service technician . similarly , such a device could be used as additional protection against situations known as ‘ smash and crash .’ most alarm panels have built - in delays ( cp - 01 or other ) between the time a sensor is activated and the time an alarm is transmitted to a monitoring center to allow the home owner time to disarm the system . thus , most security panels are potentially susceptible to being disabled or destroyed by an intruder upon entering the home before they send an alarm signal to the monitoring center , if the intruder can get to the panel and fully disable it during the delay period . this susceptibility may be greater in an aio panel because the aio panel with its built - in keypad is usually mounted in a visible location close to the primary point of ingress and may chirp when a sensor is activated ( as opposed to a traditional alarm panel that is usually mounted in an out - of - site location like a basement or closet and will therefore transmit an alarm signal even if the perpetrator destroys the keypad near the point of ingress ). the additional wireless communication device of the present invention can help mitigate this risk by receiving an alarm signal sent by the aio panel without delay when a sensor has been activated , waiting for a delay period , and then sending an alarm signal to the monitoring center unless it receives a second signal from the aio panel indicating that the alarm event has been cancelled ( such as by the user entering their passcode on the keypad on the aio panel ). if the aio panel is destroyed during the delay period , the device can still send the alarm signal to the monitoring center at the end of the delay period . because the device can be plugged into any outlet in the premises ( it can be placed behind furniture , in a closet , etc .) and will not make a noise when activated , it is less likely to be located and potentially destroyed during the delay period . it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above . in addition , unless mention was made above to the contrary , it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale . a variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention , which is limited only by the following claims .	6
fig1 is a cross - sectional view of an oled configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig1 , the organic light - emitting device ( oled ) includes a transparent glass substrate 1 , an organic light - emitting part 2 , and a sealing part 3 that seals the organic light - emitting part 2 . in one embodiment of the present invention , the sealing part 3 can include at least a barrier layer and at least a polymer layer . however , as seen in fig2 , the sealing part 3 can also include a polymer layer 32 inserted between a barrier layers 31 and 33 . the barrier layers 31 and 33 that constitute a sealing part 3 can be formed of a transparent blocking material , but are not necessarily limited thereto . the barrier layer can be formed of a material selected from a metal oxide , a metal nitride , a metal carbide , a metal oxynitride , and a compound of these materials . the metal oxide can be an oxide selected from silica , alumina , titania , indium oxide , tin oxide , indium tin oxide , and a compound of these materials . the metal nitride can be an aluminum nitride , a silicon nitride , and a compound of these materials . the metal carbide can be a silicon carbide , and the metal oxynitride can be a silicon oxynitride . other inorganic materials , such as silicon , that block penetration of moisture or oxygen can also be used as material for the barrier layer . these barrier layers can be formed using a chemical or vacuum deposition method . however , when a barrier layer is formed using a vacuum deposition method , pores in the barrier layer can grow . to prevent pores from growing , a polymer layer may be formed on the barrier layer . the polymer layer may be formed of a polymer selected from an organic polymer , an inorganic polymer , an organometallic polymer , and a hybrid organic / inorganic polymer . it is understood that the sealing part 3 can be formed in a variety of forms other than the structure described above , including a super thin sealing part 3 formed in thin films . other thin films that from a sealing part in a super thin structure may also include a polymer layer and a barrier layer , as described above . the organic light - emitting part 2 includes an organic light - emitting device , and can be a region for defining a predetermined image . in an exemplary embodiment , the organic light - emitting device is a pixel . the organic light - emitting device can be either a passive matrix organic light - emitting device ( pmoled ) or an active matrix organic light - emitting device ( amoled ) having a thin film transistor . fig3 shows an example of a pmoled . the pmoled includes a glass substrate 1 , a stripe - patterned first electrode layer 21 formed on the glass substrate 1 , as well as an organic layer 23 and a second electrode layer 24 sequentially formed on the first electrode layer 21 . in another embodiment , an insulating layer 22 can further be formed between each pattern line of the first electrode layer 21 . similarly , the second electrode layer 24 can be formed in a pattern substantially orthogonal to the pattern of the first electrode layer 22 . the organic layer 23 can be formed of a polymer or non - polymer organic layer . when using a non - polymer organic layer , the organic layer 23 can be single - layered or multi - layered . an exemplary multi - layered organic layer 23 includes a hole injection layer ( hil ), a hole transport layer ( htl ), an emission layer ( eml ), an electron transport layer ( etl ), and an electron injection layer ( eil ). organic materials that may be used are copper phthalocyanine ( cupc ), n , n ′- di ( naphthalene - 1 - yl )- n , n ′- diphenyl - benzidine ( npb ), or tris - 8 - hydroxyquinoline aluminum ( alq3 ), but are not limited thereto . the non - polymer organic layer can also be formed using a vacuum deposition method . when using a polymeric organic layer , the organic layer 23 can be formed of a htl and an eml . in this case , the htl can be formed of pedot ( poly ( 3 , 4 - ethylenedioxythiophene ), and the eml can be formed of a poly - phenylenevinylene ( ppv ) and polyfluorene . a screen printing method or an ink jet printing method can be used for forming these layers . in one embodiment , the first electrode layer 21 performs as an anode , and the second electrode layer 24 performs as a cathode . naturally , the function of these electrodes can be reversed . in one embodiment , the organic light - emitting device is a rearward light - emitting device . in such a case , the first electrode layer 21 is an electrode formed of a transparent conductive material such as , but not limited to , indium tin oxide ( ito ). when the organic light - emitting device is a frontal light - emitting device , the second electrode layer 24 is formed by depositing ito , or similar transparent conductive material , on a semi - transparent thin film made of magnesium - silver ( mg — ag ) or similar metal or metal alloy . fig4 shows an example of an amoled . at this point , it should be noted that the pixels of the organic light - emitting part 2 of fig1 , have the same thin film transistor ( tft ) structure and electrode ( el ) device ( oled ), as depicted in fig4 . the tft configuration of fig4 , however , is not necessarily limited to that shown , but may vary depending on the embodiment . referring again to fig4 , a buffer layer 11 formed of sio 2 is formed on a glass substrate 1 , and a tft is formed on the buffer layer 11 . the tft has an active layer 12 formed on the buffer layer 11 , a gate insulating film 13 formed on the active layer 12 , and a gate electrode 14 formed on the gate insulating film 13 . the active layer 12 can be formed of an amorphous silicon thin film or polycrystalline silicon thin film . the active layer 12 has a source region and a drain region heavily doped with an n - type or a p - type dopant , respectively . a gate insulating film 13 is formed on the active layer 12 , and a gate electrode 14 formed of a conductive film made of mow or aluminum / copper ( al / cu ) is formed on a predetermined region on the gate insulating film 13 . the gate electrode 14 is connected to a gate line that applies an on / off signal to the tft . the region for forming the gate electrode 14 corresponds to a region for forming a channel region of the active layer 12 . an interinsulating layer 15 is formed on the gate electrode 12 , and a source electrode 16 and a drain electrode 17 are respectively connected through contact holes to the source region and the drain region formed on the active layer 12 . a passivation film 18 formed of sio 2 covers the source electrode 16 and the drain electrode 17 , and a planarized film 19 formed of acryl or polyimide is formed on the passivation film 18 . the planarized film 19 covers a portion of a lower electrode 21 . as shown , the planarized film 19 includes a opening therein , which serves as a via . a lower electrode 21 forms the bottom of the opening . an organic emission layer 23 is formed within the opening in contact with surfaces of the planarized film 19 which from a sides of the opening , and in contact with an upper surface of the lower electrode 21 . an upper electrode 24 is formed on a surface of the planarization film 19 and the organic emission layer 21 . the tft is connected to at least a capacitor ( not shown ) and to a power source . the drain electrode 17 is connected to the first electrode layer ( lower electrode ) 21 which , in this embodiment , is an anode of the oled . in use , variable current passing between the lower electrode 21 and the upper electrode 24 energizes the organic emission layer 23 , causing it to emit various wavelengths ( and colors ) of light in approximate proportion to the amount of current received . in one embodiment , the organic emission layer 23 can emit one of a red ( r ), green ( g ), or blue ( b ) color to display predetermined image information . as shown in fig4 , the first electrode layer ( lower electrode ) 21 is connected to the drain electrode 17 of the tft and receives a positive power source therefrom . the second electrode layer ( upper electrode ) 24 covers whole pixels and supplies a negative power source . the organic layer 23 , which emits light in response to current supplied thereto , is disposed between the first electrode 21 and second electrode 24 . the first electrode layer 21 can be formed of a transparent conductive material such as , but not limited to indium tin oxide ( ito ). if the oled is a rear light - emitting device , the second electrode layer 24 can be formed such that it emits light toward the glass substrate 1 . in such an embodiment , the second electrode layer 24 can be formed by depositing al / lif on the entire surface . if the oled is a front light - emitting device , the layer 24 can be formed by depositing indium tin oxide ( ito ) on a semi - transparent thin film formed of magnesium - silver ( mg — ag ). the second electrode layer 24 need not necessarily be formed by depositing its formation material on the entire surface of the substrate or a layer thereof , but rather can be formed in variety of patterns . as mentioned previously , the first electrode layer 21 and the second electrode layer 24 can be configured to have reverse positions and functions . as shown in fig1 , an oled configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention has a thickness of approximately 0 . 05 mm to approximately 0 . 5 mm . because a glass substrate 1 of this approximate thickness is super - thin , there is a risk that deformation of the substrate 1 will occur if the conventional manufacturing processes described above are used . to prevent or reduce deformation , an embodiment of the present invention uses an etching process to from a glass substrate 1 to a super - thin thickness of approximately 0 . 05 mm to approximately 0 . 5 mm . hereinafter , a method for manufacturing the oled according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described . referring to fig5 a , a transparent glass substrate 10 is prepared . the thickness t of the transparent glass substrate 10 is sufficiently thick so that the transparent glass substrate 10 has sufficient structural strength to prevent pattern or reduce deformation of the organic light - emitting part during image formation and to prevent or reduce damages or defects during the manufacturing process . in one embodiment of the present information , the thickness t of the transparent glass substrate 10 can be more than 0 . 7 mm . referring to fig5 b , a plurality of organic light - emitting parts 2 are formed on the transparent glass substrate 10 . the organic light - emitting parts 2 are identical in configuration and function as the organic light - emitting parts 2 described with reference to fig1 , 3 and 4 . referring to fig . sc , the organic light - emitting parts 2 are sealed by sealing parts 3 . the sealing parts 3 can be formed in the thin films as described above . after forming the sealing parts 3 , the plurality of organic light - emitting parts 2 are sealed by a sealing glass 50 ( fig5 d ). then a sealing material 51 is applied on edges of the organic light - emitting part region , and the sealing glass 50 is bonded to the sealing material 51 . in this manner , the transparent glass substrate 10 and the sealing glass 50 are bonded and sealed on the edge regions by the sealing material 51 . referring to fig5 e , after sealing the transparent glass substrate 10 , the product is immersed in a basin 52 which contains a predetermined etching solution 53 . the etching solution can be fluoric acid , hydrochloric acid , or similar etching material . over time , the etching solution reduces the thickness t of the transparent glass substrate 10 to a value of approximately 0 . 05 mm approximately 0 . 5 mm . referring to fig5 f , upon completing the etching of the transparent glass substrate 10 , the sealing glass 50 and the glass substrate 10 are simultaneously , or nearly simultaneously , cut at predetermined cutting points , which may vary , depending on how the organic light - emitting parts 2 were first positioned . once the sealed edges are cut away , the sealing glass easily separates from each organic light - emitting part 2 . thereafter , the sealed edges and pieces of cut sealing glass can be discarded or recycled . in this manner , the organic light - emitting parts can be readily obtained without using an additional separation process because the sealing glass 50 is not bonded to each organic light - emitting part 2 , but only to the edges of each region . the result of this manufacturing process is that one or more organic light - emitting devices 2 are produced , each having a super - thin glass substrate 1 which has a thickness of approximately 0 . 05 mm to approximately 0 . 5 mm . in fig5 f , each piece represents the oled shown in fig1 . referring to fig6 , a sealing film 54 can be used instead of the sealing glass 50 . in this case , the same result as above is obtained . the sealing film 54 is formed of a material or materials that are insoluble and impermeable to the etching solution 53 . referring to fig7 , the transparent glass 10 can be sealed with a resin material 55 . in this case , an additional process for removing the sealing resin material 55 after etching is required . fig8 is a cross - sectional view of an oled configured in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention . in this embodiment , the basic structure of the oled of fig8 is the same structure of the oled described with reference to fig1 , 3 and 4 . the exemplary methods of manufacture described above can be applied to a frontal light emission oled , that is , an oled where the light is emitted toward the sealing part 3 . to strengthen a sealing part 3 , a circular polarized film 6 can be attached on an outer surface of the sealing part 3 to not only block external light from reaching the organic light - emitting devices , but also to give the sealing part 3 an increased predetermined strength . alternatively , the strength of the sealing part 3 can be increased by attaching a glass substrate or film having a thickness of approximately 0 . 05 mm to approximately 0 . 3 mm to the sealing part 3 . in fig9 , an oled configured in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted . this is a double - sided oled formed by combining two oleds configured as described above . the oled depicted in fig9 includes a first oled 40 and a second oled 40 ′. the first oled 40 includes a display region 4 and a terminal region 8 having an organic light - emitting device formed on the glass substrate 1 . the display region 4 is sealed by a sealing part 3 . in this example , the display region 4 can be considered as a corresponding part to the organic light - emitting part 2 in fig1 , but is not limited thereto . the sealing part in this figure is identical to the sealing part 3 previously mentioned . the terminal region 8 is not sealed by the sealing part 3 but is exposed to the outside . as seen in fig9 , connecting parts 9 such as chip on glass ( cog ) or flexible printed circuit ( fpc ) for connecting the external electronic devices are connected to the terminal region 8 . the second oled 40 ′ has the same structure as the first oled 40 , therefore , a detailed description thereof will be omitted . the sealing parts 3 and 3 ′ of the first and the second oleds 40 and 40 ′ are bonded contacting each other so that the glass substrates 1 and 1 ′ face outward . the terminal regions 8 and 8 ′ are bonded to face in opposite directions . this bonding configuration of the terminal regions 8 and 8 ′ permits the later connection of external devices to the connecting parts 9 and 9 ′. in this manner , a super - thin , double - sided oled can be constructed . when manufacturing the double sided oled , the circular polarized films 6 and 6 ′, described above with reference to fig8 , can be applied on each external surface of the substrates 1 and 1 ′ ( or sealing parts 3 and 3 ′) to block external light and increase the strength of is the substrate 1 and 1 ′ ( or sealing parts 3 and 3 ′). as shown , described , and claimed herein , embodiments of the present invention permit a super - thin oled to be manufactured to have a super - thin glass substrate that is not damaged during the manufacturing process . moreover , adding a circularly polarized film to an outer surface of a sealing part increases the strength of a super thin oled and blocks light from reaching and interfering with the organic light - emitting devices . while this invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims .	8
with reference to the drawings , fig1 shows a clip 10 of attachments in accordance with the invention in position for use with a dispensing device 20 to tag an article of merchandise 30 with a price ticket 40 . the clip 10 includes individual attachments 11 - 1 through 11 - n , and 12 - 1 through 12 - n . the attachments of the &# 34 ; 11 &# 34 ; series have connectors 11c which are longer than the corresponding connectors 12c of the shorter attachments of the &# 34 ; 12 &# 34 ; series . the entire set of individual attachments 11 and 12 is secured to a mounting bar 13 , with the longer attachments 11 connected directly to the mounting bar 13 by a neck 11n to a dispensing element or cross bar 11b , and the shorter attachments 12 are indirectly connected at their cross bar 12b through the longer attachments as more specifically described below . the clip 10 is applied to the dispenser 20 by insertion of the mounting bar 13 into an internal channel 21 . the first undispensed attachment 11 - 1 is moved into the channel 21 into position for being dispensed with its dispensing member or cross bar 11b ( not visible in fig1 ) in alignment with the bore of a slotted hollow needle 24 . the tag 40 is positioned on the needle 24 and the desired dispensing then takes place by compressing the lever actuator 25 of the dispenser 20 . the dispenser 20 is then as shown in fig2 with the cross bar 11b in the course of being emitted from the needle . expulsion of the cross bar 11b causes it to adopt its original orientation relative to the connector 11c on the reverse side of the article 30 as shown in fig3 with the price tag 40 on the connector 11c . the foregoing cycle is then repeated for another article , causing the feed of the next attachment 12 - 1 in the same manner described previously except that the attachment 12 - 1 is shorter than the attachment 11 - 1 and is indirectly connected to the mounting element 13 . as indicated in fig1 the attachments 11 are directly connected to the mounting element 13 by short necks 11n . these necks 11n are spaced from one another on the mounting element 13 by an interval which allows the clip 10 to be accommodated by conventional dispensers such as the dispenser 20 . the inclusion in the clip 10 of the shorter element 12 , however , represents a 50 percent reduction in the spacing between adjoining attachments . to allow the more closely spaced attachments to be fed by conventional dispensers , the conventional neck connectors 11n are retained . the dispenser 20 is nevertheless able to feed the interspersed attachments 12 because , although the feed mechanism acts against the next neck 11n of the next elongated attachment , e . g . 11 - 2 , the forward rotation of the feed mechanism is temporarily terminated when the shorter attachment , e . g . 12 - 1 , has its dispensing member or cross bar 12b positioned at the mouth of the dispensing needle 24 . the feeding of the next longer attachment 11 - 2 is then completed after the shorter attachment 12 - 1 is expelled . as a result , the invention is able to provide for the feed of closely spaced attachments by a standard dispenser . for the alternative embodiment of the clip 10 &# 39 ; in fig4 the method of feed is as described above . details for the clip 10 &# 39 ; are set forth below . as more clearly indicated in fig5 the clip 10 as molded is formed by a mounting element 13 which supports two sets of individual attachments 11 and 12 . the attachments of the first set 11 are longer than those of the second set 12 . the latter are interleaved between adjoining individual attachments at the first set 11 . by making the alternate attachments 12 shorter than the adjoining attachments 11 there is a desired separation of their corresponding paddles 11p and 12p which permits the mold that is used to form the clip 10 to have a suitable wall thickness between the paddles 11p and 12p . this allows the close spacing of the attachments 11 and 12 and simultaneously permits the attachments to be produced by injection molding using customary pressures and temperature . as explained above , the shorter attachments 12 are joined to neighboring attachments 11 at their cross bars 12b by narrow connectors 12k , there being one such pair of connectors for each of the individual attachments 12 . details for the connectors 12k are shown below . a side view of the clip 10 of fig5 is shown in fig6 . this view emphasizes the separation between the paddles 11p and 12p that is achieved in accordance with the invention . this separation is not sufficient to interfere with the usage of the clip 10 as shown in fig1 . the only consequence is that alternate attachments are slightly shorter than their predecessors . in the general tagging of merchandise this is unobjectionable . for those situations where it is desired to provide for the tagging of merchandise with individual attachments of equal length the invention makes use of the stretching technique illustrated by fig7 . in accordance with fig7 the clip 10 is inserted in a stretching machine of which only illustrative stretching jaws j - 1 and j - 2 are shown . it will be understood that any convenient form of stretcher may be employed . in order for stretching to take place the attachments of the clip 10 must be molded of stretch reorientable material , for example by the injection molding of plastics such as nylon , polypropylene and the like , when the clip 10 is subjected to relative separation of the jaws j - 1 and j - 2 , initial stretching takes place only for the shorter attachments 12 . once the attachments 12 have been stretched so that their paddles 12p are in alignment with the paddles 11p of the initially longer attachments , any further spearation of the jaws will stretch both the attachments 12 and the attachments 11 . the stretching may be continued until the connectors 12c are fully stretched . if the connectors 12c are molded with the same relative diameters as the connectors 11c , the complete stretching of the connectors 12c will leave an unstretched buffer zone on the initially longer connectors 11c . in addition , further control of the stretching is provided by the extent to which the connectors 11c and 12c are tapered increasingly from their corresponding cross bars 11b and 12b . a plan view of the molded , unstretched attachments of fig5 through 7 is shown in fig8 a . the paddles 12p of the shorter attachments 12 include a cylindrical rib 12r which extends laterally across the face of the paddle and provides a protuberence that is engageable by corresponding ribs 11r - 1 and 11r - 2 shown on the paddle 11p of the longer , unstretched attachments 11 . in addition , a support element 15 is joined to the paddles 11p of the longer attachments 11 . as illustrated in fig8 a , the support element 15 is parallel to the mounting element 13 and is symmetrically positioned along the top edges of the paddles 11p . the connectors 15k that join the support element 15 to the paddles 11p are substantially the same as the connectors 12k that join the cross bars 12b of the shorter attachments 12 to the adjoining attachments 11 . when the clip 10 of fig8 a is subjected to stretching as described previously , the paddles 12p of the initially shorter attachments 12 come into engagement with the paddles 11p of the initially longer attachments 11 as illustrated in fig8 b for the stretched clip 10 &# 39 ;. as shown , the protuberence portion of the ribs 12r becomes interlocked between the protuberence portion of the other ribs 11r - 1 and 11r - 2 . in an illustrative clip 10 produced by injection molding , the connectors 11c and 12c had an illustrative minimum diameter of 0 . 035 inches at their cross bars 11b and 12b . the connectors 11c and 12c further had a taper extending outwardly from their positions of attachment to their respective cross bars providing an angle of taper of about 12 minutes and 21 seconds . the shorter connectors 12c had an unstretched length of approximately 0 . 739 inches , while the longer connectors 11c had a length of approximately 0 . 902 inches . the additional connector 15k and 12k that joined the support element 15 to the paddles 11p , and the cross bars 12b to the adjoining cross bars 11b had a maximum thickness of 0 . 005 inches and were either square or circular . the support element 15 had a diameter of 0 . 030 inches , while the mounting element 13 had a diameter of 0 . 060 inches . the necks 11n had a diameter of 0 . 025 inches , and a length , from the center of the connectors 12k to the center of the mounting element 13 , of 0 . 116 inches . the paddles had a thickness of 0 . 028 inches and the ribs 12r , 11r - 1 and 11r - 2 had a diameter of 0 . 045 inches and where separated on a paddle , e . g . the paddle 11p , had a distance of separation of 0 . 028 inches . the paddle had a maximum width of 0 . 400 inches and a height of 0 . 187 inches . a plan view of a portion of an alternative clip of unstretched attachments in accordance with the invention is shown in fig9 a . as before , the individual attachments are in two groups 11 and 12 with the individual attachments 11 being molded with a longer length than the shorter interleaved attachments 12 . this permits the close spacing of the attachments as desired without requiring excessively thin mold walls in the regions of the paddles 11p and 12p . unlike the configuration of fig8 a , however , the attachments of the second set 12 are directly connected to the mounting element 13 . with this arrangement the interbar connections 12k of fig8 a are no longer needed and have been eliminated . when the unstretched individual fasteners of fig9 a are stretched in accordance with procedure described previously , the result is as shown in fig9 b . since the initially longer attachments 11 are not stretched to the same extent as the shorter attachments 12 , there is a residual buffer region 11f between the adjoining paddles 11p and the stretched connector 11c &# 39 ;. in the case of fig9 b , the shorter attachments 12 also are incompletely stretched so that they too include a buffer region 12f between their paddles 12p and their stretched connectors 12c &# 39 ;. in addition , the interengagement of the paddles 11p and 12p is achieved in the case of the embodiment of fig9 a and 9b by the substitution of hook members 11h and 12h for the protuberences 11r and 12r shown in fig8 a and 8b . each of the hook members 11h and 12h has an inclined face , with respect to the longitudinal axis of the attachment , that produces the coupling engagement shown in fig9 b . with this arrangement the support element 15 of fig8 a and 8b is unnecessary and has therefore been removed from the embodiment of fig9 a and 9b . a plan view of a portion of a further alternative clip of unstretched attachments in accordance with the invention is shown in fig1 a . as in the case of the embodiment of fig9 a , the interbar connectors 12k of fig8 a have been eliminated . instead , the attachments of the shorter group 12 are connected to an auxiliary mounting element 13a that is positioned between the main mounting element 13 and the row of cross bars 11b and 12b . the auxiliary mounting element is approximately of the same diameter as the associated neck connectors 11n - 1 and 11n - 2 , in the case of the longer attachments 11 , and the neck 12n - 2 in the case of the shorter attachments 12 . in an illustrative embodiment of the invention the auxiliary mounting element 13a had substantially the same diameter as the support element 15 . in one usage of the clip 10 iv the attachments 11 and 12 are advanced by a feed wheel , or other feed mechanism , which acts successively upon the necks 11n - 1 . the auxiliary mounting element 13a gives support to the closely spaced attachments 11 and 12 and provides a connection to the shorter attachments 12 . the second alternative clip 10 iv after stretching has the form 10 v as shown in fig1 b . the corresponding side view for respective fig1 a and 10b are shown in fig1 c and 10d . while various aspects of the invention have been set forth by the drawings and specification , it is to be understood that the foregoing detailed description is for illustration only and that various changes in parts , as well as the substitution of equivalent constituents for those shown and described may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims .	8
the first aspect of the present invention is concerned with a new compound represented by the formula [ i ] and a process for producing a new compound represented by the formula [ i ] from a compound represented by the formula [ v ]. ## str4 ## in the formula [ i ], x denotes ( α - oz , β - h ) or ( α - h , β - oz ); y denotes ( α - oz &# 39 ;, β - h ) or ( α - h , β - oz &# 39 ;); z and z &# 39 ; each denotes a hydrogen atom or a protective group for the hydroxyl group ; and z and z &# 39 ; may be the same or different from each other . r 1 denotes a hydrogen atom ; a substituted or unsubstituted c 1 - 10 alkyl group , alkenyl group , or alkynyl group ; or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group . n denotes an integer of 1 or 2 . the protective groups z and z &# 39 ; for the hydroxyl group include , for example , trialkylsilyl group ( such as trimethylsilyl group and t - butyldimethylsilyl group ), alkoxyalkyl group ( such as methoxymethyl group ), aralkyloxyalkyl group ( such as benzyloxymethyl group ), trityl group , and tetrahydropyranyl ( thp ) group . r 1 includes , for example , a hydrogen atom , methyl group , ethyl group , n - pentyl group , substituted or unsubstituted c 1 - 10 alkyl group , alkenyl group , and alkynyl group represented by the formulas below : ## str5 ## ( where thp denotes a tetrahydropyranyl group , t bu denotes a tertiary butyl group , ee denotes an ethoxy ethyl group .) and a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group represented by the formulas below : ## str6 ## the above - mentioned compound of the formula [ i ] can be produced by cyclizing the compound of the formula [ v ] ( in which z , z &# 39 ;, r 1 , and n are defined as above ) with a mild oxidizing agent such as an aqueous solution of hypohalogenite or a halogen gas in combination with a base which converts oxime -- ch ═ n -- oh into cyanate -- c . tbd . n + -- o - . examples of the hypohalogenite include sodium hypochlorite , sodium hypobromite , and sodium hypoiodite , with the first being preferred . the hypohalogenite is used in an amount more than an equivalent for the compound of the formula [ v ]. examples of the halogen gas include chlorine and bromine . the base that can be used for the reaction includes tertiary amines ( such as triethylamine ), pyridine , and 4 - dimethylaminopyridine . the reaction may be carried out in a solution . preferred solvents for the solution include halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane , and hydrocarbons such as hexane , benzene , and toluene . the reaction temperature and reaction time should be properly selected . the reaction temperature is in the range of - 20 ° c . to the reflux temperature of the solvent , preferably from 0 to 50 ° c . the reaction time is usually 0 . 5 to 100 hours . the second aspect of the present invention is concerned with the new compound represented by the formula [ ii ] ([ iia ] and [ iib ]) and a process for producing the same . ## str7 ## where w denotes chr 1 , ( α - chr 1 oh , β - h ), or ( α - h , β - chr 1 oh ), and v denotes ( α - chr 1 oh , β - h ), or ( α - h , β - chr 1 oh ); and x , y , z , z &# 39 ;, r 1 , and n are defined as above . the new compound of the formula [ iia ], which is included in the new compound represented by the formula [ ii ], can be produced by the hydrogenation - hydrolysis of the new compound [ i ] in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst . ## str8 ## the hydrogenation - hydrolysis is intended to carry out the hydrogenation cleavage and hydrolysis simultaneously under weak acidic conditions in a hydrogen atmosphere using a hydrogenation catalyst . the hydrogenation catalyst used for this reaction may be any known ones such as raney nickel , palladium , platinum , palladium / carbon , palladium / alumina , platinum / carbon , and platinum / aluminum . the above - mentioned hydrogenation - hydrolysis should preferably be carried out under weak acidic conditions , especially ph 5 ˜ 6 . for such conditions , it is desirable to add a weak acid such as boric acid and phosphoric acid . the amount of the weak acid should be 1 ˜ 10 equivalents , preferably 1 ˜ 5 equivalents . the above - mentioned reaction should preferably be carried out in a - solution . preferred solvents for the solution include water and a mixed solvent of water and tetrahydrofuran , dioxane , methanol , or ethanol . they are not limitative . in the above - mentioned reaction , the hydrogen pressure should be in the range of normal pressure to 100 kg / cm 2 ( gauge ), the reaction temperature should be in the range of - 50 ° c . to the boiling point of the solvent , and the reaction time should be in the range of 20 minutes to 15 hours . the new compound of the formula [ iib ], which is included in the new compound represented by the formula [ ii ], can be produced by the sulfonylation of the above - mentioned new compound [ iia ] in the presence of a base , followed by desulfonylation . ## str9 ## the base that can be used for the reaction includes tertiary amines ( such as triethylamine ), pyridine , and 4 - dimethylaminopyridine . the sulfonylating agent includes alkylsulfonyl chloride ( such as methylsulfonyl chloride ) and arylsulfonyl chloride ( such as p - toluenesulfonyl chloride ). they are used in an amount more than an equivalent . usually , the base is used in excess of the sulfonylating agent . the above - mentioned sulfonylating reaction and desulfonating reaction may be carried out in a solution . preferred solvents for the solution include chloroform , methylene chloride , carbon tetrachloride , and diethyl ether . they may be used alone or in combination with one another . the sulfonylating reaction and desulfonating reaction may be carried out under the conditions for known sulfonylating reaction and desulfonating reaction . the two reactions may be carried out simultaneously or sequentially . in the former case , the desulfonating reaction is carried out , with the reaction product of the sulfonylating reaction left in the reaction system . in the latter case , the desulfonating reaction is carried out after the reaction product of the sulfonylating reaction has been removed . for both the reactions , the reaction temperature should be - 100 ° c . to 100 ° c . and the reaction time should be 20 minutes to 6 hours . the third aspect of the present invention is concerned with a - process for producing the compound of the formula [ iii ], the new compound [ iiia ] included in the formula [ iii ], and a process for producing the new compound [ iiia ]. the compound represented by the formula [ iii ] is synthesized by reacting the above - mentioned new compound [ iib ] with a nucleophilic reagent represented by the formula [ vi ]. ## str10 ## where r 2 denotes a group selected from substituted or unsubstituted c 1 - 10 alkyl group , alkenyl group , alkynyl group , alkylthio group , alkylamino group , alkylsilyl group , alkyl tin group , or cyano group ; m 1 denotes a metal selected from li , na , k . mg , ca , t , zr , ni , cu , zn , al , and sn , or a group containing said metal ; and r 1 , x , y , z , z &# 39 ;, and n are defined as above . examples of the nucleophilic reagent [ vi ] include r 2 li , r 2 mgbr , r 2 mgi , r 2 r 6 cuqli 2 , r 2 cuqli , r 2 ( r 6 ) 2 alqli , r 2 ( r 1 ) 2 al , r 2 r 6 cuqlimgbr , and r 2 cuqmgbr , where r 6 denotes a group selected from substituted or unsubstituted c 1 - 10 alkyl group , alkenyl group , alkynyl group , alkylthio group , alkylamino group , alkylsilyl group , alkyloxy group , alkylcarbonyl group , and cyano group ; r 2 and r 6 may be the same or different from each other ; and q denotes a halogen atom , cyano group , alkylthio group , arylthio group , or thiocyano group . when the compound [ iib ] is reacted with the nucleophilic reagent [ vi ], the latter should be used in an amount of 0 . 5 ˜ 4 equivalents , preferably 0 . 8 ˜ 1 . 2 equivalents , for the former . the reaction may be carried out in a solution . any solvent may be used for the solution so long as it does not hinder the reaction . examples of the solvent include tetrahydrofuran , hexane , pentane , and diethyl ether . the reaction temperature should be - 100 ˜ 50 ° c ., preferably - 80 ˜ 0 ° c ., and the reaction time should be 5 minutes to 50 hours . the present invention covers also the new compound [ iiia ] included in the above - mentioned compound [ iii ]. ## str11 ## where r 3 and r 4 each denotes a substituted or unsubstituted c 1 - 10 alkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group ; r 3 and r 4 may be the same or different from each other ; and r 1 , x , z , and n are defined as above . examples of r 3 and r 4 include alkyl groups such as methyl group , ethyl group , n - propyl group , and i - propyl group ; substituted alkyl groups such as benzyl group and p - chlorobenzyl group ; phenyl group ; and substituted phenyl groups such as p - chlorophenyl group . the above - mentioned new compound [ iiia ] is produced by reacting the compound [ iib ] with a secondary amine represented by the formula [ vii ] as the nucleophilic reagent : ## str12 ## where r 3 and r 4 are defined as above . ## str13 ## the new compound [ iiia ] may also be prepared by sulfonylating the new compound [ iia ] in the presence of a base , desulfonating the reaction product , and reacting the reaction product with a secondary amine represented by the formula [ vii ]. ## str14 ## the base and sulfonylating agent that can be used in this reaction are those which are used in the production of the compound [ iib ] from the compound [ iia ]. the sulfonylating reaction and desulfonating reaction may be carried out in the same manner . the desulfonation reaction product is reacted with a secondary amine [ vii ] as mentioned above . examples of the secondary amine [ vii ] include symmetric amines such as dimethylamine , diethylamine , di - i - propylamine , and diphenylamine ; and asymmetric amines such as n - methylaniline and n - ethylaniline . the desulfonation reaction product may or may not be isolated from the reaction system before its reaction with a secondary amine of the formula [ vii ]. the reaction may be carried out in a solution . the solvent used for the sulfonylating reaction and desulfonating reaction may be used for this solution . the reaction temperature should be - 100 °˜ 100 ° c ., or higher than the melting point of the solution and lower than the boiling point of the solution . the reaction time should be 1 hour to 100 hours . in the meantime , the above - mentioned compound of the formula [ iii ] can be made into prostaglandin e according to the following formula . [ kurozumi et al ., chemical pharmaceutical bulletin of japan , vol . 30 , p . 1102 , ( 1982 )] ## str15 ## ( where me denotes a methyl group , t bu denotes a tert - butyl group , and ph denotes a phenyl group .) thus , the compound [ iib ] is an effective intermediate for the synthesis cf prostaglandin e through the compound [ iii ]. the fourth aspect of the present invention is concerned with a process for producing the compound of the formula [ iv ] by reacting the above - mentioned new compound [ iiia ] with a nucleophilic reagent represented by the formula [ viii ]. ## str16 ## where u denotes ( α - h , β - r 5 ) when x is ( α - oz , β - h ) and also denotes ( α - r 5 , β - h ) when x is ( α - h , β - oz ); r 5 denotes a group selected from substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group , alkenyl group , and alkynyl group having 1 ˜ 15 carbon atoms ; m 2 denotes a metal selected from li , na , k , mg , ca , ti , zr , ni . cu , zn , al , and sn , and a group containing said metal ; and x , z , r 1 , r 3 , and r 4 are defined as above . examples of r 5 include substituted or unsubstituted alkyl groups ( such as methyl group , ethyl group , n - propyl group , n - octyl group , 4 - phenoxybutyl group , and 3 -( t - butyldimethylsilyloxy ) octyl group ); substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group ( such as vinyl group , allyl group , 3 -( 2 - tetrahydropiranyloxy )- 1 - octen - 1 - yl group , 3 -( t - butyldimethylsilyloxy )- 5 - methyl - 1 - nonen - 1 - yl group , and 3 -( benzyloxymethyloxy )- 1 - octen - 1 - yl group ); and substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl group ( such as 1 - butynyl group , 1 - hexynyl group , 1 - octynyl group , and 3 -( ethoxyethyloxy )- 1 - octen - 1 - yl group . for the production of an intermediate for prostaglandins , r 5 should preferably be a group represented by the formula : ## str17 ## where z &# 34 ; denotes a protective group for the hydroxyl group , which may be the same as the above - mentioned protective group z for the hydroxyl group ; the symbol denotes a single bond , double bond , or triple bond ; and r 7 denotes a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an unsubstituted phenyl group . examples of r 7 include a methyl group , ethyl group , n - propyl group , i - propyl group , n - butyl group , i - butyl group , t - butyl group , amyl group , hexyl group , heptyl group , octyl group , nonyl group , decyl group , 2 - methylhexyl group , 2 - methyl - 2 - hexyl group , 2 - hexyl group , cyclopentyl group , cyclohexyl group , cyclohexylmethyl group , hexa - 4 - in - 2 - yl group , hepta - 4 - in - 2 - yl group , 2 , 6 - dimethyl - hepta - 5 - en - 1 - yl group , penta - 1 - en - 1 - yl group , penta - 2 - en - 1 - yl group , hexa - 1 - en - 2 - yl group , 3 - ethoxy - 2 - methyl - propan - 2 - yl group , ethoxyethyl group , 5 - methoxyhexyl group , 6 - methoxy - 2 - hexyl group , halogenated methyl group , halogenated n - butyl group , halogenated n - pentyl group , halogenated nonyl group , phenyl group , benzyl group , halogenated phenyl group , n - pentyloxymethyl group , 1 - ethoxy - 2 - methyl - propan - 2 - yl group , phenoxymethyl group , benzyloxymethyl group , p - chlorophenoxymethyl group , 2 - phenylethyl group , benzyloxyethyl group , p - fluorophenoxymethyl group , phenylacetylenyl group , m - chlorophenoxymethyl group , m - trifluoromethyl - phenoxymethyl group , 1 - butyl - cyclopropyl group , 3 - ethyl - cyclopentyl group , benzothiophen - 5 - yl group , 2 - octenyl group , 3 - methoxycarbonylpropyl group , and vinyl group . examples of m 2 in the nucleophilic reagent of the formula [ viii ] include li , mgbr , mgi , cutli , cutmgbr , r 8 cutli 2 , ( r 8 ) 2 altli , ( r 8 ) 2 al , and r 8 cutlimgbr , where r 8 is a group selected from substituted or unsubstituted c 1 - 10 alkyl group , alkenyl group , alkynyl group , alkylthio group , alkylamino group , alkylsilyl group , alkyloxy group , alkylcarbonyl group , 2 - thienyl group , and cyano group , and it may be the same as r 5 mentioned above , and t denotes a halogen atom , cyano group , alkylthio group , arylthio group , or thiocyano group . m 2 should preferably be a compound of the formula : ## str18 ## if the compound of the formula [ iv ], the desired compound in the present invention , is to be produced in high yields . in the reaction of the compound of the formula [ iiia ] with the nucleophilic reagent of the formula [ viii ] which is carried out to produce the compound of the formula [ iv ], the amount of the nucleophilic reagent should be 0 5 ˜ 4 equivalents , particularly 0 . 7 ˜ 1 . 3 equivalents , for the compound of the formula [ iiia ]. this reaction does not necessarily require a solvent ; but it is possible to use any solvent so long as it does not interfere with the reaction . examples of the solvent include tetrahydrofuran , hexane , heptane , and diethyl ether . the reaction should preferably be carried out in a non - oxidative atmosphere , and the atmosphere in the reaction system should preferably be replaced by argon or nitrogen . the reaction temperature should be - 100 °˜ 50 ° c ., preferably - 80 °˜ 0 ° c ., and the reaction time should be 5 ˜ 50 hours , depending on the reaction temperature . this reaction can be used to produce the compound [ iva ] according to the following equation . since it is possible to produce prostaglandin f 2 α from this compound [ iva ] as mentioned in the paragraph of prior art , the compound [ iiia ] is also useful as an intermediate for the synthesis of prostaglandins . ## str19 ## ( where z &# 34 ; denotes a protective group for the hydroxyl group .) as mentioned above , the present invention enables the production of the - new compounds [ i ] and [ ii ] ([ iia ], [ iib ]), the compound [ iii ] including the new compound [ iiia ], and the compound [ iv ] which are useful as intermediates for the synthesis of prostaglandins . the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following examples and referential examples , which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention . in the following formulas , me denotes a methyl group , et denotes an ethyl group , n bu denotes an n - butyl group , and t bu denotes a t - butyl group . a mixture of the compounds ( va ) and ( vb ) in an amount of 100 mg ( 0 . 33 mmcl ) was dissolved in 6 ml of dichloromethane . to the solution cooled to 0 ° c . was added dropwise 0 . 67 ml ( 0 . 4 mmol ) of an aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite . after stirring for 10 hours at room temperature and the addition of 5 ml of water , the reaction product was extracted with three 5 ml portions of diethyl ether . the organic layer was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and then concentrated under reduced pressure . the resulting crude product was purified by silica gel chromatography . thus there was obtained a mixture of the compounds ( ia ) and ( ib ) in an amount of 90 mg ( 0 . 3 mmol ). yield : 91 %. δ 0 . 78 ( 9h , s ), 2 . 24 and 2 . 42 ( 2h , t × 2 , j = 6hz ), 3 . 17 ( 3h , s ), 3 . 80 ( 2h , br , d , j = 6hz ), 4 . 2 ˜ 4 . 7 ( 2h , m ), 4 . 9 ˜ 6 . 1 ( 3h , m ), 6 . 60 and 7 . 18 ( 1h , t × 2 , j = 6hz ), 8 . 9 and 9 . 4 ( 1h , brs × 2 ). δ 0 . 06 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 86 ( s , 9h ), 2 . 10 ˜ 2 . 95 ( m , 3h ), 3 . 24 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 45 ˜ 4 . 95 ( m , 6h ). ir 1740 , 1630 , 1460 , 1360 , 1248 , 1130 , 1035 , 820 cm - 1 . ms ( m / e ) : 301 ( 5 , m . ), 269 ( 7 ), 244 ( 18 ), 182 ( 15 ), 101 ( 11 ), 89 ( 42 ), 75 ( 13 ), 73 ( 45 ), 45 ( 100 ). rf value ( silica gel thin - layer chromatography , n - hexane / ethyl acetate = 1 / 1 ) = 0 . 65 and 0 . 7 a mixture of the compounds ( ia ) and ( ib ) obtained in example 1 , in an amount of 73 mg ( 0 . 243 mmol ) was dissolved in 6 ml of a 1 : 5 water - methanol mixture . to the solution were added 30 . 3 mg ( 0 . 49 mmol ) of boric acid and 10 mg of 5 % palladium / carbon catalyst . the reactants were stirred at 20 ° c . for 3 hours in a hydrogen atmosphere ( at normal pressure ). the reaction mixture was filtered through silica gel and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure . the resulting crude product was purified by silica gel chromatography . thus there was obtained a mixture of the compounds ( iiaa ) and ( iiab ) in an amount of 70 mg ( 0 . 231 mmol ). yield : 95 %. analytical values of the mixture of ( iiaa ) and ( iiab ): δ 0 . 10 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 85 ( s , 9h ), 1 . 93 ˜ 2 . 82 ( m , 4h ), 3 . 33 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 45 ˜ 4 . 83 ( m , 6h ). ir : 3425 , 1740 , 1250 , 1040 , 830 , 775 cm - 1 . ms ( m / e ) : 273 ( 2 , m + ), 243 ( 4 , m + ), 186 ( 17 ), 185 ( 100 ), 157 ( 13 ), 143 ( 17 ), 89 ( 11 ), 75 ( 20 ), 73 ( 14 ), 45 ( 69 ). a mixture of the compounds ( iiaa ) and ( iiab ) obtained in example 2 , in an amount of 165 mg ( 0 . 545 mmol ) was dissolved in 2 ml of dichloromethane . to the solution was added 0 . 23 ml ( 1 . 64 mmol ) of triethylamine . to the reactants cooled to 0 ° c . was added dropwise 0 . 064 ml ( 0 . 82 mmol ) of methylsulfonyl chloride with stirring . after stirring at 0 ° c . for 30 minutes and the addition of 5 ml of saturated sodium chloride solution , the reaction product was extracted with 10 ml of n - hexane . the organic layer was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and then concentrated under reduced pressure . the resulting crude product was purified by silica gel chromatography . thus there was obtained the compound ( iiba ) in an amount of 152 mg ( 0 . 53 mmol ). yield : 97 %. δ 0 . 10 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 84 ( s , 9h ), 2 . 34 ( dd , j = 1 . 2 , 5hz , 2h ), 3 . 32 ( s , 3h ), 4 . 20 ˜ 4 . 51 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 63 ( dd , j = 7 . 2 , 12hz , 2h ), 5 . 38 and 6 . 01 ( 2dd , j = 1 . 7 , 2 . 3hz , 2h ). ir : 1715 , 1645 , 1460 , 1390 , 1240 , 1045 , 817 , 775 cm - 1 . rf value ( silica gel thin - layer chromatography , n - hexane / diethyl ether = 1 / 1 ) = 0 . 65 δ 200 . 9 , 144 . 2 , 119 . 8 , 94 . 5 , 77 . 0 , 69 . 0 , 55 . 2 , 45 . 3 , 25 . 4 , 17 . 8 , 5 . 0 . a mixture of the compounds ( vc ) and ( vd ) was reacted in the same manner as in examples 1 and 2 to give a mixture of the compounds ( ic ) and ( id ) and then a mixture of the compounds ( iiac ) and ( iibd ). then a mixture of the compounds ( iiac ) and ( iiad ) was reacted in the same manner as in example 3 to give the compound ( iibb ). δ 0 . 07 ( 6h , s ), 0 . 87 ( 9h , s ), 2 . 0 ˜ 2 . 9 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 2 ( 3h , s ), 4 . 9 ˜ 6 . 0 ( 3h , m ), 6 . 4 ˜ 4 . 7 ( 2h , m ), 8 . 4 ( 1h , brs ). δ 0 . 18 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 94 ( s , 9h ), 2 . 34 ( d , j = 4 . 8hz , 2h ), 3 . 48 ( s , 3h ), 4 . 05 ˜ 4 . 25 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 51 ( q , j = 5 . 1hz , 1h ), 5 . 47 and 6 . 11 ( 2brs , 2h ). δ 201 . 3 , 144 . 1 , 119 . 8 , 82 . 5 , 68 . 5 , 56 . 6 , 45 . 5 , 25 . 6 , 17 . 9 , - 4 . 9 . rf value ( silica gel thin - layer chromatography , n - hexane / diethyl ether = 1 / 1 ) = 0 . 58 [ α ] d 25 - 35 . 4 ° ( c = 2 . 30 , chcl 3 ), δ 0 . 09 , 0 . 11 ( 6h , s × 2 ), 0 . 88 ( 9h , s ), 2 . 0 ˜ 2 . 8 ( 3h , m ), 3 . 47 , 3 . 56 ( 3h , s × 2 ), 3 . 6 ˜ 4 . 2 ( 3h , m ), 4 . 60 ( 1h , dt , j = 5hz , 2hz ). ir : 2940 , 1470 , 1370 , 1250 , 1140 , 1070 , 980 cm - 1 . ms ( m / e ) : 271 ( m + 0 . 5 %), 214 ( 7 %), 89 ( 100 %). δ 0 . 07 ( 6h , s ), 0 . 89 ( 9h , s ), 1 . 6 ˜ 1 . 9 ( 3h , m ), 3 . 31 ( 3h , s ), 3 . 4 ˜ 4 . 0 ( 4h , m ). ir ( kbr = disk ) : 3600 ˜ 3000 , 2900 , 1740 cm - 1 . ms ( m / e ) : 274 ( m + , 3 %), 217 ( 7 %), 73 ( 100 %). in 3 ml of a 5 : 1 mixed solvent of tetrahydrofuran and dimethyl sulfide was dissolved 81 . 7 mg ( 0 . 43 mmol ) of copper iodide . to this solution cooled to - 70 ° c . was slowly added dropwise 0 . 56 ml ( 0 . 858 mmol ) of n - butyl lithium ( 1 . 53 mol solution in n - hexane ). after stirring for 20 minutes at - 70 ° c ., 3 ml of tetrahydrofuran solution containing 113 mg ( 0 . 395 mmol ) of the compound ( iiba ) obtained in example 3 was slowly added dropwise . after stirring for 20 minutes at - 70 ° c ., 6 ml of a saturated aqueous solution of ammonium chloride was added . the reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and the reaction product was extracted with 7 ml of n - hexane . the organic layer was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and then concentrated under reduced pressure . the resulting crude product was purified by silica gel chromatography . thus there was obtained the compound ( iiia ) in an amount of 110 mg ( 0 . 390 mmol ). yield : 99 %. δ 0 . 14 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 74 ˜ 1 . 10 ( m , 12h ), 1 . 13 ˜ 1 . 71 ( m , 6h ), 2 . 00 ˜ 2 . 30 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 13 and 2 . 59 ( 2dd , j = 2 . 6 , 18hz and j = 6 . 0 , 18hz ), 4 . 72 ˜ 4 . 94 ( m , 1h ), 6 . 82 ˜ 6 . 98 ( m , 1h ). δ 205 . 8 , 156 . 3 , 147 . 2 , 69 . 0 , 45 . 5 , 31 . 5 , 27 . 1 , 25 . 8 , 24 . 3 , 22 . 3 , 18 . 0 , 13 . 8 , - 4 . 7 . the procedure of example 5 was repeated using a variety of nucleophilic reagents . the reaction conditions and the results are shown in table 1 . in table 1 , me denotes a methyl group , et denotes an ethyl group , n bu denotes an n - butyl group , t bu denotes a t - butyl group , ee denotes an ethoxyethyl group , thp denotes a tetrahydropyranyl group , and thf denotes a tetrahydrofuran . the parenthesized number in the column of solvent indicates the ratio by weight of the mixed solvent . in 15 ml of tetrahydrofuran was dissolved 627 mg ( 7 mmol ) of cuprous cyanide in an atmosphere cf argon . to the solution cooled to - 78 ° c . was added dropwise 0 . 34 ml ( 6 mmol ) of eeo ( ch 2 ) 6 mgcl ( 0 . 58 mol solution in tetrahydrofuran ), followed by stirring for 20 minutes . to the of tetrahydrofuran solution containing 1 . 28 g ( 5 mmol ) of the compound ( iibb ). the reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature over 1 hour . to the reaction mixture were added 30 ml of saturated aqueous solution of ammonium chloride and 30 ml of hexane , followed by stirring at room temperature for 1 hour . the organic layer was separated and the water layer was extracted with 15 ml of hexane . the organic layer was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and then filtered . the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure . the resulting crude product was purified by silica gel chromatography . thus there was obtained the compound ( iiib ) in an amount of 1 . 71 g ( 4 . 3 mmol ). yield : 86 %. to 10 ml of diethyl ether solution containing 269 mg ( 9 . 0 mmol ) of i ( ch 2 ) 4 oee , cooled to - 78 ° c ., was added dropwise 10 . 6 ml ( 18 mmol ) of n buli ( 1 . 70 mol solution in pentane ), followed by stirring at - 78 ° c . for 1 hour . this solution was added dropwise at - 78 ° c . to 20 ml of previously prepared tetrahydrofuran solution containing 967 mg ( 10 . 8 mmol ) of cuprous cyanide , followed by stirring for 15 minutes . to the reaction mixture cooled to - 70 ° c . was added dropwise 18 ml of tetrahydrofuran solution containing 1 . 53 g ( 6 mmol ) of the compound ( iibb ). the reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature over 1 hour . to the reaction mixture were added 50 ml of saturated aqueous solution of ammonium chloride and 50 ml of hexane , followed by stirring at room temperature for 1 hour . the reaction product was extracted with 200 ml of hexane . the organic layer was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and then concentrated . the resulting crude product was purified by silica gel chromatography . thus there was obtained the compound ( iiie ) in an amount of 2 . 09 g ( 5 . 28 mmol ). yield : 88 %. the following are the analytical values of the compounds ( iiib ), ( iiic ), ( iiid ), ( iiie ), ( iiif ), ( iiih ), ( iii i ), and ( iiiaa ). δ 0 . 15 ( s , 6h , 2sich 3 ), 0 . 93 ( s , 9h , 3sicch 3 ), 1 . 03 ˜ 1 . 80 ( m , 16h ), 2 . 01 ˜ 2 . 30 ( m , 2h , c = cch 2 ), 2 . 14 ( dd , j = 2 . 4 , 19 . 2hz , 1h ), 2 . 59 ( dd , j = 6 . 0 , 19 . 2hz , 1h ), 3 . 05 ˜ 3 . 67 ( m , 5h ), 4 . 55 ( q , j = 5 . 4hz , 1h och ( ch 3 ) o ), 4 . 72 ˜ 4 . 95 ( m , 1h , sioch ), 6 . 88 ( brs , 1h , c = ch ). δ 0 . 14 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 89 ( s , 9h ), 0 . 80 ˜ 1 . 85 ( m , 5h ), 1 . 98 ˜ 2 . 32 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 58 ( dd , j = 5 . 7 , 18 . 3hz 1h ), 4 . 70 ˜ 4 . 93 ( m , 1h ), 6 . 86 ( brs , 1h ). δ 0 . 09 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 90 ( s , 9h ), 1 . 01 ˜ 1 . 90 ( m , 10h ), 2 . 00 ˜ 2 . 48 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 65 ( dd , j = 6 . 1 , 18hz 1h ), 2 . 94 ( brs , 2h ), 3 . 15 ˜ 3 . 68 ( m , 4h ), 4 . 53 ( q , j = 5 . 1hz , 1h ), 4 . 70 ˜ 4 . 95 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 13 ( brs , 1h ). δ 0 . 80 ( 6h , s ), 0 . 81 ( 9h , s ), 1 . 07 ( 3h , d , j = 7hz ), 1 . 18 ( 3h , t , j = 6hz ), 1 . 3 ˜ 1 . 6 ( 4h , m ), 1 . 7 ˜ 2 . 2 ( 2h , m ), 2 . 19 ( 1h , dd , j = 18hz , 3hz ), 2 . 68 ( 1h , dd , j = 18hz , 5hz ), 2 . 8 ( 2h , m ), 3 . 1 ˜ 3 . 8 ( 4h , m ), 4 . 58 ( 1h , q , j = 6hz ), 4 . 78 ( 1h , m ). δ 0 . 13 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 89 ( s , 9h ), 1 . 10 ˜ 2 . 31 ( m , 20h ), 2 . 15 ( dd , j = 2 . 4 , 18hz , 1h ), 2 . 59 ( dd , 18 , 6 . 0hz , 1h ), 2 . 66 ˜ 2 . 91 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 05 ˜ 3 . 88 ( m , 4h ), 4 . 45 ( brs , 1h ), 4 . 68 ˜ 4 . 92 ( m , 1h ), 5 . 15 ˜ 5 . 65 ( m , 2h ), 6 . 84 ( brs , 1h ). δ 0 . 18 ( s , 6h , 2sich ),, 0 . 94 ( s , 9h , 3sicch 3 ), 2 . 20 ( dd , j = 3 , 18hz ), 2 . 64 ( dd , j = 6 , 18hz ), 2 . 79 ˜ 3 . 03 ( m , 2h , c = cch 2 ), 4 . 73 ˜ 5 . 35 ( m , 3h , sioch and c = cch 2 ), 5 . 58 ˜ 6 . 08 ( m , 1h , hc = ch 2 ), 6 . 93 ( brs , 1h , ( o ═) cc ═ ch ). the optical purity was confirmed to be & gt ; 99 % ee by the chiral cell od ( hexane 1 . 0 ml / min , 230 nm ), daisel company . δ 0 . 10 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 8 ˜ 1 . 5 ( m , 18h ), 2 . 4 ( d , j = 2hz , 1h ), 2 . 8 ( 2h , dd , j = 17hz , j = 6hz ), 4 . 7 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 1 ( brd , 1h ). ms ( m / e ): [ m -- ch 3 ] + = 267 ( 2 %), [ m - t bu ]= 225 ( 11 %), 169 ( base peak ). δ 0 . 20 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 96 ( s , 9h ), 1 . 06 ( t , j = 6 . 6hz , 6h ), 2 . 23 ( dd , j = 2 . 7 , 18hz , 1h ), 2 . 48 ( q , j = 6 . 9hz , 4h ), 2 . 64 ( dd , j = 6 . 0 , 18hz , 1h ), 3 . 14 ( brs , 2h ), 4 . 90 ( brs , 1h ), 7 . 12 ( brs , 1h ). δ 205 . 0 , 158 . 2 , 144 . 7 , 68 . 9 , 47 . 3 , 47 . 1 , 45 . 6 , 25 . 6 , 17 . 9 . 11 . 9 , - 4 . 8 . in 12 ml of tetrahydrofuran was dissolved 1 . 66 g ( 6 . 48 mmol ) of the compound ( iibb ). to this solution was slowly added 1 . 32 ml ( 12 . 8 mmol , 2 equivalents ) of diethylamine . after stirring at room temperature for 12 hours , 10 ml of water was added , and the reaction product was extracted with two 10 ml portions of diethyl ether . the organic layer was washed with a saturated aqueous solution of sodium chloride and then dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate . the solvent was distilled away and the resulting oily substance was purified by silica gel chromatography ( 20 g , hexane : ethyl acetate = 2 : 1 → 1 : 2 ). thus there was obtained the compound ( iiiaa ) in an amount of 1 . 79 g . yield : 93 %. the compound ( iiiaa ) was found to have the same property values as the compound ( iiiaa ) obtained in example 26 . in 4 ml of tetrahydrofuran was dissolved 500 mg ( 2 . 0 mmol ) of the compound ( iibb ). to this solution was added 0 . 36 g ( 4 mmol ) of 50 % aqueous solution of dimethylamine , followed by stirring at room temperature for 18 hours . to the reaction mixture were added 50 ml of saturated aqueous solution of sodium chloride , and the reaction product was extracted with two 5 ml portions of ethyl acetate . the organic layer was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and the solvent was distilled away . there was obtained 520 mg of oily substance . it was purified by silica gel chromatography ( 10 g , hexane : ethyl acetate = 1 : 1 → ethyl acetate ). thus there was obtained the compound ( iiiab ) in the oily form in an amount of 80 mg . yield : 15 %. δ 0 . 13 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 91 ( s , 9h ), 2 . 25 ( s , 6h ), 2 . 29 ( dd , j = 18hz , j = 2hz , 1h ), 2 . 79 ( dd , j = 18hz , j = 6hz , 1h ), 3 . 09 ( brs , 2h ), 4 . 94 ( dt , j = 6hz , 2hz , 1h ), 7 . 27 ( m , 1h ). ms ( m / e ): 269 ( 9 , m + ), 254 ( 6 ), 44 ( base peak ). in 4 ml of tetrahydrofuran was dissolved 500 mg ( 2 . 0 mmol ) of the compound ( iibb ). to this solution was added 630 mg of diamylamine , followed by stirring at room temperature for 42 hours . to the reaction mixture was added 50 ml of saturated aqueous solution of sodium chloride , and the reaction product was extracted with two 5 ml portions of ethyl acetate . the organic layer was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and the solvent was distilled away . there was obtained 980 mg of oily substance . it was purified by silica gel chromatography ( 30 g , hexane : ethyl acetate = 20 : 1 ). thus there was obtained the compound ( iiiac ) in the oily form in an amount of 195 mg . yield : 26 %. the raw material was recovered in an amount of 281 mg . recovery : 56 % analytical values of the compound ( iiiac ) δ 0 . 13 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 91 ( s , 9h ), 0 . 8 ˜ 1 . 0 ( m , 10h ), 1 . 0 ˜ 1 . 7 ( m , 8h ), 1 . 9 ˜ 2 . 5 ( m , 5h ), 2 . 77 ( dd , j = 18hz , j = 6hz , 1h ), 3 . 14 ( brs , 2h ), 4 . 90 ( dt , j = 6hz , 2hz , 1h ), 7 . 26 ( m , 1h ). to 100 ml of methylene chloride solution containing 10 . 0 g ( 32 . 8 mmol ) of a mixture of the compounds ( iiaa ) and ( iiab ) was added 12 . 8 ml ( 91 . 6 mmol ) of triethylamine . to the reaction mixture cooled to 0 ° c . was added dropwise with stirring 3 . 6 ml ( 45 . 8 mmol ) of methylsulfonyl chloride , followed by stirring at 0 ° c . for 40 minutes . 50 ml of a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate was added . the reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 1 hour . further , 7 . 8 ml ( 76 . 3 mmol ) of diethylamine was added , followed by stirring at room temperature for 12 hours . the reaction product was extracted with three 30 ml portions of ethyl acetate . the organic layer was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and filtered . the solvent was distilled away from the filtrate under reduced pressure . the resulting crude product was purified by silica gel chromatography . thus there was obtained the compound ( iiiaa ) in an amount of 7 . 7 mg ( 25 . 9 mmol ). yield : 79 %. the compound ( iiiaa ) was found to have the same property values as the compound ( iiiaa ) obtained in example 26 . to 27 ml of methylene chloride solution containing 3 . 72 g ( 14 . 4 mmol ) of a mixture of the compounds ( iiac ) and ( iiad ) wa added 9 . 35 ml ( 72 mmol ) of triethylamine . to the reaction mixture was added dropwise with stirring 1 . 66 ml ( 21 mmol ) of methanesulfonyl chloride , followed by stirring at 0 ° c . for 1 hour . 20 ml of a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate was added . the reaction mixture - was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 1 hour . further , 2 . 81 ml ( 29 mmol ) of diethylamine was added , followed by stirring at room temperature for 12 hours . the reaction product was extracted with two 100 ml portions of ethyl acetate . the organic layer was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and filtered . the solvent was distilled away from the filtrate under reduced pressure . thus there was obtained the compound ( iiiaa ) in an amount of 3 . 20 g . yield : 83 %. the compound ( iiiaa ) was found to have the same property values as the compound ( iiiaa ) obtained in example 26 . example 34 ## str47 ## to 100 ml of methylene chloride solution containing 8 . 35 g ( 30 . 5 mmol ) of a mixture of the compounds ( iiaa ) and ( iiab ) was added 12 . 8 ml ( 91 . 6 mmol ) of triethylamine . to the reaction mixture cooled to 0 ° c . was added dropwise with stirring 3 . 6 ml ( 45 . 8 mmol ) of methylsulfonyl chloride , followed by stirring at 0 ° c . for 40 minutes . 50 ml of a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate was added . the reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 1 hour . further , 7 . 8 ml ( 76 . 3 mmol ) of diethylamine was added , followed by stirring at room temperature for 12 hours . the reaction product was extracted with three 30 ml portions of ethyl acetate . the organic layer was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and filtered . the solvent was distilled away from the filtrate under reduced pressure . the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography . thus there was obtained the compound ( iiiaa ) in an amount of 8 . 24 g ( 27 . 7 mmol ). yield : 91 %. the compound ( iiiaa ) was found to have the same property values as the compound ( iiiaa ) obtained in example 26 . to 17 . 5 ml of diethyl ether solution , cooled at - 78 ° c ., containing 2 . 32 g ( 6 . 3 mmol ) of the compound ( viiia &# 39 ;) was added 12 . 6 mmol ( 7 . 42 ml of 1 . 70 m pentane solution ) of t - butyl lithium with stirring . the reaction mixture was heated to - 40 ° c . over 1 hour . the reaction mixture was cooled again to - 78 ° c . to the reaction mixture was added 6 . 6 mmol ( 18 . 53 ml of 9 . 34 m tetrahydrofuran solution ) 2 - thienylcyano copper lithium of the formula : ## str49 ## after stirring at - 78 ° c . for 20 minutes , 21 ml of a tetrahydrofuran solution containing 1 . 56 g ( 5 . 25 mmol ) of the compound ( iiiaa ) was slowly added dropwise . the reaction mixture was stirred at - 78 ° c . for 20 minutes . the reaction mixture was poured into a mixture of saturated ammonium chloride solution ( 100 ml ) and n - hexane ( 100 ml ). stirring was continued until the organic layer became clear . the organic layer was separated and the water layer was extracted with 50 ml of n - hexane . the n - hexane extract was added to the organic layer . the organic layer was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and filtered . the solvent was distilled away from the filtrate under reduced pressure . the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography . thus there was obtained the compound ( iva ) in an amount of 2 . 32 g ( 4 . 98 mmol ). yield : 95 %. δ - 0 . 04 and - 0 . 02 ( 2s , 6h ), 0 . 0 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 98 ( brs , 21h ), 1 . 20 ˜ 1 . 80 ( m , 8h ), 2 . 30 and 2 . 56 ( 2dd , j = 7 . 8 , 18 . 6hz , j = 7 . 1 , 18 . 6hz , 2h ), 3 . 09 ˜ 3 . 40 ( m , 1h ), 3 . 92 ˜ 4 . 30 ( m , 2h ), 5 . 12 ( brs , 1h ), 5 . 30 ˜ 5 . 83 ( m , 2h ), 5 . 99 ( brs , 1h ). δ 202 . 2 , 147 . 0 , 137 . 7 , 127 . 4 , 118 . 5 , 73 . 0 , 72 . 5 54 . 5 , 46 . 9 , 38 . 4 , 31 . 8 , 25 . 8 , 25 . 7 , 24 . 9 , 24 . 6 , 22 . 5 , 18 . 1 , 17 . 9 , 13 . 9 , - 4 . 4 , - 4 . 8 . ir ( neat ): 2930 , 1730 , 1640 , 1470 , 1250 , 1110 , 840 , 780 cm - 1 at first , 1 . 95 g ( 5 . 34 mmol ) of a mixture of the compounds ( ve ) and ( vf ) was reacted in the same manner as in example 1 . there was obtained 840 mg ( 2 . 34 mmol ) of an oily mixture of the compounds ( ie ) and ( if ). yield : 44 %. then , a mixture of the compounds ( ie ) and ( if ) was reacted in the same manner as in example 2 . there was obtained 740 mg ( 2 . 0 mmol ) of an oily mixture of the compounds ( iiae ) and ( iiaf ). yield : 86 %. further , a mixture of the compounds ( iiae ) and ( iiaf ) was reacted in the same manner as in example 3 . there was obtained 576 mg of the compound ( iibc ). yield : 82 %. the analytical values are given below . analytical values of the mixture of ( ie ) and ( if ) 1 h - nmr ( ccl 4 , internal standard : benzene ) δ 0 . 14 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 87 ( s , 9h ), 0 . 70 ˜ 1 . 12 ( m , 3h ), 1 . 13 ˜ 1 . 70 ( m , 8h ), 2 . 40 ˜ 2 . 63 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 30 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 82 ˜ 4 . 12 and 4 . 20 ˜ 4 . 75 ( m , 6h ). δ 0 . 17 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 90 ( s , 9h ), 0 . 76 ˜ 1 . 13 ( m , 3h ), 1 . 16 ˜ 1 . 75 ( m , 8h ), 2 . 25 ˜ 2 . 50 ( m , 3h ), 3 . 10 ( brs , 1h ), 3 . 34 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 85 ˜ 4 . 12 and 4 . 40 ˜ 4 . 57 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 28 ( dd , j = 3 . 0 , 8 . 0hz , 1h ), 4 . 55 and 4 . 76 ( 2d , j = 6 . 0hz , 2h ). δ 0 . 19 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 99 ( s , 9h ), 0 . 79 ˜ 1 . 15 ( m , 6h ), 1 . 16 ˜ 1 . 75 ( m , 6h ), 3 . 32 ( s , 3h ), 4 . 03 ˜ 4 . 38 ( m , 1h ), 4 . 45 ˜ 4 . 85 ( m , 3h ), 6 . 56 ( t , j = 8 . 0hz , 1h ). at first , 6 . 4 g ( 20 mmol ) of a mixture of the compounds ( vg ) and ( vh ) was reacted in the same manner as in example 1 . there was obtained 4 . 4 g ( 14 mmol ) of a yellowish oily mixture of the compounds ( ig ) and ( ih ). yield : 70 %. then , a mixture of the compounds ( ig ) and ( ih ) was reacted in the same manner as in examples 2 , 3 and 27 . there was obtained 2 . 8 g ( 9 . 1 mmol ) of the yellowish oily compound ( iiiad ). yield : 65 %. the analytical values are given below . analytical values of the mixture of ( ig ) and ( ih ) 1 h - nmr ( ccl 4 , internal standard : benzene ) δ 0 . 13 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 89 ( s , 9h ), 1 . 18 ˜ 2 . 12 ( m , 3h ), 2 . 23 ˜ 2 . 65 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 28 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 23 ˜ 4 . 65 ( m , 4h ), 4 . 35 ˜ 4 . 64 ( m , 2h ). δ 0 . 14 ( s , 6h ), 0 . 89 ( s , 9h ), 0 . 99 ( t , j = 6 . 9hz , 6h ), 1 . 70 ˜ 2 . 60 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 41 ( q , j = 6 . 9hz , 4h ), 3 . 02 ( s , 3h ), 3 . 28 ( brs , 2h ), 4 . 33 ˜ 4 . 65 ( m , 1h ), 6 . 68 ( brs , 1h ).	2
