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the following description of the preferred embodiment ( s ) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention , its application , or uses . while the application describes a weldable cage fastener and a weldable stud , the application is equally applicable to any weldable or other fastener having a surface which resists the adherence of paint , and particularly electrodeposited paints known as electrocoat [ e - coat ] or elpo systems . the weldable threaded fastener 8 is configured to be coupled to a surface and has a coating on a portion of the threaded fastener . the fastener is configured to be welded to the surface . optionally , the fastener is a weldable cage and the coating is on the body of the fastener . optionally , the coating is on the cage and the fastener has a weldable base . for example , the threaded fastener is a welded stud or a welded nut . the coating has a surface tension low enough so that a selected second coating , preferably an electrodeposition coating , will substantially not adhere to it . in a preferred embodiment , the coating has a surface tension of greater than 25 and less than 36 mnm − 1 , and preferably greater than 27 and less than 32 mnm − 1 , and most preferably about 28 mnm − 1 , as measured using a rame - hart contact angle goniometer when calculated using harmonic mean . in a preferred embodiment , the coating comprises a binder , which includes at least one , but may include a plurality of resin components , and a component that provides the desired low surface tension to the surface of the coating . in describing the invention , “ resin ” may also , where appropriate , include “ polymer ” as well as oligomers and certain monomeric materials ( e . g ., the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol a ) that are suitable for use in a coating binder . the coating is formulated to prevent the deposit of a selected second coating , e . g . an electrodeposition coating , upon further processing . although the coating includes a low surface tension binder component , e . g . a siloxane polymer for that purpose , a convenient way to so formulate a coating is to include a low surface tension solid that will come to the surface as the coating layer is formed . suitable examples of materials that can provide the desired low surface tension include , without limitation , polyalkylene waxes , particularly polyethylene waxes , and poly ( ethylene - copropylene ); fluorinated polyalkylenes such as polytetrafluoroethylene and polyhexaluoropropylene ; natural waxes such as montan and carnauba waxes ; certain vinyl polymers , such as poly ( vinyl fluoride ), poly ( vinylidene fluoride ), and polymers of longer chain vinyl esters , such as poly ( vinyl butyrate ) and poly ( vinyl octanoate ); non - functional poly ( oxyalkylene ) waxes such as poly ( oxyalkylene )- dimethylethers like poly ( oxyethylene )- dimethylether waxes , poly ( oxyalkylene )- block - poly ( oxydimethylsilylene )- block - poly ( oxyalkylene ) solid copolymers ; and combinations of these . in another preferred embodiment , the coating comprises a mixture of polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene . based on the combined weights of polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene , the coating contains about 20 to about 80 weight percent polyethylene , preferably about 30 to about 70 weight polyethylene , more preferably about 40 to about 60 weight percent polyethylene , the remainder being polytetrafluoroethylene . it is believed that it is particularly beneficial to include a wax as at least a part of the surface tension - reducing component . waxes provide the desired surface tension reducing properly to the coating , in addition , are likely to form a wax - rich layer at the surface of the coating because a wax will substantially melt at a typical baking temperature for the coating . in contrast , certain surface tension - reducing materials , for example poly ( tetrafluoroethylene ), would generally not be expected to melt and coalesce at typical coating bake temperatures . fluoropolymers used as a surface modifying component of the coating compositions of the invention include generally homopolymers and copolymers wherein the monomer of the homopolymer or at least one of the monomers of the copolymer contains fluorine . in a preferred embodiment , the fluoropolymers of the invention are prepared from perfluorinated monomers . a preferred class of fluoropolymers includes homopolymers and copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene ( tfe ). the homopolymer of tetrfluoroethylene is known as polytetrafluoroethylene , and is commonly available as a line of teflon ® polymers of dupont . in another embodiment , the fluoropolymers of the invention include copolymers of tfe with hexafluoropropylene ( hfp ). in another embodiment , fluropolymers are prepared by the copolymerization of tfe and perfluoroalkylvinyl ethers such as perfluoropropylvinyl ether . other fluoropolymers of the invention include ethylene / tetrafluoroethylene copolymers , and polyvinylidene fluoride . fluoropolymers used in the coating layer of the invention may be prepared by known methods of solution or emulsion polymerization . the fluoropolymers may be used as emulsions , solutions , or as solid particles . aqueous polyethylene and / or polytetrafluoroethylene dispersions are commercially available . in one embodiment , both polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene are included in the coating . the polyethylene is preferably from about 20 to about 80 weight percent , more preferably from about 40 to about 60 weight percent , based on the combined total weights of the polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene . with reference to fig1 - 6 , a weldable threaded fasteners 8 which are configured to be coupled to a surface are shown . the fastener has a coating layer 35 configured to resist the adhesion of electro - deposed paint . generally , the coating 35 has a binder component and a surface tension reducing component that resists adhesion to the coated surface by a selected second coating , particularly by an electrodeposition coating . with reference to fig1 - 3 , a cage nut fastener , shown generally at 8 , has a body 16 coupled to a planar base 12 . the body 16 and planar base 12 define a threaded through bore 14 . planar base 12 has an upper base surface 18 and lower base surface 20 . the cage nut assembly 8 further has a cage 22 which is generally disposed about the planar base 12 . the cage 22 has a cage upper surface 34 and cage lower surface 32 . additionally , the cage 22 defines two pair of flanges 28 . the flanges 28 define cutouts 26 which generally correspond to the shape of the body 16 . as can be best seen in fig2 , the flange elements 28 are folded to enclose the planar base 12 of the body 16 . the flanges 28 are positioned so as to restrict the movement away from the cage 22 of the body 16 . additionally , the cutouts 26 are positioned so as to restrict the planar movement of the body 16 within the assembly . the cage 22 is configured so the body 16 has a limited range of movement . as can be seen in fig2 and 3 , the cage allows slight movement away from the cage upper surface 34 as well as allowing planar movement generally parallel to the cage upper surface 34 . this planar movement is generally restricted and defined by the space between the cutouts and the body 16 . as best seen in fig3 , the cage 22 has a coating layer 35 ( as described below ) disposed on a surface which directly faces the hexagonal body 16 or planar base 12 . this coating provides a surface that has a low wetability , and preferably has a lower wetability than the body 16 . this significantly reduces the amount of wetting of any coatings subsequently sprayed onto the as coated cage 22 . the coating preferably has a surface tension greater than about 25 mnm − 1 and less than about 36 mnm − 1 . while the coating 35 is shown on the cage 22 , it is envisioned that the coating 35 can equally be applied to the body 16 and / or the planar base 12 . the coating layer 35 can cover the entire shank 112 or can cover a portion of the shank 112 . further , the coating layer 35 can be placed within the threads 117 while leaving the tips of the threads 121 exposed ( see fig6 ). fig4 represents the drawn arc weld stud 110 according to the teachings of the present invention . the weld stud 110 is formed of three major components ; a shank 112 , a head 114 , and an annular weldment area 116 . by way of non - limiting example , the shank 112 can be a m6 threaded fastener . equally , the shank can take the form of pine - tree connector or other sized threaded fastener . the shank 112 defines a coating layer 35 ( as described below ) which resists to adherence of e - coat to the fastener . the head 114 portion is formed using cold heading methodologies . the head 114 for a m6 fastener has an exterior diameter of about 13 mm and a thickness of about 2 mm . the head further has a flat lower surface 115 having a diameter of about 13 mm . the strength of the fastener is a function of the thickness of the head . as such , as the thickness of the head is increased , generally the strength of the fastener 110 is increased . increasing the strength of the fastener often leads to an undesirable failure of the interface of the fastener and the laminate material . such failures lead to the fastener being pulled out of the laminate material , leaving a hole in the thin sheet metal . the annular weldment area 116 has an exterior radius 118 which equals the exterior radius of the lower surface 115 of the head 114 . while an annular weldment area 116 is shown , it should be understood that standard circular weldment areas , are also applicable . for a m6 stud shank , the exterior radius of the head 114 is about 13 mm . the interior radius of the weldment area 116 has a radius of about 11 mm . the resulting weldment area being about 150 mm 2 . each head 114 has a thickness t . the thickness 119 of the weldment is approximately 20 % to 35 % of the value of t . to exemplify the application of this invention , fig6 shows a fusion connection between a stud 110 and a laminate structure 120 . the stud 110 corresponds in design to that of fig4 before welding , and reference is made to the description of fig6 to avoid repetition . in use , the stud 110 of fig6 is placed in contact with the laminate structure 120 with the flat edge 22 of the annular weldment area 116 touching the laminate structure 120 . a welding current is then applied . after application of the welding current , the stud 110 is withdrawn to form an arc . while the arc is burning , both the flat edge 122 of the stud 110 and parts of the structure 120 melt . after a prescribed time , the stud 110 is plunged into the molten metal . the welding current is switched off before or during plunging . then , the weld cools down . as shown in fig6 , part of the circumferential edge 122 has melted . part of the molten metal has entered the cavity 124 defined by the annular weldment area . the weld is substantially annular . the stud 110 and the structure 120 have a common weld area 126 that has set . of course , the other illustrated embodiments of this invention operate in similar fashion . after the welding of the stud to the structure , the coating layer 35 , which has been exposed to a significant amount of heat , retains it capacity to resist the adherence of paint , and particularly e - coat paints . the coating 35 of the invention functions to prevent or inhibit the deposit of an electrodeposition coating upon further processing . preferred coatings have a surface tension such that they are poorly wetted by an aqueous electrodeposition bath . in one aspect , it is believed that the lower surface energy of the preferred coatings of the invention act to prevent deposition at least in part by preventing the surface of the coated part from being wetted by the electrodeposition bath . the coating 35 may be used to prevent adhesion of other selected second coatings that are applied to uncoated areas of the fastener and / or the articles to which the fastener is attached . in one embodiment , the binder component of the coating used to prevent adhesion of a further coating layer preferably comprises epoxy resin . the epoxy resin is selected to provide desirable coating properties , e . g . good adhesion and good abrasion resistance so that the coating remains intact during fabrication with the fastener . in theory , many kinds of epoxy binders are suitable and provide such desirable coating properties . the epoxy binder may be thermoset , i . e ., crosslinked , or , if of a suitably high molecular weight , may be thermoplastic . specific examples of suitable epoxy resins include , without limitation , bisphenol a - type epoxy resins prepared from the reaction of bisphenol a and the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol a , epoxy novolac resins , phenoxy resins , such resins modified to be water - dispersible ( for example , by reaction of terminal epoxide group or of hydroxyl groups with a dicarboxylic acid or a cyclic acid anhydride ), and combinations of these . when the coating composition is formulated to be thermosettable , a suitable curing agent or crosslinker is included in the binder . typical crosslinkers for epoxy resins include , without limitation , dianhydrides , polyamines and amino resins such as amino formaldehyde resins , polyisocyanate crosslinkers , and polyepoxides ( for carboxyl - functionalized resins ). in the case of aqueous coating compositions , the crosslinking resin may be mixed with a water - dispersible epoxy resin before dispersion in the aqueous medium . in a preferred embodiment , the crosslinkers are non - yellowing . non - yellowing coatings may be desirable in some cases where appearance is at a premium , or where it is desired to further pigment the coating to provide a desired surface appearance . in a preferred embodiment , the coating of the invention includes , based on combined weights of solid binder and surface tension - reducing component , from about 1 to about 50 % by weight of the surface tension - reducing component . in a preferred embodiment , the surface tension - reducing component is present in an amount of about 5 % by weight or greater , preferably about 10 % by weight or more , more preferably from about 35 % by weight or more , again based on combined weights of solid binder and surface tension - reducing component . the surface tension reducing component may be from about 1 to about 70 %, more preferably from about 35 to about 60 percent by weight of the combined weights of solid binder and surface tension - reducing component . preferably , the surface tension - reducing component is present at about 70 % by weight or less , and more preferably at about 60 % by weight or less , and even more preferably at about 50 % or less , again based on the combined weights of solid binder and surface tension reducing component . the total solids by weight of the coating compositions of the invention is chosen so as to deliver an appropriate amount of coating to the surface , and to provide a coating composition with suitable viscosity . the solids content may depend upon whether the coating composition is aqueous or solvent borne , as it is generally desirable to minimize organic emissions . for example , preferred coatings 35 may be applied at a weight of about 2 to 9 g / sq . ft ., preferably about 3 to 5 g / sq . ft . generally the percent by weight of the solids in a preferred aqueous coating composition ranges from about 10 % to about 65 %. in another embodiment , referring still to aqueous compositions , the compositions have 20 % or more by weight solids , preferably 30 % or more and more preferably 35 % or more by weight solids . preferably , the maximum weight percent solids is 65 %, more preferably 60 %. in other preferred embodiments , the weight percent solids is 50 % or less . in a preferred embodiment , the solids are 45 % or less by weight percent . in addition to the solids , the coating compositions of the invention contain from 1 to 40 % water , preferably from 5 - 30 % water . the aqueous coating compositions of the invention may also contain organic solvents to promote a stable dispersion of the binder . in a preferred embodiment , the compositions contain 30 % or less organic solvents , preferably 25 % or less . as a general rule , the compositions may contain a minimum of 1 % organic solvents , preferably a minimum of 10 % by weight organic solvent . non - limiting examples of volatile organic cosolvents to be used in the coating compositions include propanol , butanol , ethylene and propylene glycol ethers and ether acetates and 1 -( 2 - butoxyethoxy ) ethanol . in addition to the solvents , resin , and surface tension modifier , the compositions used to form the coating of the invention can contain further components such as pigments , rheology modifiers , and other conventional additives . for example , inorganic pigments such as titanium dioxide , iron oxides , and other oxide pigments or organic pigments may be added to the coating compositions to provide a desired level of pigmentation in the coatings . in another embodiment , the coating compositions of the invention can contain , in addition to the epoxy resin , a second resin or resins that provide further advantages . in a preferred embodiment , the coating contains a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic elastomer polymers , a styrenic component such as styrenic copolymers , abs and san , a vinyl polymer such as a polyvinyl ester or a poly ( vinyl chloride ), or other polymers . elastomeric polymers include generally polymers based on diene functional monomers such as , without limitation , butadiene and isoprene . non - limiting examples of such polymers include acrylonitrile butadiene elastomer ( nbr ), butyl rubber ( irr ), isobutylene - isoprene elastomer , ethylene - propylene - diene terpolymer ( epdm ), ethylene / butane elastomer , ethylene / octane elastomer , isobutylene - paramethylstyrene elastomer ( ims ), polybutadiene elastomer ( br ), polyisobutylene , polyisoprene ( ir ), and styrene - butadiene rubber ( sbr ). such elastomeric polymers may be provided as solutions , suspensions , or in a preferred embodiment as particles . the polymers may be prepared by known processes by copolymerizing neat monomers , or by carrying out the copolymerization by emulsion polymerization or in solution in organic solvents . in another embodiment , toughened epoxy resins may be produced by the bulk polymerization of the epoxy in the presence of dissolved rubber or elastomeric polymers as described above . alternatively , the compositions of the invention may be prepared by blending the epoxy resin and the rubber particles . the coating compositions of the invention are generally heated or baked for a short period of time to dry , coalesce , and , if appropriate to effect cure or crosslinking , of the coating . in a non - limiting example , the coating may be baked to 375 ° f . peak metal temperature for 2 - 5 minutes . a typical bake cycle is 400 - 425 ° f . for 20 - 30 minutes . an appropriate bake cycle for a specific coating depends upon the binder component and may be determined by straight - forward testing . in a preferred embodiment , the coating composition of the invention is prepared from epc - 1760 e - coat block product manufactured by environmental protective coatings of ostrander , ohio . the e - coat block product typically contains less than 5 % by weight dimethylethylanolamine and less than 12 % by weight of volatile organic solvents such as n - butyl alcohol , butylcellosolve , and butylcarbatol . the compositions contain from about 38 to about 43 % by weight solids and have a density of from about 8 . 8 to 9 . 2 pounds per gallon . as provided , the composition has a zahn cup no . 2 viscosity of 35 - 45 seconds at 77 ° f . in another embodiment of the invention , a metallic fastener 8 is disclosed having a protective surface coating . the coating 35 is formed from a coating containing as a binder epoxy resin , preferably comprising phenoxy resin , optionally combined with a second , thermoplastic polymer . the coating further contains micronized polyethylene wax , micronized polytetrafluoroethylene , and pigment material . the second thermoplastic polymer preferably includes acrylonitrile - butadiene - styrene copolymer , polyvinyl chloride polymer , or both . the micronized polyethylene wax and the micronized polytetrafluoroethylene in the coating have a weight ratio to each other of about 60 to about 40 weight percent micronized polyethylene to about 40 to about 60 weight percent micronized polytetrafluoroethylene . preferably , the solid binder and the polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene coating have a weight ratio to each other of about 40 to about 60 weight percent binder to about 60 to about 40 weight percent of the polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene . in another embodiment of the present invention , a fastener is coated with an aqueous coating composition . the aqueous coating comprises , as binder , dispersed epoxy resin , preferable comprising phenoxy resin , and optionally comprising a second thermoplastic resin . the binder may also include a bisphenol a - type epoxy resin . the aqueous coating composition further comprises micronized polyethylene wax , micronized polytetrafluoroethane , and a pigment material . in another embodiment of the present invention , a method for applying electro - deposition paint to a metallic fastener 8 is disclosed . the fastener 8 is configured for coupling to a surface and has a coating 35 on a portion of the fastener with a protective coating composition as described above . after applying the electro - deposition paint to a metallic fastener 8 , the fastener and the protective coating precursor suspension are cured at about 400 degrees f . for about 30 minutes . after the fastener 8 is coupled to the structure , an electro - deposition paint is applied to the fastener . the portion of the fastener 8 coated with cured protective coating precursor defines a surface portion of the fastener where the electro - deposition paint will not contact metal of the fastener when the electro - deposition paint is applied . in a particularly preferred embodiment , the fastener is coated with a composition including about 12 to about 20 weight percent binder particles comprising epoxy resin and thermoplastic resin , the epoxy resin phase derived from bisphenol a and epichlorohydrin , the thermoplastic resin phase derived from blended acrylonitrile - butadiene - styrene copolymer and polyvinyl chloride polymer ; about 5 to 12 weight percent micronized polyethylene wax ; about 2 to about 8 weight percent micronized polytetrafluoroethane ; about 2 to about 20 weight percent pigment ; about 25 to about 65 weight percent water ; about 50 to about 20 weight percent organic cosolvent ; and about 0 . 5 to about 2 weight percent of a neutralizing amine . the coating coats a threaded region of the fastener . the fastener may be fastened , e . g . by welding , to a body prior to applying the coating composition . the threaded second fastener attachment portion of the first fastener coated with the protective coating defines a surface portion of the first fastener where the electro - deposition paint is repelled when the electro - deposition paint is applied . referring to fig1 - 3 , the cage nut has a body defining a threaded bore therethrough . a cage is disposed about at least a portion of the body . the cage provides a limited range of movement of the body within the cage . further , the cage has a coating on at least one surface which has a surface tension of greater than 25 and less than 36 mnm − 1 and preferably greater than 27 and less than 32 mnm − 1 and most preferably about 28 - 29 mnm − 1 , as measured using a rame - hart contact angle goniometer when calculated using harmonic mean . the body has a planar base while the cage defines a pair of flanges which cover at least a portion of the base . the coating is disposed between the flanges and the base . the cage has flange members disposed about a least a portion of the body and is configured to limit the range of motion of the body . the body is disposed on the cage upper surface . the cage has at least one surface coated with a layer which is configured to function to prevent the deposit of an electrodeposition coating upon further processing and has a lower surface and the coating is further disposed on the lower surface . in one embodiment , a weldable threaded fastener configured to be welded to a surface has a coating on a portion in which coating includes at least an epoxy material and a wax , preferably a polyethylene wax . the coating preferably further includes polytetrafluoroethylene at its surface . the coating may be thermoplastic or cured . the coating preferably has a surface tension of from about 27 mnm − 1 to about 32 mnm − 1 . the coating may be on a body portion of the fastener . when the fastener has a weldable cage , such as described with reference to the figures , the coating may be on the cage . in another embodiment , the present invention provides a method of preventing e - coat from being applied to a fastener , a fastener being configured to be coupled to a surface . the method contains the steps of : a ) coating a portion of the fastener with an epoxy coating including a wax , particularly a polyethylene wax ; b ) fastening the fastener to a body ; and c ) e - coating the body , wherein the coating functions to resist wetting of the e - coat . optionally , fastening the fastener body is welding the fastener to a body such as welding a cage of a cage nut to the body . the wax may include a polyfluoroethylene component . for example , a mixture of polyethylene wax and polytetrafluoroethylene may be in the applied coating composition . the coating formed therefrom will have both polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene at its surface . if the applied coating is baked , the polyethylene may melt and coalesce , and the coalesced polyethylene may include particulate polyethylene or ( if the bake temperature is high enough ) may be a mixture of polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene . preferably , a sufficient amount of polyethylene and , optionally , polytetrafluoroethylene is included in the coating to provide a surface tension of less than 36 mnm − 1 . the portion of the fastener coated is preferably a threaded portion or a bearing region . the coating may contain a pigment as desired , for example to provide a desired color or gloss . in a variation of the invention , a portion of a fastener configured to be coupled to a body is coated with a first coating . the first coating adheres to the fastener and prevents adhesion of a second coating . the fastener is then coupled to a body and the second coating , which , for example and without limitation , may be an electrodeposition coating or other aqueous coating , is applied to the body . the second coating does not adhere to the areas of the fastener with the first coating . the fastener may be coupled with the body in any conventional way , including welding , gluing , screwing , riveting , by sliding into a slot , as part of a threaded nut and bolt or screw combination , and so on . the fastener may be coupled to the surface of the body in some coupling methods or may extend through the surface in other methods . this method may be applied to a method in which two articles are connected with a threaded fastener . a portion of the threaded fastener is coated with the first coating , which preferably includes a wax , then the threaded fastener is attached to a first article . a second coating is applied to the first article and fastener , for example by an electrodeposition coating process , but the second coating does not coat the portion coated with the first coating . finally , a second article is connected to the first article with the threaded fastener . the first coating may be thermoset . among suitable thermoset coatings containing a wax are epoxy coatings . one preferred epoxy coating contains a phenoxy resin , which may be thermoplastic or thermoset . the first coating may have a particulate surface component , which may be micronized polyethylene or another low surface tension material that aids in preventing the first coating from being coated by the second coating . it is preferred for the coating to contain both polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene , for example in the relative amounts described above . such coatings as these can be expected to be abrasion resistant . thus , the coating on the fastener will not be substantially scraped off of the fastener during critical periods of the fabrication process . the fastener may be weldable , as the fasteners illustrated in the figures . a vehicle , such as an automotive vehicle , may be assembled by including these method steps . at least a portion of a weldable fastener may be coated with a first coating composition before the fastener is welded to a vehicle component . the coating composition includes a component that provides the coating with a surface tension of up to about 30 mnm − 1 . the vehicle component is then coated by electrodeposition coating . because of the first coating , the electrodeposition coating does not substantially adhere onto the portion of the fastener with the first coating . by this we mean that the either no electrodeposition coating covers the portion or that any minor amount that might impinge on the portion can be easily removed , e . g . by brushing or knocking it off . the first coating may be applied as an aqueous coating composition , which would generally contain a minor amount , for example from about 1 % to about 40 % by weight , of the component that provides the coating with a surface tension of up to about 30 mnm − 1 . polymeric materials for providing the desired surface tension have been described ; preferably the component includes a wax , such as polyethylene wax , and / or polytetrafluoroethylene . in another embodiment of the present invention , a method of improving the torqueing of a second fastener onto a first fastener . the first fastener is coupled to a body and is coated with an electro - deposition paint . the method contains the steps of : a ) coating a portion of the first fastener with epoxy , preferably comprising a phenoxy resin , and a wax , particularly a polyethylene wax ; b ) fastening the fastener body ; c ) coating the body with electro - deposition paint , wherein the coating functions to resist the electro - deposition paint ; and coupling a second fastener onto the first fastener . the portion of the first fastener that is coated is a portion that interfaces with the second fastener during the coupling . the interfacing portion may be , for example , a portion of the first fastener body or a portion of the first fastener that is a threaded region . the coating makes it possible to couple the fasteners by applying a torque to the second fastener with a variation in torque less than 36 nm , preferably less than 30 nm . this smooth application of torque is particularly advantageous when the second fastener is coupled using the automated power tools typical of automotive assembly practices . the coating typically provides a surface tension of less than 36 mnm − 1 to the coated portion . the binder portion of the coating may further include a thermoplastic resin , such as abs or pvc , as mentioned above . in some instances , it is advantageous for the wax to include polytetrafluoroethylene . the first fastener may be welded to the body , as when a cage of the first fastener is welded to the body . the coating compositions preferably contain from about 15 % to about 35 %, preferably between about 20 % and about 30 % epoxy resin . in a non - limiting example , the coating composition contains about 26 % by weight epoxy resin . in one embodiment , a coating composition is provided according to the present invention that forms a wax - rich surface . fig7 represents a chart depicting the torque in nm required to couple a nut onto a coated threaded stud . plots c 1 through c 4 represent the torque required to couple a nut onto a threaded stud coated with the coating according to the teachings of the present invention and subsequently coated with an electrodeposition paint . plots e 1 through e 4 represent the torque required to couple a nut onto a threaded stud having an electrodeposition coating . as can clearly be seen from the plots , those studs having electrodeposition coatings require significantly varying torque loads to couple the fasteners . as commercial fastener systems measure the torque load applied to the fastener to determine when a predetermined clamp load is reached , variations in the applied torque loads lead to corresponding undesirable variations in clamp load of a fastened joint . by reducing variation in the torque load , better fastening of joints can be accomplished . as can be seen in plot c 1 through c 4 , those studs having the coating layer according to the teachings of the present invention require significantly smoother torque loads to couple with a threaded fastener . generally , those torque loads are lower than those of the e - coated fasteners e 1 - e 4 . the variations in torque load are caused by marring and gauling of the e - coat layers between the threads . variations of the torque are shown to reach greater than 30 nm and even shown to be greater than 36 nm when measured at intervals of 0 . 0075 seconds . as such , the coatings of the present invention are configured to provide variations of torque of less than 35 nm , and preferably less than 30 nm , and preferably less than 10 nm , and most preferably less than 5 nm when measured at 0 . 0075 second intervals . one advantage of the coating compositions of the invention is that when they are applied to the surface to be coated , the coatings can withstand the harsh conditions and high temperatures associated with welding a coated part to a metal plate or other part of the assembly . for example , to attach a weld stud to a metal plate requires that at least the metal at the end of the stud in contact with the metal plate be heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the metal . because the stud is generally made from a material that conducts heat , it is to be expected that during the welding process the weld stud as a whole is heated , including the layer of the stud directly below the organic coating of the invention . nevertheless , the coating compositions of the invention provide an adequate coating that survives even the harsh welding conditions . in a subsequent step , the coatings of the invention adhering to the weld stud or other threaded fasteners of the invention act to prevent undesired deposition of electrocoat compositions in a subsequent electrodeposition step .	8
preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings . according to a holographic memory device embodying this invention as illustrated in fig1 which can prevent generation of stray light of a gating beam , a recording medium 10 , comprised of a photorefractive crystal such as ln , is cylindrical and has its crystal axis 10 a arranged in parallel to the direction of an arrow a . that is , the recording medium 10 has parallel top and bottom surfaces laid perpendicular to the direction of the arrow a . located above the recording medium 10 is a gating - beam source 11 which emits a gating beam 11 a downward in parallel to the center axis 10 a of the recording medium 10 . this gating - beam source 11 can irradiate a beam spot at any desired position in the recording medium 10 and has power high enough to cause optical excitation in the recording medium 10 . for example , a super luminescent diode or the like is preferable as the beam source . the recording medium 10 is supported at near the lower end portion from the sides . the recording medium 10 is securely fitted in a through hole formed in a ring - shaped gear 21 at the center . the peripheral edge of the ring - shaped gear 21 is held vertically by a holding block 22 via bearing means ( not shown ) in such a way that the ring - shaped gear 21 is slidable . accordingly , the recording medium 10 is rotatable together with the ring - shaped gear 21 about the center axis 10 a of the recording medium 10 in the direction of an arrow b . unillustrated rotation means is engaged with the ring - shaped gear 21 whose rotation is controlled by a controller 41 . the holding block 22 can also be moved by unillustrated parallel moving means in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow a . the controller 41 also controls the positioning of the holding block 22 . a laser beam emitted from another beam source or a laser - beam source 23 is split into a signal beam 23 a and a reference beam 23 b by a beam splitter 24 . after the beam size is expanded by a beam expander 25 , the signal beam 23 a enters a spatial light modulator ( hereinafter called “ slm ”) 26 . record data is sent to the slm 26 after it is converted by an encoder 42 to an information signal of a sequence of data of a unit page corresponding to a two - dimensional page . the slm 26 forms a dot matrix upon reception of this data . as the signal beam 23 a passes the slm 26 , it is optically modulated in the state where it includes the information signal . further , the signal beam 23 a passes through a fourier transform lens 27 so that the information signal undergoes fourier transform , and so converges in the recording medium 10 as to form crossover light . the reference beam 23 b , split by the beam splitter 24 , is sequentially reflected and guided toward the recording medium 10 by reflecting mirrors 28 a and 28 b . the reflecting mirror 28 b is so adjusted that the reference beam 23 b crosses the signal beam 23 a in front of or at the back of the position of the crossover light formed by the signal beam 23 a . the position of the gating - beam source 11 is so adjusted that the gating beam 11 a is irradiated in the vicinity of this crossing position . the signal beam , 23 a and the reference beam 23 b interfere with each other at the crossing position , thus forming an interference pattern . this interference pattern is recorded on the recording medium 10 . recording information signals using spatial multiplexing and angular multiplexing can increase the recording density of the recording medium 10 . when the recording medium 10 is moved horizontally in the direction of the arrow a by the controller 41 , the position of the interference pattern formed by the reference beam and the signal beam with respect to the recording medium 10 changes to thereby ensure spatial - multiplexing based recording . as the recording medium 10 is rotated in the direction of the arrow b by the controller 41 , the recording plane of the interference pattern is rotated , thereby ensuring angular - multiplexing based recording . in a mode of reproducing recorded information , the gating - beam source 11 is turned off to stop irradiating the gating beam toward the recording medium 10 . further , the signal beam 23 a is shielded by the slm 26 so that it does not reach the recording medium 10 . as only the reference beam 23 b is irradiated on the recording medium 10 , the interference pattern recorded in the recording medium 10 is reproduced as its diffracted light . this diffracted light is led through an inverse fourier lens 30 for inverse fourier transform , the diffracted light is converted to a pattern of light intensities . the light intensity pattern is supplied to a ccd ( charge coupled device ) 31 where it is converted to an analog electric signal . this analog electric signal is then sent to a decoder 43 . the decoder 43 converts the analog electric signal to a digital signal which is reproduced data . as shown in fig3 the recording medium 10 does not have to have a cylindrical shape . the recording medium 10 has only to be columnar with parallel top and bottom surfaces . for instance , the recording medium 10 may be a rectangular parallelepiped . in this case , the multiplexing recording is accomplished by making only the parallel movement of the recording medium 10 in the direction of the arrow b , not the rotational movement in the direction of the arrow a , under the control of the controller 41 . as shown in fig2 and 3 , an antireflection ( ar ) coat 12 which suppresses reflection of the gating beam 11 a is formed on the surface of the recording medium 10 where the gating beam 11 a enters and the top surface of the recording medium 10 . a light - absorptive coat 13 which is capable of absorbing the gating beam 11 a is formed on the surface of the recording medium 10 from which the gating beam 11 a emerges or the bottom surface of the recording medium 10 . this structure can prevent such a phenomenon that part of the gating beam 11 a irradiated on the recording medium 10 is reflected at the top of the recording medium 10 and is further reflected irregularly by the components of the recording apparatus to reach the recording medium 10 again . this structure can also suppress such a phenomenon that when the gating beam 11 a once entered in the recording medium 10 passes through the recording medium 10 and emerges from the bottom thereof , part of the gating beam 11 a is reflected there and is confined inside the recording medium 10 . in a holographic memory device according to another embodiment of this invention shown in fig4 the antireflection coat 12 is formed on both of the top surface of the recording medium 10 where the gating beam 11 a enters and the bottom surface of the recording medium 10 from which the gating beam 11 a emerges , as shown in fig5 or fig6 . the shape of the recording medium 10 is not limited to a cylindrical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape , but can take any columnar shape with parallel top and bottom surfaces . a reflecting mirror 32 is disposed on the path on which the gating beam 11 a emerges from the recording medium 10 . this reflecting mirror 32 reflects and guides the gating beam 11 a in a direction different from the direction toward the recording medium 10 . a light - absorbing plate 33 , which has the light - absorptive coat 13 formed on its surface , is disposed perpendicular to the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 32 and absorbs the gating beam 11 a coming from the reflecting mirror 32 . this structure can prevent such a phenomenon that part of the gating beam 11 a irradiated on the recording medium 10 is reflected at the top of the recording medium 10 and is further reflected irregularly by the components of the recording apparatus to reach the recording medium 10 again . this structure can also suppress such a phenomenon that when the gating beam 11 a once entered in the recording medium 10 passes through the recording medium 10 and emerges from the bottom thereof , part of the gating beam 11 a is reflected there and is confined inside the recording medium 10 . further , as the gating beam 11 a is absorbed by the light - absorbing plate 33 located remote from the recording medium 10 , the recording medium 10 is not affected by the heat that is generated by the light - absorptive coat 13 absorbing the gating beam 11 a . this embodiment is preferable because of its ability to prevent heat - based deterioration of the recording medium 10 . it is to be noted that the light - absorbing member of the recording apparatus in fig4 can suppress the generation of stray light whichever one of the recording media shown in fig2 , 5 and 6 is used . in a holographic memory device according to a further embodiment of this invention shown in fig7 the recording medium 10 is cylindrical as shown in fig5 . the gating - beam source 11 is located on one side of the recording medium 10 . the gating beam 11 a enters the recording medium 10 from one side at a given angle to the center axis 10 a of the recording medium 10 , crosses the center axis 10 a and comes out of the recording medium 10 from the opposite side to the incident side . as shown in fig5 the antireflection coat 12 is formed on the top and bottom surface of the recording medium 10 excluding the side surface . the reflecting mirror 32 is disposed on the path on which the gating beam 11 a passing through the recording medium 10 emerges therefrom . this reflecting mirror 32 reflects the gating beam 11 a in a direction different from the direction toward the recording medium 10 . the light - absorbing plate 33 is disposed approximately perpendicular to the path of the reflected gating beam 11 a . formed on the light - absorbing plate 33 is the light - absorptive coat 13 which absorbs the gating beam 11 a . this structure can suppress such a phenomenon that when the gating beam 11 a once entered in the recording medium 10 from one side portion passes through the recording medium 10 and emerges from the opposite side portion , part of the gating beam 11 a is reflected there and is confined inside the recording medium 10 . further , as the gating beam 11 a is absorbed by the light - absorbing plate 33 located remote from the recording medium 10 , the recording medium 10 is not affected by the heat that is generated by the light - absorptive coat 13 absorbing the gating beam 11 a . this embodiment is preferable because of its ability to prevent heat - based deterioration of the recording medium 10 . as apparent from the above , the holographic memory medium according to this invention and a recording apparatus using this medium can suppress stray light that is produced as the gating beam is scattered at the surface of the recording medium , and can therefore advantageously prevent information signals recorded on the recording medium from being unintentionally erased by such stray light .	6