fig1 schematically illustrates an example gas turbine engine 20 that includes a fan section 22 , a compressor section 24 , a combustor section 26 and a turbine section 28 . alternative engines might include an augmenter section ( not shown ) among other systems or features . the fan section 22 drives air along a bypass flow path b while the compressor section 24 draws air in along a core flow path c where air is compressed and communicated to a combustor section 26 . in the combustor section 26 , air is mixed with fuel and ignited to generate a high pressure exhaust gas stream that expands through the turbine section 28 where energy is extracted and utilized to drive the fan section 22 and the compressor section 24 . although the disclosed non - limiting embodiment depicts a turbofan gas turbine engine , it should be understood that the concepts described herein are not limited to use with turbofans as the teachings may be applied to other types of turbine engines ; for example a turbine engine including a three - spool architecture in which three spools concentrically rotate about a common axis and where a low spool enables a low pressure turbine to drive a fan via a gearbox , an intermediate spool that enables an intermediate pressure turbine to drive a first compressor of the compressor section , and a high spool that enables a high pressure turbine to drive a high pressure compressor of the compressor section . the example engine 20 generally includes a low speed spool 30 and a high speed spool 32 mounted for rotation about an engine central longitudinal axis a relative to an engine static structure 36 via several bearing systems 38 . it should be understood that various bearing systems 38 at various locations may alternatively or additionally be provided . the low speed spool 30 generally includes an inner shaft 40 that connects a fan 42 and a low pressure ( or first ) compressor section 44 to a low pressure ( or first ) turbine section 46 . the inner shaft 40 drives the fan 42 through a speed change device , such as a geared architecture 48 , to drive the fan 42 at a lower speed than the low speed spool 30 . the high - speed spool 32 includes an outer shaft 50 that interconnects a high pressure ( or second ) compressor section 52 and a high pressure ( or second ) turbine section 54 . the inner shaft 40 and the outer shaft 50 are concentric and rotate via the bearing systems 38 about the engine central longitudinal axis a . a combustor 56 is arranged between the high pressure compressor 52 and the high pressure turbine 54 . in one example , the high pressure turbine 54 includes at least two stages to provide a double stage high pressure turbine 54 . in another example , the high pressure turbine 54 includes only a single stage . as used herein , a “ high pressure ” compressor or turbine experiences a higher pressure than a corresponding “ low pressure ” compressor or turbine . the example low pressure turbine 46 has a pressure ratio that is greater than about five ( 5 ). the pressure ratio of the example low pressure turbine 46 is measured prior to an inlet of the low pressure turbine 46 as related to the pressure measured at the outlet of the low pressure turbine 46 prior to an exhaust nozzle . a mid - turbine frame 57 of the engine static structure 36 is arranged generally between the high pressure turbine 54 and the low pressure turbine 46 . the mid - turbine frame 57 further supports bearing systems 38 in the turbine section 28 as well as setting airflow entering the low pressure turbine 46 . the core airflow c is compressed by the low pressure compressor 44 then by the high pressure compressor 52 mixed with fuel and ignited in the combustor 56 to produce high speed exhaust gases that are then expanded through the high pressure turbine 54 and low pressure turbine 46 . the mid - turbine frame 57 includes vanes 59 , which are in the core airflow path and function as an inlet guide vane for the low pressure turbine 46 . utilizing the vane 59 of the mid - turbine frame 57 as the inlet guide vane for low pressure turbine 46 decreases the length of the low pressure turbine 46 without increasing the axial length of the mid - turbine frame 57 . reducing or eliminating the number of vanes in the low pressure turbine 46 shortens the axial length of the turbine section 28 . thus , the compactness of the gas turbine engine 20 is increased and a higher power density may be achieved . the disclosed gas turbine engine 20 in one example is a high - bypass geared aircraft engine . in a further example , the gas turbine engine 20 includes a bypass ratio greater than about six ( 6 ), with an example embodiment being greater than about ten ( 10 ). the example geared architecture 48 is an epicyclical gear train , such as a planetary gear system , star gear system or other known gear system , with a gear reduction ratio of greater than about 2 . 3 . in one disclosed embodiment , the gas turbine engine 20 includes a bypass ratio greater than about ten ( 10 : 1 ) and the fan diameter is significantly larger than an outer diameter of the low pressure compressor 44 . it should be understood , however , that the above parameters are only exemplary of one embodiment of a gas turbine engine including a geared architecture and that the present disclosure is applicable to other gas turbine engines . a significant amount of thrust is provided by the bypass flow b due to the high bypass ratio . the fan section 22 of the engine 20 is designed for a particular flight condition — typically cruise at about 0 . 8 mach and about 35 , 000 feet . the flight condition of 0 . 8 mach and 35 , 000 ft ., with the engine at its best fuel consumption — also known as “ bucket cruise thrust specific fuel consumption (‘ tsfct ’)”— is the industry standard parameter of pound - mass ( lbm ) of fuel per hour being burned divided by pound - force ( lbf ) of thrust the engine produces at that minimum point . “ low fan pressure ratio ” is the pressure ratio across the fan blade alone , without a fan exit guide vane (“ fegv ”) system . the low fan pressure ratio as disclosed herein according to one non - limiting embodiment is less than about 1 . 50 . in another non - limiting embodiment the low fan pressure ratio is less than about 1 . 45 . “ low corrected fan tip speed ” is the actual fan tip speed in ft / sec divided by an industry standard temperature correction of [( tram ° r )/( 518 . 7 ° r )] 0 . 5 . the “ low corrected fan tip speed ”, as disclosed herein according to one non - limiting embodiment , is less than about 1150 ft / second . fig2 illustrates a stator vane 62 , which may be used between stages in the turbine section , such as the high pressure turbine section 54 . in the example illustrated , the stator vane 62 is a “ doublet ” having a pair of airfoils 68 that extend radially between inner and outer platforms 64 , 66 . although a stator vane is illustrated as the component in which holes are drilled using an edm process , other components may benefit from the disclosed system and process . in some applications , sufficient room between adjacent airfoils exist to machine film cooling holes 82 using an edm electrode 86 fed through a straight guide 84 , as best shown in fig3 . first and second walls 70 , 72 are spaced apart from one another . first and second walls 70 , 72 may correspond to adjoining walls of a pair of airfoils 68 . a space 78 is provided between the first and second walls 70 , 72 . the first wall 70 has spaced apart first and second surfaces 74 , 76 . the guide 84 is inserted into the space 78 from an end 80 into the space between the airfoils to a location adjacent to the first surface 74 . the electrode 86 , which is consumable brass , for example , is fed through the guide 84 as current is provided to the electrode 86 , which removes material from the first wall 70 to provide the film cooling hole 82 . a schematic of an example edm system 89 is illustrated in fig4 . the system 89 includes a non - linear guide 184 that may be used to feed a tip 88 of the electrode 86 in areas with much more limited space or conventional guides cannot be used , for example , area obstructed by external structures . in one example , the guide 184 is constructed from stainless steel with a zirconia tip . the guide 184 includes first and second portions 85 , 87 that are not co - linear with respect to one another . the first and second portions 85 , 87 are canted at an angle relative to one another that enables the guide 184 to be inserted in tight spaces , such as the cooling passage 178 of the airfoil 68 ( shown in fig2 ). the system 89 includes a guide positioning device 90 that moves the guide 184 in a , b and w directions . the guide may also made movable in additional directions to provide more complicated film hole cooling geometries . the electrode 86 is advanced in a u direction using an electrode feed device 92 , which provides current to the electrode 86 . the stator vane 62 is mounted to a table 94 by a fixture 96 . the table 94 is movable in x and y directions . the controller 98 communicates with the guide positioning device 90 , electrode feed device 92 and table 94 to position the guide 184 and electrode 86 in desired locations to machine film cooling holes 182 , as shown in fig5 . with continuing reference to fig5 , the guide 184 with its electrode 86 is inserted into ends 180 of the cavity 178 . in the example , the cavity 178 corresponds to an internal cooling passage of the airfoil 68 between pressure and suction sides of the airfoil 68 . the first and second walls 170 , 172 are relatively close to one another , such that access to the cavity 178 is limited . a thermal barrier coating ( tbc ) 100 is provided on an outer surface 176 of the first wall 170 . the electrode 86 is positioned by the guide 184 in a desired position adjacent to the inner wall 174 . the current is applied to the electrode 86 and advanced as the electrode 86 is consumed to machine the film cooling holes 182 . the tbc 100 is not conductive . however , the electrical and thermal energy that is built up from the initiation of the edm and through the edm drilling is sufficient to liberate the tbc in the area around the exit of the film cooling hole 182 at the external breakout location in the outer surface 176 . removing the tbc 100 in this manner will not cause any further damage to the tbc 100 surrounding the film cooling hole 182 . that is , the tbc 100 will remain intact surrounding the film cooling hole 182 at the outer surface 176 . as a result , the tbc 100 can be applied to the wall 170 prior to machining the film cooling holes 182 . in another example illustrated in fig6 , a manifold 102 , which provides the guide , may be placed within the cavity 178 . the manifold 102 conforms to the internal cavity shape of the part being machined . the manifold 102 is undersized relative to the size of the cavity 178 . the manifold 102 may include one or more locators 104 to facilitate insertion of the manifold 102 into the cavity 178 and locate the manifold 102 in a desired position with respect to the first wall 170 . the manifold 102 includes multiple passages 106 , which are non - linear enabling the manifold 102 to guide the electrode 86 to the position desired with respect to the first wall 170 . a conventional edm electrode guide may be used to feed the electrodes through the manifold passages 106 to machine the film cooling holes 182 from the cavity 178 . referring to fig7 , the film cooling hole 182 is shown in more detail . the electrode 86 is provided within the cavity 178 . the probe 86 begins forming an entry opening 190 in the inner surface 174 of the wall 170 . the electrode 86 continues to remove material from the wall 170 until an exit opening 192 in the outer wall 176 is formed . the exit opening 192 has a smaller cross - sectional area than then the entry opening 190 . as a result , the flow of cooling air will be more restricted at the outer surface 176 . although an example embodiment has been disclosed , a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of the claims . for that reason , the following claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content .	1
referring to the drawings , there is shown in fig1 the water safety device of the invention , indicated generally at 10 , in use by a rescuer person 11 to rescue an imperiled victim or rescuee 12 in a body of water 13 such as a lake , river , pond , pool or the like . rescuer person 11 is located safely on a shore 14 and is effecting a remote rescue of victim 12 . rescue person 11 is safe from danger but is able to manipulate safely and easily the safety device 10 for grasping by imperiled victim 12 to pull victim 12 toward shore . safety device 10 , includes an elongate , tubular member 15 closed and sealed at both ends so as to be capable of containing an expanded gas within elongated chamber 16 of tubular member 15 such as air or carbon dioxide , in the inflated configuration of fig1 . tubular member 15 can be constructed of sheet - like material such as vinyl , plastic , sealed canvas , or other like material being durable , light and air - impervious . tubular member 15 is inflatable , as shown in fig1 and floats on top of the water . in the inflated configuration , tubular member 15 has a semi - rigid characteristic , having a generally linear natural axis but being bendable as shown at 15a in fig1 where tubular member 15 bends upwardly toward rescuer person 11 . the semi - rigid characteristic of the tubular member 15 enables remote directioning and locating of the outward end by manipulation of the inward end , akin to manipulation of a rigid pole . the outboard end is readily directable to an imperiled victim in the water or , in like manner , is readily directable over thin ice to an imperiled victim having fallen through , without endangering the rescuer . tubular member 15 is of a suitable length to be extended outward over the water to a victim , and can be approximately 50 feet in length as most accidents or such emergencies occur within 50 feet of a shoreline , a dock , low water or other safe location from which to deploy the safety device . a safety line 18 is coextensive with the length of tubular member 15 adapted to be grasped by imperiled victim 12 when being assisted to shore . safety line 18 can be any variety of strong rope , cord or the like and in general will have a tensile strength greater than that of tubular member 15 thus to be able to withstand a greater tensile loading than tubular member 15 . safety line 18 is affixed relative to tubular member 15 by passing through a plurality of spaced apart eyelets 19 attached to the side wall of tubular member 15 . referring to fig3 each eyelet 19 has a base 20 suitably contoured to conform to the curvature of tubular member 15 . base 20 is affixed tubular member 15 by suitable means such as adhesive bonding . an eye 22 formed in eyelet 19 accommodates the safety line 18 . as shown in fig1 a plurality of the eyelets 19 are spaced apart along the length of tubular member 15 to accommodate safety line 18 . as shown in fig2 safety line 18 is retained in assembled relationship relative to the opposite end eyelets 19 as by having knots 23 affixed in the ends thereof . other types of connecting structures can be used to attach line 18 to tubular member 15 . safety line 18 may comprise one , two or more cords coextensive with the length of tubular member 15 . in a deflated configuration , tubular member 15 is folded or rolled into a compact , light and readily transportable or storable bundle as shown in fig4 . an important feature of the safety device 10 is the capability to be quickly and simply deployed from the compact , storage configuration to the rescue configuration of fig1 . deployment is accomplished within a matter of seconds thus to save valuable time upon the occurrence of an emergency . referring to fig2 an end of tubular member 15 is provided with a pouch 25 which can be of the same material as tubular member 15 and can be bonded to tubular member 15 along the lower edges 26 of pouch 25 . a self - contained compressed gas supply is stored within the confines of pouch 25 . a valve stem 27 communicates with the interior of tubular member 15 . a compressed gas supply cartridge 29 is operatively associated with valve stem 27 to accomplish rapid inflation of tubular member 15 upon deployment . compressed gas cartridge 29 contains any suitable , expandable gas such as carbon dioxide , air or the like . a valve 30 is connected between compressed gas cartridge 29 and valve stem 27 for selective inflation of tubular member 15 by expanding gas derived from cartridge 29 . cartridge 29 and valve 30 can be of any of numerous suitably constructed valve and cartridge combinations commercially available . as shown , valve 30 is a needle valve having a needle 31 penetrating cartridge 30 . needle 31 extends from a valve body 32 threadably engaged at one end of cartridge 29 in sealing relationship to an o - ring 33 . a linear passage 35 through valve body 32 communicates with needle 31 and is closed by a pin 36 orientated generally in perpendicular relationship to the axis of passage 35 . a connector 37 extends from the outboard end of passage 35 on valve body 32 to the inlet of valve stem 27 . pin 36 is positioned with respect to the passage 35 to block the flow of expanding gas from the cartridge 29 . pin 36 is connected to a pull cord 39 having a pull ring 40 at its opposite end . sufficient pulling force exerted upon the ring 40 or the pull cord 39 is operative to displace pin 36 from passage 35 . this permits a rapid flow of expanding gas from cartridge 29 into tubular member 15 for inflation and deployment thereof . an opening 41 is provided in pouch 25 for access to the interior thereof to replace an expended compressed gas cartridge 29 for continued reuse of water safety device 10 . as shown in fig4 water safety device 10 includes a compact case 42 having a four - sided housing 43 with a closed bottom and an open , accessible top closed by a removable cover 44 . case 42 is formed preferably of a floatable , weather - resistant , expanded foam plastic . cover 44 fits in water - tight engagement with respect to the upper edges of housing 43 . in the deflated , folded and bundled configuration shown in fig4 tubular member 15 fits snugly within housing 43 covered by the cover 44 . additional or replacement gas cartridges may also be contained in case 42 . case 42 is compact and may be stored under the seat of a boat , near a dock or lifeguard station , or the like . in use , water safety device 10 is maintained in a stored but prepared state of fig4 in a boat , by a dock or the like . when an emergency occurs and a potential victim is imperiled in the water , tubular member 15 in the folded form is quickly removed from case 42 . pull ring 40 is engaged and pulled to initiate the expanding flow of gas from compressed gas cartridge 29 to tubular member 15 . gas rapidly exits the cartridge 29 to fill tubular member 15 in a matter of seconds . within a short period of time , tubular member 15 is deployed in an elongate , semi - rigid configuration of fig1 . tubular member 15 may be deployed in such a fashion that it expands in the direction of the imperiled victim . in any event , after expansion , the outward end of tubular member 15 is quickly maneuvered to the victim . the victim grasps tubular member 15 or safety line 18 and is pulled to safety . tubular member 15 , being inflated , offers a measure of buoyancy itself . during the rescue operation , the rescuer is not imperiled but performs the operation from a safe location . after the rescue operation is complete , tubular member 15 is deflated by removal of expended gas cartridge 29 to allow release of gas through needle 31 . the gas cartridge 29 is then replaced with a fresh cartride . in the deflated configuration , the tubular member 15 is folded and stored , again ready for use in the event of an emergency . referring to fig5 - 8 , there is shown a modification of the water safety device of the invention indicated generally at 100 . the water safety device 100 is used by a rescuer person to rescue an imperiled victim in a body of water , as shown in fig1 . water safety device 100 includes three elongated tubular members 115 , 116 and 117 . the tubular members 115 - 117 are located in side - by - side longitudinal and parallel relationship . tubular members 115 - 117 can be made of flexible sheet - like material as vinyl , plastic , canvas and other materials . the material is a durable , lightweight and air - impervious structure that can be readily rolled or folded into a compact position . preferably , the material is a lightweight , water - repellant , flexible sheet material . as shown in fig7 tubular member 115 has a sealed outer end 118 . tubular members 116 and 117 have similar sealed ends 119 and 120 respectively . a hole 121 surrounded by a grommet 122 connects the interior of tubular member 115 with the interior of tubular member 116 . grommet 122 is in clamping engagement with the adjacent wall portions of the tubular members 115 and 116 . a similar grommet ( not shown ) having a hole or passage interconnects tubular member 115 with tubular member 117 so that air from tubular member 115 will concurrently fill tubular members 116 and 117 . other types of structures having air passages can be used to interconnect tubular member 115 to tubular members 116 and 117 . a transverse generally flat member 123 is secured to the walls of tubular member 115 adjacent the sealed end 118 . member 123 can be a seal portion of the material of the tubular member 116 . member 123 has a restricted air passage 124 connecting the elongated chamber 126 and tubular member 115 with the chamber 127 adjacent the outer end 118 . chamber 127 is in air communication with the elongated chambers 128 and 129 of tubular members 116 and 117 through chamber 127 and passages 121 . referring to fig8 the inner end of tubular member 115 has an inlet nipple 130 surrounding and secured to a cylindrical sleeve 131 . sleeve 131 has a passage 132 providing an opening to allow gas or air to flow into chamber 126 . a gas supply means indicated generally at 133 is located adjacent nipple 130 . gas supply means 133 includes a cartridge or tank 134 for storing compressed gas , such as any suitable expandable gas including carbon dioxide , air and the like . a valve 136 carrying a control pin 137 is mounted on the end of tank 134 . a tubular connector 141 connects the valve 136 with sleeve 131 so that gas can flow through valve 136 into chamber 126 . a pull cord 138 is connected to the eye of pin 137 . a grasping ring 139 , shown in fig5 is secured to the free end of pull cord 138 . gas supply means 133 is located within a pouch 142 . the pouch 142 is closed with a pair of loops or cords 143 and 144 which serve as manipulating handles for the water safety device . one end of pouch 142 is closed with a transverse seam or seal 146 . the center portion of seam 146 has a grommet 147 accommodating a ring 148 . an elongated flexible cord 149 is tied to the ring 148 . a second ring 151 is attached to the free end of cord 149 . cord 149 can have a suitable length whereby the overall effective length of the water safety device can be increased . three tubular members 115 - 117 are enclosed within a jacket or cover 152 . cover 152 can be of any suitable flexible water - resistant material , such as a sheet plastic material , canvas , rubberized fabric and the like . a transverse seam or heat - sealed portion 153 connects jacket 152 with pouch 142 . nipple 130 and cylindrical sleeve 131 extend through seam 153 . cover 152 can be secured with fasteners or heat seals to tubular members 115 , 116 and 117 . cover 152 has adjacent edges which form side and end flanges 154 . a plurality of spaced holes 156 extend through the flanges 154 . the material around the holes may be reinforced with grommets or additional material as shown in fig7 . a safety line 157 extends through each hole 156 and is attached to the flange with a knot 158 . knots 158 also hold the cover 152 about the tubular members 115 - 117 . line 157 is loose and forms loops between the adjacent knots 158 to provide individual grasping structure for the person being rescued . in use , the water safety device 100 is stored and carried in a relatively small container as a bag or box . the elongated tubular members 115 - 117 are rolled or folded into a relatively compact space . the entire unit , including the pouch and gas supply means , can be carried in the container or box similar to the box shown in fig4 . the box can be a flexible bag having suitable handles so that it can be conveniently carried and stored . the bag containing the water safety device 100 is normally maintained in a stored but prepared state in the boat , dock or like convenient location . when an emergency occurs and a potential victim is imperiled in the water or on thin ice or in a hole in thin ice , the water safety device is quickly removed from its container . the rescuer pulls the pull cord 138 thereby opening the valve 136 . the compressed gas in the tank 134 flows through valve 136 and sleeve 131 into the chamber of tubular member 115 . tubular member 115 is initially and rapidly expanded so that the water safety device quickly reaches its full length . the full length can be 50 or more feet . the passage 124 in member 123 functions as an air restriction orifice limiting the flow of air into the chamber 127 . the tubular members 116 and 117 are inflated after the tube 115 is expanded and under pressure . the secondary tubular members 116 and 117 provide the water safety device with lateral strength and minimize the bending of the safety device . this permits the rescuer to easily manipulate the device on the surface of the water or ice . the water safety device then can be quickly maneuvered to the victim during the time that the tubular members 116 and 117 are inflated . the victim grasps the cord 157 or the portion of the safety device adjacent the victim . the operator pulls the device 100 and the victim to safety . tubular members 115 , 116 and 117 being inflated serve as a life preserver since it floats on the water . the rescuer , being on shore or standing on solid ground , is not imperiled so he can quickly perform the rescue operation from a safe location . after the rescue operation is completed , tank 134 is removed so that tubular members 115 , 116 and 117 are deflated . a new tank is then secured to the connector 141 . the jacket 152 containing the tubular members 115 - 117 is dried and either folded or rolled into a compact position and stored in the container . while there has been shown and described preferred embodiments of the water safety device of the invention , it is understood that changes in materials , length and parts may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention . for example , the three tubular members 115 , 116 , 117 can be made with the cover 152 . cover 152 can be the outside sheet member of the tubular members . the inside sheet member can be longitudinally secured , as a heat seal , to the outside sheet member to form the three tubular members . the heat seal at the outer end of the first tubular member 115 can have a restricted passage allowing slow flow of gas to the tubular members 116 and 117 . also , the device 100 can have more than three tubular members . the invention is defined in the following claims .	1
reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . fig1 is a sectional view of a dishwasher according to the present embodiments . referring to fig1 , a dishwasher 10 according to the present embodiments includes a tub 11 forming a wash chamber 19 , a door 18 provided at the front of the tub 11 to open and close the wash chamber 19 , a sump 100 provided at the bottom of the tub 11 for storing wash liquid , and dish racks 12 and 13 provided within the tub for storing dishes . the dishwasher 10 also includes a wash motor 230 installed at the bottom of the sump 100 to drive a wash pump ( described below ) that is installed within the sump 100 , a water guide 14 coupled at the top of the sump to function as a passage for the wash liquid pumped by the wash pump 230 , a lower spray arm 16 coupled at the top of the sump 100 to spray wash liquid in an upward direction , an upper spray arm 15 selectively coupled at the upper part of the water guide 14 , and a top nozzle 17 located near the ceiling of the tub 11 to spray wash liquid downward . in detail , the dish racks 12 and 13 consist of an upper rack 12 and a lower rack 13 . the dish racks 12 and 13 slide forward and backward within the tub 11 . the upper spray arm 15 is disposed below the upper rack 12 , and the lower spray arm 16 is disposed below the lower rack 13 . below , a description of the operation of the above dishwasher 10 will be given . a user first pulls the door 18 to open the wash chamber 19 . then the user pulls the upper rack 12 and / or the lower rack 13 outward from the wash chamber 19 . next , dishes are placed in the upper rack 12 and / or lower rack 13 , after which the upper rack 12 and / or lower rack 13 is pushed back into the wash chamber 13 and the door 18 is closed to seal the wash chamber 19 . then , a power button is pressed to supply power to the dishwasher 10 . when power is supplied to the dishwasher 10 , a wash course is begun . when the wash course is performed , wash liquid flows into the sump 100 through a water supply inlet . after a predetermined amount of wash liquid enters the sump 100 , the wash motor 230 operates . a motor shaft 231 connected to the wash motor 230 rotates , and an impeller 151 ( in fig3 ) connected to the motor shaft 231 also rotates , prompting a flow of wash liquid to the upper spray arm 16 and the water guide 14 . the wash liquid that flows to the water guide 14 is sprayed through the top nozzle 17 and the upper spray arm 15 into the wash chamber 19 . the thus sprayed wash liquid washes surfaces of dishes stored in the upper rack 12 and / or the lower rack 13 . in detail , the top nozzle 17 sprays wash liquid downward , the upper spray arm 15 sprays wash liquid upward , and the lower spray arm 16 sprays wash liquid upward . dirty water that collects in the sump 100 is filtered of impurities by a filter ( not shown ). the filtered wash liquid is discharged to the outside of the dishwasher 10 through a drain pump . when wash liquid is discharged to the outside , fresh wash liquid enters the sump 100 once more through the water supply inlet , to be sprayed through the spray arms 15 and 16 , as in the wash cycle . the dishes are rinsed in a rinse cycle by the clean wash liquid that is sprayed . when the rinse cycle of the dishes is completed , a drying cycle is performed , completing the wash course of the dishwasher 10 . below , a detailed description of the sump 100 according to the present embodiments is provided . fig2 is a perspective view of a dishwasher sump according to the present embodiments , and fig3 is an exploded perspective view of a sump according to the present embodiments . referring to fig2 and 3 , a sump 100 according to the present embodiments includes a sump case 200 forming a wash liquid reservoir 205 , a sump cover 130 covering the top of the sump case 200 , a lower spray arm holder 110 coupled at the top of the sump cover 130 and connected to the lower spray arm 16 , a wash motor 230 installed below the sump case 200 to drive the wash pump 150 , a drain pump 300 to discharge wash liquid containing impurities to the outside , and a drain motor 340 that drives the drain pump 300 . the sump 100 also includes a heater 201 inserted through the side of the sump case 200 to be disposed in the wash liquid reservoir 205 for heating wash liquid , a disposer 180 coupled to the shaft 231 of the wash motor 230 for grinding food particles included in wash liquid , a wash pump 150 driven by the wash motor 230 to pump wash liquid stored in the wash liquid reservoir 205 , a passage guide 140 disposed between the sump cover 130 and the pump case 170 and in which a soil chamber 141 that collects impurities is formed , and a screen filter provided below the wash pump 150 to prevent food particles ground by the disposer 180 from entering the wash pump 150 . specifically , the wash pump 150 includes an impeller 151 coupled to the shaft 231 of the wash motor 230 , and a wash pump case 152 forming a housing 153 in which the impeller 151 is housed . the wash pump case 152 is coupled to the sump case 200 . a passage control valve 220 is disposed at one end on the top surface of the wash pump case 152 , to direct wash liquid pumped by the wash pump 150 alternatingly to the lower spray arm passage 143 and the water guide passage 142 ( described below ). also , wash liquid stored in the wash liquid reservoir 205 passes through the portion in which the screen filter 171 is installed , and is suctioned into the wash pump 150 . the suctioned wash liquid flows along the passage formed in the wash pump case 152 to the passage control valve 220 . the passage guide 140 is coupled to the top of the wash pump case 152 . a lower spray arm passage 143 and a water guide passage 142 are formed on the passage guide 140 to direct the wash liquid pumped by the wash pump 150 to the lower spray arm 16 and the water guide 14 . formed at the passage guide 140 are a soil chamber 141 that collects food residue , and a chamber discharge hole 144 that allows wash liquid to drain to a drain guide 322 formed on the drain pump 320 ( to be described later ). wash liquid flowing through a sampling passage 145 formed to communicate with a portion in which the passage control valve 220 is formed flows through a chamber discharge hole 144 and enters the drain guide 322 . then the wash liquid flows through the drain guide 322 and the chamber discharge hole 144 into the soil chamber 141 . thus , impurities collect in the soil chamber 141 . here , a self - cleaning filter 120 formed on the soil chamber 141 prevents the impurities from entering the tub 11 . the sump cover 130 is mounted on the top surface of the guide passage 140 , and exposes the floor of the tub 11 . a plurality of holes is formed around the edge of the sump cover 130 to allow wash liquid within the tub 11 to enter the wash liquid reservoir 205 . the self - cleaning filter 120 , formed in the approximate center of the sump cover 130 , includes an upper supporting plate 121 , a mesh filter 122 , and a lower supporting plate 123 . in detail , the self - cleaning filter 120 is formed to cover the top of the soil chamber 141 , prevents impurities in the soil chamber 141 from leaking into the tub 11 , and allows only wash liquid to enter the tub 11 . thus , impurities are prevented from entering the wash chamber 19 by means of the self - cleaning filter 120 . fig4 is a perspective view showing a sump case and a drain pump cover according to the present embodiments , fig5 is a perspective view of a portion of a drain pump according to the present embodiments , fig6 is a perspective view of a drain pump cover according to the present embodiments , and fig7 is a sectional view of fig6 cut along line i - i ′. referring to fig4 through 7 , the sump case 200 includes the wash liquid reservoir 205 , and the drain pump 300 provided at one side of the wash liquid reservoir 205 . specifically , a motor shaft through - hole 203 is formed at the center of the wash liquid reservoir 205 for the shaft 231 of the wash motor 230 to pass through . also , a valve shaft through - hole 204 is formed in another region of the wash liquid reservoir 205 for a shaft operating the passage control valve 220 to pass through . the valve pump 300 includes a drain impeller 330 for draining wash liquid , and a drain pump case 310 and pump cover 320 forming a housing to protect the drain impeller 330 . in detail , the drain pump case 310 is integrally formed with the sump case 200 . the drain pump cover 320 is detachably coupled to the drain pump case 310 . a cover mounting portion 316 , on which the drain pump cover 320 is mounted , is formed on the drain pump case 310 . the cover mounting portion 316 is formed in a stepped manner . the drain pump cover 320 mounted on the cover mounting portion 316 is also stepped to correspond to the cover mounting portion 316 . the drain pump case 310 and the drain pump cover 320 are engaged at the respective stepped portions of the drain pump case 310 and the drain pump cover 320 . thus , when it is necessary to clean the wash pump , a user is able to separate the wash pump cover 320 from the drain pump case 310 , and easily clean the inside of the drain pump 310 , thereby increasing user convenience . also , a drain hole 309 is formed in the sump case 200 , through which the drain impeller 330 passes and which allows wash liquid to drain . the drain pump cover 320 includes an impeller covering portion 325 that encloses the portion above the drain impeller 330 , and a drain guiding portion 322 that induces the flow of wash liquid toward the drain impeller 330 . the impeller covering portion 325 is rounded . the drain guiding portion 322 includes an opening 321 open at the top and bottom . when the drain pump cover 320 is mounted on the drain pump case 310 , the lower open portion of the drain guiding portion is covered by the drain pump case 310 . a rib home 328 is formed in the upper edge of the drain guiding portion 322 to couple with a rib ( not shown ) formed on the chamber discharge hole 144 . also , a wash liquid inlet 323 that allows wash liquid in the wash liquid reservoir 205 to flow into the drain guiding portion 322 is formed on a side of the drain guiding portion 322 . a check valve 326 is also provided on the drain guiding portion 322 to allow wash liquid in the wash liquid reservoir 205 to selectively enter the drain guiding portion 322 . that is , the check valve 326 allows wash liquid in the wash liquid reservoir 205 to flow to the drain guiding portion 322 , and prevents the wash liquid and impurities in the drain guiding portion 322 from flowing into the wash liquid reservoir 205 . in other words , only when the pressure in the wash liquid reservoir 205 is higher than the pressure in the drain guiding portion 322 , does the check valve 326 open the wash liquid inlet 323 . a pair of coupling ribs 327 for coupling the check valve 326 is formed on the drain guiding portion 322 . first , when a wash course is begun , wash liquid flows from a water supply inlet into the sump case 200 . then , the wash motor 230 rotates the impeller 151 . when the impeller 151 rotates , the wash liquid enters the pump case 170 , and the wash liquid that enters the pump case 170 flows to the valve 220 . next , the wash liquid that flows to the valve 220 flows through the lower spray arm passage 143 and the water guide passage 142 formed on the top surface of the passage guide 140 , and into the water guide 14 and the lower spray arm holder 110 . the wash liquid that moves to the water guide 14 and the lower spray arm holder 110 is sprayed through the upper spray arm 15 and the top nozzle 17 or the lower spray arm 16 toward the upper rack 12 and the lower rack 13 . the thus sprayed wash liquid induces food residue deposited on the surfaces of dishes stored in the upper rack 12 and the lower rack 13 to fall to the floor of the tub 11 . the wash liquid that falls to the tub floor passes through the plurality of holes formed in the periphery of the sump cover 130 , and flows and collects in the wash liquid reservoir 205 , to be pumped by the wash pump 150 and re - circulated . when the draining process is performed , the drain pump 300 operates by means of the drain motor 310 , and the wash liquid stored within the sump case 200 is discharged to the outside of the sump 100 . simultaneously , the impurities deposited in the soil chamber 141 pass through the chamber discharge hole 144 and the drain guiding portion 322 to the outside of the sump 100 . although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof , it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure . more particularly , various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and / or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure , the drawings and the appended claims . in addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and / or arrangements , alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art .	0
fig1 is a block diagram of a transmitter constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention , and employing an analysis - by - synthesis (&# 34 ; a - s &# 34 ;) speech coding configuration , including codebook 10 and a &# 34 ; first filter &# 34 ; consisting of three sub - filters ; namely , backward - adaptive norm predictor 20 , backward - adaptive pitch predictor 30 , and backward - adaptive pole - zero short - term predictor 40 . fig2 is a block diagram of a receiver constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention , and incorporating a codebook 100 identical to the transmitter &# 39 ; s codebook 10 ; and , a &# 34 ; second filter &# 34 ; consisting of three sub - filters ; namely , a backward - adaptive norm predictor 120 identical to the transmitter &# 39 ; s norm predictor 20 , a backward - adaptive pitch predictor 130 identical to the transmitter &# 39 ; s pitch predictor 30 , and a backward - adaptive pole - zero short - term predictor 140 identical to the transmitter &# 39 ; s short - term predictor 40 . at discrete intervals , the transmitter samples the speech sounds which are to be transmitted , producing a plurality of speech sound samples . consecutive sequences of these speech sound samples are grouped together to form a plurality of speech sound vectors x ( n ) which are fed to differential comparator 50 . codebooks 10 , 100 each contain an identical plurality of prestored &# 34 ; excitation waveforms &# 34 ; or &# 34 ; codevectors &# 34 ; v ( n ) which model a wide variety of speech sounds . the transmitter sequentially filters selected groups of the codevectors in codebook 10 through norm predictor 20 , pitch predictor 30 , and short - term predictor 40 , to produce a sequence of reconstructed speech vectors z ( n ) which are also fed to comparator 50 . differential comparator 50 sequentially compares the input speech sound vector x ( n ) with each of the reconstructed speech vectors z ( n ) and outputs an error signal ε ( n ) for each reconstructed speech vector representative of the accuracy with which that reconstructed speech vector approximates the input speech sound vector x ( n ). the codevector corresponding to the reconstructed speech vector z ( n ) which most closely approximates the input speech sound vector x ( n ) ( i . e . for which ε ( n ) is smallest ) is selected . the filtration parameters applied to predictors 20 , 30 and 40 are adaptively updated , as hereinafter described , by backward predictive analysis of a series of previously reconstructed speech vectors . the transmitter sends to the receiver an &# 34 ; index &# 34 ; i 0 representative of the location of the selected codevector within each of codebooks 10 , 100 . the receiver uses the index to recover the selected codevector from codebook 100 . the codebook search proceeds as follows . for a trial index , i , a selected codevector v ( n ). sup . ( i ) is processed through norm 15 predictor 20 to produce a corresponding amplified codevector u ( n ). sup . ( i ) : &# 34 ; g &# 34 ; is determined using the logarithm of previous vector norms , as described below under the heading &# 34 ; norm predictor adaptation &# 34 ;. the amplified codevectors u ( n ). sup . ( i ), are then processed through pitch predictor 30 to produce a corresponding group of pitch - predicted samples y ( n ). sup . ( i ) : ## equ1 ## where the pitch predictor coefficients a - 1 , a 0 , and a 1 , and the pitch period k p , are determined as described below under the heading &# 34 ; pitch predictor adaptation &# 34 ;. the pitch - predicted samples y ( n ). sup . ( i ) are then processed through short - term predictor 40 to produce the reconstructed speech vectors , z ( n ). sup . ( i ) : ## equ2 ## where ρ is the number of poles and z is the number of zeroes . the short - term predictor coefficients b k and c k are determined as described below under the heading &# 34 ; short - term predictor adaptation &# 34 ;. the squared reconstruction error for the codevector is : ## equ3 ## where k is the vector dimension and n 0 is the sample number of the first sample in the vector . this procedure is repeated for i = 1 , 2 , . . . , n where n is the number of codevectors selected from codebook 10 for filtration through predictors 20 , 30 and 40 , and comparison with the input speech sound vector x ( n ). the index i 0 representative of the location , within codebook 10 , of the l codevector which minimizes the squared reconstruction error d . sup . ( i ) is selected : codebooks 10 , 100 are initially developed using the prediction residuals e ( n ). sup . ( i0 ) : where x ( n ). sup . ( io ) = z ( n ). sup . ( i0 ) - u ( n ). sup . ( i0 ) ; which are grouped into vectors of the form [ e ( n ). sup . ( i0 ) ] for n = n 0 through n = n 0 + k - 1 and clustered using the lbg algorithm ( see : y . linde , a . buzo , and r . m . gray , &# 34 ; an algorithm for vector quantizer design &# 34 ;, ieee trans . comm ., vol . com - 28 , pp . 84 - 95 , jan . 1980 ). the gain g ( n ) used to multiply the codevector v ( n ). sup . ( i ) to form the amplified codevector u ( n ). sup . ( i ) is calculated using the recursive relationship : ## equ4 ## where k is the vector dimension , and ∥ v ( n )∥ is given by : ## equ5 ## in this notation , the index n labels successive vectors . the filter coefficients h g ( j ) are constant , and are as follows : the foregoing filter coefficients are calculated by applying lpc analysis to a sequence of logarithms of vector norms for a typical sequence of speech samples . the pitch predictor parameters which require adaptation are the pitch period k p and the pitch predictor coefficients a i . both the pitch period and the pitch predictor coefficients are initialized periodically . between such periodic initializations , both are adapted on a sample - by - sample basis . the procedure used to initialize and adapt these parameters will now be described with reference to fig3 . in order to perform pitch prediction , an accurate estimate of the pitch period of the signal is required . the autocorrelation method is used to calculate the pitch period . to calculate the pitch period , a &# 34 ; frame &# 34 ; consisting of the preceding typically n = 256 samples of pitch predictor output y ( n ) are accumulated and then centre clipped ( block 200 in fig3 ). the centre clipping is performed as follows : 1 . the absolute peak of y ( n ) evaluated in the first third of the frame y max1 and in the last third of the frame , y max3 are determined . 2 . the clip level c l is set to be 64 % of the lesser of y max1 and y max3 . 3 . the centre - clipped signal y cl ( n ) is defined to be : ## equ6 ## the autocorrelation function r cl ( k ) of the centre - clipped signal y cl ( n ) is then calculated ( block 210 in fig3 ) at lags from 20 to 125 . the autocorrelation function is defined as : ## equ7 ## the pitch period k p is determined ( block 220 in fig3 ) by finding the peak in r cl ( k ). a decision is then made on whether the speech segment contains voiced or unvoiced speech . if r cl k p )/ r cl ( o )& lt ; 0 . 3 , then the speech is defined to be unvoiced . otherwise , it is defined to be voiced . if the speech is unvoiced , then the pitch period is set to a predefined constant , k p0 . the pitch predictor filter coefficients a i are initialized periodically ( block 230 of fig3 ). this initialization first requires the evaluation of the autocorrelation function r yy ( k ) of y ( n ), at k = 0 , 1 , 2 , k p - 1 , k p , k p + 1 , which is done in block 240 of fig3 . the preceding 256 samples of y ( n ) are buffered and input into the circuitry represented by block 240 . the pitch period k p is input into block 240 from block 220 , to determine the points at which to evaluate the autocorrelation function . equation 10 is used to calculate r yy ( k ), with y ( n ) substituted for y cl ( n ). the pitch predictor filter coefficients a i are calculated in block 230 of fig3 . the pitch period k p and a voiced / unvoiced flag ( also output from block 220 in fig3 ) are input into block 230 from block 220 . if the speech is unvoiced , no further calculation is required , and the coefficients a i are set to zero . if the speech is voiced , the coefficients are calculated by solving the wiener - hopf equations : ## equ8 ## where μ is a constant softening factor , μ = 0 . 03 . the pitch predictor filter coefficients are adapted on a sample by sample basis . this adaptation is performed until a new coefficient initialization is accepted from block 230 in fig3 . block 260 in fig3 supplies the leakage factor λ for the adaptation . this leakage factor is necessary to recover from channel bit errors . λ is nominally a constant , λ = 225 / 256 . however , if the channel bit error rate is high , ( greater than 1 error per 1000 bits ), then a leakage factor of λ = 63 / 64 will result in better system performance . if a channel quality estimator is available , λ should be adapted according to its value . block 270 in fig3 calculates a running estimate of the variance of y ( n ), σ y 2 ( n ) using the following equation : block 280 in fig3 calculates a running estimate of the variance of u ( n ), σ u 2 ( n ), by using equation ( 12 ) with u ( n ) substituted for y ( n ) and σ u 2 ( n ) substituted for σ y 2 ( n ). block 290 of fig3 adapts the filter coefficients between the periodic initializations , on a sample - by - sample basis , using the backward adaptive lms algorithm . the algorithm is defined as follows : ## equ9 ## where α is the constant gradient step size , α = 1 / 128 . a stability check is performed on the new coefficients in block 300 of fig3 . if the stability constraints indicate an unstable filter , then the coefficients are not adapted . the following stability constraints ( described by r . p . ramachandran and p . kabal in &# 34 ; stability and performance analysis of pitch filters in speech coders &# 34 ;, i . e . e . e . trans . asap , vol . assp - 35 , pp . 937 - 946 , jul ., 1987 ) are employed : ## equ10 ## where r = 0 . 94 . block 310 of fig3 adapts the pitch period k p between the periodic updates , on a sample - by - sample basis , using a backward adaptive algorithm . the pitch period is adapted using an empirical algorithm based on examining the current set of filter coefficients . a decision is made to increment the pitch period by one if the following conditions are true : 1 . the pitch predictor coefficient a + 1 is greater than 0 . 1 ; and , 2 . the time derivative å + 1 is greater than 1 / 800 ; and , 3 . the time derivative å + 1 is greater than the time derivative å 0 . similarly , a decision is made to decrement the pitch period k p by one if the above conditions are true for a - 1 . the time derivative of each of the pitch predictor coefficients is calculated by the following equation : if the pitch period is modified , then the filter coefficients are shifted by one , and the new filter coefficient is calculated to be 2 / 3 of a 0 . if the resulting set of filter coefficients would result in an unstable system , as determined by the stability constraints aforesaid , then the new filter coefficient is set to zero . block 320 in fig3 contains the pitch prediction filter . the filter equation is given above as equation ( 2 ). the short - term predictor coefficients are determined by a backward - analysis approach known as the lms algorithm ( see : n . s . jayant , p . noll , &# 34 ; digital coding of waveforms &# 34 ;, prentice hall , 1984 ; or , ccitt recommendation g - 721 ). each predictor coefficient is updated by adding a small incremental term , based on a polarity correlation between the reconstructed codevectors which are available at both the transmitter and receiver . the equations are as follows : ## equ11 ## where : ## equ12 ## the basic algorithm described above requires a large number of computations , due to the fact that each codevector must be filtered through norm predictor 20 , pitch predictor 30 , and short term predictor 40 , before the transmitter may select the reconstructed codevector which most closely approximates the input speech sound vector . three methods are used to reduce the number of computations . the first step in complexity reduction is based on the fact that the predictor coefficients b . sup . ( i ) and c . sup . ( i ) change slowly , and thus these coefficients need not be updated while the optimal codevector is selected . the second complexity reduction method exploits the fact that the output of the predictor filter consists of two components . the zero - input - response x ( n ) zir is the filter output due only to the previous vectors the zero - state - response x . sup . ( i ) ( n ) zsr is the filter output due only to the trial codevector i , such that : for each search through codebook 10 , the zero - input - response may be precomputed and subtracted from the input samples , to produce the partial input sample : is then subtracted from the partial input sample x ( n )* to produce the reconstruction error : the third complexity reduction method is - based on the following observation : the filter coefficients change slowly , and thus the partially reconstructed samples z . sup . ( i ) ( n ) zsr for a given codevector also change slowly . therefore , the z . sup . ( i ) ( n ) zsr filter outputs may be periodically computed and stored in a new zero - state - response state - response codebook . the use of such a technique requires holding the short term predictor coefficients constant between updates of the zero - state - response codebook . the apparent contradiction between the need to adapt the short term predictor coefficients on a sample - by - sample basis , and the need to hold these coefficients constant between updates of the zero - state - response codebook is resolved by keeping two sets of coefficients in memory . the first set of coefficients is used in the speech encoding process . the second set of coefficients is adapted on a sample - by - sample basis . before the zero - state - response codebook is updated , the first set of coefficients is set equal to the second set of coefficients . this technique results in a substantial reduction in computational load , with only a slight performance degradation . postfiltering is an effective method of improving the subjective quality of the coded speech ( see the paper by jayant mentioned above ). postfilter 150 ( fig2 ) is derived by scaling the coefficients of short - term predictor 140 ( see again the paper by jayant mentioned above , and also see : n . s . jayant and v . ramamoorthy , &# 34 ; adaptive postfiltering of adpcm speech ,&# 34 ; proc . icassp , pp . 16 . 4 . 1 - 16 . 4 . 4 , tokyo , apr . 1986 ). as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure , many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof . accordingly , the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the following claims .	6
fig1 shows a rough schematic representation of an exemplary anaerobic digestion system 100 in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure . as shown in fig1 , manure and / or other organic waste ( e . g ., vegetables and vegetable plant parts from produce production , unused hay from livestock feed , or grass clippings ) is fed into an anaerobic digester body 110 . during retention time of waste in the digester body 110 , biogas ( i . e ., a gaseous mix of primarily methane and carbon dioxide ) is generated from methanogenic microorganisms and collected from the top of the digester 110 via one or more ports 150 . the collected biogas is fed along piping through a hydrogen sulfide scrubber 160 and ultimately to a expandable storage vessel 170 , such as for example , a biogas bag . in order to keep the digester body 110 warm during colder weather , hot water may be pumped through tubing / piping 180 outside of the digester body 110 . the water cycle includes a pump 182 configured to pump water or a water / anti - freeze mixture from a storage tank 184 through flow lines 186 to a water heater 188 and further to the tubing / piping 180 wound about the circumference of the digestor body 110 and back to the storage tank 184 . to heat the water , after biogas production has begun , biogas extracted from the digester body 110 can be used to fuel the hot water heater 188 . valves 190 may be placed strategically along the length of the digester body 110 to help facilitate control of the heating of the digester body 110 . in some aspects , supplemental heat may be supplied to the hot water heater 188 by means of a solar collector 192 to help initiate warming until biogas production commences or when additional heat is needed . in some aspects , solar radiation absorbed through the collector will be used to initialize the process . the solar collector may be turned off or on through one or more valves 194 which help prevent temperature loss during night . referring now to fig2 , according to various aspects , the digester body 110 of the anaerobic digestion system 100 may comprise a cylindrical vessel , such as for example , a high density polyethylene corrugated storm drain pipe , having a proximal end 111 and a distal end 113 . in some exemplary aspects , the digester body 110 may comprise a large corrugated polyvinyl butyl storm water pipe with a rough interior dimension of 3 feet , for example . the volume of the digester body 110 is compartmentalized by scraper plates 112 . for example , in some exemplary embodiments , the digester body 110 may have a length of 32 feet , which is compartmentalized into eight chambers 120 by nine scraper plates 112 sequentially spaced about four feet apart from each adjacent plate . the scraper plates 112 may be shaped and sized to match the interior transverse cross - sectional shape and dimension of the digester body 110 so that slurry cannot flow between compartments . for example , following the example of the preceding paragraph , the plates 112 may be circular shaped with an approximately 3 - foot diameter . the plates 112 may be constructed of a metal ( e . g ., steel ), a polymer ( e . g ., hdpe or polypropylene ), or any inert material . rubber seals ( not shown ), for example , inflated with air , about the circumference of the plates may be used in conjunction with the plates 112 to minimize any mixing of fluids between compartments . alternatively , seals may be constructed of polyethylene , foam , or the like . in the present digestion system 100 , the compartmentalized chambers 120 are moved along the longitudinal direction l relative to the digester body 110 . this movement is facilitated by the seals about the periphery of the plates 112 . it would be understood by persons skilled in the art that the plates 112 may be dimensioned slightly smaller than the interior cross - section of the digester body 110 so as to allow sliding movement of the plates 112 in the longitudinal direction relative to the digester body 112 . plates 112 may be designed with a thickness selected to avoid tipping of the plates 112 within the digester body 110 . for example , in some aspects , the plates may have a thickness of 3 ″- 10 ″, for example , about 8 ″. it should be appreciated that the length of the digester body , the length of the compartmentalized chambers , and the number of chambers can be varied according to the desire of the operator . in order to effectuate movement of the chambers 120 relative to the digester body 110 , the scraper plates 112 are detachably coupled to one another via more pull members 114 , for example chains or cables that extend through the digester body 110 in the longitudinal direction l . in some aspects , the system 100 may include a set of three chains or cables 114 extending substantially parallel to one another between each adjacent pair of scraper plates 112 in the longitudinal direction of the digester body 110 . for example , following the example above of eight 4 - foot compartmentalized chambers 120 , the pull members 114 may be about 4 feet in length . each scraper plate 112 may have three connection members 116 attached to each of its flat surfaces ( i . e ., sides ), as illustrated in fig3 and 4 . each pull member 114 may have a connector 118 at each of its ends . the connector 118 and connection members 116 cooperate to removably couple the pull members 114 to the scraper plates 112 . in some aspects , the connection members 116 may comprise u - bolts welded to each side of each plate , effectively allowing a chain to be removably fixed thereto and allowing the plates 112 to be moved in the longitudinal direction relative to the digester body 110 . to minimize twisting and turning of the plates 112 , an equalizing member 122 could be affixed ( e . g ., welded ) to the bottom of each plate 112 , which may allow the weight of the fluid and biomass inside the digester body to keep the plate 112 plumb as it translates along the longitudinal dimension of the digester body . it should be appreciated that more than three or less than three pull members 114 may be used between adjacent scraper plates . the one or more pull members 114 d extending distally from the distal - most scraper 112 d would then be coupled to a winch system 126 that pulls the plates through the digester body 110 . the size / strength of the pull members 114 , including distal pull members 114 d , can be selected based on the expected load of the entirety of all scraper plates 112 and slurry . in some aspects , the distal pull members 114 d may vary from the other pull members 114 . the winch system 126 can be operated manually or automatically . it should be appreciated that other designs for the scraper plates and pull members could be utilized . for example , each scraper plate may have a notch cut into the plate to allow a chain to pass through and removably interlock . this design would allow the scraper to move throughout the digester body , but may allow contamination between compartments to occur and / or may allow the introduction of oxygen to an otherwise anaerobic environment ( i . e ., everything under water ). referring to fig5 , a single scraper plate may be replaced by a scraper plate arrangement 112 ′. for example , the scraper plate arrangement 112 ′ may include two or more plate members 112 ″ coupled together , for example , via one or more spreader bars 1112 . three spreader bars 1112 are shown coupling the two plate members 112 ″ in fig5 . in some aspects , the plate members 112 ″ may be spaced apart a desired distance selected to avoid tipping of the plate members 112 ″ within the digester body 110 . for example , in some aspects , the plate members may be coupled by 3 ″- 10 ″ spreader bars 1112 , for example , about 8 ″ spreader bars 1112 . it should be appreciated that each plate member may include an individual peripheral seal , as described above , or the plate arrangement 112 ′ may include a single peripheral seal . the digestion system may include an inlet 130 at the proximal end 111 of the digester body 110 . the inlet 130 opens to the interior volume 115 of the proximal - most compartmentalized chamber 120 p of the digester body 110 . according to some aspects , the inlet 130 may contain a stand pipe 132 in which a spring - loaded input valve 134 catches the descending manure from an open grate 136 , hence potentially minimizing odors from escaping . upon appropriate amounts of manure , the input valve 134 would open due to the weight of the manure and release the manure down into the volume 115 of the proximal chamber 120 p of the anaerobic digester body 110 . after releasing the manure and / or fluid , the input valve 134 would then spring back into to its original position and provide a quality seal in which no offensive odors would be able to escape . thus , the input valve 134 allows manure and / or other organic waste to enter the inlet of the anaerobic digester and prevent offensive odors from escaping into the surrounding environment . since pigs are trainable as to where to relieve their manure , the input valve 134 may be termed a “ pig toilet .” alternatively or additionally , the inlet may be manually opened / closed or may include an open system in which manure passively enters the digester through an open grate . however , such a design may permit odors to arise from the digester inlet and into the environment . the anaerobic digestion system 100 includes one or more storage units 170 arranged to capture biogas produced from the anaerobic digester and vented from the digester body 110 via the one or more ports 150 on top of the body 110 . following the preceding example of eight compartmentalized chambers 120 , the digestion system 100 may include eight ports 150 — one corresponding with each chamber 120 . for example , in the event of eight 4 - foot chambers , a proximal - most port can be disposed about two feet from the proximal end 111 of the digester body 110 and then spaced every four feet on center along the longitudinal direction . in some aspects , one or more of the ports 150 can be valved to monitor pressure , thereby assisting with the monitoring of the production of biogas . each port may also be equipped with a sample collector ( not shown ) which can be used to manually test samples of corresponding chambers . additionally or alternatively , each port , and thus each corresponding chamber , can be equipped with sensors to enable computerized monitoring of the system . the plates 112 and compartmentalized chambers 120 can be moved based on data retrieved from the ports 150 . the biogas can be stored until it is burned as a fuel source in the hot water boiler 188 or sent directly to the hot water burner 188 without storage . in some aspects , the system 100 may include one or more large storage units 170 constructed from high density polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride sheeting sealed into a bag and housed in a protective rigid 4 - foot diameter pipe so that the bag could still expand . it should be appreciated that the biogas can also be stored and eventually sold commercially . the anaerobic digestion system 100 may further include a heating system to keep the anaerobic digester in optimal operating conditions . in some exemplary aspects , water containing an anti - freezing solvent may be heated by the water heater 188 and then circulated through one or more flow lines 186 , 180 , for example , flexible hot water tubing ( such as , e . g ., pex ) or pipes , that encircle the circumference of the digester body 110 . an insulator ( not shown ) may be placed about the hot water tubing and digester body 110 for efficiency . in the example of a digester body comprising a corrugated pipe , the hose or pipe may lie in the hollow ribs of the corrugated pipe . in some aspects , the heated fluid may circulate from an inlet port and exit through an outlet port near the bottom of a rib . in some aspects , flow lines would be run through the ribs at greater frequency or in a doubled up format in areas where more heat is desired for greater biogas production ( for example , more heating pipes initially for pre - warming of manure slurry and / or expediting methane production ). in addition , numerous valves are placed strategically along the length of the digester &# 39 ; s heating coil system allowing the digester operator the ability to select which sections to circulate more or less water / antifreeze fluid through the system . the manually or automatically controllable valves thus provide additional control to the temperature regulation of the digester . the digestion system 100 may include a hydrogen sulfide scrubber 160 configured to remove offensive odors emanating from the hydrogen sulphide produced by the anaerobic digestion process . in some aspects , the biogas is passed through a column of iron filings , which removes the odors , as the biogas flows from the ports 150 to the storage vessel 170 . the column of iron filings acts as a packed medium filter , which is already in use by digesters in european countries . in some aspects , oxygen from the oxidation of the biogas near the collection pipe of the biogas may be introduced . the oxygen precipitates the sulfur out of the hydrogen sulphide , and the sulphur precipitate falls into the effluent providing additional nutrition to the compost . in such a design , a pressure gradient would need to be maintained so that oxygen flows in rather than having biogas flow out . in some aspects , the system 100 may include a pressure relief valve ( not shown ) after the hydrogen sulfide scrubber 160 . the relief valve is controlled by hydrostatic pressure ; that is , if the pressure exceeds the hydrostatic pressure , biogas will be discharged through the system through this valve . in addition a valve can be installed so that biogas can be burned off or as they say “ flared ” if excess gas is created that can &# 39 ; t be stored . this may be facilitated by a pipe that comes off of the bag and goes to a pilot light where it is burned off preventing biogas from getting into the environment . in operation , a first scraper plate 112 , which becomes a distal - most plate 112 d is coupled to the winch system 126 by distal pull members 114 d . the winch system 126 moves the plate 112 d distally a length approximate to the length of a chamber 120 . pull members 114 are then coupled to the connection members 116 on a proximal - facing surface of the plate 112 d via connectors 118 . a second plate 112 is then similarly coupled to the pull members 114 via connection members 116 on a distal - facing side of the second plate 112 . the winch system 126 can pull the plates further until both plates 112 , 112 d are within the digester body 110 , thereby defining a first compartmentalized chamber 120 . the input valve 134 is then aligned with the volume 115 of the chamber 120 , which becomes the proximal - most chamber 120 p . manure and / or other organic waste is then fed to the chamber 120 p over a period of time . in some aspects , the system may be primed to improve the digestion process . after a desired period of time , based for example on utilizing acetogenic and methogenic activity or fill level of the chamber , a second set of pull members is coupled to the proximal facing surface of the second plate 112 , a third plate is coupled to the second set of pull members 114 , and the winch system 126 pulls the plates 112 , 112 d , and thus the compartmentalized chambers 120 , longitudinally in the distal direction . the chambers may remain stationary for a desired period of time , again based for example on utilizing acetogenic and methogenic activity or fill level of the proximal - most chamber . this process is repeated until the entire length of the digester body 110 is occupied by compartmentalized chambers 120 delimited by scraper plates 112 , which are coupled by pull members 114 . a series of ports 150 are spaced along the length of the digester body 110 and vent biogas generated via the digestion process within the digester body 110 to a storage vessel 170 . it should be understood that the ports 150 are sized and arranged such that they cannot be blocked in the event that plates 112 come rest adjacent the ports 150 . the biogas may pass through a hydrogen sulphide scrubber 160 before reaching the vessel 170 . the biogas can then be used to fuel a hot water heater 188 that can be used to heat the digester body 110 or another environment proximate the digestion system 100 . it should be appreciated that each end 111 , 113 of the digester body may be sealed with a condom - type member ( not shown ) made of plastic , rubber , or the like in order to help maintain an anaerobic condition with the digester body 110 . the distal end seal may include appropriate openings to allow passage of the pull members 114 d of the winch system 126 to pass through the seal and to the distalmost plate or plate arrangement . the proximal end seal may include a plate ( e . g ., steel or polymer ) with a peripheral gasket seal . by providing a mechanically - moving , compartmentalized system , a complete continuous cycle can be developed and 100 % uptime efficiency can be reached . in one exemplary embodiment of the anaerobic digestion system of the disclosure , the inlet of the digester starts with the centerline of the pipe about 3 feet below grade . the digester can have a slight downslope in a proximal - to - distal direction . at this level , an access area formed from concrete blocks and mixed concrete is constructed to allow the placement of steel scraper disks that will compartmentalize the digester into 4 - foot to 6 - foot chambers . about one - half to one foot in from the start of the digester piping will be the inlet system , which will act as an animal toilet to flush organic waste into the first chamber . a vertical pipe of at least one foot will be placed in this section to connect a spring - loaded butterfly valve to a sloped inlet box recessed to grade of approximately 4 - feet × 2 - feet . a grate at grade will cover this inlet box and allow animals to deposit waste directly into the inlet box . the grate covering this box is removable , allowing the sloped inlet box and butterfly valve to be serviceable if needed . biogas ( 60 % methane , 40 % carbon dioxide ) collection will commence after an initial eight feet from the proximal end of the digester body with the installation of vertical pipes ( e . g ., pvc pipes ) having a diameter of about 2 inches spaced four feet apart on center . the two - inch pipe comes up to a t and branches off to a one and one - half inch pipe that will proceed to the heater or gas collection system . the other branch of the t on the two - inch pipe has a removable threaded cap that can be utilized for the sampling of waste and effluent to measure temperature , ph , and microbial population throughout the digester as well as the addition of any needed nutrients or microorganisms . an in - line valve is placed at each of the collection pipes allowing access to the system and control of biogas flow . in order to remove hydrogen sulfide from the biogas , the biogas can be run through a column of iron filings , where the hydrogen sulfide would react with the oxygen and form a solid sulfate . alternatively , a very small inlet tube ( ⅛ ″ for a 2 ″ gas take off pipe ) can be place so as to introduce oxygen into an anaerobic environment , where the oxygen would oxidize hydrogen sulfide for the production of sulfate , which would fall down into the digestate and provide an additional fertilization source in the end product . the outlet of the digester body is like the inlet where a retaining wall constructed of concrete block and poured concrete would support the end of the pipe and the earth upon which the pipe lays in . above the pipe will be a winch or chain fall , which provides a mechanical pulling motion and pulls the scraping disks , comprised of metal or other rigid material , through the system . this design allows a considerable advantage over other digesters where the length of chain in between each scraper decides the compartment size ; this allows for the digester to be scaled up considerably handling larger amounts of waste . each disk is connected by three distinct chains allowing for an even thrust through the storm water pipe . the winch cable or chain fall will pull a final larger cable or chain from the last scraper and the scraper disk will be removable and transported back to the inlet . the digestate that comes out of the outlet , which is very rich in nitrogen , phosphorus , potassium , and other trace elements , will be used on plant beds , this can be after undergoing a pasteurization process in a heating vessel , which is to be designed . an additional safety concern may be addressed by designing a french drain system that will allow any effluent that can potentially leak out to be collected and disposed of . such a french drain system includes laying 2 b fill ( small rocks ) under the digester pipe body , with a perforated drain sloped towards the pipe outlet that protrudes out of the block wall . under this drain will be a 60 mil thick rubber underlayment liner , which is impermeable to the liquids that will be present in the digester . the gas collection system will be tied to each of the 8 vertical gas take off ports , which will route the biogas through the potential design for a sulfur scrubber to the gas collection system . this gas collection system includes several expandable bags with individual valves linked in parallel that allow the volume to expand as it fills with gas . this provides both a safety against excessive pressure build up and a means of expanding storage . additional containers can be attached in series to each other with a connecting pipe and valve . from the storage devices , the gas will be tapped into and burned in a modified propane water heater ; the only change necessary is to change out the nozzle size to increase the flow of biogas to the burner . this water heater will pump hot water both through the high tunnel in the winter and through the ribs of the corrugated storm pipe and will allow the various digester zones to be heated individually with ball valves . this allows for temperature fluctuations between compartments that are utilizing acetogenic bacteria and methogenic bacteria . an additional design includes tapping into the hot water line or adding a boiler device to supplement a pasteurization system for the outflowing digestate to assure the safety of the gardener who is using it . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the compartmentalized anaerobic digesters of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the invention . throughout the disclosure , use of the terms “ a ,” “ an ,” and “ the ” may include one or more of the elements to which they refer . other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification , as well as from the practice of the invention disclosed herein . it is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only .	8
the figure shows a section through a switchgear arrangement in a schematic embodiment . the switchgear arrangement has a housing 1 . the housing 1 is in this case a cast housing consisting of electrically conductive material , for example aluminum , which conducts ground potential . the housing 1 has a first flange 2 and a second flange 3 . the housing 1 is configured as a pressure - tight encapsulated housing , with the result that an excess pressure can be built up and a fluid enclosed in the interior of the housing 1 . an interrupter unit 4 of the switchgear arrangement is arranged in the interior of the housing 1 . the interrupter unit 4 has a first arc contact piece 5 and a second arc contact piece 6 as well as a first rated current contact piece 7 and a second rated current contact piece 8 . the first arc contact piece 5 and the first rated current contact piece 7 are in galvanic contact with one another permanently . the second arc contact piece 6 and the second rated current contact piece 8 are likewise permanently in galvanic contact with one another . as a result , the mutually assigned contact pieces 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 are permanently subject to the same electrical potential . the first arc contact piece 5 is hollow - cylindrical and has a bush - shaped contact region . the first arc contact piece 5 is arranged coaxially with respect to a longitudinal axis 9 . the second arc contact piece 6 is arranged opposite the first arc contact piece 5 at the end side , wherein the second arc contact piece 6 is substantially in the form of a pin and oriented coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis 9 . both the first arc contact piece 5 and the second arc contact piece 6 are drivable so as to generate a switching movement , wherein the first arc contact piece 5 and the second arc contact piece 6 are each mounted movably and drivably along the longitudinal axis 9 . the first arc contact piece 5 and the second arc contact piece 6 always move in the opposite direction . the second arc contact piece 6 is shaped at its contact region in mirror - inverted fashion with respect to the bush - shaped contact region of the first arc contact piece 5 , with the result that the second arc contact piece 6 can be introduced into the first arc contact piece 5 so as to produce a current path . the first rated current contact piece 7 is in the form of a pipe and surrounds the first arc contact piece 5 on the outer lateral surface side and is oriented coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis 9 . the second rated current contact piece 8 surrounds the second arc contact piece 6 on the outer lateral surface side , wherein the second rated current contact piece 8 is oriented coaxially with respect to the second arc contact piece 6 . the second rated current contact piece 8 has a contact bush with elastic contact fingers , into which an outer lateral surface of the tubular first rated current contact piece 7 can be introduced . the second rated current contact piece 8 is mounted fixed in position . the first rated current contact piece 7 is displaceable , together with the first arc contact piece 5 , along the longitudinal axis 9 . in order to position the first arc contact piece 5 and the first rated current contact piece 7 , a guide bush 10 is provided . the guide bush 10 is oriented coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis 9 . the guide bush 10 encompasses the first rated current contact piece 7 on the outer lateral surface side . a sliding contact arrangement is arranged between the guide bush 10 and the first rated current contact piece 7 . an insulating nozzle 11 is connected in angularly rigid fashion to the first arc contact piece 5 and to the first rated current contact piece 7 . the insulating nozzle 11 surrounds the first arc contact piece 5 on the outer lateral surface side and is itself at least sectionally encompassed by the first rated current contact piece 7 . the insulating nozzle 11 provides an insulating nozzle channel , into which or through which the second arc contact piece 6 can pass during a switching operation . an arc burning between the arc contact pieces 5 , 6 is thus prevented from bulging out radially . a push rod 12 is connected to the insulating nozzle 11 . a movement of the first rated current contact piece 7 or of the first arc contact piece 5 via the arc gap between the contact pieces 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 can be transferred via the push rod 12 . short - circuiting of the arc gap is prevented by the electrically insulating nozzle 11 . it is thus possible to couple a movement onto the second arc contact piece 6 . for this , a deflecting gear mechanism 13 is furthermore used , which transfers a linear movement of the coupling rod 12 , via a two - armed lever , onto the second arc contact piece 6 . by virtue of the deflecting gear mechanism 13 , transformation of the movement is made possible , with the movement being reversed in terms of its direction . the second rated current contact piece 8 has struck against a hollow - volume vessel arrangement 14 at the end side . the hollow - volume vessel arrangement 14 encompasses the second rated current contact piece 8 on the outer lateral surface side . the hollow - volume vessel arrangement 14 is electrically conductive as a phase conductor arrangement and is part of a current path to be switched by the switchgear arrangement . the second rated current contact piece 8 and the second arc contact piece 7 are held mechanically via the hollow - volume vessel arrangement 14 . furthermore , contact - making between the second rated current contact piece 8 and the second arc contact piece 6 is performed via the hollow - volume housing arrangement 14 . the hollow - volume phase conductor arrangement 14 has a basic body 15 . the basic body 15 is in the form of a hood , which has a hollow - cylindrical or conical nature . contact is made with the second rated current contact piece 8 at a first end of the hollow - volume vessel arrangement 14 . a pot - shaped fitting body 16 is arranged at a second end , which is opposite the first end ( in relation to the longitudinal axis 9 or the cylinder axis of the basic body 15 ). the pot - shaped fitting body 16 and the basic body 15 in the form of a hood face one another with their respective pot opening or hood opening so that the subvolumes encompassed by the pot - shaped fitting body 16 and the basic body 15 complement one another and together provide a volume for the hollow - volume vessel arrangement 14 . provision is made here for the pot - shaped fitting body 16 to be encompassed with its lateral surface side pot walls on the outer lateral surface side by the basic body 15 , wherein the basic body 15 has a larger cross section than the pot - shaped fitting body 16 . there is thus a reduction in the cross section surrounded in the interior of the hollow - volume vessel arrangement 14 at the transition between the basic body 15 and the pot - shaped fitting body 16 . a pipe body 17 passes through the hollow - volume vessel arrangement 14 virtually over its entire axial extent . the pipe body 17 advantageously has a hollow - cylindrical basic structure with in particular a cross section in the form of a circular ring . the pipe body 17 therefore divides the volume delimited by the hollow - volume vessel arrangement 14 such that a plurality of shells within the hollow - volume vessel arrangement 14 are formed . this results in a shell 18 with a cross section in the form of a circular ring between the outer lateral surface side of the pipe body 17 and the inner lateral surface side of the hollow - volume phase conductor arrangement 14 . furthermore , a further shell 19 with a fully cylindrical cross section is produced centrally in the interior of the pipe body . the shell 18 has a larger cross section at its first end facing the second rated current contact piece 8 than at its second end facing the pot - shaped fitting body 16 . the pipe body 17 is connected at its end side flush to the pot base of the pot - shaped fitting body 16 . the pipe body 17 extends , starting from the pot base or starting from the pot - shaped fitting body 16 , through the hollow - volume vessel arrangement 14 in the direction of the second rated current contact piece 8 . the pipe body 17 is in this case designed so as to protrude into the space in cantilevered fashion , wherein the free end of the pipe body 17 is spaced apart from a pipe connecting piece 20 . a ring gap is formed between the pipe connecting piece 20 and the free end of the pipe body 17 . in this case , the pipe connecting piece 20 is formed as part of the hollow - volume vessel arrangement 14 , wherein the pipe connecting piece 20 can also be configured as a discrete assembly or else as part of the second rated current contact piece 8 . the pipe connecting piece 20 encompasses a cross section which is shaped so as to be substantially aligned with the cross section of the bush of the second rated current contact piece 8 . the arcing gas channel which develops in an arc gap passes through the second rated current contact piece 8 . the arc gap is the space in which contact - making , and isolation of the contact regions of the contact pieces 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 takes place . an arc gap is in this case arranged between the two arc contact pieces 5 , 6 . a further arc gap is arranged between the rated current contact pieces 7 , 8 . the arcing gas channel develops both in one arc gap and in the other arc gap . it is thus ensured that , in each of the arc gaps , possibly generated arcing gas can be dissipated via the same arcing gas channel . the pipe body 17 is provided with through - openings 21 , which are introduced in the lateral surface side . the through - openings 21 are distributed symmetrically over the circumference , with the result that communication between the shell 18 and the further shell 19 is enabled via the through - openings 21 . the through - openings 21 , which are in the region of the pot - shaped fitting body 16 , are oriented exclusively in one direction . a closed wall is formed on the pipe body 17 in such a way as to span the through - opening 18 in the region of the pot - shaped fitting body 16 , with an arrangement of through - openings 21 in said closed wall having been dispensed with . outlet openings 22 in the arcing gas channel are introduced into the lateral surface wall on the lateral surface side on the pot - shaped fitting body 16 . in this case , the position of the outlet openings 22 in the pot - shaped fitting body 16 is provided such that the through - openings 21 are oriented diametrically opposite the outlet openings 22 in the region of the pot - shaped fitting body 16 . outlet openings 22 and through - openings 21 are arranged offset with respect to one another . thus , the through - openings 21 are spanned on the outer lateral surface side by a wall of the hollow - volume phase conductor arrangement 14 . the outlet openings 22 , on the other hand , are spanned on the inner lateral surface side by a wall of the pipe body 17 . this ensures that , once arcing gas has passed through the through - openings 21 in a radial direction , first it crashes into a wall covering the through - opening 21 and only then is it possible , again by means of radial deflection , for there to be an emergence out of the outlet openings 22 . a plug - type contact 23 is arranged on the pot - shaped fitting body 16 . in this case , the plug - type contact 23 is screwed by means of a screw connection on the pot base of the pot - shaped fitting body 16 , wherein a first connection line 24 is connected to the plug - type contact 23 . the first connection line 24 protrudes through the first flange 2 and is used for coupling the switchgear arrangement into a switchgear assembly , for example . in order to provide dielectric shielding of the plug - type contact 23 , the plug - type contact 23 is surrounded by a shielding hood 25 . a shielding ring 26 is formed integrally on the pot - shaped fitting body 16 , which shielding ring , together with the shielding hood 25 , provides dielectric shielding of the region of the plug - type contact 23 . in addition to an end - side central arrangement of the plug - type contact 23 , the latter can also be arranged eccentrically , on the lateral surface side or in another way on the pot - shaped fitting body 16 , for example . electrical contact - making of the hollow - volume vessel arrangement 14 is provided via the plug - type contact 23 and the first connection line 24 , so that the fitting body 16 and the basic body 15 , as parts of the hollow - volume vessel arrangement 14 , act as current path for feeding an electric current to the second rated current contact piece 8 / the second arc contact piece 6 . a further plug - type contact 27 is arranged on the lateral surface side on the guide bush 10 , with a second connection line 28 being plugged into said further plug - type contact with electrical contact being made . the second connection line 28 protrudes through the second flange 3 and is used for making electrical contact with the first rated current contact piece 7 or the first arc contact piece 5 with the guide bush 10 interposed . the two connection lines 25 , 28 can for their part be supported in a manner which is electrically insulated relative to the housing 1 , wherein the interrupter unit 4 can also be positioned via the plug - type connections 23 , 27 . a dash - dotted line in the figure indicates the use of separate insulators 29 , via which the interrupter unit 4 can alternatively or additionally be supported on the housing 1 . the flange openings in the first and second flanges 2 , 3 can be sealed in a gas - tight and pressure - tight manner , for example using electrically insulating closure means , through which the connection lines 24 , 28 pass . it is thus possible to fill the interior of the housing 1 with an electrically insulating fluid , for example sulfur hexafluoride gas or nitrogen gas or mixtures with these gases . when the housing 1 is configured as a pressure - tight housing , applying excess pressure to the fluid in the interior of the housing 1 is made possible . thus , an electrically insulating fluid is flushed around the interrupter unit 4 , and the electrically insulating fluid is flushed through the interrupter unit . the electrically insulating fluid which is enclosed in the housing 1 and which surrounds the interrupter unit 4 represents the surrounding environment of the interrupter unit 4 , into which arcing gas expelled out of the outlet openings 22 is emitted . a make operation and a break operation and the arcing gas flows occurring in the process will be described by way of example below . the figure illustrates the switchgear arrangement in the break state , i . e . both the rated current contact pieces 7 , 8 and the arc contact pieces 5 , 6 are separated from one another . an insulating gap which is filled with electrically insulating fluid is formed between the switching contact pieces 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 . during a make operation , a movement of the first rated current contact piece 7 and of the first arc contact piece 5 and of the insulating nozzle 11 in the direction of the second rated current contact piece 8 is initiated . for this purpose , a shaft 30 passes through the housing 1 , with a pivot lever being fastened on said shaft . a rotary movement of the shaft 30 is converted into a linear movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis 9 via the pivot lever and a conrod 31 . the shaft 30 passes through the housing 1 in fluid - tight fashion , with the result that a drive movement can be transmitted from outside the housing 1 into the interior of the housing 1 in fluid - tight fashion . a movement of the first arc contact piece 5 and the first rated current contact piece 7 and the insulating nozzle 11 in the direction of the second rated current contact piece 8 effects a movement of the coupling rod 12 and driving of the deflecting gear mechanism 13 . as a result , the second arc contact piece 6 is driven in the direction of the first arc contact piece 5 , with the result that contact - making of the arc contact pieces 5 , 6 is performed temporally prior to contacting of the rated current contact pieces 7 , 8 . this ensures that a make arc is routed between the arc contact pieces 5 , 6 . in the event of the occurrence of a make arc , said arc is quenched directly after galvanic touching contact between the two arc contact pieces 5 , 6 . the rated current contact pieces 7 , 8 can then come into galvanic contact with one another , wherein a virtually arc - free commutation of a current from the arc contact pieces 5 , 6 onto the rated current contact pieces 7 , 8 is possible . during a break operation , a movement in the reverse direction is initiated , i . e . the first rated current contact piece 7 and the first arc contact piece 5 are moved from the second arc contact piece 6 or the second rated current contact piece 8 . first the two rated current contact pieces 7 , 8 are separated from one another . a break current can commutate virtually without any formation of arcs onto the arc contact pieces 5 , 6 , which are separated from one another temporally in succession . with the separation , striking of an arc may arise , depending on the current to be interrupted . the arc is preferably routed within the insulating nozzle channel . the arc expands electrically insulating fluid , evaporates the electrically insulating fluid , evaporates insulating material of the insulating nozzle 11 and likewise evaporates conductor material of the arc contact pieces 5 , 6 . an arcing gas is produced . the arcing gas has a lower dielectric strength than the electrically insulating fluid . owing to the expansion and thermal effect , an excess pressure arises in the arc gap . the arcing gas is driven out of the arc gap owing to this excess pressure into the arcing gas channel . in this case , the arcing gas first passes an inflow opening of the arcing gas channel in the second rated current contact piece 8 . the arcing gas is driven into the further shell 19 and will first flow in the axial direction through the pipe body 17 . the arcing gas , driven by arcing gas which flows continuously thereafter , can also overflow into the first shell 18 via the through - opening 21 and , during this flow , mixing of the inflowing contaminated arcing gases with electrically insulating fluid located within the hollow - volume vessel arrangement 14 takes place . the arcing gas in the process first flows from the first end of the hollow - volume vessel arrangement 14 to the second end of the hollow - volume vessel arrangement 14 . there , it is firstly driven out of the through - openings 21 in the region of the pot - shaped fitting body 16 in the radial direction against the spanning wall of the fitting body 16 and , from there , is deflected in the circumferential direction and then expelled through an outlet opening 22 . furthermore , this expulsion is superimposed by an axial component of the proportions of arcing gas which are already located in the first shell 18 within the hollow - volume phase conductor arrangement 14 , as a result of which the axial and radial arcing gas proportions are superimposed on one another and mixed prior to passing through the outlet openings 22 . radial components and axial components of the arcing gas flow are directed into one another prior to emergence through the outlet openings 22 , with the result that , even directly prior to passage of the arcing gas through the outlet openings 22 into the surrounding environment , additional swirling is ensured .	7
the other polyvalent metals may be any of those named in u . s . pat . no . 3 , 444 , 007 but are preferably selected from iron , cobalt and nickel . there is particular benefit in the use of chromium when cobalt is also present , preferably in combination with iron . best results are achieved when the solution contains , in addition to trivalent chromium , divalent cobalt and trivalent iron although useful results cn also be obtained if the cobalt is replaced wholly or in part by nickel . the term complexing agent is intended to be generic and include so - called chelating or sequestering agents . any suitable complexing agent or blend of complexing agents may be used . a typical complexing agent is gluconic acid but best results are generally achieved using heptonic acid . it is usually introduced in the form of a water soluble salt , especially as sodium heptonate . it may be found that if the metals are introduced only as salts with inorganic acids , e . g . nitrate , the amount of heptonate or other complexing agent needs to be rather large for best results . good results can be achieved with lesser amounts if at least one of the polyvalent metals is introduced in the form of a water soluble salt with an organic acid or if free organic acid ( as a sodium or other salt thereof ) is added to the composition . this organic acid may be a complexing agent but the preferred systems , from the point of view of cost and effectiveness , are those in which the organic acid is formic acid or acetic acid . thus one preferred process involves introducing chromium as chromium acetate or formate , with the other polyvalent metals generally being introduced as nitrate or other suitable inorganic acid salt . another involves the use of sodium formate or acetate in combination with inorganic acid salts of all the metals . although it is preferred to introduce all the polyvalent metals in the form of cations , any that can exist in the form of anions may be introduced in this state if desired . the solution must have ph above 11 , preferably above 12 , with best results generally obtained at ph 12 . 2 to 13 . 3 . although a variety of alkaline compounds can be used ( such as are mentioed in u . s . pat . no . 3 , 444 , 007 ) it is preferred to use alkali metal hydroxide , such as sodium ydroxide . the amount will be selected to give the desired ph and typically is in the range 5 to 35 g / l . the amount of complexing agent will depend on the amount of polyvalent metal in the solution during use , since the amount should be sufficient to complex substantially all polyvalent metals that are in the solution . generally it is from 0 . 05 to 10 , preferably 1 to 5 , g / l when the complexing agent is sodium heptonate . equivalent amounts of other complexing agents may be used . the total amount of polyvalent metal ion is generally in the range 0 . 3 to 3 g / l , most preferably 0 . 4 to 1 g / l . the amount of trivalent chromium is generally in the range 0 . 04 to 0 . 4 , most preferably 0 . 1 to 0 . 3 g / l . when trivalent iron is present its amount is generally from 0 . 1 to 0 . 3 and any third metal , for instance divalent cobalt , is generally present in an amount of from 0 . 15 to 0 . 4 g / l . when acetate of other organic acid salt is to be introduced it is preferably introduced as the salt of polyvalent metal that provides 15 to 60 %, preferably 20 to 40 %, by weight of the total polyvalent metal ion . alternatively the equivalent amount of free organic carboxylic acid may be introduced . the surface that is to be treated can be any of the surfaces described in u . s . pat . no . 3 , 444 , 007 . generally the zinc is present as a coating over iron ( including steel ). it may be an alloy , for instance an alloy of zinc with aluminum , generally as a coating on iron . the surface is preferably precleaned and rinsed with water before treatment . the treatment can be by any convenient technique such as dip or , preferably , spray . although the treatment temperature can be up to , for instance , 90 ° c . it is preferably below 60 ° c . and most preferably below 50 ° c . generally it is above 20 ° c . although in many processes treatment temperatures of 35 ° to 50 ° c ., typically around 45 ° c ., are preferred a particular advantage of the invention is that it is possible to obtain very good results at low temperature of 20 ° to 35 ° c ., typically around 25 ° c . the duration of the treatment is generally from 2 to 60 seconds , preferably 5 to 30 seconds . in general the dilute solutions require higher temperatures or longer treatment times . however a further advantage of the invention is that good results can be obtained using solutions that are more dilute than is required when the solution is free of trivalent chromium . the solution is generally free of hexavalent chromium and it is possible to obtain satisfactory results without giving the coated surface and a subsequent chromate or post - treatment rinse , although in some instances this is desirable , generally after rinsing the coated surface with water . the surface is eventually dried , optionally after a water rinse . the dried coating can then receive paint or other coating . as explained in u . s . pat . no . 3 , 444 , 007 if the article that is being treated also has exposed iron or steel portions it may be desirable to give the article an acidic zinc phosphate or alkali metal phosphate coating treatment after the alkaline treatment of the invention . a treatment solution suitable for spray application at 45 ° c . for 2 to 15 seconds is made by dissolving in water the following components . ______________________________________co . sup . 2 + : 0 . 2 gl . sup .- 1 - added as nitratecr . sup . 3 + : 0 . 2 gl . sup .- 1 - added as acetatefe . sup . 3 + : 0 . 15 gl . sup .- 1 - added as nitratesodium heptonate : 2 . 2 gl . sup .- 1naoh : 19 . 0 gl . sup .- 1______________________________________ a treatment solution suitable for spraying at 25 ° c . for 2 to 15 seconds is made by dissolving in water the following components . ______________________________________co . sup . 2 + : 0 . 3 gl . sup .- 1 - added as nitratecr . sup . 3 + : 0 . 15 gl . sup .- 1 - added as acetatefe . sup . 3 + : 0 . 2 gl . sup .- 1 - added as nitratesodium heptonate : 2 . 9 gl . sup .- 1naoh : 25 . 0 gl . sup .- 1______________________________________ hot dipped , galvanized steel panels having a zinc coating weight of 275 g / m 2 and normal spangle were precleaned , sprayed for 20 seconds at 45 ° c . with a solution according to example 1 , rinsed with water , rinsed in a hexavalent chromium containing rinse , and were then dried and painted with an epoxy - primer and pvf 2 finish coat . these panels were cross - scored and subjected to salt - spray testing according to astm b117 for 1000 hours . blistering size and density was recorded as in bs3900 part h1 . at the end of the test , no blistering of the paint was apparent , there was no paint removed from the score , and little white rust was produced . panels processed and tested in a similar fashion , except that the processing was in a solution where the chromium content was nil , evinced blisters of density 3 and size 3 . white rustbleed from the score had begun to spread over the face of the panels . panels were processed as in example 3 but employing the treatment composition of example 2 . upon salt spray testing for 750 hours , the test panels exhibited a creepage of 0 - 3 mm . this compares to a creepage of 0 - 5 mm for the similar composition without trivalent chromium .	2
the preferred embodiment shown in the figures is an example of an access way into a truck bed area that could be accessed from the side of the vehicle . a door 1 , or similar access way , is provided to be mounted in the sidewall of a pickup truck bed , preferably a fleet side type standard pickup bed . the door 1 could be placed in either a long bed or short bed version . a door 1 could be located on any corner or portion of bed depending on make , model , or year of truck . the access door 1 of the invention would provide access to the truck bed for numerous reasons or purposes . this may be of particular benefit to those trucks pulling fifth - wheel trailers that extend into the bed of the truck . the door 1 could be provided to match the lines and design of the existing truck body exterior surface , such that it would blend into the design of the vehicle . the door 1 could be hinged either vertically or horizontally off existing bed side walls . the top of the door 1 would preferably be flush with the top of bed and the bottom of door access area could stop at the floor of bed or continue to the bottom of the body cavity . a door handle 2 or latch mechanism would need to be added for secured closure when truck was in motion and would be able to open when needing access to bed area . the handle 2 or latch could match the existing trucks other latches or handles to give a nice uniform look or other useful latches could be used . there also could be a latch mounted to the inside of door 1 to give egress to someone exiting the bed area . the door 1 could also be equipped with standard automotive door locks 11 or even electric door locks to secure contents in bed when a truck shell topper 8 or bed cover 6 application was in use . additional simplicity for someone entering the bed of the truck would be to add a truck accessory like a extended running boards or nerf bars that would assist in stepping up into the truck bed . one possible step option is to make a step that is molded into the floor of the bed but extended down a portion to act as a step when the door 1 was opened , if the door 1 was made to open entirely to the bottom cavity of the body . the side of the truck bed where the access door 1 would be located may need to be reinforced for the support of the addition of access door hinges 3 . the doorjamb could be similar or based on the same principle of the other door jambs for entering the truck cab or tailgate . if perhaps the access door 1 would hinge horizontally , the jamb could resemble the tailgate latching system . with the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures installed in the side of a pickup truck bed , the truck would still look virtually the same as if it was not installed . the aerodynamics of the truck would have very little change or have the same effect as if not installed . the truck bed storage capacity would not be compromised by the proposed access door 1 . there appears to be no reason why any truck accessory on the market today would not still be usable for the truck bed setup proposed . with this access door 1 placed in the truck bed side it would make the truck cargo area much more versatile in what and how something could be stowed or placed within the dimensions of the bed . as shown in fig3 , the access door 1 of the invention would be particularly useful in gaining access to the pickup truck bed when using a fifth wheel trailer 5 . connection for these trailers requires some alignment , which can be seen and connected by entering into the pickup truck bed through the access door 1 , rather than climbing over the side . as shown in fig4 , when using a pickup truck bed cover 6 , the access door 1 also provides improved access to the bed area . some bed covers raise to allow access from the top , but many only allow access through the tailgate . by providing access to the front of the pickup truck bed , near the cab area , additional usage is gained . similarly , other pickup truck accessories , such as a utility rack 7 or a shell topper 8 restrict access that is improved through the present invention . the access door could also be featured with minor enhancement accessories such as : 1 . a pocket could be placed on the inside of door 1 for tools or other items . 2 . marking lights could be added to make the access door 1 visible in dark situations when open , illuminating the access door , access door frame , or ground beneath the access door . 3 . electric door locks could be added to work in conjunction with other door locks of the vehicle to make securing your cargo more convenient when bed cover 6 or truck topper 8 is in use . in installing an access door 1 into an existing pickup truck , the side wall of the pickup truck bed would be cut open to the proper size , then a door frame could be installed into the side wall . the access door 1 would then be installed with the an after - market kit with the necessary parts and information could be sold to installers . an access door 1 mounted in the side wall of a cargo bed attached to a pickup truck having conventional cab body and frame is commonly known . the cargo bed which this is referring to has two sidewalls on either side with a front wall up next to the cab and a tailgate on the rear of the bed . placement of the access door 1 is located between the fender well and the front wall of the bed with the direction of the access door 1 swinging out , away from the bed in the same manner as a cab door . when retro - fitting the placement of the access door 1 in the sidewall of a pickup truck bed it is preferred not to manipulate the stake pockets located in the top rail of the bed wall and the fender well itself , but to stay within the uniform portion of the bed side in between the critical components . placement of the access door 1 in various makes and models will differ in the dimensions used for placement of the access door 1 . the same as the door the mounting plates , hinges 3 and latches 4 will differ from the various models . as future pickup truck models continue to evolve , the dimensions for the access door 1 illustrated in the figures will change , but the overall concept of the invention will not change from the original scope . while particular element , embodiments , and applications of the present invention have been shown and described , the invention is not limited thereto because modifications may be made by those skilled in the art , particularly in light of the foregoing teaching . it is therefore contemplated by the application to cover such modifications and incorporate those features which come within the spirit and scope of the invention .	1
embodiments of the invention relate to humanized anti - il - 20 antibodies or fragments thereof . the antibodies of the invention are monoclonal antibodies generated using molecular biology techniques . fragments of these antibodies may include fab , scfv , f ( ab ′) 2 , chimeric antibodies , etc . as compared with mab 7e disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 7 , 786 , 274 , antibodies of the invention are exhibit higher affinities for il - 20 and / or lower immunogenicities when used as therapeutics . because a major limitation in the use of non - human antibodies in therapy is that these antibodies may elicit undesired immune responses , inventors of the present invention set out to design better anti - il - 20 antibodies by starting from human immunoglobulin sequences . specifically , antibodies of the invention are produced starting with human framework sequences . these human antibody framework sequences are then modified to have il - 20 binding affinities . the modifications involve changing the sequences in the complementarity - determining regions ( cdrs ). any methods known in the art may be used to produce the il - 20 binding sites , including random mutagenesis and screening , phage display and panning , or grafting of cdr sequences from known anti - il - 20 antibodies . in accordance with embodiments of the invention , for example , selected immunoglobulin sequences may be endowed with il - 20 binding affinities by incorporating cdr sequences from known anti - il - 20 antibodies , such as mab 7e . using mab 7e as an example , the following describes some specific examples for the production of antibodies having human framework sequences but containing mab 7e cdr sequences . however , one skilled in the art would appreciated that similar antibodies may be produced using cdr sequences from other anti - il - 20 antibodies . the immediate products from the cdr grafting are chimeric antibodies , which contain human framework sequences and cdr sequences from another sources ( e . g ., mouse sequences ). using the cdr grafting approach , it would be better to start with human antibody framework sequences that are homologous to the framework sequences of the antibody that will provide the cdr sequences . such homologous sequences may be identified using consensus or homology searches with a known anti - il - 20 antibody framework sequence as a query sequence . a sequence with high homology is likely to provide the same framework structures to preserve the binding affinities of the target cdr sequences . briefly , variable light ( vl ) and variable heavy ( vh ) domain framework sequences from human immunoglobulin subgroups having high homology with a target antibody ( e . g ., mab 7e ) may be identified as starting points . in accordance with embodiments of the invention , the heavy chain framework sequences may be from vh subgroup iii , and the light chain framework sequences may be from vl kappa subgroup ii ( vκ2 ). for example , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention , the vh subgroup ii sequence that is highly homologous to the framework regions of mab 7e is found to be ighv3 - 72 * 01 , and the vκ2 sequence that is highly homologous to the corresponding framework regions of mab 7e is found to be igkv2d - 29 * 02 . the sequence comparison between ighv3 - 72 * 01 and the heavy chain variable region of mab 7e is shown in fig1 , while the sequence comparison between igkv2d - 29 * 02 and the light chain variable region of mab 7e is shown in fig2 . in fig1 and fig2 , the sequence differences in the framework regions ( i . e ., non - cdr regions ) are shown as boxed residues . based on the ighv3 - 72 * 01 and the igkv2d - 29 * 02 sequences , the cdr sequences ( i . e ., cdr - 1 , cdr - 2 , and cdr - 3 ) in each of which may be converted to the corresponding cdr sequences of the target anti - il - 20 antibody ( e . g ., mab 7e ). these conversions would generate a chimeric heavy chain and a chimeric light chain shown in fig1 and fig2 , respectively . these chimeric heavy chain and light chain may be used to construct an scfv or fab fragment , using techniques known in the art . alternatively , the human framework sequences and the mouse cdr sequences may be assembled into an scfv or fv fragment in a single step using overlap pcr , as described in the following example . in yet another alternative approach , an scfv or fab fragment may be constructed first , based on the identified human framework sequences for the vh and vl regions ( e . g ., ighv3 - 72 * 01 and the igkv2d - 29 * 02 sequences ). then , such an scfv or fab fragment may then be modified into a humanized anti - il - 20 antibody , by mutating the cdr sequences in the fab fragment into known cdr sequences of a target anti - il - 20 antibody ( e . g ., mab 7e ) or to sequences substantially the same as the known cdr sequences of the target anti - il - 20 antibody . as noted above , the mutations or cdr grafting may be accomplished with any methods known in the art , for example by site directed mutagenesis or by pcr incorporation of mutated residues / fragments ( e . g ., overlap pcr ). as an example , an scfv fragment based on ighv3 - 72 * 01 as a heavy chain variable sequence and igkv2d - 29 * 02 as a light chain variable sequence and containing all six cdr sequences from mab 7e is a humanized anti - il - 20 antibody , hh12 , the heavy chain and light chain variable regions of which are shown in fig1 and fig2 , respectively . in accordance with embodiments of the invention , the initial chimeric antibodies ( such as hh12 ) may be further modified to improve their affinities for il - 20 . these modifications may be referred to as affinity maturation , which may be accomplished with techniques known in the art , such as random mutagenesis and screening , phage display and panning , etc . these affinity maturations may involve residues in the cdr regions and / or non - cdr regions . as an example , an scfv fragment , flb5m5 ( also referred to as hflb5m5 ), was obtained by affinity maturation of hh12 . flb5m5 contains three amino acid mutations in the complementarity determining regions ( cdrs ), as compared to the starting hh12 antibody or the parental mouse anti - il - 20 monoclonal antibody 7e ( mab 7e ). these three amino acid mutations are indicated with circles in fig2 . in addition , flb5m5 contains five amino acid mutations in the light - chain framework region , as compared to the amino acids of the light - chain framework region of human vκ2 . the five amino acid mutations in the framework regions are illustrated as underlined residues in fig2 . the mutations in the non - cdr regions ( i . e ., the framework regions ) may be by random mutagenesis . alternatively , one may selectively replace the amino acid residues in the framework regions that differ from the corresponding amino acids in the “ model ” mouse antibody ( e . g ., mab 7e ) with those amino acids in the original “ model ” antibody . the rationale for putting the different amino acids back to what were in the original antibody ( referred to as “ back mutation ”) is that such amino acids in the framework regions may indirectly impact the binding of the antigen due to minor conformational changes in the paratope regions . the five amino acid mutations in the framework regions in flb5m5 result from such “ back mutations .” flb5m5 represents an example of a product of affinity maturation by mutating amino acids in the light chain variable regions . one skilled in the art would appreciate that other affinity matured antibodies may be similarly obtained . even though flb5m5 is an artificially generated antibody , it was surprisingly found that it not only exhibits the binding specificity for il - 20 , but also has a better binding affinity than that of natural mab 7e . in addition , because flb5m5 contains mostly human immunoglobulin sequences , it is expected that this humanized monoclonal antibody would elicit less immune response in a human host . thus , flb5m5 and similar humanized antibodies are promising therapeutics for clinical applications . in an attempt to understand the underlying mechanism for the enhanced affinity of flb5m5 , a structure - activity relationship ( sar ) study was performed . such sar studies may be conducted using any techniques known in the art , such as alanine scanning . from such an sar study , it was found that a tyrosine residue ( y32 ) located in the light - chain variable domain cdr1 plays an important role for the increased il - 20 affinity in flb5m5 . in addition , it was found that the combination of this tyrosine with other amino acid residues mutation enhance the binding affinity . some embodiments of the present invention relate to methods for the production of humanized antibodies of the invention . a method for the production of a humanized antibody may include the steps of : ( 1 ) obtaining a sequence of a mouse monoclonal antibody ( e . g ., mab 7e ) as a model , based on which a humanized antibody is to be designed ; ( 2 ) selecting human framework donor antibody sequences based on homology with the “ model ” mouse monoclonal antibody ; and ( 3 ) replacing the sequences of the cdr regions in the framework donor antibody sequences with the corresponding cdr sequences from the mouse monoclonal antibody . in accordance with some embodiments , the method may further include : affinity maturation steps , which may include mutations of the amino acids in the cdr regions and / or replacing amino acids in the framework regions in order to enhance the antibody affinities . the mutations in the framework regions may be by replacing amino acids with those from the “ model ” mouse monoclonal antibody . for example , in preparing a humanized antibody , the amino acid sequence of a model mouse monoclonal antibody ( e . g ., mab 7e ) may be obtained from the database or determined using methods known in the art . the amino acid sequence of mab 7e may then be used to search for human germ - line v l and v h sequences with the highest degree of homology with the mab 7e framework regions . the homology search can be performed using any methods known in the art , such as blast ( basic local alignment search tool ) available at the national center for biotechnology information ( ncbi ). the search for human homologs of mab 7e found ighv3 - 72 * 01 to be the homolog for the v h of mab 7e and igkv2d - 29 * 02 to be the homolog for v l of mab 7e . the sequence alignments between mab 7e and these two sequences are shown in fig1 ( v h regions ) and fig2 ( v l regions ). in fig1 and fig2 , the amino acids in the framework regions that are different between mab 7e and the human homolog sequences ( ighv3 - 72 * 01 and igkv2d - 29 * 02 ) are shown in boxes . as can be seen from the sequence alignments , the differences in the framework regions are relatively minor , suggesting that these homolog sequences could be good candidates for antibody humanization . therefore , these two human homolog sequences are used as base sequences for the production of a humanized antibody . in one example , the cdr regions of the human homologs ( ighv3 - 72 * 01 for the v h and igkv2d - 29 * 02 for v l ) were replaced with the corresponding cdr regions of mab 7e by methods known in the art , such as by site - directed mutagenesis or by cdr grafting . cdr grafting , for example , may be accomplished by obtaining the oligonucleotide sequences of the cdr regions ( e . g ., by pcr or chemical synthesis ) followed by ligation and / or cloning into suitable vectors to join with the remaining sequences of the framework regions . the cdr replacements produced a humanized anti - il - 20 antibody , hh12 . as shown in fig1 and fig2 , hh12 contains all six cdr sequences from the mouse mab 7e , while retaining all human framework sequences . once hh12 was prepared , it was further modified to optimize the binding affinity ( i . e ., affinity maturation ) for il - 20 . in addition , further mutations may be performed to minimize its immunogenic effect in human hosts . first , the binding affinity of hh12 was optimized by mutations in the cdr regions . the mutations may be accomplished with random mutations at the selected sites ( e . g ., residues in the cdrl1 , cdrl2 , or cdrl3 ) followed by selection for the tight binders . multiple methods of introducing mutations in the cdrs are known in the art , including radiation , chemical mutagens , and error - prone pcr . after such mutations , the mutants are screened for their binding affinities . those with tighter bindings are selected and may be subjected to further runs of affinity maturations . this optimization process produced a new antibody that contains three mutations shown with circles in fig2 . the antibody with optimized cdr sequences may be further enhanced by putting some of the framework amino acids in the human sequences back to the amino acids in the mouse sequences . even though framework regions are not directly involved in antigen binding , they may indirectly impact the binding due to conformational effects . as shown in fig2 , five amino acids ( underlined in fig2 ) in the framework regions of flb5m5 were mutated back to those found in the mouse mab 7e sequences . these modifications can be performed in either order or simultaneously , i . e . modifying the framework first and then the cdrs or modifying the cdrs first and then the framework . after these mutations / optimizations , a better antibody flb5m5 was identified . in flb5m5 , five amino acids from the hh12 light - chain framework region were replaced with amino acids from the mouse monoclonal antibody 7e ( i . e ., i2f , q3v , y36l , q45k , and l46h ), and three amino acids in light - chain cdr1 and cdr2 were mutated ( i . e ., s32y , l50q , and d55n ). fig1 and fig2 summarize the alignments of the v h and v l , respectively , amino acid sequences among mab 7e , the human homologs ( ighv3 - 72 * 01 for the v h and igkv2d - 29 * 02 for v l ), hh12 , and flb5m5 . in fig2 , amino acids that differ between flb5m5 and hh12 in the cdr region are enclosed in rectangles and those in the framework regions are underlined . three mutations in the cdrs ( circled residues in the cdr regions in fig2 ) were found to be beneficial from the affinity maturation , with one mutation ( from serine to tyrosine ) in light chain cdr - 1 found to be especially beneficial . table 1 shows il - 20 binding characteristics ( k a : association rate ; k d : dissociation rate ; and k d : dissociation constant ( i . e ., inverse of affinity )) for several mutants in the cdr regions arising from affinity maturations . these binding parameters may be obtained using any methods known in the art , such as elisa or biacore binding assays described below . from the data in table 1 , it can be concluded that mutations in cdrh3 did not produce much effects in the il - 20 binding affinity . on the other hand , mutation of serine - 32 to tyrosine - 32 in cdrl1 ( i . e ., 27e position in cdrl1 ), significantly improved the il - 20 binding affinities . back mutation identified five amino acids within the light - chain framework regions of hh12 that can increase the binding affinity to il - 20 . in fig2 , these amino acids are underlined . finally , a combination of three mutations in the cdrs and five mutations within the light - chain framework region were all expressed as one humanized anti - il - 20 antibody , flb5m5 . anti - il - 20 antibodies ( e . g ., mab 7e ) have been shown to be effective in treating or preventing various il - 20 associated diseases , including osteoporosis ( u . s . pat . nos . 