with reference now to the figures , fig1 is a pictorial representation of a distributed data processing system in which the present invention may be implemented . distributed data processing system 100 is a network of computers in which the present invention may be implemented . distributed data processing system 100 contains a network 102 , which is the medium used to provide communications links between various devices and computers connected together within distributed data processing system 100 . network 102 may include permanent connections , such as wire or fiber optic cables , or temporary connections made through telephone connections . in the depicted example , a franchiser computer or server 104 is connected to network 102 along with storage unit 110 . in addition , clients 106 , 108 and 110 also are connected to network 102 . these clients 106 , 108 and 110 may be , for example , personal computers or network computers representing a feedlot , a beef packer and contract growers , respectively . for purposes of this application , a network computer is any computer coupled to a network , which receives a program or other application from another computer coupled to the network . in the depicted example , server 104 provides data , such as boot files , operating system images , and applications to clients 106 , 108 , 110 . clients 106 , 108 and 110 are clients to server 104 . distributed data processing system 100 may include additional servers , clients , and other devices not shown . in the depicted example , distributed data processing system 100 is the internet , with network 102 representing a worldwide collection of networks and gateways that use the tcp / ip suite of protocols to communicate with one another . at the heart of the internet is a backbone of high - speed data communication lines between major nodes or host computers , consisting of thousands of commercial , government , education , and other computer systems that route data and messages . of course , distributed data processing system 100 also may be implemented as a number of different types of networks , such as , for example , an intranet , a local area network ( lan ), or a wide area network ( wan ). fig1 is intended as an example and not as an architectural limitation for the present invention . with reference now to fig2 information related to the various usda yield and meat grades assigned to slaughter cattle are shown . slaughter cattle are graded according to the quantity and quality of meat produced from the cattle carcass . as such , the grades are based on two factors ( 1 ) the quality or palatability of the beef which are indicators of the meat lean referred to as “ quality grade ” and ( 2 ) the quantity or cutability of the meat based on the percentage of the carcass containing the major retail cuts of trimmed boneless meat which is identified as the “ yield grade .” usda quality grades are used to predict the palatability of meat from a beef animal or carcass , using carcass physiological maturity and marbling to determine the usda grade . beef quality refers to the expected eating characteristics ( tenderness , juiciness , and flavor ) of the cooked product . usda quality grades are used to reflect differences in expected eating quality among slaughter cattle and their carcasses . the eight usda quality grades for beef are shown in fig2 . eating quality generally is most desirable for “ prime beef ” and least desirable for “ canner beef .” the quality grade of a beef carcass is determined by evaluating carcass indicators of physiological maturity and marbling . the age of a beef animal has a direct effect on tenderness of the meat it produces . as cattle mature , their meat becomes progressively tougher . to account for the effects of the maturing process on beef tenderness , evaluations of carcass maturity are used in determining usda quality grades . beef carcass maturity is determined by evaluating ( a ) the size , shape and ossification of the bones and cartilages in the carcass , and ( b ) the color and texture of the ribeye muscle . in younger animals , there is a piece of cartilage on the top of each bone in the vertebral column . during maturation , these regions of cartilage gradually change to bone . this ossification process normally occurs in a definite measurable pattern . the sacral vertebrae usually show the first signs of ossification . ossification gradually progresses toward the head through the lumbar region and , finally , through the thoracic regions of the backbone . within a maturity group , marbling ( the amount and distribution of intramuscular fat ) within the ribeye is the primary determinant of usda quality grade . visual evaluations of marbling in the ribeye are related to differences in eating quality of beef . beef cuts with high levels of marbling are more likely to be tender , juicy and flavorful than cuts with very low levels of marbling . market studies suggest that beef from carcasses grading at least usda select is likely to be acceptable in eating quality for most consumers . after maturity and marbling are determined , these two factors are combined to determine usda quality grade . generally , the prime , choice , select and standard grades are restricted to beef from young cattle . the commercial , utility , cutter and canner grades normally are comprised of carcasses produced by cattle of advanced maturity . carcasses produced by bullocks are eligible only for the prime , choice , select , standard and utility grades , while mature bulls are ineligible for quality grading . usda yield grades estimate beef carcass cutability , which is defined as the combined yield of closely trimmed , boneless retail cuts (% ctbrc ) from the round , loin , rib and chuck . this is an estimate of the relative amount of lean , edible meat from a carcass . there are five yield grades for slaughter cattle and beef carcasses . the lower the numerical value of the usda yield grade , the higher the yield of closely trimmed , boneless retail cuts . usda yield grades are used to estimate the expected edible lean meat , with a usda yg 1 being the leanest and a usda yg 5 being the fattest . the yield grade of a beef carcass is determined by evaluating the following factors : ( 1 ) external fat thickness over the ribeye , ( 2 ) ribeye area , ( 3 ) estimated percentage of kidney , pelvic and heart fat (% kph ), and ( 4 ) hot carcass weight . fat thickness is measured at a point three - fourths of the distance of the length of the ribeye from its chine bone side . this single measurement is a reasonably accurate predictor of overall carcass fatness ; however , to improve the accuracy of the predictions of overall carcass fatness , the fat thickness measurement usually is adjusted up or down by the grader to account for visible differences in the distribution of external fat in other areas of the carcass . the relationship between ribeye area and carcass weight is used in yield grading beef carcasses to reflect differences in cutability stemming from carcass muscularity . ribeye area normally ranges from about 9 to 17 square inches among carcasses of common weights and can be measured using the plastic grid . fat deposits around the kidney and heat , and in the pelvic cavity , typically are left in the carcass during the slaughter process and affect carcass cutability . most carcasses have 1 % to 4 % of the carcass weight represented as kidney , pelvic and heart fat . the formula for calculating yield grade is : yg = 2 . 5 + ( 2 . 5 × adjusted   fat   thickness ,  in . ) + ( . 20 × kph   % ) - ( . 32 ×  ribeye   area ,  sq .  in . ) + ( . 0038 × hot   carcass   weight ,  lbs . ) while the usda grader may use this equation occasionally , most determinations are based upon the grader &# 39 ; s experience and training , checking occasionally with the formula when requested to do so . the same holds true for the grader &# 39 ; s determination of the usda quality grade . consumers and producers often do not have a clear understanding of beef grading . beef grades are of two types , quality grades and yield grades . most consumers are familiar with the names of several quality grades and may use them as a selection criterion when purchasing at retail . however , yield grades have less direct impact on consumer selection decisions . producers , on the other hand , depend greatly on both quality and yield grades as a marketing tool for beef cattle and carcasses . fig3 is a flow chart depiction of the present invention showing the method of cattle production designed by the franchiser for implementation by the contract grower . initially , the franchiser and contract grower enter into a contract governing the relationship between the parties ( step 302 ). next , proprietary cattle breeding , genetics and vaccination programs developed by the franchiser are instituted by the contract grower ( step 304 ). in return , the franchiser guarantees a sale price for a selected yield and / or quality grade of cattle produced by the contract grower for that particular season ( step 306 ). alternatively , the contract grower may retain the calves produced that season and “ stock ” the contract grower herd with genetically superior bulls and heifers for calf production the following year . the cattle selected for sale that season are sent to a feedlot for weight maximization , while a sale price is negotiated between the franchisor or contract grower with the beef packer and / or feedlot based on live carcass weight and other physical characteristics . the cattle are then processed and carcass data is provided to and recorded by the franchiser directly from the packer or by a third party service ( step 308 ). this data is stored in the franchisor &# 39 ; s database and a copy may be relayed to the contract grower for his records . from this data , the franchiser makes determinations on future breeding and vaccination program adjustments to optimize calf production for the next season by retaining cattle which display desired beef quality characteristics for future breeding ( step 310 ) and culling and selling off cattle with little or no reproductive or genetic value ( step 312 ). fig4 is a flow chart showing the economic maximization of profit for both the franchiser and contract grower arising from the method disclosed herein . initially , the franchiser and contract grower have entered into an agreement whereby the contract grower produces cattle according to the proprietary fertility , vaccination , and stress reducing methods of production developed by the franchisor ( step 402 ). for example , a consistent cattle vaccination program will minimize sickness and death among the herd . improving the uniformity of the calving “ season ” will aid in the recognition and sale of poor quality or non - producing cows and replacing them with more efficient and younger heifers . likewise , reducing the environmental stress by uniform and consistent watering , feeding and vaccination improve the overall health of the herd and beef quality characteristics . after the cattle selected for sale and processing have been identified , the market price of the sale cattle is considered by the contract grower ( step 404 ). if the producer &# 39 ; s cattle sell at a price above existing market prices , the producer sells the cattle and retains a percentage of the profits ( step 406 ), while the remaining profit is paid to the franchiser as a royalty under the franchise agreement ( step 408 ). alternatively , if the producer &# 39 ; s cattle price at or below existing market prices , the producer sells a predetermined number of cattle to the franchisor at a guaranteed price at or above market prices ( step 410 ). likewise , the franchiser still profits from this sale as the franchiser has very little , if any , capital expenses and costs in the actual management of the contract grower &# 39 ; s cattle herd ( step 412 ).	0
fig1 is an outward - facing exploded view of a wheel assembly 100 with wheel 200 and hub cap 300 , both configured to be mounted to a hub 1 and axle 10 of vehicle 15 . the wheel 200 includes a rim ( or flange ) section 210 , central hub section 220 with lug - receiving holes 230 and central bore 240 , and web ( or spoke ) section 250 . hub 1 includes holes therein ( not shown ) to allow threaded placement of lugs 20 which in turn allow threaded attachment of lug nuts 30 . the corresponding holes 230 formed in wheel 200 allow placement of lugs 20 through the aligned holes , while accompanying lug nuts 30 secure the wheel 200 to the hub 1 through the lugs 20 . a tire 50 is also mounted onto the rim section 210 of wheel 200 . in a preferred ( although not necessary ) embodiment , the hub cap 300 is made from a non - metallic material , such as plastic or related resin , examples of which may include acrylonitrile - butadiene - styrene ( abs ), polycarbonate or a combination thereof . the material may further include continuous or discontinuous fiber reinforcements , such as glass , polymers , ceramics or the like . the hub cap 300 includes an outer surface 310 and inner surface 320 . a body portion of hub cap 300 defines the general external configuration , while a wheel coupling portion , which cooperates with inner surface 320 and is discussed in more detail below , promotes secure connection between the hub cap 300 , and the wheel 200 or the lug nuts 30 , or both . in the present context , the outer surface of the hub cap 300 is that which is visible to an observer when the wheel 200 is mounted to an automobile or related vehicle and is covered by the hub cap 300 . accordingly , the outer surface 310 of hub cap 300 is configured to provide an aesthetically - pleasing cover for at least a portion of central hub section 220 , and may ( among other things ) be metallized with an appropriate coating to define a chrome - like or related appearance . the inner surface 320 may or may not include a metallized coating , depending on the need or on the method of manufacture . for example , a metallized coating may or may not be placed on the inner surface 320 , depending on whether the hub cap 300 is masked prior to coating deposition . in another variation on aesthetic enhancement , the hub cap may include molded - in coloring or have its outer surface painted . referring next to fig2 through 5 , views of the inner surface 320 of a two - piece embodiment of the hub cap 300 are shown . fig6 depicts its attachment to the lug nuts 30 of wheel 200 . fig2 is a cutaway view that shows the cooperation of the inner surface 320 and a series of circumferentially - spaced lug nut engaging members 340 that are integrally formed at a proximal end base 340 a on a lug nut engaging ring 350 . the lug nut engaging members 340 each define an arcuate structure 341 that extends axially inward to a distal end crown 340 b to affix the hub cap 300 to wheel 200 by engaging the lug nuts 30 . by its arcuate shape , each lug nut engaging member 340 exhibits greater flexural rigidity than a generally planar member , yet is not so rigid that the lug nut engaging member 340 may not be flexed when pressed upon by a lug nut 30 . as can be seen in the figures , the crown 340 b of each lug nut engaging member 340 may define a castellated structure 341 , and may further form a radially - projecting protrusion 342 that includes bevelling to facilitate engagement with a surface of lug nut 30 . the castellated structure 341 enhances the flexibility of the member 340 . the base 340 a of each of the lug nut engaging members 340 surrounds a generally circular aperture 351 formed in the ring 350 through which at least a portion of one or both of the lug 20 and lug nut 30 are configured to pass . resiliently - biased ring detents 353 are integrally formed on the ring 350 and spaced between adjacent lug nut engaging members 340 . they extend axially outward from the opposite side of the ring 350 from which the lug nut engaging members 340 are disposed . fig3 highlights the rear ( inward - facing ) cutaway view of the inner surface 320 , including a series of circumferentially - spaced bosses 323 defining rectangular mounting apertures 325 . the axially inward - facing surface of the mounting apertures 325 are axially coplanar with one another , and include bevels or chamfers 329 to promote the insertion and cooperation of resiliently - biased ring detents 353 . by integrally forming the bosses 323 into the inner surface 320 of the hub cap 300 , complexity of the molds required to form the hub cap 300 is reduced , as all features can be formed in the line of the mold draw as the mold opens . opposed slots 360 can be formed in the body portion of hub cap 300 to facilitate the insertion of a tool ( for example , a screwdriver ) with which to pry the hub cap 300 off a wheel 200 . the lowermost edge 370 is generally planar so that when placed in contact with an adjoining surface of wheel 200 , the hub cap 300 is properly oriented to avoid misalignment and concomitant hub cap wobble . fig4 and 5 show the ring 350 from axially opposing sides . fig4 shows the axially inward - facing side of ring 350 , from which the circumferentially - spaced lug nut engaging members 340 extend . as can be seen , the lug nut engaging members 340 are integrally formed into ring 350 . apertures 351 are formed in the ring 350 , and define a generally circular ( or at least semicircular ) shape . semicircular horizontal ribs 352 extend radially inward from ring 350 and cooperate with base 340 a of lug nut engaging member 340 to define a securing area for lug nut 30 and allow passage of lug 20 . in addition , horizontal ribs 352 may form a tiered structure to permit the innermost surface of lug nut 30 to rest on a shelf 352 a ( shown with greater clarity in fig1 ) while having portions of the lateral surface of lug nut 30 fit within the circumference partially defined by horizontal rib 352 . snap - fit detents ( also referred to as tabs ) 353 possess a resilient bias that is overcome when ring 350 is pushed into aperture 325 of boss 323 until the detents 353 snap into place . as shown in fig5 , the detents 353 include a proximal end 353 a that is adjacent the ring 350 and a distal end 353 b with pawls 353 c or related accentuated heads that are configured to secure the detent 353 to the portion of the boss 323 that surrounds aperture 325 . as stated earlier , the ring 350 can be made from a temperature - resistant material , such as a high - temperature plastic , ceramic or composite based on plastic or ceramic . one suitable material is a glass - reinforced nylon composite . anti - rotation standoffs 355 are formed on either the ring 350 or the lug nut engaging members 340 to engage one or more of the faceted surfaces 31 of the lug nut 30 to inhibit its rotation . fig6 shows a cutaway view of the engagement of the hub cap 300 to the wheel 200 through the use of the ring 350 , lug engaging members 340 , lugs 20 and lug nuts 30 . ring 350 is secured to the hub cap 300 by the snap - fit detents 353 that extend through aperture 325 formed in boss 323 that is integrally formed into inner surface 320 of the body portion of hub cap 300 . a bevelled connector 40 can be used to provide a secure mounting location for the distal end 340 b and corresponding radially - projecting protrusion 342 of lug nut engaging member 340 . the bevelled connector 40 can be either integrally formed with lug nut 30 , or can form a separate piece . referring next to fig7 , the inner surface 420 of a one - piece embodiment of the hub cap 400 is shown in cutaway view . unlike the embodiment of fig2 through 6 , this embodiment can be formed from a single molded part , as lug nut engaging members 440 are integrally formed into the inner surface 420 . as with the previous embodiment lug nut engaging members 340 , the lug nut engaging members 440 of fig7 define an arcuate structure 441 that extends axially inward from a proximal base 440 a to a distal end crown 440 b . as discussed above , in situations requiring prolonged high - temperature durability , appropriate parts , may be made from materials ( such as those previously discussed ) specifically configured for elevated temperature environments . in the present embodiment , if such elevated temperature capability were required , the entire hub cap 400 could be formed from such a material . referring next to fig8 , the use of a retaining wire 500 to provide additional radial support to lug nut engaging member 440 is shown . as previously mentioned , retaining wire 500 can be made of ceramics or high - temperature plastics ( including fiber - reinforced composites thereof ), metal or other high strength , heat - resistant material . projections 480 built into the inner surface 420 of hub cap 400 can be arranged to ensure a frictional fit of retaining wire 500 during wheel operation . it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the retaining wire 500 is compatible with either the presently - shown one - piece hub cap 400 or the two - piece hub cap 300 . fig8 also illustrates a different configuration for the anti - rotation standoffs 455 that includes longer flat sides that can contact a larger portion of one of the faceted surfaces 31 of lug nut 30 . as shown , standoff 455 can be integrally formed with the inner surface 420 . it will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art that either of the anti - rotation standoffs 355 or 455 are equally useable with either the one - piece or two - piece hub cap configurations . lug nut engaging member 440 may otherwise be similar to that shown previously , including having an arcuate crown 441 . as with the two - piece configuration shown earlier , the present one - piece configuration has a generally planar lowermost edge 470 to properly seat hub cap 400 with an adjoining surface of wheel 200 to avoid misalignment and related wobble . in addition , slot 460 formed in the side of hub cap 400 is included facilitate separation of the hub cap 400 from the wheel 200 . referring next to fig9 a through 11 , cooperation of the retaining wire 500 with the lug nut engaging member 340 of ring 350 is shown . each lug nut engaging member 340 may also include a stiffening rib 347 disposed longitudinally on the surface away from the side that engages the lug nut 30 . in addition to providing enhanced flexural rigidity , it can include a ledge 347 a to act as a contact point for retaining wire 500 to promote the aforementioned frictional fit . to that end , additional devices can be used , such as flexible retaining wire retention device 380 ( shown with particularity in fig9 a and 9b ) to cooperate with ledge 347 a or a projection similar to that depicted in fig8 . referring with particularity to fig1 , an alternative attachment scheme for retaining wire 500 is shown . in it , stiffening rib 349 is affixed to or formed on the radially outward - facing surface of lug nut engaging member 340 . to keep the ability of the lug nut engaging member 340 to flex , stiffening rib 349 could be affixed directly to ring 350 without contacting lug nut engaging member 340 . the top of stiffening rib 349 serves as a lower mounting surface of the retaining wire 500 , while a projection 390 forms an upper mounting surface to keep the retaining wire 500 in place . in one form , a tight friction fit may clamp the retaining wire 500 in place . other equivalents to the ledge 347 a and the upper surface of the stiffening rib 349 could also be employed to provide additional axial support to retaining wire 500 . for example , a projection ( not shown ) could be integrally formed around the periphery of ring 350 and extend axially a distance sufficient to contact an opposite side of retaining wire 500 from that of projection 390 . having described the invention in detail and by reference to preferred embodiments thereof , it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims .	1
the present invention in one embodiment thereof is depicted in fig1 . laser oscillator 10 comprises a high reflective mirror 12 which operates as one end of the laser oscillator 10 . continuing in the beam path from reflective mirror 12 , in order , are a polarizer 14 , an apodizer 16 , a pump cavity 18 , and a output coupler 20 which operates as a terminator for defining the laser oscillator 10 . the laser beam exits oscillator 10 through output coupler 20 as depicted by arrow 22 . referring now to fig2 amplifier means 24 increases or amplifies the laser beam . amplifier means 24 comprises a first amplifier 26 , apodizer 28 , a second amplifier 30 , and other optical components ( not shown ). the function of apodizer 28 is to adjust the diameter of the beam out of amplifier means 24 for efficient amplification in amplifier 30 . apodizer 28 reduces the potential damage to optical components and creates substantial uniformity in intensity throughout the laser beam cross - section . optical components include lenses , polarizers , apodizers , output coupler , and 90 degree rotators and any other optical components in the beam path . additional amplifying means can be used to increase beam energy to processing requirements . referring now to fig3 there is shown an oscillator 10 combined with amplifier means 24 . while fig3 depicts the present invention as containing both oscillator apodizer 16 and amplifier apodizer 28 , the present invention does not require the presence of both apodizers 16 , 28 to be used simultaneously . alternatively , a plurality of apodizers may be used within oscillator 10 and amplifier means 24 . during the operation of the present invention , a beam of coherent energy is generated within oscillator 10 . as the beam of coherent energy oscillates between reflector 12 and output coupler 20 , the beam passes through oscillator apodizer 16 and a substantially spatially uniform beam is produced . the beam proceeds from oscillator 10 to amplifier means 24 where its amplitude is amplified . although amplifier apodizer 28 is depicted as being between first amplifier 26 and second amplifier 30 , amplifier apodizer 28 may be located before the first amplifier 26 or after second amplifier 30 . additional amplification means and apodizers can be placed after amplifier 30 . when the present invention is used in laser shock processing , workpiece 31 is located in laser peening cell 33 . laser peening cell 33 protects operators and equipment from injury or damage during laser shock processing . laser cell 33 contains window 35 which permits a beam of coherent energy to enter laser cell 33 . compressive residual stresses are introduced into workpiece 31 by directing a beam of coherent energy through window 35 to workpiece 31 . the present invention may also include a laser pulse - sharpening device ( not shown ). the laser pulse - sharpening device shortens the rise time of the leading edge of the laser beam . the resulting pulse of coherent energy which is generated by the combination of oscillator 10 with amplifier means 24 is used in laser shock processing a metallic material . oscillator apodizer 16 and amplifier apodizer 28 modify the laser beam pulses by passing the beam through a device with a radius smaller than that of the laser beam pulse . as a result , the outermost edge of a cross section of a beam is filtered and removed from the beam . when a laser pulse is generated , there will be variations in energy amplitude across the diameter of the generated laser pulse . it is optimal to have a uniform amplitude of energy across the diameter of the laser pulse . for example , in a single traverse - mode oscillator , the intensity or amplitude of energy across the diameter of the beam is lesser on the edges and higher in the center of the laser pulse . in a single transverse - mode oscillator laser , the apodizer removes the lower intensity areas of the laser pulse which are located on the outside edges of a laser pulse when viewed across its diameter . in a multi - mode oscillator , the amplitude increases to form a peak , slightly decreases , and then increases to a second peak before falling off as viewed across a laser beam cross - section . oscillator apodizer 16 , in a multi - transverse mode oscillator , reduces the peaks in amplitude or hot shots which are present in the oscillator . these hot spots can cause damage to laser optics such as the output coupler , polarizer or apodizer located either within the oscillator itself , or within the laser amplifier . apodizer 16 filters out and removes a portion of the laser beam located on the outside of the laser beam cross - section . consequently , the hot zones located on the outside portion of the beam are removed . once the hot spots have been clipped from the laser beam pulse , a resulting uniform spatial beam is generated having a substantially flat or level amplitude across the diameter of the laser beam . since there is a level amplitude across the diameter of the laser pulse , potential damage to gain medium and other laser optical components or their coatings is reduced or eliminated . amplifier apodizer 28 has a similar effect on a laser beam pulse to produce a uniform spatial beam when the laser beam is amplified . oscillator apodizer 16 and amplifier apodizer 28 may be constructed in various forms . referring to fig4 oscillator apodizer 16 for example , could be serrated aperture 32 . a serrated aperture 32 is an apodizer containing an iris 34 with inward projecting serrations or teeth 36 . a laser beam 38 having a diameter 39 is directed toward serrated aperture 32 . photons pass freely through the interior of iris 34 . photons that scatter from the serrated edge of 37 and reenter the main beam are no longer in phase with this beam . as a result , interference effects are reduced or eliminated . the net effect of serrated aperture 32 is a smooth transition from the center iris 34 to the outside edge where serrations 36 are located . as a result , the potential damage to components of the laser by diffraction rings is reduced or eliminated . referring now to fig5 oscillator apodizer 16 and amplifier apodizer 28 may be an absorbent graded aperture 50 . absorbent graded aperture 50 contains a center point 52 which is near 100 percent transparent to a laser beam . from a predetermined radius and proceeding in ever increasing radii is applied an absorbent material 54 in an increasing quantity . this creates an absorbent gradient from near 0 percent absorbency at or near the center point 52 to near 100 percent absorbency at absorbent graded aperture outer edge 56 . the resulting absorbent gradient provides for a soft iris . photons from the center of beam diameter 39 pass freely through the center of aperture 52 . photons on the outside of diameter 39 of beam 38 become absorbed by absorbent material 54 . absorbent material 54 may be composed of any material which absorbs the energy from a laser beam . one possible material could be photographic film exposed to varying amounts of light resulting in an absorbent gradient . alternatively , the absorbent material could be composed of dielectric coating material , such as graphite or carbon black . in addition , an absorbent graded aperture 50 may be used in conjunction with a phase plate , serrated aperture , or birefringent beam shaper . referring now to fig6 oscillator apodizer 16 and amplifier apodizer 28 , alternatively , may be a birefringent beam shaper 40 . birefringent beam shaper 40 is composed of a birefringent lens 42 , in combination with polarizer 46 . birefringent lens 42 is composed of birefringent material 44 . typically , birefringent material 44 is quartz which has two principal optical axes . the thickness of the birefringent lens 42 is a function of the radial coordinate . therefore , the polarization of laser beam 38 can be varied across its cross - section or diameter 39 as the laser beam passes through birefringent beam shaper 42 . this variation in polarization translates into a variation in the transmission of polarizer 46 . polarizer 46 is oriented to reject a portion of laser beam 38 . depending on the polarization of laser beam 38 after laser beam 38 passes through birefringent lens 42 , polarizer 46 rejects the part of the beam depicted as rejected portion 48 and transmits transmitted portion 49 . by varying the shape and material of birefringent lens 42 and the orientation of polarizer 46 , the beam spatial profile can be modified . referring now to fig7 oscillator apodizer 16 and amplifier apodizer 28 may be a reflective graded aperture 70 . reflective graded aperture 70 contains an aperture center point 72 which is near 100 percent transparent to a laser beam . from a predetermined radius and proceeding to ever increasing radii is applied a reflective coating 74 in an increasing quantity . this creates a reflective gradient from near 0 percent reflectivity near reflective graded aperture center point 72 to near 100 percent reflective at the reflective graded aperture outer edge 76 . the resulting reflective gradient provides for a soft iris . photons from the center of beam diameter 39 pass freely through the center of reflective gradient aperture 70 . photons near the outer diameter of laser beam 38 become reflected by reflective coating 74 . reflective graded aperture 70 is placed at an angle so that the light will not go directly back into the laser . reflective coating 74 may be composed of multiple layers of two dielectric materials that differ by index of refraction . possible materials include silica , tantala , hafnia , and titania . in addition , reflective graded aperture 70 may be used in conjunctive with a phase plate , serrated aperture , or birefringent beam shaper . referring to fig8 a , oscillator apodizer 16 and amplifier apodizer 28 may be composed of a phase plate 80 . a phase plate apodizer 80 is an optical window that is transparent immediately surrounding in the center 82 but has a graded , randomly amplitude modulated edge 84 . the modulation can be produced by a high - pressure spray of fine abrasive particles . for example , silicon oxide can be used as an abrasive to etch the phase plate . alternately , aluminum oxide , sodium bicarbonate or silicon carbide maybe used as an etching abrasive . by increasing the duration of treating phase plate 80 with a spray of abrasive particles , deeper or an increased amplitude of etching occurs . to create the graded , randomly amplitude modulated edge 84 , a shorter duration of processing is accomplished , at radii center 82 , with increasing processing time at increasing radii . fig8 b depicts a cross - sectional view of phase plate aperture 80 shown in fig8 a . randomly amplitude modulator edge 84 has a maximum etching at the outer most radii 86 and a minimum etching at center 82 . phase plate 80 works by randomly scattering light from the edge of the laser beam 38 . any light that reenters the beam is now incoherent . the diameter of a laser beam passing through the apodizer can be controlled by adjusting the width ( i . e . how far radially the amplitude modulator edge proceeds towards center 82 ) of the amplitude modulated edge 84 . the portion of laser beam 38 passing through phase plate 80 where randomly amplitude modulated edge 84 is absent proceeds through phase plate apodizer substantially unaltered . the present invention uses an apodizer to reduce potential damage to laser gain medium optics . in the traditional process of forming a laser beam for laser shock processing , the laser beam experiences discontinuities . these discontinuities are produced when the diameter of the laser beam exceeds the diameter of the optical components through which the laser beam passes . light is diffracted from the edges of these components into the laser beam whereby creating a modulation of the beam . the modulation produces diffraction effects that increases the divergence of the beam and causes hot spots to form within the beam . such hot spots can rise to an intensity level that may damage optical components and coatings . the present invention uses an apodizer to decrease the diameter on the laser beam while reducing the amount of light reflected back into the laser beam path . while the means disclosed here for reducing damage to gain medium is that of an apodizer , other suitable components may be used which result in a decrease potential for damage to the gain medium or laser optical components . in addition , any number of combinations of the various types of apodizers may be used within oscillator 10 and amplifier 28 to achieve the desired laser spatial profile . also , the various forms or types of apodizers may be combined or connected together or to form a single compound apodizer . for example , a phase plate may be combined with a serrated aperture , a birefringement beam shaper , an absorbent graded aperture , or a reflective graded aperture . while this invention has been described as having a preferred design , the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure . this application is therefore intended to cover any variations , uses , or adaptations of the invention using its general principles . further , this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims .	1
referring to fig1 a sewing system 20 includes a frame 22 mounted on a base plate 24 . the base plate 24 and a pivotable panel clamp 28 are movable in mutually perpendicular x and y directions with respect to a base 27 in a known manner . a sewing machine 30 has a needle 34 , a presser foot 36 , a bobbin ( not shown ) and actuators ( not shown ) for moving the base plate 24 and panel clamp 28 in response to command signals from a sewing machine controller 38 in a known manner . the sewing machine 30 is an electronically programmable x - y sewing machine that , in one embodiment , utilizes a mitsubishi no . plk a 4516 sewing machine . the sewing machine 30 performs lock - stitching and may be programmed to implement different styles of lock - stitching , for example , a zig - zag stitch of 7 . 5 millimeters . lock - stitching is a known technique of interlacing a needle thread and bobbin thread , which will not be described here further except to indicate that a needle thread is carried by needle 34 and a bobbin thread provided by a bobbin ( not shown ). the operation of the sewing machine 30 is controlled by user operating i / o devices 37 on a front panel of the controller 38 . during execution of a control program , the controller 38 receives inputs from devices , for example , a main shaft encoder , and provides command signals to a sewing head motor ( not shown ) and actuators ( not shown ) to implement a stitch pattern in a known manner . the controller 38 also provides command signals to perform other operations , for example , raise and lower the presser foot 36 , raise and lower the panel clamp 28 , etc . in those operations , the command signals are received by solenoids ( not shown ) that , in turn , change the states of pneumatic logic , which supply pressurized air to various pneumatic components in a known manner . the air cylinders and other pneumatic devices are commercially available from various suppliers , for example , bimba manufacturing company of monee , ill . the structure and operation of a sewing machine similar to the sewing machine described herein is fully described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 520 , 129 entitled “ method and apparatus for join and sew application ”, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein . the sewing machine 30 is illustrated with the panel clamp 28 in its raised position . the label frame 22 and base plate 24 have respective openings 40 in which a mattress label 42 can be located . a label clamping system 44 is used to hold the mattress label 42 within the opening 40 . the label clamping system 44 is comprised of four clamps 46 mounted on the label frame 22 . each of the clamps is identical in its structure and operation . referring to fig2 a clamp 46 has an actuator 50 , for example , a pneumatic cylinder , mounted to an upper side of the frame 22 by fasteners 48 or other means . the actuator 50 has an actuator shaft or rod 52 , for example , a cylinder rod , extending from a forward end . the actuator rod 52 extends and retracts or translates through a linear motion in response to the actuator 50 being operated between its two states . the actuator rod 52 is connected to a rearward end of a toggle driver 54 by a pin or other fastener 56 . the toggle driver 54 has a slot 58 that receives a guide pin 60 , for example , a screw or other fastener . the slot 58 and guide pin 60 function with the actuator rod 52 to facilitate a translation or linear motion of the toggle driver 54 . a movable pivot clip or member 64 is pivotally mounted on the frame 22 with a pivot pin 66 that is located in a groove 68 and secured by pin clamps 70 . as shown in fig3 the pivot clip 64 is mounted in a slot 72 located in an upper surface of the frame 22 . a fixed or stationary clip 74 is mounted by fasteners ( not shown ) in a slot 76 located in a lower surface of the label frame 22 . the forward end 78 of the movable clip 64 and the forward end 80 of the fixed clip 74 extend over an opening edge 81 and into the opening 40 in the label frame 22 . the forward ends 78 , 80 of the respective clips 64 , 74 have a shape that is effective to secure the label 42 therebetween but does not interfere with the sewing machine sewing around a perimeter of the label 42 . as shown in fig2 the forward ends 78 , 80 of each of the respective clips 64 , 74 terminate with a pair of small pointed tips 82 that are separated by a v - shaped cutout 84 . referring to fig3 the forward end of the toggle driver 54 has an angled or inclined surface 62 that receives a rearward end 86 of the pivot clip 64 . when the actuator 50 is in a first state in which the actuator rod 52 is fully retracted , the rearward end 86 of the pivot clip 64 is located at a lower end of the inclined surface 62 , thereby placing the forward end 78 of the pivot clip 64 in a raised position . a user generated command signal from the controller 38 changes a state of an actuator solenoid ( not shown ) that , in turn , changes a flow of pressurized air to the actuator 50 , thereby changing its state . changing the state of the actuator 50 extends the actuator rod 52 and moves the toggle driver 54 forward , that is , from left to right as viewed in fig3 . as the inclined surface 62 is moved forward , the rearward end 86 of the pivot clip 64 moves up the inclined surface 62 , thereby pivoting the pivot clip 64 clockwise as viewed in fig3 about the pivot pin 66 . raising the rearward end 86 of the pivot clip 64 simultaneously lowers its forward end 78 . referring to fig4 when the actuator rod 52 is fully extended , the pivot clip forward end 78 is closed against the forward end 80 of the stationary clip 74 , thereby closing the clamp 46 and securing the label 42 therein . when the command signal from the controller 38 again changes state , it changes the state of the actuator solenoid that , in turn , changes a flow of pressurized air to return the actuator 50 to its original state . in that process , actuator rod 52 is retracted ; and the toggle driver 54 moves rearward , that is , from right to left as viewed in fig4 . as will subsequently be described , the pivot clip 64 is pivoted counterclockwise as viewed in fig3 and its rearward end 86 moves down the inclined surface 62 . the lowering of the rearward end 86 of the pivot clip 64 simultaneously raises its forward end 78 , thereby opening the clamp 46 as shown in fig3 . the pivot clip rearward end 86 is made to be heavier than the forward end 78 , and therefore , the pivot clip rearward end 86 tends to drop down . in use , referring to fig1 a user operates appropriate i / o devices 37 on the controller 38 to move the base plate 24 to a desired starting location and then to raise panel clamp 28 in a known manner . thereafter , the user disposes a label 42 face - side down in the opening 40 and locates edges of the label 42 on the forward ends 80 ( fig3 ) of respective stationary clips 74 . when the label edges are located on the stationary clips 74 to the user &# 39 ; s satisfaction , the user operates appropriate i / o devices 37 on the controller 38 to command a change of state of all of the actuators 50 ( fig3 ) of all respective clamps 46 . the actuators 50 simultaneously extend respective actuator rods 52 and move respective toggle drivers 54 forward . the forward motion of the respective toggle drivers 54 lowers respective pivot clip forward ends 78 against respective stationary clip forward ends 80 . that process simultaneously closes all of the clamps 46 and clamps edges of the label 42 between the pivot clip forward ends 78 and respective stationary clip forward ends 80 . as will be appreciated , after the clamps 46 have been closed , the user can operate appropriate i / o devices 37 on the controller 38 to command the clamps 46 to open , so that edges of the label 42 can be repositioned . the clamps 46 are then closed again as described above . after the label 42 is properly positioned within the opening 40 , the user then places a mattress panel ( not shown ) over the clamped label 42 . the user again activates appropriate i / o devices 37 on the controller 38 to lower the panel clamp 28 . the panel clamp 28 secures the mattress panel against the frame 22 in a desired position relative to the clamped label 42 in a known manner . the user then operates the sewing machine 30 so that the label is sewn to the mattress panel with a lock - stitch along an edge of the label . the pointed profiles of the forward ends 78 , 80 of the respective pivot and stationary clips 64 , 74 permit the label edge to be satisfactorily secured and also allow a zig - zag stitch or the like to proceed down a label edge without interference from the clamps 46 . after the sewing operation is complete , the user again operates appropriate i / o devices 37 on the controller 38 to raise the panel clamp 28 . next , the user operates appropriate i / o devices 37 to command a change of state of all of the actuators 50 ( fig3 ) of the respective clamps 46 . the actuators 50 simultaneously retract respective actuator rods 52 and move respective toggle drivers 54 rearward . however , after the sewing operation , the mattress panel is resting on top of the forward ends 78 of the pivot clips 64 ; and therefore , the rearward ends 86 remain elevated after the respective toggle drivers 54 have been retracted . the user then lifts the mattress panel and sewn label off of the sewing apparatus 20 . the mattress label 42 is between the pivot clips 64 and respective stationary clips 74 ; and as the mattress label 42 is raised from the frame 22 , it raises the forward ends 78 of respective pivot clips 64 . thus , the rearward ends 86 of the respective pivot clips 64 drop down onto lower ends of respective inclined surfaces 62 , and all of the clamps 46 are open ready to receive another mattress label . the above - described clamping system 44 reliably secures a label while it is being sewn to a mattress panel . the clamping system 44 is easy to use and therefore , leads to a faster and more reliable placement of the mattress label in the label frame 22 of the sewing machine 30 . thus , the clamping system 44 is especially useful in a production environment where its ease of use and reliability help to substantially relieve sewing machine operator stress in the process of sewing a label 42 to a product . further , the clamping system 44 substantially reduces rework or resewing of a label and therefore , provides a more efficient and cost effective label sewing operation . while the present invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail , it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail . additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art . for example , in the described embodiment of fig2 four clamps 46 are mounted as two opposed pairs of clamps on opposite lateral sides of the frame 22 . as will be appreciated , in other embodiments , the clamps 46 may be arranged in other configurations around the perimeter of the frame 22 , for example , one clamp can be mounted on each of the four sides of the frame 22 or the two pairs of clamps may be mounted on opposed upper and lower sides of the frame 22 . in the described embodiment , the sewing system 20 is used to sew a label onto a mattress panel , however , as will be appreciated , the sewing system 20 can be used to sew other stitchable materials , for example , leather , a “ kevlar ” composite material , etc . therefore , in other embodiments , the number of clamps 46 used can be changed to meet the needs of a particular application , for example , depending on the stiffness of the materials being sewn , a greater number or a fewer number of clamps 46 may be used . further , in the described embodiment , the clamp actuator 50 is described as being pneumatically operated ; however as will be appreciated , in other embodiments , the clamp actuator 50 may be electrically operated . in the described embodiment , the pivot clip 64 is opened by the act of the sewn mattress panel and label being removed from the sewing system 20 . however , as will be appreciated , in alternative embodiments , a positive opening force can also be applied to the pivot member 64 , for example , a torsion spring can be mounted over the pivot pin 66 and used to apply a biasing force to help move the pivot clip rearward end 86 down the inclined surface 62 . in still other embodiments the toggle driver 54 can be replaced by other mechanisms for operatively connecting the actuator 46 to the pivot clip 64 . therefore , the invention in its broadest aspects is not limited to the specific details shown and described . consequently , departures may be made from the details described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims which follow .	3
fig1 is a pictorial depiction of a lap top type portable computer 2 . portable computer 2 includes a fold open liquid crystal display 4 and a base unit 6 on which is provided a keyboard 8 and in which is housed a battery , the computer microprocessor and a winchester type hard disk drive for mass storage of data and programs . fig2 is an exploded view of disk drive 10 . it should be noted that although a rotary actuator is shown , the invention described herein is also applicable to linear actuators . the disk drive 10 includes a housing 12 , and a housing cover 14 which , after assembly , is mounted within a frame 16 . rotatably attached within the housing 12 on an actuator shaft 18 is an actuator arm assembly 20 . one end of the actuator arm assembly 20 includes an e block or comb like structure 22 having a plurality of arms 23 . attached to the separate arms 23 on the comb or e block 22 , are load springs 24 . in this case , the load springs form the suspension . attached at the end of each load spring is a slider 26 which carries a pair of magnetic transducers or the head . the transducers may be of an inductive type , or may include a read transducer of a magnetoresistive type . on the other end of the actuator arm assembly 20 opposite the load springs 24 and the sliders 26 is a voice coil 28 . attached within the housing 12 is a pair of magnets 30 . the pair of magnets 30 and the voice coil 28 are key parts of a voice coil motor which applies a force to the actuator arm assembly 20 to rotate it about the actuator shaft 18 . also mounted within the housing 12 is a spindle shaft 32 . rotatably attached to the spindle shaft 32 are a number of disks . 34 . in fig2 eight disks are attached to the spindle shaft 32 . as shown in fig2 the disks 34 are attached to the spindle shaft 32 in spaced apart relation . an internal motor ( not shown ) rotates the disks 34 . fig3 illustrates positioning of slider 26 by an arm 23 over one of a plurality of tracks ( 1 to n + 1 ) on a magnetic surface of 40 of a disk 42 . each track is divided into segments or sectors by a plurality of track servo fields 44 extending radially from the center of disk 40 . track servo fields curve to conform to the travel of slider 26 at the end of rotatable arm 23 . if disk rotational speed is constant , a transducer mounted to slider 26 encounters a track servo field 44 at strict intervals of times . if a linearly actuated armature is used , track servo fields 44 are straight . tracking information is derived from servo fields 44 in a manner well known in the art . slider 26 flies blind between servo fields . if the machine in which the drive is mounted is bumped while the slider is between the servo fields , the disk can literally be moved out from under the slider . the slider will not be returned to the appropriate track until the next servo field is encountered . if a write operation is in progress at the time of the bump , data on a track adjacent to the target track can be overwritten . slider 26 is shown following track n , positioned over a segment 46 . where redundant data is written to the disk , it may be written to segment 48 . redundant data in segment 48 may mirror data written to a sector or sectors within segment 46 , or it may be parity bits derived from the data in segment 46 and the remaining sectors in track n . in an alternative embodiment , the redundant data may be placed on the opposite surface of the disk . fig4 details the positional relationship of data fields to other types of fields on disk 40 . tracks n - 1 , n , and n + 1 are depicted each having had written thereto a plurality of data fields 50 . each data field 50 is preceded by an id field 52 . data fields can straddle a servo field 44 . while a data field generally includes a preliminary synchronization field ( not shown ), a second synchronization field ( not shown ) may be included after a servo field where it bisects a data field . some disk drives have one data field per data sector positioned between each track servo field . the servo fields function as data sector boundaries . in other types of disk drive , a data field may straddle parts of more than one data sector and thus more than one data field may be positioned between a pair of servo fields . the type of disk drive employed may effect the choice of data redundancy scheme employed to carry out the invention . fig5 depicts a computer system 60 in block diagram . computer system 60 includes a plurality of devices communicating over a system bus 62 . bus 62 includes a data bus and a control line bus . chief among components which may be attached to the system bus are a microprocessor 64 , an input / output ( i / o ) device 68 , a memory 70 and a secondary storage device 71 . secondary storage device 71 includes a device controller 72 and a disk drive 74 . device controller 72 handles the interface for data transfer between disk drive 74 and the devices on system bus 62 . conventionally , device controller 72 includes buffer 78 for temporarily holding data in transit between memory 70 and disk drive 74 . buffer 78 is controlled by a processor unit 76 . processor unit may be initialized upon system power up , or it may have access to a small read only memory ( rom ) 80 and a small non - volatile random access memory ( nvram ) 82 . rom 80 holds a program executable on processor unit 76 to carry out the process of the invention . non - volatile ram is currently relatively expensive and preferably minimally sized . nvram 82 is utilized to store information required to protect the integrity of data previously stored to the disk from loss due to power failure during a write operation effecting the data . the information is either redundant data or logs identifying damaged and potentially damaged sectors . where a track is identified for a write operation prior to generation of redundant data , redundant data is needed only for sectors exposed to possible damage from a write operation directed to a targeted track . nvram 82 is sufficiently large to store temporarily the sectors for the duration of the write operation . where redundant data is available from the disk , logs identifying sectors requiring repair are preferably stored to nvram fig6 and 8 are high level logical flow charts , illustrating a preferred process for implementing the invention on a data processing system . a write operation is initiated by a request from microprocessor 64 . redundant data is provided for each sector written to disk drive 74 by repeating the write operation to a second sector . data to be stored is collected in the drive controller buffer 78 , then written to a first sector on the disk . during write operations , if an off track condition of the magnetic transducer is detected , the write operation is interrupted . the write operation is blocked from proceeding until the drive has stabilized . then a determination of damage to data stored on tracks adjacent the target track is made . responsive to detection of damage to the data stored on tracks adjacent to the target track , the redundant data is used to repair the data stored on the tracks adjacent the target track . the process is entered at step 100 by clearing all recovery flags . next , at step 102 , the host initiates a disk write operation . a track is now identified for storage of data sectors for the host . in those embodiments which generate redundant data only upon identification of a target track , processing unit 76 reads data from tracks adjacent to the track just identified into non - volatile storage . in embodiments utilizing parity to provide redundant data , the target track is read for purposes of recalculating parity once the new data has been transferred from the host system . steps 104 through 110 are executed to collect a block of data for storage . at step 104 processing unit 76 requests a byte of data from computer system 60 . upon receipt of the byte , it is written into memory buffer 78 ( step 106 ). next , at step 108 it is determined if all data to be transferred to mass storage has been sent . if more data remains to be sent , decision step 110 is taken to determine if all space allocated in buffer 78 for a storage operation has been filled . if not , an additional byte is requested by returning the process to step 104 . if the allocated space in buffer 78 is filled , or if no more data remains to be transferred , a block for transfer to storage is complete . writing of data from the buffer to the disk begins . in those systems so requiring , parity is recalculated and stored to nvram . the write operation of a primary sector on the target track is now described . with execution of step 112 a seek to a data sector for the collected block is made . next , with execution of step 114 , writing of data from the buffer to the disk begins . step 116 is executed upon encountering a servo field , whether or not step 114 has been completed . although not explicitly shown , step 114 will be completed before the no branch from decision step 116 is taken . once an off track error is determined , the sector for which it occurred is logged and a recovery flag is set ( step 118 ). the log of damaged sectors is kept in nvram 82 . the write operation is then stopped . step 120 indicates that the system waits until a predetermined number of sectors or servo fields have passed without recurrence of an off track error . only then can the write operation be restarted with return to step 114 . mechanical shocks to a computer system should be relatively rare , keeping the number of errors to be corrected bounded . however , the potential exists for repeated shocks to result in destruction of more sectors than can be fixed during recovery operations . the wait state imposed by step 120 ( and comparable steps provided for all write operations ) is an attempt to assure that the drive has settled down after occurrence of one shock . once the write operation has been completed , the no branch from step 116 is taken to step 122 . steps 122 through 130 are taken in a system utilizing data mirroring to provide redundant data . mirroring is a process where redundant data for each sector is provided by duplicating the contents of the sector at a second sector physically displaced from the first . in the prior art , it has typically meant repeating the data on an independent disk drive . in the preferred embodiment , the mirrored data written to the same disk . immediately after completing writing to one sector , a second sector is written to using the unchanged contents of the buffer . at step 122 a seek operation to the destination sector for the duplicate data is performed . with step 124 a write operation is commenced to the sector . if an off track condition occurs during the operation , the location of the affected sector is logged and a recovery flag is set ( step 128 ). after occurrence of an off track error , step 130 represents waiting a predetermined number of sectors or servo fields until the write operation of step 124 is reattempted . in a system generating redundant data only upon identification of a target track , steps 122 through 130 are omitted . once writing of the redundant data sector is completed , step 132 is executed . if a recovery flag has been set it will be detected during step 132 , and the process directed along the yes branch to repair possibly damaged tracks . if no recovery flag is set , the process executes decision step 134 to determine if the host computer system has more data to store . along the yes branch , signifying the host system has more data to transfer , control of the operation is returned to step 104 to collect a block of data . along the no branch , signifying no more data remains to transfer to storage , the write operation terminates . one recovery flag is set for each occurrence of an off track condition during the write operation . each flag set is checked in turn by execution of a loop comprising steps 136 through 156 . entry and reentry to the loop are controlled by execution of step 132 , described above . with detection of a set recovery flag , step 136 is executed to clear the flag . then step 138 is executed to read the tracks adjacent to the target track . determination of error depends upon the data redundancy scheme in use . the data read from the adjacent tracks may be compared to the data read from each such track just prior to the write operation , with any difference between the two sets of data for each track signifying damage to the contents of an adjacent track . the duplicate copy was written when the now potentially damaged sector was originally stored . in another embodiment , an entire adjacent track is read and parity is recalculated for comparison to the written parity data in the parity sector for the track . in the preferred embodiment , the contents of a sector on an adjacent track are compared to the contents of a sector holding a duplicate copy of what should be in the first sector . where no error is detected , decision step 140 returns control of the process to step 132 for determination if another recovery flag was set . if error has been detected , decision step 140 will advance control of the process to step 142 to begin repair of the damaged sector . with execution of step 142 a log of the sectors damaged on the track is made . the log is stored to nvram 82 . then , at step 144 , redundant data for a damaged sector identified from the log is used to restore the sector . again , depending upon the embodiment , particulars of this operation may vary . in the preferred embodiment , the redundant data is read from the disk to buffer 78 . alternatively , where parity used to back up data , the replacement data may have to be calculated from the remaining sectors on the damaged track . after calculation of the duplicate data it may be stored in buffer 78 . in some embodiments , redundant data is provided from nvram 82 as described above . with a duplicate copy of the data of the sector prior to occurrence of the damage available , a write operation to the sector is commenced . the recovery write operation is substantially the same as any other write operation once the duplicate data is available . what was an adjacent track now becomes the target track , and the one or two tracks adjacent the new target track become the adjacent tracks to be protected . accordingly , the embodiment may require reading data from the new adjacent tracks into nvram 82 before the write operation occurs . if a parity scheme is in use , the recalculated values for all sectors are retained in nvram 82 pending successful completion of the write operation . an off track condition occurring during the write operation is detected at step 146 upon encountering a servo field 44 . occurrence of an off track condition results in logging the location of the affected sector and setting a recovery flag ( step 148 ). after occurrence of the off track error , step 150 represents waiting a predetermined number of sectors or servo fields until the write operation is allowed to restart ( step 152 ). from step 152 the operation is looped back to decision step 146 until the write operation has been completed . upon completion of the operation , housekeeping tasks are performed with execution of step 154 , including the removal from the log of the sector just repaired . next , decision step 156 is executed to determine if the log has any remaining entries . the yes branch returns operation to step 144 to determine damage to the logged sector . the no branch returns control of the process to step 132 to determine if another recovery flag has been set . the invention overcomes the loss of data stemming from mechanical shock to a disk drive during a write operation . redundant data to data potentially exposed to damage during write operations is made available before a write operation begins . the method avoids reliance on accelerometers for determination of off track condition of a magnetic transducer occurring during a write operation . the provision of nvram further protects data stored to the disk from loss due to a power outage during exposure attendant the repair operations . while the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .	6
the excitation sources which are typically used in flow cytometers are linearly polarized lasers . for an electric dipole emitter , the intensity of scattered light is directly proportional to the square of sin ( θ ), where θ is the angle away from the e - field vector ; this is maximized for θ = 90 ° ( or π / 2 radians ). thus , in order to maximize the collection of scattered light , the polarization of the laser should be adjusted so that the electric field is perpendicular to the viewing direction of the light detector . with the e - field polarization vector along the z axis , the maximum emission intensity is in the x - y plane , and the emission intensity along the z axis is nil . fig1 is a plot of the fraction of light collected versus the subtended angle . highest quality microscope objectives have a &# 34 ; numerical aperture &# 34 ; of 0 . 6 , which provides a subtended polar angle of 2β = 37 ° ( 0 . 64 radians ). for both orthogonal polarizations , the best fraction for an optimized microscope objective with 0 . 6 numerical aperture is 14 %. the best for the aqueous optical waveguide is 16 %. for the worst - case polarization , the aqueous optical waveguide should collect only 4 % versus about 2 % for the 0 . 6 na lens . fig2 is a schematic drawing of a diode - laser flow cytometer having a tapered fiber . cells 10 in an aqueous carrier 12 flow down through an orifice 13 to form a free stream . orifice 13 may have a 50 μm inside diameter . a diode - laser 14 having a microlens 16 directs a laser beam 18 through aqueous carrier 12 . diode - laser 14 is rigidly held by a support structure 20 . diode - laser 14 may be replaced with a solid state laser , a gas laser , a dye laser or an arc lamp . when passing through laser beam 18 , cells 10 simultaneously produce forward light scatter 22 and ras signal 24 . aqueous carrier 12 guides ras signal 24 into a fiber - optic 26 having a tapered end 28 . ras signal 24 is guided through fiber - optic 26 and out of interface 30 to a detector 31 which may comprise filter 29 . aqueous carrier 12 is collected by liquid collector 32 and guided to a liquid collection or disposal system ( not shown ) through channel 34 . in addition to collecting more light due to the larger subtended angle , one additional advantage to using the waveguide system rather than using the microscope objective is the relative insensitivity of the waveguide system to misalignments ; the microscope objective has a limited depth of field and limited width of viewing plane ( caused partially by apertures in the optical system ). if the cells being illuminated are not at the exact focal point of the microscope objective , some of the scattered light will fail to reach the detector , but the waveguide system has no such sensitivity to cell position , since the angle for total internal reflection is not dependent upon position within the liquid stream . similarly , one can illuminate the cells at several positions along the flow of the stream and still use just one light detection system at the end of a fiber . an experiment was conducted to evaluate and compare the performance of collecting right angle scatter ( ras ) light using the conventional prior art orthogonal ( 90 °) scatter collection method , and the unconventional &# 34 ; instream &# 34 ; method of the invention that places a tapered - end fiber optic downstream of the flow stream / laser intersection point . the experiment used a coherent model innova 200 ® visible laser , set to the 457 . 9 nm line in the tem 00 mode . the only modification to the &# 34 ; standard &# 34 ; optical train of a moflo cytometer was the addition of a melles - griot 1 / 2 - wave retardation plate , so that the effects of polarization on scatter signals could be determined . the laser beam diameter at the flow stream / laser intersection was approximately 25 μm , and its profile was circular . the excitation laser beam is normally 90 ° with respect to the aqueous flow stream ; however , the invention is operable at smaller angles . the &# 34 ; conventional &# 34 ; orthogonal scatter collection optics consisted of a high numerical aperture , long working distance microscope lens ( 32 ×) and an n . a . of 0 . 60 . the lens was followed by a 1 - mm diameter pinhole at the focal plane and another lens to image the pinhole onto the approximately 5 . 1 - mm 2 diameter active area of an eg & amp ; g had 1100a series high speed pin - photodiode / op - amp module . the &# 34 ; unconventional &# 34 ; scatter collector was made from a 400 - μm - core - diameter fiber optic , manufactured by the 3m company , that was conically polished at one end to a 26 ° included angle , and flat polished at the other . the fiber has been installed into a fixture , and attached to x - y translators that allow the experimenter to position the fiber accurately into the flow stream . the flat polished end of the fiber is coupled to another eg & amp ; g had 1100a series high speed pin - photodiode / op - amp module with a 1 - megohm feedback resistor that has been matched and calibrated to have the same responsivity and gain bandwidth as the detector used in the &# 34 ; conventional &# 34 ; scatter collector . the fiber is positioned concentrically with the flow stream at about 1 cm below the flowstream / laser ceramic flow nozzle . based on the experimental data collected , the fiber - based scatter detector collected the scatter data 7 to 10 times more effectively than the conventional right - angle system used on the current moflo system . when the 1 / 2 - waveplate was rotated through 360 ° there was no noticeable change in the output signals to either of the detector systems . the polarization of the laser was found to be in the &# 34 ; p &# 34 ; vector and orthogonal to the table . as the laser power was varied between 300 mw and 1 watt , the baseline of the conventional detector &# 39 ; s signal increased approximately 4 mv or about 0 . 003 % of the peak output signal . the fiber detector showed no increase , although the typical baseline amplifier noise is 1 mv ; all measurements were taken without external gain . it should be noted also that the pin diode detectors were not being used at their peak responsivity of 0 . 50 amps / watt at 950 nm , but were down to 0 . 21 amps / watt at 458 nm . in our experiment , the electric field polarization was perpendicular to the microscope objective and directed toward the optical waveguide . the most likely explanation for the unexpectedly good performance of the waveguide light collection versus the microscope objective is the insensitivity of the waveguide system to depth of field and other practical aspects of alignment and imaging of the microscope objective . by using the unconfined aqueous flow stream of a cytometer as an optical waveguide , approximately 17 % of the solid angles are captured . this nominal increase over the standard high numerical aperture lens is augmented by the fact that all of the scattered light is trapped , according to its angle of propagation , not its position . there is no &# 34 ; focal point &# 34 ; for this configuration . alignment simply requires aligning the light source onto the flow stream ; the liquid optical waveguide is then automatically &# 34 ; aligned &# 34 ;. the flow rates should be adjusted to form a smooth stream . this approach provides robust , stable light collection . for the collection of elastically - scattered light , another immense advantage occurs -- the background of scattered light is extremely low when using the flow - stream waveguide ( fsw ), because the same physical properties which confine the desired light within the stream also keep random scattered light out . in our studies , we have found that this new configuration gives the elastically - scattered ras signal a much higher signal - to - noise ratio than that of forward scattered light . in building a system which uses the flow stream as an optical waveguide for collecting ras light , one must take into consideration that the effective numerical aperture of a the water / air waveguide is 1 / n water = 1 / 1 . 33 = 0 . 75 . one could place the light detector directly into the flow , possibly with a conical lens to keep the flow from becoming too unstable . in this case the area of the detector must be large enough to trap all of the rapidly diverging light from the terminus of the fsw . for our research purposes we found it convenient to place a conically - polished fiber - optic waveguide ( fo ) in the flow stream to serve as an intermediate optical device to conduct the light from the fsw to the light detector . ( in this embodiment , it is easier to keep the flow stream from wetting the electrical contacts of the light detector ). because no commonly available fiber optic has 0 . 75 na , some of the large - angle - of - propagation light in the fsw would not be confined in the fo . therefore , it is necessary to expand the beam and reduce the na of the propagating light as it enters the fo ; thus , one must use a fo whose core is larger than the diameter of the flow stream . fig3 shows the propagation of light ray 40 through aqueous carrier 42 and into a conically polished fiber tip 44 ( silica ). in terms of ray tracing , by providing a conical taper at the transition from the fsw to the fo , the rays with larger than the θ max , the maximum angle of propagation for the numerical aperture ( na ) of the fo , reflect off the angled surfaces of the water film over the tip and are redirected down the fo with reduced propagation angles , 2 . there is a refraction of any propagating light as it passes from the water , with index of refraction n = 1 . 33 to the silica with n = 1 . 4 . so , using snell &# 39 ; s law , if half the tip angle is β , then as shown in fig3 the minimum length of the tapered transition must be sufficiently large so that all propagating rays with & gt ; θ strike this slanted surface . the minimum length and width of the fo core can be estimated from : for example , for 0 . 48 - na fiber with a 25 ° included tip angle ( 2β ), l 2 and w 2 are 18 . 6 * w 1 and 4 . 1 * w 1 , respectively , using the simple model shown in fig3 . thus , for a 0 . 05 - mm diameter flow stream , the 0 . 48 - fiber core needs to be approximately 0 . 2 mm or larger in diameter . ( the propagating rays which cause equations ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) to attain their maximum value for l 2 , and w 2 , as well , are those with 1 only slightly larger than θ max . another important consideration in designing a tapered fiber to conduct ras light from the flow stream waveguide ( fsw ) to a detector is the calculation of the included conical angle of the tip . as is shown in fig3 the final angle of propagation 2 , assuming a thin film of water covering the silica core &# 39 ; s tip , is given by 2 =\| 1 - 2β \|. in the preceding considerations , 1 of the light rays has been modeled as either being less than θ max , and , thus , already being confined in the fo , or reflecting off of the conical taper once and being redirected down the fo with 2 & lt ; θ max . ( because of the small difference in the indexes of refraction between water and silica , there is very little reflection from the tip &# 39 ; s surface .) although it may be counterintuitive , making the included tip angle 2β smaller makes the required fo core diameter smaller , until \| 1 - 2β \| becomes less than θ . for the case of the 0 . 48 - na fo , the smallest β that still provides 2 & lt ; θ is 11 . 5 °. several 0 . 48 - na fiber tips were successfully polished to β = 12 . 5 °. using continuous wave ( cw ) diode lasers with power less than 10 mw , 1 - volt ras pulses have been seen from 2 . 9 - μm diameter latex spheres using inexpensive photodiode / preamp hybrids with 1 mω feedback resistor . fig4 a shows a fiber - optic 50 having an end 52 that has been polished flat . fig4 b shows a photodetector 54 with a conical lens 56 in aqueous carrier 12 . fig4 c shows a photodetector 58 without a conical lens . each of these elements can be substituted for the fiber - optic 26 of fig2 . changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments can be carried out without departing from the scope of the invention , which is intended to be limited by the scope of the appended claims .	6
fig1 shows an exemplary development platform 10 that includes a user computer system 12 configured with software 14 . the software 14 includes both upper - level application software 16 and lower - level software ( such as an operating system or “ os ”) 18 . the application software 16 includes a cross - architecture development suite (“ cads ”) 20 that enables system - level software development for a target system based on multiple hardware components as well as different communications processing architectures . the cads 20 contains software development tools used to develop application code to run on the different communications processing architectures . the communications processing architectures may include general purpose computing architectures such as the intel ® architecture (“ ia ”), examples of which include the intel ® pentium ™ and xeon ™ processors . the communications processing architectures can further include such architectures as the “ microengine ” (“ me ”) cores and intel ® xscale ™ core (“ xscale ”) found in the intel ® ixc and ixp chips . development tools for such communications processing architectures may be provided by the chip developer and / or by third - party vendors . they may be open sourced as well . further , other tools such as configuration tools for chips such as framers and switching engines ( for example , the intel ® ixf framer and ixe switching engine ) may be supported as well . thus , the cads 20 enables cross - architecture interactions , including interactions between tools for different processing architectures , or , between a system level tool and a tool for a given processing architecture . other application software may be installed on the computer system 12 as well . a user &# 39 ; s target system may include a mixture of communications processing architectures and processors . there may be multiple processors ( similar or different ones ) on the same blade or chassis , in the case of a bladed system design . the cads 20 integrates the heterogeneous development environments for the individual communications processing architectures into a single , multi - chip integrated development environment (“ ide ”) to provide a unified development approach to the target system ( be it blade , sub - system or chassis ) under development . an ide that spans these multiple communications processing architectures provides much value to the user . the multi - chip ide can include a tool , set of tools , or multiple sets of tools ( as will be shown in fig2 ) that run on a software development platform , e . g ., a pc . the ide ties together the underlying silicon software tools into a coherent single development user experience . in addition to the different silicon components , the environment takes into account the different phases of silicon software development ( evaluation , development , simulation and execution ), each of which may use a different tool , as described later . still referring to fig1 , the system 12 also includes one or more databases 22 to store cads related data . the databases may include static debug data , for example , data produced at build time ( such as operand maps ). the databases may further include a simulation history that captures historical information generated over time , such as data generated during a simulation session . the system 12 may be operated in standalone mode or may be coupled to a network 24 . referring now to fig2 , as shown in system 30 , key components of the cads 20 include the following : tools including individual development tools sets 32 ( collectively , development tools 34 ) and systems tools 36 ; a user interface 38 and an inter - tool ( or software ) backplane 40 . the term “ inter - tool backplane ” refers to a set of features and functions that act as the backbone for cross - architecture inter - tool interaction . the inter - tool backplane 40 thus provides the “ glue ” to connect the individual development tools sets 32 and system tools 36 to each other and to the user interface 38 . the tools sets 32 ( shown in the figure as tools sets 1 through ‘ n ’ and corresponding to reference numerals 32 a , 32 b , 32 c , . . . 