7 , 837 , 994 and 8 , 454 , 956 ), ischemic stroke ( u . s . pat . no . 8 , 012 , 478 ), rheumatoid arthritis ( u . s . pat . no . 7 , 786 , 274 ), etc . therefore , antibodies of the invention , which are better ( as compared to mab 7e ) anti - il - 20 antibodies , should also be effective in treating or preventing these il - 20 associated diseases or disorders . some embodiments of the invention relate to use of antibodies of the invention in treating or preventing il - 20 associated diseases or disorder , such as inflammatory diseases . in accordance with embodiments of the invention , a subject in need of treatment or prevention of an il - 20 associated disease is given a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody of the invention . the therapeutically effective amount is an amount sufficient to produce the desired clinical effects . one skilled in the art would appreciate that a pharmaceutically effective amount would depend on several factors , including patient &# 39 ; s age , weight , condition , administration route , dosage form , and the antibody . however , finding an effective amount is routine practice that does not require inventive efforts , and one skilled in the art can find such effective amounts without undue experimentation . embodiments of the invention will be further illustrated with the following examples . these specific examples are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention . one skilled in the art would appreciate that various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention . human germ - line v l and v h sequences with the highest degree of homology with the mab 7e framework regions were identified from the imgt database ( the international immunogenetics information system ®). the homology searches may be performed with blast or similar methods . the mab 7e variable region sequences used as query sequences are available from the literature , such as u . s . pat . no . 7 , 786 , 274 . human heavy chain framework sequences in the vh subgroup iii ( vh3 ) have been used in many humanized antibodies with success , and human light chain framework sequences of the vl κ subgroup ii ( vκ2 ) are also shown to be good candidates . therefore , the framework sequences of vh3 and vκ2 subgroups were selected for the search for v h and v l frameworks , respectively . these searches identified ighv3 - 72 * 01 and igkv2d - 29 * 02 , respectively , as the vh and vl sequences most homologous to the corresponding heavy chain and light chain framework sequences in mab 7e . as shown in fig1 , the sequences of ighv3 - 72 * 01 heavy chain framework regions differ from those in mab 7e by 19 amino acids ( the boxed residues ), which corresponds to a 23 . 45 % ( 19 / 81 total residues in the framework regions ) variation . as shown in fig2 , the sequences of igkv2d - 29 * 02 light chain framework regions differ from those in mab 7e by 10 amino acids ( the boxed residues ), which corresponds to a 13 . 16 % ( 10 / 76 total residues in the framework regions ) variation . even with these degrees of variations in the framework regions , an scfv ( hh12 ) generated by grafting cdr sequences from mab 7e into the ighv3 - 72 * 01 and igkv2d - 29 * 02 sequences has a relatively good affinity for il - 20 ( k d = 2 . 68 × 10 − 9 m ) ( for comparison , mab 7e , k d = 7 . 81 × 10 − 10 m ) ( see table 2 below ). these results suggest that the framework regions can tolerate a relatively high degree of variations without impacting the cdr region conformations . these two sequences , ighv3 - 72 * 01 and igkv2d - 29 * 02 , will be used as examples for the construction of humanized antibodies against 11 - 20 . however , one skilled in the art would appreciate that other similar sequences with high degrees of homologies may also be used . examples of other sequences , for example , may include human ighv3 - 66 * 04 ( fig3 ) and human igkv1 - 39 * 01 ( fig4 ). the homologies of these examples are shown in the table in fig5 . one skilled in the art would appreciate that these specific examples are for illustration only , and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention . using homology search methods and human immunoglobulin libraries to search for homologous sequences for a model antibody ( in which the framework regions will be replaced with human sequences ) involves only routine techniques and one skilled in the art would be able to identify suitable homologous sequences for the desired purposes . any similar homologous human sequences may be used . preferably , these human sequences have high homologies in frame work regions of the model antibody ( e . g ., 7e ). in addition , variant sequences ( i . e ., “ homologous variants ”) that are substantially homologous with a naturally occurring human heavy chain or light chain variable sequence may also be used . for example , the homologous variants may have 90 % or higher ( e . g ., 93 %, 95 %, 98 %, or 99 %) identities with a human heavy chain or light chain variable sequence . based on the selected human heavy chain and light chain variable region homologs ( e . g ., ighv3 - 72 * 01 and igkv2d - 29 * 02 ), an anti - il - 20 antibody or its fragments ( e . g ., scfv , fab , etc .) may be constructed by grafting known cdr sequences from a known anti - il - 20 antibody ( e . g ., mab 7e ) into the homologous human heavy chain and light chain variable sequences . the following example uses cdr sequences from mab 7e . however , one skilled in the art would appreciate that cdr sequences from any anti - il - 20 antibodies may be used . in this particular example , an scfv fragment was generated . the scfv fragment , which is referred to as hh12 , consists of complete human heavy - chain and light - chain framework sequences from ighv3 - 72 * 01 and igkv2d - 29 * 02 , respectively , and the six complete murine cdr sequences from mab 7e . in this example , the hh12 scfv construct was assembled by overlap extension pcr . first , oligonucleotides having overlap sequences were prepared . then , an equimolar mixture of the oligonucleotides ( e . g ., at a final concentration of 0 . 4 μm ) was pcr - assembled using 0 . 5 μl of pfx50 dna polymerase and 5 μl of pfx50 buffer ( invitrogen ), according to the manufacturer &# 39 ; s procedures . after the assembly of the hh12 scfv construct using overlap extension pcr , a second pcr was performed using oligonucleotide primers to incorporate 5 ′ sfii and 3 ′ noti restriction sites . this produced a full - length hh12 scfv construct with the desired restriction sites at the 5 ′ and 3 ′ ends for directional subcloning into a modified phage display vector pcantab5e ( amersham pharmacia biotech ). this vector may be used for the production of hh12 scfv . for the expression of full - length antibodies in free style 293 cells , plasmid ptcae8 . 3 was used for subcloning of the variable regions . this plasmid contains a dna fragment encoding human κ c l region and human γ c h region . for mutations in the variable regions , individual oligonucleotides were synthesized to encode the desired mutations using pcr . these oligonucleotides include sufficient overlaps for pcr priming from the hh12 template . next , the pcr products were gel - purified . then , equimolar aliquots of the purified pcr products were combined for megaprime pcr to regenerate the full - length v l ( or v h , if the mutation is in the heavy chain ). the full - length v l fragment was then subcloned into ptcae8 . 3 vector for the expression of full - length antibodies containing the desired mutations . look - through mutagenesis ( ltm ) is a multidimensional mutagenesis that allows one to simultaneously assess and optimize combinatorial mutations of selected amino acids in a target peptide segment . ltm has been successfully used to optimize cdr sequences . the mutagenesis process typically focuses on one or more cdr domains and explores the contributions , including synergistic contributions , of amino acid side chains in the antigen binding . see , rajpal et al ., “ a general method for greatly improving the affinity of antibodies by using combinatorial libraries ,” p . n . a . s ., 102 ( 24 ), pp . 8466 - 8471 , 2005 . to prepare the ltm library , individual oligonucleotides were synthesized to encode each amino acid substitution for each cdr position . each oligonucleotide contains sufficient overlaps for pcr priming from the hh12 template . pcrs containing ltm oligonucleotide mixtures corresponding to individual cdrs were used to amplify ltm - substituted cdr fragments . next , these pcr fragments were gel - purified , and equimolar aliquots of the purified fragments were combined for megaprime pcr to regenerate full - length variable regions . these full - length variable regions were inserted into the pcantab5e phagemid vector . the ligated dna ( the phagemid ) was electroporated into e . coli tg1 cells to generate a library stock . for selection of phage ( ltm ) library with biopanning , the above - described library stock of e . coli was grown to the log phase . the phage particles displaying scfv were rescued by infection with m13ko7 helper phage ( neb ) and amplified overnight in 2ytak ( 2yt containing 100 μg / ml ampicillin and 25 μg / ml kanamycin ) at 30 ° c . the phage was precipitated with peg / nacl ( 20 % peg 8000 / 2 . 5m nacl ), and then resuspended in pbs . the library was selected using biotinylated il - 20 and streptavidin - coated paramagnetic beads m280 ( dynal ), as described below . for selection of the ltm library , the biotinylated il - 20 at concentrations of 4 . 0 × 10 − 8 m , 1 . 0 × 10 − 9 m , 1 . 0 × 10 − 11 m , 1 . 0 × 10 − 12 m , and 1 . 0 × 10 − 13 m were used for selection rounds 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , and 5 , respectively . the mixture of the phages and the biotinylated il - 20 antigen was gently rotated for one hour at room temperature , and the phages bound to the biotinylatedil - 20 antigen were captured using 50 ˜ 100 μl of streptavidin - coated m280 magnetic beads for five minutes . after capture of the phages , the beads were washed a total of ten times ( 4 × pbst ( pbs containing 0 . 05 % tween 20 ), 2 × pbsm ( containing 2 % skimmed milk powder ), 4 × pbs ) using a dynal magnetic particle concentrator . the third , fourth , and fifth washes were performed in competition with 1 . 4 μm il - 20 ( non - biotinylated ). bound phages were eluted from the beads by sequential incubation with 1 ml of 100 mm triethylamine ( tea ) for 30 minutes . eluents were combined and neutralized with 0 . 5 ml of 1 m tris hcl ( ph 7 . 4 ) and half of the eluent was used to infect log phase e . coli tg1 . the bindings , capture , wash , elution , and re - infection of e . coli were repeated for the desired number of cycles . the genes encoding the v h and v l chains of hh12 and its mutants were inserted into the ptcae8 . 3 expression vector to produce scfv constructs . free style 293 cells ( invitrogen0 were transfected with the constructs . the vector was transfected into the host cells by lipofectamine 2000 in accordance with the attached instruction manual ( manufactured by invitrogen ). after the full - length scfv was purified from the pooled supernatants , competition elisa and biacore assays were used to detect and assess epitope specificities and binding affinities . from the above experiments , the mutant antibodies that can still bind to il - 20 would be identified , while mutants that lost binding affinities to il - 20 would likely not be identified . analysis of the results reveals that three mutations in hh12 light chain cdr regions produced an antibody with an enhanced binding to il - 20 . these three mutations include s32y ( in cdrl - 1 ), l50q ( in cdrl - 2 ), and d55n ( in cdrl - 2 ), which are shown as circled residues in fig2 . these results also suggest that mutations at other residues in the cdr regions probably produced antibodies with relatively lower affinities such that they were not selected by phage panning , which tends to favor the tightest binder in the phage population . therefore , it is likely that these other amino acids in the cdrs are relatively good fits for the binding interactions with il - 20 and no significant improvements can be realized by substitutions at these other locations . in addition to the three “ improved ” substitutions in the cdr regions , the best antibody , flb5m5 , identified from the phage display - biopanning process also contains five beneficial mutations in the hh12 framework regions . these five amino acids are found to have been mutated from the residues in hh12 back to the corresponding residues in mab 7e ( i . e ., back mutations ). these five amino acids are : f2 , v3 , l36 , k45 , and h46 , which are all in the light chain variable sequence , as shown in fig2 . the fact that back mutation produced better binders suggests that these residues in the framework regions contribute indirectly to the binding to il - 20 they probably contribute to the maintenance of proper conformations in the cdr regions . the antibody , flb5m5 , identified from panning of the ltm library was found to bind tighter to il - 20 ( as compared with mab 7e ), as shown in table 2 , and has a better therapeutic efficacy , as shown in fig3 . this finding ( i . e ., the humanized antibody is better than the natural antibody ) is surprising because mab 7e is a natural antibody produced by an immune system . immune systems are known for their efficiency in producing “ optimized ” antibodies to bind with antigens . therefore , humanization of an antibody is typically expected to produce a worse antibody in terms of binding with the target antigen . the heavy chain variable region sequence ( seq id no : 4 ) and the light chain variable region sequence ( seq id no : 8 ) are shown in fig1 and fig2 , respectively . an example of the entire heavy chain sequence ( including the constant regions from human immunoglobulin ) and the entire light chain sequence ( including the constant region ) are shown as seq id no : 9 and seq id no : 10 , respectively , while the corresponding polynucleotide sequences that encode the seq id no : 9 and seq id no : 10 are shown as seq is no : 11 and seq id no : 12 , respectively . the above described phage panning of ltm library can identify optimized ( i . e ., tighter binders ) antibodies . however , this phage panning approach gives only implication of the importance of certain amino acids in the cdr regions , as inferred from the lack of tighter binders when substitutions occurred at those locations . in order to positively assess the contributions of various amino acids side chains in the cdr regions to the binding of il - 20 , alanine scanning was performed to replace individual amino acids in the cdr regions with alanine . if the original amino acid side chains are important for the binding , such alanine substitutions would reduce the binding affinities . results from such an exemplary structure - activity relationship ( sar ) study are shown in fig5 . fig8 shows the binding assay results of antibodies generated by alanine substitutions . three residues in cdrh3 and cdrl3 of hh12 and flb5m5 are found to be important . specifically , w100 in cdrh3 is important because alanine substitution at this position substantially reduce the binding affinities of both antibodies ( hh12 and flb5m5 ). in cdrl3 , f94 seems to be more important than q90 . it was also found that alanine substitutions at other locations did not produce significant changes in the bindings to il - 20 . the human il - 20 - binding kinetics of each purified anti - il - 20 antibody was estimated by surface plasmon resonance measurements using the biacore t100 biosensor system . the anti - il - 20 ab was captured on an anti - human igg immobilized cm5 sensor chip . the immobilized level of anti - human igg was about 9 , 000 - 10 , 000 ru and the capture level of anti - il - 20 antibody was about 350 - 400 ru . binding was carried out at constant flow rates of 30 μl / min of il - 20 at various dilutions in hepes buffered saline ( bia certified ) for 60 seconds . dissociations were carried out by passing through hepes buffer for 480 seconds . regeneration of the surface was carried out by infecting 10 mm glycine ph 2 . 0 / 1 . 5 ( 50 : 50 ) for 40 seconds . the il - 20 affinity of each of the anti - il - 20 antibodies were calculated from an affinity binding curve fit using the predefined model ( 1 : 1 binding ) provided by biacore t100 evaluation software 2 . 0 . the binding affinity data for mab 7e , hh12 , and flb5m5 are summarized in table 2 . as can be seen from the data in table 2 , even though hh12 has a lower affinity to il - 20 than mab 7e , flb5m5 has a higher affinity ( i . e ., lower k d ) than mab 7e . the fact that an artificial antibody , flb5m5 , binds several folds tighter to il - 20 than the binding between mab 7e and il - 20 is truly unexpected . mab 7e is a natural antibody generated by a mouse immune system . by cooperative actions of various cytokines and helper cells , the immune system is known for its efficiency in producing optimized antibodies to bind with antigens . therefore , humanization of a natural antibody often produces “ less - optimal ” antibodies , i . e ., humanized antibodies typically have lower affinities than the original antibodies ( see e . g ., u . s . pat . no . 8 , 597 , 647 ). il - 20 is a pleitropic cytokine and has been shown to be involved in various inflammatory diseases and other disorders , and inhibition of il - 20 function has been shown to prevent or reduce various il - 20 associated diseases and disorder . antibodies of the present invention bind il - 20 with very high affinities . therefore , they should also be useful as therapeutics for the treatment and prevention of il - 20 associated diseases or disorders . some embodiments of the invention relate to methods for treating or preventing a disease associated with il - 20 , which for example may include an inflammatory disease ( e . g ., rheumatoid arthritis ), osteoporosis , cancer , stroke , and renal failure , estrogen deficiency ( e . g ., menopause ), androgen deficiency ( e . g ., andropause ), or cancer - induced osteolysis . a method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention may include administering to a subject in need of such treatment an effective amount of an antibody of the invention . in this example , antibodies of the invention were tested for their abilities to inhibit or reduce il - 20 induced cell proliferation . briefly , ba / f3 cells stably transfected with full - length human il - 20 receptor complexes il - 22r and il - 20r2 to produce baf - 3 ( il - 20r2 / il22r ) cells as the targets . ba / f3 cells are murine precursor b cells of early lymphoblastoid cell lineage ; they depend on il - 3 for viability and proliferation . these cells may be cultured in rpmi medium containing 10 % fetal bovine serum and 1 ng / ml il - 3 . human recombinant il - 20 can induce the proliferation of these cells . this il - 20 induced cell proliferation system can be used to assess the abilities of the antibodies of the invention to inhibit the il - 20 functions , due to their bindings to il - 20 . in the proliferation assay , baf - 3 ( il - 20r2 / il22r ) cells were seeded in the wells of microtiter plates at 10 4 cells per well in the medium without il - 3 for 2 h at 37 ° c . in a 5 % co 2 incubator . then , baf - 3 ( il - 20r2 / il22r ) cells were cultured with pre - incubated 300 pm human cytokine il20 and an increasing amount of test antibodies ( three - fold dilutions from 1000 to 0 . 15 nm ) for another 72 h . in this example , three antibodies were tested : mab 7e , flb5 , and flb5m5 . flb5 is an antibody that contains the three amino acid changes in the cdr regions shown in fig2 , as compared with hh12 . however , flb5 contains the same framework regions as those in hh12 . in other words , flb5 does not have the five “ back mutated ” amino acids in the framework regions , as compared with flb5m5 . after the incubation , alamarblue ( promega ), a colorimetric / fluorigenic growth indicator , was added to the cultures , and the cells were incubated for another 6 hrs . the microtiter plates were then read on a fluorometer with 530 nm excitation and 580 nm emission . the fluorescent readings were analyzed using sigmaplot software to find the half maximal response ( ec 50 ) for the anti - human il20 antibodies . fig6 shows results from the proliferation assay . as shown in fig6 , antibody flb5 is as good as or slightly better than mab 7e in inhibiting il - 20 - induced proliferation , while flb5m5 is significantly better than mab 7e . the fact that a modified antibody has a tighter binding than a naturally produced antibody is unexpected . the ec 50 values of flb5m5 as compared with that of mab 7e are shown in table 3 . these data show that flb5m5 is several times better than mab 7e in inhibiting il - 20 - induced cell proliferation . again , the fact that this artificially created antibody is more effective than the natural antibody mab 7e is unexpected . as noted above , il - 20 is involved in imflammatory diseases and antibodies against il - 20 have been shown to be effective in reducing the inflammatory diseases such as theumatoid arthritis . antibodies of the invention should also be useful in treating arthritis . this was test using a collagen - induced arthritis model in rats . in this animal model , six - week - old male sprague - dawley ( sd ) rats were immunized with type ii collagen on day 0 and day 7 to induce arthritis . for example , the rats were immunized with an emulsion containing equal parts of freund &# 39 ; s complete adjuvant , 4 mg / ml of heat - killed mycobacterium tuberculosis and bovine type ii collagen solubilized at 2 mg / ml in 0 . 05 m acetic acid . each rat was injected intradermally in its dorsum with 200 μl of the emulsion on day 0 . on day 7 , the rat received a booster dose subcutaneously in the base of its tail with 100 μl of the same emulsion . rats injected with buffers without the collagen ( blank ) were as a negative control ( no arthritis ). after the onset of arthritis , which typically occurs on day 10 - 13 , the treatments were started . rats were administrated twice per week for a total of three injections — i . e ., animals of all treatment groups received a single bolus subcutaneous injection in the back on days 10 , 14 , and 18 . the treatments were conducted at doses of 1 mg / kg ( mpg ), 3 mg / kg , and 9 mg / kg of antibody , hflb5m5 . embrel ( at 6 mg / kg ) was used as a positive treatment control . the body weight ( fig4 c ), hind - paws thickness ( pth ) ( fig4 b and arthritic score ( as ) ( fig4 a ) were assessed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacies at three doses of the antibody . fig7 a shows results of the tests , as assessed with the arthritis scores ( as ). as shown in fig7 a , administration of flb5m5 produced substantial reductions in the as , indicating that this antibody is effective in reducing the symptoms of arthritis . the flb5m5 antibody is effective in reducing the as even at 1 mg / kg , while at 3 mg / kg and 9 mg / kg , this antibody produced effects similar to the positive control ( embrel at 6 mg / kg ). these results clearly show that flb5m5 can be used to treat or prevent arthritis . fig7 b shows results of hind - paw thickness assays . as shown in fig7 b , administration of flb5m5 produced substantial reductions in hind - paw thickness , indicating that this antibody is effective in reducing the symptoms of arthritis . the flb5m5 antibody is effective in reducing hind - paw thickness even at 1 mg / kg , while at 3 mg / kg and 9 mg / kg , this antibody produced effects similar to the positive control ( embrel at 6 mg / kg ). these results clearly show that flb5m5 can be used to treat or prevent arthritis . fig7 c shows results of body weight assays . as shown in fig7 c , administration of flb5m5 produced substantial reductions in body weight , indicating that this antibody is effective in reducing the symptoms of arthritis . the flb5m5 antibody is effective in reducing body weight even at 1 mg / kg , while at 3 mg / kg and 9 mg / kg , this antibody produced effects similar to the positive control ( embrel at 6 mg / kg ). these results clearly show that flb5m5 can be used to treat or prevent arthritis . in addition to arthritis , antibodies against il - 20 are effective in the treatments of diseases associated with the il - 20 mediated signaling pathway including , but are not limited to osteoporosis , rheumatoid arthritis , cancer , stroke , or renal failure . in accordance with embodiments of the invention , the diseases may include osteoporosis , which can be caused by an inflammatory disease ( e . g ., rheumatoid arthritis ), osteoporosis , cancer , stroke , and renal failure , estrogen deficiency ( e . g ., menopause ), androgen deficiency ( e . g ., andropause ), or cancer - induced osteolysis . that anti - il - 20 antibodies can be used to treat these diseases is known in the art , see e . g ., u . s . pat . no . 8 , 597 , 647 , issued to chang et al . while the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments , those skilled in the art , having benefit of this disclosure , will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein . accordingly , the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims .	2
the following examples are each directed to a zoom lens that is used as an interchangeable lens attached to a quick - return mirror - free camera body and capable of taking moving images : a wide - angle , high - zooming zoom lens having a focal length of about 24 to 28 mm at the wide - angle end as calculated on a 35 mm image plane basis and a zoom ratio of about 5 to 10 . the zoom lenses of examples 1 to 7 are now explained with reference to the accompanying drawings . fig2 to 8 are sectional views of the zoom lenses of examples 1 to 7 as taken apart along the optical axis . in each drawing , ( a ), ( b ) and ( c ) are indicative of the wide - angle end ( we ), the intermediate setting ( st ) and the telephoto end ( te ), respectively . fig2 is illustrative in section of the zoom lens of example 1 . more specifically , example 1 is directed to a wide - angle , high - zooming zoom lens having a focal length of 24 mm at the wide - angle end as calculated on a 35 mm image plane basis and a zoom ratio of about 5 . as shown in fig2 , the zoom lens of example 1 is built up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a first lens group g 1 of positive refracting power , a second lens group g 2 of negative refracting power , a third lens group g 3 of positive refracting power , a fourth lens group g 4 of negative refracting power and a fifth lens group g 5 of positive refracting power . in fig2 , s , i and c stand for an aperture stop , an image plane and a cover glass , respectively . the first lens group g 1 is made up of a cemented lens su 11 of , in order from the object side to the image side , a negative meniscus lens l 11 convex on its object side and a positive meniscus lens l 12 convex on its object side . the second lens group g 2 is made up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a negative meniscus lens l 21 convex on its object side , a cemented lens su 21 of a double - concave negative lens l 22 and a double - convex positive lens l 23 , and a double - convex positive lens l 24 . the third lens group g 3 is made up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a double - convex positive lens l 31 and a cemented lens su 31 of a double - convex positive lens l 32 , a double - concave negative lens l 33 and a double - convex positive lens l 34 . the fourth lens group g 4 is made up of a cemented lens su 41 of a double - concave negative lens l 41 and a positive meniscus lens l 42 convex on its object side . the fifth lens group g 5 is made up of a double - convex positive lens l 51 . how the zoom lens of example 1 operates is now explained . during zooming operation , the first lens group g 1 , the aperture stop s and the fifth lens group g 5 remain fixed , and the second lens group g 2 , the third lens group g 3 and the fourth lens group g 4 move independently . upon zooming from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the second lens group g 2 moves to the image side with a widening of the separation between it and the first lens group g 1 and a narrowing of the separation between it and the aperture stop s . upon zooming from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the third lens group g 3 moves to the object side with a narrowing of the separation between it and the aperture stop s and a widening of the separation between it and the fourth lens group g 4 . upon zooming from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the fourth lens group g 4 moves to the object side with a widening of the separation between it and the third lens group g 3 and a widening of the separation between it and the fifth lens group g 5 . focusing operation , and wobbling operation runs at the fourth lens group g 4 . upon focusing from infinity to a near distance , the fourth lens group g 4 moves to the image side . seven aspheric surfaces are applied : two to both surfaces r 9 and r 10 of the double - convex positive lens l 24 in the second lens group g 2 , two to both surfaces r 12 and r 13 of the double - convex positive lens l 31 in the third lens group g 3 , one to the image - side surface r 17 of the double - convex positive lens l 34 in the cemented lens su 31 in the third lens group g 3 , and two to both surfaces r 21 and r 22 of the double - convex positive lens l 51 forming the fifth lens group g 5 . fig3 is illustrative in section of the zoom lens of example 2 . more specifically , example 2 is directed to a wide - angle , high - zooming zoom lens having a focal length of 24 mm at the wide - angle end as calculated on a 35 mm image plane basis and a zoom ratio of about 5 . as shown in fig3 , the zoom lens of example 2 is built up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a first lens group g 1 of positive refracting power , a second lens group g 2 of negative refracting power , a third lens group g 3 of positive refracting power , a fourth lens group g 4 of negative refracting power and a fifth lens group g 5 of positive refracting power . in fig3 , s , i and c stand for an aperture stop , an image plane and a cover glass , respectively . the first lens group g 1 is made up of , in order from the objet side to the image side , a cemented lens su 11 of a negative meniscus lens l 11 convex on its object side and a positive meniscus lens l 12 convex on its object side , and a positive meniscus lens l 13 convex on its object side . the second lens group g 2 is made up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a negative meniscus lens l 21 convex on its object side , a cemented lens su 21 of a double - concave negative lens l 22 and a double - convex positive lens l 23 , and a double - convex positive lens l 24 . the third lens group g 3 is made up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a double - convex positive lens l 31 and a cemented lens su 31 of a double - convex positive lens l 32 , a double - concave negative lens l 33 and a double - convex positive lens l 34 . the fourth lens group g 4 is made up of a cemented lens su 41 of a double - concave negative lens l 41 and a positive meniscus lens l 42 convex on its object side . the fifth lens group g 5 is made up of a double - convex positive lens l 51 . how the zoom lens of example 2 operates is now explained . during zoom operation , the first lens group g 1 , the aperture stop s , and the fifth lens group g 5 remains fixed , and the second lens group g 2 , the third lens group g 3 and the fourth lens group g 4 move independently . upon zooming from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the second lens group g 2 moves to the image side with a widening of the separation between it and the first lens group g 1 and a narrowing of the separation between it and the aperture stop s . from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the third lens group g 3 moves to the object side with a narrowing of the separation between it and the aperture stop s and a widening of the separation between it and the fourth lens group g 4 . from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the fourth lens group g 4 moves to the object side with a widening of the separation between it and the third lens group g 3 and a widening of the separation between it and the fifth lens group g 5 . focusing operation , and wobbling operation runs at the fourth lens group g 4 . upon focusing from infinity to a near distance , the fourth lens group g 4 moves to the image side . seven aspheric surfaces are applied : two to both surfaces r 11 and r 12 of the double - convex positive lens l 24 in the second lens group g 2 , two to both surfaces r 14 and r 15 of the double - convex positive lens l 31 in the third lens group g 3 , one to the image - side surface r 19 of the image - side surface of the double - convex positive lens l 34 in the cemented lens su 31 in the third lens group g 3 , and two to both surfaces r 23 and r 24 of the double - convex positive lens l 51 forming the fifth lens group g 5 . fig4 is illustrative in section of the zoom lens of example 3 . more specifically , example 3 is directed to a wide - angle , high - zooming zoom lens having a focal length of 24 mm at the wide - angle end as calculated on a 35 mm image plane basis and a zoom ratio of about 6 . as shown in fig4 , the zoom lens of example 3 is built up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a first lens group g 1 of positive refracting power , a second lens group g 2 of negative refracting power , a third lens group g 3 of positive refracting power , a fourth lens group g 4 of negative refracting power and a fifth lens group g 5 of positive refracting power . in fig4 , s , i and c stand for an aperture stop , an image plane and a cover glass , respectively . the first lens group g 1 is made up of , in order from the objet side to the image side , a cemented lens su 11 of a negative meniscus lens l 11 convex on its object side and a positive meniscus lens l 12 convex on its object side , and a positive meniscus lens l 13 convex on its object side . the second lens group g 2 is made up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a negative meniscus lens l 21 convex on its object side , a cemented lens su 21 of a double - concave negative lens l 22 and a double - convex positive lens l 23 , and a positive meniscus lens l 24 convex on its image side . the third lens group g 3 is made up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a double - convex positive lens l 31 , a cemented lens su 31 of a double - convex positive lens l 32 and a double - concave negative lens l 33 , and a cemented lens su 32 of a negative meniscus lens l 34 convex on its object side and a double - convex positive lens l 35 . the fourth lens group g 4 is made up of a cemented lens su 41 of a negative meniscus lens l 41 convex on its object side and a positive meniscus lens l 42 convex on its object side . the fifth lens group g 5 is made up of a double - convex positive lens l 51 . how the zoom lens of example 3 operates is now explained . during zoom operation , the first lens group g 1 , the aperture stop s , and the fifth lens group g 5 remains fixed , and the second lens group g 2 , the third lens group g 3 and the fourth lens group g 4 move independently . upon zooming from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the second lens group g 2 moves to the image side with a widening of the separation between it and the first lens group g 1 and a narrowing of the separation between it and the aperture stop s . from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the third lens group g 3 moves to the object side with a narrowing of the separation between it and the aperture stop s and a widening of the separation between it and the fourth lens group g 4 . from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the fourth lens group g 4 moves to the object side with a widening of the separation between it and the third lens group g 3 and a widening of the separation between it and the fifth lens group g 5 . focusing operation , and wobbling operation runs at the fourth lens group g 4 . upon focusing from infinity to a near distance , the fourth lens group g 4 moves to the image side . eight aspheric surfaces are applied : one to the image - side surface r 7 of the negative meniscus lens l 21 in the second lens group g 2 , two to both surfaces r 12 and r 13 of the positive meniscus lens l 24 in the second lens group g 2 , two to both surfaces r 15 and r 16 of the double - convex positive lens l 31 in the third lens group g 3 , one to the image - side surface r 22 of the double - convex positive lens l 35 in the cemented lens su 32 in the third lens group g 3 , and two to both surfaces r 26 and r 27 of the double - convex positive lens l 51 forming the fifth lens group g 5 . fig5 is illustrative in section of the zoom lens of example 4 . more specifically , example 4 is directed to a wide - angle , high - zooming zoom lens having a focal length of 24 mm at the wide - angle end as calculated on a 35 mm image plane basis and a zoom ratio of about 7 . as shown in fig5 , the zoom lens of example 4 is built up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a first lens group g 1 of positive refracting power , a second lens group g 2 of negative refracting power , a third lens group g 3 of positive refracting power , a fourth lens group g 4 of negative refracting power and a fifth lens group g 5 of positive refracting power . in fig5 , s , i and c stand for an aperture stop , an image plane and a cover glass , respectively . the first lens group g 1 is made up of a cemented lens su 11 of , in order from the object side to the telephoto end , a negative meniscus lens l 11 convex on its object side and a positive meniscus lens l 12 convex on its object side . the second lens group g 2 is made up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a negative meniscus lens l 21 convex on its object side , a cemented lens su 21 of a double - concave negative lens l 22 and a double - convex positive lens l 23 , and a positive meniscus lens l 24 convex on its object side . the third lens group g 3 is made up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a double - convex positive lens l 31 and a cemented lens su 31 of a double - convex positive lens l 32 , a double - concave negative lens l 33 and a double - convex positive lens l 34 . the fourth lens group g 4 is made up of a cemented lens su 41 of a positive meniscus lens l 41 convex on its image side and a double - concave negative lens l 42 . the fifth lens group g 5 is made up of a double - convex positive lens l 51 and a double - concave negative lens l 52 . how the zoom lens of example 4 operates is now explained . during zoom operation , the first lens group g 1 , the aperture stop s , and the fifth lens group g 5 remains fixed , and the second lens group g 2 , the third lens group g 3 and the fourth lens group g 4 move independently . upon zooming from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the second lens group g 2 moves to the image side with a widening of the separation between it and the first lens group g 1 and a narrowing of the separation between it and the aperture stop s . from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the third lens group g 3 moves to the object side with a narrowing of the separation between it and the aperture stop s and a widening of the separation between it and the fourth lens group g 4 . from the wide - angle end to the intermediate setting , the fourth lens group g 4 moves to the object side with a widening of the separation between it and the third lens group g 3 and a widening of the separation between it and the fifth lens group g 5 , and from the intermediate setting to the telephoto end , moves to the image side with a widening of the separation between it and the third lens group g 3 and a narrowing of the separation between it and the fifth lens group g 5 . focusing operation , and wobbling operation runs at the fourth lens group g 4 . upon focusing from infinity to a near distance , the fourth lens group g 4 moves to the image side . eight aspheric surfaces are applied : two to both surfaces r 9 and r 10 of the positive meniscus lens l 24 in the second lens group g 2 , two to both surfaces r 12 and r 13 of the double - convex positive lens l 34 in and on the most image side of the cemented lens su 31 in the third lens group g 3 , one to the image - side surface r 17 of the image - side double - convex lens l 34 in the su 31 in the third lens group g 3 , one to the image - side surface r 20 of the double - concave negative lens l 42 of the cemented lens su 41 in the fourth lens group g 4 , and two to both surfaces r 21 and r 22 of the double - convex positive lens l 51 in the fifth lens group g 5 . fig6 is a sectional view of the zoom lens of example 5 . more specifically , example 5 is directed to a wide - angle , high - zooming zoom lens having a focal length of 24 mm at the wide - angle end as calculated on a 35 mm image plane basis and a zoom ratio of about 8 . as shown in fig6 , the zoom lens of example 5 is built up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a first lens group g 1 of positive refracting power , a second lens group g 2 of negative refracting power , a third lens group g 3 of positive refracting power , a fourth lens group g 4 of negative refracting power and a fifth lens group g 5 of positive refracting power . in fig6 , s , and c stand for an aperture stop , an image plane and a cover glass , respectively . the first lens group g 1 is made up of , in order from the objet side to the image side , a cemented lens su 11 of a negative meniscus lens l 11 convex on its object side and a positive meniscus lens l 12 convex on its object side . the second lens group g 2 is made up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a negative meniscus lens l 21 convex on its object side , a cemented lens su 21 of a double - concave negative lens l 22 and a double - convex positive lens l 23 , and a positive meniscus lens l 24 convex on its object side . the third lens group g 3 is made up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a double - convex positive lens l 31 , a double - convex positive lens l 32 and a cemented lens su 31 of a double - concave negative lens l 33 and a double - convex positive lens l 34 . the fourth lens group g 4 is made up of a cemented lens su 41 of a positive meniscus lens l 41 convex on its image side and a double - concave negative lens l 42 . the fifth lens group g 5 is made up of a double - convex positive lens l 51 and a double - concave negative lens l 52 . how the zoom lens of example 5 operates is now explained . during zoom operation , the first lens group g 1 , the aperture stop s , and the fifth lens group g 5 remains fixed , and the second lens group g 2 , the third lens group g 3 and the fourth lens group g 4 move independently . upon zooming from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the second lens group g 2 moves to the image side with a widening of the separation between it and the first lens group g 1 and a narrowing of the separation between it and the aperture stop s . from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the third lens group g 3 moves to the object side with a narrowing of the separation between it and the aperture stop s and a widening of the separation between it and the fourth lens group g 4 . from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the fourth lens group g 4 moves to the object side with a widening of the separation between it and the third lens group g 3 and a widening of the separation between it and the fifth lens group g 5 . focusing operation , and wobbling operation runs at the fourth lens group g 4 . upon focusing from infinity to a near distance , the fourth lens group g 4 moves to the image side . eight aspheric surfaces are applied : two to both surfaces r 9 and r 10 of the positive meniscus lens l 24 in the second lens group g 2 , two to both surfaces r 12 and r 13 of the double - convex positive lens l 31 in and on the most image side of the cemented lens su 31 in the third lens group g 3 , one to the image - side surface r 18 of the double - convex positive lens of the double - convex positive lens l 34 in and on the most image side of the cemented lens su 31 in the third lens group g 3 , one to the image - side surface r 21 of the double - concave negative lens l 42 in the cemented lens su 41 in the fourth lens group g 4 , and two to both surfaces r 22 and r 23 of the double - convex positive lens l 51 in the fifth lens group g 5 . fig7 is a sectional view of the zoom lens of example 6 . more specifically , example 6 is directed to a wide - angle , high - zooming zoom lens having a focal length of 24 mm at the wide - angle end as calculated on a 35 mm image plane basis and a zoom ratio of about 10 . as shown in fig7 , the zoom lens of example 6 is built up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a first lens group g 1 of positive refracting power , a second lens group g 2 of negative refracting power , a third lens group g 3 of positive refracting power , a fourth lens group g 4 of negative refracting power and a fifth lens group g 5 of positive refracting power . in fig7 , s , i and c stand for an aperture stop , an image plane and a cover glass , respectively . the first lens group g 1 is made up of a cemented lens su 11 of , in order from the object side to the telephoto end , a negative meniscus lens l 11 convex on its object side and a positive meniscus lens l 12 convex on its object side . the second lens group g 2 is made up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a negative meniscus lens l 21 convex on its object side , a double - concave negative lens l 22 and a cemented lens su 21 of a double - convex positive lens l 22 and a negative meniscus lens l 24 convex on its image side . the third lens group g 3 is made up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a double - convex positive lens l 31 and a cemented lens su 31 of a double - convex positive lens l 32 , a double - concave negative lens l 33 and a double - convex positive lens l 34 . the fourth lens group g 4 is made up of a cemented lens su 41 of a negative meniscus lens l 41 convex on its object side and a positive meniscus lens l 42 convex on its object side . the firth lens group g 5 is made up of a double - convex positive lens l 51 . how the zoom lens of example 6 operates is now explained . during zoom operation , the first lens group g 1 , the aperture stop s , and the fifth lens group g 5 remains fixed , and the second lens group g 2 , the third lens group g 3 and the fourth lens group g 4 move independently . upon zooming from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the second lens group g 2 moves to the image side with a widening of the separation between it and the first lens group g 1 and a narrowing of the separation between it and the aperture stop s . from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the third lens group g 3 moves to the object side with a narrowing of the separation between it and the aperture stop s and a widening of the separation between it and the fourth lens group g 4 . from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the fourth lens group g 4 moves to the object side with a widening of the separation between it and the third lens group g 3 and a widening of the separation between it and the fifth lens group g 5 . focusing operation , and wobbling operation runs at the fourth lens group g 4 . upon focusing from infinity to a near distance , the fourth lens group g 4 moves to the image side . seven aspheric surfaces are applied : two to both surfaces r 6 and r 7 of the double - concave negative lens l 22 in the second lens group g 2 , two to both surfaces r 13 and r 14 of the double - convex positive lens l 31 in and on the most object side of the third lens group g 3 , one to the image - side surface r 18 of the double - convex positive lens l 34 in and on the most image side of the cemented lens su 31 in the third lens group g 3 , and two to both surfaces r 22 and r 23 of the double - convex positive lens l 51 forming the fifth lens group g 5 . fig8 is a sectional view of the zoom lens of example 7 . more specifically , example 7 is directed to a wide - angle , high - zooming zoom lens having a focal length of 28 mm at the wide - angle end as calculated on a 35 mm image plane basis and a zoom ratio of about 5 . as shown in fig8 , the zoom lens of example 7 is built up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a first lens group g 1 of positive refracting power , a second lens group g 2 of negative refracting power , a third lens group g 3 of positive refracting power , a fourth lens group g 4 of negative refracting power and a fifth lens group g 5 of positive refracting power . in fig8 , s , i and c stand for an aperture stop , an image plane and a cover glass , respectively . the first lens group g 1 is made up of a cemented lens su 11 of , in order from the object side to the telephoto end , a negative meniscus lens l 11 convex on its object side and a positive meniscus lens l 12 convex on its object side . the second lens group g 2 is made up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a negative meniscus lens l 21 convex on its object side , a cemented lens su 21 of a double - concave negative lens l 22 and a double - convex positive lens l 23 , and a positive meniscus lens l 24 convex on its object side . the third lens group g 3 is made up of , in order from the object side to the image side , a double - convex positive lens l 31 , a cemented lens su 31 of a double - convex positive lens l 32 and a double - concave negative lens l 33 , and a cemented lens su 32 of a negative meniscus lens l 34 convex on its object side and a double - convex positive lens l 35 . the fourth lens group g 4 is made up of a cemented lens su 41 of a negative meniscus lens l 41 convex on its object side and a positive meniscus lens l 42 convex on its object side . the firth lens group g 5 is made up of a positive meniscus lens l 51 convex on its object side . how the zoom lens of example 7 operates is now explained . during zoom operation , the first lens group g 1 , the aperture stop s , and the fifth lens group g 5 remains fixed , and the second lens group g 2 , the third lens group g 3 and the fourth lens group g 4 move independently . upon zooming from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the second lens group g 2 moves to the image side with a widening of the separation between it and the first lens group g 1 and a narrowing of the separation between it and the aperture stop s . from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the third lens group g 3 moves to the object side with a narrowing of the separation between it and the aperture stop s and a widening of the separation between it and the fourth lens group g 4 . from the wide - angle end to the telephoto end , the fourth lens group g 4 moves to the object side with a widening of the separation between it and the third lens group g 3 and a widening of the separation between it and the fifth lens group g 5 . focusing operation , and wobbling operation runs at the fourth lens group g 4 . upon focusing from infinity to a near distance , the fourth lens group g 4 moves to the image side . five aspheric surfaces are applied : two to both surfaces r 9 and r 10 of the positive meniscus lens l 24 in the second lens group g 2 , two to both surfaces r 12 and r 13 of the double - convex positive lens l 31 in and on the most object side of the third lens group g 3 , and one to the image - side surface r 19 of the double - convex positive lens l 34 in the image - side cemented lens su 32 in the third lens group g 3 . set out below are a variety of numeral data on examples 1 to 7 ( surface data , aspheric data , variable separation data , data set 1 , data set 2 ). the surface data include , for each surface no ., the radius r of curvature and surface separation d of the lens surface ( optical surface ), the d - line ( 587 . 6 nm ) refractive index nd of the lens ( optical medium ), and the d - line abbe constant νd of the lens ( optical medium ). the radius r of curvature , and the surface separation d is given in mm . of the surface data , “∞” attached to the radius of curvature means infinity . referring to aspheric data , data about the aspheric lens surfaces are given in the surface data . suppose here that x is an optical axis provided that the direction of travel of light is taken as positive , and y is the direction orthogonal to the optical axis . then the aspheric shape is represented by the following formula : x =( y 2 / r )/{ 1 +{ 1 −( 1 + k )·( y / r ) 2 } 1 / 2 }+ a 4 y 4 + a 6 y 6 + a 8 y 8 + a 10 y 10 in that formula , r is the paraxial radius of curvature , k is the conic coefficient , and a4 , a6 , a8 and a10 are the 4 th -, 6 th -, 8 th - and 10 th - order aspheric coefficients . it is here noted that the capital “ e ” indicates that the following numerical value is a power exponent with 10 as base ; for instance , “ 1 . 0e - 5 ” means “ 1 . 0 × 10 − 5 ”. data set 1 includes various zoom data at the wide - angle end ( we ), in the intermediate setting ( st ) and at the telephoto end ( te ). the zoom data include focal lengths , f - numbers ( fno ), angles of view ( 2ω ), image heights , back focuses ( bf ), and variable surface separations d , and data set 2 includes focal lengths f1 to f5 of the first to fifth lens groups . k = − 0 . 209 , a4 = 1 . 28579e − 05 , a6 = 6 . 33708e − 08 , a8 = 9 . 42400e − 10 , a10 = − 4 . 73717e − 13 k = 0 . 000 , a4 = − 4 . 46566e − 06 , a6 = 1 . 16292e − 07 , a8 = − 6 . 99502e − 09 , a10 = 2 . 78931e − 11 k = 0 . 000 , a4 = − 1 . 95000e − 05 , a6 = 3 . 33135e − 08 , a8 = − 4 . 19987e − 09 , a10 = 1 . 82943e − 11 k = 0 . 000 , a4 = 2 . 14836e − 06 , a6 = 5 . 12283e − 08 , a8 = 3 . 70343e − 10 , a10 = 1 . 14231e − 11 k = 0 . 000 , a4 = 1 . 12620e − 05 , a6 = 3 . 57185e − 08 , a8 = − 1 . 27090e − 09 , a10 = 2 . 71225e − 11 k = 0 . 000 , a4 = 8 . 85246e − 05 , a6 = 5 . 51461e − 07 , a8 = − 4 . 27979e − 10 , a10 = 1 . 16911e − 11 k = 0 . 000 , a4 = 1 . 10749e − 05 , a6 = 2 . 96257e − 07 , a8 = 1 . 27906e − 09 , a10 = 2 . 5319e − 12 k = 0 . 000 , a4 = 1 . 42208e − 05 , a6 = 1 . 11588e − 07 , a8 = 1 . 91604e − 09 , a10 = 1 . 67268e − 11 fig9 , 11 , 13 , 15 , 17 , 19 and 21 are sets of aberration diagrams for examples 1 to 7 on an infinite object point ( a ) at the wide - angle end ( we ), ( b ) in the intermediate setting ( st ), and ( c ) at the telephoto end ( te ), respectively , and fig1 , 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 20 and 22 are sets of aberration diagrams for examples 1 to 7 in a near object distance ( a ) at the wide - angle end ( we ), ( b ) in the intermediate setting ( st ), and ( c ) at the telephoto end ( te ), respectively . specifically , fig1 and 12 are sets of aberration diagrams for examples 1 and 2 in an object distance of 0 . 35 m . fig1 is a set of aberration diagrams for example 3 in an object distance of 0 . 35 m . fig1 is a set of aberration diagrams for example 4 in an object distance of 0 . 4 m . fig1 is a set of aberration diagrams for example 5 in an object distance of 0 . 45 m . fig2 is a set of aberration diagrams for example 6 in an object distance of 0 . 5 m . fig2 is a set of aberration diagrams for example 7 in an object distance of 0 . 3 m . in those aberration diagrams , sa , as , dt and cc stand for spherical aberrations , astigmatism , distortion and chromatic aberration of magnification , respectively . given are spherical aberrations sa at the respective wavelengths of 587 . 6 mm ( d - line : a solid line ), 435 . 8 nm ( g - line : a broken line ) and 656 . 3 nm ( c - line : a dotted line ), and chromatic aberration of magnification cc at the respective wavelengths of 435 . 8 nm ( g - line : a broken line ) and 656 . 3 nm ( c - line : a dotted line ) on a d - line basis . astigmatisms dt are given with the sagittal image plane as a solid line and the meridional image plane as a broken line . note here that fno and fiy are indicative of an f - number and the maximum image height , respectively . tabulated below are the values of conditions ( 1a ) to ( 7a ) and ( aa ) in examples 1 to 7 . tabulated below are also the values of conditions ( 1b ) to ( 11b ) in examples 1 to 7 . fig2 is a sectional view of a single - lens mirrorless camera that is one example of the imaging apparatus that uses the zoom lens according to a specific embodiment of the invention and incorporates a small - format ccd , cmos or the like as an imaging device . in fig2 , reference numeral 1 is a single - lens mirrorless camera ; 2 is an imaging lens system located within a lens barrel ; and 3 is a lens barrel mount for making the imaging lens system 2 attachable to or detachable from the single - lens mirrorless camera 1 . for that lens mount , for instance , a screw or bayonet type mount may be used . the bayonet type mount is here used . reference numerals 4 and 5 are an imaging device plane and a back monitor , respectively . as the imaging lens system 2 in the thus assembled single - lens mirrorless camera 1 , for instance , the zoom lenses of examples 1 to 7 that embody the present invention may be used . fig2 and 25 are illustrative in conception of the inventive imaging apparatus in which the zoom lens is built in an image - taking optical system 41 . more specifically , fig2 is a front perspective view of the outside configuration of a digital camera 40 as the imaging apparatus , and fig2 is a rear view of the same . in this embodiment , the digital camera 40 includes an image - taking optical system 41 positioned on a taking optical path 42 , a shutter button 45 , a liquid crystal display monitor 47 , and so on . as the shutter button 45 located on the upper portion of the camera 40 is pressed down , it causes images to be taken through the image - taking optical system 41 , for instance , the zoom lens of example 1 . an object image formed through the image - taking optical system 41 is formed on the imaging device ( photoelectric transformation plane ) located in the vicinity of the imaging plane . the object image received on the imaging device is displayed as an electronic image on the liquid crystal display monitor 47 located on the back of the camera via processing means . the taken electronic images may be recorded in recording means . fig2 is a block diagram for the internal circuitry in the main part of the digital camera 40 . in what follows , the aforesaid processing means shown by 51 is made up of , typically , a cds / adc block 24 , a temporary storage memory 17 , and an image processing block 18 , and a storage means 52 is made up of , typically , a storage medium block . as shown in fig2 , the digital camera 40 includes an operating block 12 , a control block 13 connected to the operating block 12 , an imaging drive circuit 16 and a temporal storage memory 17 connected to the control signal output port of the control block 13 via buses 14 and 15 , an image processing block 18 , a storage medium block 19 , a display block 20 , and a preset information storage memory block 21 . the temporal storage memory 17 , image processing block 18 , storage medium block 19 , display block 20 and preset storage memory block 21 are designed such that data are mutually entered in or produced out of them via a bus 22 , and the imaging drive circuit 16 is connected with the ccd 49 and cds / adc block 24 . the operating block 12 is a circuit including various input buttons and switches , through which event information entered ( by a camera operator ) from outside is notified to the control block . the control block 13 is a central computing unit that is made up of typically a cpu and has a built - in program memory ( not shown ): it is a circuit that , according to the program loaded in that program memory , receives commands entered by the camera operator via the operating block 12 to have control over the digital camera 40 . the ccd 49 is an imaging device that is driven and controlled by the imaging drive circuit 16 , and converts or transforms light quantity per pixel of the object image formed through the imaging optical system 41 into electrical signals that are in turn sent out to the cds / adc block 24 . the cds / adc block 24 is a circuit that amplifies electrical signals entered from ccd 49 and subjects them to analog - to - digital conversion so that image raw data ( bayer data : hereinafter called the raw data ) subjected only to amplification and digital conversion are sent out to the temporal memory 17 . the temporal storage memory 17 is a buffer made up of typically an sdram : it is a memory device for temporal storage of the raw data produced out of the cds / adc block 24 . the image processing block 18 is a circuit that reads out the raw data stored in the temporal storage memory 17 or the raw data stored in the storage medium block 19 thereby electrically implementing various forms of processing including distortion correction , based on an image quality parameter instructed by the control block 13 . the storage medium block 19 detachably receives a card type or stick type recording medium comprising typically a flash memory so that the raw data transferred from the temporal memory 17 or image data processed at the image processing block 18 are recorded and held in that flash memory . the display block 20 includes the liquid crystal display monitor 47 to display the taken raw data or image data , operating menus or the like on it . the preset information storage memory block 21 includes a rom sub - block having various image quality parameters previously loaded in it , and a ram sub - block for storing an image quality parameter read out of that rom sub - block by entering operation of the operating block 12 . the thus assembled digital camera 40 , because the inventive zoom lens is used as the imaging optical system 41 , may be used as a small - format imaging apparatus suitable well fit for the taking of moving images . while various embodiments of the invention have been explained , it is to be understood that the present invention is never limited thereto , and embodiments comprising combinations of the essential requirements and limitations are embraced in the category of the invention too .	6