32 k ) are targeted at ‘ n ’ individual chips 42 used on a target system 42 . thus , tools set 1 is targeted at chip 1 , tools set 1 is targeted at chip 2 , tools set 3 is targeted at chip 3 , . . . , and tools set ‘ n ’ is targeted at chip ‘ n ’. each chip is a silicon component that contains a different processing architecture ( or in some cases , multiple processing architectures ) or is a device requiring special tools support . in one example target system that includes four different silicon components , and using the architectures and devices mentioned above for illustrative purposes only , chip 1 could be an ia processor , chip 2 could be an ixc processor , chip 3 could be an ixp network processor and chip ‘ n ’ ( chip 4 in this example ) could be some other device , such as an ixf framer or ixe switching engine . each tools set 32 may encompass a wide variety of individual tools such as simulators , compilers , assemblers , linkers , code generators , debuggers , packet generators and the like . the tools and inter - tool backplane are indicated collectively by reference numeral 44 . the user interface 38 provides a common user interface through which system - level user interactions can occur . it provides system - level capabilities for block diagram creation , project management , build management and debug 46 , system - level views 48 to support these capabilities ; project views 50 and a common graphical user interface (“ gui ”) 52 to provide a common “ look and feel ” for all of the system - level tools . a command line interface (“ cli ”) 54 may be included as part of the user interface 38 as well . in addition , individual tools may have customized graphical views that are appropriate for their specific functions . the user interface 38 also contains common components , for example , a code editor , used by multiple tools . the user interface 38 may be implemented with a common user interface framework such as eclipse . eclipse is a java - based ( multi - platform ), open source development environment . fig3 shows a high - level architectural view of the inter - tools backplane 40 and tools portion of the cads 20 in which the individual tools 32 that are specific to different processing architectures are mapped to functional tools categories . the tools are functionally decomposed into tools categories that are common across all the target chips . for each of these tools categories , the cads 20 provides system - level capabilities that encompass the underlying processing architectures . these system - level capabilities are provided either by combining information from underlying tools , or by creating a tool that is common across different processing architectures . the inter - tool backplane 40 provides the services these tools categories need to provide system - level solutions to the cads user . the functional categories of tools include build tools 60 , simulators 62 , traffic generators 64 , performance analysis tools 66 , debuggers 68 , back - end tools 70 and hardware tools 72 . the build tools 60 are tools used to generate the executable code for the target architecture . tools such as assemblers and compilers belong in this category . there may be other tools such as automatic code generators and graphical design assistants that could also be part of this group of tools . the simulators 62 are architectural or cycle accurate models of the silicon which can be used to perform software test and validation before the availability of target boards or target silicon . traffic generators 64 are a class of tools specific to networking applications and can be used to generate a rich set of inputs to aid in testing of the system and software . the performance analysis and tuning tools 66 include tools which are used for feasibility analysis at the evaluation / design stage , and tools which are used for performance tuning of the code on target hardware . the debuggers 68 are used to assist in the debug of the code via source level debugging capabilities . the back - end tools 70 include tools used to assist in project planning and management , including tools for configuration management , defect tracking and release engineering . the hardware tools 72 are tools that are used to debug target hardware , e . g ., tools such as ice and jtag . other types of tools may be supported as well . some of these functional tool categories include system - level tools common to all processing architectures . for example , in the illustrated embodiment of fig3 , the traffic generators 64 include a system packet generator 74 , the performance analysis tools 66 include a system analysis tool 76 , and the debuggers 68 include a system - level debugger 78 . other tools in a given tool category are specific to a particular architecture . for example , and using chips 1 - 3 , and tools sets 1 - 3 discussed above with reference to fig2 , the build tools 60 may include build tools 80 from the tools sets 1 - 3 , the simulators 62 may include simulator tools 82 from tools sets 2 and 3 , the traffic generator tools 64 may include a traffic generator too 84 from tools set 3 , the performance analysis tools 66 may include performance analysis tools 85 from tools sets 1 and 3 and the debuggers 68 may include debugger tools 86 from tools sets 1 - 3 . in the illustrated example , if chips 1 - 3 correspond to the ia processor , the ixc processor and ixp network processor , respectively , then the individual tools represented in the functional categories are as follows . the build tools 80 would include ia build tools 80 a , ixc build tools 80 b and ixp build tools 80 c . the build tools in each case would include c and / or c ++ compilers and assemblers . the simulators 82 would include an xscale simulator 82 a and an ixp transactor ( simulator ) 82 b . the traffic generator tool 84 would be a traffic generator tool for the mes in the ixp processor . the performance analysis tools 85 would include an ia tool ( such as vtune ) 85 a and an ixp / me tool ( such as adt ) 85 b . the debuggers 86 would include an ia debugger ( such as a gnu debugger ) 86 a , an ixc debugger ( which could also be a gnu debugger ) 86 b and an me / ixp debugger 86 c . of course , it will be appreciated that the individual tools represented in the different functional tools categories will vary with the number of different tools sets in the cads 20 and the nature of the tools sets and targeted architectures ( e . g ., a simulator or traffic generator tool may exist for one architecture but not another ). the inter - tool backplane 40 provides the mechanisms needed for inter - tool cross - architecture interactions . these interactions can be accomplished by means of a run - time module or interaction broker 74 , application program interfaces ( apis ) 76 exposed to the system level and architecture specific tools , configuration files 78 , common data exchange formats 80 and a tools registry 82 . these backplane components will be described in further detail below . several observations can be made with respect to the logical partitioning of the tools as illustrated in fig3 and discussed above . most of the cross - architecture interactions occur between tools that belong to the same category . for example , an xscale simulator could interact with a me simulator . most cross - category interactions occur between tools within a given tool set ( i . e ., tools that target the same processing architecture ). for example , only a debugger in tool set ‘ n ’ may interact with a simulator in tool set ‘ n ’. thus , the nature of the inter - tool interactions limits the cross - architecture interactions to a small set of tool combinations . tools within a category share common behavior and their interactions with other tools can be defined by the apis 76 , data exchange formats 80 and configuration parameters and metadata contained in the configuration files 78 of the inter - tool backplane 40 . the processing architecture specific interactions ( those that are needed between tools that target the same processing architecture ) may be separated from the system - level interactions . the system - level interactions have sufficient commonality ( between tools within a category ) such that it is possible to create a common backplane definition ( in terms of api , etc .) that is a superset of individual processing architecture needs . thus , the logical partitioning provides the basis for the interaction model implemented by the inter - tool backplane 40 . fig4 a - 4c show examples of different cross - architecture interactions . fig4 a shows a debugger interaction 90 involving a system - level debugger 92 built on top of existing architecture - specific debuggers shown as an xscale debugger 94 and me debugger 96 . the me debugger 96 may be a debugger provided as part of the ixa developer &# 39 ; s workbench and the xscale debugger may be the gnu debugger (“ gdb ”). the system - level debugger 92 interacts with the individual debuggers 94 , 96 through the inter - tool backplane 40 . the individual debuggers 94 and 96 interact directly with respective simulators 98 and 100 . as an example , system level debugger 92 may issue a “ examine ” debug command to the xscale debugger 94 by calling a backplane 40 api function specifying the xscale debugger 94 as the target of the command . the backplane 40 may , in turn , call a function of an api exposed by the xscale debugger 94 . information can also flow in the opposite direction . for example , in response to an “ examine ” debug command , the xscale debugger 94 can return the “ examined ” data by calling a backplane 40 api . the backplane 40 , in turn , can invoke an api function exposed by the system level debugger 92 . in addition to data flowing vertically , data can also travel horizontally between tool peers . for example , xscale debugger 94 could pass data to microengine debugger 96 , by invoking a backplane 40 api function passing the data and identifying the microengine debugger 96 as the target . the backplane 40 could then invoke a microengine debugger 96 api function to deliver the data . as an alternative , the xscale debugger 94 could use the data exchange features 80 to pass the data . as another alternative , the tools 94 and 96 could be programmed to by - pass the backplane and directly interact . fig4 b shows another example that features packet generator interaction 110 . in the interaction 110 , a system packet generator 112 provides packet data as input for simulation and validates the simulated output . the packet generator 112 interacts with different individual simulators ( shown as the xscale simulator 98 and me simulator 100 , respectively ) through the inter - tool backplane 40 . fig4 c shows yet another example debugger interaction 120 in which a system - level debugger 122 interacts with three different individual debuggers , shown as ia debugger 124 , xscale debugger 94 and me debugger 96 , respectively , through the inter - tool backplace 40 . as in the example shown in fig4 a , each of these debuggers 124 , 94 , 96 interacts directly with respective simulators 126 , 98 , 100 . in this debug scenario , hardware debug is also provided . thus , the debuggers 124 , 94 , 96 interact with respective remote debug agents 128 , 130 , 132 residing on hardware 134 ( for example , an evaluation board , or target system board ). the tools in an integrated environment interact with each other and the inter - tool backplane in various ways . these interactions occur because of some shared state , shared hardware components and inter - dependency . the inter - tool interactions use functionality provided by the inter - tool backplane . in particular , the inter - tool backplane 40 enables interactions between tools of different tools , that is , cross - architecture interactions . different components of a tool may not use the inter - tool backplane for the communication . instead , they may use interactions specific to those tools . also , the interactions across different tools of a given tools set are specific to that tools set and may not involve the inter - tool backplane 40 . in the example shown in fig4 c , the xscale simulator 98 and mes simulator 100 together simulate an ixp design and the ia simulator 126 acts as a host processor . in this scenario , the simulator tools communicate to each other any changes to memories , changes in common csr registers , exchange of packets , and so forth . one tool may interact with another to read and write the state maintained by the other tool . more specifically , in the example shown , the xscale and mes simulators share same memories ( e . g ., sram ), some hardware blocks and csrs . they can also send signals to each other affecting each other &# 39 ; s simulation . in addition , the ia debugger 124 interacts with the xscale debugger 94 , sending route update messages , management packets and other information . these cross - architecture interactions between tools are handled by the inter - tool backplane 40 , which provides the data exchange formats , configuration parameters and standard apis needed for interaction between these tools in an integrated system . the functionalities provided by the inter - tool backplane 40 can be classified into two categories , static bindings and run - time interactions . the inter - tool backplane 40 provides mechanism by which tools can statically bind to exposed apis of other tools . these static bindings take place at load time of the tools . the components of inter - tool backplane 40 that facilitate static bindings include the configuration files 78 ; the tools registry 82 ; and the debugging apis 76 . the run - time interactions are interactions between tools that use inter - tool backplane 40 at run - time . example of the run - time interactions include inter - tool backplane calls , apis , tools packet exchanges , and so forth . the components of cads backplane facilitating run - time interactions include the data exchange formats 80 and the apis 76 . the inter - tool backplane 40 maintains a system - level configuration in the configuration files 78 . this system - level configuration contains configuration information like syntax coloring , auto - complete , error listing and tools invocation details . individual tools leverage information from the system - level configuration file . individual tools can maintain their independent configuration files , which are not visible to the inter - tool backplane 40 . the tools invocation details include such information as the file name to run ( each tool will have a separate file for each chip type ), command line options supported , number of processors of each kind used in a project , clock speeds for processor ( s ), memory , media , amount of memory on the system , interconnection information and “ schematic ” connection between components . the configuration files 78 can also include project system configuration data . the project system configuration data can include build instructions and object file to be loaded for each processor . the tools registry 82 provides a central location where all tools are registered . every tool registers itself to the inter - tool backplane 40 at installation time . the registry information in the tools registry 82 is maintained to identify tools and their attributes , similar to the way microsoft windows maintains registry information of all programs installed in the operating system . the inter - tool backplane 40 uses this information to identify tools with which it needs to interact . the tools registry 82 gives information as to when to invoke a particular tool and can determine , for project files , which tool is to be used to open the file . the tools registry 82 maintains the following information about each registered tool : i ) a tool type , e . g . build tool , simulator tool , etc . ; ii ) tool name ; iii ) tool version number ; iv ) tool location ; v ) location of files ( such project files or library files required for projects running on the tool ); vi ) a pointer to the tool &# 39 ; s configuration file ; and vii ) a list of supported file extensions for the tool . the inter - tool backplane 40 brings together tools that are targeted at individual silicon components to achieve these system level capabilities . the inter - tool backplane 40 manages tool interactions in a consistent manner . for system - level debugging ( as illustrated in fig4 a and 4c ), it may be necessary to stop two different processors when a breakpoint is reached in one of them , and watch data changes on both of the processors . the apis 76 defined in the inter - tool backplane 40 are used to manage these interactions . some the apis that are needed are apis used for session control such as start / stop of debug session , handling run control such as break and continue , and reporting debug events such as breakpoints and data watch updates . the individual tools expose a set of apis to the inter - tool backplane for certain functionalities , for example , in the case of a debugger , functionalities like starting debug , stopping debug , reporting error condition and so forth . in addition , the inter - tool backplane binds apis exposed by a tool to the other tools such that they can interact with each other . in one embodiment , each tool defines the following apis : 1 . add_breakpoint ( ), delete_breakpoint ( ): these functions are used to add / delete breakpoints . 2 . enable_breakpoint ( ), disable_breakpoint ( ): these functions are used to enable / disable breakpoints . data are exchanged between tools in several formats . a tool has a format to store debug files , to store load files , as well as input and output packets . since these formats are tool - specific , some or all are standardized ( by the data exchange formats component 80 ) in such a way that those tools can understand each others &# 39 ; format . for an example , a single packet generator and analyzer can be used across ixp and ia tools if these tools have the same exchange format for packet data . similarly , a project can be debugged on various architectures using standard data exchange formats . the backplane provides a definition of uniform scripting language for all tools , which allows common initializing , debug and performance analysis language of all the tools . the data exchange formats component 80 of the inter - tool backplane 40 provides a standard format for the following data exchange formats : input , output and log files ; project settings ; and packets exchange format . the tools generate the input / output / log files , which can be interchangeably used by other tools . an output file of a tool can be used as an input file to another tool . the log files can be standardized in format for use as system - level log files . the projects settings for every tool are in a standard format such that the cads 20 can maintain a project setting for the whole system that every tool can use to identify their own specific project settings . the underlying tool can store additional project settings in its own format . several tools receive and transmit packets to an external packet generator and analyzer . the data exchange formats component 80 standardizes the format at which the tools expect packets to be input and output in simulation mode . this standardization of the packet exhange format enables the use of a single packet generator / analyzer for the whole system and allows packets to be seamlessly transmitted from one tool to another . the run - time module 74 is not essential for interactions between the various tools . where needed , the run - time module 74 acts as a broker for interactions between tools . the user interface 38 ( shown in fig2 ) includes a set of views , editors , perspectives and dialogs for use in cross - architecture code development and debugging . the user interface 38 allows the user to create a visual model of the user &# 39 ; s hardware using a block diagram tool , with silicon elements properties and interconnections . it also allows the user to associate projects with the elements and launch debug sessions of multiple projects at the same time . through the user interface the user can set cross - project breakpoints and view debugging data in one perspective . fig5 a shows an example screen 140 provided by the gui and usable to open cads perspectives . the perspectives can be opened by selecting an ‘ open perspective ’ option 142 to bring up an open perspective menu 144 , which includes as exemplary perspective options a system edit perspective option 146 and a system debug perspective option 148 . referring to fig5 b , an exemplary layout of a system edit perspective 150 is shown . this perspective contains the views necessary to create a model of a hardware system , configure the elements within the model , and define and configure interconnections between the elements . it also enables the user to associate software projects with elements in the model . the views include : a cads system hierarchy view 152 ; a system canvas 154 ; a component palette view 156 ; a component properties view 158 ; and a task view 160 . other views may be provided as well . referring to fig5 c , an exemplary layout of a system debug perspective 170 is shown . the system debug perspective contains the views necessary to debug one or more of the software projects that have been associated with elements in the hardware system model . the views in this perspective include : a cads system hierarchy view 152 ; a system canvas 154 ; a system watch view 172 ; a component / project properties view 174 ; and a breakpoint / output view 176 . other views may be provided as well . thus , the views in this perspective will show data related to debugging such as system watches , breakpoints and status of each software project ( e . g ., ‘ running ’, ‘ breakpoint hit ’, ‘ stopped ’ and the like ). details of the various perspective views will now be described in further detail with reference to fig5 b and 5c . the system hierarchy view 152 within the system edit and debug perspectives provides the hierarchical organization of elements in the currently opened model in a tree view . the system canvas ( editor ) view 154 within the system edit and debug perspectives is the primary tool for creating a system model . it displays the elements of a single level of the model in a graphical block - diagram editor . it also shows the elements &# 39 ; interfaces and interconnections between the elements . the user can add and remove elements , arrange them on the screen , configure their interface properties , and connect them to one another . the component palette view 156 displays all of the model elements that are available for inclusion in a system model . they may be organized in a multi - folder view according to function of type . the user drag / drops the elements desired onto their system canvas . the task view 160 provides project build feedback , for example , it may provide a list of build messages from various projects . the component properties view 158 allows a user to view an element &# 39 ; s properties when selected in the canvas or system hierarchy view . the system breakpoint view 176 shows the breakpoints set for projects being debugged . the system watch view 172 displays system watch variables from projects that have been associated with elements in the system model . thus , the system - level view of the system edit and debug perspectives is the starting point for software architects and developers in creating a new design . it contains a graphical representation of the system , including the silicon components and their interconnection . fig6 shows an example of the system hierarchy view 152 for a bladed system ( chassis ), indicated by reference number 152 ′, and system canvas view 154 for a selected blade , indicated by reference numeral 154 ′. the system hierarchy view 152 ′ ( labeled a “ chassis view ” in the figure ) shows an “ atca chassis ” which includes a chassis management module , a control blade and two data blades . the control blade is implemented with an ia processor and the data blades are implemented with two ixp network processors each . a selected one of the data blade designs ( indicated by reference numeral 180 ) is shown in the system canvas view 154 ′ ( labeled a “ blade view ” in the figure ). in this example , the blade view 154 ′ shows the selected blade design 180 as containing two ixp network processors 182 and their associated memories 184 , an ixf framer 186 , and embedded ia or ixc control plane and application processor 188 , and a switch fabric interface 190 . note that the system level view is not intended to be a complete representation of the hardware design . rather , it is intended to capture the silicon configuration ( e . g . silicon type , types of interface , clock frequencies , allowed configurations , etc ) and system configuration ( e . g . component interconnection ) information relevant to the software architects and development engineers . once the system view has been created , it serves as the launch pad for both component specific actions ( such as launching component specific tools ) and system level actions . the cads 20 thus provides a visualization of the system and a mapping of tools to the system &# 39 ; s sub - components . for instance , a chassis view provides a hierarchical view of each blade in the chassis , and each blade also has a view associated with it ( as was illustrated in fig6 ). when that view is opened , a graphical representation of the blade and its underlying features is displayed . the user can then click on areas of the blade view to launch tools associated with the blade feature . for instance , a blade could have a network connection component and when that component is selected ( e . g ., ‘ double - clicked ’) by the user , a network packet “ sniffer ” would launch and present the network traffic in a window . as described earlier , a typical customer system design includes two or more processor architectures and thus usually two or more distinct tool sets . each of these tool sets typically provides a project view that contains information on the files used in the project , build configurations , etc . the user interface 38 provides a system level project view , thus allowing project files , mapping of files to silicon components , build configurations and other project information to be managed in a single place and provided to the underlying tools . the cads 20 and associated component tools address all development phases , including evaluation , development , simulation , and integration . in the evaluation phase , the cads 20 provides developers with the ability to carry out system level performance analysis across different processor architectures and make design partitioning decisions for the system . there is also a need for cross architecture development tools in the development phase . for example , teams developing data plane code for a network processor may need to develop code for two or more processing architectures ( for example , the ixp network processor requires code development for both the xscale and me portions of the chip ). such development is inherently cross - architecture and thus requires debugging and tuning across the different processing architectures . in the simulation phase components are put together for the first time and tested at a system level . primary tools in this phase are functional or cycle - accurate simulators . the environment in this phase needs to support multi - chip simulation for a full system ‘ end - to - end ’ packet flow analysis . the cads 20 allows the development team to do early integration of the design in software using system level project / configuration views , integrated simulation tools , and cross architecture debug features . by doing early integration , developers can uncover issues early in the design cycle rather than at the end . the execution phase involves debugging , testing and validating both the software and hardware components of the system . during the execution phase , the cads 20 provides a system level view of execution ( i . e ., across multiple chips and / or boards ). it also enables cross - architecture debugging and triggering by connecting individual debuggers via the inter - tool backplane 40 . in the past , the development and release of software for each of the specific processors and components would occur in isolation and the burden of performing system level integration placed completely on the users . thus , developers would find system level software integration in systems that span multiple processors and system components a major challenge . when the customer system design process used separate tool environments for the data plane , management plane , and control plane , the system integration was done only in hardware . this meant that potential problems were identified late in the design cycle ( often leading to significant changes in the original design to fix bugs and optimize performance ). with no tools to debug the interactions between the functional planes , each tool set had to be used in isolation and any cross architecture debugging handled manually . fig7 shows an improved system design process 200 based on using the cads 20 . the process 200 includes a product definition stage 202 and system design stage 204 , followed by software design and integration 206 . the software design and integration 206 is followed by a debug and simulation stage 208 . the debug and simulation stage is followed by a final system integration 210 . the final system integration 210 is still done in hardware as before , but the cads 20 allows early integration and simulation of the software components ( as indicated at 206 ). the cads 20 also provides cross - architecture debugging features to aid in debugging the interactions within and between the data plane , control plane , and management plane ( at 208 ). these optimizations minimize the number of design changes detected late in the design cycle for a minimal feedback path to the earlier software design stage ( as indicated by arrow 212 ). referring to fig8 , an exemplary computer system 300 suitable for use as system 12 as a development / debugger platform and , therefore , for supporting the upper - level application software 16 , including the cads 20 , and any other processes used or invoked by such software , is shown . the upper - level application software 16 may be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in a machine - readable storage device for execution by a computer processor 302 ; and methods of the cads 20 may be performed by the computer processor 302 executing a program to perform functions of the cads 20 by operating on input data and generating output . suitable processors include , by way of example , both general and special purpose microprocessors . generally , the processor 302 will receive instructions and data from a read - only memory ( rom ) 304 and / or a random access memory ( ram ) 306 through a cpu bus 308 . a computer can generally also receive programs and data from a storage medium such as an internal disk 310 operating through a mass storage interface 312 or a removable disk 314 operating through an i / o interface 316 . the flow of data over an i / o bus 318 to and from devices 310 , 314 , ( as well as input device 320 , and output device 322 ) and the processor 302 and memory 306 , 304 is controlled by an i / o controller 324 . user input is obtained through the input device 320 , which can be a keyboard ( as shown ), mouse , stylus , microphone , trackball , touch - sensitive screen , or other input device . these elements will be found in a conventional desktop computer as well as other computers suitable for executing computer programs implementing the methods described here , which may be used in conjunction with output device 322 , which can be any display device ( as shown ), or other raster output device capable of producing color or gray scale pixels on paper , film , display screen , or other output medium . storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions include all forms of non - volatile memory , including by way of example semiconductor memory devices , such as eprom , eeprom , and flash memory devices ; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks 310 and removable disks 314 ; magneto - optical disks ; and cd - rom disks . any of the foregoing may be supplemented by , or incorporated in , specially - designed asics ( application - specific integrated circuits ). typically , the application software 16 and other related processes reside on the internal disk 310 . these processes are executed by the processor 302 in response to a user request to the computer system &# 39 ; s operating system in the lower - level software 18 after being loaded into memory . any files or records produced by these processes may be retrieved from a mass storage device such as the internal disk 310 or other local memory , such as ram 306 or rom 304 . the system 12 ( of fig1 ) is illustrated in a system configuration in which the application software 16 is installed on a single stand - alone or networked computer system for local user access . in an alternative configuration , e . g ., the software or portions of the software may be installed on a file server to which the system 12 is connected by a network , and the user of the system accesses the software over the network . the software instructions may be disposed on an article of manufacture ( e . g ., a non - volatile storage medium ).	6
hereinafter , the technical solutions in embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely with reference to drawings of the embodiments of the present invention . it is apparent that the embodiments to be described are merely a portion of embodiments of the present invention , but not all of the embodiments . based on the embodiments of the present invention , all of other embodiments made by those skilled in the art without inventive effort fall into the protection scope of the present invention . referring to fig1 to 3 , the preferred gate device of the cash inlet / outlet 1 applied in the financial self - service instrument according to the present invention includes an integral welded frame 3 , a door 2 and a power transmission mechanism . the door 2 is of a plate shape . one side of the door 2 is installed to the frame 3 through a first rotation shaft 4 and is rotatable around the first rotation shaft 4 . specifically , a pair of shaft seats 21 is fixed on the back surface of the door 2 , and the first rotation shaft 4 is fixed to the door 2 through the shaft seats 21 . two ends of the first rotation shaft 4 are connected to the frame 3 through a pair of bearings 41 . after being installed , the door 2 may be rotated around the axis of the first rotation shaft 4 , so as to open or close the cash inlet / outlet 1 of the financial self - service instrument . certainly , the power to rotate the door 2 around the axis of the first rotation shaft 4 comes from the power transmission mechanism which is fixed on the frame 3 . the power transmission mechanism includes an electric motor 5 , a driving gear 51 , a driven gear 52 and a pair of one - way folded connecting rod mechanisms 70 . specifically , the electric motor 5 is fixed on the frame 3 , and drives the driving gear 51 to rotate in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction . the driven gear 52 is engaged with the driving gear 51 , and is rotated in a reverse direction as the driving gear 51 rotates . the driven gear 52 is installed on a rotation shaft 6 which is installed on the frame 3 through a pair of bearings 61 . the driven gear 52 is fixedly connected with the rotation shaft 6 . when the driven gear 52 is rotated , the rotation shaft 6 is rotated synchronously . the pair of one - way folded connecting rod mechanisms 70 are connected between the rotation shaft 6 and the door 2 , and located symmetrically at two ends of the rotation shaft 6 . specifically , each of one - way folded connecting rod mechanisms includes a first connecting rod 71 and a second connecting rod 72 . one end of the first connecting rod 71 is connected to the door 2 through a rotation shaft 8 . the rotation shaft 8 is fixed on the back surface of the door 2 through shaft seats 81 . the rotation shaft 8 is disposed to parallel to the first rotation shaft 4 , and located at the other side of the back surface of the door 2 opposite to the rotation shaft 4 . one end of the second connecting rod 72 is hinged with the other end of the first connecting rod 71 through a shaft 73 . specifically , the end of the second connecting rod 72 adjacent to the first connecting rod 71 is formed into two extending sheets 721 . the rotation shaft 73 fixedly passes through the two extending sheets 721 . the first connecting rod 71 is hold between the two extending sheets 721 and is movably provided on the rotation shaft 73 . the other end of the second connecting rod 72 is fixedly connected to the rotation shaft 6 , and is rotated as the rotation shaft 6 rotates . as shown in fig5 , the second connecting rod 72 and the rotation shaft 6 are designed into a rod embracing structure . when assembling , the end of the second connecting rod 72 may clamp the rotation shaft 6 by adjusting a tightening screw 723 . such rod embracing design allows the second connecting rod 72 to be stably and fixedly connected to the rotation shaft 6 and be rotated as the rotation shaft 6 rotates , and may ensure that there is no slip between the second connecting rod 72 and the rotation shaft 6 , thereby ensuring that two second connecting rods 72 of the pair of one - way folded connecting rod mechanisms 70 may be synchronously rotated as the rotation shaft 6 rotates . in this embodiment , when being rotated around the axis of the shaft 6 , the two second connecting rods 72 may be effectively maintained in parallel , that is , they are not twisted . when the electric motor 5 rotates in the counterclockwise direction as shown in fig2 , the driving gear 51 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction , and thus the driven gear 52 is rotated in the clockwise direction . thus , the rotation shaft 6 and the second connecting rod 72 fixedly connected to the rotation shaft 6 are rotated in the clockwise direction . since the second connecting rod 72 is hinged with the first connecting rod 71 through the shaft 73 , the first connecting rod 71 is rotated when the second connecting rod 72 rotates in the clockwise direction . specifically , the end of the first connecting rod 71 hinged with the second connecting rod 72 is raised , and thus the other end thereof connected to the rotation shaft 8 is raised , so as to draw the door 2 to rotate around the axis of the first rotation shaft 4 , thereby opening the cash inlet / outlet 1 of the financial self - service instrument . as shown in fig3 , a schematic view of the gate when being in the completely opened state is shown , at this moment , the first connecting rod 71 and the second connecting rod 72 are approximately in parallel , and the second connecting rod 72 cannot drive the first connecting rod 71 to rotate in the clockwise direction , that is , the first connecting rod 71 and the second connecting rod are in folded state . correspondingly , when the door 2 is to be closed , the electric motor 5 rotates in reverse direction , and drives the driving gear 51 to rotate in the clockwise direction , so that the driven gear 52 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction . thus , the rotation shaft 6 and the second connecting rod 72 are rotated in the counterclockwise direction . the second connecting rod 72 pushes the first connecting rod 71 to move , and the first connecting rod 71 pushes the door 2 to rotate around the axis of the first rotation shaft 4 in the clockwise direction , thereby closing the door 2 . as shown in fig4 , a schematic sectional view of the gate when being in the completely closed state is shown , at this moment , the first connecting rod 71 and the second connecting rod 72 are in an approximate straight state . the end of the first connecting rod 71 adjacent to the shaft 73 has an end surface 711 , and the second connecting rod 72 has an end surface 722 cooperated with the end surface 711 of the first connecting rod 71 . at this moment , as shown in fig4 , the end surface 711 and the end surface 722 butt against with each other , so that the second connecting rod 72 cannot be continuously rotated in the counterclockwise direction , thereby the door 2 being in the closed state . at this moment , if the door is pushed by an external force f , the external force f is transmitted to the second connecting rod 72 through the first connecting rod 71 in a direction of connecting line between the axes of the shaft 8 and the shaft 73 . since the axis of the shaft 73 is positioned below the connecting line between the axis of the shaft 8 and the axis of the shaft 6 , the second connecting rod 72 would only be rotated around the axis of the shaft 6 in the counterclockwise direction , so that the first connecting rod 71 have to swing around the axis of the shaft 8 in the clockwise direction . however , the door has been in the closed state , and the end surface 711 of the end of the first connecting rod 71 adjacent to the shaft 73 and the end surface 722 of the end of the second connecting rod 72 adjacent to the shaft 73 have been butted against with each other , so the second connecting rod 72 cannot be rotated around the axis of the shaft 6 in the counterclockwise direction , and the first connecting rod 71 cannot swing around the axis of the shaft 8 in the clockwise direction , thereby achieving the self - locking state of the connecting rod mechanisms 70 . besides , when the external force f is increased , the interaction force between the end surface 711 of the first connecting rod 71 and the end surface 722 of the second connecting rod 72 is also increased , meanwhile , the shearing force exerted to the shaft 73 is also increased , which may effectively prevent the gate device from being illegally opened by the external force f . as can be known from the above description , in order to prevent the gate device from being illegally opened by an external pushing force , it is necessary to ensure that , when being transmitted through the one - way folded connecting rod mechanism , the external force f cannot generate a component force , at the shaft 73 , which may drive the connecting rod 72 to rotate around the shaft 6 in the clockwise direction . according to the principle of the mechanics transmission , in order to achieve the above object , there is a particular position relationship between the shaft 8 , the connecting rod 71 , the shaft 73 , the connecting rod 72 and the shaft 6 , i . e ., the shaft 73 cannot be positioned above the connecting line a between the axis of the rotation shaft 8 and the axis of the rotation shaft 6 . that is , the axes of the shaft 8 , the shaft 73 and the shaft 6 should be in the same line , or the shaft 73 should be positioned below the connecting line a between the axes of the rotation shaft 8 and the rotation shaft 6 . if a connecting line b is assumed between the axis of the shaft 73 and the axis of the rotation shaft 6 , a separation angle is formed between the connecting line a and the connecting line b . thus , since the end surfaces 711 , 722 abut against with each other , the first connecting rod 71 cannot be rotated around the shaft 73 in the clockwise direction under the external force f , and thus the door 2 cannot be opened because the first connecting rod 71 cannot be rotated in the clockwise direction . if the door 2 is to be opened by rotating the first connecting rod 71 around the shaft 73 in the counterclockwise direction , the weight p of the connecting rod can be overcome only by the power of internal electric motor . that is , the shaft 6 is rotated and drives the second connecting rod 72 to rotate in the clockwise direction , so that the shaft 73 goes across the connecting line a between the shaft 8 and the shaft 6 , and drives the connecting rod 71 to rotate , thereby opening the gate . in the embodiment , the separation angle between the connecting line a and the connecting line b is 5 degree . of cause , the separation angle may be any appropriate degree according to an actual requirement , preferably is in the range of 0 to 10 degree . in addition , in order to further prevent the gate device from being illegally opened , referring to fig6 , a torsion spring 75 is provided on the rotation shaft 8 . one end of the torsion spring 75 is fixed in a location groove 712 formed in an upper side surface of the first connecting rod 71 , and the other end of the torsion spring 75 is fixed to the shaft seat 81 of the rotation shaft 8 . the torsion spring 75 provides a force of rotating the first connecting rod 71 around the rotation shaft 8 in the clockwise direction , so that the first connecting rod 71 and the second connecting rod 72 are kept in the locked state when the door 2 is in the closed state . therefore , the provision of the torsion spring 75 may effectively control the jump of the rotation shaft 73 of the connecting rods 71 and 72 in upward or downward direction caused by the vibrating force from the outer side of the door plate , and prevent self - lock of the one - way folded connecting rod mechanism 70 from failing caused when the jump of the rotation shaft 73 in upward or downward direction goes across the connecting line between the axis of the rotation shaft 74 and the axis of the rotation shaft 6 . in other words , when a person attempts to apply the external force f to rotate the first connecting rod 71 in the counterclockwise direction and open the door 2 , it is also necessary to overcome the torsion force of the torsion spring 75 to raise the shaft 73 such that the first connecting rod 71 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction . therefore , due to the provision of the torsion spring 75 , it becomes more impossible to illegally open the door 2 by attempting to rotate the first connecting rod 71 in the counterclockwise direction under the external force f . therefore , the gate device according to the present invention may be self - locking by the one - way folded connecting rod mechanism , and has a function of preventing the gate device from being violently and illegally opened . besides , the one - way folded connecting rod mechanism has a simplified structure and a low cost . in addition , except for attempts to open the gate by violent force , criminals often take means such as inserting foreign matters or applying liquid glues , so that the gate device works abnormally , in order to obtain an opportunity to destroy the gate device to steal the cash in the financial self - service instrument . in order to prevent the gate device from being inserted foreign matters and filled liquid glues by criminals , referring to fig7 and 8 , another preferred embodiment is also provided in the present invention . as shown in fig7 , the difference between this embodiment and the embodiment shown in fig4 lies in that , a plurality of pom plastic sphere convex dots 9 are provided at peripheral edges of the front surface of the door 2 , wherein the front surface of the door 2 is engagable with a cash inlet / outlet of the financial self - service instrument , and the peripheral edges of the door 2 are engagable with the peripheral edges of the cash inlet / outlet . the pom plastic sphere convex dots 9 are arranged and fixed at the peripheral edges of the door plate equidistantly . when the door 2 is in the closed state , the pom plastic anti - sticking sphere convex dots 9 are in contact with the panel of the financial self - service instrument , and a flow guiding gap is formed between the door 2 and the panel , foreign matters which are larger than the distance between the pom plastic sphere convex dots 9 and the flow guiding gap between the door and the panel cannot be inserted . in addition , since commonly used liquid glues such as 502 and aa do not stick pom plastic and the pom plastic sphere convex dots are in contact with the panel of the financial self - service instrument , the contact area between the door 2 and the panel of the financial self - service instrument may be greatly reduced . thus , referring to fig8 , when the liquid flows into the financial self - service instrument through the gap between the panel of the financial self - service instrument and the door 2 , the liquid may flow through the space between the pom plastic sphere convex dots and the flow guiding gap between the door and the panel , and then flow out via a flow guiding inclined surface 31 ( so do the dust and the water ). since remnant glue on the contact surface between the pom plastic anti - sticking sphere convex dots and the panel of the financial self - service instrument doesn &# 39 ; t stick the pom plastic , the door may be opened by a torque of the door opening electric motor which is slight larger than the normal torque . therefore , the provision of the pom plastic sphere convex dots may effectively both prevent foreign matters or liquid from filling into the financial self - service instrument through the gate device by criminals , and prevent the gate device from being damaged with the liquid glues available in the market by criminals , and thus perform a safeguard function . while the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above , it is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention . therefore , various equivalent variations made by those skilled in the art based on the contents described in the description and illustrated in drawings of the present invention are deemed to fall into the protection scope of the present invention .	8