a method and apparatus for a video deinterlace processing is disclosed . in the following description , numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention . it will be understood , however , to one skilled in the art , that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details . in other instances , well known process operations have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention . fig1 - 7 were discussed with reference to the prior art . fig4 illustrated the combination of two temporally shifted fields that are adjacent in time , which are combined to create a frame that has double the vertical resolution of each field . for example , if the fields have a resolution of 720 horizontal pixels by 240 vertical pixels , then the combined frame has a resolution of 720 horizontal pixels by 480 vertical pixels . this combined frame will have the full vertical resolution available from the source , but is also prone to having motion artifacts . fig8 shows a two - dimensional array of pixel values 58 that is a subset of the combined frame 36 of fig4 . the combined frame 36 may be stored in a digital memory unit 59 . digital memory unit 59 is used to store portions of the interlaced video stream , and is particularly useful for storing temporally adjacent video fields in the present invention . the array 58 is shown having a width of 5 pixels and a height of 7 pixels . the array 58 is labeled across the top c 0 to c 4 indicating columns and is labeled vertically along the left side from the top to bottom r 0 to r 6 indicating rows . the array 58 can be viewed as a moving window that scans across the combined frame 36 from left to right and top to bottom . the array 58 is positioned so that a set of even numbered rows 60 contain pixels from the most recent or “ current ” field of the original source , and a set of odd numbered rows 62 contain pixels from the previous field . the array 58 is then stepped across the combined frame 36 from left to right horizontally . each step causes the pixels in each of columns c 1 , c 2 , and c 3 and c 4 to shift to the column to its immediate left . the pixels in column c 0 shift out of the array 58 , and a new column of pixels shifts into column c 4 . after the array 58 has been stepped across all the horizontal positions , it is stepped down vertically by two pixels and returned to the left side of the field . therefore , even numbered rows 60 contain pixels from the most recent field and odd numbered lines 62 contain pixels from the previous field . the process then repeats itself as array 58 is then stepped across the combined frame 36 again from left to right horizontally . fig9 illustrates a method 64 for using obtaining an output pixel 76 from the two - dimensional array 58 . in an act 66 , a frequency detection value is obtained using the seven pixels of each column of the two - dimensional array 58 . the magnitude of a frequency detection value corresponds to the energy or intensity of the detected motion artifact in a specific pixel . because there are five columns , there are five frequency detections performed , producing a set of detection values fd 0 , fd 1 , fd 2 , fd 3 , and fd 4 . next , an act 68 thresholds the set of detection values fd 0 - fd 4 . then , in act 70 , the set of detection values fd 0 - fd 4 is combined to compute a weighted average . the weighted average is then used in an act 72 to compute an ultimate detection value ( udv ). the weighting factors may include variables . one weighting example is in the following equation 1 : the weighting causes frequency detection values closest to the center of array 58 to have the greatest influence on udv . in this way , using five horizontally adjacent frequency detection values results in a low pass filtering act providing smoother transitions between areas within the image 36 where motion artifacts do and do not exist . udv computed in act 72 is used to control an act 74 , which mixes a pixel with spatially corresponding pixels from the center of array 58 to generate an output pixel . act 74 preferably implements the following equation 2 : pixelout =( udv ( pr 2 c 2 + pr 4 c 2 )/ 2 )+(( 1 − udv ) pr 3 c 2 ) where pixelout is the new the output pixel of the deinterlacing act at position pr 2 c 2 is a pixel in the array 58 at location row 2 , column 2 , pr 4 c 2 is a pixel in the array 58 at location row 4 , column 2 , and pr 3 c 2 is a pixel in the array 58 at location row 3 , column 2 . the result of mixing act 74 is that the new value of pixel pr 3 c 2 of the array 58 depends on udv . if no motion is detected by the calculation of udv , then the pixel at pr 3 c 2 will be the unmodified value of the pixel at that position in the previous field . if a large udv , i . e ., a value of 1 results , then a strong motion artifact has been detected , and the value of pr 3 c 2 is computed by averaging the values of pr 2 c 3 and pr 4 c 3 of the array 58 . the averaged result will not show motion artifacts because is created from values of the most recent field that are time correlated with the most recent field . detection values that are between 0 and 1 will cause the pixel at pr 3 c 2 to be a mix of pr 3 c 2 and the average of pr 2 c 3 and pr 4 c 3 . fig1 a illustrates an image 78 showing act 66 in greater detail . image 78 shows the computation of a single frequency detection value for one column of array 58 . image 78 includes a distorted object 80 which is effected by an interlace motion artifact . image 78 is sampled along a line 82 , which is shown for exemplary purposes . this sampling corresponds to one of the columns in two - dimensional array 58 . in this example , line 82 passes through an area where artifacts exist , but in general , a sampling of vertical adjacent pixels may or may not contain artifacts . fig1 b is a graph 84 of a set of samples 86 obtained by sampling along line 82 of fig1 a . the set of samples 86 are plotted with the row numbers along the horizontal axis and the brightness or intensity of the pixel along the vertical axis . from graph 84 , it is apparent that in the areas where motion artifacts exist , such as the set of samples 86 , will show a characteristic frequency . this is frequency in space rather than in time and is most conveniently expressed as cycles per line rather than cycles per second or hertz . the characteristic frequency is 1 cycle / 2 lines or 0 . 5 cycles / line . fig1 c is a graph of a sampled cosine wave 88 . the characteristic frequency created by the motion artifact is detected by multiplying the set of samples 86 by the sampled cosine wave 88 . the sampled cosine wave 88 has a frequency equal to the characteristic frequency of the motion artifact . then , the result is integrated using the following equation : where fd is the frequency detection value for one column of array 58 , r is a line index corresponding to the r 0 . . . r 6 of array 58 and has the units “ line ,” and y ( r ) is the set of vertically adjacent samples 86 . the expression cos ( 2πr * 0 . 5 cycles / line ) simplifies to 1 for r = 0 , 2 , 4 , and 6 and − 1 for r = 1 , 3 , and 5 . if 1 and − 1 are substituted for r 0 . . . r 6 , the frequency detection equation becomes : fd =( y 6 / 2 + y 4 + y 2 + y 0 / 2 )−( y 5 + y 3 + y 1 ). note that y 6 and y 0 are divided by 2 because the integration is over the limits 0 to 6 . the final fd is the absolute value : fd = abs ( fd ). the method 64 of fig9 is repeated for each column in array 58 , producing the set of frequency detection values 68 . fig1 is a graph 90 of thresholding act 68 in greater detail . each fd is a number in the range 0 to 1 . graph 90 includes a non - thresholded scale 92 from which values are thresholded to the thresholded scale 94 . thresholding sets all values above the upper threshold point 96 to the value of 1 . all values below the lower threshold point 98 are set to a value of 0 . values between the upper and lower thresholds are expanded to the range 0 to 1 . thresholding can be described with the following equation : where tdf is the thresholded frequency detection value , pthfd is the pre - thresholded frequency detection value ( the output of act 66 ), lth is the lower threshold value and uth is the upper threshold value . if tfd & gt ; 1 . 0 , then tfd = 1 . 0 . otherwise , if tfd & lt ; 0 then tfd = 0 . while this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments , it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art upon reading the preceding specifications and studying the drawings will realize various alterations , additions , permutations and equivalents thereof . it is therefore intended that the present invention include all such alterations , additions , permutations , and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention . it will therefore be appreciated that the present invention provides a method and apparatus for deinterlacing an interlaced video stream while maintaining the original resolution of the video stream while reducing edge artifacts in moving objects in an output video image . this is accomplished by employing two - field interlacing where the image is relatively static , and employing one - field line doubling where the image is rapidly changing . the combination of these techniques provides a low - artifact , high - resolution deinterlaced image . other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention . furthermore , certain terminology has been used for the purposes of descriptive clarity , and not to limit the present invention . the embodiments and preferred features described above should be considered exemplary , with the invention being defined by the appended claims .	7
prior to the description of one preferred embodiment of the present invention , the underlying principle of the present invention will be described . in order to sample and quantize a two - dimensional pattern , that is , to convert or encode the pattern into a binary coded pattern , the pattern is scanned along scanning lines equally spaced apart from each other by a distance b as shown in fig1 and is sampled by the lines which are also equally spaced apart from each other by a distance a . therefore , the contour or boundary line may be deemed to consist of a large number of contour line segments divided by the scanning lines and interposed between the two adjacent scanning lines . each line segment thus sampled and quantized , is projected upon the adjacent scanning line and the projected length of the line segment is further sampled and guantized . therefore , the digitally sampled length of the line segment projected is equal to an integral multiple of the sampling interval a ; that is , i × a where i = 0 , 1 , 2 , . . . . . . . as shown in fig1 the pattern now consists of a large number of rectangular picture elements with sides a and b . therefore , the contour length of the pattern may be expressed by the sum of the length of the outlines of the picture elements whose horizontal side is equal to i × a and whose vertical side is equal to b . let no denote the contour line segment which is divided by the adjacent horizontal scanning lines between the adjacent vertical lines . let n1 denote the contour line segment interposed between the adjacent horizontal scanning lines and intersecting only one vertical line . that is , the n1 contour line segment has its one end positioned in one of the horizontally adjacent picture elements and its other end in the other picture element . in a similar manner , n2 , n3 , . . . . . and ni may be defined . the sorting or classification of the contour line segments into n 0 , n1 , n2 , . . . and ni may be accomplished by merely comparing the two adjacent scanning lines as will be described in detail hereinafter . however , it will be appreciated that not only is the sampling and quantizing of a two - dimensional pattern anisotropic , but also the two - dimensional pattern to be measured is in general anisotropic . therefore , it is impossible to measure with a higher degree of accuracy , the contour length of a two - dimensional pattern . however , when a pattern is spatically isotropic and has randomness to be defined hereinafter , accurate measurement of the pattern becomes feasible . to this end , according to the present invention , a pattern is rotated through a predetermined angle from one angular position to another , so that the isotropy of the pattern may be artificially produced . when the radius of curvature of the contour of a pattern is sufficiently larger than the sides of the picture elements so that the contour characteristic may not be lost , the contour may be approximated with a sufficient degree of accuracy by the contour line segments . if the contour is random , the contour line segments may be classified or sorted into no , n1 , n2 , . . . , and ni , and the contour length may be obtained in a manner to be described in detail hereinafter . in this specification , when i refer to the fact that the contour is random , i mean that the ends of contour line segments are uniformly distributed both in position and direction . therefore , if the contour is random , the average length li of the ni contour line segments may be expressed as follows : ## equ1 ## where θi ( x ) denotes an angular range where the other end of a contour line segment exists when viewed from the position ( x ) of one end of the contour line segment ; and li ( x ) denotes the average length of the contour line segment in the above angular range or distribution θi ( x ), and is expressed by ## equ2 ## where θi ( x ) = θi 2 ( x ) - θi 1 ( x ) θi 1 ( x ) = arc tan { x + ( i - 1 ) a / b } θi 2 ( x ) = arc tan { x + i a / b } therefore , the contour length p is expressed by ## equ3 ## table 1 shows li when a / b = 1 . 5 . table 1______________________________________i li i . a / li______________________________________0 1 , 1181 01 1 , 59132 0 . 9426152 2 , 94787 1 . 017683 4 . 45349 1 . 010444 5 . 96421 1 . 0065 7 . 4695 1 . 00406 8 . 97125 1 . 00327 10 . 495 1 . 000478 11 . 9768 1 . 001949 13 . 5485 0 . 996419 10 14 . 9758 1 . 00162______________________________________ as seen from table 1 , when i ≧ 4 , li may be approximated as equal to i . a because the approximation error will be negligible in practice . using the angular variable ρ , the contour length p may be expressed ## equ4 ## this means that when the contour length of an anisotropic pattern is expressed by eq . 1 , ni is dependent upon the direction of the pattern , and is a function of the angle of rotation ρ . therefore , the contour length p is expressed by p ( ρ ). when an anisotropic pattern is rotated continuously through a predetermined angle , ## equ5 ## where k = 180 °/ an integer may be considered as a characteristic calculation value of an isotropic pattern obtained by a sort of normalization of rotating the pattern through a predetermined angle . in eq . 2 , the denominator is τ because the projected length of the pattern contour remains unchanged or same when the pattern is rotated from 0 to τ and from τ to 2τ . therefore , the contour length p obtained by the rotation of the pattern through a predetermined angle , may be expressed by : ## equ6 ## fig2 shows the difference between the true contour length of various figures such as circles , squares , regular triangles , rectangles , etc ., and their measured contour length based upon the underlying principle of the present invention . from fig2 it is seen that the error between the true and measured contour length is very small and that the relation between them is linear over a wide range . next , referring to fig3 one preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described . a pattern t is placed upon a rotary stage 1 , but it is to be understood that any suitable optical means such as a prism 35 may be used to rotate the pattern t as shown in fig4 . in the instant embodiment , a video input device is a television camera 2 of the sequential scanning type . a camera control unit 3 generates the sync signals for the tv camera 2 , and transmits the video signal from the tv camera 2 to a quantizer 4 in the next stage . the quantizer 4 comprises a high - speed analog - to - digital converter and a sampling circuit , and converts the video signals into the binary coded digital signals . the output from the quantizer 4 is applied to a one - line memory 5 so that the output therefrom may be delayed by the period of one scanning line . a first edge detector 6 detects the transition from 0 to 1 or 1 to 0 of the output s n from the one - line memory 5 thereby generating the signal ## equ7 ## with the pulse width equal to one half clock time . in like manner , a second edge detector 7 generates the signal ## equ8 ## in response to the output signal s n + 1 from the quantizer 4 which is not delayed . in response to the outputs from the first and second edge detectors 6 and 7 , a first and gate 8 generates no signal representative of the contour line segment with i = 0 . when i ≠ 0 , in response to the signals s n and s n + 1 , an exclusive or gate 9 produces s n + s n + 1 . in cooperation with an and gate 11 to which are applied clock pulses cp , a counter 12 detects the number of rectangular picture elements i of the s n + s n + 1 signal . a trailing edge detector 13 detects the transition from 1 to 0 of the s n + s n + 1 signal , thereby generating ( s n + s n + 1 ) f signal . in response to the horizontal sync signal from the camera control unit 3 and the output from the first trailing edge detector 13 , an or gate 16 detects the transition from 1 to 0 of the ( s n + s n + 1 ) f signal , and a second trailing edge detector 14 generates the ( s n + s n + 1 ) ff signal . in response to the output from the or gate 16 , the counter 12 is reset . digital comparators 17 , 18 and 19 classify the contour line segments into n1 , n2 , n3 and those equal to or higher than n4 , and input means 20 , 21 and 22 apply the reference signals for classification to the comparators 17 , 18 and 19 , respectively . a leading edge detector 15 detects the transition from 0 to 1 of the ( s n + s n + 1 ) f signal , thereby generating ( s n + s n + 1 ) fr signal . an adder 32 and an m register 33 make up an accumulator to which inputs are outputs from the counter 12 and from the m register , so that the m register stores the number of the contour line segments equal to or higher than n4 by adding the output from the counter 12 and the output from the m register which has been already accumulated . the m register 33 operates by an and gate 26 which operates by an output from the comparator 19 which discriminates whether the output signals from the detector 15 and from the counter 12 are equal to or higher than n4 . in a similar manner , and and gate 23 is opened by the output signal from the comparator 17 and the output signal from the leading edge detector 15 so that the content of the counter 29 which counts the number of n1 included in the output signal from the counter 12 , is increased . the output signals from the counter 12 , corresponding to n2 and n3 , are discriminated by the comparators 18 and 19 , respectively , and increase the respective contents of the counters 30 and 31 with the output signal from the leading edge detector 15 in the same manner as above - mentioned . a counter 28 counts the output from the gate 8 ; that is , no . thus , upon completion of scanning , the numbers of n0 , n1 , n2 and n3 contour line segments are stored in the counters 28 , 29 , 30 and 31 , respectively , while the number of the contour line segments equal to or higher than n4 ; that is , ## equ9 ## ni is stored in the register 33 . this data is then transferred into a computer 34 in which eq . ( 3 ) is programmed . thus , the data are processed based upon the underlying principle of the present invention so that the contour length p may be obtained . at the start and end of the measurement at each predetermined angular position of the pattern t , the counters 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 and 33 are reset in response to the clear signal from a clear signal generating circuit ( not shown ). the timing of various signals generated in the instant embodiment , is shown in fig5 ( a ) to 5 ( o ). clock pulses generated by a clock pulse generator 10 ( see fig3 ) are shown at ( a ). at ( b ) is shown the signal s n ; that is , the output from the one - line memory 5 which is delayed by one scanning period . at ( c ) is shown the signal s n + 1 ; that is , the output from the quantizer 4 representative of the digitally coded signal of the picture elements along the next scanning line . at ( d ) is shown the ( s n + s n + 1 ); that is , the exclusive or of the signals s n and s n + 1 . at ( e ) is shown the signal ## equ10 ## that is , the output from the edge detector 6 . at ( f ) is shown the signal ## equ11 ## the output from the detector 7 . at ( g ) is shown the signal ## equ12 ## that is , the output from the and gate 8 representative of n0 detection . at ( h ) are shown the clock pulses applied to the counter 12 which are used to count the contour line segments equal to or higher than n1 . at ( i ) is shown the ( s n + s n + 1 ) f signal ; that is , the output from the detector 13 which detects the trailing edge of the ( s n + s n + 1 ) signal . at ( j ) is shown the ( s n + s n + 1 ) signal ; that is , the output from the detector 15 which detects the leading edge of the ( s n + s n + 1 ) f signal . at ( k ) it is shown that the trailing edge of the ( s n + s n + 1 ) f signal is detected to generate the ( s n + s n + 1 ) ff signal . at ( l ), ( m ) and ( n ) are shown the n1 , n2 , and n3 signals used to increment the counters 29 , 30 and 31 , respectively , through the and gates 23 , 24 and 25 . at ( o ) is shown a signal corresponding to an m signal which is produced by the and gate 26 and to be accumulated in the adder 32 and m register 33 . as described hereinbefore , according to the present invention , the contour length of a two - dimensional pattern may be measured with a higher degree of accuracy hitherto unattainable by the prior art methods , and there may be provided a device for measuring the contour length of a two - dimensional pattern which may advantageously be used not only to quantative stereology , but also in other various fields . from the standpoint of the hardward , the device , in accordance with the present invention , is also very advantageous because there must be provided only a relatively small capacity memory capable of storing therein the signals only along one scanning line and because the data may be processed at a higher speed . i believe that the construction and operation of my novel apparatus will now be understood and that the advantages thereof will be fully appreciated by those persons skilled in the art . 1 claim :	6
fig1 a - c show a first embodiment of the invention in various operating states . on fig1 a , a tunnel junction 120 includes a first electrode 102 having a first magnetization direction 104 separated from a second electrode 110 by a tunneling barrier 106 having a second magnetization direction 108 . in this example , first electrode 102 is an electrically conductive ferromagnetic layer , tunneling barrier 106 is a ferromagnetic electrically insulating layer , and second electrode 110 is electrically conductive and non - magnetic . second electrode 110 can include any electrically conductive material ( e . g ., au ). in some embodiments of the invention , second electrode 110 is non - magnetic . magnetoresistance is observed regardless the direction of current or spin flow . in preferred embodiments of the invention , second electrode 110 is magnetic or spin - polarized . in these embodiments , spin polarization of second electrode 110 can further enhance the spin - dependent tunneling process described below . such enhancement is analogous to the behavior of conventional magnetic tunnel junctions . in cases where second electrode 110 is magnetic , its magnetization can be coupled to the magnetization of barrier 106 or it can be independent of the magnetization of barrier 106 . an electron energy band diagram 130 shows features of importance for device operation . in particular , exchange splitting in tunneling barrier 106 provides tunneling barriers having different barrier energies for spin up electrons ( barrier 114 ) than for spin down electrons ( barrier 112 ). in this example , when magnetization direction 108 is “ up ”, the spin down energy barrier ( barrier 112 ) is higher than the spin up energy barrier ( barrier 114 ). it is also possible for this relation between magnetization 108 and the relative heights of the spin up and spin down energy barrier to be reversed , depending on properties of the material selected for tunneling barrier 106 . device operation does not critically depend on whether the spin up barrier or the spin down barrier is higher for “ up ” magnetization . electrons emitted from first electrode 102 toward tunneling barrier 106 are substantially spin polarized according to magnetization direction 104 . the example of fig1 a - c shows negative spin polarization , where the spin - down current density j ↓ is greater than the spin - up current density j ↑ for “ up ” magnetization 104 . thus negative spin polarization relates to situations where electron spin tends to be anti - parallel to the magnetization . positive spin - polarization , where electron spin tends to be parallel to magnetization direction 104 , is also possible , depending on the composition and / or structure of first electrode 102 . device operation does not depend critically on whether the spin polarization provided by first electrode 102 is positive or negative . the degree of spin polarization can be defined as the ratio of the difference of spin up electrons and spin down electrons over their sum . usually , only electrons at the fermi level are relevant for the calculation of spin polarization , since tunneling primarily involves electrons at or near the fermi level . preferably , this ratio is greater than 25 %, and more preferably this ratio is closer to 100 % ( e . g ., & gt ; 85 %). a key aspect of the invention is that the combination of a spin - polarized first electrode with a spin - dependent tunneling barrier provides magnetoresistance in a relatively simple device configuration . a single spin - dependent tunneling barrier by itself does not provide magnetoresistance . although a double spin - dependent tunneling barrier can provide magnetoresistance , significant complications arise in practice , as described above . in the example of fig1 a - c , the electrical resistance of tunnel junction 120 between the first and second electrodes depends on the relative orientation of first and second magnetization directions 104 and 108 . fig1 a shows a relatively high - resistance state , since most of the current provided by electrode 102 is spin - down , and the spin - down tunneling barrier 112 is higher than the spin - up tunneling barrier 114 . if the magnetization of first electrode 102 is switched to “ down ” as shown by 104 ′ on fig1 b , the relative proportion of spin - up and spin - down current provided to tunneling barrier 106 is switched . in this case , most of the current provided to tunneling barrier 106 is spin - up , which has the lower energy barrier . thus fig1 b shows a relatively low resistance state . if the magnetization of tunneling barrier 106 is switched to “ down ”, as shown by 108 ′ on fig1 c , the barrier heights for spin - up and spin - down electrons are switched compared to fig1 a . thus barrier 114 ′ for spin - up electrons is higher than barrier 112 ′ for spin - down electrons on fig1 c . since most of the current on fig1 c is spin - down , which has the lower energy tunneling barrier , fig1 c also shows a relatively low resistance state . since tunneling barrier 106 must provide a tunneling barrier to electrons , it can be an electrical insulator ( or semiconductor ) that acts as an electrical insulator in tunnel junction 120 . tunneling barrier 106 is also ferromagnetic , and preferably its curie temperature is well above room temperature , so that device operation at or near room - temperature will not be impaired by approaching too closely to , or crossing , the ferromagnetic - nonmagnetic phase transition . suitable tunneling barrier materials include , but are not limited to , ferrites such as cofe 2 o 4 , nife 2 o 4 , and mnfe 2 o 4 , and ferromagnetic semiconductors such as co - doped tio 2 , mn - doped gan , al and cr doped gan , etc . ( see s . a . wolf et al ., ibm journal of research & amp ; development , vol . 50 ( 1 ), p . 101 .). in this example , first electrode 102 is an electrically conductive ferromagnet having substantial spin polarization . the curie temperature of first electrode 102 is also preferably well above room temperature . half - metallic ferromagnets should provide ˜ 100 % spin polarization , and are therefore attractive candidate materials for first electrode 102 . although these materials tend to be difficult to grow in thin film form at this time , they may become more readily available in the future . other suitable materials for first electrode 102 that can provide substantial spin polarization include , but are not limited to fe 3 o 4 , la 2 / 3 sr 1 / 3 mno 3 , cro 2 , co doped zno , and any ferromagnetic alloy containing co , fe , and / or ni . first electrode 102 can also be a multilayer structure designed to provide spin - polarized current to tunnel barrier 106 , as described below in connection with fig3 . since the resistance of tunnel junction 120 depends on the relative orientation of magnetization directions 104 and 108 , sensing an external magnetic field relies on keeping one of magnetization directions 104 and 108 fixed and independent of the external field , while the other of magnetization directions 104 and 108 is free to follow the external field . a layer having a fixed magnetization direction is customarily referred to as a pinned layer , while a layer having a magnetization that can follow an external magnetic field is customarily referred to as a free layer . thus one of layers 102 and 106 should be pinned and the other should be free , in order to provide a mr sensor . electrode 102 can be free and barrier 106 can be pinned ( fig1 b ), or electrode 102 can be pinned and barrier 106 can be free ( fig1 c ). device operation does not depend critically on which layer is pinned and which layer is free . in some cases , the coercivity of the pinned layer is sufficiently high that pinning is inherently provided by the high coercivity . in other cases , a high - coercivity pinning layer can be disposed in proximity to the pinned layer in order to pin it . such use of a pinning layer to fix the magnetization direction in a pinned layer is well known in the art in connection with various conventional mr sensors , and the same pinning principles are applicable in connection with the present invention . the free layer should have a sufficiently low coercivity that it can respond to the external magnetic field to be sensed . in addition , it may be necessary to magnetically decouple the free layer from other nearby layers . for example , if barrier 106 on fig1 a is pinned , magnetic coupling between barrier 106 and electrode 102 undesirably tends to fix magnetization direction 104 with respect to magnetization direction 108 , thereby degrading mr sensor performance . fig2 shows an embodiment of the invention where a decoupling layer is introduced in order to reduce undesirable magnetic coupling between free and pinned layers . more specifically , a decoupling layer 202 is sandwiched between first electrode 102 and tunneling barrier 106 to reduce magnetic coupling between these two layers . decoupling layer 202 is a thin layer of a non - magnetic material . the use of such magnetic decoupling layers is well known in the art in connection with various conventional mr sensors , and the same decoupling principles are applicable to the present invention . typical decoupling layer thicknesses are less than about 3 nm . a decoupling layer of mgal 2 o 4 has been employed in experiments relating to the invention , but other non - magnetic materials are also suitable for use as decoupling layers with the invention . the decoupling layer can be insulating ( e . g ., mgal 2 o 4 , cocr 2 o 4 , mgo , al 2 o 3 , etc . ), semiconducting ( e . g ., si , ge , sige , gaas , etc . ), or metallic ( ru , v , pt , pd , au , cu etc .). as indicated above , provision of spin polarized electrons from the first electrode is a key aspect of the invention . some ferromagnetic electrical conductors ( e . g ., half metals and other materials described above ) inherently provide spin - polarized electrons . spin polarized electrons can also be provided by a first electrode including two or more layers , at least one layer being a ferromagnetic electrical conductor . for example , fig3 shows one such embodiment of the invention . in this example , the first electrode includes a ferromagnetic electrically conductive layer 102 a and a non - magnetic electrically insulating layer 102 b . such ferromagnet - insulator bilayers can provide a high degree of spin polarization . for example , a spin polarization of 85 % has been inferred for a cofe — mgo ferromagnet - insulator bilayer , based on superconductor spin analyzer measurements from a cofe / mgo / superconductor junction ( parkin et al ., nature materials , 3 862 ( 2004 )). the cofe layer of the above example can be replaced by any spin - polarized material such as a ferromagnetic alloy including co , fe , and / or ni . the mgo layer can be replaced by any material whose presence enhances the spin polarization of the first electrode . the invention is applicable to a wide variety of spintronic devices and application , in addition to the magnetoresistive sensing application considered above . tunnel junctions according to embodiments of the invention can be included in any kind of spintronic device , including but not limited to spin valves , magnetic tunnel junctions , spin switches , spin valve transistors , and spin filters . fig4 shows a two terminal semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the invention . in this device , a first terminal 402 a makes contact to a semiconductor channel 406 on a substrate 408 via a first tunnel junction . the first tunnel junction includes a first electrode 402 b and a tunneling barrier 402 c . similarly , a second terminal 404 a makes contact to the semiconductor channel 406 via a second tunnel junction . the second tunnel junction includes a first electrode 404 b and a tunneling barrier 404 c . the first and second tunnel junctions both operate as described above ( i . e ., the first electrodes 402 b and 404 b provide spin - polarized electrons , and the ferromagnetic tunneling barriers 402 c and 404 c provide spin - dependent tunneling barriers .). for both tunnel junctions , semiconductor channel 406 acts as the second electrode ( e . g ., electrode 110 on fig1 a ). thus current provided to semiconductor channel 406 and / or current received from channel 406 can be spin - filtered . fig5 shows a three terminal semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the invention . this embodiment is similar to the embodiment of fig4 , except that a gate terminal 502 is added . an electrical signal applied to gate terminal 502 can modulate current flow through channel 406 ( e . g ., as in a field effect transistor ), thereby modulating spin transport in the channel . in a preferred embodiment semiconductor channel 406 can be magnetic to provide additional gains in device performance . it can also be made of multiferroic materials which display ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity simultaneously and have a magnetization responsive to an applied electrical voltage . similarly , the first electrode and / or second electrode of a tunnel junction according to the invention can include a multiferroic material having a magnetization responsive to an applied electrical voltage . modeling and experiments have been done to investigate the performance of various embodiments of the invention . in one experiment , a fe 3 o 4 first electrode 102 was separated from a cofe 2 o 4 tunneling barrier 106 by a mgal 2 o 4 decoupling layer 202 , as shown on fig2 . the tunnel junction of this experiment was grown on an ( 001 ) oriented mgal 2 o 4 substrate by pulsed laser deposition ( pld ). a focused krf excimer laser ( 248 nm ) with a 10 hz repetition rate and a target fluence of ˜ 3 j / cm 2 was employed . a cocr 2 o 4 buffer layer was first grown on the substrate ( typical growth conditions were 650 ° c ., 10 mtorr o 2 atmosphere , 2 nm / min deposition rate ). the fe 3 o 4 , mgal 2 o 4 and cofe 2 o 4 layers were grown on top of the cocr 2 o 4 buffer layer in sequence , typically at a growth rate of 0 . 6 nm / min . the fe 3 o 4 layer was deposited at 350 ° c . in a 10 − 6 torr o 2 atmosphere , while the mgal 2 o 4 and cofe 2 o 4 layers were deposited at 350 ° c . in a 10 − 5 torr o 2 atmosphere . second electrode 110 was formed by e - beam evaporation of 25 μm × 25 μm au contact pads through a shadow mask . high quality and near - perfect stoichiometry of the fe 3 o 4 layers grown as above was verified by observation of the verwey transition for film thicknesses as low as 20 nm . the mgal 2 o 4 and cofe 2 o 4 layers were grown under conditions that did not oxidize the fe 3 o 4 surface . this was confirmed by x - ray photoelectron spectroscopy ( xps ) and by observation of the verwey transition . xps was also employed to determine the composition of the cofe 2 o 4 layer . a fe to co ratio very close to 2 was measured , indicating near - perfect stoichiometry . the spectra also indicate the co ions are in the + 2 formal oxidation state and nearly all of the fe ions are in the + 3 formal oxidation state . in this structure , the mgal 2 o 4 and cofe 2 o 4 layers both act as tunneling barriers , with barrier heights of 0 . 8 ev and 0 . 29 ev respectively . these barrier heights were determined from independent experiments on fe 3 o 4 / mgal 2 o 4 and fe 3 o 4 / cofe 2 o 4 samples . tunneling measurements performed on a mgal 2 o 4 / cofe 2 o 4 double barrier structure provided results consistent with the barrier heights obtained from single barrier structures . fig6 shows measured i - v curves from a fe 3 o 4 ( 30 nm )/ mgal 2 o 4 ( 1 nm )/ cofe 2 o 4 ( 3 nm )/ au tunnel junction for parallel (↑↑) and anti - parallel (↑↓) magnetization directions . since the coercivity of cofe 2 o 4 is higher than that of fe 3 o 4 , the cofe 2 o 4 and fe 3 o 4 layers in this tunnel junction act as the pinned and free layers respectively . the sample was initially magnetized in a 12 koe magnetic field to set the magnetization direction in the pinned layer . subsequent application of a small external magnetic field of 550 oe or less was employed to characterize magnetoresistance in this structure . the magnetization direction of the cofe 2 o 4 layer is unaffected by fields of 550 oe or less , while the fe 3 o 4 layer is free to follow the direction imposed by the small external field . a different resistance is clearly seen on fig6 for parallel and anti - parallel magnetization directions . an mr ratio of about 70 % near zero bias is obtained in this case . lower resistance is observed for anti - parallel magnetization , which is consistent with the cofe 2 o 4 layer as having a partial inverse structure with ˜ 7 - 20 % of the co ions in tetrahedral a sites . based on this analysis , an exchange splitting on the order of 0 . 1 ev is inferred , which is also consistent with experimental tunnel junction observations . fig7 shows a typical plot of the magnetoresistance ratio ( r − r − 550oe )/ r − 550oe versus applied magnetic field . hysteresis is apparent , with a sharp change corresponding to the switching field of the free fe 3 o 4 layer . in this experiment , estimated spin polarizations from the first electrode were in a range from about 10 % to about 36 %, based on results from several samples . the net spin polarization of electrons emitted from the tunnel junction was calculated to have exceeded 70 % for most samples . mr ratios as large as 75 % have been experimentally observed . increasing the exchange splitting provided by barrier 106 and / or the spin polarization provided by first electrode 102 can improve device performance . fig8 a shows how the mr ratio for a 3 nm thick insulating barrier having an average barrier height of 0 . 3 ev varies as a function of spin polarization provided by first electrode 102 for several different values of exchange splitting j . extremely high mr ratios can be obtained as the spin polarization approaches 100 %, which may be difficult to achieve in practice . fig8 b shows how the mr ratio for a 3 nm thick insulating barrier varies as a function of exchange splitting j for several values of average barrier height , assuming an incident spin polarization from the first electrode of 85 %. very high mr ratios greater than 10 ( i . e ., & gt ; 1 , 000 %) can be obtained in some cases , even though the assumed incident spin polarization is only 85 %.	1
according to digital broadcasting receivers of preferred embodiments of the present invention , selective extraction means extracts necessary minimum data for processing from demodulation data to effectively reduce the amount of required operation . when thinning out and extracting data at approximately equal frequency intervals , data are extracted at relatively close intervals at the beginning of the synchronization processing to enable detection of timing shift in a relatively large range . in the next stage after the timing shift is corrected on the basis of the result of the detection , the data are extracted at relatively rough intervals and processed to narrow down the detecting range of the timing shift so as to further reduce the amount of operation . at the beginning of the synchronization processing , data are extracted at relatively close intervals from carriers in a relatively small frequency range in the center part of the signal transmission band to decrease time resolution for the timing shift to further reduce the amount of operation while enabling detection of timing shift in a relatively large range . in the next stage after the timing shift has been corrected on the basis of the result of the detection , data are extracted at relatively rough intervals from carriers in a relatively large frequency range and processed to increase the time resolution while narrowing down the range of detecting timing shift to prevent an increase of the amount of operation . the present invention is now be specifically explained on the basis of the drawings showing the preferred embodiments . fig1 is a block diagram of a timing synchronization processing device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention . in this diagram , 101 denotes phase correcting means , 102 denotes phase reference symbol data holding means , 103 denotes idft means , 104 denotes peak detecting means , and 105 denotes selective data extraction means . the parts shown at 101 , 103 and 104 are equivalent to those of the background art , which are for generating the impulse signal at the phase reference symbol start timing . the selective data extraction means 105 appropriately extracts data actually processed in the phase correcting means 101 from the input data from the data demodulator 11 to reduce the number of processed data . the phase reference symbol data holding means 102 holds known phase reference symbol data corresponding to the received data to be processed in the phase correcting means 101 . now , the two methods used as means for reducing the number of data will be described . in the first method , data are extracted at approximately equal intervals as frequency from the demodulation data corresponding to each carrier provided from the data demodulator 11 ( hereinafter referred to as an equal interval thinning - out processing ). fig3 a and fig3 b are diagrams for describing the timing synchronization processing according to the first preferred embodiment . in fig3 a , the solid lines show data selectively extracted in the selective data extraction means 105 out of the data in the frequency region corresponding to each carrier provided from the data demodulator 11 and the broken lines show those not used in the processing . fig3 b shows output data provided when the phase correction and the idft processing are performed after reducing the number of processed data . the number of data processed in the phase correcting means 101 and the idft means 103 is thinned to 1 / m of the number of original data and therefore the number of the output data is also 1 / m . fig3 b shows these data by the solid lines . as shown in the diagrams , the interval is equal to the sampling cycle t / n in the data demodulator 11 . the n corresponds to the number of data dft processed in the data demodulator 11 . at this time , the data in the region shown by the broken lines in fig3 b are outputted overlapping with the data in the region shown by the solid lines and therefore the detecting range of the impulse signal is 1 / m with respect to the useful symbol duration t . the phase component of the demodulation data with the sampling start timing shift t e is exp ( j2πmt e / t ) as shown in the expression ( 1 ). the m in the expression ( 1 ) represents the carrier number . the process of obtaining the timing gap t e by the inverse fft processing can be considered to be a process of returning the shift of phase of each carrier caused by the t e to time information . the phase change between extracted data is given by the expression ( 2 ) below : ( where k represents the interval of thinning - out represented in terms of the number of carriers and m , n are carrier numbers of adjacent data after the thinning - out processing ). when data are not thinned out ( k = 1 ), even if t e changes in the range of t , the resultant phase change falls in the range of 2π and hence the peak of signal resulting from the phase correction and the inverse fft is considered to appear somewhere in the range of the useful symbol duration t shown in fig3 b . when data are thinned out with k = 4 , a change of t e from 0 to t / 4 causes the phase to change from 0 to 2π . a change of t e from t / 4 to t / 2 corresponds to a change from 2π to 4π . when represented as a complex number dp actually processed in the inverse fft , it can not be distinguished from a change from 0 to 2π . the same applies to changes of t e in the range of t / 2 to 3t / 4 and 3t / 4 to t . fig3 b shows that when the original signal originally has t e in the range of t / 4 to t shown by the broken - line arrows , it overlaps with the range of 0 to t / 4 shown by the solid - line arrows , or can not be distinguished from it . however , since the synchronization processing based on the envelope of the null symbol prior to this synchronization processing causes the impulse signal to fall in a certain range , it is sufficient if t / m is larger than this range . this largely reduces the number of processed data . the second method is to extract data in an appropriate range including the center frequency from the demodulation data corresponding to each carrier provided from the data demodulator 11 ( hereinafter referred to as bandwidth limitation processing ). fig4 a and fig4 b provide diagrams for describing the timing synchronization processing according to the first preferred embodiment , where fig4 a shows those selectively extracted in the selective data extraction means 105 with solid lines and those not used in the processing with broken lines . fig4 b shows data outputted when the processes of phase correction and idft are performed after the number of processed data is reduced . in this case , as shown in the diagram , the range of the output data is equal to the useful symbol duration t and the intervals of the output data are m · t / n ( where m represents the data reduction ratio by the bandwidth limitation ). as the result , although the accuracy of detecting timing shift is decreased to approximately 1 / m , the number of processed data can be reduced by this method in systems having the guard intervals for eliminating inter - symbol interference such as dab which allow the detection accuracy to be decreased . furthermore , as a combination of the first and the second method , the number of processed data can be reduced by limiting the detecting range and the detecting accuracy of timing shift by limiting the data in an adequate range including the center frequency and extracting the data at almost equal intervals as frequency from the demodulation data corresponding to each carrier provided from the data demodulator 11 . fig2 is a block diagram of a timing synchronization processing device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention . in this diagram , 105 denotes selective data extraction means , 101 denotes phase correcting means , 102 denotes phase reference symbol data holding means , 103 denotes idft means , and 104 denotes peak detecting means . those designated at 101 , 103 , and 104 are equivalent to the conventional ones . the selective data extraction means 105 appropriately extracts data to be actually processed in the phase correcting means 101 from the input from the data demodulator 11 and data in the phase reference symbol data holding means 102 to reduce the number of processed data . that is to say , the selective data extraction means 105 extracts data to be actually processed in the phase correcting means from the input data from the data demodulator 11 and also extracts phase reference symbol data corresponding to the extracted input data from the phase reference symbol data holding means 102 and outputs the data as a pair to the phase correcting means 101 . fig5 is a flow chart of the timing synchronization processing in the second preferred embodiment of the invention . in the diagram , 201 denotes determination of completion of the dft processing of the phase reference symbol , 202 denotes determination of the current stage of the synchronization processing , 203 to 207 denote the timing synchronization processing in the first stage and 210 to 214 denote the timing synchronization processing in the second stage . the numeral 208 denotes determination of magnitude of the timing shift and 209 denotes stage changing processing of the timing synchronization processing . it is assumed that the rough timing synchronization processing based on the envelope detection of the null symbol has been completed at the start 200 of the synchronization processing based on the processing of the phase reference symbol data . next , when the completion of the dft processing of the phase reference symbol is determined in 201 , the current synchronization processing stage is determined in 202 . as the result , in the case of the first stage , data are extracted at relatively close intervals m1 in the thinning - out process 203 and then the timing synchronization processes in 204 to 207 are performed . when the result of the processing is checked in 208 to reveal that the timing shift is already small enough , it moves to the next stage of the synchronization processing ( the second stage ); otherwise the processing is continued in that stage . next , in the synchronization processes 210 to 214 in the second stage in which the timing shift has been already made small enough , the data are extracted to such a degree that the timing shift left in the first stage of synchronization processes 203 to 207 can be sufficiently detected ( the intervals m2 ). this way , dividing the timing synchronization processing based on processing of the phase reference symbol data into two stages allows further reduction of the amount of processed data in the second stage of processing as a stationary stage . fig6 a to fig6 d are diagrams for describing the timing synchronization processing according to the second preferred embodiment , where fig6 a and fig6 b show an example of the first stage of processing and fig6 c and fig6 d shows an example of the second stage of processing . the determination processes in the flow chart of fig5 are performed by the control device 12 shown in fig1 . the timing synchronization processing devices in fig1 and fig2 are included in the control device 12 and operations of the individual component blocks , though not shown in diagram , are controlled as part of operation of the control device 12 . actually , the timing synchronization processing device can be implemented as program operation with dsp ( digital signal processing processor ), for example . in this case , the flow chart of fig5 shows the program operation of the part shown as the timing synchronization processing device performed in the dsp , for example . in the timing synchronization processes 203 and 210 in fig5 it is possible to replace the equal interval thinning - out by bandwidth limitation . fig7 shows the procedure of processing in which the equal interval thinning - out is eliminated in the timing synchronization processes 203 , 210 in fig5 . the timing synchronization processing in this case is performed as shown in fig8 a to fig8 d , where fig8 a to fig8 d respectively correspond to fig6 a to fig6 d . ( in this case , the range of extraction limited by the bandwidth limitation performed later is set narrower ). in this case , the amount of data can be reduced without shortening the effective symbol period . the timing synchronization processing device in the third preferred embodiment can be illustrated in the same way as that shown in fig2 . fig9 is a flow chart of the timing synchronization processing in the third preferred embodiment of the invention . in this diagram , 301 denotes determination of completion of the dft processing of the phase reference symbol , 302 denotes determination of the current stage of the synchronization processing , 303 to 307 denote the first stage of timing synchronization processing , and 310 to 314 denote the second stage of timing synchronization processing . the numeral 308 denotes determination of magnitude of the timing shift and 309 denotes a stage changing processing of the timing synchronization processing . it is assumed that the rough timing synchronization processing based on the envelope detection of the null symbol has been completed at the beginning 300 of the synchronization processing based on the processing of the phase reference symbol data . next , when the completion of the dft processing of the phase reference symbol is determined in 301 , the current stage of the synchronization processing is determined in 302 . as the result , in the case of the first stage , data are thinned out and extracted at relatively close intervals ( intervals m1 ) and in a relatively wide width band in the thinning - out / bandwidth limitation process 303 and then the timing synchronization processes in 304 to 307 are performed . when the result of the processing is checked in 308 and it is revealed that the timing shift is already small enough , it moves to the next stage of the synchronization processing ( the second stage ); otherwise the processing is continued in that stage . next , in the synchronization processes 310 to 314 in the second stage in which the timing shift has been already made small enough , the data are thinned out in the thinning out process / bandwidth limitation process 310 to such a degree ( the intervals m2 ) and with such a bandwidth limitation that the timing shift left in the first stage of synchronization processes 303 to 307 can be sufficiently detected . this way , performing the timing synchronization processing based on the processing of the phase reference symbol data in two stages together with bandwidth limitation enables further reduction of the amount of processed data . fig1 a to fig1 d are diagrams for describing the timing synchronization processing according to the third preferred embodiment , where fig1 a and fig1 b show an example of the first stage of processing and fig1 c and fig1 d show an example of the second stage of processing . the determining processes in the flow chart of fig6 are performed by the control device 12 shown in fig1 . the timing synchronization processing devices in fig1 and , fig2 are included in the control device 12 and operations of the individual component blocks , though not shown in diagram , are controlled as part of operation of the control device 12 . actually , the timing synchronization processing device can be implemented as program operation with dsp ( digital signal processing processor ), for example . in this case , the flow chart of fig6 shows the program operation of the part shown as the timing synchronization processing device performed in the dsp , for example . although the phase correcting means 101 , the phase reference symbol data holding means 102 , the idft means 103 , the peak detecting means 104 and the selective data extraction means 105 have been explained as independent means so far , these , too , can be structured as program processing by using a digital signal processor ( dsp ), for example . it is possible to eliminate the equal interval thinning out in the timing synchronization process 303 in fig9 and perform only the equal interval thinning - out in the process 310 with the bandwidth limitation removed therefrom . fig1 shows the procedure in this case . the timing synchronization processing in this case is performed as shown in fig1 a to fig1 d , where fig1 a to fig1 d respectively correspond to fig1 a to fig1 d . this provides similar effect to the timing synchronization processing of the third preferred embodiment . it is also possible to remove the equal interval thinning - out in the timing synchronization process 303 in fig9 the procedure of which case is shown in fig1 . in this case , like the third preferred embodiment , the extracting range limited by the bandwidth limitation performed later is set wider than that in the first stage . while the invention has been described in detail , the foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive . it is understood that numerous other modifications and variations can be devised without departing from the scope of the invention .	7
a preferred embodiment of the invention is now described in detail . referring to the drawings , like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views . as used in the description herein and throughout the claims , the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein , unless the context clearly dictates otherwise : the meaning of “ a ,” “ an ,” and “ the ” includes plural reference , the meaning of “ in ” includes “ in ” and “ on .” referring now to fig5 , illustrated therein is a cross sectional view of a prior art metal - can battery that has been repeatedly dropped on a hard surface as is typical in oem quality and qualification practice . for example , a typical qualification test may require the battery withstand 30 five - foot drops to a concrete surface . testing was done on common lithium - ion metal - can cells in the lab . test results showed that on average 7 batteries in 500 failed this test , with an average of 4 failing within the first 18 drops . nothing would be more frustrating for a consumer than to pay $ 200 for a new personal organizer only to drop it a couple of times and have it stop working ! as shown in fig5 , the failure is caused by deformation 502 of the metal can 500 causing damage 503 to the inner jellyroll 501 . as stated above , this damage 503 can cause short circuits within the cell . the present invention prevents such a deformed jellyroll situation by employing an electrode assembly that provides a “ crumple zone ” into which a can or housing may deform without contacting the electrode assembly itself . the electrode assembly of the present invention has a central length that is longer than an exterior length . in other words , at least one end of the electrode assembly is tapered from the center to the exterior . when the electrode assembly is inserted into a can , the tapered profile shape leaves a void or air gap between the electrode assembly and the can . this void provides the crumple zone that allows the cell to keep functioning , even after it has been dropped . commonly assigned u . s . pat . no . 6 , 574 , 111 , entitled “ impact resistant rechargeable battery cell with crumple zone ” teaches the utilization of the spacer to create a crumple zone . while the &# 39 ; 111 patent works well in practice , the present invention eliminates the need for a spacer , thereby both saving cost and increasing the total amount of energy that may be stored within the cell ( by increasing the amount of active material within the cell ). the invention may be manufactured in several different ways . in one embodiment , the electrode assembly is wound , as in the traditional jellyroll process . the shape of the unwound electrode is such that when the assembly is wound , the height of the electrode becomes shorter . expressed differently , the jellyroll , when viewed from a cross - section , has a radiused or tapered end . turning now to fig6 , illustrated therein is one example of an electrode assembly 601 in accordance with the invention . the embodiment of fig6 is formed by wrapping the electrode into a jellyroll structure . as will be seen in the discussion of fig1 , the invention may also be formed by stacking layers of electrode material atop each other . the electrode assembly 601 is created by rolling a shaped , elongated electrode . such an electrode layer may include the constituent layers of material as described in fig1 . the elongated electrode layer has a first end 602 and a second end 603 . the layer is shaped so that the first end 602 is wider than the second end 603 . as such , when the layer is rolled starting with the first end 602 , the resulting electrode assembly 601 will be taller in the center ( i . e . the central height ) than at the outer edges ( i . e . the exterior height ). using this unique electrode shape , the resulting electrode assembly 601 resembles more the appearance of a baked cinnamon bun ( with a tapered top ) than the traditional jelly roll ( with planar ends that extend perpendicularly from the sides ). the taper is laterally transverse to the winding of the overall shape . turning now to fig7 a - c , illustrated therein are various forms of electrodes that may be used to create the cinnamon bun shaped electrode assembly in accordance with the invention . each electrode has a profile shape that is defined by a predetermined length between a first longitudinal end 701 and a second longitudinal end 702 . each electrode likewise has a height defined by an upper side 703 and a lower side 704 . while the plan view of fig7 a - c is two dimensional , the actual electrodes also have a finite width defined by a first lateral side 705 and a second lateral side 706 . at least one of the upper side 703 and the lower side 604 includes a taper . in fig7 a - c , for the purposes of discussion , the lower side 704 is shown to include the taper . fig7 a illustrates a taper that is curvilinear . fig7 b illustrates a taper that is angular . fig7 c illustrates a taper that is piecewise linear . in each of fig7 a - c , the height between the upper side 703 and the lower side 704 differs from one longitudinal end 701 to the other longitudinal end 702 . in the embodiments of fig7 a - c , longitudinal end 702 is shorter than longitudinal end 701 . experimental results have shown that the electrode is most effective when one longitudinal end 702 is at least 2 % shorter than the other longitudinal end 701 . turning now to fig8 , illustrated therein is an electrode 800 , such as any of the ones illustrated in fig7 a - c , being rolled so as to form the cinnamon bun shape . starting at the wide end 801 , the electrode 800 is rolled at an appropriate speed , attempting to keep the edge that will become the top of the electrode assembly even , such that a substantially planar end will result . when the roll gets to the narrow end 803 , the tapered side 802 causes the exterior height to be shorter than the central height at the wide end 801 . the roll is effectively wound in a spiral having a perimeter determined by the length of the profile shape of the electrode 800 , the winding beginning at one of the longitudinal ends such that one lateral side of the profile shape substantially contacts the other lateral side of the profile shape in adjacent layers of the spiral . referring now to fig9 , illustrated therein is a cell assembly in accordance with the invention . a cinnamon bun electrode assembly 900 with cathode 901 and anode 902 is provided . the cinnamon bun 900 will be inserted into a metal can ( not shown ). the assembly includes a first metal connector 903 that serves as the external cathode and a tab 904 for coupling the first metal connector 903 to the cathode 901 . an optional insulator 905 is provided to isolate the first metal connector 903 from the anode 902 . flat , top insulators , at one end of the cinnamon bun 900 , are known in the art as recited in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 317 , 335 to zayatz . in accordance with the invention , the cinnamon bun electrode assembly 900 , which would normally be substantially planar and would contact the can across the bottom of the can , has been tapered on at least one end . the electrode assembly 900 has a central height 907 and an exterior height 908 . the central height 907 of the electrode assembly 900 is preferably at least 2 % longer than the exterior height 908 . when the electrode assembly 900 is inserted into a housing or can ( not shown ), the central height will be roughly equivalent to the interior height of the can , neglecting space required for tabs 904 , insulators , 905 and other components , including current interrupt devices . the exterior height 908 of the electrode assembly 900 will generally be at least 2 % shorter than the effective interior height of the housing . the electrode assembly 900 of fig9 has a first end 906 . the first end 906 has a cross sectional or profile shape that includes a taper . as mentioned in the discussion of fig7 a - c , the taper may be curvilinear , like an exponential or parabolic curve for example . the taper may also be angular or piecewise linear . for cinnamon bun construction , the taper is laterally transverse to a winding of the electrode assembly . when the electrode assembly 900 is inserted into the can , the taper provides at least one void between the first end and a corner of the housing . turning now to fig1 , illustrated therein is a comparison of cross - sectional views of the prior art cell 1000 and a cell in accordance with the invention 1001 . in the prior art cell 1000 , the jellyroll 1002 mounts flush against the metal can 1003 . however , in the cell in accordance with the invention 1001 , the taper 1004 leaves a void 1007 between the cinnamon bun 1005 and the metal can 1006 . this void allows the can 1006 to deform , or “ crumple ”, when dropped on a corner , while the cinnamon bun 1005 remains unharmed . with the taper 1004 , test results have shown that zero batteries in 250 failed as a result of the 30 drops to concrete . turning now to fig1 , illustrated therein is an alternate construction of an electrode assembly in accordance with the invention . in this embodiment , layers of electrode 1101 , 1102 are stacked to form an electrode assembly 1103 . in this stacked method , each layer , e . g . 1101 , has some form of taper 1104 or radius on at least one end . this particular taper 1104 , which may be curvilinear , angular or piecewise linear , begins at a first lateral side and extends outward from the center of the electrode . the taper 1104 then reaches a predetermined length somewhere near the middle of one end of the electrode , and then tapers back to the opposite lateral side . these layers 1101 , 1102 may then be adhered together with a binder , gel , polymer or electrolyte to form a stacked electrode assembly 1103 . while the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described , it is clear that the invention is not so limited . numerous modifications , changes , variations , substitutions , and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims . for example , while one preferred embodiment of an electrode assembly illustrated herein had a taper on one end of the assembly , the electrode assembly may have tapers at both ends or on the sides .	7
reference numeral 10 in fig1 - 4 , 6 and 7 generally identifies a plastic switch housing body part used for exemplifying the applicant &# 39 ; s assembly structure and method . body part 10 has a plurality of projections 11 thereon which are integrally molded with the remainder of the body part . as shown in fig2 - 4 , 6 and 7 , projections 11 extend along parallel axes 12 . each projection 11 comprises a tubular or hollow shank 13 with a tapered bore 14 therein . the cross section of tapered bore 14 decreases with distance along axis 12 from the bulk of body 10 . a slug or plug 15 is formed as an integral extension of each projection 11 . plug 15 is cylindrical and has a cross section larger than the cross section of at least a portion of bore 14 . plug 15 is connected to tubular shank 13 by means of a tubular frangible web 16 . the interior surface of web 16 is substantially an extension of the interior surface of shank 13 . as shown , the wall of web 16 is substantially thinner than the wall of shank 13 . a bore or aperture 17 extends from each bore 14 through body 10 along axis 12 substantially as an extension of bore 14 . also shown in fig2 - 4 , 6 and 7 is a cover part 20 adapted to mate with body part 10 . cover part 20 has a plurality of apertures 21 therethrough positioned to mate with projections 11 on body part 10 . apertures 21 are formed with counterbores 22 on the side of cover 20 opposite body 10 . as will be explained hereinafter , counterbores 22 provide clearance for expansion of tubular shanks 13 when the outer ends of the shanks are substantially flush with the exterior of the assembled body and cover parts . fig3 illustrates a body 10 and cover 20 mated in a single station fixture prior to assembly . as illustrated , the fixture comprises a support base or plate 30 on which body 10 is supported . a pressure plate 31 is shown for holding cover 20 properly positioned on body 10 . pressure plate 31 has a plurality of apertures 32 therethrough corresponding to the number and location of projections 11 on body part 10 . each of apertures 32 contains a plunger 33 which is moveable along axis 12 . as shown in fig4 plungers 33 have moved so as to displace plugs 15 to the interior of bores 14 . since the cross section of each bore 14 along at least a portion of its length is smaller than the cross section of plug 15 , the outer end of shank 13 is caused to expand and prevent the shank from pulling through the associated aperture 21 in cover 20 . a better understanding of the interaction of shank 13 , plug 15 and frangible web 16 as the plug is pressed into the shank can be obtained from the series of cross sectional views shown in fig5 . the illustration of fig5 ( a ) shows the shank 13 , plug 15 and web 16 in original molded condition . in fig5 ( b ) plug 15 has begun to be displaced , and through action of web 16 , has begun to expand the end of shank 13 . in fig5 ( c ), the end of plug 15 has begun to enter bore 14 in shank 13 , and concurrently therewith , web 16 has buckled around the circumference of the plug . in fig5 ( d ), plug 15 has been displaced to the extent that web 16 is stretched between the inner end of the plug and the outer end of shank 13 . in fig5 ( e ) web 16 has ruptured or separated and plug 15 has been displaced to the extent that its outer end is substantially flush with the outer end of shank 13 . the outer end of shank 13 is , accordingly , maintained in an expanded condition . the foregoing process is simply accomplished by applying axial force to the plug . the force can be applied by means of a simple press and fixture . no heat is required . no unused material , such as excess flashing , for connecting parts is required or requires disposal . the operation can be quickly accomplished . finally , once the plug is in place , the assembled parts are very securely mechanically locked together . fig6 and 7 illustrate an alternative two station assembly process and fixture . as shown , there is a first station between a support base or plate 41 and a first surface on an intermediate pressure plate 42 . a second station is located between a second surface on intermediate pressure plate 42 and an outer pressure plate 43 . the first and second stations are located so that corresponding elements of the parts in the stations are aligned along axes 12 . base 41 has apertures 44 therein aligned with axes 12 , and containing plungers 45 movable along the axes . intermediate pressure plate 42 contains apertures 46 also aligned with axes 12 . in the two stage assembly process , an unassembled body 10 and cover 12 are positioned in station 1 and a body 10a and cover 20a , which had previously been through the operation in station 1 , are positioned in station 2 . as will be apparent from the following discussion , while previously located in station 1 , the plugs on the projections on body 10a were severed therefrom and displaced into an assembly then in station 2 . during the current operation , plungers 45 are moved through apertures 17 and tapered bores 14 in body 10 . continued movement of plungers 45 shears plugs 15 from shanks 13 and moves them through apertures 46 in intermediate pressure plate 42 , apertures 17a in body part 10a and into the tapered bores in shanks 13a . since the cross section of each plug 15 is larger than at least a portion of the cross section of associated bore 14a , the outer end of corresponding shank 13a is caused to expand as shown in fig7 thus securing cover part 20a in place on body part 10a . thereafter , the same process is repeated by withdrawing plungers 45 , removing the completed assembly of parts 10a and 20a from station 2 , moving parts 10 and 20 from station 1 to station 2 , and positioning unprocessed parts corresponding to parts 10 and 20 into station 1 for the next operation of plungers 45 . the foregoing abbreviated description sets forth the essential operations of a two stage assembly process in accordance with the applicant &# 39 ; s invention . the specific operations may be achieved in a variety of ways , and may be part of a continuous automated process . a single embodiment of plastic parts structured in accordance with the applicant &# 39 ; s invention , along with two variations of a method for assembling the parts have been shown and described in detail for exemplary purposes . other embodiments and variations thereof which do not depart from the applicant &# 39 ; s teachings will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts . it is not intended that coverage be limited to the illustrated embodiment and method , but only by the terms of the following claims .	1
an embodiment of the invention is described below in detail , by way of example , and with reference to the accompanying drawings . a network operating a method embodying the invention can comprise a diverse range of peers ranging , for example , form an embedded control computer to a large mainframe computer . these peers are interconnected by a diverse range of data carrying channels , including local - area networking apparatus and the internet . this example network comprises , a primary host peer 10 which is connected to a wide - area network ( wan ) 12 , such as the internet . the network additionally comprises a group of target peers 14 interconnected in a local - area network 16 . the local - area network 16 also has a connection to the wan 12 . additionally , the network includes a peer 18 which is connected to the wan 12 . each peer in the network executes a software program referred to as a communication server . the communication server includes the following components : a list of peers 20 that it can communicate with ; a list of tasks 22 , 24 that must be done for each peer , called a worklist . there is a separate worklist for each entry in the list of peers ; a ‘ task engine ’ 26 that manages tasks in the worklist for the each peer ; a ‘ packet engine ’ 28 that sends and receives packets of data to and from remote peers through a network connection 30 ; and a plurality of prioritised task queues 32 for storing pending transfer task requests . when two peers connect the respective communication servers first exchange worklists so that each has the same list of tasks to complete and then they exchange data , modifying their worklists as they progress . the control flow of the task engine will now be described . a file transfer event is initiated when a user or a client application presents to the communication server on the local peer a request to transfer a file to another peer on the network . the request specifies : a sequence number of a single request that must be completed before this request is started , if such a prerequisite exists . before the request is processed further , the task engine calculates a message digest for the file that is to be transferred , and stores the calculated digest in memory along with details of the request . in this embodiment , the digest is calculated in accordance with the specification md5 set forth in ietf document rfc 1321 . the communication server then checks that the request is not a duplicate of an earlier request , by proceeding as follows : the server searches through the worklist for the target peer and looks for a file with an identical name . a . if it finds a file with an identical name then it compares the digest stored in the worklist with the digest calculates for the current request . i . if the digests are identical then the request is discarded and the user is informed . ii . if the digests are different then the old task is discarded and replaced with the new task . tasks that are entered into a worklist have several properties , as follows : tasks generated locally on a peer are numbered sequentially from one ; and tasks that a peer receives from another peer are numbered from one and have a flag set in the task entry in the worklist to indicate that they were remotely generated . the communication server then decides when it should connect to each peer for which it has tasks . this decision is made in dependence upon a set of user configurable parameters , including some or all of : the number of retries for failed connection attempts and connection losses . after this number of instantaneous retries the system will wait for the time specified in the previous bullet before trying again ; when a connection is established between two peers , a number of communication channels are established . these will be used as multiple virtual streams to transfer data in parallel between the peers . in this embodiment , each channel is constituted by a tcp / ip connection between the peers . upon establishment of a connection between two peers , each sends the other the list of tasks that were created in the appropriate worklist since the last time the peers were connected . when peers connect , each sends the other the highest sequence number of a remotely generated task that has been requested and is still outstanding . upon receipt , the communication server on the remote peer compares this number with its own current highest sequence number of locally generated tasks and then calculates which tasks must be sent to the remote computer . once the local communication server knows the list of tasks that must be sent to the remote peer , it will start sending those tasks sequentially to the peer on the highest priority queue , ( queue 0 ). ( the queues and their prioritisation will be discussed in detail below .) as each task is received the task engine decides whether to accept or reject the task . specifically , when a peer receives a request to carry out a task , the communication server will check that it is not a duplicate request as follows : it checks all the worklists from all the peers it communicates with and looks for a duplicate entry ; in a procedure similar to that described above with respect to the host peer , if it finds a request with an identical file name and a different digest it replaces that request ; if the request is new , the communication server checks the local filesystem . if a file of a corresponding name exists on the filesystem , it calculates the digest of the file on the filesystem and if the calculated digest is identical with that sored in the request , it will consider the task to be a duplicate . if the task is a duplicate the communication server sends a reject message to the host peer and the request will be removed from the worklist of both peers . as tasks are sent , the task engine updates its worklist as an acknowledgement for each sent task received . in particular , it deletes a task from the worklist if it has been rejected , and marks a task as accepted if it has been accepted . in processing the task list , the communication server selects the first task to be done and puts it on an appropriate queue . each task might include one of : as data packets are sent to the remote peer , the task engine gets progress reports that tell it that some portion of a file has been transferred . transfer of data packets is handled by the packet engine , operation of which will be described in detail below . the task engine updates its worklist as each acknowledgement is received , so that it knows how much of the file has been transferred . when a file has been fully transferred the peer that received the file acknowledges that the file has been accepted . the user or client application that requested the file to be transferred can ask that the acknowledgement happens in one of two ways : as soon as the communication server of the target peer calculates the digest of the file it received and confirms that the calculated digest matches the stored digest in the worklist entry that caused the file to be transferred , it will send an acknowledgement of receipt ; or the file should not be accepted until some application on the target peer acknowledges that it has accepted it . the acknowledgement sent by the target peer to the host peer is a copy of the file digest calculated by the target peer , digitally signed by the private key of the receiving peer . the sending peer can keep this acknowledgement as strong proof that the receiving peer did receive the content . when the acknowledgement has been received by the host peer the task is deleted from the worklist on both peers if , and only if , there are no tasks that refer to this task as a prerequisite . when the worklist is empty or when the time for the current connection runs out , the peers indicate that the session should be finished and close the connection . control flow for of the packet engine will now be described in detail . the packet engine is responsible for transferring packets of data between peers . these packets can contain either task requests , as described above , or portions of files that are being transferred as the tasks are being performed . when the connection is established , the task engine presents work to the packet engine . this work can include : the packet engine maintains several packet queues within which are stored packets waiting to be sent to a remote peer . the packet engine keeps an internal list of packets that should be transmitted on each queue . there is a separate list for each priority queue . a priority is assigned to each queue . when the task engine transfers a packet to the packet engine for transmission , the packet engine places the packet on the tail of the internal list for the queue of appropriate priority . during operation , the packet engine continually takes a packet from the head of a queue and puts it in any of the available channels for transmission to a remote peer . the packet engine takes a packet from each internal list , not in turn , but based on a programmed sequence that causes different amounts of bandwidth to be allocated to the different priority queues . the selection process operates as follows : the packet engine builds a list of numbers , called the queue selection list . the entries in the list are the integers from 1 to 7 corresponding to seven of the priority queues ( of course , this number may be different in other embodiments ); each integer appears a specific number of times in the queue selection list and in a specific order ; and the integers in the queue selection list are inserted so that the number 1 appears most often , number 2 next often and so on until the number 7 appears least often . the order is such that the instances of each given number are more or less equally spaced in the list . for example , the list may include the number 1 twenty times , down to the number 7 just one time , with the other numbers appearing a range of times between these extreme values . this might , for example , give a range of queue priorities from 33 % for queue 1 to 2 % for queue 7 . the packet engine decides which queue to send from as follows : if there is a packet in queue 0 then place it on the next virtual channel ; get the next entry in the queue selection list and take a packet from the queue indicated and put it on the next virtual channel ; if there is no packet on the indicated queue then get the next entry in the queue selection list and put that on the next available virtual channel ; and as the packet engine receives acknowledgement for each packet sent , it informs the task engine of the current status of that task . having thus described at least one illustrative embodiment of the invention , various alterations , modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art . such alterations , modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the invention . accordingly , the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended as limiting . the invention &# 39 ; s limit is defined only in the following claims and the equivalents thereto .	7
aspects of the present invention are preferably implemented with computer devices and computer networks that allow users to exchange trading information , such as market data . an exemplary trading network environment for implementing trading systems and methods is shown in fig1 . an exchange computer system 100 receives orders and transmits market data related to orders and trades to users . exchange computer system 100 may be implemented with one or more mainframe , desktop or other computers . in one embodiment , a computer device uses a 64 - bit processor . a user database 102 includes information identifying traders and other users of exchange computer system 100 . data may include user names and passwords . an account data module 104 may process account information that may be used during trades . a match engine module 106 is included to match bid and offer prices . match engine module 106 may be implemented with software that executes one or more algorithms for matching bids and offers . a trade database 108 may be included to store information identifying trades and descriptions of trades . in particular , a trade database may store information identifying the time that a trade took place and the contract price . an order book module 110 may be included to compute or otherwise determine current bid and offer prices . a market data module 112 may be included to collect market data and prepare the data for transmission to users . a risk management module 134 may be included to compute and determine a user &# 39 ; s risk utilization in relation to the user &# 39 ; s defined risk thresholds . an order processing module 136 may be included to decompose delta based and bulk order types for processing by order book module 110 and match engine module 106 . the trading network environment shown in fig1 includes computer devices 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 and 122 . each computer device includes a central processor that controls the overall operation of the computer and a system bus that connects the central processor to one or more conventional components , such as a network card or modem . each computer device may also include a variety of interface units and drives for reading and writing data or files . depending on the type of computer device , a user can interact with the computer with a keyboard , pointing device , microphone , pen device or other input device . computer device 114 is shown directly connected to exchange computer system 100 . exchange computer system 100 and computer device 114 may be connected via a t1 line , a common local area network ( lan ) or other mechanism for connecting computer devices . computer device 114 is shown connected to a radio 132 . the user of radio 132 may be a trader or exchange employee . the radio user may transmit orders or other information to a user of computer device 114 . the user of computer device 114 may then transmit the trade or other information to exchange computer system 100 . computer devices 116 and 118 are coupled to a lan 124 . lan 124 may have one or more of the well - known lan topologies and may use a variety of different protocols , such as ethernet . computers 116 and 118 may communicate with each other and other computers and devices connected to lan 124 . computers and other devices may be connected to lan 124 via twisted pair wires , coaxial cable , fiber optics or other media . alternatively , a wireless personal digital assistant device ( pda ) 122 may communicate with lan 124 or the internet 126 via radio waves . pda 122 may also communicate with exchange computer system 100 via a conventional wireless hub 128 . as used herein , a pda includes mobile telephones and other wireless devices that communicate with a network via radio waves . fig1 also shows lan 124 connected to the internet 126 . lan 124 may include a router to connect lan 124 to the internet 126 . computer device 120 is shown connected directly to the internet 126 . the connection may be via a modem , dsl line , satellite dish or any other device for connecting a computer device to the internet . one or more market makers 130 may maintain a market by providing constant bid and offer prices for a derivative or security to exchange computer system 100 . exchange computer system 100 may also exchange information with other trade engines , such as trade engine 138 . one skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous additional computers and systems may be coupled to exchange computer system 100 . such computers and systems may include clearing , regulatory and fee systems . the operations of computer devices and systems shown in fig1 may be controlled by computer - executable instructions stored on computer - readable medium . for example , computer device 116 may include computer - executable instructions for receiving order information from a user and transmitting that order information to exchange computer system 100 . in another example , computer device 118 may include computer - executable instructions for receiving market data from exchange computer system 100 and displaying that information to a user . of course , numerous additional servers , computers , handheld devices , personal digital assistants , telephones and other devices may also be connected to exchange computer system 100 . moreover , one skilled in the art will appreciate that the topology shown in fig1 is merely an example and that the components shown in fig1 may be connected by numerous alternative topologies . fig2 shows a system for distributing market data in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . market data events 202 are received at a market data module 204 . market data events may include or correspond to new orders , cancellation of orders , matching of orders or any other event that typically results in an exchange or other entity distributing market data . in one embodiment of the invention market data module 204 performs functions similar to that of market data module 112 ( shown in fig1 ). market data module 204 may include a rules engine 206 and a memory 208 . rules engine 206 may be implemented with a conventional rules engine and may be linked to a rules collection 210 . in alternative embodiment of the invention rules engine 206 is linked to multiple rules collections . each rules collection may correspond to a class of service purchased by subscribers of market data . for example , a first rules collection may utilize four tiers , a second rules collection may utilize ten tiers and a third rules collection may utilize twenty tiers . an exchange or other entity distributing market data may allow subscribers to decide which level of service they desire . a higher number of tiers corresponds to a higher service level and may be priced accordingly . returning to fig2 , rules collection 210 may be used to implement a market data tier structure . fig3 shows a market data tier structure corresponding to rules collection 210 . a horizontal axis 302 represents the pending order quantity . for example , a value of five means that there are orders for five financial instruments . the financial instruments may be options contracts , futures contracts , equity contracts , interest rate related contracts or any other financial instrument traded at an exchange . a vertical axis 302 identifies tier values of 10 , 50 , 100 and 150 . rule 212 sets a minimum threshold value at ten . this means that a pending order quantity that is less than ten is represented by the actual number of pending orders . for example , data point 306 corresponds to a pending order quantity of five and is represented by the actual pending order quantity . in contrast , data point 308 corresponds to a pending order quantity of twenty and is represented as being greater than or equal to ten . ten is the first tier level below the actual pending order quantity . data points 310 , 312 , 314 and 316 are also represented by the first tier level below the actual pending order quantity . rule 214 sets a maximum threshold level at one hundred fifty . any pending order quantity greater than one hundred fifty is represented as being greater than or equal to one hundred fifty . various embodiments of the invention may also use a dynamic tier structure . for example , the granularity of the tiers may be a function of market data bandwidth consumption or trading activity . tiers may also vary along a distribution path or within a single entity , such as an exchange . one skilled in the art will appreciate that the system shown in fig2 is only an exemplary embodiment for implementing aspects of the invention . in one alternative embodiment , a microprocessor may be programmed with computer - executable instructions to perform the functions described above . in another alternative embodiment of the invention , an application specific integrated circuit ( asic ) may be utilized . in other embodiments some or all of the functions performed by market data module 204 may be performed by one or more of the modules shown in exchange computer system 100 ( shown in fig1 ). fig4 shows a method that may be used to implement a market data tier structure , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . in step 402 market data corresponding to a market event is received at a market data module . the market data module may be any hardware , software or combination of hardware and software that is configured to process and distribute market data . next , in step 404 it is determined if the market data results in a change in a market price . when the market data does result in a change in a market price , the market data is distributed in step 406 . the combination of steps 404 and 406 ensures that critical price change information that is important to traders is distributed , regardless of the presence of a tier structure that may be used to conserve processing resources and bandwidth . when the market data does not result in a change in a market price , in step 408 the market data is aggregated with market data for similar events . for example , if the market data indicates that there is an order for five contracts at a given price , the quantity of five is aggregated with the pending order quantity that exist for the same contract at the same price . the aggregated data may be stored in a memory , such as memory 208 ( shown in fig2 ). finally , when the aggregated market data passes a quantity threshold , the aggregated market data is distributed . the quantity threshold may be a tier level . fig5 illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface 500 that may be used to display market depth information and allow traders to trade financial instruments , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . graphical user interface 500 includes a price and quantity grid 502 . price and quantity grid 502 may contain five columns . a buy column 504 displays a user &# 39 ; s working buy order quantities . as used herein , a user may be a trader . a hit column 506 displays the market bid quantities . prices for individual rows are displayed in a price column 508 . a take column 510 displays market ask quantities . and , a sell column 512 displays a user &# 39 ; s working sell order quantities . individual entries may be color coded to assist users in quickly interpreting the displayed information . for example , entries in buy column 504 and hit column 506 may be in blue and entries in take column 510 and sell column 512 may be in red . the quantities included in columns 506 and 510 are in accordance with the rules defined in rules collection 210 ( shown in fig2 ). for example , cell 514 has a value of eight , which is less than the minimum threshold value of ten . the quantity is therefore represented by the actual number of eight . cell 516 has a value of ≧ 50 . based on the tier values established by rule 216 ( shown in fig2 ), a user knows that the actual pending order quantity is at least fifty , but less than one hundred contracts . an exchange or other entity distributing market data will not distribute an updated market message until the pending order quantity results in a change in tier levels . for example , if the actual pending order quantity is seventy five , which is represented as ≧ 50 , and an order for thirty more contracts is received at the exchange , which raises the actual pending order quantity to one hundred five , market data will be distributed to indicate that the pending order quantity is ≧ 100 that price level . in one embodiment of the invention graphical user interface 500 may be used even when market data is not distributed in accordance with a tier structure . a computer device providing data to graphical user interface 500 may include a rules engine and rules collection or other mechanisms for implementing a tier structure . a user may select tier values that are appropriate for the user to limit changes made to the graphical user interface . one advantage associated with limiting changes to the state of graphical user interface 500 is that it reduces the risk of a trader entering an unintended order because of a change in the state of the interface . a exchange computer system and / or a trader computer system may utilize a data structure for associated pending order quantities with price levels . in one embodiment , the data structure includes a plurality of price fields that represent pending order prices . a plurality of quantity fields may each represent a pending order quantity that exist at a price included in the plurality of price fields . the quantity of pending orders may be expressed in tiers according to a predetermined tier structure , as described above . fig6 illustrates a method of processing market data in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . first , in step 602 market data is received from an exchange or other entity that distributes market data . next , price levels are displayed in a column in step 604 . the price column may be similar to price column 508 ( shown in fig5 ). in step 606 pending order quantities are displayed next to corresponding prices included in the price column and in accordance with a tier structure . in one embodiment the market data received in step 602 is in accordance with the tier structure . the present invention has been described herein with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a person understanding this invention may conceive of changes or other embodiments or variations , which utilize the principles of this invention without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims . for example , an exchange or other entity may distribute a separate market data stream for each financial instrument that is traded . each market data stream may use a tier structure adapted for use with the particular financial instrument . market data streams for implied and actual order books may also be combined .	6
reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . for clarity , corresponding features are consistently labeled across the various views of the invention provided in the figures . fig1 to 7 illustrate various views of a portable media reproduction system 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig1 , portable media reproduction system 10 has a casing 20 having a front surface 50 , bottom surface 55 , right side 60 , left side 65 , and back surface 100 ( fig3 ). in the preferred embodiment , the front surface 50 has a left speaker array 70 and a right speaker array 75 . left and right speaker arrays 70 , 75 each have a 25 mm full - range neodymium micro driver 30 , 35 and a 18 mm neodymium tweeter 40 , 45 . however , one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the casing 20 can house a variety of different speaker configurations . left and right speaker arrays 70 , 75 are optionally covered with a perforated guard or screen to protect drivers 30 , 35 and tweeters 40 , 45 . a latch 80 and docking component 90 are substantially centered about the front surface 50 of casing 20 . in a closed position as shown in fig3 , only a bottom side 95 of docking component 90 is exposed . the exposed surfaces of latch 80 and bottom side 95 form a substantially planar surface with front surface 50 in the closed position . referring to fig2 , a rear view of the portable media reproduction system 10 is shown . similar to front surface 50 , a rear surface 100 is substantially planar . when in the closed position , rear surface 100 only exposes a bottom surface 125 of a base component 120 . base component 120 has a pad 130 and portable media reproduction system 10 has pads 300 , 305 for frictionally engaging a surface when base component 120 is in an open position . latch 80 holds docking component 90 and base component 120 in the closed position by friction . by depressing the latch 80 in a direction towards docking component 90 , docking component 90 and base component 120 are released from latch 80 . a spring mechanism allows docking component 90 and base component 120 to articulate into an open position . fig8 a and 8 b show details of the spring - loaded docking component 90 and spring - loaded base component 120 , respectively . referring to fig1 , 5 a , and 5 b , a user activates latch 80 in order to release docking component 90 and base component 20 . a flange 140 extending from a front surface 150 of docking component 90 is frictionally engaged with a securing flange of latch 80 . upon actuating latch 80 , the securing flange is depressed into the casing 20 so that the securing flange and the flange 140 are no longer in contact . the docking component 90 rotates about a hinge 160 until a top surface 170 of docking component 90 is approximately perpendicular to the front surface 50 of the portable media reproduction system 10 . a stop flange ( not shown ) extending from docking component 90 into casing 20 prevents the movement of docking component 90 past the perpendicular position . the docking component 90 is in the “ open ” position when it has completed rotation to this position . referring to fig4 , on the rear surface 100 of the portable media reproduction system 10 , base component 120 remains in a closed position when frictionally engaged with latch 80 . a base securing component 180 extends from the casing 20 a recess 185 in base component 120 . upon actuating the latch 80 , the base securing component 180 retracts into the casing 20 and no longer engages base component 120 , allowing base component 120 to rotate into an open position . in the open position , a top surface 125 of the base component 120 is approximately perpendicular to the rear surface 100 . a support flange 190 is hinged to base component 120 and is concealed in casing 20 in the closed position . when the base component 120 rotates from casing 20 into the open position , a spring ( not shown ) located at the hinge of support flange 90 causes the support flange 90 to rotate into an upright position that is substantially perpendicular to both the rear surface 100 of casing 20 and top surface 125 of base component 120 . support flange 190 has a flange 195 that extends to abut the rear surface 100 when in the open position . flange 195 is positioned on an angle such that casing 20 abuts at an angle θ of approximately 105 degrees from a surface upon which the portable media reproduction system 10 rests . alternatively , angle θ may be at any desired angle for delivering sound to an intended listener , but is preferably between about 90 degrees and 115 degrees . a stopping flange 200 abuts an interior side of casing 20 to prevent the support flange from rotating beyond the desired substantially perpendicular position . in such a configuration , the speakers 30 , 35 , 40 , 45 are positioned at an angle that best aligns speakers 30 , 35 , 40 , 45 with an anticipated user position when the portable media reproduction system 10 is used on a desk or other surface and positioned within arm &# 39 ; s reach of the user . although an approximately 105 degree rotation is preferred , it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the support flange 190 and flange 195 positions are variable , and that alternative rotation angles may be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention . in the open position , a connector 210 on top surface 170 of docking component 90 is exposed and positioned to receive a personal media player (“ pmp ”), such as an ipod . alternatively , the portable media reproduction system 10 can be configured to accommodate a cellular phone , satellite radio receiver , digital radio receiver , standard radio receiver , cd player , portable digital assistant , digital camera , or other portable audio or audio / video player . referring to fig7 a and 7 b , an ipod 220 is mounted on connector 210 by sliding ipod 220 in the direction 230 . the ipod 220 is dismounted in the opposite direction . when the ipod 220 is mounted on connector 210 , the rear of ipod 220 can rest against front surface 50 for added support . in the mounted position , ipod 220 is substantially centered between speakers 30 , 35 , 40 , 45 , as shown in fig7 a and 7 b . when the base component is in the open position , a power adapter 270 and an external audio input jack 280 are exposed . additionally , a synchronizing cable port 290 is positioned on the rear surface of the docking component for synchronizing the ipod 220 with a computer or other similar device . when media device 220 is communicatively coupled with the portable media reproduction system 10 , media device 220 may also receive power from the portable media reproduction system 10 . in one embodiment , the portable media reproduction system 10 may only supply power to media device 220 when the portable media reproduction system 10 is receiving power from an external power source , such as , but not limited to , an ac to dc converter , or to an external device capable of providing power to the portable media reproduction system 10 . in an alternative embodiment , the portable media reproduction system 10 may supply power to the media device regardless of whether the portable media reproduction system 10 is operating on power from an external power source or from internal batteries . in addition to allowing media device 220 to function , power supplied by the portable audio reproduction system 10 to media device 220 may also allow the media device to charge any rechargeable batteries stored therein . power adapter input 270 preferably allows the portable media reproduction system 10 of the present invention to be powered from an external power source , such as , but not limited to , an ac to dc converter or external battery pack . in addition to receiving power from an external power source , the portable media reproduction system 10 can also preferably be powered by one or more batteries , which are preferably stored within the portable media reproduction system 10 . in an exemplary embodiment , rear surface 100 has two slidably removable covers 110 , 115 for access to battery housings . although rechargeable batteries , such as , but not limited to , lithium ion batteries , are presently preferred , it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that disposable batteries can be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention . in an embodiment in which rechargeable batteries are used , the rechargeable batteries are preferably recharged any time the portable media reproduction system 10 is connected to an external power source via power adapter . the portable media reproduction system 10 may also charge the batteries , and receive power , if a device is connected thereto via synchronizing cable port . in an embodiment in which rechargeable batteries are used , the batteries should preferably be of a capacity such that , if the portable media reproduction system 10 is disconnected from the external power source when the batteries are fully charged , the portable media reproduction system 10 can be powered and reproduce audio signals for several consecutive hours without needing to be recharged . power from a power adapter , an externally connected device , and / or the batteries is preferably used to power a class d or other audio amplifier housed within the portable media reproduction system , as well as other aspects of the invention . a class d amplifier is advantageous because of the relatively high efficiencies associated with such amplifiers . such efficiencies provide reduced power consumption over conventional amplifiers , thereby improving the system &# 39 ; s battery life . the amplifier is preferably used to convert the audio signals from media device , preferably received via docking component and / or from an auxiliary audio source connected to the portable media reproduction system 10 through auxiliary input jack , into a signal capable of driving the speakers . locating auxiliary input jack 280 , synchronizing cable port 290 , and power adapter 270 near each other is advantageous because it simplifies connecting the portable media reproduction system 10 to , and disconnecting the portable media reproduction system from , any attached devices . all are hidden in the closed position for protection . however , it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the physical location of input jack 280 , synchronized cable port 290 , and power adapter 270 can be varied without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention . as illustrated in fig1 through 6 a , the portable media reproduction system 10 is preferably equipped with power switch 260 , which allows a user to easily turn the system 10 on and off . a light emitting diode (“ led ”) 265 is preferably capable of displaying a plurality of colors and thereby conveying information to a user . by way of example , without intending to limit the present invention , led may be powered off , or dark , when the portable media reproduction system is turned off , may glow green when the portable media reproduction system is connected to an external power source , may glow yellow when the portable media reproduction system is being powered by batteries , and may glow red when the portable media reproduction system is being powered by batteries and the estimated remaining battery power drops below a given threshold . although power switch can preferably be used to turn the portable media reproduction system on and off , in an alternative embodiment , the portable media reproduction system may ignore attempts to turn the portable media reproduction system on when the portable media reproduction system is closed . the portable media reproduction system may also automatically power off when closed . these features can help prevent draining the batteries when the portable media reproduction system is not in use . a user can also set the overall output level , or volume , by adjusting volume control 250 , positioned on a top surface 240 . additional connectors , such as those supporting the universal serial bus , fire wire , or other such standards , may also be added to the portable media reproduction system . such connectors may allow the portable media reproduction system to replace a docking station traditionally associated with portable media devices , thus enabling the portable media device to synchronize files with a computer . the portable media reproduction system may also be equipped with one or more handles or carrying straps . this can facilitate easily transporting the portable media reproduction system . pads 300 , 305 provide frictional resistance on a surface when the portable media reproduction system 10 is in the open position on the surface . while the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof . thus , it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents .	8
this application relates to miniature antennas with an exemplary embodiment used with an rfid chip . antennas are electrically tuned wires that correspond to wavelengths of interest , usually associated with a connected transmitter or receiver . the present invention involves use of optical recording media for the creation of rfid antennas . at least a portion of the rfid antenna would be an optically recordable medium that is tuned to the associated transmitter or receiver . this could then be adapted for a number of different applications . optical media is defined as any material that can store data , and have the data read using light . this could be diffractive , reflective , polarizing , etc . the data density would be appropriate for antenna wire size . in one embodiment , data marks could be placed photolithographically or otherwise created ( e . g ., ablated ) on the antenna itself . the smallest lines that can be made by photolithography are feature size , approximately 2 . 25 microns , lines . data spots smaller than feature size are feasible using sidewall mask and other techniques , but if data marks are feature size , then the associated antenna wires must be larger than this feature size to accommodate data . in another embodiment , data marks could be photolithographically or otherwise placed adjacent to the antenna , or in antenna interstices ( such as location 16 in fig1 ), or adjacent to the antenna . still another embodiment is illustrated in fig1 , which shows a combined optical media storage device , ( 10 ) including a stripe of optical media ( 18 ) having a plurality of parallel tracks suitable for data recording onto said parallel tracks , combined with an antenna . this is similar to the 2 . 6 megabyte of data card sold by lasercard corporation , but with a printed antenna ( 12 ) to be connected to an rfid chip . as indicated , this antenna may be printed using the optical media , with printing producing a tuned element , i . e ., antenna . the area of the antenna that is active is shown by traces 14 , while the inactive area is shown by area 16 . the optical media could be a portion of the actual antenna ( element 14 ) or could be positioned in areas 16 which are not part of the antenna . tuning requirements would be combined with data storage requirements . various patterns may be placed on the antenna area ( 14 ), as noted above . using the phase - based media described above , tracks of laser ablated pits as well as a specified pattern may be included . as another embodiment , embossed metallized holograms may be printed onto the media and may even be included in the master plates that form the media . pre - encoded data tracks may be formed in the hologram and can be used adjacent to an antenna . if the embossing is on dielectric material , such as plastic film , the optical pattern , hologram or otherwise , can be on a film layer placed over the antenna layer , which can be conductive traces printed on a lower level . the optical pattern need not be embossed on the film but may also be printed , or generated with alternate techniques . in another embodiment , shown in cross - section in fig3 , the rf antenna is printed on an under layer ( 50 ), while the optical media is on an upper layer ( 40 ). a side section holds the integrated circuit ( 60 ). both the upper layer and the lower layer may be inexpensive printed materials , combined to form a rfid tag or document . a commercial radio frequency chip card , of the type having an antenna such as an rf transceiver chip on a substrate layer , is at a first generally planar level . a second layer of dielectric sheet material , not larger than the card of the first level overlies the chip card , and is adhered to the chip card , such as by lamination . the second layer could be stamped or printed with optical indicia . information from the second layer is combined with information on the first layer to authenticate a user . thus , even if the chip card is cloned , the clone would not have the second layer and could not be authenticated . the optical media of the antenna , or alternatively , optical media on the other part of the card , may include a diffractive pattern . such a diffractive pattern may also be used for security verification of the card . these patterns may be encoded with a roughly one micron pixel resolution . such patterns look essentially random , as illustrated in fig2 a ; however , when laser light is directed onto the diffractive pattern a picture is reflected from the optical media and is visible on a flat surface . fig2 b is a pattern generated by such a diffractive area . the media used by lasercard utilizes a silver halide compound similar to that use in photographic applications . an alternate form of optically writeable and readable media can be used for data storage and is compatible with current lasercard data storage technology . this media has two properties : first , it can be written and read such that it is adaptable to worm applications . second , the conductivity is adaptable for use as an rfid antenna . such a combination has a number of benefits . one example of such a media is an optical phase readout based media , similar to cdr or dvdr media , where three dimensional pre - encoded information is formed by techniques such as embossing , followed by sputter coating a worm layer over the molded layer . the sputter coating is a metallic based material , which can be manufactured in two ways . in the first manufacturing method , a “ write bright ” media results , such that when writing with a laser to record information , the material is not melted but the crystalline structure is altered such that the pit becomes reflective . this would be read as one bit of information . alternatively , in a second manufacturing method , a “ write dark ” media results from changing the thermal conductivity characteristics such that the laser melts the surface ; melting the metallic surface away such that it is no longer reflective to the same degree , and the pits are less reflective . this may be preferred because it mimics the existing silver halide media that is also write dark . this would allow use of the new media using existing read / write , or read only instruments . the tracks could be formatted so that existing tracking components and software could be used . the media in the above example is angstroms thick ( e . g ., 50 - 200 a ), and the laser burns entirely through a pit data location to add data . additionally , a number of different materials may be used . in one embodiment , at least a kb of data would be stored on the antenna on the optical media storage area . in other embodiments the antenna could be made of more than one material . as noted , the optical media may be a variety of different materials . these include an optically variable metal film . this would include a metal film capable of laser recording . this would include films having write once read many ( worm ) properties . in addition , a number of the possible media types are adaptable to higher density , including , but not limited to cd , dvd , or blu ray compatible optical media . radio frequency identification ( rfid ) is an automatic data transmission method . it relies on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices sometimes referred to as rfid tags or transponders . an rfid tag is an element that can be attached to an object and later powered to produce data . the rfid tags generally have two components : an antenna component and a silicon chip component . passive tags require no internal power source , while active tags require a battery or other power source . for passive rfid tags , a small electrical current is induced in the antenna by an incoming radio frequency signal . this radio frequency signal is from the rfid tag interrogation unit . the induced current provides sufficient power for the integrated circuit component to have enough power to transmit a response . this low power means that the device operates over a very short range . thus , the antenna must be designed both to produce the power by an induced current , and to transmit the signal to an external read device . the information transmitted can be identification data , or the rfid tag may have a chip that can contain a non - volatile memory for storing additional data . the lack of an integrated power supply means that these rfid devices can be quite small , making them adaptable for simple printing using commercial available rfid printers . such tags may be made from silicon semiconductor , or non - silicon polymer semiconductors . the alternative to passive rfid tags are active rfid tags , which have a power source . the active power source provides the ability to operate over a longer range , by transmitting at higher power levels , and accommodate in environments where transmission requires higher power . an rfid system is designed to enable an rfid tag to be read by an rfid reader , providing data specific to the rfid tag . for example , on a passport an rfid tag may provide data specific to the user , namely biometric data such as height , eye color , weight , etc ., passport number , immigration status , or other relevant document information . this information is stored in a memory chip connected to the antenna . when the tag is sufficiently proximate to an electromagnetic zone it will detect readers activation signal . for a passive tag , this signal is sufficient to induce power in the antenna , extract information from the chip , and transmit information back to the reader . rfid passports are governed by standards that have been set by standard setting organizations such as the international civil aviation organization ( icao ). at least some of the optical media listed in the media section above have conductive properties . these vacuum coated media allow pre - encoded information to be stored on the media . the antenna may include parallel recorded / recordable data tracks . the auto track function of existing readers could be used to read rfid antenna tracks recorded if the rfid antenna is made of optical media . radio frequency identification technology has been developed by a number of companies , including motorola / indala ( see u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 378 , 880 and 5 , 565 , 846 ), texas instruments ( see u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 347 , 280 and 5 , 541 , 604 ), mikron / philips semiconductors , single chip systems ( see u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 442 , 507 ; 4 , 796 , 074 ; 5 , 095 , 362 ; 5 , 296 , 722 ; and 5 , 407 , 851 , csir ( see european document numbers 0 494 114 a2 ; 0 585 132 a1 ; 0 598 624 a1 ; and 0 615 285 a2 , ibm ( see u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 528 , 222 ; 5 , 550 , 547 ; 5 , 521 , 601 ; and 5 , 682 , 143 , and sensormatic elecytronics ( see u . s . pat . no . 5 , 625 , 341 ). all of these patents are hereby incorporated by reference , for all purposes herein . these tags all attempt to provide remote identification without the need for a battery . they operate at frequencies ranging from 125 khz to 2 . 45 ghz . the lower frequency tags (˜ 125 khz ) are moderately resistant to shielding , but have only limited radio frequency functionality due to bandwidth constraints . in particular , systems based on these markers generally operate reliably only when a single tag is in the interrogation zone at a time . they also tend to be relatively bulky and expensive to manufacture . at high frequencies , ( typically 13 . 56 mhz , 915 mhz , and 2 . 45 ghz ), the added bandwidth available has permitted the development of systems which can reliably process multiple tags in the interrogation zone in a short period of time . one form of optical media are holograms . one possible implementation , using the media described in the above media section , is such that the molded media allows a variety of different patterns to be incorporated . thus , pits of data to be burned into the media producing bits of data , or alternatively , patterns may be formed into the media . these three dimensional patterns may also store information . this would include embossed metallized holograms . these holograms may be formed simultaneously with pre - encoded data , thus in addition to pits , the holograms may be burned into the media . the optical media could include holograms , pre - encoded pits or burn pits , or any combination of these . the inclusion of various patterns may allow optical data storage in 3 - d . the different planes of the pattern would allow storage of information using not only a two - dimensional pattern , but allowing data storage at the various layers in the pattern as well . holographic data storage may also allow for angle , or wavelength , or displacement , multiplexing for additional data storage density . by allowing the rfid antenna to be made of a material suitable for storing optical data , a range of different information may be stored . this would include the holder &# 39 ; s biometric data ( e . g ., retina scan , fingerprint , etc ). one contemplated embodiment is to form optical media into the size of an ic chip . the media does not need to be a strip , but could be any known shape , while allowing recording . an ic chip optical media section may be a rectangle . other known shapes could be also used . for passive rfid , reading may be done at a variety of distances , as long as the distance is sufficiently small to allow induction of the antenna . in one embodiment , reading of the optical media is at 4 mm , as described in various prior patents incorporated by reference above . the optical media may be shaped in two symmetric , or asymmetric , patterns joined at a point of contact with the ic chip . the optical media , of which the antenna is made , may include a metallized holographic pattern . this pattern may be stamped , embossed or created in other manners . as also noted , the pattern could have a diffractive pattern , to allow optical validation at a distance . in another embodiment , the thin metallic pattern forming the optical media may contain a micro optical lens . in another embodiment , the thin metallic pattern forming the optical media may contain retroreflective elements . in another embodiment , the thin metallic pattern forming the optical media may contain microimaging of microimages , such as text , pictures or other unique shapes and patterns . in another embodiment , the thin metallic pattern includes pictorial elements arranged in a specific manner , in order to optimize radiation characteristics required for powering the ic chip in contact with two distinctly different patterns .	7