referring first to fig1 - 3 , a laser pump head 10 includes a housing 11 which comprises separable portions 13 and 14 , with portion 14 including a pair of sections 14a and 14b . liquid coolant flow channels 16 , 19 and 20 respectively extend through housing portion 13 and sections 14a and 14b . the housing portions have internal reflective surfaces 24 and 26 , respectively , which form a laser pumping cavity or chamber 15 . cavity 15 may have any configuration suitable for laser operation , for example , surface 24 has an elliptical shape and lower surface 26 a generally square shape . pumping chamber 15 and its housing are constructed of any material that can both provide a cavity structure for a laser and act as a heat sink , such as of a metal of good thermal conductivity , e . g ., aluminum . mounted within the lower portion of chamber 15 is a desired lasing structure including a laser rod 18 . the rod may comprise laser crystal materials such as ruby , or nd : yag or a dye container . a flashlamp 12 is disposed in lateral proximity to laser rod 18 so that the rod may be pumped to a lasing state . the mounting for laser rod 18 within chamber 15 includes a light transparent , heat conductive support 22 , e . g ., of sapphire , which extends along the length of the rod . a cushion of flexible , heat conductive material 21 is positioned between the outside surface of rod 18 and the inner surface of support 22 , and extends along the entire length of rod 18 . as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter , laser rod 18 is open at its ends and material 21 is extrudable but has an elastic memory to allow it to move outwardly from and to be drawn back into support 22 at the ends of rod 18 during periods of differential thermal expansion and contraction between rod 18 and support 22 . the heat created by flashlamp 12 is removed from its immediate surrounding area by a packed powder 27 positioned between flashlamp 10 and the surface 24 . packed powder 27 may comprise any suitable material , such as baso 4 , alumina , beryllia or a ceramic . the packed powder has several characteristics . it has sufficiently high thermal conductivity to allow the heat developed by the flashlamp to be conducted from it to surface 24 and to a heat sink . it may also have properties of high diffuse reflectivity and ability to withstand ultraviolet light . it must also withstand the high temperatures created by the flashlamp . the particular details of using such a powdered material to cool flashlamp 12 is disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 096 , 450 the details of which are incorporated herein . coolant flow channels 16 , 19 and 20 act as heat exchangers to remove heat from the housing ; however ; other varieties of heat exchangers may be utilized . an important aspect of the present invention is in the use of flexible , transparent material 21 which envelopes rod 18 along its entire length . the general characteristics of material 21 which make it particularly useful for laser rod cooling applications are ( 1 ) it provides a flexible or soft cushioned coupling between rod 18 and heat conductive support 22 , ( 2 ) it transmits light from lamp 12 to rod 18 , and ( 3 ) it conducts heat away from the rod . preferably , flexible material 21 comprises a semi - liquid gel type material , either a silicone , water or carbon gel . a silicone gel , resulting from mixing additives manufactured by dow corning corporation , identified as dow corning 3 - 6527a and b , has been successfully utilized . the specific characteristics of the silicone gel , and other gel materials , which make it particurlarly useful in the present invention are that , when the two components are mixed , the product cures to form a cushioning , resilient gel - like mass . such a gel is deformable , but has elastic memory characteristics , which permit it to act as a recoverable extrudate . the cured gel retains much of the stress relief characteristics of a liquid , i . e ., it provides protection against mechanical stress caused by differential thermal expansion and contraction when used as an interface component , yet retains the dimensional stability and nonflow characteristics of a solid elastomer . additionally , it forms a permanent adhesive bond with its contacting surfaces . specifically , the gel is positioned within a small gap formed between rod 18 and transparent heat conductive support 22 . its expansion characteristic causes it to expand faster than rod 18 or heat conductor 22 ; however , any stresses which might otherwise arise due to differential expansion or contraction of rod 18 , support 22 and gel 21 are transmitted to the gel which is extruded out or drawn into the gap between rod 18 and its support at their open ends . thus , the rod is not stressed . only a minimal thickness of material 21 around rod 18 is needed , typically in the range from about 0 . 002 inches ( 0 . 05 mm ) to about 0 . 005 inches ( 0 . 13 mm ). although the gel , in general , is a poor thermal conductor , its potentially insulative characteristics are avoided because the relatively small thickness of gel required results in only relatively small thermal gradients and , therefore , does not significantly impede the necessary heat transfer . sapphire is preferable as the material for support 22 since it is relatively inexpensive and has a high heat transfer coefficient . alternate materials include glass , single crystal beryllium oxide , yag and garnet . obviously , the material selected should be transparent to the light emitted by lamp 10 . the method of forming the laser rod cooling assembly ( not shown ) comprising the rod 18 , flexible material 21 and heat conductor 22 , is to fill the hole of conductor 22 with the mixed additive components and to then insert rod 18 . spacing between 18 and 22 is maintained with shims . after the liquid becomes a gel , the shims are removed and the assembly is placed in housing portion 14 . mechanical pressure then holds thermally conductive support 22 and rod 18 in place within housing 14 . support 22 is thermally connected to housing 14 . which acts as a heat sink . it is made , for example , of aluminum , and the gold plating on the inner surfaces couples the pump light into rod 18 . the aluminum heat sink portions 12 , 14a and 14b are respectively cooled by coolant channels 16 , 19 and 20 . for the sake of manufacturing convenience , support 22 is non - elliptical in shape , i . e ., it has three flat surfaces and a single curved surface , although the overall shape could be varied . since the gold layer reflects specularly , it is necessary that additional steps be taken so that the light from lamp 12 is efficiently directed to rod 18 through support 22 . it has been determined that , if the surface of material 22 ( sapphire , for example ) is ground instead of polished , a diffuse surface is created which will cause more of the lamp light ultimately to strike rod 18 and increase the efficiency of the laser rod performance . it has also been determined that , due to the relative matching of index of refraction between gel material 21 and the surface of rod 18 , the normally diffuse surface of rod 18 would cause the perimeter of the rod to be loaded by the lamp light to a greater extent than the rod interior , thus causing the output laser beam to be divergent to an extent greater than desired . since a highly collimated light output beam , which is generally required by laser users , requires more intense light at the center of rod 18 , the surface of the rod is preferably polished in order to direct a greater portion of the light towards its center . it should be noted that the laser output beam can be manipulated by transmission through a telescope , for example , to provide a user with a desired beam divergence without being concerned with the finish characteristics of the rod surface . the concept described hereinabove provides a means and method for uniformly cooling a laser rod with minimal thermal and consequential mechanical stress , so that the rod can produce an output beam with minimal optical distortion . a cut 42 may be made in aluminum heat sink 14 to allow for good mechanical contact between support 22 and heat sink 14 by spring loading 14a and 14b . this provides good thermal contact . further , in the case of a nd : yag + 3 laser rod , a samarium glass filter 44 ( see fig3 ) is inserted into cavity 15 to prevent depletion of the stored energy in rod 18 and to maximize the amount of laser light transmitted from the ends of laser rod 18 . fig4 illustrates an alternate configuration wherein the one - piece thermally conductive support of fig1 - 3 is segmented into a four - piece support 22 &# 39 ; to facilitate assembly of rod 18 therewith and to permit a less resilient material than gel 21 to be used . here , a spongy optical material 21 &# 39 ;; such as dow corning 93 - 500 silicone rubber , is utilized as the flexible thermal material , which is placed not only about rod 18 but also in gaps or separations 54 between segments of support 22 &# 39 ;. since laser rod 18 expands about the same as thermally conductive support 22 &# 39 ; while flexible material 21 &# 39 ; expands about ten times as fast , but is not capable of expanding at the ends of the laser rod to the degree necessary , separations 54 are required in support 22 &# 39 ; to accommodate for expansion of rubber 21 &# 39 ;. although this embodiment also minimizes the thermal and mechanical stresses on laser rod 18 during laser operation , the segmentation of support 22 &# 39 ; makes the laser structure of fig4 more complex and expensive to fabricate . if desired , a gap may be included in the embodiments of fig3 and 4 between the lower portion of thermally conductive support 22 or 22 &# 39 ; and the adjacent inner surface of heat sink 14 to enable the upper portion of support 22 or 22 &# 39 ; cool as rapidly as the lower portion . referring now to the embodiment illustrated in fig5 a housing 111 includes portions 113 and 114 which are surrounded by a heat exchanger 116 . like fig1 - 3 , housing portion 114 comprises sections or segments 114a and 114b , and both portions 113 and 114 have elliptically - shaped inner surfaces 126 and 128 . a support 122 , of a material which is transparent to light from a flashlamp 112 and thermally conductive , has an outer surface for close fit of the support therein . laser rod 118 is supported within support 122 by a flexible material 121 . in this embodiment , material 121 comprises a commercially available silicone rubber which is in thermal contact with rod 118 and support 122 . an additional layer of material 121 may be interposed between lamp 112 and rod 118 . support 122 is thermally coupled at its surfaces 126 to housing portions 113 and 114 by flexible material 130 , which comprises an epoxy mixed with a reflective powder such as baso 4 , mgo , etc . and has the properties of a heat conductor , and a light reflector . the embodiment shown in fig5 accommodates differential expansion of the laser rod assembly to inhibit stressing of laser rod 118 in three ways , viz ., by incorporation of flexible material 130 , by provision of segments 122a in support 122 and by use of segments 114a and b in housing portion 114 . although the degree of expansion provided is maximized by utilizing all three features , the use of segments 122a or 114a and b alone is sufficient to provide good results . when rod 118 is of nd + 3 yag , a filter 136 , preferably of samarium glass , is positioned between flashlamp 112 and rod 118 , with sm 2 o 3 powder being added to material 130 to suppress the 1 . 06 micrometer wavelength generated by the laser along the laser sides . material 130 thus provides two functions , to wit , its flexibility provides an additional technique for minimizing the stress on the laser rod , as previously described , and its reflectivity characteristics increase the pumping efficiency of lamp 112 . if support 122 completely envelopes laser rod 118 with a substantially equal thickness , such as in the embodiments shown in fig3 and 4 , uniform and circular isotherms are formed within the rod , indicating that the rod behaves like a high quality lens . fig6 illustrates another embodiment of the invention wherein a support 222 envelopes a rod 218 which in turn is surrounded by a housing 214 . a layer of flexible transparent material 221 , such as silicone rubber , is used as the cushioned coupling between rod 218 and support 222 . a layer 230 of copper wool is interposed between support 222 and housing 214 . the embodiment shown in fig6 does not require any segments in housing 214 since support 222 comprises four segments and since copper wool designated by indicium 230 is placed between support 222 and housing 214 . copper wool 230 conducts heat from support 222 to housing 214 while allowing for differential thermal expansion . a layer of silver 240 , formed with a protective aluminum overcoating of paint , is applied on the outer surface of support 222 to increase the pump efficiency by reflecting energy from the pump source to rod 218 . housing 214 may be cooled by an external heat exchanger of the type shown in fig3 or 5 . a sm glass filter 236 , to suppress unwanted side radiation by laser rod 218 , is provided as shown , if required . a laser rod cooling embodiment which requires significantly smaller amounts of support material is shown in fig7 . in this embodiment , a support 322 is placed only on that side of a rod 318 facing the pump source . a layer 321 of silicone gel ( silicone type rubber can also be utilized if segments are provided in support 322 is placed on one half of rod 318 , the other half being directly thermally coupled to housing 314 by flexible material 330 . the isotherms here will not be circular and the laser rod 318 will not function optically as well as in the other embodiments , but will be sufficiently useful for many applications since less support material 322 is used which , in the case of sapphire and beryllium oxide , results in a significant cost reduction . because there is only one layer of flexible material 321 on one half of rod 318 overall , heat removal will be better than the embodiment shown in fig6 where there are two gaps between laser rod 218 and housing 214 . laser rod 318 will thus remain somewhat cooler than in the other embodiments and is , therefore , useful at high pumping levels . the determination , of which reflective method is to be used , depends on the gain cross - section desired in the laser rod . the specular reflection method described in fig6 in addition to its reflection capability , allows for heat removal with the capability of further reducing laser rod stress using copper wool and thus is the preferred reflection material . the present invention thus provides a technique for cooling the laser rod which significantly improves upon the prior art devices . by providing a flexible , thermally conductive cushion between the rod and the rigidly mounted support , the relatively poor optical beam characteristics caused by the thermal and mechanical stresses in the prior art devices are avoided . further , the expansion characteristics of the laser rod and the support do not have to be matched to the thermal characteristics of the flexible cushion . further , the flexible cushion is arranged to surround the rod along its entire length , thus avoiding optical aberrations which can be produced by nonuniform rod cooling . an arrangement , in accordance with the principles of the present invention , has been successfully tested in the laboratory using nd : yag as the laser material , dow corning 3 - 6527a and b additives as the flexible cushion and sapphire as the intermediate support . lasers using the conductively cooled flashlamp and rod assembly have been successfully operated at 250 watts input ( 8 . 2 joules at 30 hz ) continuously for approximately 100 hours . conductively cooled flashlamp and rod assemblies have been tested for over 1 million shots at 12 . 4 joule / shot and at 13 pulses / sec with no detrimental effects , the output laser beam having minimal birefringence or optical distortion . while the invention has been described with reference to its preferred embodiments , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true spirit of the scope of the invention . in addition , many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teaching of the invention without departing from its essential teachings .	7
referring to fig2 there is shown a portable radiotelephone comprising a telephone handset 30 and a headset 40 . the telephone handset 30 is a handportable cellular phone powered by a removable rechargeable battery pack 27 . the handset 30 includes an antenna 34 coupled to a transceiver unit , a microphone 32 , a speaker 31 , and all the other features conventionally found in a cellular phone . referring also to fig3 a microprocessor 100 is employed to control all the basic functions of the handset and to control the keypad , display and headset functions . alternatively , however , the telephone functions may be controlled by a master microcomputer , while the keypad , display and headset functions are under the control of separate slave microcomputers coupled to communicate with the master microcomputer . the user - interface of handset 30 comprises a display , e . g . a liquid crystal display 29 , itself well - known in the art and a keypad 28 on the front of the handset 30 . the display is coupled to and regulated by the microprocessor 100 in the usual manner . the keypad 28 essentially comprises two main sets of keys , namely alpha - numeric keys 28 a associated with alpha - numeric data especially for dialling telephone numbers , but also for entering alphanumeric data into the telephone memories ; and a set of function keys 28 b for enabling various predetermined functions or operations . the keys 28 a are arranged in four rows of three keys each . as is conventional for the numeric key layout of a telephone , the top row comprises keys for numbers 1 , 2 and 3 respectively , the second row down for numbers 4 , 5 and 6 respectively , the next row down for numbers 7 , 8 and 9 respectively , and the bottom row for *, 0 and # respectively . some or all of these keys may also be associated with alphabet information , as again is quite conventional . the alphabetic rather than numeric data is selected for example by preceding the alphanumeric keystrokes with another predetermined keystroke such as the “ abc ” function key . as is usual in cellular telephones , the keys 28 b include a “ send ” and “ end ” key for respectively initiating and terminating a telephone call . another key , specifically located in the top left - hand corner is an “ on / off ” key for turning the telephone on and off . another of the function keys may be a menu or function key labelled , for example , “ menu ” or “ function ” or with a suitable abbreviation thereof . depression of this key enables a variety of pre - set menus , the related instructions of which are stored in memory , to be viewed on display 29 and selectively enabled . the various menus may be selected by depressing the appropriate alphanumeric keys after depressing the “ menu ” or “ function ” key . the relevant menu is shown to the user in words or abbreviations on the display panel 29 . for example , the user may be able to select the ringing tone by appropriate menu selection . more sophisticated options may also be available via the menu facility . for example , the user may be able to enable the so - called automatic redial mode which repeats a call attempt if a telephone number is busy or there is no answer . in accordance with the present invention special menu facilities are provided to permit manual selection of various headset modes . any predetermined sequence of keystrokes may be employed to select the respective menus which may display legends such as “ headset dialling ” or “ headset number generation ” on the display panel 5 . the headset 40 shown in fig2 includes two earpieces 20 , and a microphone 21 positioned at the end of a boom . a lead 22 joins the earpieces 20 and the microphone 21 to a connector 24 . located part way along the lead is a push button switch 33 which is conveniently positioned for activation by a user &# 39 ; s thumb or finger . the connector 24 plugs into a headset jack on the telephone handset 30 which in turn is electrically coupled via a suitable headset interface 200 to the microprocessor 100 . the lead 22 provides electrical coupling between the connector 24 and the earpieces 20 , the microphone 21 , and the switch 33 of the headset 40 . consequently , when the headset 40 is plugged into the handset 30 the earpieces 20 , the microphone 21 , and the switch 33 become electrically coupled to microprocessor 100 . the headset 40 may be unplugged from the handset 30 when not required . to assist a user in recalling telephone numbers for subsequent dialling , the handset 30 contains a non - volatile memory such as an eeprom memory 300 coupled to the microprocessor enabling a user to store in the radiotelephone 30 information relating to those telephone numbers . the eeprom stores the information in a database format with each record containing information relating to a particular telephone number . other forms of non - volatile memory , for example flash memory or battery backed - up ram , could be used instead of the eeprom . fig9 is a table showing four records or memory locations in the eeprom memory of the handset . each memory location contains a voice tag , a name , and a telephone number . the voice tag is recorded as a sound waveform which is typically a sample of the user &# 39 ; s voice received by the microphone 32 . this waveform may be replayed by a speaker of the radiotelephone . the name and telephone number may be entered into the eeprom memory by a user via the alphanumeric keys 28 a of the keypad 28 as is conventional . the radiotelephone provides a feature whereby a user may generate using the headset the voice tags , names , and / or telephone numbers for subsequent storage in the eeprom . this feature may be selected from the menus of the radiotelephone by the user operating the keypad 28 in the usual way . following selection of this feature the user presses the button 33 on the headset and may be prompted by a sound or voice in the earpiece 20 to speak the voice tag into the microphone 31 of the headset . the voice input is received by the microprocessor via the headset interface 200 and is recorded as a voice tag in the next available memory location of the eeprom . the button 33 on the headset is then used to confirm the voice tag input . next the user enters the name and the telephone number into the microphone 31 in a similar way to complete the entry in the memory location . the microprocessor is conditioned with a speech recognition algorithm for deciphering the name and telephone number from the name and telephone number voice waveforms entered into the microphone 31 . after completing an entry into the eeprom via the headset , the radiotelephone may optionally replay the entry to the user automatically via the earpiece 20 using a voice synthesiser . further entries may also be input into the eeprom . the radiotelephone also provides a feature whereby a user may generate a telephone number and subsequently dial the telephone number using the headset . with this feature selected in the handset , the user presses the button 33 on the headset and may be prompted via a sound or voice in the earpiece to speak the telephone number which the user wishes to dial . the user &# 39 ; s voice input is then received by the microphone 21 and is processed using the microprocessor , suitably conditioned with a speech recognition algorithm , to generate the telephone number in the radiotelephone . the telephone number generated by the speech recognition may be replayed to the user via the earpiece using a voice synthesiser . a long press of the button on the headset by the user is then used to initiate dialling of the generated telephone number . a radiotelephone may provide various methods for a user to select and then dial telephone numbers stored in the radiotelephone . preferred methods for selecting a telephone number are shown in the flowcharts of fig4 to 7 . these methods generally depend on voice tags and telephone numbers being previously stored in the memory of the radio telephone . the preferred method for dialling selected telephone numbers is shown in the flowchart of fig8 . each of the selection flowcharts of fig4 to 7 proceed to the dialling flowchart of fig8 ( see label a ). referring to the selection flowchart in fig4 the first step 41 requires the microprocessor to detect whether the button on the headset has been pressed . this first step is common to all the flowcharts of fig4 to 7 . in step 42 the user speaks into the microphone 21 the voice tag associated with the telephone number the user wishes to dial . in step 43 the microprocessor compares the waveform input by the user with all the voice tag waveforms stored in the eeprom and selects the voice tag with the best waveform match . the telephone number stored in the same memory location as the best matching voice tag is then recalled from the eeprom . the preferred method for comparing waveforms input by the user and the waveforms stored in the eeprom involves identifying or extracting unique characteristics associated with the waveforms . comparison of these unique characteristics is then performed to determine the waveforms with the best match . the unique characteristics are chosen so that they are substantially independent of the amplitude and length of the waveforms , enabling consistent matching of waveforms even when , for example , a user speaks a name quietly or slowly . in speech recognition the same unique characteristics of the input waveforms may be extracted to determine what words were spoken . referring now to the selection flowchart in fig5 steps 51 and 52 are equivalent to steps 41 and 42 in the flowchart of fig4 . in step 53 the microprocessor compares the waveform input by the user with all the voice tag waveforms stored in the eeprom and selects the voice tag with the best waveform match . the voice tag with the best match is then output through the earpiece 20 of the headset . the user now has three options represented by the steps 54 and 55 . the first option for the user is not press the button on the headset whereby the selection is timed out , see step 56 . the second option for the user is a short press of the button on the headset . this invokes step 57 whereby the microprocessor compares the waveform input by the user with all the voice tag waveforms stored in the eeprom and selects the voice tag with the next best waveform match . the voice tag with the next best match is then output through the earpiece 20 of the headset and the user once again has three options represented by the steps 54 and 55 . the third option for the user is a long press of the button on the headset whereby step 58 is performed , i . e . the telephone number stored in the same memory location as the last voice tag output is recalled from the eeprom . referring now to the selection flowchart in fig6 step 61 is equivalent to steps 41 in the flowchart of fig4 . in step 62 the microprocessor retrieves the voice tag stored in the first memory location in the eeprom and outputs the first voice tag through the earpiece of the headset . the user now has three options represented by the steps 64 and 65 . these options are equivalent to the user options represented by the steps 54 and 55 in the selection flowchart of fig5 . however , when the user selects the second option , i . e . a short press of the button on the headset , step 67 is invoked whereby the microprocessor retrieves the voice tag stored in the next memory location in the eeprom and outputs this voice tag through the earpiece of the headset . then the user once again has three options represented by the steps 64 and 65 . thus a user may scroll sequentially through the voice tags until the desired one is output through the earpiece . when the desired voice tag is output the telephone number stored in the same memory location as the last voice tag output may be recalled from the eeprom by a long press of the button . referring now to the selection flowchart in fig7 steps 71 and 72 are equivalent to steps 61 and 62 in the flowchart of fig6 . in step 73 the user may choose to accept the last voice tag output by the earpiece 20 by pressing the button within an allotted period of time , for example two seconds . if the user does not choose to accept the last voice tag by pressing the button then the flowchart proceeds to step 74 whereby the microprocessor retrieves the voice tag stored in the next memory location in the eeprom and outputs this voice tag through the earpiece of the headset . the process then returns to step 73 at which point the user may choose to accept the last voice tag output as before by pressing the button . thus the voice tags stored in the eeprom are scrolled automatically and sequentially by the microprocessor until the desired one is accepted by the user . when the user accepts a voice tag the telephone number stored in the same memory location as the voice tag is recalled from the eeprom by the microprocessor , see step 75 . optionally , the user may press the button for a long period in order to cancel the automatic scrolling of the voice tags . in the selection flowcharts previously described a telephone number is typically recalled from the eeprom . once this has been achieved the telephone number may be dialled automatically by the radio telephone as shown by step 81 in the flowchart of fig8 . steps 82 and 83 show how a user may end the call by pressing the button on the headset . the present invention includes any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or any generalisation thereof irrespective of whether or not it relates to the claimed invention or mitigates any or all of the problems addressed . in view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention .	7
as regards basic design features , the shifting - force assistance devices according to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing correspond to the prior art in de 102011015713 a1 . in particular , the exemplary embodiments of the shifting - force assistance device illustrated here are also provided respectively with three primary functional units , albeit not necessarily shown in the drawing , namely a housing structure , an input unit e and an output unit a surrounding it , wherein input unit e and output unit a are displaceable along axis 1 relative to one another and relative to the housing structure . the housing structure and output unit a ( with working piston k ) are designed substantially as can be inferred from de 102011015713 a1 , to which reference is made in this respect . in each of the illustrated exemplary embodiments , two piston structures 3 , 4 are coupled with control rod 2 of the input unit so as to move therewith . each of the two piston structures 3 , 4 comprises an actual valve piston 5 or 6 , which is guided sealingly and displaceably to define an associated prechamber 7 in a cylindrical bore b of output unit a . each of the two prechambers 7 is in communication via a duct 8 with an associated pneumatic working chamber 9 , 10 . the two piston structures 3 , 4 form a functional component of a valve arrangement 11 , which is provided functionally between control rod 2 and output unit a and fluidically between a compressed - air inlet disposed on the housing structure and the two pneumatic working chambers 9 , 10 , and which exerts pneumatic sequential regulation from output unit a to input unit , i . e . control rod 2 , by corresponding pressurization of the two pneumatic working chambers 9 , 10 with compressed air . in detail , this valve arrangement 11 is constructed as set forth in the following : as illustrated in fig1 , two structure elements 13 , 14 are received in output unit a , at a predetermined spacing defined and maintained by a spacer sleeve 12 , so as to move therewith . such movement therewith is assured on the one hand by means of a shoulder 15 and on the other hand by means of a locking ring 16 . two valve slides 17 , 18 , both guided displaceably on control rod 2 and sealed relative to one another , are received in the space between the two structure elements 13 , 14 . for the purpose of sealing , an elastomeric sealing element 19 , which has a radial annular sealing edge 20 , which slides sealingly on a cylindrical sealing face 21 of the other valve slide 18 , is joined to the one valve slide 17 . furthermore , both valve slides 17 , 18 are respectively provided at their ends with an elastomeric sealing face 22 or 23 respectively , also of elastomer , which cooperates via sealing edge 24 of a valve seat 25 or 26 constructed on the respective associated structure element 13 or 14 . by means of a compression spring arrangement 27 disposed between the two valve slides 17 , 18 , the two valve slides 17 , 18 are biased against the respective associated valve seat 25 or 26 . each of the two piston structures 3 and 4 fixed between an o - ring 28 and a locking ring 29 on control rod 2 comprises not only the actual valve piston 5 or 6 sliding sealingly on output unit a and provided with o - ring 30 but also a cylindrical extension 33 . at each end face thereof , an annular sealing edge 34 is formed ( on a projection ) that can cooperate respectively with the associated valve slide 17 or 18 , in order to lift this from the valve seat 25 or 26 in question and at the same time to seal the piston structure and valve slide relative to another . for this purpose annular sealing edge 34 is disposed radially inside the associated valve seat 25 or 26 , opposite elastomeric sealing face 22 or 23 of the valve slide 17 or 18 in question . in the neutral position (“ zero position ”) illustrated in the drawing , however , the two annular sealing edges 34 respectively maintain a predetermined spacing from valve slides 17 or 18 , so that an annular gap , which communicates with a vent disposed at the end face on the housing structure via an exhaust - air passage comprising an individual radial bore 37 and a common axial bore 38 in control rod 2 , respectively exists between the sealing edge 34 in question and the associated valve slide 17 or 18 . furthermore , two throttle passages 39 disposed in equally spaced manner around the axis are formed respectively on the two piston structures 3 or 4 , namely on the cylindrical extensions 33 thereof . these throttle passages 39 are respectively formed by a groove 40 made in the respective extension 33 of piston structure 3 or 4 , the radial depth of which varies in axial direction of control rod 2 , namely increases in the direction of the respective valve piston 5 and 6 . throttle passages 39 cooperate respectively with an annular throttle seal 41 , which is fixed on output unit a so as to move therewith , namely in an annular groove of an annular projection 42 formed on the respective associated structure element 13 , 14 . in the neutral position illustrated in fig1 , an annular gap exists between throttle seal 41 and associated extension 33 of piston structure 3 or 4 in question ; the annular gap is a component of the respective vent passage from pneumatic working chamber 9 or 10 in question via associated duct 8 , prechamber 7 , the annular gap between sealing edge 34 of piston structure 3 or 4 and valve slide 17 or 18 , respective individual bore 17 and common bore 38 . however , if the control rod is displaced from the neutral position , one of the piston - structure sealing edges 34 — depending on the direction of movement of piston rod 2 — comes into sealing contact on the associated valve slide 17 or 18 , and at the same time the associated piston - structure 33 enters throttle seal 41 or comes to bear on it . with further continued displacement of control rod 2 , piston structure 3 or 4 lifts the associated valve slide 17 or 18 from the respective valve seat 25 or 26 , and at the same time throttle passage 39 is opened , wherein the size of the effective flow cross section of throttle passage 39 depends on how far control rod 2 is displaced relative to the output unit . the pneumatic working chamber 9 or 10 in question is pressurized from compressed - air chamber 43 and in fact — depending on the position of control rod 2 relative to output unit a — is throttled more or less strongly . in contrast , on the opposite side of valve unit 11 , the vent passage described hereinabove is opened and the pneumatic working chamber 9 or 10 in question is depressurized . the second exemplary embodiment illustrated in fig2 differs from that according to fig1 as follows : throttle seal 41 here is in constant contact against extension 33 of the associated piston structure 3 or 4 ; it bears constantly , i . e . even in the neutral position , on cylindrical — with the exception of groove 40 — surface 44 of the respective extension 33 . in contrast , the vent passages for pneumatic working chambers 9 , 10 respectively comprise a separate vent bore 45 , which passes through annular projection 42 of the structure element 13 or 14 in question and communicates constantly with the associated duct 8 . vent bore 45 associated with pneumatic working chamber 10 as shown in fig2 is closed by sealing element 46 disposed on piston structure 4 when piston rod 2 together with piston structure 4 fixed thereon is moved so far left that sealing edge 34 of piston structure 4 is sealed against valve slide 18 and begins to lift this from valve seat 26 , and at the same time throttle seal 41 begins to open throttle passage 39 . via several compressed - air passages 47 extending continuously underneath sealing element 46 , i . e . between this and piston structure 4 , compressed air from compressed - air chamber 43 reaches throttle passage 39 and from there reaches duct 8 . a corresponding sequence takes place for the second functional side of valve unit 11 during displacement of control rod 2 in the opposite direction . otherwise the structure and function of the exemplary embodiments according to fig2 are evident from fig1 and the foregoing explanations of the first exemplary embodiment shown therein . fig3 and 5 illustrate — respectively in the scope of the relevant details — exemplary embodiments in which throttle passages 39 , in contrast to those in the exemplary embodiments according to fig1 and 2 , are disposed not on piston structures 3 and 4 but instead on valve slides 17 and 18 . according to fig3 , valve slide 18 ( associated with pneumatic working chamber 10 ) is provided for this purpose with — projecting toward piston structure 4 — an annular extension 48 . two grooves 40 defining throttle passages 39 are made therein . the radial depth of these grooves 40 becomes larger along their axial extent toward piston structure 4 . as in the exemplary embodiments described hereinabove , sealing edge 34 of piston structure 4 — during a corresponding displacement of control rod 2 toward the left — bears on valve slide 18 ( in this case at its end on its extension 48 ) and lifts valve slide 18 from the associated valve seat 26 upon continued movement . compressed air passes from compressed - air chamber 43 through the annular gap between valve slide 18 and valve seat 26 , throttle passage 39 and duct 8 into pneumatic working chamber 10 . valve seat 26 is formed ( see also the detail drawing according to fig4 ) on a structure element 14 , which is mounted on output unit a so as to move therewith and which also receives throttle seal 41 cooperating with groove 40 . the effective cross - sectional area of throttle passage 39 available for the through flow of compressed air depends on the position of valve slide 18 relative to output unit a , which in turn depends on the position of control rod 2 relative to output unit a . otherwise the structure and function of the exemplary embodiments according to fig3 and 4 are evident from fig1 and 2 as well as the foregoing explanations of the first and second exemplary embodiment shown therein . the exemplary embodiment illustrated in fig5 corresponds largely to that according to fig3 and 4 . the main difference lies in the fact that throttle seal 41 here additionally assumes the function of valve seat 26 of the exemplary embodiments explained hereinabove . thus , in the neutral position of the shifting - force assistance device , throttle seal 41 seals valve slide 18 relative to the output unit , by the fact that it bears with its end face on shoulder 49 of valve slide 18 . fig6 schematically shows a constructive implementation of the present invention that differs from the exemplary embodiments explained in the foregoing to the extent that in this case the at least one throttle passage 39 ′ is disposed not on piston structure 4 ′ or on valve slide 18 ′ but instead on structure element 14 ′ ( which is fixed in output unit a ′ so as to move therewith ). for this purpose , it has an annular extension 40 ′ projecting toward piston structure 4 ′ and partly surrounding it . the radial depth of the throttle passage increases toward valve slide 18 ′. throttle seal 41 ′ is mounted in an annular groove on piston structure 4 ′. in the neutral position of the shifting - force assistance device illustrated in fig6 , it is lifted slightly from extension 40 ′ of structure element 14 ′ to form an annular vent passage . if piston rod 2 ′ ( with piston structure 4 ′) is displaced toward the left , sealing edge 34 ′ of piston structure 4 ′ comes into sealing contact against valve slide 18 ′. at the same time , throttle seal 41 ′ reaches the outer circumference of extension 40 ′ of structure element 14 ′ and closes the vent passage . the further function of the embodiment according to fig6 , such as in particular the throttling ( which depends on the position of control rod 2 ′ relative to output unit a ′) of the pressurization of pneumatic working chamber 10 ′ through throttle passage 19 ′, is immediately obvious from the foregoing explanations of the exemplary embodiments according to fig1 to 5 . the advantages compared with the prior art , achievable with the embodiment according to fig6 , correspond substantially to those expounded hereinabove with regard to the implementation of the present device with a throttle seal fixed on the output unit so as to move therewith . fig7 shows a longitudinal section through a segment , larger than that reproduced in fig1 , of a pneumatic shifting - force assistance device corresponding largely in technical and functional capability to that shown in fig1 . to that extent , reference is made to the explanations for fig1 as regards technical details not otherwise presented in the following explanations . what is visible in fig7 is housing g , which consists substantially of three main components , namely a tubular middle part r , a cover d and a bottom b . cover d and bottom b are joined tightly to tubular middle part r . a sleeve - like extension 50 , which projects into tubular middle part r and is sealed relative to output unit a ( seal 51 ), is provided on cover d . furthermore , the vent is provided on the cover ( see air outlet la ). in contrast , compressed - air inlet de is disposed on tubular middle part r , in which piston k is sealingly guided . furthermore , the possibility — described in detail hereinabove — that several throttle passages 39 provided on the same component ( in this case valve piston 5 ) may have a different geometry and be disposed axially offset from one another is illustrated in fig7 .	5
fig1 schematically illustrates a toothbrush 1 having a handle 10 , a head 12 , and a neck portion 11 connecting the handle 10 and head 12 . the head contains tooth cleaning elements 5 , such as bristles and / or elastomeric cleaning elements or the like . a reservoir 15 is provided in the handle 10 for storing a liquid medium having an active agent . in an alternative construction shown in fig7 - 11 , the reservoir 15 may be provided within the neck portion 11 of the toothbrush . the handle 10 or other exterior portion of the toothbrush 1 may contain a delivery device actuator or switch , such as a user - actuated button 22 , for activating a delivery device , such as a pump 18 . the pump 18 may be located upstream or downstream of the reservoir 15 . in one construction , a micro piezoelectric pump 18 is positioned beneath the cleaning elements 5 in the toothbrush head . in order to deliver active ingredients or active agents to a desirable location or to avoid dogging from residue toothpaste , the outlet ( s ) of the micro piezoelectric pump 18 are located at desirable locations , such as , in the vicinity of the bristles ( top of the brush head ), on the side of the brush head opposite the cleaning elements ( bottom of the brush head ), at the distal tip of the brush head ( the very front tip of the brush ), or on the sidewalls of the brush head . upon activation of the switch 22 , the pump 18 draws a quantity of the medium from the reservoir 15 through a channel toward the head . the medium is delivered through one or more outlets 50 located within the bristle field . as shown in fig2 , outlets 50 may be spaced along the length of the bristle section to help disperse the medium throughout the bristle field . optionally , a plurality of outlets may be provided on both the surface of the head that contains the tooth cleaning elements as well as the opposite the surface of the head , e . g ., for delivering the same active agent from a common supply or different active agents from separate supplies . in one construction , the bristles comprised hollow lumens or the like and the liquid medium having an active agent is delivered through the bristles . the liquid may also be delivered simultaneously through outlets 50 located at different portions of the toothbrush 1 , for example to aid in the application of the active agent to different areas of the mouth . although reference is made to a plurality of outlets , it is contemplated that a single outlet could be used . the switch for activating the pump 18 may be a button 22 , as illustrated in fig1 , or it may be another type of switch such as a touch or heat sensitive type of switch , user - activated toggle switch , rotating dial . engaging the button 22 , such as , by depressing the button 22 , may activate a timing circuit which causes the pump 18 to operate for a period of time which , in turn , causes a predetermined amount of the medium containing the active agent to be pumped from the reservoir 15 and through the outlets 50 . the pump has a power source , such as a battery 21 , which may be located in the handle portion 10 . the timing circuit causes the pump 18 to operate for a time period which either may be preset or may be adjustable , for example , by using a slidable variable control , rotatable variable dial or digital preset control . the time interval also may vary depending on the active agent or the amount of time programmed by the user or manufacturer . the medium containing the active agent may be incorporated into a sealed reservoir 15 during manufacture of the toothbrush 1 , in which case the toothbrush 1 may be disposed of after the supply of the active agent is exhausted . alternatively , the reservoir 15 may be refillable through an inlet ( not shown ), or may be replaceable , e . g ., by inserting a replaceable cartridge into a recess in the toothbrush . a cartridge may be provided with a sharpened element which penetrates a membrane in the recess to permit the medium to flow from the cartridge . the cartridge may be spring - loaded to stay in place after insertion into the recess , and can have a seal to prevent unwanted leakage of the active agent . the cartridge may be disposable or refillable . other methods of providing a refillable and / or replaceable cartridge or the like may be used . the pump 18 may be coupled to the head 12 by various known methods including bonding , molding , melting , and mechanical fixing . the pump 18 can also be integrated into the head 12 to save space and cost by bonding / molding drive element directly in a cavity in the head . alternatively , the pump 18 or the reservoir 15 may be coupled to the handle portion 10 of the toothbrush 1 by similar means . referring to fig1 , reservoir 15 can be provided in a displaceable construction , such as a collapsible bag or container , connected to the micro piezoelectric pump 18 via a fluid pathway 19 , such as flexible tubing . the tubing can be embedded in the brush handle 10 or a channel directly molded in the brush handle . the reservoir 15 , when provided as a collapsible bag or container , may be used so that air bubbles are not generated during transportation of active ingredients or agents and brushing . in addition , the collapsible bag or container ensures that negative pressure does not build up in the container as to reduce pumping rate after a portion of active ingredients or agents has been withdrawn by the micro piezoelectric pump 18 . the collapsible bag or container can store enough material for about 60 - 120 uses , where each use will consume about 10 - 50 μl ( micro - liters ) of fluid or 10 - 100 μl of fluid . nevertheless , other values are possible . fig3 a - 3c show cross - sectional views of the toothbrush 1 , taken along line 3 - 3 in fig1 . fig3 a - 3c show the radial displacement of the compressible reservoir 15 as liquid is depleted from the reservoir , with f 1 , f 2 , and f 3 representing the width of the reservoir in fig3 a , 3b , and 3c , respectively . the width as used here is one of the many ways that may be used to measure the radial displacement . the elements 34 and 36 represent the surface and thickness of the toothbrush body , respectively . as can be appreciated , as the pump 18 operates , negative pressure ( e . g . suction pressure ) is provided in the tubing and reservoir . as the liquid in the reservoir 15 is depleted by flowing to the head 12 , the reservoir 15 is compressed to maintain fluid contact with the pump . for example , fig3 a shows a reservoir with a width of f 1 when the liquid is at a maximum . as the liquid is depleted by flowing to the toothbrush head portion 12 via the flexible tube 19 and pump 18 , the width of reservoir 15 becomes smaller as shown in fig3 b , where f 2 is less than f 1 . as the liquid is further depleted the reservoir 15 is compressed further as shown in fig3 c , having width f 3 , where f 3 is less than f 2 . hence , width f 3 is less than width f 2 and width f 1 is less that width f 2 . nevertheless , the container may become smaller in the longitudinal axial direction during operation of the pump 18 . with respect to longitudinal displacement , the distal end of the reservoir may displace in the direction of the head of the toothbrush . the active agent may be delivered in a dose appropriate for its intended purpose . the amount may be controlled by controlling the duration the pump 18 operates after the button 22 is pressed . the duration of dispensation will depend on the desired dose and the flow rate of the medium , and typically ranges from about 1 second to 5 minutes , often from about 5 seconds to about 2 minutes , and may range from about 10 seconds to 30 seconds . the dispensing action may begin either immediately after the button 22 is pressed , or a predetermined delay may be programmed . suitable devices are commercially available for delivering the medium from the reservoir 15 to the outlet ( s ). the pump may deliver the medium through a variety of different actions that are mechanical , electrical , or a combination thereof , depending on the pump structure . in one example , a micro piezoelectric pump , such as model mp5 , manufactured by bartels mikrotechnik gmbh may be used . nevertheless , other pumping devices can be used . in one construction , as shown in fig4 , the micro piezoelectric pump 18 may be driven by a miniature circuit 9 that includes an integrated circuit ( ic ) driver 40 . the miniature circuit 9 may further include , for example , resistors r 1 and r 2 , capacitors c 1 and c 2 , at least one switch s 1 , and a low voltage direct current ( dc ) source b 1 ( such as , a 1 . 5 volts or 3 . 0 volts battery ) in order to power the driver 40 . the driver , 40 , such as , a surpertex hv 852 low noise and inductorless driver is a high voltage and low alternating current power source . the driver 40 converts the low voltage dc input from b 1 to a high voltage alternating current ( ac ) output across the pump 18 . for example , at 3 . 0 volts dc input , the driver 40 develops at least 150v peak - to - peak ac voltage , and draws around 23 . 8 ma 24 ma of current from the battery . at these values , the pumping rate for the micro piezoelectric pump 18 is around 10 μl / second for water at room temperature . the push button switch s 1 is the trigger for timer when s 1 is closed briefly the pump will run a predetermined time , and shut off itself based on the values of r 2 and c 2 . the miniature circuit 9 can have a very low quiescent supply current of about 1 μa , obviating the need for a separate power switch to control the power when the pump is not in operation . the circuit including the driver 40 draws a current of about 30 ma when it is running for energy efficient operation . nevertheless , other values are possible for the current . the circuit can be provided on a conventional circuit board in various sizes . in one construction , the circuit board may measure around 8 × 13 mm 2 in size so that it can readily fit into the toothbrush handle 10 . to fig5 , a control system 50 , as an alternative to or in conjunction with one or more aspects of circuit 9 in fig4 , may be used to drive the piezoelectric pump 18 of the toothbrush 1 . fig5 illustrates a block diagram for one or more constructions of a control system 50 for driving the pump 18 . one or more of the components shown in fig5 may be included within one or more printed circuit boards . the toothbrush 1 may include a control system 50 , a power supply 47 operatively connected to one or more elements of the system 50 , and a display 49 operatively connected to one or more components of the system 50 . power supply 47 may include one or more power components , such as a battery or a wired connection to a power source , providing for electrical power to electrical components of the toothbrush 1 . the display 49 may display information , such as , switching time ( activation or deactivation ), pump rate , or other desired information . in one or more constructions , the control system 50 may include a switch circuitry 41 , a timer circuitry 43 , and a memory 45 . the control system 50 is operatively coupled to memory 45 . memory 45 stores data installed or programmed by the user . memory 45 may be any programmable type in which nonvolatile storage can be electrically erased and reprogrammed . possible alternatives include flash memory , flash rom , ram with battery backup . it should be understood that data formatted for toothbrush 1 may tie downloaded to memory 45 or data may be preloaded in the memory . switch circuitry 41 may include hardware , software , computer - readable instructions , or other components to allow for activating or deactivating the operation of the piezoelectric pump 18 . the switch circuitry 41 may be configured to perform the functions for processing signal ( s ) performing computer - readable instructions , and reading from and writing to a memory 45 associated with the toothbrush 1 . timer circuitry 43 may include hardware , software , computer - readable instructions , or other components to allow for counting up or counting down time and for outputting such information ( for example , switching time ) in suitable form for use by the display 49 . timer circuitry 43 may include a crystal oscillator for counting seconds , minutes , etc . timer circuitry 43 may be configured to perform the functions for processing signal ( s ) performing computer - readable instructions , and reading from and writing to a memory 45 associated with the toothbrush 1 operating in a timer mode . the control system 50 may activate the pump 18 by a switch , 41 with a timer where the pump is turned off ( that is , deactivated ) automatically after a predetermined time . this activation switch , 41 may be controlled by a button 22 that may be located below the toothbrush neck 11 or elsewhere on the toothbrush 1 , such as , between the toothbrush head 12 and handle 10 . the duration of time that the pump is turned on or activated may be adjusted as desired by the user . the operation of the piezoelectric micro pump 18 is illustrated using fig6 a and 6b . the micro pump 18 includes , an actuator 31 fixed on a flexible membrane 33 , which is placed on top of the pump chamber 35 , and two double valve flaps 37 and 39 . the two double valve flaps 35 and 37 act as a control for the liquid , allowing liquid to flow only in one direction , namely towards the outlet 50 . referring to fig6 a , when the double flap valve 37 is open ( at position “ a ”) and the double flap valve 37 is closed ( at position “ d ”), liquid l from the flexible tube 19 is allowed to flow into the chamber 35 through the pump &# 39 ; s input side i . it is to be understood that the negative pressure in the chamber caused by the upward movement of the membrane enables flow of the liquid . after the chamber 35 fills up to an allowable or determined quantity , the flap 37 closes by moving to position “ b ” as shown in fig6 b , and does not let in more liquid into the chamber 35 . it is to be understood that downward movement of the membrane cause a positive pressure in the chamber such that backflow of the liquid is caused against the chamber - side portion of the flap 37 . at the same time , the double valve flap valve 39 opens by moving to position “ c ” to enable the liquid l in the chamber 35 to flow out of the chamber 35 into output o . this output liquid flows through one of the outlets of the toothbrush head portion 12 . in one construction , a kit includes a toothbrush and at least one cartridge containing an active agent . a user may select among multiple cartridges for a desired treatment . if the active agents have different intervals of application , the toothbrush may be provided with a feature , for example , a dial or a slider , to enable the user to select the appropriate setting . similarly , a single cartridge can come pre - loaded with multiple active agents that may be selectively accessed and delivered by a switch or the like . the kit can also include a dentifrice if desired . fig7 - 11 show a toothbrush construction in which the reservoir 15 is positioned at the bottom of the neck portion 11 . a relatively short ( e . g ., about 10 - 20 mm ) channel connects the reservoir 15 to outlet ( s ) located in the head portion . advantageously , by locating the reservoir 15 in the neck portion 11 , the distance that the medium is dispensed to the head is minimized . in this way the implement is less prone to clogging , the required volume of the reservoir 15 may be reduced , or the reservoir 15 may be more easily replaced for changing or replenishment of the active agent . with reference to fig8 , the cross - sectional area denoted in the “ b ” dimension of the handle portion 10 may be suitably selected to provide sufficient storage space for the battery 21 , such as an aaa type or other generally cylindrical battery , while also providing ergonomic characteristics to permit easy gripping and manipulating of the toothbrush . the neck portion 11 has a cross - sectional area denoted in the “ a ” dimension which is generally less than that of the handle portion 10 and may be suitably selected to provide sufficient storage space for the reservoir 15 . either or both of the neck portion 11 and handle portion 10 may have contours such that the respective cross sectional area (“ a ” and / or “ b ”) is non - uniform . given these considerations , the ratio of the average cross - sectional area of the handle portion “ b ” to the average cross - sectional area of the neck portion “ a ” usually satisfies the relationship 1 & lt ; b / a ≦ 5 , ( e . g ., the ratio of b over a is greater than one and less than or equal to five ) and often 1 . 2 ≦ b / a ≦ 4 ( e . g , ratio of b over a is greater than 1 . 2 and less than or equal to four ). nevertheless , other values of the ratio are possible . referring to fig9 , micro piezoelectric pump 18 is positioned beneath the bristles 5 in the toothbrush head . upon activation of the switch 22 , the pump 18 draws a quantity of the medium from the reservoir 15 through a channel toward the head . the length of the channel ( d ) may range , for example , from about 10 to 20 mm . the medium is delivered through one or more outlets and through the bristles 5 as indicated by the arrows in fig9 . fig1 is an exploded view showing the various components of the toothbrush of fig9 . a metal battery contact 25 a is coupled to the end cap 25 which encloses the battery 21 . the neck section 11 houses the reservoir 15 . the toothbrush 1 optionally may be provided with compartments and / or access panels for access to the various components , such as the power source and reservoir . the power source may be , for example , a replaceable or rechargeable battery . optionally , a user - activated switch , such as a dial ( not shown ), can have multiple settings for selecting one of several active agents . for example , the dial can have a first setting for oxidizer / whitener treatment , a second setting for breath freshener treatment , and a third setting for antimicrobial treatment . the dial setting instructs the timing circuit to activate the pump 18 for a time interval appropriate for the selected active agent . as illustrated in fig1 , the handle 10 may include a sheath or sleeve 20 which extends in the longitudinal direction of the handle 10 and is made of electrically conductive material . both the handle 10 and the sleeve 20 are open to the rear , thus forming a cavity which can be closed from the rear by a threaded closure part 25 . the battery 21 may be a commercially available , non - rechargeable cylindrical battery , with a defined power , e . g . 1 . 5 v . alternatively , a button cell or rechargeable storage battery could be used as a power source . a spring contact 29 for the positive pole of the battery 21 is fitted in the sleeve 20 , on a transverse wall , and is connected to the pump 18 via an electric line 26 . the electrical connection can be interrupted by means of the switch 22 . the closure part 25 may be provided with a threaded stub 25 a made of an electrically conductive material and can be screwed into the handle 1 and / or into the sleeve 20 . the threaded stub 25 a may be provided with a contact surface which , with the closure part 25 screwed in , comes into abutment against the negative pole of the battery 21 inserted into the sleeve 20 . the negative pole is electrically connected to the drive circuit 18 via the threaded stub 25 a , the sleeve 20 itself , and a line 27 which connects the sleeve 20 to the pump 18 . instead of being transmitted via the electrically conductive sleeve 20 , it would also be possible for the power from the negative pole to be transmitted in some other way , for example using wires or an electrically conductive plastic . the toothbrush 1 may be used by applying toothpaste to the bristles and brushing the teeth in a conventional manner . the active agent may be administered by activating the switch , e . g ., depressing button 22 , to activate the pump 18 , which causes the medium containing the active agent to be delivered though the outlet ( s ). the switch may instruct the timing circuit to activate the pump 18 for a predetermined time , which in turn dispenses the active agent in a predetermined amount . alternatively , the active agent may be administered in a user - defined amount , for example , dispensation may occur tor the duration that the button 22 is depressed . the active agent may then be applied to the teeth using the bristles . the active agent may be administered before , during , or after brushing . in the toothbrush constructions described herein , the active agent itself may be contained in the reservoir 15 . in other words , it is not necessary to generate the active agent internally or in situ . this simplifies the construction of the toothbrush and avoids the need to handle any byproducts associated with the synthesis of the active agent . alternatively , an agent in one reservoir may be delivered via a delivery device to another reservoir where it is “ activated ,” where it is then delivered via another delivery device to the one or more outlets . a delivery system in the toothbrush constructions may employ multiple connections that are direct or indirect . non - limiting examples of active agents which can be used include antibacterial agents , such as chlorhexidine , cetyl pyridininum chloride , triclosan , stannous compounds , herbal extracts and zinc compounds ; oxidative or whitening agents , such as hydrogen peroxide , urea peroxide , sodium percarbonate , and pvp - h 2 o 2 ; supercharged fluoride delivery ingredients ( such as dicalcium phosphate dihydrate and others disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 785 , 956 ); tooth sensitivity ingredients , such as kno 3 ; occluding agents , such as novamin ® bioactive glass , sodium silicate , and arginine salts such as arginine bicarbonate ; gum health actives , including those which reduce inflammation pathways and / or interfere in bacterial processes which produce inflammatory stimuli , such as polyphenols ( such as baicalin and catechin ), herbal extracts and triclosan ; nutritional type ingredients , such as vitamins , minerals , amino acids , vitamin e , and folic acid ; tartar control or anti - stain ingredients , including phosphate salts , polyvinylphosphonic acid , pvm / ma copolymer ; enzymes , such as those used for plaque disruption ; sensate ingredients , such as those providing cooling , tingle , or heat sensations ; flavors and flavor ingredients ; anti - cavity or enamel repair agents ; breath freshening ingredients ; oral malodor reducing agents ; anti - attachment agents , such as ethyl lauroyl arginate and silicone polymers ; diagnostic solutions , such as plaque - indicator dyes ; colorants or other aesthetic agents ; and combinations thereof . examples of flavors and flavor ingredients include essential oils , menthol , carvone , and anethole , and various flavoring aldehydes , esters , and alcohols . examples of essential oils include oils of spearmint , peppermint , wintergreen , sassafras , clove , sage , eucalyptus , marjoram , cinnamon , lemon , lime , grapefruit , and orange . the active agent and / or its medium can be selected to complement a toothpaste formula , such as by coordinating flavors , colors , aesthetics , or active ingredients . a flavor can be administered to create a gradual flavor change dining brushing , which presently is not possible using toothpaste alone . the active agent may be compatible with toothpaste , or may be unstable and / or reactive with typical toothpaste ingredients . non - limiting examples of components which tend to be unstable and / or reactive with typical toothpaste ingredients include hydrogen peroxide , sodium , fluoride , various calcium salts , cetyl pyridinium chloride , ethyl lauroyl arginate , silicone polymers , enzymes , and chlorhexidiene . the active agent also may be a tooth cleaning agent to boost the overall efficacy of brushing . such tooth cleaning agents may or may not be compatible with the toothpaste ingredients . the active agent can be provided in any suitable vehicle , such as in aqueous solution or in the form of gel or paste . in one example of an implementation , oxygen can aid in oxidation processes such as tooth whitening or air to enhance whole mouth flavor sensation . the use of air can increase the rate of diffusion of the flavor in the mouth . non - limiting examples of vehicles include water , monohydric alcohols such as ethanol , poly ( ethylene oxides ) such as polyethylene glycols such as peg 2m , 5m , 7m , 14m , 23m , 45m , and 90 m available from union carbide , carboxymethylene polymers such as carbopol ® 934 and 974 available from b . f . goodrich , and combinations thereof . the selection of a suitable vehicle will be apparent to persons skilled in the art depending on such factors as the properties of the active agent and the desired properties of the medium , such as viscosity . the quantity of the medium dispensed may vary over a wide range depending on such factors as the identity of the active agent and its concentration in the medium . the quantity usually ranges from about 1 to about 500 μl per use , more usually from about 10 to about 100 μl . for example , the pump 18 may be configured to deliver 10 μl of 20 % cetylpyridinium chloride gel over a period of 30 seconds , e . g ., for application during the first 30 seconds of brushing the teeth . an advantage of this delivery is that ingredients incompatible with the toothpaste are exposed to the toothpaste as little as possible . the reservoir 15 may contain a quantity of the active agent medium intended for a single use or a small number of uses , or may facilitate repeated use over an extended period of time , e . g ., up to several months or several years ( if used with a toothbrush having a replaceable head for example ). the size of the reservoir 15 may be selected to be compatible with the desired overall dimensions of the toothbrush 1 , particularly the neck portion 11 , as well as such factors as the stability of the active agent and the quantity of medium administered during each application . the supply of active agent in the reservoir 15 may be free or substantially free of components which are incompatible with the active agent and / or the medium containing the active agent , such as incompatible toothpaste components as previously identified . in one aspect , the reservoir 15 may be free or substantially free of toothpaste , as toothpaste is separately applied to the bristles by the user . alternatively as noted above , an active agent may be originally retained in one reservoir and then transferred to another reservoir where it is activated just prior to delivery , which may be useful in certain conditions or circumstances . the following examples are provided for illustrative purposes and should be construed as illustrative and not limiting . table i illustrates a cetylpyridinium chloride concentrate that may be dispensed from a toothbrush reservoir during brushing as an antibacterial agent . table ii shows a hydrogen peroxide solution that may be dispensed from a toothbrush reservoir during brushing as a whitening booster . table iii illustrates a hydrogen peroxide gel that may be dispensed from a toothbrush reservoir during brushing as a whitening liquid . the gel also may be applied post - brushing for tooth whitening . table iv shows a phosphoric acid solution that may be dispensed from a toothbrush reservoir during brushing as a whitening liquid . the solution has a ph of about 4 . 0 . table v illustrates another hydrogen peroxide solution that may be dispensed from a toothbrush reservoir during brushing as a whitening booster . the composition alternatively may be applied to the teeth after brushing as a whitening agent . alternative liquid whitening gels are prepared by modifying the base formula of example 5 by adding either ( 1 ) 2 to 5 wt % polyethylene ( pe ) powder having an average particle size of 6 to 8 microns ; ( 2 ) 1 to 5 wt % polytetrafluoroethylene ( ptfe ) powder having particle size of 5 to 6 microns ; ( 3 ) 0 . 8 to 2 . 5 wt % polypropylene ( pp ) powder having a particle size of 4 to 50 microns ; ( 4 ) 2 to 5 wt % pe powder and 0 . 11 to 0 . 4 wt % titanium dioxide powder having a particle size of 10 to 45 microns . examples of gels having the polymer and / or inorganic titanium powders incorporated in the base formula are shown in tables vi and vii . table viii shows another exemplary composition of a liquid whitening gel that may be dispensed from a reservoir of a toothbrush during brushing as described herein . table ix example shows the composition of a breath protection gel that is dispensed from a toothbrush reservoir as described herein .	0
while the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms , there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred , albeit not limiting , embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated . referring to fig1 , a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a heat exchanging device with flow directors , referred to generally as 10 , is illustrated . the heat exchanging device with flow directors 10 contains a main body 12 , preferably made of a laminar material and / or other materials that exchange heat such as metals , including aluminum copper , nickel , brass or stainless steel , ceramics , plastics , glass , or other suitable materials which act as a heat exchanging element . the main body 12 may be formed by an extrusion process , though other methods known to one of skill in the art may also be employed . the main body 12 is defined by a top wall 14 , a bottom wall 16 , two side walls 18 and 20 , a first end 22 , and a second end 24 . the distance between the first end 22 and the second end 24 defines the length of the heat exchanging device with flow directors 10 . as shown in fig1 and 2 , the first end 22 contains a substantially cylindrically shaped first manifold , an inlet manifold 26 , integrally formed or attached thereto . the inlet manifold 26 contains a first open end 28 sized and shaped to allow fluid from an external source , such as a liquid or a gas , to enter therein , a second closed end 30 , and a manifold body 32 there between . the second end 24 of the heat exchanging device with flow directors 10 may be open to allow fluid that has entered into and flowed within the main body 12 to exit . the inlet manifold 26 is provided to facilitate coupling of fluid inlet lines , such as hoses , tubes or pipes , or other conduits to the heat exchanger . while the inlet manifold 26 is shown having a generally cylindrical shape , any shape may be used . the heat exchanging device with flow directors 10 may also contain a second manifold , an outlet manifold 34 , integrally formed or attached to the second end 24 , see fig3 . the outlet manifold 34 as shown includes a first open end 36 which is sized and shaped to allow fluids , such as a liquid or a gas , to exit the main body 12 , a second end 38 which is closed , and an outlet manifold body 40 . while the outlet manifold 34 is shown having the first end 36 being open , it is within the scope of this invention that the second end 38 , or both ends 36 and 38 contain an opening for exiting fluid flow . the outlet manifold 34 is provided to facilitate coupling of outlet lines , such as hoses , tubes or pipes , or other conduits from the heat exchanger . while the outlet manifold 34 is shown having a generally cylindrical shape , other shapes may be used . referring to fig4 a , an illustrative embodiment of the heat exchanging device with flow directors 10 is shown . the upper wall 14 has been removed in order to illustrate the inner components and arrangement thereof . in addition , the outlet manifold 34 has been removed . the main body 12 is adapted to provide fluid containment by having a first proximal wall 42 and a second distal wall 44 . both the first proximal wall 42 and the second distal wall 44 traverse the length of the heat exchanging device with flow directors 10 , and have a height which extends from the inner surface 46 of the bottom wall 16 to the inner surface of the top wall 14 ( not illustrated ). the first proximal wall 42 and the second distal wall 44 function to contain and confine a heat exchanging fluid , such as a liquid or a gas , to the interior 48 of the heat exchanging device with flow directors 10 . placed within the interior 48 are one or more heat exchanging elements , illustrated as heat exchanging fins 50 a - 50 d , collectively referred to as fins 50 . the fins 50 are preferably made of metal having heat conductive properties such as aluminum or copper . the fins 50 are arranged in a substantially parallel manner relative to each other and traverse the distance of the main body 12 , i . e . run from the first end 22 to the second end 24 . alternatively , the fins 50 may be arranged in a discontinuous manner , having a fin which extends a predetermined distance , followed by a predetermined distance with no fin structure . the alternating pattern of fin structure / no fin structure can be repeated along the length of the main body 12 . accordingly the heat exchanging fin 50 a is aligned in a substantially parallel manner with the heat exchanging fin 50 b . such arrangement provides for the formation of one or more fluid channels 52 . each of the fins 50 has a length that traverses the length of the main body , running from the first end 22 to the second end 24 . the height of each fin extends from the inner surface 46 of the bottom wall 16 to the inner surface of the top wall 14 ( not illustrated ). the positioning of each of the fins 50 , as well as the physical characteristics , i . e . the height and length , provide individual channels for directional flow of fluid within the main body 12 of the heat exchanger 10 , and act as a thermally conductive path . each of the channels 52 formed are defined by the space between at least one fin and 1 ) a second fin , 2 ) the proximal wall , or 3 ) the distal wall . additionally , the fins 50 provide a thermally conductive path to the heat exchanger main body 12 . these elements promote controlled fluid flow and serve to prevent dead spots or undesirable circulating eddies . while providing flow distribution with the heat exchanger in this manner reduces the likelihood of excess and insufficient flow zones , one problem not addressed is the flow rate and / or flow distribution of fluids prior to reaching the channels 52 . to overcome such problems , the heat exchanger with flow directors 10 in accordance with the present invention utilizes one or more flow directors 54 positioned within or extending into the inlet manifold 26 , the outlet manifold 34 , or combinations thereof . the embodiment of the heat exchanger with flow directors 10 illustrated in fig4 a shows flow directors ( individually as 54 a , 54 b , 54 c , and 54 d ) formed as part of or positioned on the interior surface 58 of the interior 60 of the inlet manifold 26 . in this manner , directional flow of fluid entering into the heat exchanger with flow directors 10 can be directed to one or more of the fluid flow channels 52 . referring to fig4 b , fluid entering into the opening 28 of the inlet manifold 26 is directionally diverted into particular flow channels 52 . to achieve the directional diversion of fluid , the flow directors 54 are adapted and positioned to direct the fluid flow accordingly . as fluid is introduced into the inlet manifold 26 , see arrow 61 on fig4 b , the fluid flow path 62 in the inlet manifold 26 is initially and predominantly in the direction of the longitudinal axis 64 ( see fig1 ) of the inlet manifold 26 . at least one of the flow directors 54 is employed to urge the fluid from this path and into heat exchanging body 12 . referring to fig5 a , as an illustrative example , the flow directors 54 have a first end 66 positioned to align with one end of a heat exchanger fin 50 , a second end 68 aligned with the fluid flow path 62 of the inlet manifold 26 , and a flow director body 70 . the flow director body 70 has an inner surface 72 for contacting and diverting fluid into a channel 52 and a second outer surface 74 for contacting and diverting fluid flow along the longitudinal axis 64 ( see fig1 ) of the inlet manifold 26 . as shown in fig4 a and 4b , the flow director body 70 is arranged in a generally parallel arrangement to the longitudinal axis 64 and spaced apart from other flow director bodies 70 . this arrangement allows each flow director 54 a - 54 d to be arranged in a step - like fashion along the interior surface 60 of the inlet manifold 26 , each being parallel to the preceding flow director 54 . alternatively , the flow directors 54 can be arranged to have a more diagonal orientation . preferably , the flow directors 54 have a curved surface 76 to provide gradual and efficient re - direction of fluid flow direction so that fluid entering the heat - exchanging element becomes aligned with the flow channels 50 , thereby minimizing hydrodynamic pressure losses . the degree of curvature may vary depending on the type of fluid flow and other characteristics needed with respect to the exchange of heat per application . for example , the curvature may form an angle α between greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees , preferably approximately 90 degrees . without these flow directors , the fluid in the fluid manifold 15 tends to continue in a straight path parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid manifold until the fluid reacts with the distal wall 44 . this reaction generates a great deal of turbulence , resulting in hydraulic inefficiency . further , the fluid flow is now such that a disproportionate volume of fluid flows into the fluid channel nearest the distal wall 44 . this disproportionate flow results in uneven heat transfer and potential hot spots in the heat exchanger , and similarly the device to be cooled or heated . a further advantage of the application of the flow directors is in the reduction of mechanical wear on the heat exchanger and the fluid manifold . such wear is aggravated by turbulent flow , cavitation and high - pressure fluid impact on the components of the system . the present design serves to minimize these negative effects . each flow director 54 may be preformed as a single unit , sized to have a predetermined height . alternatively , each flow director 54 may be formed by multiple stacked , laminar flow director elements or platelets secured together to form an overall three dimensional shape . referring to fig4 a - 4c , flow director 54 are made of a plurality of laminar flow director elements or platelets . as an illustrative example , the flow director 54 c is made up of two flow director laminar elements or platelets 54 c ′ and 54 c ″. while the figure illustrates two flow director laminar elements or platelets , any number may can be used to make the structure . the multiple stacked , laminar elements or platelets 54 c ′ and 54 c ″ can be assembled by brazing or other suitable means and may be produced simultaneously with the formation of the inlet manifold 26 , as will be described later . each of the other flow directors 54 a - 54 d are constructed in the same manner . to aid in the alignment and construction , each of the flow director 54 are secured by support structures , illustrated herein as stringer 55 , see fig4 c . all or portions of the stringer 55 may be removed to form the final configuration in order to allow proper fluid flow . otherwise , the strangers 55 are configured to provide optimal fluid flow . the net shape of the flow directors 54 , therefore , can be easily and precisely controlled by defining the shape of the individual laminar elements or platelets from which they are comprised . individual platelet formation is usually accomplished by photochemical machining , fine blanking , laser or water jet cutting or other known processes . while the shape of the flow directors 54 illustrated shows a square leading edge 78 at the first end 66 and a trailing edge 80 at the second end 68 , the leading and trailing edges and indeed the entire director can take any form desired which provides one fluid flow directional change , such as but not limited to a wedge 82 , see fig5 b , teardrop 84 , see fig5 c , a complex curve 86 , see fig5 d . in this example , the form of the directors is readily controlled by defining the shape of the platelets from which it is comprised . additionally , the overall shape of the flow directors 54 may have a generally “ c ” shape , see fig5 e . in any configuration , the flow directors 54 are preferably configured to provide a directional fluid flow change with respect to the original fluid flow path entering , exiting , or combinations thereof , the heat exchanging device with flow directors 10 . the manifold inlet 26 illustrated in fig4 a , 4 b and 4 c is constructed of multiple , stacked manifold laminar plates 88 , 90 , 92 , 94 , and 96 that , when combined , produce the desired net overall shape , for example a generally cylindrical shape . the plates 88 - 96 may have individual features that contribute to the overall shape and functional features of the inlet manifold 26 . for example , the manifold laminar plate 88 may be constructed to contain a single solid , planar surface 98 having no surface configurations , see fig6 a . the manifold laminar plate 90 may contain a planar surface 100 having a cut - out portion 102 . see fig6 b . the manifold laminar plate 92 may contain a planar surface 104 having a cut - out portion 106 , see fig6 c , that is wider than the cut out portion 102 . the manifold laminar plate 94 may contain a planar surface 108 having a cut - out portion 110 that is wider than the cut out portion 106 . the manifold laminar plate 94 contains one or more flow director laminar elements or platelets 54 a ″, 54 b ″, 54 c ″, and 54 d ″. the flow director laminar elements or platelets 54 a ″, 54 b ″, 54 c ″, and 54 d ″ are preferably formed as an integral part of the plate 94 , but may be formed independently and attached thereto . the manifold laminar plate 96 may contain a planar surface 114 having a cut - out portion 116 that is wider than the cut out portion 110 . additionally , the planar surface 114 may contain one or more flow director laminar elements or platelets 54 a ′, 54 b ′, 54 c ′, and 54 d ′. the flow director laminar elements or platelets 54 a ′, 54 b ′, 54 c ′, and 54 d ′ are preferably integrally formed with the plate 94 , but may be formed independently and attached thereto . alignment or positioning of the flow director laminar elements or platelets 54 a ′, 54 b ′, 54 c ′, and 54 d ′ allows for alignment with and proper positioning with respect to the flow director laminar elements or platelets 54 a ″, 54 b ″, 54 c ″, and 54 d ″ so as to provide a stacked unit which forms the flow directors 54 . this configuration allows for the flow directors 54 to form three dimensional structures having a desired shape . accordingly , placing manifold laminar plate 96 on top of the manifold laminar plate 94 forms a plurality of stacked , laminar elements or platelets to form the flow directors 54 . as shown in fig4 a and 4b , the cut out portions create a stepped region at the opening 28 , formed by each successive manifold laminar plate forming a cantilevered area 120 relative to the preceding plate . the upper portion of the inlet manifold 26 may be formed as a mirror image of the lower portion just described . the multiple , stacked manifold laminar plates 88 , 90 , 92 , 94 , and 96 may be bonded , joined or otherwise affixed to one another by a variety of processes . a suitable method to bond the manifold laminar plates is by soldering , brazing or diffusion bonding . if soldering or brazing is to be employed , the soldering or brazing alloy may be applied to one or both of the faces to be bonded . further , the soldering or brazing alloy may be in the form of cladding or a plated layer on the laminar material , which when heated , bonds the adjacent layers . brazing may also be accomplished by “ dip - brazing ” or other suitable processes as long as the process does not significantly interfere with desirable fluid path geometries . in lieu of or in addition to bonding adjacent layers by diffusion bonding or brazing , any suitable welding process may be employed to bond adjacent layers without the use of a brazing alloy . while the multiple , stacked manifold laminar plates 88 , 90 , 92 , 94 , and 96 are shown as independent plates bonded together , the stacked manifold laminar plates may be designed as a single strip so that each one of the stacked manifold laminar plates can be folded onto the next plate . alternately , successive layers of the manifold laminar plates may be joined at their periphery by soldering , brazing or welding . welding processes may include , but are not limited to , laser welding , electron - beam welding , ultrasonic welding , resistance welding , press welding , any of the processes referred to as “ arc - welding ,” gmaw , mig , tig or the like . the above laminar element bonding or welding processes assume that the heat exchanger element is comprised of metal or a metal alloy . the structure could however be comprised , without being limiting , of other materials such as ceramics , polymers , glasses or composites . adhesives such as epoxies , cyanoacrylates , silicones or other materials may be employed to bond adjacent layers and / or seal the periphery of the heat exchanger element instead of or in addition to brazing and / or welding . fig7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the heat exchanging device with flow directors generally referred to as 200 . the heat exchanging device with flow directors 200 contains a main body 212 , preferably made of a laminar material and / or other materials that exchange heat including aluminum copper , nickel , brass or stainless steel , ceramics , plastics , glass , or other suitable materials which acts as a heat exchanging element . the main body 212 may be formed by an extrusion process , though other methods known to one of skill in the art may also be employed . the main body 212 is defined by a plurality of walls as described for the heat exchanging device with flow directors 10 and having a first end 222 and a second end 224 . the first end 222 of the main body 212 contains a substantially cylindrically shaped first manifold , an inlet manifold 226 , integrally formed or attached thereto . the manifold 226 contains a first open end 228 sized and shaped to allow fluids , such as a liquid or a gas , to enter therein , a second closed end 230 , and a manifold body 232 there between . the second end 224 of the main body 212 may be open to allow fluid that has entered into and flowed within the main body 212 to exit . the inlet manifold 226 is provided to facilitate coupling of fluid inlet lines , such as hoses , tubes or pipes , or other conduits to the heat exchanger . while the inlet manifold 226 is shown having a generally cylindrical shape , any shape may be used . alternatively , the heat exchanging device with flow directors 200 