embodiments of the invention provide a method of transmitting a high - definition video signal based on an analog signal to thereby transmit the high - definition video signal without any compression , loss of the signal or delay thereof in transmission of the high - definition video signal over a long distance so as to accommodate required transmission of the high - definition video signal in the safety and guard industry . the solutions of the inventions will be described below with reference to the drawings and respective embodiments thereof . the first embodiment of the invention provides a method of transmitting a high - definition video signal , and fig1 illustrates a flow of this method including : a brightness signal and a chrominance signal in the high - definition video signal need to be transmitted respectively in this embodiment . thus in this step , the high - definition video signal needs to be processed to separate the brightness signal and the chrominance signal from the high - definition video signal so that the separated brightness signal and chrominance signal can be operated on subsequently . in this embodiment , the high - definition video signal is transmitted using the transmission method of an analog signal . thus in this step , the brightness signal and the chrominance signal can be transmitted using the transmission mode of an analog signal , and the brightness signal and the chrominance signal can be transmitted in totally separate bands which do not overlap so as to ensure no influence of the brightness signal and the chrominance signal upon each other . in this step , the brightness signal can be converted into a quantized brightness value , and particularly the brightness signal can be converted into a quantized brightness value by encode mode for the baseband transmission . the chrominance signal is modulated and then loaded onto an intermediate - frequency carrier to generate a quantized value of the chrominance signal modulated over the carrier , the quantized brightness value and the quantized value of the chrominance signal modulated over the carrier are superimposed , and then the superimposed signal is converted into the analog signal for transmission . particularly the superimposed signal can be converted into the analog signal using a high - speed digital - analog converter . in this embodiment , the brightness signal and the chrominance signal can be transmitted over a coaxial cable . thus the analog signal obtained by conversion can be output onto the coaxial cable for transmission . in view of the attenuating characteristic of the frequency of the signal in long - distance transmission over the coaxial cable , the signal at a low frequency can accommodate the requirement of a long distance transmission . thus the brightness signal and the chrominance signal can be set to be transmitted in the bands with their highest frequencies no more than a preset threshold so as to transmit the high - definition video signal over a long distance while guaranteeing the reliability and the stability of transmission , where the preset threshold can be set no less than 20 mhz and preferably at 20 mhz to 40 mhz . the bandwidth of the band in which the brightness signal is transmitted can be determined from a required horizontal resolution of the high - definition video signal , e . g ., a required horizontal resolution of a high - definition video is at least above 900 lines or more . furthermore the bandwidth of the band in which the brightness signal is transmitted can be determined from a required frame rate and the required horizontal resolution ; and the bandwidth of the band in which and the frequency of the carrier over which the chrominance signal can be transmitted from a required color resolution of the high - definition video signal . furthermore the frequency of the carrier can be determined from a preset frequency gap between the band of the intermediate - frequency carrier and the band in which the brightness signal is transmitted so that the brightness signal and the chrominance signal can be better separated using a filter during transmission and sampling . in this embodiment , the brightness signal can be transmitted in a baseband at a low frequency of 0 to fy mhz , and the chrominance signal can be transmitted over the intermediate - frequency carrier with the bandwidth of fcd mhz and the frequency fc mhz of the carrier , where the brightness signal and the chrominance signal are transmitted in the non - overlapping bands . particularly the bandwidth of the band , in which the brightness signal is transmitted over the coaxial cable , is determined from the required frame rate and the required horizontal resolution , for example , when the horizontal resolution is 720p and the frame rate is 25 frames per second , the brightness signal can be transmitted in the band of 0 to 15 mhz . if the bandwidth of the band of the intermediate - frequency carrier is determined as 4 mhz , then the frequency of the carrier can be determined from the preset frequency gap . for example , given the band of 0 to 15 mhz in which the brightness signal is transmitted and the bandwidth 4 mhz of the band of the intermediate - frequency carrier , if the preset frequency gap is 1 mhz , then the frequency of the carrier can be 18 mhz ; and given the band of 0 to 14 mhz in which the brightness signal is transmitted and the bandwidth 4 mhz of the band of the intermediate - frequency carrier , if the preset frequency gap is 2 mhz , then the frequency of the carrier can be 18 mhz . all of the low - frequency bandwidth , the frequency gap and the frequency of the carrier described above can be adjusted dependent upon a real condition . also in this embodiment , a clock synchronization signal is coupled at a blanking location of the high - definition video signal as a clock source of the chrominance signal for recovering sample in order to ensure the chrominance signal to be synchronized while being sampled . the solution according to the first embodiment of the invention will be described below by way of a particular example where for the required resolution of 720p and the required frame rate of 25 frames per second , the brightness signal is transmitted in the baseband at a low - frequency of 0 to fy mhz and the chrominance signal is transmitted over the intermediate - frequency carrier with a bandwidth of fcd mhz and the frequency fc mhz of the carrier . fig2 illustrates a diagram of the analog signal of the high - definition video signal of 720p in the frequency domain , where the analog signal is divided into signal bandwidths for all of which upper limits are determined as fmax , typically at 20 mhz , according to the attenuation criterion of the signal over the coaxial cable in order to accommodate over the requirement of a long distance transmission . the bandwidth of the brightness signal is determined as fy mhz , typically 15 mhz , from the required frame rate and the required horizontal resolution . the bandwidth of the chrominance signal is determined as fcd , typically 4 mhz , from the required color resolution of the high - definition video signal , and furthermore the frequency of the carrier of the chrominance signal is determined as fc mhz from the preset frequency gap , where the preset frequency gap is typically 1 mhz , that is , the frequency of the carrier is typically 18 mhz . moreover the respective bands occupied by the brightness signal and the chrominance signal do not overlap , and the signals are transmitted in their respective exclusive bands . fig3 illustrates a diagram of the analog signal of the high - definition video signal of 720p in the time domain , where the reference numeral 1 denotes a synchronization header of each row of signal in each frame of image in the high - definition video signal , the reference numeral 2 denotes a clock synchronization signal of the chrominance signal , the reference numeral 3 denotes an electric signal ( an analog brightness signal ) of the brightness in the analog signal obtained by conversion using the high - speed digital - analog converter , and the reference numeral 4 denotes an electric signal ( an analog chrominance signal ) of the chrominance modulated over the carrier in the analog signal obtained by conversion using the high - speed digital - analog converter ; and where th represents a period of time occupied for transmission of each row of each frame of image in the high - definition video signal , which can be up to 52 μs for the high - definition video signal of 720p , i . e ., the high - definition video signal including 1280 × 720 active pixels , in the solution according to the first embodiment of the invention ; and ta represents a valid use period of time for transmission of the brightness signal and the chrominance signal in each row of each frame of image in the high - definition video signal , which can be up to 42 μs for the high - definition video signal of 720p in the solution according to the first embodiment of the invention , that is , the transmission of the brightness signal and the chrominance signal in each row can be completed in this period of time . as can be apparent , the real - time characteristic of the transmitted high - definition video signal can be well guaranteed in the solution according to the first embodiment of the invention . the following device can be provided based upon the same inventive idea as the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the invention . the third embodiment of the invention provides a device for transmitting a high - definition video signal , and fig4 illustrates a schematic structural diagram of the device including : a separation module 11 is configured to separate a brightness signal and a chrominance signal from the high - definition video signal . a transmission module 12 is configured to transmit the brightness signal and the chrominance signal using a transmission mode of an analog signal , where the brightness signal and the chrominance signal are transmitted in non - overlapping bands . particularly the transmission module 12 is further configured to convert the brightness signal into a quantized brightness value , to modulate and then load the chrominance signal onto an intermediate - frequency carrier to generate a quantized value of the chrominance signal modulated over the carrier , to superimpose the quantized brightness value and the quantized value of the chrominance signal modulated over the carrier , and to convert the superimposed signal into an analog signal for transmission . particularly the transmission module 12 is further configured to output the analog signal obtained by conversion onto a coaxial cable for transmission , where both the highest frequencies of the bands , in which the brightness signal and the chrominance signal are transmitted , are no more than a preset threshold . the transmission module 12 can be further configured to determine the bandwidth of the band in which the brightness signal is transmitted from a required horizontal resolution of the high - definition video signal and to determine the bandwidth of the band in which and the frequency of the carrier over which the chrominance signal is transmitted from a required color resolution of the high - definition video signal . the transmission module 12 can be further configured to determine the bandwidth of the band in which the brightness signal is transmitted from a required frame rate and the required horizontal resolution . the transmission module 12 can be further configured to determine the frequency of the carrier from a preset frequency gap between the band of the intermediate - frequency and the band in which the brightness signal is transmitted . the device can further include a synchronization module 13 ; the synchronization module 13 is configured to couple a clock synchronization signal at a blanking location of the high - definition video signal as a clock source of the chrominance signal for recovering sample . the high - definition video signal as referred to in the first embodiment to the third embodiment of the invention can be a high - definition video source of mega - pixels or above and can be but will not limited to either of the formats 720p and 1080p . in the solutions according to the first embodiment to the third embodiment of the invention , the brightness signal and the chrominance signal in the high - definition video signal can be transmitted respectively in the separate bands using the transmission mode of an analog signal to thereby transmit a high - definition video source of mega - pixels or above in real - time and particularly a high - definition video signal in the format of 1280h or 1920h . furthermore the brightness signal can be transmitted in the baseband and the chrominance signal can be transmitted over the intermediate - frequency carrier . particularly the analog brightness signal can be transmitted in the baseband with a bandwidth of 0 to fy mhz and the analog chrominance signal , modulated and loaded onto the intermediate - frequency carrier with the frequency of fc mhz , can be transmitted in the bandwidth of fcd mhz . a preset threshold can be configured for transmission over the coaxial cable so that the brightness signal and the chrominance signal can be transmitted in the bands with their highest frequencies no more than the preset threshold to thereby accommodate the attenuating characteristic of the frequency of the signal in the long - distance transmission over the coaxial cable and further guarantee the reliability and the stability of transmission during a long distance transmission . with the solutions according to the embodiments of the invention , the high - definition video signal can be transmitted over a long distance , e . g ., at least 300 meters and even more than 500 meters , and the high - definition video signal can be transmitted without any compression , loss of the signal and delay thereof . moreover with the solutions according to the embodiments of the invention , the problem , of the difficulty to update the original system of the coaxial cable transmission in the solution to transmission over the network after the signal being encoded , can be addressed as well . those skilled in the art shall appreciate that the embodiments of the invention can be embodied as a method , a system or a computer program product . therefore the invention can be embodied in the form of an all - hardware embodiment , an all - software embodiment or an embodiment of software and hardware in combination . furthermore the invention can be embodied in the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer useable storage mediums ( including but not limited to a disk memory , a cd - rom , an optical memory , etc .) in which computer useable program codes are contained . the invention has been described in a flow chart and / or a block diagram of the method , the device ( system ) and the computer program product according to the embodiments of the invention . it shall be appreciated that respective flows and / or blocks in the flow chart and / or the block diagram and combinations of the flows and / or the blocks in the flow chart and / or the block diagram can be embodied in computer program instructions . these computer program instructions can be loaded onto a general - purpose computer , a specific - purpose computer , an embedded processor or a processor of another programmable data processing device to produce a machine so that the instructions executed on the computer or the processor of the other programmable data processing device create means for performing the functions specified in the flow ( s ) of the flow chart and / or the block ( s ) of the block diagram . these computer program instructions can also be stored into a computer readable memory capable of directing the computer or the other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner so that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory create an article of manufacture including instruction means which perform the functions specified in the flow ( s ) of the flow chart and / or the block ( s ) of the block diagram . these computer program instructions can also be loaded onto the computer or the other programmable data processing device so that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer or the other programmable data processing device to create a computer implemented process so that the instructions executed on the computer or the other programmable device provide steps for performing the functions specified in the flow ( s ) of the flow chart and / or the block ( s ) of the block diagram . although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described , those skilled in the art benefiting from the underlying inventive concept can make additional modifications and variations to these embodiments . therefore the appended claims are intended to be construed as encompassing the preferred embodiments and all the modifications and variations coming into the scope of the invention . evidently those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . thus the invention is also intended to encompass these modifications and variations thereto so long as the modifications and variations come into the scope of the claims appended to the invention and their equivalents .	7
preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to fig1 through 4 . fig1 through 3 show a voltage level detecting circuit according to a first embodiment of the present invention . a resistance voltage divider 1 comprises a first resistive element 1a composed of , for example , a p - channel mos transistor 11 , and a second resistive element 1b composed of , for example , three n - channel depletion - mode mos transistors 12 , 13 , and 14 connected in series between the drain of the p - channel mos transistor 11 and a ground potential vss used as a reference voltage . the first resistive element 1a has a drain connected to an output node a , a source connected to a power supply voltage vcc to be detected and a gate connected to the ground potential vss . the n - mos transistor 14 has both a source and a gate connected to the ground potential vss . the first resistive element 1a has a larger temperature dependent characteristic than that of the second resistive element 1b . the dividing ratio of the resistance voltage divider 1 is reduced as the ambient temperature rises . in other words , the first resistive element 1a has a larger resistance value variation than that of the second resistive element 1b . an mos level converter 2 comprises an n - channel mos depletion - mode transistor 21 employed as a resistive element and at least one , for example , two n - channel enhancement - mode mos transistors 22 and 23 connected in series . the n - mos transistor 22 has a drain connected to the source of the n - mos 21 and a source connected to the ground potential vss used as a reference voltage . the output node a of the resistance voltage divider 1 is connected to a gate of the n - mos transistor 22 while the power supply voltage vcc is connected to a drain of the n - mos transistor 21 . a junction between the n - mos transistor 21 and the n - mos transistor 22 forms an output node b of the level converter 2 . a cmos driver 3 is composed of p and n mos transistors serially connected to each other . the gates of the p and n mos transistors are connected to the output node b of the level converter 2 . the drains of the p and n mos transistors are connected to the output node c . the cmos driver 3 outputs a control signal , for example , an enabling signal to a gate circuit which controls the operation of logic circuits . operation of the voltage level detecting circuit according to the first embodiment is described below . the resistance voltage divider 1 produces at the output node a a divided voltage determined by the resistance ratio between the first and second resistive elements 1a and 1b . when the power supply voltage vcc exceeds the threshold voltage of the p - mos transistor 11 , the output voltage at the node a increases with the increase of the power supply voltage vcc . for example , in case a detected power supply voltage is preset at 3 . 60 volts at an ambient temperature of 27 ° c ., the voltage division ratio of the resistance voltage divider 1 is selected so as to provide twice ( 2vt ) the threshold voltage ( vt ) of the n - mos transistor 22 or 23 . then , the output voltage of at the node b of the level converter 2 is determined as follows . when the divided voltage of the resistance voltage divider 1 is less than 2vt , the n - mos transistors 22 and 23 will be in off - state whereby the output node b produces the vcc level via n - mos transistor 21 . when the output node a of the resistance voltage divider 1 is greater than 2vt , the output node b produces the vt level provided that the sum of the resistance values of the n - mos transistors 22 and 23 in on - state are significantly smaller than the on - resistance value of the n - mos transistor 21 . it is evident that the n - mos 23 functions as an mos diode . that is , the threshold voltage of the level converter 2 will be 2vt . the output voltage of the resistance voltage divider 1 is converted into a binary output signal , vcc or vt , by the level converter 2 . accordingly , a predetermined detection voltage level ( 3 . 60 volts according to this embodiment ) is based on a voltage division ratio of the resistance voltage divider 1 and the threshold voltage of the n - mos transistors 22 and 23 . the output node c of the cmos driver 3 will be at a low level when the output b of the level converter 2 is at the vcc level , and a high level when the output b of the level converter 2 is at the vt level . in accordance with the voltage level at the output node c , the voltage level detecting circuit detects whether or not a detected power supply voltage is higher than a predetermined detection voltage level . the temperature characteristics of the voltage level detecting circuit will be described with reference to fig2 . fig2 is a graph showing both output voltage at node a vs power supply voltage characteristics and threshold voltage vt of level converter vs power supply voltage characteristics . the three lines ( i ), ( ii ) and ( iii ) show that the output voltage at the node a varies with temperatures ta , ta1 and ta2 in which the relationship is ta1 & gt ; ta & gt ; ta2 . also the three lines ( iv ), ( v ) and ( vi ) show that the total threshold voltage vt of the level converter 2 varies with temperatures ta , ta1 and ta2 . in fig2 each of the lines ( i ), ( ii ) and ( iii ) intersects respectively each of the lines ( v ), ( vi ) and ( iv ) at a power supply voltage ( e . g . 3 . 6 volts ) to be detected . when the temperature rises from ta to ta1 , the output voltage at the node a of the resistance voltage divider 1 is decreased from v ( ta ) to v ( ta1 ). at the same time , the threshold voltage of the level converter 2 is decreased from 2vt ( ta ) to 2vt ( ta1 ) since the threshold voltage vt of the n - mos transistors 22 and 23 is decreased from vt ( ta1 ) to vt ( ta ). therefore , the detection voltage level can be kept constant by compensating for a decreased voltage [ v ( ta )- v ( ta1 )] at the output node a of the resistance voltage divider 1 with a decreased threshold voltage 2 ×[ vt ( ta ) - vt ( ta1 ) ] of the level converter 2 . that is , even if the output voltage level of the node a is varied with the temperature variations , the level converter 2 can perform an inverting operation at a specific detection level of the power supply voltage the detection voltage level can be also kept constant by compensating for the increased voltage [ v ( ta2 )- v ( ta )] at the output node a of the resistance voltage divider 1 with the increased threshold voltage 2 ×[ vt ( ta2 )- vt ( ta )] of the level converter 2 . that is , the detection level of a power supply voltage is independent of the temperature variation . fig3 is a graph showing voltage variations of the output nodes a , b and c of the voltage level detecting circuit relative to power supply voltage variations at temperatures of - 40 ° c . and 125 ° c ., obtained by a computer simulation . as shown in fig3 the voltage level detecting circuit according to the present invention can provide a stable detection level ( e . g . at or near 3 . 60 volts ) over a wide range of temperature variations . in fig3 the output voltage variations of the cmos driver 3 is very small at temperatures of - 40 ° c . to 125 ° c . it is evident from the difference that the voltage level detecting circuit of the present invention has an extremely low temperature dependency . the detection level can be determined arbitrarily by changing the threshold voltage of the n mos transistor , the number of the serially connected n - mos transistors in the level converter and the resistance division ratio of the resistance voltage divider . fig4 shows a voltage level detecting circuit according to a second embodiment of the present invention . in the voltage level detecting circuit of the second embodiment , additional n - mos transistors 15 and 16 are respectively connected in parallel with the n - mos transistors 12 and 13 of the resistance voltage divider 1 . the n - mos transistors 15 and 16 function as switches and the on - resistance values of the n - mos transistors 15 and 16 inputs are smaller than those of the n - mos transistors 12 and 13 . accordingly , if the input p1 or p2 is at a high level , the n - mos transistor 15 or 16 can change the resistance division ratio of the resistance voltage divider 1 . a resistance voltage division ratio of the voltage divider 1 is determined by the p - mos transistor 11 and the n - mos transistors 13 and 14 when the input p1 is a high level , and by the p - mos transistor 11 and the n - mos transistors 12 and 14 when the input p2 is a low level , and furthermore by the p - mos transistor 11 and the n - mos transistor 14 when the inputs p1 and p2 are at high levels . the resistance values of the n - mos transistors 15 and 16 are smaller than those of the n - mos transistors 12 and 13 . accordingly , in the resistance voltage divider 1 as shown in fig3 the resistance voltage division ratio can be varied by providing a bypass composed of the n - mos transistors 15 and 16 . it is possible to fix the gate potential of the n - mos transistors 15 and 16 after wafer fabrication by bonding the inputs p1 and p2 to the voltage vcc or to ground by wire or by selectively melting fuses connected between the inputs p1 and p2 , and the voltage vcc . although the invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity , it is to be understood that many variations and changes are possible in the invention without departing from the scope thereof .	7
&# 34 ; a cell - electrophoretic method &# 34 ; is a method in which the free cells are washed and then added with an antibody , and after reacting them for a given period of time and further washing , the electrophoretic mobility of the cells is measured by an automatic cell - electrophoresis apparatus . in the case where the change of mobility of a reaction antibody ( primary antibody ) of the objective antigen is too small , by using a reaction antibody product ( secondary antibody ) of such primary antibody or a reaction antibody product ( tertiary antibody ) of the secondary antibody , a more definite change can be obtained . in such measurement of electrophoretic mobility , it is not intended to merely measure the average mobility . it is essential to measure the mobility of many cells in a short time while making automatic recording of a histogram pattern and to analyze such pattern . when making cell - electrophoretic measurement measurements using conventional techniques , it is difficult to make measurements of many cells in a short time when the cells make no change yet , and the accuracy of measurement is also low . the method of the present invention is to measure the electrophoretic mobility of the cells by an electrophoretic method with extremely high separability , and from the change of the measured electrophoretic mobility pattern , it is possible to obtain information unobtainable with the conventional methods . ( 1 ) a large number of cells can be analyzed in a short time . ( 2 ) the accuracy of measurement is high since the average electrophoretic mobility of the individual cells can be measured by inverting the electric field . ( 3 ). the minute suspended materials such as platelets , contaminants , etc ., and the agglomerated cells are not measured . ( 4 ) it is possible to use a medium of physiological conditions ( ionic strength i = 0 . 15 moles / l ) as the cell suspension for electrophoresis . regarding ( 4 ) in particular , the research reports show that the measurements have been conducted mostly under the conditions ( ionic strength i = 0 . 005 - 0 . 1 ) lower than the physiological conditions as a result of lowering the electrical conductivity of the cell suspension due to the problems over apparatus and determination techniques , but from the point of view of measuring the live cells , it is desirable to use a cell suspension which meets physiological conditions . the automatic electrophoresis apparatus ( parmoquant : made by veb carl zeiss jena , or kureha chemical industry co ., ltd .) used in the examples shown below is capable of correctly measuring the average electrophoretic mobility of each of a great many of cells by inversion of the electric field , and the measurements are processed into a histogram for mobility . in this case , for the reasons relating to the image treatment , it is desirable to adjust the cell concentration of the specimen in the range of 0 . 5 to 20 × 10 6 cells / ml and the ionic strength of the cell suspension in the range of 0 . 11 to 0 . 21 moles / l , preferably 0 . 13 to 0 . 17 moles / l . the measuring apparatus usable in the present invention , however , is not limited to the automatic electrophoresis apparatus and it is possible to employ other measuring devices that can satisfy the above - mentioned conditions , for instance the devices using laser doppler method , laser grating method or free flowing method . the antibodies usable in the present invention include all types of antibodies to the antigens existing on the cell membrane . it is possible to use not only polyclonal antibodies obtainable from the immunized animals such as rabbit , goat , mouse , horse , sheep , chicken , ape , etc ., but also monoclonal antibodies obtained from cell fusion . man &# 39 ; s antibodies can be also used . the method of the present invention can be applied to the measurement of red blood cells , white blood cells , myeloma cells , cancer cells and various affected cells , and is especially useful for the measurement of subsets of lymphocytes and macrophages where a number of antibodies are produced . it is thus possible to measure even the constructional ratio of particular cells by adding an antibody specific to such cells , measuring the patterns before and after the reaction by the method of the present invention and analyzing such patterns . it is further possible with the method of the present invention to detect the difference between normal cell and affected cell or to detect the change of a cell with the progress of the disease , especially the cell condition in the initial stage of the disease . as explained above , the method of the present invention is useful for the examination of various kinds of affected cells such as tumor cells and the cells affected by such diseases as bronchial asthma , multiple sclerosis , diseases of the nervous system , diseases of the thyroid gland , autoimmune diseases , etc . the present method can be also used for the differentiation of immunity . as apparent from the foregoing description , the method of the present invention is very simple , very effective and accurate measurement method of cells . the present invention will be described in further detail below by way of the embodiments thereof . the sheep red blood cells ( hereinafter abbreviated as srbc ) obtained from the preserved blood of sheep ( supplied from japan bio - material center co ., ltd .) were subjected twice to centrifugal washing with a hanks &# 39 ; balanced salt solution ( hereinafter abbreviated as hbss ). as the antibody , the supernatant of ascites obtained by transplanting the anti - srbc monoclonal antibody ( hereinafter abbreviated as anti - srbc · mc ab ) producing cells prepared in the usual way into the abdominal cavity of mouse was used . normal mouse serum was used as control . the washed srbc were combined with anti - srbc · mc ab or control serum and the mixture allowed to react at 4 ° c . for 30 minutes and , after additional washing , the reaction mixture was subjected to electrophoresis by an automatic electrophoresis apparatus ( parmoquant : made by kureha chemical industry co ., ltd .). the results are shown in fig1 and fig2 . in fig1 letters a , b , c and d represent the results obtained at antibody concentrations of 1 / 100 , 1 / 1000 , 1 / 10000 and 0 , respectively . as shown in fig1 the electrophoretic histogram pattern of srbc shifted to the lower mobility side with increase of antibody concentration . the average mobility also lowered proportionally to antibody concentration in the case of ( a ) where anti - srbc · mc ab was added , as shown in fig2 . on the contrary , control serum ( b ) showed almost no change of mobility by antibody concentration . srbc was obtained from the preserved blood of sheep ( supplied from japan bio - material center co ., ltd .) and mouse red blood cell ( hereinafter abbreviated as mrbc ) from the peripheral blood of icr mouse , and srbc and mrbc were respectively subjected twice to centrifugal washing with hbss , followed by the measurement of the number of the cells . both srbc and mrbc were adjusted to a cell concentration of 1 × 10 7 cells / ml , and the suspensions of srbc and mrbc were mixed in the ratio of 1 : 1 . to the mixed suspension was added anti - srbc · mc ab in a ratio of 100 μl to 1 ml of the suspension , and the mixture was reacted at 4 ° c . for 30 minutes . the reaction mixture was then washed twice with a culture medium ( eagle &# 39 ; s mem ) and then the electrophoretic mobility pattern was measured by an automatic electrophoresis apparatus ( parmoquant , made by kureha chemical industry co ., ltd .). the electrophoresis was conducted at a current of 12 . 5 ma and a temperature of 24 ° c . similar measurements were conducted on the specimens prepared by reacting 1 : 1 mixture of srbc and mrbc with anti - srbc · mc ab of various concentrations . the obtained results are shown in fig3 . as seen from fig3 single mrbc ( a ) and single srbc ( b ) showed the mobility patterns which resembled each other , but the mixture thereof ( c ) showed a pattern having a broad peak . when anti - srbc · mc ab was added to this mixed system , the peak of srbc shifted to the low mobility side as the antibody concentration increased ( d = 1 / 10000 , e = 1 / 1000 , f = 1 / 100 ), but the peak of mrbc remained substantially unchanged . suspensions of srbc and mrbc , each with a cell concentration of 1 × 10 7 cells / ml , were prepared according to the method of example 2 , and these suspensions were mixed in the srbc : mrbc ratios of 0 : 10 ( single mrbc ,( a )), 2 : 8 ( b ), 5 : 5 ( c ), 8 : 2 ( d ) and 10 : 0 ( single srbc , ( e )). the electrophoretic mobility patterns of srbc , mrbc and mixtures thereof have a broad peak as shown in fig4 and it is impossible to separate the peak of srbc and the peak of mrbc . to each of the cell suspensions was added anti - srbc · mc ab in a ratio of 1 / 100 for reacting the mixture at 4 ° c . for 30 minutes , and after washing , the electrophoretic mobility patterns were measured under the same conditions as in example 2 , obtaining the results shown in fig5 . as seen from fig5 ( in which a to e represent the same as in fig4 ), the peak of srbc , shifted to the vicinity of 0 . 7 μm / sec / v / cm , and the peak size changed in accordance with the cell mixing ratio . fig6 a shows the relation between mixing ratio of srbc and average mobility , while fig6 b shows the relation between mixing ratio of srbc and ratio of the cell group having a peak in the vicinity of 0 . 7 μm / sec / v / cm as determined from the electrophoretic mobility pattern . both patterns are substantially in accordance with each other , and this fact certifies that the cell mixing ratio can be measured by the method of the present invention . in fig6 a , a represents the case where no anti - srbc · mc ab was added , and b represents the case where it was added . histiocytic lymphoma cell line u 937 ( human macrophage - like cell line ) ( s . maruyama et al : recordings of the general meeting of japan immunological society , 11 , 443 ( 1981 )) derived from human macrophage ( hereinafter abbreviated as mφ ) and anti - human macrophage monoclonal antibody ( hereinafter abbreviated as anti - mφ · mc ab ) ( made by wako junyaku kogyo kk ) were used . 1 ml of 10 times diluted anti - mφ · mc ab was added to histiocytic lymphoma cell line u 937 which has been washed twice with hbss , and after 30 - minute reaction at 4 ° c ., the mixture was washed twice with hbss and then washed once with eagle &# 39 ; s mem . the electrophoretic patterns of this specimen and mφ were measured with an automatic electrophoresis apparatus ( parmoquant : made by kureha chemical industry co ., ltd .) under the same conditions as in example 2 . the results are shown in fig7 . in the case of ( b ) where anti - mφ · mc ab was added , the peak of the pattern shifted to the low mobility side as compared with the case of ( a ) where no anti - mφ · mc ab was added . 0 . 5 ml of peripheral blood was collected from a normal person and from a patient of autoimmune hemolytic anemia . 0 . 5 ml of heparin was added to each blood sample and the mixture was washed twice with mem , added with anti - human igg antibody ( made by miles - yeda ) in an amount of 280 μg to 5 × 10 7 cells / ml and incubated at 25 ° c . for 20 minutes . then the reaction mixture was washed once with mem and subjected to the measurement of electrophoretic mobility in the same way as example 2 . the similar measurement was also made on the specimens to which no anti - human igg antibody was added . the results are shown in fig8 in which 1 represents the specimens obtained from the normal person and 2 the specimens obtained from the patient of autoimmune hemolytic anemia , and also a represents the case where no antibody was added and b the case where the antibody was added . in the case of the normal person , as indicated by 1 in fig8 the average mobility remained substantially unchanged at about 0 . 98 μm / sec / v / cm whether the antibody was added or not , but in the case of the patient of hemolytic anemia , as indicated by 2 in fig8 the electrophoretic mobility lowered with the addition of the antibody , showing a 9 % decrease of average mobility from 1 . 00 μm / sec / v / cm to 0 . 91 μm / sec / v / cm . from this change of mobility pattern , it can be assumed that almost all of the red blood cells of the patient are deposited with the anti - human igg antibody . for , in case the normal red blood cells exist partly , there will be obtained a pattern which slopes down wider to the high mobility side near 1 . 0 μm / sec / v / cm .	8
a basic oxygen furnace combination 10 is disclosed in fig1 . the furnace or vessel 10 includes a mouth 11 at its upper end which is disposed beneath a hood and duct structure 12 . the hood and duct structure 12 includes a conventional open bottom hood 13 disposed over the mouth 11 of the furnace 10 . the system is also readily compatible with a closed duct system as well . a conventional oxygen lance 14 includes a nozzle or tip structure 15 and an adapter structure 16 at the upper end of the lance . the b . o . f . lance structure is well known in the art and includes an outer pipe , and associated pipes ( not shown ) which are supported at their upper ends by a suitable bail structure 18 which includes bail hooks 19 . a hoisting means 20 raises and lowers the lance 14 relative to the mouth end of the vessel 10 . the lance 14 is provided at its upper end with a water supply conduit connection 21 , water return conduit connection 22 and oxygen conduit connection 23 . the oxygen connection 23 is adapted to carry oxygen from an oxygen hose 24 and the water supply and return connections are also connected to suitable source and return means . a fluid distribution system is designated at 25 and includes a vertical standpipe 26 which by means of multitude of fastener brackets 27 support the standpipe 26 on the outer periphery of the outer pipe 17 . the outer pipe 17 of lance 14 and the standpoint 26 are subjected to heat which provide for differential thermal lengthwise expansion , such differences in expansion are accommodated for by the fastener brackets 27 which are provided with cylindrical eyes 27 &# 39 ;, in fig3 which permit such expansion and yet effectively secure the standpipe 26 and spray ring 28 in the functional manner disclosed . one type of spray ring 28 is disclosed in fig4 and includes an inner cylindrical vertical wall 29 and an outer cylindrical vertical wall 30 secured by a top wall 31 and a bottom wall 32 . the walls 29 and 30 with walls 31 and 32 provide a cylindrical manifold 33 which is in communication with an oval pipe stub portion 33 &# 39 ; in turn communicating with the standpoint 26 . the wall 30 includes a plurality of threaded openings 31 &# 39 ; which support threaded nozzles 32 &# 39 ;. the nozzles 32 &# 39 ; may be of conventional design which are adjustable in connection with spray quantity and direction . referring to fig6 a nipple 34 is connected to the standpipe 26 and is in turn in communication with a flexible hose 35 connected to a swiveling conduit means 36 , in turn connected to a suitable source of coolant water . the water source is of course provided with necessary pressure and control devices ( not shown ) for delivering the desired stream of liquid as required . fig7 discloses a modified spray ring design 40 which includes a vertical inner wall 41 , an outer diagonal wall 42 , and upper and lower walls 45 and 46 . the diagonal wall includes a threaded opening 43 which removably supports a spray nozzle 44 , a number of which are suitably supported in circumferential relation around the ring 40 . a standpipe 47 provides fluid to the manifold or space 47 &# 39 ; of the ring 40 . fig8 discloses a pipe ring 58 and standpoint connection 51 which includes sufficient peripherally spaced openings for supporting nozzles 51 &# 39 ;. fig9 discloses a ring 52 consisting of two segments 53 which have adjacent spaced ends closed by means of caps 54 and 55 . these rings include the spray nozzles and will be supported about the lance and in manner hereinbefore described . the segments 53 include water - in connections 56 . fig1 discloses a modified spray ring design 60 which includes 3 spray rings 61 , 62 , 63 spaced along the vertical axes of the lance body . each spray ring has inner walls 64 , outer walls 65 , upper and lower walls 66 and 67 . a fluid conduit 68 provides a fluid path for fluid to move from spray ring 61 to spray ring 62 . a further fluid conduit 69 provides a fluid path from spray ring 62 to spray ring 63 . removable thread nozzles 70 , 71 , 72 are supported in the outer walls 65 of the spray rings 61 , 62 , 63 , respectively . nozzles 70 are positioned to spray at an angle above the horizontal . nozzles 71 are positioned to spray horizontally , while nozzles 72 are positioned to spray at an angle below the horizontal . there are various methods of achieving different spray patterns , i . e ., by multiple spray rings , nozzles spraying at different angles , placement of nozzles along the spray ring , and any combination thereof . the various figures illustrated and described above are merely used to illustrate and disclose their invention and in no way are intended to be limited thereby . the location of the spray ring assembly upon the lance body is dictated by the specific operating conditions and needs of each individual b . o . f . plant . the following considerations should be a part of the parameter in every operation : ( 1 ) the water spray ring must be with the hood and not lower then the bottom level of the hood when the lance is in the lowest blowing position of the lance practice with a worn ( eroded refractory ) vessel ; ( 2 ) the water spray ring must be within the hood at a highest level two to three ( 2 to 3 ) feet below the lowest level of the hood lance opening , such level that the water spray will not impinge on the inner surfaces of the hood panels -- when water flow is initiated and when the lance is in its highest blowing position at the time of ignition ; and ( 3 ) the water spray ring must be positioned within the hood so that water spray does not impinge on the vessel lip , refractory walls or slag coating . the spray ring unit is made to fit and weld to the lance body with the water feed standpipe held to the lance body by the weld - mounted &# 34 ; u &# 34 ; clamps as disclosed in the drawings permitting the standpipe to expand and contract freely and independently of the lance body . thus , the mounting procedure used for this spray ring provides for a stress - free installation . once the location of the spray ring assembly is ascertained in accordance with the above parameters and individual process conditions and is mounted , the assembly is ready for use . various designs of spray rings providing for various spray patterns have been employed . further , the spray rings may be of any wall configuration employing interchangeable nozzles providing for the greatest flexibility in adapting to various process conditions . the use of split spray rings and / or multiple spray rings at different levels can also be used to adapt the system to any b . o . f . operation . the present invention provides a lower heat load to the hood upper ducts , a suppression of observable , initial and on - going fumes , a reduction in total volume of water use , a reduction in steam use , conditioning the off - gases with moisture to aid in downstream dust collection . in short , this sytem presents the means of increasing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the off - gas system , and provides a method of increasing the life of associated components . the foregoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate the invention and the invention is not so limited to the various spray ring designs and spray patterns suggested , as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations thereof without departing from the scope of the invention .	2
with reference to fig1 a , 1b and 1c , basic operation of a valve incorporating the desired features is depicted . the movement illustrated in fig1 a allows for redirecting fluid flow from the faucet , the movement illustrated in fig1 b , i . e ., movement from forward to rearward ( or in the y - direction ) depicts volume control bounded by the on and off position of the faucet , and the movement depicted in fig1 c , i . e ., movement from side to side ( or in the x - direction ) represents proportional changes to the fluid mixture . of course the range of movement through which the faucet can move over each of the three directions depicted in fig1 a , b , and c is smooth and continuous , i . e ., there are infinite positions within any combination of any of the ranges . now with reference to fig2 and 3 , one preferred embodiment showing the internal workings of the invention is depicted . a base 1 is provided for mounting on a faucet foundation support 6 . a support seal 7 sits upon the base 1 , but an alternative arrangement would allow the base i and support seal 7 to be incorporated into a single element . in essence the support seal 7 serves as a foundation for the internal working elements of the invention . both the base 1 and the support seal 7 are provided with passages therethrough which are aligned and enable the unobstructed fluid flow through the valve mechanism itself . in the case of the preferred embodiment , there are two passages 33 , one associated with a hot water source and one associated with a cold water source . throughout the specification the term liquid and fluid is used interchangeably . though the terms are generally analogous within this document , a valve mechanism in accordance with this invention could be adapted with suitable gaskets to operate with a non - liquid fluid . understanding this , the figs . further depict an orifice plate 16 which seats within and is retained by the support seal 7 . the orifice plate 16 is pinned or otherwise locked against inadvertent rotation with respect to the support seal 7 by the use of grooves 25 contained within the orifice plate 16 which engage corresponding tabs or keys depicted as item 27 on the support seal . a valve seat 8 rests upon the upper surface of the orifice plate 16 . reliefs 29 are machined into the seat 8 . these reliefs engage the keys 27 in a manner similar to the grooves 25 of the orifice plate . however , a significant difference is that the reliefs 29 allow for limited rotation of the seat 8 upon the upper surface of the orifice plate 16 . as is also apparent from fig2 and 5 , the orifice plate 7 contains two arcuate slots 31 . these two slots align with the two passages 33 contained within the seat 8 . had there been more or less than two fluid sources , the number of passages 33 and the number of arcuate slots 31 would be identical to the number of passages for the specific valve embodiment . in any case , an upper surface of the reliefs 29 rides upon an upper surface of the keys 27 . this configuration allows limited rotation of the seat 8 within the support seal 7 . due to the configuration of the arcuate slots 31 , rotation of the seat 8 over its entire allowable range does not result in any blockage of the passages 33 . it should be understood that the configuration of the grooves 25 , keys 27 , and reliefs 29 form that embodiment considered to be the best mode . this configuration does not constitute the only design envisioned by the inventor which can provide a working version of this mechanism . for instance , not only could the base 1 be combined with the support seal 7 as stated above , but the support seal 7 could also be combined with the orifice plate 16 . furthermore , instead of keys 27 , the support seal 7 could contain a groove within which a pin slides , the pin being a protrusion from the seat . the specific point being made is that there are a number of mechanisms available which enable the valve seat to rotate over some predetermined range without impacting or otherwise occluding flow path through the seat . these and other alternative embodiments performing this above function are considered to form a part of the invention as well . in the preferred embodiment as shown in fig3 through 6 , the seat 8 is provided with a concave surface 35 upon which a matching convex surface 37 rides . the convex surface 37 is formed by a bottommost portion of a disc 9 . the disc 9 rotates , pivots , and slides over the mating surface formed in the seat 8 . again , though this forms the preferred configuration , the curvature of surfaces 35 and 37 can be reversed wherein the surface 37 of the disc 9 is concave , or even made coplanar wherein the surface 37 of the disc 9 is flat and the surface 35 of the seat 8 is flat . although the disc 9 is able to move rotationally and slidingly with respect to the seat 8 , no movement should be allowed in the vertical or z - direction which would serve to alter the distance between the two surfaces . in order to accommodate liquid flow , a bore 39 is machined through the disc 9 . a similarly machined bore 41 extends through the centerline of a valve stem 13 . the valve stem 13 is rigidly pinned to an upper surface of the disc 9 by pins 10 such that the two bores 39 and 41 align one with respect to the other to form a mixing chamber 43 . to prevent leakage between the interface of the disc 9 and the valve stem 13 , an o - ring 11 could be provided . elimination of this o - ring 11 as well as the pins 10 could be accomplished by combining the disc 9 and the valve stem 13 into a single element . however , it is believed that by providing each item individually , manufacturing costs can be reduced . the reason for this is that construction of the disc and seat are considered to be best served by a ceramic or ceramic composite material . there is no need to utilize this material throughout the valve assembly , as such suitable materials such as stainless steel , brass , bronze , or plastic can be used where appropriate . in order to eliminate the need for complex machining enabling the valve to comprise a number of subcomponents which are easily assembled is a recognized measure . however it cannot be overemphasized that this is not meant to form a limitation since as discussed above a number of substitutions in materials , configuration , and the combination of components is easily accommodated . either way , the mixing chamber 43 forms that portion of the valve mechanism within which the plurality of liquid streams are combined into a single substantially homogeneous liquid . although once again , the preferred embodiment combines a hot water and a cold water stream , any number of streams could be combined in the same manner . though mixing would not occur , a single stream could also be passed through the valve mechanism . as is evident in fig4 movement of the disc 9 is controlled by manipulation of the valve stem 13 . a valve stem housing 15 serves to envelop the valve stem 13 while still allowing an upper portion of the valve stem 13 to protrude therethrough . the interface between the valve stem 13 and the valve stem housing 15 is designed to rotationally couple the two components together . as shown in fig2 specifically its configuration could be made square . the valve stem housing 15 is also provided with tabs 45 which correspond to recesses 47 within the seat 8 . other elements which serve to hold the valve mechanism together in working order are a gasket 14 , a gland seal 12 , a cap nut or bonnet portion 3 , a sleeve 2 and a skirt 4 . these components or similar items are found in most valves and as a result are easily understood . insofar as any of these components have an impact on the functionality of the valve mechanism they will be discussed below . operation of the valve mechanism is best understood by viewing the motions depicted in fig1 b and 1c in conjunction with fig4 in further view of the following explanation . volume of the liquid out of the valve mechanism is controlled by grasping spout 5 and moving it forward and rearward , i . e ., in the y - direction . manipulation of the spout 5 , which is attached to the upper end of the valve stem 13 , causes the motion to be transferred through the valve stem to the disc 9 . movement of the disc 9 in this y - direction causes the bore 39 to move into or out of alignment with the passages 33 as the case may be . movement of the disc 9 is limited by preventing the valve stem 13 from moving beyond a certain range . fig4 shows the valve stem 13 as being limited by a side wall of the valve stem housing 15 . as shown , an outer surface of the valve stem 13 impinges upon a suitably configured surface of the valve stem housing 15 thereby preventing any additional movement in that direction . varying the proportion of the liquid sources , i . e ., the hot and cold water is had by moving the disc 9 from side to side in the x - direction in a manner similar to that described above . a combination of these movements is of course possible thereby allowing flow and proportional changes to the liquids as would be expected in any mixing faucet . movement of the spout 5 itself could not be accomplished without affecting the liquid exiting the valve mechanism were it not for the ability of the spout to rotate without affecting the position of the disc 9 with respect to the seat 8 . the unique design of the tabs , slots and recesses listed above provides a preferred means to accommodate this movement . more specifically , as the spout is swiveled about its axis in order to redirect flow within a suitable receptacle , the valve stem 13 which is rotationally coupled to the valve stem housing 15 can move until the tabs 45 seat against the sides of the slots 47 machined into the seat 8 . movement of the spout 5 continues since the seat 8 is also able to rotate through a fixed range . the reliefs 29 enable the seat to move until the side walls of these reliefs impact the keys 27 within support seal 7 . by providing the interacting keys , slots , etc ., the spout can be swiveled as desired to redirect fluid flow . other methods of course exist which enable the spout to rotate the disc or even the disc and seat without affecting flow or admixture of the liquids . these too are considered part of the invention . for instance , if it is irrelevant that the spout can rotate 360 degrees about its attachement , then the keys , tabs , recesses are not necessary . their existence simply makes a more user - friendly and thus preferred version . if desired , the spout 5 can also be adapted to receive a swiveling spray aerator fixture 50 as depicted in fig1 a , b , and c . though the swiveling spray aerator fixture 50 is certainly not absolutely necessary , the combination of it and the spout 5 provide the ability to more accurately control the direction of the liquid to a target area . another important advantage of the use of such a swiveling spray aerator fixture is that it provides a thermally non - conductive location for a user to grasp while manipulating the spout . as such the method of making and using the device detailed above constitute the inventor &# 39 ; s preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments to the invention . as pointed out throughout the specification , numerous configurations of the device as a whole or some of its constituent parts are available which would provide the desired results . while the invention has been described and illustrated with reference to specific embodiments , it is understood that these other embodiments may be resorted to without departing from the invention . therefore the form of the invention set out above should be considered illustrative and not as limiting the scope of the following claims .	4