contains a second manifold , an outlet manifold 234 , integrally formed or attached to the second end 224 . the outlet manifold 234 as shown contains a first end 236 which is open and sized and shaped to allow fluids , such as a liquid or a gas , to exit , a second end 238 which is closed , and an outlet manifold body 240 . while the outlet manifold 234 is shown having the first end 236 being open , it is within the scope of this invention that the second end 238 , or both ends 236 and 238 contain an opening for fluid flow . the outlet manifold 234 is provided to facilitate coupling of fluid outlet lines , such as hoses , tubes or pipes , or other conduits to the heat exchanger . while the outlet manifold 234 is shown having a generally cylindrical shape , any shape may be used . referring to fig8 a , the upper wall has been removed in order to illustrate the inner components and arrangement thereof . in addition , the outlet manifold 234 has been removed . the main body 212 is adapted to provide fluid containment , having a first proximal wall 242 and a second distal wall 244 . both the first proximal wall 242 and the second distal wall 244 traverse the length of the heat exchanging device with flow directors 200 and have a height which extends from the inner surface 246 of bottom wall to the inner surface of top wall ( not illustrated ). the first proximal wall 242 and the second distal wall 244 function to contain and confine a heat exchanging fluid , such as a liquid or a gas , to the interior 248 of the heat exchanging device with flow directors 200 . placed within the interior 248 are one or more heat exchanging elements , illustrated herein as heat exchanging fins 250 a - 250 d , collectively referred to as heat exchanging fins 250 . the fins 250 are preferably made of metal having heat conductive properties such as aluminum or copper . the fins are preferably formed during the aforementioned extrusion process . the fins 250 are arranged in a substantially parallel manner relative to each other and traverse the distance of the main body 212 , i . e . run from the first end 222 to the second end 224 , or may be discontinuous . accordingly , the heat exchanging fin 250 a is aligned in a substantially parallel manner with the heat exchanger fin 250 b . such arrangement provides for the formation of one or more fluid channels 252 . each of the fins 250 has a length that traverses the length of the main body , running from the first end 222 to the second end 224 . the height of each fin extends from the inner surface 246 of the bottom wall to the inner surface of the top wall . the positioning of each of the fins 250 , as well as the physical characteristics , i . e . the height and length , provides individual channels for directional flow of fluid within the main body 212 of the heat exchanger 200 , and act as a thermally conductive path . additionally , the fins 250 provide a thermally conductive path to the heat exchanger main body 212 . these elements promote controlled fluid flow and serve to prevent dead spots or undesirable circulating eddies . alternatively , the fins 250 may be arranged in a discontinuous manner , having a fin which extends a predetermined distance , followed a predetermined distance with no fin structure . the alternating pattern of fin structure - no fin structure can be repeated along the length of the main body 212 . while providing flow distribution with the heat exchanger in this manner reduces the likelihood of excess and insufficient flow zones , one problem not addressed is the flow rate and / or flow distribution of fluids prior to reaching the channels 252 . to overcome such problems , the heat exchanger with flow directors 200 in accordance with the present invention utilizes one or more flow directors 254 integrally formed as part of fins 250 and extending into the inlet manifold 226 , the outlet manifold 234 , or combinations thereof . the embodiment of the heat exchanger with flow directors 200 illustrated in fig8 a shows flow directors 254 ( individually as 254 a , 254 b , 254 c , and 254 d ) preferably , but need not ( i . e . can be free floating ), contact the interior surface 258 by extending into the interior 260 of the inlet manifold 226 . the flow directors 254 assume a bent finger configuration . in this manner , directional flow of fluid entering into the heat exchanger with flow directors 200 can be directed to one or more of the fluid flow channels 252 . referring to fig8 b , fluid entering into the opening 228 of the inlet manifold 226 is directionally diverted into particular flow channels 252 . to achieve the directional diversion of fluid , the flow directors 254 are adapted and positioned to direct the fluid flow accordingly . as fluid flows into the inlet manifold 226 , see arrow 261 on fig8 b , the fluid flow path 262 in the inlet manifold 226 is initially and predominantly in the direction of the longitudinal axis 264 of the inlet manifold 226 , see fig7 . at least one of the flow directors 254 is employed to urge the fluid from this path and into the main body 212 . as an illustrative example , the flow directors 254 have a terminal end 266 which extends into the inlet manifold 226 . the flow director 254 has a first surface 268 for contacting and diverting fluid into a channel 252 and a second surface 270 for contacting and diverting fluid flow along the longitudinal axis 264 of the inlet manifold 226 . as shown in fig8 a and 8b , each flow director 254 a - 254 d assumes a position which is offset and is in a parallel arrangement relative to the positioning of a flow director above or below . this arrangement allows each flow director 254 a - 254 d to be arranged in a step - like fashion along the interior 260 of inlet manifold 226 . alternatively , the flow directors 254 can be arranged to have a more diagonal orientation . preferably , the flow directors 254 have a curved surface 272 to provide gradual and efficient re - direction of the fluid flow direction so that flow entering the heat - exchanging element becomes aligned with the flow channels 252 thereby minimizing hydrodynamic pressure losses . the degree of curvature may vary depending on the type of fluid flow and other characteristics needed with respect to the exchange of heat per application . for example , the curvature may form an angle α that is between greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees , and preferably around 90 degrees . without these flow directors , the fluid in the fluid manifold 226 tends to continue in a straight path parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid manifold until the fluid reacts with the distal wall 244 . this reaction generates a great deal of turbulence , resulting in hydraulic inefficiency . further , the fluid flow is now such that a disproportionate volume of fluid flows into the fluid channel nearest the distal wall 244 . this disproportionate flow results in uneven heat transfer and potential hot spots in the heat exchanger , and similarly the device to be cooled or heated . a further advantage of the application of the flow directors is in the reduction of mechanical wear on the heat exchanger and the fluid manifold . such wear is aggravated by turbulent flow , cavitation and high - pressure fluid impact on the components of the system . the present design serves to minimize these negative effects . referring to fig9 - 11 , an illustrative example of formation of the bent finger like flow directors 254 is shown . fig9 illustrates the heat exchanger with flow directors 200 formed through an extrusion process . the inlet manifold 226 has not been attached , thereby exposing the first end 222 . through the extrusion process , multiple channels 252 are formed , bounded by heat exchanging fins 250 . the flow directors 254 may be formed by removing , for example by sawing or milling after the extrusion process , a portion of the front , back and side walls that make up the heat exchanger main body 212 , as well as the first proximal wall 242 and the second distal wall 244 , see broken line 274 in fig9 , thereby exposing an overhang as part of the heat exchanging fins 250 , see fig1 . the overhang portion is then formed into the flow directors 254 . in the case of an extruded heat - exchanging element , the flow directors 254 may simply be extensions of the laminar flow elements , i . e . the heat exchanging fins 250 that are formed during the extrusion process . while the extrusion process is efficient and permits complex extrusion profiles to be formed through the use of an appropriate die , the process has its limitations . for example , the shape of an extruded part can essentially only be controlled in 2½ dimensions . that is , the part must have a constant shape profile throughout its length . and while the length can be specified , the profile along that length must remain constant . if the desired flow directors 254 are to be created from extensions of the extrusion profile , then their curved shape must be formed after the extrusion process . bending these flow directors 254 may be accomplished either manually , with an automated bender or by application of a special tool . a convenient means of bending to form flow directors 254 is to employ an open topped tool with a plurality of substantially parallel curved channels . forcing the flow directors 254 into the channels causes the flow directors 254 to bend to fit the curves . if plastically deformed , the flow directors 254 will remain curved and take on the shape desired for the flow directors . the open topped tool permits the heat exchanging element , and the now curved flow directors 254 to be lifted out of the tool . while the above embodiments have been described showing an inlet manifold 28 , 228 , each embodiment may include an outlet manifold 34 , 234 having the flow directors as having the same features and characteristics described herein . in addition , the outlet manifold 34 or 234 may contain flow directors arranged to direct outward fluid flow toward end 36 or 236 thereby providing for u - shaped fluid flow , or directed to end 238 to provide for z - shaped fluid flow . all patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains . all patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference . it is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated , it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings / figures included herein . one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned , as well as those inherent therein . the embodiments , methods , procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments , are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope . changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims . although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments , it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments . indeed , various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims .	5
all features or steps in all methods and procedures disclosed in the specification can be combined in any way , except mutually exclusive features and / or steps . any feature disclosed in the specification ( including any accessory claims , abstract and accompanying drawings ) can be replaced with other equivalent or similar features , unless otherwise specified , that is , each feature is only an example of series of equivalent or similar features , unless otherwise specified . curie point mentioned in the invention : a magnetized ferromagnetic material is of strong magnetism . however , with temperature rise , thermal motion of the metal lattice is intensified accordingly and the ordered arrangement of magnetic domain and magnetic moment is affected . when the temperature is too high to damage the orderly arrangement of magnetic domain and magnetic moment , the magnetic domain is collapsed , the average magnetic moment becomes zero , and the ferromagnetic material is demagnetized and become a paramagnetic material . a series of ferromagnetic properties ( e . g . high permeability , hysteresis loop and magnetostriction ) related to the magnetic domain disappear completely , and the permeability of the ferromagnetic material is converted into the permeability of the corresponding paramagnetic material . when the ferromagnetic properties disappear , the corresponding temperature is the curie point temperature . as shown in fig5 , the plug 100 of the invention comprises a lower plug cover 101 and an upper plug cover 102 , and the upper plug cover 102 is of a circular structure . a bulge is arranged in the middle of the upper plug cover 102 , and forms an upper cover recess 111 with the inner wall of the upper plug cover 102 . the upper cover recess 111 is of a circular ring or other structures including rectangular ring and elliptical ring according to the structure of the lower plug cover 101 so that the inner wall of the upper plug cover 102 fits with the outer wall of the upper plug cover 102 . when the lower plug cover 101 and the upper plug cover 102 move relative to each other , the top of the upper plug cover 102 can move in the upper cover recess 111 . the top of the upper plug cover 102 is provided with a concave structure to form the lower cover recess 112 . the lower cover recess 112 has the same shape as the bulge in the middle of the upper plug cover 102 . the bulge can move relatively in the lower cover recess 112 . a clip shaft 104 is connected with the bulge in the middle of the upper plug cover 102 and sheathed with a plug spring 103 . the plug spring 103 is limited between the lower plug cover 101 and the upper plug cover 102 . the clip shaft 104 stretches to the bottom of the upper plug cover 102 from a through hole at the bottom center of the lower cover recess 112 . in addition , the tip of the clip shaft 104 is provided with a shaft head 105 , the tip near the clip shaft 104 is sheathed and provided with a permanent magnet 109 , and the permanent magnet 109 is sheathed with a protecting jacket . the upper plug cover 102 and lower plug cover 101 move relative to each other . the shaft head 105 on the tip of the clip shaft 104 stretches out of the lower plug cover 101 so as to be fitted and fixed with the lower plug cover 101 . when the upper plug cover 102 is free of acting force , the elastic force of the plug spring 103 allows the upper plug cover 102 to moves in the direction away from the lower plug cover 101 , the tip of the clip shaft 104 is blocked in the lower plug cover 101 so that the clip shaft 104 and the lower plug cover 101 can not move any more , ensuring reusability . the lower part of the lower plug cover 101 is an inverted circular boss so as to form a multi - step ladder structure , and plug contact piece 1 is respectively arranged on the circular boss surfaces . if three wires are used according to the actual requirements , a three - step boss is selected . the plug contact piece 1 is arranged on three boss surfaces respectively and is connected with plug wires 110 of an electrical appliance . if two wires are used , a two - step boss is selected accordingly , and the plug contact piece 1 is arranged on two boss surfaces respectively . in this way , four - step , five - step or multi - step boss is designed for four wires , five wires or multiple wires accordingly , and the plug contact piece 1 is arranged on each boss surface according to the actual requirements . from the bottom of the plug 100 , three plug contact pieces 1 form a concentric ring , the first plug contact piece 108 is located at the innermost ring , the third plug contact piece 106 is located at the outermost ring , and the second plug contact piece 107 is located therebetween . likewise , the number of the concentric rings can be known from the number of the plug contact pieces 1 . the plug contact piece 1 can be made of a material with relative high conductivity and low cost , such as copper . the socket 200 of the invention comprises a lower socket cover 201 and an upper socket cover 202 , the lower socket cover 201 fits with the upper socket cover 202 to constitute a cavity . a downward socket recess 203 is arranged on the top of the upper socket cover 202 . the socket recess 203 is an inverted stepped circular boss structure so that the socket recess 203 is a stepped structure . the socket recess 203 can fit with the circular boss on the lower part of the plug 100 ; socket contact piece 2 is arranged on the boss surfaces on the inner bottom of the socket recess 203 respectively so that the socket contact pieces 2 can constitute concentric rings in the socket recess 203 . the number of the socket contact pieces 2 depends on the actually selected two wires , three wires , four wires , five wires or multiple wires and be consistent with the number of the plug contact pieces 1 on the plug 100 . the socket contact pieces 2 have the same shape and structure as the plug contact pieces 1 . three wires are used in the example , comprises a first socket contact piece 208 located at the innermost side , a third socket contact piece 206 located at the outermost side and a second socket contact piece 207 located therebetween . if a protection device is not provided , the three socket contact pieces can be connected to the power supply with the socket wires 205 . when the plug 100 is inserted in the socket recess 203 of the socket 200 , the plug contact pieces 1 fit with the socket contact pieces 2 for energization . when a protection device is required , the energized cable is cut off . however , when three wires are used , a cable is normally used as the ground wire and can be connected with the socket wire 205 directly and the other two cables are connected to two power switch moving contacts 209 respectively . the ends of the two power switch moving contacts 209 are fixed on the inner wall of the lower socket cover 201 respectively ; the power switch moving contacts 209 can be made of elastic materials and connected to the inner wall of the lower cover 201 with springs so that two power switch moving contacts 209 always keep the trend of closing inwards or opening outwards , and the other end of the power switch moving contact 209 can be connected with power switch fixed contacts 210 for energization , the power switch fixed contacts 210 are fixed on the inner wall of the lower cover 201 and connected with the power supply with the socket wires 205 ; shaft head clamp blocks 211 are arranged at the ends of the power switch moving contacts 209 adjacent to the power switch fixed contact 210 . the shaft head clamp blocks 211 on two power supply moving contacts 209 can fit with each other to clamp the clip shaft 104 , and the shaft head clamp blocks 211 can be attracted by the permanent magnet 10 on the tip of the clip shaft 104 so that the shaft head 105 is limited , the clip shaft 10 can be fixed and the plug 100 can be limited in the socket 200 . therefore , the shaft head clamp block 211 is located under the socket through hole 204 on the bottom of the socket recess 203 . the shaft head 105 of the clip shaft 10 can pass through the socket through hole 204 and prop against the lower surface of the shaft head clamp block 211 . the shaft head clamp block 211 can clamp the rear end of the shaft head 105 and is attracted by the permanent magnet 109 to stop the clip shaft 10 from moving . release clamp blocks 217 are arranged on the ends of the power switch moving contacts 209 away from the power switch fixed contacts 210 . the release clamp blocks 217 on two power switch moving contacts 209 can fit with each other to clamp the tip of the release pin shaft 212 , the release pin shaft 212 passes through the upper socket cover 202 and can move relative to the upper socket cover 202 . the tip of the release pin shaft 212 is provided with a release shaft head 216 which is of semicircular bullet structure , conical structure or other structure so that the release shaft head 216 can stretch into the hole between two release clamp blocks 217 . when the release pin shaft 212 moves downwards , the release shaft head 216 can be inserted between two release clamp blocks 217 to separate them , and the two power switch moving contacts 209 can be distantly separated . a release spring 214 is sheathed on the release shaft head 216 , and the release pin shaft 212 on the rear end of the release shaft head 216 is provided with the locating sheet 215 . the locating sheet 215 limits the release spring 214 to the inner top of the upper socket cover 202 . a release button 213 is also arranged on the top of the release pin shaft 212 to simplify operation . as shown in fig6 , when the plug and the socket of the invention are used , the lower bottom of the plug 100 is aligned with and inserted into the socket recess 203 . at the moment , the top of the upper socket cover 202 is subject to the acting force , the upper socket cover 202 compresses the plug spring 103 ; the lower end of the clip shaft 104 is inserted into the socket through hole 204 in the inner bottom of the socket recess 203 , and the clamped shaft head 105 on the lower end of the clip shaft 104 stretches below the shaft head clamp block 211 . meanwhile , two shaft head clamp blocks 211 are clamped on the clip shaft 104 and are attracted by the permanent magnet . two shaft head clamp blocks 211 are be closed under the elastic action of the power switch moving contacts 209 , and the plug contact pieces 1 are fitted with the socket contact pieces 2 and compressed between the lower part of the plug 100 and the socket recess 203 . the power switch moving contacts 209 are connected with the power switch fixed contacts 210 for energization . meanwhile , the plug 100 and socket 200 can not move relative to each other , and the plug 100 can not be disconnected from the socket 200 to avoid such accidents as electric shock in manual operation and ensure application safety . when the plug 100 is required to be unplugged out of the socket 200 , the force acts on the release button 213 . at the moment , the release spring 214 is compressed by the shoulder of the release pin shaft 212 , the release shaft head 216 at the end of the release pin shaft 212 is inserted between the two release clamp blocks 217 , and the locating sheet 215 is attached to the upper surfaces of the two release clamp blocks 217 for location , and the diameter of the release shaft head 216 is larger than that of the hole between the two release clamp blocks 217 . therefore , when the release shaft head 216 is inserted into the hole between the two release clamp blocks 217 , the release shaft head 216 can separate the release clamp blocks 217 to the sides so that the ends of the two power switch moving contacts 209 are separated from the power switch fixed contacts 210 respectively , and the plug 100 is deenergized . in this case , the shaft head clamp blocks 211 on the two power switch moving contacts 209 are separated and the acting force on the clip shaft 104 disappears . meanwhile , under the elastic action of the plug spring 103 , the clip shaft 104 and the upper socket cover 202 move relative to the lower plug cover 101 together , the shaft head 105 at the lower end of the clip shaft 104 is quickly retracted from the two release clamp blocks 217 , the plug 100 is free of limitation of the socket 200 and can be unplugged out of the socket 200 to release the clip shaft 104 . after the plug 100 is unplugged out of the socket 200 , the force acting on the release button 213 is cancelled . under the elastic action of the release spring 214 , the release pin shaft 212 and the release shaft head 216 are restored to the original position . for the plug and the socket of the invention , when debris exists on the inner bottom of the socket recess 203 , the lower part of the plug 100 cannot be aligned with the inner bottom of the socket recess 203 . in this case , the clip shaft 104 is inclined and the rear end face of the shaft head 105 at the end of the clip shaft 104 cannot move to the lower surfaces of the shaft head clamp block 211 . therefore , the plug 100 cannot be locked , the plug contact pieces cannot completely fit with the socket contact pieces , and the power switch moving contacts 209 cannot be connected with the power switch fixed contacts 210 for energization , ensuring the safe use . the plug and the socket of the invention are characterized by simple structure and easy operation , and use the contact pieces in plane contact , so that the contact area is increased , the current transmission capacity is increased , the contact is permanently reliable , and the more frequent the plug and the socket are used , the more reliable the contact is in case of the same volume of the plug and the socket . a contact electrode is made to be a circular structure , so that the plug can rotate at any angle on the socket at convenience of use , without causing arbitrary distortion to wires , improving application performance . in addition , the contact pieces are made of a copper material with low cost and good conductivity , reducing the material used and reducing the cost . furthermore , a safety protection mechanism is arranged in the socket , thus the plug and the socket are absolutely deenergized when hands can touch the contact electrode , and can be energized only when hands cannot touch the contact electrode completely . therefore , the plug and the socket are very safe for use . as shown in fig8 , the example is similar to example 1 , and the difference lies in that as the lower part of the lower plug cover 101 is a plane , the plug contact piece 1 is arranged on the bottom surface of the lower plug cover 101 . when three wires are used , three plug contact pieces 1 form a concentric ring structure with the lower plug cover 101 as the center . the first plug contract piece 108 is located at the innermost circle of the concentric ring , the third plug contract piece 106 is located at the outermost circle of the concentric ring , and the second plug contract piece 107 is located at the middle circle of the concentric ring . the bottom center of the lower plug cover 101 is a through hole for the clip shaft 104 to stretch out and retract . the inner bottom of the socket recess 203 is a flat bottom recess with a socket through hole 204 at middle . the flat bottom recess is able to fit with the bottom surface of the lower plug cover 101 . the socket contact pieces 2 are arranged on the inner bottom of the socket recess 203 and form a concentric ring structure with the socket recess 203 as the center . the socket contact pieces 2 are identical with the plug contract pieces 1 in terms of number , shape and structure . when three wires are used , the socket contact pieces 2 consist of a first socket contact piece 208 located at the innermost side , a third socket contact piece 206 located at the outermost side and a second socket contact piece 207 located at the middle layer . when the plug 100 is inserted into the socket 200 , three plug contact pieces 1 can fit with three socket contact pieces 2 respectively for power transmission . as shown in fig1 and fig1 , the example is similar to example 2 , and the difference lies in that the plug contact pieces 1 are arranged on the bottom surface of the lower plug cover 101 . however , the plug contact pieces 1 are not arranged to be concentric ring with a plurality of circles on the bottom surface of the lower plug cover 101 , but a plurality of plug contact pieces 1 are uniformly arranged on the same circular ring , so that the plug contact pieces 1 form a fan - shaped structure . on the same circular ring , the gap between two adjacent plug pieces 1 is also a fan - shaped structure , that is , a fan - shaped convex seat 115 with area identical with that of the plug contact piece 1 is formed . when three wires are used , three plug contact pieces 1 are uniformly arranged on the same circumferential ring with the lower plug cover 101 as the center . two adjacent plug contact pieces 1 are separated by the convex seat 115 with area identical with that of the plug contact piece 1 , and the center of the circumferential ring is a through hole for the clip shaft 104 to stretch out and retract . similarly , on the inner bottom of the socket recess 203 , socket contact pieces 2 are uniformly arranged on the same circumferential ring with the socket recess 203 as the center . the socket contact pieces 2 are identical with the plug contact pieces 1 in terms of number , shape and structure . when the plug 100 and the socket 200 rotate relatively , the socket contact pieces 2 and the plug contact pieces 1 can match with each other to transmit power . when the socket contact pieces 2 are aligned with the convex seat 115 on the plug 100 , power cannot be supplied , which avoids safety accidents . certainly , in order to avoid relative rotation between the plug and the socket , the convex seats 115 on the plug 100 are aligned . a limit block can be arranged on the side wall of the socket recess 203 , which can limit the further turning angle of the plug 100 , thus avoiding sudden power failure during use of the plug and the socket . as shown in fig9 , the example is similar to the example 1 and the example 2 , and the difference lies in that the lower part of the lower plug cover 101 is an inverted cone structure . a through hole for the clip shaft 104 to stretch out and retract is located at the bottom surface of the cone structure . the plug contact pieces 1 are obliquely arranged on the conical surface of the lower plug cover 101 , and the oblique direction is identical with that of the conical surface of the lower plug cover 101 . when three - wire power transmission is used , three plug contact pieces 1 form a concentric ring structure with the lower plug cover 101 as the center , and are distributed from top to bottom in the vertical direction . the first plug contact piece 108 is located at the innermost circle of the concentric ring , i . e . the bottommost layer in the vertical direction ; the third plug contact piece 106 is located at the outermost circle of the concentric ring , i . e . the topmost layer in the vertical direction ; and the second plug contact piece 107 is located at the middle circle of the concentric ring , i . e . the middle layer in the vertical direction . similarly , the socket recess 203 is an inverted cone recess , so that the lower side wall of the lower plug cover 101 can fit with the side wall of the socket recess 203 . the bottom of the socket recess 203 is a socket through hole 204 , which is convenient for the clip shaft 104 to pass through the socket recess 203 . the socket contact pieces 2 are arranged on the side wall of the socket recess 203 , i . e . oblique conical surface . the socket contact pieces 2 are of concentric ring structure with the socket recess 203 as the center . the socket contact pieces 2 are identical with the plug contact pieces 1 in terms of number , shape and structure . when three - wire power transmission is used , three concentric rings are formed , and a structure composed of upper , middle and lower layers is formed in the vertical direction . the first socket contact piece 208 is located at the innermost side of the concentric ring , i . e . the bottommost layer in the vertical direction ; the third socket contact piece 206 is located at the outermost side of the concentric ring , i . e . the topmost layer in the vertical direction ; and the second socket contact piece 207 is located between the first socket contact piece 208 and the third socket contact piece 206 , i . e . the middle layer in the vertical direction . when the plug 100 is inserted into the socket 200 , three plug contact pieces 1 can fit with three socket contact pieces 2 respectively for power transmission . according to the four examples , it can be known that the invention mainly changes the contact means of contact pieces . contact pieces are in plane contact , therefore , the contact area is increased , the current transmission capacity is increased , the contact is permanently reliable , and the more frequent the plug and the socket are used , the more reliable the contact is in case of the same volume of the plug and the socket . a contact electrode is made to be a circular structure , so that the plug can rotate at any angle on the socket at convenience of use , without causing arbitrary distortion to wires , improving application performance . according to the examples , it can be hereby known that the contact pieces are mainly arranged between the plug 100 and the socket 200 , that is , the plug contact pieces 1 are arranged on the contact surface of the plug 100 , and the socket contact pieces 2 are arranged on the contact surface of the socket 200 . therefore , the contact surface between the plug 100 and the socket 200 can be of a plurality of structures . for example , the contact surface between the lower part of the plug 100 and the socket recess 300 on the socket 200 can be arc , rectangular , trapezoidal , etc ., so that the lower part of the plug 100 can be inserted into the socket recess 300 , and the contact pieces can form surface contact at the connection between the plug 100 and the socket 200 . the contact pieces can be of multiple structural shapes . in the examples , plane concentric ring structures are used . certainly , the contact pieces can be made to be other non - plane structures , e . g . a plurality of concentric ring structures with cross section in arc shape , trapezoidal shape , v shape , u shape , etc . of course , such non - circular structures as elliptical ring , trapezoidal ring and rectangular ring can be also used . in the examples , a convex part is arranged on the plug 100 , and a concave part is arranged on the socket 200 . certainly , the plug 100 can be also made into a concave part , and the socket 200 can be also made into a convex part according to the actual need . in the examples , the clip shaft meeting the shaft head clamp block 211 is the fixing mechanism of the plug 100 and the socket 200 , and limits the plug 100 in the socket 200 . certainly , according to the actual need , buckle , thread , inverted buckle , etc . can be also used to fix the plug 100 and the socket 200 relatively . the embodiments and examples can be exchanged arbitrarily or used together as long as actual need is met . for the plug of the invention shown in fig1 , the plug body is of an inverted cone structure , and a plug nose 113 is arranged at the bottom center of the plug body . the plug nose 113 is cylindrical so that the half section of the entire plug 100 is of the “ y ” shaped structure . a plug contact piece 1 is arranged on the lower surface of the plug 100 ( i . e . the conical surface of the cone ) and on the circumferential wall of the cylindrical plug nose 113 separately . when the plug is subject to two - wire energization , a plug contact piece 1 is arranged on the conical surface , and the other plug contact piece 1 is arranged on the circumferential wall of the cylindrical plug nose 113 ; when the plug is subject to three - wire energization , a plug contact piece 1 can be arranged on the lower conical surface of the plug 100 , and two plug contact pieces 1 are arranged on the circumferential wall of the cylindrical plug nose 113 , or two plug contact pieces 1 are arranged on the lower conical surface of the plug 100 , and a plug contact piece 1 is arranged on the circumferential wall of the cylindrical plug nose 113 ; and when the three - wire energization is used in the example , two plug contact pieces 1 arranged on the lower conical surface of the plug 100 are separately a third plug contact piece 106 and a second plug contact piece 107 in a concentric ring structure , wherein the third plug contact piece 106 is located in the outer ring ( i . e . located above in the vertical direction ) and the second plug contact piece 107 is located in the inner ring ( i . e . located below in the vertical direction ). a plug contact piece 1 is arranged on the circumferential wall of the cylindrical plug nose 113 , that is , a first plug contact piece 108 is wrapped on the circumferential surface of the plug nose 113 . the first plug contact piece 108 , the second plug contact piece 107 and the third plug contact piece 106 are connected with an electric appliance by plug wires 110 separately ; when the plug is subject to four - wire or multi - wire energization , the number of the plug contact pieces arranged on the lower conical surface of the plug 100 or the circumferential wall of the cylindrical plug nose 113 can be determined according to the actual needs . the lower plug nose 113 with the plug contact piece 1 is provided with an annular groove 114 , and the annular groove 114 fits with a spring block 220 to prevent the plug 100 from falling off ; and the annular groove 114 is located on the circumferential wall centered by the center of the plug nose 113 , and the tip of the plug nose 113 is a ball - shaped or conical shaft head 105 to facilitate guiding the plug nose 113 to be inserted into the socket 200 . for the socket of the invention , a socket recess 203 is arranged at the top of a socket 200 , and a socket through hole 204 is arranged at the inner bottom center of the socket recess 203 . the socket recess 203 is an inverted cone groove and can fit the lower cone surface of the plug 100 , and the socket through hole 204 is a cylindrical through hole ; a socket contact piece 2 is arranged on the inner side wall of the cone socket recess 203 and on the inner side wall of the socket through hole 204 separately . when the socket 200 is subject to two - wire energization , two socket contact pieces 2 can be arranged on the inner side wall of the socket recess 203 and the inner side wall of the socket through hole 204 respectively ; when the socket 200 is subject to three - wire energization , two socket contact pieces 2 can be arranged on the inner side wall of the socket recess 203 , and a socket contact piece 2 is arranged on the inner side wall of the socket through hole 204 , or a socket contact piece 2 is arranged on the inner side wall of the socket recess 203 and two socket contact pieces 2 are arranged on the inner side wall of the socket through hole 204 according to the actual needs . in the example , the three - wire energization is adopted and two socket contact pieces 2 ( i . e . a third socket contact piece 206 and a second socket contact piece 207 ) are arranged on the inner side wall of the socket recess 203 in the concentric ring . the third socket contact piece 206 is located in the outer ring ( located above in the vertical direction ) and the second socket contact piece 207 is located in the inner ring ( located below in the vertical direction ). a first socket contact piece 208 is arranged on the inner side wall of the socket through hole 204 ; when the socket 200 is subject to four - wire or multi - wire energization , the number of the socket contact pieces on the inner side wall of the socket recess 203 of the socket 200 or on the circumferential wall of the socket through hole 204 can be determined according to the actual needs . a spring block 220 is arranged below the first socket contact piece 208 on the inner side wall of the socket through hole 204 , and exposes the socket through hole 204 by the elastic force of the spring , the spring block 220 can fit with the annular groove 114 on the plug nose 113 . an elastic sheet 218 is arranged below the socket through hole 204 and an elastic sheet spring 219 is arranged below the elastic sheet 218 which is connected to the inner bottom of the socket 200 through the elastic sheet spring 219 . the elastic sheet spring 219 gives the elastic sheet 218 upward elastic force . power switch moving contacts 209 are arranged at the ends of the elastic sheet 218 and power switch fixed contacts 210 are arranged below the power switch moving contacts 209 , the power switch fixed contacts 210 are fixed on the socket 200 and connected to the power supply by socket wires 205 , and the power switch fixed contacts 210 are connected with the socket contact pieces 2 through the socket wires 205 . for the socket 200 in the example , in case of three - wire energization , two socket contact pieces 2 in the socket 200 are connected with the power switch fixed contacts 210 through the socket wires 205 , and another socket contact piece 2 is directly connected to the power supply through the socket wires 205 . the power switch moving contacts 209 and the power switch fixed contacts 210 are normally open , so that one can control the contact between the power switch moving contacts 209 and the power switch fixed contacts 210 to control the energization of the socket for energization protection . a drain hole 221 is arranged at the inner bottom of the socket 200 to drain the water out of the socket 200 . in addition , the power switch moving contacts 209 can be made of bimetal sheets 300 , namely bimetal sheets which can be energized and comprise a first metal sheet 301 and a second metal sheet 302 . the bimetal sheets are made of two materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion separately . when the bimetal sheets are heated and deformed , amount of deformation thereof varies because of the different coefficients of thermal expansion . the principle is designed to the socket in the invention . when the current through the power switch moving contacts 209 is too high and exceeds the expected amperage , the power switch moving contacts 209 are heated to a certain extent and then deformed , the lower metal sheet in the bimetal sheets 300 has larger expansion and deformation than the upper metal sheet to realize the overload protection by disconnecting the power switch moving contacts 209 from the power switch fixed contacts 210 , thus effectively avoiding burnout of the socket and a fire during the overcurrent transmission . when the plug and socket in the example are used , the plug 100 is aligned with the socket recess 203 on the socket 200 and the plug nose 113 is inserted into the socket through hole 204 so that the plug contact piece 1 on the lower surface of the plug 100 fits the socket contact piece 2 at the inner bottom of the socket recess 203 . when the shaft head 105 of the plug nose 113 passes through two spring blocks 220 and continues moving downwards , the two spring blocks 220 compress the spring above . when the plug nose 113 continues moving downwards and the spring blocks 220 are aligned with the annular grooves 114 , the spring blocks 220 enter into the annular grooves 114 under the action of the spring and clamp the plug nose 113 to prevent the plug 100 from falling out of the socket 200 ; when the plug nose 113 is moving downwards , the tip of the plug nose 113 contacts the elastic sheet 218 firstly and applies the force to the elastic sheet 218 so that the elastic sheet 218 moves downwards to compress the elastic sheet spring 219 , the power switch moving contacts 209 at the tips of the elastic sheet 218 are connected with the power switch fixed contacts 210 to energize the socket 200 . when the plug 100 is unplugged out of the socket 200 , the elastic sheet 218 is restored to the original position thereof under the action of the elastic sheet spring 219 and the power switch moving contacts 209 are disconnected from the power switch fixed contacts 210 to keep normally on . therefore , when the socket 200 is not used , the socket contact pieces 2 in the socket 200 are electrically neutral . when your hands can touch a contact electrode ( i . e . a socket contact piece 2 ), the plug and socket must be deenergized and can be energized only when your hands are unable to touch a contact electrode for safe use . even through a metal is inserted into a socket contact piece 2 in the socket , the short circuit or an electric shock will not occur ; in addition , the socket is provided with an overcurrent protection mechanism for the overcurrent protection to effectively avoid burnout of the socket and a fire during the overcurrent transmission . for the plug of the invention shown in fig1 , its bottom is of an inverted cone structure . a plug contact piece 1 is arranged on the lower surface of the plug 100 in a concentric ring structure and around the plug 100 . the plug contact piece 1 can be arranged on the conical surface of the cone or on the cone according to the needs . in case of two - wire energization , a plug contact piece 1 is arranged on the conical surface and on the cone surface ( i . e . the lower undersurface of the plug 100 ) separately . in case of three - wire energization , a first plug contact piece 108 can be arranged on the cone surface and a third plug contact piece 106 and a second plug contact piece 107 are arranged on the conical surface in the concentric circle structure with the same arrangement method as the above example . in addition , a magnet 116 is arranged at the gap among the