for illustration , various surface layers composed mainly of cr and ni were formed in a thickness of 300μ on the outer surface of a stainless steel pipe ( jis - sus 321 htb ), and a mixture of v 2 o 5 and na 2 so 4 in a ratio of 85 to 15 by weight was coated on the surface of the surface layers , which were heated at 650 ° c . for 200 hours to observe the vanadium pentoxide attack , representative for the high - temperature corrosion . the results are shown in fig1 to fig3 . when cr and / or ni is coated on the base metal , the corrosion resistance is improved , as shown in fig1 . there is a certain relation between the corrosion resistance and the ratio of % cr /% ni in the surface layer , and the corrosion resistance is the best when the ratio is within the range of 0 . 35 to 4 . 0 , thus 0 . 35 ≦% cr /% ni ≦ 4 . 0 . in this case , the total content of al , zn , sn , cu , pb , si and b in the surface layer was 0 . 1 - 0 . 3 % and the porosity of the surface layer was 0 . 5 - 2 . 0 %. the elements , al , zn , sn , cu , pb , si and b come easily into the surface layer as impurities during coating of cr and / or ni on the base metal and often damage the corrosion resistance . fig2 shows the effects of these elements , and in which when the total content of these elements in the surface layer exceeds 1 . 0 %, the corrosion resistance lowers sharply . this result was obtained when the ratio of % cr /% ni in the surface layer was 0 . 78 to 0 . 82 , and the porosity was 0 . 5 to 2 . 0 %. fig3 shows the relation between the porosity of the surface layer and the corrosion resistance , where the corrosion resistance is improved when the porosity , namely voids , decreases , but a remarkable change is observed at 4 % of the porosity . this result was obtained when the ratio of % cr /% ni was 0 . 78 to 0 . 82 , and the total content of al , zn , sn , cu , pb , si and b in the surface layer was 0 . 1 to 0 . 3 %. similar results and tendencies were obtained when other grades of stainless steels , such as sus 304 htb , sus 347 htb , sus 316 htb were used for the base metal . therefore , it has been revealed that a stainless steel product on which a surface layer is formed , with the ratio of % cr /% ni being within the range from 0 . 35 to 4 . 0 , the total content of al , zn , sn , cu , pb , si and b being not larger than 1 . 0 % and the porosity being not larger than 4 . 0 %, has an excellent high temperature corrosion resistance as compared with any conventional stainless steel . however , it has been found that these surface layers have a different thermal expansion coefficient as well as elongation from those of the base metal , so that their adhesion with the base metal is not good and they easily peel off in service . therefore , the present inventors have made further studies and discovered that when the component element or elements of the surface layer diffuses into the base metal to form a diffusion intersurfacial layer of at least 1μ in thickness between the surface layer and the base metal , excellent adhesion of the surface layer stable in actual service can be obtained . further , steel pipes to be used in the boilers and the heat exchangers are often subjected to bending and twisting , so that it is sometimes necessary that the surface layer also has an elongation of not less than 10 %. in order to provide the required elongation , co and nb in single or in combination may be added to the surface layer . improvements of elongation attained by the addition of these elements are shown in fig4 . fig4 shows the relation between the content of co , nb , cr , ni in the surface layer , and the elongation , more particularly , relation between the ratio of (% co +% nb )/(% cr +% ni ) and the elongation . in this case , the ratio of % cr /% ni was 1 . 0 to 1 . 1 , the porosity was 2 . 2 to 2 . 3 % and the total content of al , zn , sn , cu , pb , si and b was 0 . 3 to 0 . 5 %. as clearly shown in fig4 when the total content of co and / or nb is within the range of 0 . 002 ≦(% co +% nb )/(% cr +% ni )≦ 0 . 1 , the surface layer has an elongation of not less than 10 % so far as the porosity is not more than 4 % and the ratio of % cr /% ni is within the range from 0 . 35 to 4 . 0 . with the addition of co and / or nb , the corrosion resistance of the surface layer is also improved , and similar tendencies as shown in fig1 fig2 and fig3 are seen in respect to the relation between the ratio of % cr /% ni and the corrosion resistance , the total content of al , zn , sn , cu pb , si and b and the corrosion resistance , and the relation between the porosity and the corrosion resistance . the present invention has been completed on the basis of the above findings and knowledges and provides a stainless steel products having a high - temperature corrosion resistant surface layer with excellent adhesion . the features of the stainless steel product according to the present invention are set forth below . ( 1 ) a stainless steel product having a surface layer of 10μ to 2 mm in thickness composed of at least one selected from the groups consisting of fe , cr , ni , ti , mo , nb , co , and their alloys and a diffusion layer of at least 1μ in thickness formed by diffusion of at least one of the metals of the surface layer into the stainless steel product . ( 2 ) a stainless steel product according to item ( 1 ), in which the surface layer has a porosity not more than 4 . 0 %. ( 3 ) a stainless steel product according to item ( 1 ), in which the surface layer is at least partially sintered . ( 4 ) a stainless steel product with an excellent high temperature corrosion resistance , having a surface layer of 10μ to 2 mm in thickness , composed mainly of cr and ni within a range of 0 . 35 ≦% cr /% ni ≦ 4 . 0 containing a total content of one or more of al , zn , sn , cu , pb , si and b in an amount of not more than 1 . 0 %, and having a porosity of not more than 4 . 0 %, and a diffusion layer of at least 1μ in thickness formed by diffusion of at least one of cr and ni into the stainless steel product . ( 5 ) a stainless steel product according to item ( 4 ), in which the surface layer contains at least one of co and nb within a range of 0 . 002 ≦(% co +% nb )/(% cr +% ni )≦ 0 . 1 . in the present invention , the thickness of the surface layer is limited to the range from 10μ to 2 mm because if the surface layer of less than 10μ is to be formed , it happens often that the base metal surface is not wholly covered by the surface layer and the base metal surface is partially exposed , and in case of a surface layer of more than 2 mm thickness , it is difficult to maintain a porosity less than 4 . 0 %. the present invention has its further object to provide methods for forming the surface layer on stainless steel products . detailed descriptions will be made hereinafter on the method according to the present invention . formerly , the present inventors provided a new surface treatment method on the basis of findings that when various metals are sprayed on ordinary steels or low alloy steel pipes and sheets and heated to a temperature not lower than 1250 ° c . ( measured at depth level of 0 . 2 mm below the surface ) by high - frequency heating , the portion several ten microns below the surface becomes a molten or semi - molten state due to the skin effect inherent to the high frequency current , so that diffusion of the sprayed metals into the base metal is remarkably promoted . further studies by the present inventors have revealed that the high frequency heating produces the skin effect more remarkably when applied to similar surface treatments of stainless steel products under certain conditions than when applied to the ordinary steel or low alloy steel products . the skin effect aimed to by the present invention is not such one in the order of several millimeters as used in the ordinary quenching , but is one of several microns to several ten microns in depth which has been discovered by the present inventors . when powders of metals , such as cr are coated or sprayed on surfaces of stainless steel products , and heated using a high frequency not lower than 0 . 1 khz , to 1150 ° c . or higher at a position of 0 . 2 mm below the surface of the stainless steel product , the skin effect appears , and the portion several microns to several ten microns below the surface is melted or semimelted so that part of the metals coated or sprayed easily diffuses into the base stainless steel . simultaneously , part or whole of the surface layer coated or sprayed is sintered so that voids in the surface layer can be eliminated completely or decreased . under the same heating temperature and time , other heating methods , such as heating in an electric furnace , produce no sintering or if any the degree is very small , leaving many voids in the surface layer . thus , it is understood that the sintering takes place remarkably when the high frequency heating is applied , and has a close relation with the skin effect . therefore , the method for forming a surface layer on a stainless steel product according to the present invention has been completed on the basis of the above findings , and characterized in that at least one selected from the group consisting of fe , cr , ni , ti , mo , nb and co and alloys of at least two of these metals in the powder form is sprayed or coated on a stainless steel product , such as pipe and sheet , to form a coating layer of 10μ to 2 mm in thickness thereon , then the coated or sprayed stainless steel product is heated to temperatures ranging from 1150 ° c . to 1480 ° c . for 0 . 01 second to 10 minutes by a high frequency ranging from 0 . 1 khz to 500 khz to sinter part or whole of the coating layer to form a surface layer , and part of the metals of the coating layer is diffused into the base stainless steel to form a diffusion layer , whereby a surface layer having an excellent high - temperature corrosion resistance and adhesion is formed on the stainless steel product . when the coating layer is formed in a thickness ranging from 10μ to 2 mm , the surface layer formed by heating the coating layer will have a similar or slightly decreased thickness as compared with that of the coating layer depending on the nature of the coating layer . in this point , it should be understood that the present invention is based on a completely different principle from that of prior art of surface treatments using self - fluxing alloy , where the sprayed layer of a low melting point is heated by ordinary heating means to improve the adhesion and corrosion resistance of the surface layer , but based on the diffusion and sintering of the coating layer utilizing the skin effect inherent to the high frequency heating , so that in the present invention , it is no more necessary that the coated or sprayed layer has a low melting point , and wide range of metals , alloys and their mixtures can be used . according to further studies by the present inventors , it has been found that when the high - frequency heating is done in an oxidizing atmosphere , such as in air , the noncoated portions of the stainless steel product are oxidized so that acid pickling is often carried out after the heating , and in this case , the acid pickling solution penetrates into the surface layer if the sintering degree is low , and the solution can not be removed by rinsing and remains there to damage the surface layer , even in cases where a sintered surface layer has been formed by heating for 0 . 01 second or longer , and that if the heating is excessive , the grains , particularly grains near the surface of the base stainless steel become coarse remarkably as compared with those before the heating , thus deteriorating its mechanical properties , etc . then experiments were done with various high frequency heating temperatures and times , and some representative results thereof are shown in table 1 . a mixture of cr powder and ni powder in a proportional ratio of 3 to 2 was sprayed 300μ in thickness on the surface of sus 321 htb stainless steel pipe of 50 . 8 mm in diameter , 8 . 0 mm in thickness and 6000 mm in length and subjected to high frequency heating under various conditions , then subjected to ordinary acid pickling in a 10 % hno 3 plus 3 % hf solution and rinsing . when the stainless steel pipe thus treated is left in air , and if the acid pickling solution remains in the surface layer , it gradually flows out and can be observed by naked eyes after 2 days . in this way , the presence of residual acid pickling solution was determined . at the same time the grain growth in the base steel was investigated with an optical microscope . the results are shown in table 1 . in view of the fact that both the sintering and the grain growth process are chemical reactions , the results in table 1 are converted into inverse values of the heating temperature t expressed in an absolute temperature and logarithmic values of the heating time , as shown in fig5 in which the mark x indicates that the solution remains , the mark δ indicates that the grains become coarser , and the mark o indicates that both do not take place and the layer is satisfactory . the numerical figures in fig5 correspond to those in table 1 . according to the results shown in fig5 the sintering is enough and no acid pickling solution remains if the following condition is satisfied : ## equ1 ## where t is the heating time in second , and the grains do not substantially grow if the following condition is satisfied : ## equ2 ## similar tendencies and results were obtained when other stainless steel grades were used or when other coating metals were used . a modification of the method according to the present invention has been made on the basis of the above findings and knowledges , and this modification relates to the formation of a surface layer having an excellent corrosion resistance and adhesion on a stainless steel product , which is characterized in that at least one selected from the group consisting of fe , cr , ni , ti , mo , nb , co and alloys composed of at least two thereof is coated or sprayed in a thickness of 2 mm or less on the surface of the stainless steel product , and heated with high frequency induction heating of 0 . 1 khz to 500 khz to temperatures ranging from 1150 ° to 1480 ° c . under the following condition : ## equ3 ## wherein t is the heating time in second and t is the heating temperature expressed in absolute temperature whereby part or whole of the coating layer is sintered and part of the coated or sprayed metal or metals diffuses into the stainless steel . according to this modification , the grains in the stainless steel do not substantially grow and the resultant surface layer is free from the residual acid pickling solution . the coating layer as coated or sprayed has poor adhesion with the stainless steel and contains many voids therein so that only unsatisfactory corrosion resistance is anticipated . however , once this coating layer is heated with the high frequency heating utilizing the skin effect , part of the metal or metals in the coating layer diffuses into the base stainless steel , so that firm and rigid adhesion can be obtained , and simultaneously part or whole of the coating layer is sintered by the heating to reduce or eliminate the pore so that the corrosion resistance is improved remarkably . in the method for forming the surface layer according to the present invention , each of cr , ni , ti , mo , nb and co can improve the corrosion resistance if it is coated in single or in an alloyed or mixed state with other metal or metals . regarding to fe , pure iron is sometimes superior to a stainless steel in respect of corrosion resistance , and powders of cr , ni , ti , mo , nb and co are often supplied in the form of ironalloys . in the present invention , the lower limit of the thickness of the coating layer formed by spraying or coating is set at 10μ for the reason that a thickness below 10μ , the resultant coating layer is not uniform and the base metal is often exposed locally . meanwhile when the thickness exceeds 2 mm the skin effect of the high frequency heating does not have enough influence so that portions beyond 2 mm do not sinter substantially . the lower limit of the frequency used in the high frequency heating is set at 0 . 1 khz for the reason that a frequency less than 0 . 1 khz does not produce enough skin effect in the stainless steel , and the upper limit is set at 500 khz for the reason that a frequency beyond 500 khz saturates the skin effect . the heating temperature defined in the present invention is a temperature measured at a position about 0 . 2 mm below the stainless steel surface , and the lower limit is set at 1150 ° c . for the reason that temperatures below 1150 ° c . do not cause satisfactory sintering , and the upper limit of 1480 ° c . is specified for the reason that beyond this temperature , the stainless steel softens and deforms during the treatment and other problems tend to occur . regarding the heating time defined in the present invention , a heating time shorter than 0 . 01 second does not cause satisfactory diffusion and sintering and on the other hand , a heating time beyond 10 minutes does not produce any substantial increase of the sintering degree , but saturates it . meanwhile , it has been found that although satisfactory sintering is assured by a heating time of not shorter than 0 . 01 second so far as the high temperature corrosion resistance is concerned , in order to cause enough sintering for preventing the acid pickling solution from coming into the surface layer and remaining therein , which otherwise would damage the layer , it is preferable to satisfy the condition of ## equ4 ## and in order to prevent the grain growth of the stainless steel which otherwise would deteriorate the mechanical properties , it is desirable to satisfy the condition of ## equ5 ## in case of a stainless steel which is easily susceptible to material problems , when the heating is carried out at a temperature above 1150 ° c ., it is possible to subject the stainless steel to a suitable heat treatment as required after the high frequency heating . for example , for sus 304 or sus 321 stainless steels , it is effective to subject the stainless steel to such heat treatment as heating between 1000 and 1200 ° c . followed by water quenching or forced air quenching . the scales formed by the heat treatment can be easily removed by acid pickling . also the same result can be obtained by water quenching or forced air quenching immediately after the high frequency treating without subsequent process . the present invention is particularly effective to any stainless steel containing 12 % or more of cr , such as sus 410 , 413 , 430 , 304 , 304l , 310s , 316 , 316l , 321 and 347 stainless steels . also the method according to the present invention is applicable to part or whole of the surface of stainless steel products such as sheets , straight or bend pipes . as for the coating method for the metal powders , they may be suspended or mixed in organic solvents such as an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol , an aqueous solution of polymethaphosphate , a suspension of methylcellulose , glycol or water glass . as for the spraying method , a plasma jet spraying and a gas spraying may be mentioned , and ordinary pretreatments such as brushing is done on the stainless steel surface prior to the spraying . the spraying may be done not only in air , but also under non - oxidizing atmosphere such as n 2 and ar . the high frequency heating may be carried out in air as well as under a non - oxidizing atmosphere such as n 2 , ar or under vacuum of 10 - 3 mmhg or less . further , oxides such as al 2 o 3 and cr 2 o 3 or ordinary oxidation inhibitors such as a mixture of cr 2 o 3 , sio 2 , al 2 o 3 , fe 2 o 3 , etc . may be additionally sprayed on the coating layer as coated or sprayed , and then the high frequency heating can be carried out in air . as described above , the present invention provides a stainless steel product having a surface layer with an excellent corrosion resistance and a diffusion layer between the surface layer and the base metal , and provides a method for forming a corrosion resistant surface layer on a stainless steel product , which comprises sintering a metal coating layer formed by coating or spraying by utilizing the skin effect inherent to the high frequency heating and diffusing part of the coating metal or metals into the stainless steel surface . the present invention will be understood more clearly from the following descriptions of preferred embodiments . a mixed powder of cr and ni in a ratio of 1 to 1 was plasma jet sprayed on the outer surface of sus 321 htb stainless steel pipe of 48 . 6 mm dia ., 7 . 0 mm wall thickness and 5500 mm length , and the thus sprayed pipe was heated with a high frequency heating coil of 3 khz by moving the coil at a constant speed so as to maintain the all portions of the pipe at 1350 ° c . for 10 seconds , and then the thus heated pipe was retreated in an electric furnace at 1130 ° c . for 2 minutes and water quenched . the resultant stainless steel pipe had a surface layer of 150μ thickness composed mainly of cr and ni with the ratio of % cr /% ni being 1 . 1 , containing a total content of 0 . 3 % of one or more of al , zn , sn , cu , pb , si and b and having a porosity of 1 . 5 %, and had a diffusion layer formed by diffusion of cr into the stainless steel to 70μ depth . the cross sectional photograph of the resultant pipe is shown in fig6 in which 1 is the surface layer , 2 is the diffusion layer and 3 is the base stainless steel . a mixture of v 2 o 5 and na 2 so 4 ( mixing ratio = 85 to 15 ) has coated on the surface of the resultant pipe , and the thus coated pipe was heated at 650 ° c . for 200 hours to determine the vanadium pentoxide attack thereon . the result revealed corrosion resistance more than 30 times better than that of the conventional sus 321 htb stainless steel . also the surface layer showed excellent adhesion , and did not show any change after hammering . a mixed powder of cr and ni ( mixing ratio = 3 to 1 ) was gas sprayed on the outer surface of sus 347 htb stainless steel pipe of 50 . 8 mm dia ., 8 . 0 mm thickness and 6000 mm length and the thus sprayed pipe was heated with a high frequency heating coil of 8 khz by moving the coil so as to maintain the all portions of the pipe at 1300 ° c . for 1 second , and immediately the thus heated pipe was water quenched , and immersed in a 10 % hno 3 + 1 % hf solution for 30 minutes to descale . the resultant stainless steel pipe had a surface layer of 16μ in thickness , composed mainly of cr and ni with the ratio of % cr /% ni being 3 . 0 , containing a total content of 0 . 4 % of one or more of al , zn , sn , cu , pb , si and b and having a porosity of 2 . 4 %, and had a diffusion layer formed by diffusion of cr and ni into the base stainless steel to 2μ depth . na 2 so 4 was coated on the resultant pipe surface , and heated at 700 ° c . for 200 hours to determine sulfate attack thereon . the result revealed corrosion resistance more than 25 times better than that of the conventional sus 347 htb stainless steel . also the surface layer thus obtained showed very excellent adhesion , and did not peel off at all after more than 50 cycles of heating at 1100 ° c . for 2 minutes followed by water quenching . a mixed powder of cr , ni and nb ( approximate mixing ratio = 25 to 25 to 1 ) was coated on sus 304 htb stainless steel pipe of 70 . 0 mm dia ., 5 . 0 mm thickness and 6000 mm length , and the thus coated pipe was heated at 1380 ° c . for 3 seconds under argon atmosphere using a frequency heating device of 80 khz , and cooled naturally in air , then again heated at 1080 ° c . for 20 seconds and water quenched . the resultant stainless steel pipe had a surface layer of 450μ in thickness composed mainly of cr and ni with the ratio of % cr /% ni being 1 . 0 and the nb content being (% cr +% ni )× 0 . 02 , containing a total content of 0 . 5 % of one or more of al , zn , sn , cu , pb , si and b with 3 . 1 % porosity and 14 % elongation , and had a diffusion layer formed by cr and ni into the stainless steel to 34μ depth . the outer surface of the resultant stainless steel pipe was exposed to an oil combustion gas at 800 ° c . for 30 days to determine the high temperature corrosion . the result revealed corrosion resistance more than 30 times better than that of the conventional sus 304 htb stainless steel . also the resultant surface showed very excellent adhesion and did not peel off after 10 % expansion . a mixed powder of cr and ni and co ( approximate mixing ratio = 150 to 50 to 1 ) was plasma jet sprayed under an argon atmosphere on sus 316 ltb stainless steel pipe of 25 . 4 mm dia ., 2 . 6 mm thickness and 6000 mm length , and the thus sprayed pipe was heated at 1250 ° c . for 30 seconds in vacuum of 1 . 1 × 10 - 3 mmhg by high frequency heating with 3 khz , and cooled naturally in air . the resultant stainless steel pipe had a surface layer of 800μ in thickness composed of mainly of cr and ni with the ratio of % cr /% ni being 2 . 8 and the co content being (% cr +% ni )× 0 . 005 , containing a total content of 0 . 2 % of one or more of al , zn , sn , cu , pb , si and b , and having 2 . 2 % porosity and 14 % elongation and had a diffusion layer formed by diffusion of cr into the stainless steel surface to 12μ depth . the resultant stainless steel pipe was exposed to gas containing 3 % h 2 s at 650 ° c . for 10 days to determine the high temperature corrosion . the result revealed corrosion resistance more than 25 times better than that of the conventional sus 316 ltb stainless steel . the resultant surface layer showed very excellent adhesion with the base metal and did not peel off at all after 10 % expansion . a mixed powder of cr , ni , co and nb ( approximate mixing ratio = 6 to 12 to 1 to 1 ) was plasma jet sprayed on sus 430 tb stainless steel pipe of 50 . 8 mm dia ., 8 . 0 mm thickness and 6000 mm length , heated at 1250 ° c . for 1 minute using a high frequency heating coil of 200 khz , and cooled naturally in air . the resultant stainless steel pipe had a surface layer of 1 . 6 mm thickness , composed mainly of cr and ni with the ratio of % cr /% ni being 0 . 45 with a total content of co and nb being (% cr +% ni )× 0 . 08 and containing one or more of al , zn , sn , cu , pb , si and b in a total amount not more than 0 . 1 % with 3 . 1 % porosity and 16 % elongation , and had a diffusion layer formed by diffusion of cr into the stainless steel to 52μ depth . the resultant stainless steel pipe was exposed to gas at 900 ° c . containing 1 % so 2 and 5 % o 2 for 30 days to determine the corrosion . the result revealed corrosion resistance more than 50 times better than that of the conventional sus 430 tb stainless steel . the resultant surface layer did not peel off at all after 12 % expansion . various metals , alloys and their mixtures were coated or sprayed on various grades of stainless steels , and thus coated or sprayed stainless steels were subjected to high frequency heating under various conditions , and further subjected to after - treatments . the resultant surface layers were investigated , and the results are shown in table 2 . also the resultant surface layers were observed by an optical microscope , and the results revealed that the surface layer showed excellent adhesion with the base metal when the thickness of the diffusion layer was 1μ or thicker , and the surface layer showed poor adhesion for practical use when the thickness of the diffusion layer was less than 1μ . therefore , in table 2 indications are made whether the thickness of the diffusion layer is less than 1μ or not less than 1μ . the degree of sintering was also determined by the optical microscopic observation . in table 2 , as a typical illustration of the high temperature corrosion , results of sulfate corrosion tests by k 2 so 4 and na 2 so 4 are shown . for the tests , a mixture of k 2 so 4 and na 2 so 4 are shown . for the tests , a mixture of k 2 so 4 and na 2 so 4 ( 1 : 1 ) is coated on the sample surface , heated in a heavy oil combustion exhaust gas at 600 ° c . for 200 hours , and the oxides thus formed are removed to determine the weight decrease by corrosion . the weight decrease by corrosion of the conventional stainless steels ranges from 800 to 1200 mg / cm 2 . for evaluation of the corrosion resistance , it is judged where the corrosion resistance is 3 or more times better than the corrosion resistance of the conventional stainless steels . the cross sections of the surface layer obtained by the method according to no . 26 in table 2 is shown in fig7 where 1 is the sintered surface layer , 2 is the diffusion layer , and 3 is the base metal . nos . 1 , 3 , 5 and 7 in table 2 represent the comparative methods , and the remainders represent the method according to the present invention . in any case of no . 1 where the high frequency heating temperature is outside the scope of the present invention , no . 3 where the frequency is outside the scope of the present invention and no . 7 where the high frequency heating time is outside the scope of the present invention , the diffusion layer does not develop to 1μ or thicker , so that the resultant surface layers show poor adhesion , and unsatisfactory degree of sintering , and thus the stainless steel pipes or sheets treated by these methods show only poor high temperature corrosion resistance . in case of no . 5 method where the coating layer thickness is outside the scope of the present invention , the surface of the stainless steel is only partially coated , thus showing unsatisfactory high temperature corrosion resistance . whereas , the surface layers produced by the method of the present invention are sintered well , and contain remarkably reduced pores or no pore at all , and the stainless steel pipes or sheets having these surface layers show corrosion resistance 3 or more times better than that of the conventional stainless steels , and show good adhesion of the surface layer to the base metal due to the diffusion layer of 1μ or more in thickness . various metals , alloys and their mixtures were coated or sprayed on various stainless steel grades , and subjected to high frequency heating under various conditions , and after - treatments to form surface layers . then investigations were made to see if an aqueous solution of 10 % hno 3 + 2 % hf got into the layer and remained there . the results are shown in table 3 . also optical microscopic observations were made on the cross sections of the steel products thus treated to see if there was a diffusion layer of not less than 1μ in thickness and to see if there was caused the grain growth by the heating . the results are shown in table 3 . in no . 1 to no . 10 of table 3 , a steel pipe of 50 . 8 mm dia ., 6 . 5 mm thickness and 6000 mm length was used , in no . 11 to no . 16 a steel pipe of 48 . 6 mm dia ., 6 . 0 mm thickness and 5500 mm length was used , in no . 17 to no . 20 , no . 22 and no . 23 a steel sheet of 10 mm thickness , 1000 mm width and 2000 mm length was used , and in no . 21 and no . 24 to no . 26 a steel pipe of 57 . 1 mm dia ., 8 . 0 mm thickness and 6000 mm length was used . regarding the coating layer formation , plasma jet spraying was used in no . 1 to no . 10 , and no . 22 to no . 26 , in no . 11 to no . 16 gas spraying was used , and in no . 17 to no . 21 the metal powder mixed with an organic binder was applied . in table 3 , vanadium pentoxide attack tests using v 2 o 5 and na 2 so 4 were carried out for determining the high temperature corrosion . thus a mixture of v 2 o 5 and na 2 so 4 ( 85 to 15 ) was applied on the sample surface , and heated at 650 ° c . for two weeks to see if the corrosion resistance 3 or more times better than that of non - treated sus 321 stainless steel was obtained . nos . 1 , 3 , 5 , 7 , 9 , 11 and 13 in table 3 are comparison methods , and the remainders are within the scope of the present invention . in no . 1 where the high frequency heating temperature is outside the scope of the present invention , and in no . 3 , where the frequency is outside the scope of the present invention , the thickness of the resultant diffusion layer was less than 1μ and the surface layer showed poor adhesion and low high temperature corrosion resistance . in no . 5 where the thickness of the coating layer was outside the scope of the present invention , the surface of the base stainless steel was only partially coated and only poor high temperature corrosion resistance was obtained . in no . 7 , where the heating time was shorter than the range defined in the present invention , the acid pickling solution penetrated into the surface layer and remained there , thus prohibiting acid pickling . in no . 9 and no . 13 where the heating time was longer than the range defined in the present invention , the grains of the base stainless steel grew remarkably as compared with those before the heating . whereas , the steel products treated according to the present invention showed satisfactory high temperature corrosion resistance with excellent adhesion of the surface layer to the base metal due to the development of a 1μ or thicker diffusion layer , and the surface layer showed no penetration or remaining of the acid pickling solution therein and also the base steel showed no grain growth due to the heating . as described above , the present invention provides a stainless steel product having a surface layer composed mainly of cr and ni with restricted content of one or more of impurities of al , zn , sn , cu , pb , si and b and with a restricted porosity , and having a diffusion layer between the surface layer and the base metal , and also provides a method for forming the above stainless steel product where powder of one or more of fe , cr , ni , ti , nb , mo , co and their alloys is coated or sprayed on the stainless steel product , and subjected to high frequency heating utilizing the skin effect to sinter part or whole of the coating layer thereby reducing or eliminating the pores in the coating layer , and to diffuse part of the coating metal or metals into the base metal thereby enhancing the adhesion of the surface layer with the base metal . the stainless steel products according to the present invention are particularly advantageous for structural components of boilers , and heat exchangers which are exposed to high temperature corrosion . the present invention has been described mainly in connection with the stainless steel pipes and sheets , but may be applicable to other various types of stainless steel products . table 1______________________________________high frequency heating conditions , residualacid pickling solution and grain growthbase metal sus 321 htbcr + ni ( 3 : 2 ) 300μspraying grain growthheating heating residual acid o : almost nottempera - time pickling solution observedno . ture (° c .) ( second ) o : no ; x : yes . increment . : observed______________________________________1 1180 40 o o2 1200 0 . 4 x o3 &# 34 ; 0 . 9 o o4 &# 34 ; 160 o o5 &# 34 ; 300 o . increment . 6 1250 0 . 2 x o7 &# 34 ; 0 . 5 o o8 &# 34 ; 10 o o9 1300 24 o o10 &# 34 ; 55 o . increment . 11 1350 0 . 03 x o12 &# 34 ; 0 . 07 o o13 &# 34 ; 2 o o14 &# 34 ; 10 o o15 &# 34 ; 30 o . increment . 16 1400 0 . 02 x o17 &# 34 ; 0 . 06 o o18 &# 34 ; 0 . 3 o o19 1450 3 o o20 &# 34 ; 7 o . increment . ______________________________________ table 2 - ( 1 ) __________________________________________________________________________base stainless steels , coating layers and high frequencyheating conditionsbase stainless steels coating layersno . grades * shapes ( mm ) coating metal powder coating method thickness__________________________________________________________________________x 1 sus304htb pipe 48 . 6dia . × cr plasma jet 200μ 6 . 5t × 5 , 500 spraying2 &# 34 ; pipe 48 . 6dia . × cr plasma jet 200μ 6 . 5t × 5 , 500 sprayingx 3 &# 34 ; pipe 48 . 6dia . × cr plasma jet 200μ 6 . 5t × 5 , 500 spraying4 &# 34 ; pipe 48 . 6dia . × cr plasma jet 200μ 6 . 5t × 5 , 500 sprayingx 5 &# 34 ; pipe 48 . 6dia . × cr plasma jet 8μ 6 . 5t × 5 , 500 spraying6 &# 34 ; pipe 48 . 6dia . × cr plasma jet 12μ 6 . 5t × 5 , 500 sprayingx 7 &# 34 ; pipe 48 . 6dia . × cr plasma jet 200μ 6 . 5t × 5 , 500 spraying8 &# 34 ; pipe 48 . 6dia .× cr plasma jet 200μ 6 . 5t × 5 , 500 spraying9 sus 410 sheet 12t × 1000 × 2000 fe -- cr ( 40 : 60 ) gas spraying 100μ10 sus 430 &# 34 ; ti coated with 400μ water glass__________________________________________________________________________ x comparison method : according to jis standards : measured at 0 . 2mm below the stainless steel surface table 2 - ( 2 ) __________________________________________________________________________after - treatment conditions , resultant surfacesand high - temperature corrosion resistance surface thickness high - temperature corrosion resistance of diffu - coated with k . sub . 2 so . sub . 4 + na . sub . 2 so . sub . 4 at 600 ° c ., sion layer sintering 200 hourshigh - frequency heating o : 1μ or degree o : 3 or more times better than theconditions more o : enough conventional stainless steels frequ - tempera - time x : less than x : not x : less than 3 times better thanno . ency ture * ( sec .) after - treatment 1μ enough the conventional stainless steel__________________________________________________________________________ heated at 1080 ° c . for 5 minutesx 1 3khz 1130 ° c . 20 then water quenched x x x heated at 1080 ° c . 2 3khz 1170 20 for 5 minutes o o o then water quenched heated at 1080 ° c . x 3 0 . 08khz 1250 10 for 5 minutes x x x then water quenched4 0 . 12khz 1250 10 heated at 1080 ° c . o o o for 5 minutes then water quenchedx 5 3khz 1250 10 heated at 1080 ° c . locally no surface x for 5 minutes layer then water quenched6 3khz 1250 10 heated at 1080 ° c . o o o for 5 minutes then water quenchedx 7 3khz 1250 shorter than heated at 1080 ° c . x x x for 5 minutes 0 . 01 sec . then water quenched8 3khz 1250 0 . 02 heated at 1080 ° c . o o o for 5 minutes then water quenched9 0 . 5khz 1300 1 heated at 980 ° c . for 10 min . then o o o water quenched10 0 . 5khz 1300 1 heated at 800 ° c . for 1 hr . then o o o air quenched__________________________________________________________________________ x comparison method : according to jis standards : measured at 0 . 2mm below the stainless steel surface table 2 - ( 3 ) __________________________________________________________________________base stainless steels coating layersno . grade shapes ( mm ) coating metal powder coating method thickness__________________________________________________________________________11 sus 430 sheet 12t × 1000 × 2000 ni suspension coat - 500μ12 sus 304 l &# 34 ; mo gas spraying 200μ13 &# 34 ; &# 34 ; nb coated with organic binder plasma jet 600μ spraying14 sus 310 s sheet 6t × 1000 × 2000 co plasma jet spraying 300μ15 sus 316 htb pipe 25 . 4 dia . × 2 . 3t cr - ni ( 60 : 40 ) &# 34 ; 250μ × 550016 &# 34 ; pipe 25 . 4 dia × 2 . 3t cr - nb ( 90 : 10 ) &# 34 ; 250μ × 550017 sus 316 ltp pipe 34 . 0 dia . × cr + nb ( 80 : 20 ) &# 34 ; 200μ 2 . 8t × 550018 &# 34 ; pipe 34 . 0 dia . × cr + co ( 90 : 10 ) &# 34 ; 100μ 2 . 8t × 550019 sus 321 tb pipe 48 . 6 dia . × cr + ti ( 60 : 40 ) &# 34 ; 1 . 8 mm 7 . 0t × 550020 &# 34 ; pipe 48 . 6 dia . × cr + ni + nb ( 60 : 35 : 5 ) &# 34 ; 1 . 0 mm 7 . 0t × 5500__________________________________________________________________________ : according to jis standards : measured at 0 . 2mm below the stainless steel surface table 2 - ( 4 ) __________________________________________________________________________ surface thickness high - temperature corrosion resistance of diffu - coated with k . sub . 2 so . sub . 4 + na . sub . 2 so . sub . 4 at 600 ° c . high - frequency heating sion layer sintering 200 hoursconditions o : 1μ or degree o : 3 or more times better than the tempe - more o : enough conventional stainless steels frequ - rature time x : less than x : not x : less than 3 times better thanno . ency (° c . )* ( sec .) after - treatment lμ enough the conventional stainless__________________________________________________________________________ steel11 1 khz 1350 2 no o o o12 1 khz 1200 5 heated at 1080 ° c . o o o for 10 min . then water quenched13 1 khz 1200 9 ( min .) no o o o14 320 khz 1300 0 . 2 heated at 1120 ° c . o o o for 5 min . then water quenched15 10 khz 1350 2 heated at 1080 ° c . o o o for 5 min . then water quenched16 10 khz 1 2 forcedly air quenched o o o immediately after high frequency heating17 10 khz 1300 5 ( min .) forcedly air quenched o o o immediately after high frequency heating18 10 khz 1450 0 . 1 no o o o19 5 khz 1400 1 water quenched immedi - o o o ately after high frequency heating20 5 khz 1200 water quenched immedi - o o o ately after high frequency heating__________________________________________________________________________ x comparison method : according to jis standards : measured at 0 . 2mm below the stainless steel surface table 2 - ( 5 ) __________________________________________________________________________base stainless steels coating layersno . grade shapes ( mm ) coating metal powder coating method thickness__________________________________________________________________________21 sus 321 tb pipe 48 . 6 dia . × 7 . 0t cr + ni + mo ( 60 : 35 : 5 ) plasma jet spraying 500 μ × 550022 sus 321 htb pipe 48 . 6 dia . × 7 . 0t cr + ni ( 50 : 50 ) &# 34 ; 300 μ × 550023 &# 34 ; pipe 48 . 6 dia . × 7 . 0t ni + mo ( 80 : 20 ) gas spraying 200 μ × 550024 &# 34 ; pipe 48 . 6 dia . × 7 . 0t ni + nb + co ( 60 : 20 : 20 ) &# 34 ; 250 μ × 550025 &# 34 ; pipe 48 . 6 dia . × 7 . 0t cr + ni + co ( 40 : 55 : 5 ) plasma jet spraying 300 μ × 550026 &# 34 ; pipe 48 . 6 dia . × 7 . 0t cr + mo ( 80 : 20 ) &# 34 ; 160 μ × 550027 sus 347 tb pipe 50 . 8 dia . × 8 . 0t nb - ti - co ( 10 : 5 : 85 ) &# 34 ; 300 μ × 550028 sus 347 htb pipe 50 . 8 dia . × 8 . 0t cr + ni ( 60 : 40 ) &# 34 ; 300 μ × 550029 &# 34 ; pipe 50 . 8 dia . × 8 . 0t cr &# 34 ; 250 μ × 5500__________________________________________________________________________ : according to jis standards : mesasured at 0 . 2mm below the stainless steel surface table 2 - ( 6 ) __________________________________________________________________________ surface high - temperature corrosion resistance thickness coated with k . sub . 2 so . sub . 4 + na . sub . 2 so . sub . 4 at 600 ° c ., high - frequency heating of diffu - sintering 200 hoursconditions sion layer degree o : 3 or more times better than the tempe - o - 1μ or o : enough conventional stainless steels frequ - rature time more x : not x : less than 3 times better than theno . ency ( c . )* ( sec .) after - treatment x : less than lμ enough conventional stainless__________________________________________________________________________ steel water quenched21 120 khz 1320 0 . 1 immediately after o o o high frequency heating22 3 khz 1350 10 heated at 1120 ° c . o o o for 2 min . then water quenched23 80 khz 1250 2 heated at 1120 ° c . o o o for 2 min . then water quenched24 3 khz 1300 1 heated at 1120 ° c . o o o for 2 min . then water quenched25 5 khz 1350 1 no o o o26 3 khz 1300 10 &# 34 ; o o o27 3 khz 1350 2 heated at 1110 ° c . o o o for 5 min . then water quenched28 5khz 1350 2 heated at 1110 ° c . o o o for 5 min . then water quenched29 5 khz 1300 8 heated at 1110 ° c . o o o for 5 min . then water quenched__________________________________________________________________________ x comparison method : according to jis standards *: measured at 0 . 2mm below the stainless steel surface table 3 - ( 1 ) __________________________________________________________________________base metal , coating layer , high frequency heating , after treatment , residual acid pickling solution , diffusion layer , grain growth and hightemperature corrosion resistance coating layer base stainless coating thick - high frequency heating steels metals ness frequency__________________________________________________________________________x 1 sus 304 htb cr 300 μ 5 khz2 &# 34 ; cr 300 μ 5 khzx 3 &# 34 ; cr 200 μ 0 . 08 khz4 &# 34 ; cr 200 μ 0 . 13 khzx 5 &# 34 ; cr 7 μ 5 khz6 &# 34 ; cr 12 μ 5 khzx 7 &# 34 ; cr 150 μ 10 khz8 &# 34 ; cr 150 μ 10 khzx 9 &# 34 ; cr 150 μ 10 khz10 &# 34 ; cr 150 μ 10 khzx 11 sus 321 htb cr + ni ( 1 : 1 ) 300 μ 3 khz12 &# 34 ; cr + ni ( 1 : 1 ) 300 μ 3 khzx 13 &# 34 ; cr + ni ( 1 : 1 ) 300 μ 3 khz14 &# 34 ; cr + ni ( 1 : 1 ) 300 μ 3 khz15 &# 34 ; cr + ni ( 1 : 1 ) 300 μ 3 khz16 &# 34 ; cr + ni ( 1 : 1 ) 300 μ 3 khz17 sus 410 ni 50 μ 30 khz18 sus 430 ti 80 μ 1 khz19 sus 304 l mo 1 . 5mm 1 khz20 sus 310 s nb 600 μ 15 khz21 sus 316 htb co 600 μ 30 khz22 sus 316 l fe - cr ( 2 : 3 ) 100 μ 180 khz23 &# 34 ; cr + mo ( 3 : 1 ) 100 μ 400 khz24 sus 347 htb cr + ni + nb ( 5 : 5 : 1 ) 600 μ 100 khz25 &# 34 ; cr + ti ( 10 : 1 ) 600 μ 100 khz26 sus 321 tb cr + ni ( 3 : 2 ) 200 μ 0 . 5 khz__________________________________________________________________________ x = comparison method table 3 - ( 2 ) __________________________________________________________________________high frequency heating (° c . ) turetempera - ## str1 ## ## str2 ## ( second ) timeheatingactual treatmentafter__________________________________________________________________________ ( second ) ( second ) heating at 1080 ° c . for 5 min . then water1130 -- -- 30 quenched heating at 1080 ° c . for 5 min . then water1170 1 . 1 355 30 quenched heating at 1080 ° c . for 5 min . then water1300 0 . 12 38 15 quenched heating at 1080 ° c . for 5 min . then water1300 0 . 12 38 15 quenched heating at 1080 ° c . for 5 min . then water1300 0 . 12 38 15 quenched heating at 1080 ° c . for 5 min . then water1300 0 . 12 38 15 quenched heating at 1080 ° c . for 5 min . then water1250 0 . 27 86 0 . 2 quenched heating at 1080 ° c . for 5 min . then water1250 0 . 27 86 0 . 4 quenched heating at 1080 ° c . for 5 min . then water1250 0 . 27 86 93 quenched heating at 1080 ° c . for 5 min . then water1250 0 . 27 86 80 quenched1350 0 . 058 19 0 . 04 heating at 1060 ° c . for 10 min . then1350 0 . 058 19 0 . 07 water quenched heating at 1060 ° c . for 10 min . then1350 0 . 058 19 24 water quenched heating at 1060 ° c . for 10 min . then1350 0 . 058 19 17 water quenched heating at 1060 ° c . for 10 min . then1350 0 . 058 19 2 water quenched heating at 1060 ° c . for 10 min . then1350 0 . 058 19 8 water quenched1200 0 . 64 200 1 heating at 800 ° c . for 1 hr . then air1200 0 . 64 200 170 quenched1300 0 . 12 38 0 . 5 no1300 0 . 12 38 2 no1300 0 . 12 38 20 no1400 0 . 028 9 0 . 1 no1400 0 . 028 9 0 . 1 after high fre - 1400 0 . 028 9 3 quency heating , 1450 0 . 014 4 . 7 0 . 05 then water1450 0 . 014 4 . 7 1 quenched__________________________________________________________________________ table 3 - ( 3 ) __________________________________________________________________________ high temperature corrosion thickness of grain resistance coated with v . sub . 2 o . sub . 5residual acid diffusion growth na . sub . 2 so . sub . 4 heated at 650 ° c . atpickling solu - layer of base 2 weekstion in surfa - o : 1μ or stainless o : 3 or more times betterce layer thicker steel than sus 321o : yes x : less o : no x : less than 3 times betterx : no than 1μ x : observed than sus 321__________________________________________________________________________no x not investigated 0o o o ono x not investigated xo o o olocally no surface layer o xo o o ox o o oo o o oo o x oo o o ox o o oo o o oo o x oo o o oo o o oo o o oo o o oo o o oo o o oo o o oo o o oo o o oo o o oo o o oo o o oo o o o__________________________________________________________________________	1
referring first to fig1 a parallel processing system embodying the invention comprises a number of processing nodes s1 , s2 . . . sn each having an associated processor 11 , 21 . . . n1 for operating on records stored in a storage unit 12 , 22 , . . . n2 . a software implemented message handling kernel function 13 , 23 . . . n3 is defined within each of the processing nodes and has associated with it a procedure register 14 , 24 . . . n4 . a bidirectional message interface , 2 , interconnects the message handling kernels in all nodes and an application controller , 3 is arranged to provide procedures over an interface , 4 , for initialising the various procedure registers 14 , . . . n4 and if necessary updating these registers as the application proceeds . in the preferred embodiment , the procedure registers in the various nodes are loaded on a selective basis with message handling procedures appropriate to the particular application . in the preferred embodiment node 1 is designated as a master node while the remaining nodes are designated slaves . thus the application programme and its control reside in the master node 1 , and the slaves respond to messages from the master node . while the system may be implemented using various computer platforms the preferred embodiment employs a parallel array of ibm risc system / 6000 processors . ( risc system / 6000 is a trademark of ibm corporation ). a simplified group of records of the type to which the system is applicable is shown in fig2 . which represents a large database of records developed by an insurance company from customer data . the purpose of a data mining operation using such data may be for example to identify groups of people whose records have certain characteristics within a range of similarity so as to develop categories to which common terms and conditions of insurance can be offered . this process is referred to as segmentation . in operation , the system is loaded with the records in such a way as to effect a reasonably even distribution of records between the various nodes . as shown by the letters associated with the storage units 12 . . . n2 in fig1 this may be done by allocating records in stripes or subsets , or other approaches may be followed depending on the needs of the application . running the application then involves first the development of statistics by all nodes with subsequent aggregation by the master node , followed by the construction of an initial model from a sample of records , using those statistics . the master node starts the development of the initial model by issuing a trigger message , following which all nodes send their contribution of records from their associated storage units . on completion of the development of the initial model , the master node distributes it to the slaves . there then follows a series of passes using all nodes . each pass is a complete scan through the data and within a given pass , there are a number of phases . during a phase the models on individual nodes would diverge if permitted to do so , so the changes are accumulated and the master node consolidates them at the end of each phase and distributes the latest model state to all the slaves . the initiation of passes and phases is controlled by trigger messages sent by the master node . at the end of a given pass the master node may determine that the application should be terminated , for example if it detects that the model is sufficiently stable to meet the requirements of the application , and issues a termination message . as the application proceeds , trigger messages are used to re - synchronise the nodes . in this connection it will be appreciated that a typical parallel processing system may well be running a number of applications and that at any one time a node may be performing other tasks in other partitions which may make it unavailable to process a request immediately . information reflecting the status and availability of the node can be determined by the master via the message interface 2 . in another embodiment , a message indicating the status and availability of the node is returned to the master via the message interface . when the master node receives an indication that a slave node is available it sends a message requesting further processing . the type of processing required is defined by message handling procedures loaded into the procedure register associated with the node in question and the message includes an identifier id which enables the message handling kernel to select the appropriate procedure . typically two or three passes are required to achieve the required degree of stability . the master node then issues a termination message . any slave node recognising such a termination message must respond by performing the appropriate termination procedure at whatever point it has reached in the processing of data . it should be noted that a significant advantage of the message handling kernel is its ability correctly to process any message type as and when it arrives without requiring undesirable complexity within the application itself . 1 . a message handling kernel which is independent of the parallel processing application ; 2 . a method of providing the kernel with a list of the message types that the application requires , but with no knowledge of the content of each type ; 3 . a message structure which enables the kernel to determine which message handling procedure to invoke , without being aware of the content ; and 4 . a registration mechanism ( the procedure register ) for the application to provide message handling procedures for the message types it has told the kernel it requires . this is illustrated in fig3 which shows the sequence of events for processing messages , and fig4 which depicts a typical message structure . before any messages are sent the application controller provides to the various procedure registers message handling procedures for each of the message types it intends the associated node to handle . a typical message is intended to trigger a specific action , such as a message sent from the master to each of the slaves when requesting data . referring to fig4 ., the message structure includes an indicator portion 41 and a body portion 42 . the indicator portion contains a value for the length of the information in the body portion , a message length of zero indicating that the message is a trigger with no body portion . the message is inspected by the kernel to select the message handling procedure appropriate for the id included in the message . a second typical message is a slave &# 39 ; s response to such a trigger , asking for data . having assembled the data for the reply , the slave sends a message to the master which includes a body portion . the kernel associated with the master , on receiving this reply , goes on to read the body portion and passes it on to the message handling procedure which is registered to deal with the message id contained in the indicator portion . the function performed by the various message handling kernels and their associated procedure registers can thus be likened to that of a funnel through which all messages on the interface 2 are passed . this is illustrated in flow chart form in fig3 . referring to fig3 . an incoming message on message interface 2 is received at step 31 and a test is made at step 32 to determine whether the message type is in the list of types required by the current application . if it is not , a warning is issued at 33 and the message is purged at 34 . at step 35 a further test is made to determine whether a message handling procedure for the particular message received is registered in the associated procedure register 14 , 24 , . . . n4 . if no message handling procedure is registered a flag is raised at 36 indicating that the message cannot be handled and the message is also purged at step 34 . if the appropriate message handling procedure is found a test is made to determine whether the message is a trigger message as discussed above with a message length of zero or whether data is also carried by the message . in the latter case the message body is received at 38 for use in further processing at the node . if the message is a trigger message this step is bypassed and in both cases the message handling procedure is executed at step 39 after which the message is purged at 34 and the message handling kernel returns to the waiting mode for the reception of further messages . in the preferred system the message handling procedures are implemented as user objects responding to triggers and data messages transmitted by message objects generated in the nodes . in the present embodiment , a single message handling procedure is registered in the procedure register for each message type permitting the application logic sequence to be set out entirely within the message handling procedure . this permits easy maintainability since the logic resides in one place only . however a sequence of message handling procedures can be registered for each message type representing the steps that an application will pass through in response to that message type . this makes the application code more concise since the complexity of sequencing is built into the message handling kernel , providing a generic re - usable message handling process . while there has been described a parallel processing system organised on a master - slave basis with the application and application controller provided within the master node , it will be appreciated that the techniques described are equally applicable to an arrangement where there is no one node in control . in such an organisation , referred to as a &# 34 ; peer - to - peer &# 34 ; organisation , all nodes communicate with each other , each responding to messages according to their current state and to message handling procedures registered in the various procedure registers . the techniques described are similarly applicable to an arrangement in which one of the nodes is solely dedicated to the control and running of the application . furthermore , although the embodiment of fig1 has been described in the context of the process of data mining and segmentation , it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the techniques described are applicable generally in the field of parallel data processing .	6
the general features of a low - voltage circuit breaker that is covered by the scope of the invention will be explained first of all , with reference to an embodiment shown in fig1 . the circuit breaker 1 has a rear housing body 2 , in the form of a rear wall , as well as a front housing body 3 , which is connected to the housing body 2 . a switching contact arrangement 4 , which cannot be seen in fig1 is held between the housing bodies 2 and 3 and has an upper busbar 5 and a lower busbar 6 , which are used to connect the main current part of the circuit breaker 1 to an external circuit . the circuit breaker 1 may be designed , in a known manner , to have a number of poles and , accordingly , to contain a number of switching contact arrangements 4 . the housing body 3 is in the form of a support for the mechanical and electronic assemblies . these include , in particular , a drive apparatus , which interacts with the switching contact arrangement 4 , or with a number of such switching contact arrangements , by means of a actuating shaft 8 , which is accessible on at least one side wall of the housing body 3 . at the front , the housing body 3 is covered by a control panel 9 , on which all the operating , control and adjustment members that are essential for the user are arranged . [ 0034 ] fig2 shows the basic design of the switching contact arrangement 4 . as can be seen , a contact lever 11 is connected to the lower connecting rail 6 by means of flexible conductors 10 and makes contact with the upper busbar 5 when the switching contact arrangement is in the closed position . in this case , contact force springs 12 which are located in a recess in a contact support 13 that holds the contact lever 11 provide a contact force which ensures reliable current transfer . the contact lever 11 is mounted on the contact support 13 by means of a bearing bolt 14 , such that it can pivot . the contact support 13 can itself pivot about a bearing journal 15 , with the pivoting bearing which is formed in this way being located close to the inner end - face of the lower busbar 6 . as is known per se , a large number of contact levers 11 can be arranged parallel to one another , on a common beating bolt 14 in one contact support 13 . the busbars 5 and 6 have correspondingly designed widths , and have contact surfaces and switching pieces for all the contact levers . the contact support 13 can be operated by a lever arrangement via the actuating shaft 8 that has been mentioned , in order to allow the contact levers 11 to be moved from the illustrated connected position to a disconnected position . the lever arrangement has one or more drive levers 16 as well as coupling lugs 17 , which are seated on the actuating shaft 8 . these are connected firstly by a hinge bolt 18 to the drive lever 16 and secondly by a coupling bolt 19 to the contact support 13 . it is also possible to provide a number of coupling lugs 17 arranged parallel to one another , in order to ensure symmetrical force transmission . in order to move the switching contact arrangement to its disconnected position , the actuating shaft 8 is rotated counterclockwise , as a result of which the drive lever 16 pulls the coupling lugs 17 to the left , and in consequence pivots the contact support 13 counterclockwise about its bearing journal 15 . the housing bodies 2 and 3 are connected to one another and can be disconnected from one another once the attachment devices have been removed , as is illustrated in fig3 . parts of the switching contact arrangement 4 , namely the contact support 13 and contact lever 11 , can also be seen in fig3 . lateral projections 20 on the rear housing body 2 and corresponding recesses 21 on the front housing body 3 ensure that the coupling bolt 14 on the contact support 13 is accessible when said housing bodies are disconnected . lugs or tongues 22 are fit on the housing body 2 , in order to simplify the subsequent renewed connection of the housing bodies 2 and 3 . [ 0037 ] fig3 also shows the position of an end - face access to the actuating shaft 8 . in a corresponding way to the detail that is shown in fig4 which corresponds for example to the arrangement according to fig5 in ep 0 789 925 b1 ( although it is used for different purposes there however ), a coupling web 23 , which is formed by flattened areas and to which an insulating adapter 25 is fit in a rotationally locked manner , is located close to a bearing 26 at one end of the actuating shaft 8 . this insulating adapter 25 projects through a side wall 24 and , on the outside , has a coupling web 27 for a holding piece 28 . this has a hub part 29 with a coupling slot 30 , which is used as a coupling member . a handle part 31 , in which an aperture opening 34 is arranged , originates from the hub part 29 . the character and use of the holding piece 28 can be seen in more detail in fig5 and 7 , to which the following text refers . the use of the adapter 25 is expedient for the connection of the holding piece 28 for the actuating shaft 8 , but is not essential since , obviously , the two parts can engage directly via the coupling web 23 and the coupling slot 30 . however , the adapter offers the option of , for example , fitting differently shaped coupling elements on the actuating shaft 8 and on the holding piece , and of satisfying further conditions . [ 0039 ] fig5 shows the housing body 3 , as it is seen by the viewer after removal of the control panel 9 ( fig1 ) and removal of all the assemblies , including the actuating shaft 14 . the holding piece 28 is intended to be fit to the right - hand side wall 24 of the housing body 3 . a hub part 29 , with the coupling slot 30 that has been mentioned , engages , in the position shown in fig5 with the coupling web 23 of the actuating shaft 8 or , when the adapter 25 is provided , with the corresponding coupling web 27 of the adapter 25 . the handle part 31 of the holding piece 28 makes it possible for the user first of all to connect the holding piece 28 in the initial position to the actuating shaft 8 , and then to rotate it to the intended end position . in this end position , the handle part 31 comes into contact with a contact surface 32 on the side wall 24 of the housing body 3 , which is provided for the control panel 9 to make contact with and to be attached to ( fig1 ). for this purpose , the contact surface 32 has a holding opening 33 for an attachment means ( screw or the like ). the handle part 31 of the holding piece 28 is provided with an aperture opening 34 , which corresponds with the holding opening 33 in the contact surface 32 when the holding piece 28 has been moved to its end position . in a corresponding way to fig6 an attachment means 35 , for example in the form of the illustrated hexagonal screw , can then be inserted . the procedure for replacement of a switching contact arrangement 4 in a circuit breaker 1 as shown in fig1 will now be explained in conjunction with fig8 . to the extent that they can be seen in the figure , the individual steps are in this case provided with the same designations ( a to k ) as those contained in patent claim 5 . first of all , the control panel 9 is removed from the circuit breaker 1 in step a , thus , in particular , exposing the contact surfaces 32 for the control panel , which are located on the right - hand side wall 24 of the housing body 3 . in the next step b , the holding piece 28 is placed on the actuating shaft 8 in the described manner , in order to move the actuating shaft 8 to an intended end position by operating the handle part 31 , with this end position being that which is most suitable for replacement of the switching contact arrangement . this end position is , in particular , an intermediate position of the actuating shaft between off and on , to be precise shortly before load starts to be applied to the contact force springs . in this end position , the handle part 31 rests on the contact surface 32 , and the attachment means secures the actuating shaft 8 by means of the holding piece 28 in the relevant position . the attachment means , which connect the housing bodies 2 and 3 to one another , are released in the next step d . this may include , in a known manner , tie rods or foot parts , which extend over both housing parts . the switching contact arrangement 4 ( fig2 ) with its major components including the contact support 13 with the contact levers 11 as well as the upper busbar 5 and the lower busbar 6 can be removed after carrying out step e , which essentially comprises removal of the coupling bolt 19 . with regard to the different arrangements which are known for this purpose , reference is once again made , by way of example , to ep 0 225 207 , de 196 37 678 a1 or de 269 08 061 u1 . in step f , the switching contact arrangement is removed , and is replaced by a new identical switching contact arrangement 36 . the steps g , h , i and k which are then required are used to reproduce the original state and thus represent the reversal of the already explained steps a to e . in order to illustrate this in fig8 the corresponding steps g to k are in each case shown in brackets after the steps a to e . the above description has not explained in any detail the handling of the quenching chambers 7 , whose removal is likewise expedient . this may be done right at the start of the work , for example after removal of the control panel 9 in step a . however , it is sufficient to deal with the quenching chamber 7 before disconnection of the housing bodies 2 and 3 , as is illustrated in fig8 as step d 1 and as a corresponding step h 1 that needs to be carried out during assembly . the invention being thus described , it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways . such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention , and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims .	7

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