three plug contact pieces 1 that are connected with an electric appliance through plug wires 110 . when four - wire or multi - wire energization is adopted , the arrangement can be done arbitrarily according to the above example . the socket 200 of the invention is provided with a socket recess 203 at the top . the socket recess 203 is an inverted cone recess . a socket contact piece 2 is arranged on the conical surface of the socket recess 203 and can be arranged at the inner bottom of the socket recess 203 separately . according to the arrangement method of the socket contact pieces 2 in the above example , the two socket contact pieces 2 are arranged in a concentric ring structure and a magnet can be arranged at the gap between the socket contact pieces 2 so that a magnet on the plug 100 and the magnet in the socket recess 203 attract each other to prevent the plug 100 from falling out of the socket 200 . as shown in other examples , three socket contact pieces 2 are used in the example , wherein two socket contact pieces 2 are arranged on the conical surface of the socket recess 203 in a concentric ring structure , and one penny - shaped socket contact piece 2 is arranged at the inner bottom center of the socket recess 203 . when the plug 100 is inserted into the socket recess 203 of the socket 200 , the plug contact pieces 1 can fit the socket contact pieces 2 for electricity transmission . an elastic sheet 218 is connected on the socket 100 by an elastic sheet spring 119 . the elastic sheet spring 119 is a compression spring . an elastic sheet spring 219 keeps the elastic force to make the elastic sheet 218 keep against the side or bottom of the socket 200 . two power switch moving contacts 209 are provided at the ends of the elastic sheet 218 and connected with the power supply by socket wires 205 separately . power switch fixed contacts 210 are arranged near the power switch moving contacts 209 and connected with two socket contact pieces 2 on the socket respectively . a sliding - type push - push switch 111 is arranged on the elastic sheet 218 , and in the example it is arranged on the side wall of the socket 200 . the sliding push - push switch 111 has the same principle as the compression switch on a compression spring ball - point pen , that is , a cylindrical bump is installed at the center of the elastic sheet 218 and nested in a button key which goes through the socket 200 by a sliding sleeve . the sliding sleeve is fixed on the side wall of the socket 200 and a guide groove is arranged on the inner side wall of the sliding sleeve . guide teeth are arranged on the outer side wall at the end of the button key , and a tooth profile structure and a supporting guide block are arranged on the end face of the button key . a tooth profile structure that fits with the end face of the button key is arranged on the outer wall of the guide block that is nested in the cylindrical bump . when the plug and socket are required and the plug needs to be inserted into the socket , press the button key to fit the tooth profile structure on the end face of the button key with that on the outer wall of the guide block under the action of the guide groove in the sliding sleeve , move the guide block to apply the force to the cylindrical bump and move the elastic sheet 218 to a direction away from the side wall of the socket 200 so that the power switch moving contacts 209 at the ends of the elastic sheet 218 are close to the power switch fixed contacts 210 . when loosening the button key , the elastic sheet 218 is tucked near the side wall of the socket 200 under the action of the elastic sheet spring 219 and the cylindrical bump on the elastic sheet 218 is driven to move . now the tooth profile structure on the end face of the button key fits with that on the outer wall of the guide block to move the button key . the button key is limited by the side wall of the socket 200 and unable to move and the tooth profile structure on the side of the cylindrical bump is limited by the tooth profile structure on the end face of the button key so that the elastic sheet 218 no longer moves and the power switch moving contacts 209 fit the power switch fixed contacts 210 for energization . when the operator applies the force to the button key again , the button key will push the guide block through the tooth profile structure on the end face and then the guide block push the cylindrical bump on the elastic sheet 218 to make the elastic sheet 218 move . when loosening the button key , the elastic sheet 218 moves to the direction of the side wall of the socket 200 under the action of the elastic sheet spring 219 and a guide key on the outer wall of the cylindrical bump slides in the guide groove to make the elastic sheet 218 restore to the original position so that the power switch moving contacts 209 are disconnected from the power switch fixed contacts 210 for deenergization . therefore , the electrodes in the socket can be energized or deenergized by the sliding push - push switch 222 . when the button key is not pressed , the socket contact pieces 2 in the socket 200 are electrically neutral . when your hands can touch a contact electrode ( i . e . a socket contact piece 2 ), the plug and socket must be deenergized and can be energized only when your hands are unable to touch a contact electrode for safe use . even through a metal is inserted into a socket contact piece 2 in the socket , the short circuit or an electric shock will not occur ; in addition , the socket is provided with an overcurrent protection mechanism such as the bimetal sheets of the power switch moving contacts 209 in the example 5 ; in addition , according to the principle of losing the magnetic force of a magnet at the curie point , select the curie point of the magnet 116 on the plug 100 according to the actual needs when the socket is designed . when the current in the plug and socket overloads , the fitting position between a plug contact piece 1 on the plug 100 and a socket contact piece 2 on the socket 200 is heated to heat the magnet 116 between the plug contact pieces 1 . when the temperature is at the curie point of the magnet 116 , the magnet 116 will lose its magnetism so that the plug 100 falls out of the socket 200 to provide the overcurrent protection for the socket 200 . with the overcurrent protection , the burnout of the socket and a fire during the overcurrent transmission can be prevented effectively . in addition , a drain hole 221 can be provided at the bottom of the socket 200 . as shown in fig1 , the socket of the invention is similar to the socket 200 in the example 6 and the differences are as follows : a bistable push - push switch 223 is arranged on the side wall of the socket 200 and connected with the elastic sheet 218 . the bistable push - push switch 223 comprises a button key and a rail groove plate , wherein the rail groove plate is installed on the elastic sheet 218 and provided with a rail groove in the inclined heart - shaped structure , and the button key is connected with a sliding block . springs are connected in four directions of the sliding block so that it is located at the center of the four springs . when pressing the button key , the sliding block can move in the rail groove under the action of the button key so that the elastic sheet 218 is pushed by the rail groove plate and then the power switch moving contacts 209 are connected with the power switch fixed contacts 210 for energization . when loosening the button key , the sliding block slides to the center of the heart - shaped rail groove in the rail groove to keep the elastic sheet 218 still ; when continuing pressing the button key , the sliding block continues sliding in the rail groove and returns to the original position , and the elastic sheet 218 is restored to the original position thereof under the action of the spring so that the power switch moving contacts 209 are disconnected from the power switch fixed contacts 210 for deenergization . according to principles of the examples 6 and 7 , a control key can be installed on the side wall of the socket 200 to control the motion of the elastic sheet 218 so that the power switch moving contacts 209 are connected with the power switch fixed contacts 210 for energization and keeping energization . you can continue pressing the control key to make the elastic sheet 218 restore to the original position thereof under the action of the elastic sheet spring 219 so that the power switch moving contacts 209 are disconnected from the power switch fixed contacts 210 for deenergization . the control key is to energize by pressing downwards and to deenergize by continuing pressing downwards . control keys in other structures can be designed according to the control key for the socket of the invention to ensure the safe use of the socket 200 . when the control key is not pressed , the socket contact pieces 2 in the socket 200 are electrically neutral . when your hands can touch a contact electrode ( i . e . a socket contact piece 2 ), the plug and socket must be deenergized and can be energized only when your hands are unable to touch a contact electrode for safe use . even through a metal is inserted into a socket contact piece 2 in the socket , the short circuit or an electric shock will not occur . as shown in fig1 and fig1 , the plug 100 in the example has the same structure as the plug in the example 6 and the socket 200 has the same arrangement between the socket recess 203 and socket contact pieces 2 as the socket in the example 6 . an elastic sheet 218 is provided below a socket recess 203 of the socket 200 . the elastic sheet 218 can be made of magnets or ferrous materials and connected to the bottom of the socket 200 by an elastic sheet spring 219 to make the elastic sheet 218 tucked . power switch moving contacts 209 that fit with the power switch fixed contacts 210 are arranged at two ends of the elastic sheet 218 and connected with the power supply through socket wires 205 . when the plug 100 is inserted into the socket recess 203 in the socket 200 , the magnet on the plug 100 attracts the elastic sheet 218 to make the elastic sheet 218 move upwards so that the power switch fixed contacts 210 at two ends of the elastic sheet 218 are connected with the power switch fixed contacts 210 for energization . when the current in the plug and socket overloads , the plug contact pieces 1 are heated and the magnet on the plug 100 is also heated . when the temperature is at the curie point , the magnet will lose its magnetism immediately and the elastic sheet 218 is restored to the original position under the action of the elastic sheet spring 219 , so that the power switch fixed contacts are disconnected from the power switch moving contacts 209 for deenergization to provide the current overload protection for the plug and socket . when your hands can touch a contact electrode , the plug and socket must be deenergized and can be energized only when your hands are unable to touch a contact electrode for safe use . even through a metal is inserted into a socket contact piece , the short circuit or an electric shock will not occur ; in addition , the socket is provided with an overcurrent protection mechanism for the overcurrent protection to effectively avoid burnout of the socket and a fire during the overcurrent transmission . as shown in fig1 and fig1 , the example is similar to the example 8 and the difference are as follows : the bottom of the plug 100 is a plane , and three plug contact pieces 1 at the bottom of the plug 100 are a third plug contact piece 106 , a second plug contact piece 107 and a first plug contact piece 108 in a concentric ring structure . the third plug contact 106 and the second plug contact piece 107 are flaky rings , and the first plug contact piece 108 in the innermost ring is of a cone structure and its section is a “ v ”- shaped section ; the socket recess 203 on the socket 200 is a flat bottom recess , and the first socket contact piece 208 as the innermost ring in the socket recess 203 has the same cone structure as the first plug contact piece 108 . as shown in fig1 , fig2 and fig2 , the example is similar to the example 8 and example 9 and the difference are as follows : the bottom surface of the plug 100 is a plane , and three plug contact pieces 1 at the bottom surface of the plug 100 comprise a third plug contact piece 106 , a second plug contact piece 107 and a first plug contact piece 108 separately which are flaky metal sheets and in a concentric ring structure . the first plug contact piece 108 is located in the innermost ring , the third plug contact piece 106 is located in the outermost ring and the second plug contact piece 107 is between the innermost ring and the outermost ring . in a similar way , the socket recess 203 in the socket 100 is a flat bottom recess and three socket contact pieces 2 are flaky metal sheets in a concentric ring structure . as shown in fig7 , the overcurrent protection mechanism in the plug and the socket of the invention consists of power switch moving contacts 209 made of bimetal sheets 300 . the bimetal sheets 300 comprise a first metal sheet 301 and a second metal sheet 302 made of two materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion . when the sheets are deformed due to heating , one has larger deformation than the other metal sheet so that the power switch moving contacts 209 are disconnected from the power switch fixed contacts 210 to deenergize for overcurrent protection . for the plug and the socket of the invention as shown in fig2 , an opening and closing mechanism controlling the connection of power switch moving contacts 209 with power switch fixed contacts 210 during the energization of electrodes can be made of a plastic spring 224 . the tail of the plastic spring 224 is a circular sheet that is made of plastic materials with good elasticity and expansibility . the circular sheet is fixed on the socket 200 and power switch moving contacts 209 are connected at two ends of the circular sheet and to socket contact pieces 2 separately . the power switch moving contacts 209 can fit with the power switch fixed contacts 210 relatively . when an expansion shaft head stretches to the circular sheet at the tail of the plastic spring 224 , the circular sheet is expanded so that the power switch moving contacts 209 are connected with the power switch fixed contacts 210 for energization . when the expansion shaft head is taken out of the circular sheet , the circular sheet gets back into shape so that the power switch moving contacts 209 are disconnected from the power switch fixed contacts 210 for deenergization . bimetal sheets can also be used in the power switch moving contacts 209 for overcurrent protection . the invention is not limited to the embodiments . the invention can be expanded to any new feature or any new combination disclosed in the specification , and steps in any new method or procedure or any new combination disclosed .	7
referring now to the drawings , where the present invention is generally referred to with numeral 10 , it can be observed that it basically includes housing 15 containing locking tongue mechanism 20 that is actuated by actuating elongated arm 26 of gear mechanism 60 that in turn is actuated by electric motor 40 . d . c . ( direct current ) source ( such a battery ) 111 powers electric motor 40 and receiver 110 . housing 15 is mounted inside closure elements , such as , hingedly mounted doors and windows . locking tongue mechanism 20 , as illustrated in fig1 includes locking tongue member 22 biased by spring 24 outwardly and protruding through plate 16 . locking tongue member 22 has locking outer end 22 &# 39 ; and inner end 22 &# 34 ;. cavity 23 in member 22 is designed to receive free end 26 &# 34 ; of actuating elongated arm 26 . free end 26 &# 34 ; travels along slot 27 when elongated arm 26 is actuated . locking tongue mechanism 20 also includes actuating elongated arm 26 that pivots about point 26 &# 39 ;. in fig1 arm 26 is shown in phantom with numeral 126 , and it represents the open position . basically , as seen in fig7 electric motor 40 is activated , inter alia , when receiver 110 receives a coded signal from transmitter 130 . transmitter 130 is activated when a predetermined input or combination of inputs is applied . other input devices that can be used include programmable keypads , such as those marketed by international electronic , inc ., 427 turnpike street , canton , mass . 02021 under the brands door guard and multipad . receiver 110 includes an output o that activates electric motor 40 that in turn actuates elongated worm gear 42 . as shown in fig1 and 2 , elongated worm gear 42 is meshed with gear 62 of gear mechanism 60 . driving gear 64 is rigidly mounted to gear 62 and is meshed with driven gear 65 . gear 62 , in the preferred embodiment , is rotary mounted to shaft 63 that in turn is mounted to bottom wall 17 of housing 15 . driving gear 64 is cooperately meshed with driven gear 65 . driving gear 64 is sufficiently smaller that driven gear 65 to cause the latter to move between two predetermined angular positions to cause a predetermined angular displacement of actuating elongated arm 26 , as best seen in fig1 and 4 . driven gear 65 is rotary mounted to shaft 66 that in turn is mounted to bottom wall 17 of housing 15 . driven gear 65 , in the preferred embodiment , includes perpendicularly mounted pin or actuating member 67 . pin 67 is located at an offset position with respect to shaft 66 . once motor 40 is activated , as described above , driven gear 65 with pin 67 rotate . pin 67 pushes on elongated arm 26 to pivot about point 26 &# 39 ; until free end 26 &# 34 ; brings outer end 22 &# 39 ; sufficiently outwards plate 16 to clear door latch 90 . this causes spring 24 to be compressed between lateral wall 18 of housing 15 and wall 25 of tongue inner portion 22 &# 34 ;, as best seen in fig1 and 4 . in this manner , outer portion 22 &# 39 ; of locking tongue member 22 is released from door latch 90 . when elongated actuating arm 26 and locking tongue member 22 reach the unlocked position , spring 24 is kept compressed until a locking signal is received . then , motor 40 rotates in the opposite direction to cause gear mechanism 60 to also rotate the opposite direction . once the locking tongue is in the locked position it cannot be moved unless an extraordinary amount of force is applied . driven gear 65 with pin 67 return to the locked position , thereby bringing free end 26 &# 34 ; toward micro - switch 70 , as best seen in fig4 . cables 100 &# 39 ; are connected to an outside electrical source ( d . c . in the preferred embodiment ) that in turn is connected to the public network . battery 100 may serve as a backup battery to rectifier circuit 120 . if device 10 is not used constantly , battery 111 may be all is required . the output o of receiver 110 stays on until a micro - switch 70 can be used to turn it off limiting the operation of motor 40 after gear 65 reaches a predetermined position and actuates micro - switch 72 . alternatively , an electronic timer can be used to keep motor 40 energized for a determined amount of time . driving gear 64 is rigidly mounted to gear 62 and is meshed with driven gear 65 . fig3 shows an alternate embodiment wherein photo - sensors 80 and 82 are used to limit the rotation of gear 65 and the operation of motor 40 thus saving electricity . photo - sensors 80 and 82 are mounted to the inner surface of wall 17 and below driven gear 65 . when mirror member 84 reflects the light coming from photo - sensor 80 , elongated arm 26 remains in locked position with tongue member 22 housed inside door latch 90 . once driven gear 65 rotates and mirror member 84 reaches and reflects the light coming from photo sensor 82 , elongated arm 26 stops its angular displacement and gear 65 stops rotating . in fig6 the electrical diagram for one of the preferred embodiments for receiver 110 is shown . basically , a code signal is detected by antenna 150 , amplified by radio frequency amplifier and demodulator 112 and the demodulated signal compared with comparator circuit 114 to a pre - programmed code storage circuit 113 . if the code in the signal matches , then a timer is activated keeping an output p on for a predetermined adjustable amount of time , preferably between 1 second and 30 seconds . this is the normal amount of time that an individual needs to push open a door or other protected closure . output p is connected to one of the inputs of nor gate 116 and through an inverter 118 to nor gate 117 so that when the input of gate 116 has a logic level , the input of gate 117 has the opposite logic level . the resulting outputs from gates 116 and 117 correspond to the close and open outputs connected to motor driver 119 that in turn provides the necessary current to drive motor 40 . to further ensure that driver 119 stays on only the necessary amount of time ( to save energy ), micro - switches 70 and 72 can be used . when timer circuit 115 is activated and output p is high , the output of gate 116 will be low . in contrast , the open input of driver 119 will receive a high that will cause motor 40 to turn and open locking tongue mechanism 20 and activate buzzer 121 alerting a user that the lock is being released . once actuating elongated arm 26 reaches the end of its travel , micro - switch 72 is closed resetting timer circuit 115 and causing output p to be low . since micro - switch 70 is low when closed , then the output of gate 116 is a high causing the close output to drive motor 40 in the opposite direction . once member 26 reaches the opposite end , micro - switch is open and the output of gate 116 is low discontinuing the close output . photo - sensors 29 , 29 &# 39 ;, and 29 &# 34 ; can be used to accomplish a similar function and replacing micro - switches 70 and 72 . the objective being in using the least amount of energy opening and closing locking tongue mechanism 20 . the present invention can be powered by an electrical power source connected to the public network through electrical cables 100 &# 39 ;, as seen in fig1 . a block diagram is shown in fig5 representing one possible implementation of the electrical power circuit used in one of the embodiments . battery 111 is kept charged by d . c . source , such as rectifier circuit 120 , in the preferred embodiment . if the public network power fails , battery 111 takes over . also , a photocell charger 102 is used to maintain the charge in battery 111 in the event electrical power is lost for a long period of time as shown in fig5 . also , it is possible to not use electricity from a public network and rely exclusively on battery 111 and photocell 102 . the foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention . different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention . it is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative , and not in a limiting sense .	8
referring to fig1 there is seen a powertrain generally designated 10 , having an engine 12 , a motor / generator 14 , a torque converter 16 and a multi - speed power transmission 18 . the engine 12 , motor / generator 14 and multi - speed transmission 18 are conventional items which are well known in the art . the multi - speed transmission 18 provides a number of speed ratios between the engine 12 and a vehicle drive system , not shown . these types of transmissions are well known , such that a more complete description is not warranted at this point . the torque converter 16 includes a pump or impeller 20 , a turbine 22 and a stator 24 . the impeller 20 is drivingly connected through an input shell 26 with a rotor 28 of the motor / generator 14 . the input shell 26 has a hub portion 32 which is drivingly connected to an outer race 34 of a one - way device 36 . the one - way device 36 has a plurality of rollers 38 which are disposed between the outer race 34 and an inner race 40 . in a well known manner , the rollers 38 will permit free rotation between the inner and outer races 34 and 40 during one direction of rotation of the inner or outer race while preventing rotation in the opposite direction . for example , if the inner race 40 is driven clockwise , the outer race 34 will also be drive clockwise . however , if the outer race 34 rotates faster than the inner race in a clockwise direction , no power will be transmitted between the outer race 34 and the inner race 40 . the inner race 40 is secured with an annular plate 42 which , in turn , is drivingly connected to a shaft member 44 . the shaft member 44 is drivingly connected through a conventional damper assembly 46 with an engine flywheel 48 which , in turn , is connected with an engine crankshaft 50 . thus , the inner race 40 will rotate whenever the engine 12 is driven or providing power . the turbine 22 is drivingly connected with a torque converter output shaft 52 through a hub 54 . the output shaft 52 has disposed therein a pair of tube members 56 and 58 which are effective to provide fluid passages to a pair of clutch chambers 60 and 62 , respectively . the clutch chambers 60 and 62 are separated by a plate 64 and a spring reaction wall 66 . the spring reaction wall 66 is secured with a hub 68 on which is disposed , through a tooth or spline connection 67 , a plurality of friction plates 70 and 72 . the friction plates 70 are members of a torque converter clutch , generally designated 74 , which also includes friction plates 76 which are drivingly connected with the input shell 26 . the torque converter clutch 74 also includes an apply piston 78 which has disposed thereon a pair of annular lip seals 80 and 82 which are effective to seal the chamber 60 from a pressure chamber 84 formed between the turbine 22 and the input shell 26 . the friction plates 72 are components of an engine clutch , generally designated 86 . the clutch 86 also has friction plates 88 which are spaced between the friction plates 72 and drivingly connected with a hub 90 . the hub 90 is secured to the inner race 40 and is open to the pressure in the chamber 84 . the clutch 86 also has an apply piston 92 which includes a pair of annular lip seals 94 and 96 which are effective to provide a seal relationship between the chamber 62 and the chamber 84 . the tube 56 cooperates with the shaft 52 to form a passage 98 which selectively supplies pressure to the chamber 60 . tube 58 cooperates with the tube 56 and shaft 52 to form a passage 100 which selectively supplies fluid pressure to the chamber 62 . the fluid pressure supplied to the chambers 60 and 62 is provided through a conventional control system ( not shown ) in which a valve member admits fluid pressure to the chamber or exhaust fluid pressure from the chamber . these types of devices are , of course , well known in the transmission art . the torque converter pump 20 has a hub 102 which is spaced from a stator shaft 104 . the stator shaft 104 is grounded to a stationary element , such as a housing , and carries an inner race 106 of a one - way device 108 which is operatively connected with the stator 24 . the space between the stator shaft 104 and hub 102 provide a passage 110 through which converter charge pressure is admitted to the torque converter 16 . when charge pressure is admitted to the torque converter 16 through passage 110 , the same pressure is available in the chamber 84 . the pressure in chamber 84 operates on the pistons 78 and 92 to cause engagement of their respective friction plates 70 , 76 and 72 , 88 . the piston 78 , when pressurized , must overcome the force in return springs 112 while the piston 92 must overcome the force in return springs 114 . thus , the clutches 74 and 86 are engaged in a well known manner . to disengage the clutch 74 , fluid pressure is admitted through the passage 98 to the chamber 60 to cooperate with the return springs 112 and thereby disengage the clutch 74 through movement of the piston 78 . the clutch 86 is disengaged by fluid pressure being admitted through passage 100 to the chamber 62 which will cooperate with the springs 114 to disengage the piston 92 of the clutch 86 . the transmission 18 includes a conventional positive displacement pump ( not shown ) which is effective to supply the fluid pressure , via the control system , to the various components both in the transmission and in the torque converter chamber . the torque converter impeller 20 can be driven by the motor / generator 14 through rotation of the rotor 28 . when this occurs , the hydraulic pump of the transmission 18 will be rotated to provide fluid pressure to control the actuation of various clutches and brakes in the transmission as well as actuation of the clutches 74 and 86 . the transmission 18 has a neutral condition which will not permit power to transmit to the vehicle output shaft . with the transmission in neutral , the motor / generator 14 can be operated such that fluid pressure can be supplied to the torque converter 16 in chamber 84 so that the clutch 86 is energized and pressure is supplied to the passage 98 so that the clutch 74 is disengaged . with this arrangement , the turbine 22 will cause rotation of the clutch 86 which , in turn , will cause rotation of the crankshaft 50 of the engine 12 . this will permit starting of the engine . during the initial acceleration of the rotor 28 , the torque converter 16 will assume a stalled condition in which the impeller 20 is rotated at the speed of the rotor 28 while the turbine 22 is stationary and applying torque to the engine crankshaft 50 . during the acceleration of the impeller 20 , the torque converter 16 will develop sufficient torque to begin rotation of the crankshaft 50 thereby causing the engine 12 to rotate at a speed sufficient to permit starting . once the engine is started , the clutch 86 can be disengaged and the engine 12 can be accelerated to its idle speed . at this point , the engine 12 will drive the inner race 40 which , in turn , will cause rotation of the outer race 34 should the outer race be rotating at a speed less than the speed of the inner race . however , if the rotor 28 continues to rotate faster than the engine , the one - way device 36 will permit overrunning or freewheeling between the engine 12 and the rotor 28 . the motor / generator 14 receives power from a battery 120 , such that starting of the engine can be accomplished . the schematic or diagrammatic components of fig2 and 3 have been given the same numerical designations as their corresponding components in fig1 . in viewing fig2 it can be seen that when the turbine 22 is rotated through the torque multiplication of the torque converter and the clutch 86 is engaged , the engine 12 will be driven from the motor / generator through the torque converter to provide starting , as previously explained . when this is viewed in fig3 it can be seen that the motor / generator 14 will cause the torque converter 16 , represented by a lever arm 122 , to react at the stator represented by point 124 and cause the turbine represented by point 126 to move in the same direction as the impeller represented by point 128 on the lever 122 . it should be appreciated that due to the lever arm 122 , the speed of the turbine will be less than the speed of the impeller 20 , but the torque will be multiplied thereby providing a low speed high torque input through the clutch 86 to the engine 12 . when the engine has been started , the clutch 86 is disengaged and the engine can supply power through the one - way device 36 . with the engine driving through the one - way device 36 , the impeller 20 will be driven by the engine 12 such that full power can be transmitted through the torque converter to the transmission 18 . in this situation , the torque converter 16 , when viewed as a lever arm in fig3 will again supply a torque multiplier between the engine and the transmission 18 until the torque converter reaches a coupling stage which is essentially a 1 : 1 transmission member . when this occurs , the torque converter clutch 74 can be engaged thereby providing a direct power path between the outer race 34 of the one - way device 36 , the rotor 28 and the torque converter turbine 22 . thus , a 1 : 1 drive to the transmission 18 is provided in bypassing relation with the torque converter . this drive can be either from the motor / generator 14 or from the engine 12 through the one - way device 36 . if it is desirable to provide coast braking or engine braking , as it is commonly termed , the clutch 86 can be engaged which will provide a direct drive connection between the engine 12 and the automatic transmission 18 . the clutch 86 can also be engaged during conventional operation so that the transmission and the rotor 28 of the motor / generator 14 are driven by the engine 12 . this will permit the motor / generator 14 to charge the battery 120 while supplying electrical power to other devices or accessories of the vehicle . also , the motor / generator 14 can supplement the engine power , if desired , during times of peak power requirements by the vehicle . the important feature to appreciate is that the torque converter permits the motor / generator 14 to be of a more conventional sized high speed low torque unit and still permit engine starting without the use of an integral planetary gear arrangement providing the gear reduction . the torque converter 16 also provides the standard or conventional duty of a torque converter , that is , providing a multiplier between the prime mover and the transmission .	5
this invention relates to a graduated ruler with a telescopic extension and an aligning device . a common difficulty encountered and which could be the cause for the reduction in the size of an architectural or engineering drawing is due to the fact that lines in a desirably larger drawing would have to be drawn in a direction leading to a point which either falls beyond the reach of a straight - edge of ordinary length or falls outside the drawing board . this difficulty is particularly , though not exclusively , evident in perspective drawing where the many parallel lines converging to the same vanishing point , although these are not necessarily long lines , yet their direction towards a comparatively distant vanishing point is essential . in such cases normally a pin is positioned on the vanishing point to align the inevitably long straight - edge towards this point every time a line has to be drawn in its direction . the frequent manipulation of a long straight - edge for drawing such lines and its frequent necessary removal from the actual drawing area in order to allow for the filling in of other details becomes a tedious , cumbersome and time consuming process . another difficulty met with is in the drawing of lines of different thickness whose longitudinal centre lines have to lead to a fixed point . in such cases the ruling edge has to be kept away from the fixed point at a distance estimated to be equal to onehalf the thickness of the lines to be drawn , since by aligning the ruling edge against a pin positioned centrally on the fixed point will not give accurate results unless the pin is of a diameter equal to the thickness of the line to be drawn along the ruling edge . it becomes more awkward to draw such lines when the fixed point comes beyond the reach of a straight - edge of ordinary length , and even more so when the fixed point falls outside the drawing board . in both cases a very long and consequently unwieldy straight - edge would have to be manipulated . yet another difficulty commonly met with is in the drawing of circles or parts of circles of a comparatively large radius especially when their centre is outside the drawing board . the practice of tying one end of a strong string or thin wire to a pin fixed centrally on the centre of the circle and drawing the required circle or part of a circle by means of a pen or pencil attached to the other end of the string or wire , leaves a lot to be desired where accuracy is essentail . accuracy can be achieved by the use of a beam compass with a very long beam , but this presents handling difficulties when operated by one person . having mentioned some of the difficulties which this invention , with its telescopic and rotating action combined with its aligning device , is intended to overcome , i shall now describe it making reference to the accompanying drawing containing ten figures , namely ; fig6 . axonometric projection of a conventional ruler attached to a telescopic contrivance . fig7 . axonometric projection of an alternative attachment containing aligning circular holes ( based on application with ser . no . 736 , 154 and filing date oct . 27 , 1976 submitted by the undersigned ). fig8 . plan showing slots j in member b with corresponding slots in member c containing springs u with heads o . fig9 . section showing rectangular hole z in member a with corresponding rectangular hole in member b containing spring w with head y . fig1 . section showing blocking piece r fixed to member a by screw t . fig1 and 5 show the ruler made up of three component members a , b and cd . the number of such members as well as their cross - section may vary according to requirements and depending on the material used . member a consists of a conventional graduated ruler of sufficient thickness to allow of its being hollow along its whole length to contain a member b which can slide smoothly and freely inside it . member a is provided with : ( i ) a blocking piece r fixed by screws t at one extremity to prevent member b from sliding out of it in this direction as shown in fig1 ; ( ii ) rectangular holes z to block the heads y of the springs w fixed to member b , to prevent member b from sliding out of it in the opposite direction beyond a determined limit , as shown in fig9 ; ( iii ) clamping screws m to hold member b in any desired intermediate position ; ( iv ) slots v to house clamping screws n when member b is fully contained in it . member b is shorter than member a by an amount equal to the width of the blocking piece r and has a hollow rectangular section throughout its whole length with the middle third of the upper side cut off . member b is also provided with : ( i ) a blocking piece similar to r at one extremity to prevent member cd from sliding out of it in this direction ; ( ii ) slots j to block heads o of the springs u fixed to member cd , to prevent member cd from sliding out of it in the opposite direction beyond a determined limit , as shown in fig8 ; ( iii ) clamping screws n to hold member cd in any desired intermediate position . member cd is shorter than member b by an amount equal to the width of the end blocking piece in member b , and consists of a solid shallow inverted t - section along the part c with a flat part d at one extremity containing threaded holes l corresponding to the holes s shown in fig2 and 5 . the attachment containing an aligning device shown in fig2 and 5 , consists of a solid rectangular member f with a projecting part e having two holes s corresponding to the above described holes l in the flat part d . the two parts e and d are securely fixed together by means of screws passing through holes s and tightened in the threaded holes l . the thickness of the projecting part e is equal to the projection of part c over part d so that part e can also slide along member b and inside member a . the longer side of the rectangular solid member f is shorter than the total external width of the main containing ruler a by an amount equal to at least one diameter of either of the circular holes h to allow for the positioning of an accommodating pivot with its centre in line with an extension of the ruling edge q . said member f is of the same thickness as member a so that their respective bottom and upper faces come in one plane , and is grooved along its whole length in the form of a t - section to receive a movable fixable member g having the same section . said member g contains a circular hole h at either extremity to accommodate a pivot member round which the ruler and attachment can freely turn . the centre of either hole h is held in the desired position relative to an extension of the ruling edge q by a clamping screw p . to illustrate the beneficial uses of the invention to overcome some of the difficulties ordinarily met with and referred to above , the following examples are being quoted : for perspective drawing , the invented ruler , with the centre of either of its holes h securely held in line with an extension of the corresponding ruling edge q and with the said hole h inserted in an accommodating pivot centrally positioned on a vanishing point , does the function of a long straight - edge with the added expedient advantage of the possibility of member a containing the ruling edge q being pushed away from , or pulled back to , the actual drawing area without altering the direction of the ruling edge q towards the vanishing point . for the drawing of thick lines whose longitudinal centre line has to lead to a point , such as for example in the drawing of spokes in a wheel , the invented ruler eliminates the necessity of having to estimate or measure the distance that the ruling edge has to be kept away from the fixed point every time such a thick line is drawn . by setting and fixing the centre of either hole h laterally away from an extension of the ruling edge q by an amount equal to one - half the thickness of the line representing the spoke , inserting hole h in an accommodating pivot centrally positioned on the centre of the wheel , and rotating the ruler round the pivot , all such spokes can be accurately and promptly drawn along the ruling edge q . for the drawing of circles or parts of circles of a large radius , especially when their centres come outside the drawing board , these can be expeditiously drawn by fixing the centre of either hole h in line with an extension of the ruling edge q , inserting the hole h in an accommodating pivot , securing members a , b and cd in the required position by means of the respective clamping screws m and n , and rotating the ruler round the pivot with a scriber firmly held against the corresponding ruling edge q . the same telescopic , aligning and rotating results can also be obtained by the combination shown in fig6 and 7 and described below , such combination consisting of a conventional graduated ruler fixed to the outermost containing member of a graduated telescopic contrivance adapted for the purpose , said telescopic contrivance also having its innermost graduated contained member suitably adapted to be fixed to either of the aligning devices shown in fig2 and 5 , and in fig7 . fig6 shows a combination of a conventional graduated ruler i which is attached by flat straps k to the outermost containing member ` a ` of a telescopic contrivance shown consisting of three component members ` a `, b and c , again provided with stoppers r , blocking holes z and j with corresponding springs with heads , and clamping screws m and n , as well as with holes 1 at the extremity of the innermost contained member c , said holes 1 corresponding with holes s in the projecting part e of the aligning attachment shown in fig7 . said attachment is shown consisting of a rectangular block f containing a series of holes h at either extremity of its longer side , one of the holes having its centre in line with the ruling edge q , the other holes having their centres laterally away from an extension of the ruling edge q at distances equal to one - half the thickness of the lines to be drawn . the said rectangular block f is also shown provided with a member e attached to it by flat strap k &# 39 ;; said member e having the same cross section as the telescopic member b , so that it can contain telescopic member c and at the same time fit in the outermost containing member ` a ` when the telescopic contrivance is fully closed . members e and c are securely fixed together with passing screws through the upper hole s , then through upper and lower holes 1 , and tightened to the lower threaded hole s . the thickness of the said block f to be such that its bottom face lies in the same plane as the bottom face of the ruler i . evidently , if the telescopic effect is not required , either of the two aligning attachments shown in fig2 and 5 , and in fig7 in the accompanying drawing can be easily adapted to be fixed directly on to a conventional ruler .	1
referring to fig1 - 3 , the lacrosse stick of the present invention is generally referred to as reference number 10 and includes an elongated handle 12 that attaches to a lacrosse head 40 . in one embodiment , the handle 12 is generally hollow and is constructed of a metallic material , such as aluminum or titanium . it will be understood that the handle 12 can take on a variety of other configurations , i . e . solid or partially solid . further , the handle 12 can be formed of a variety of other suitable materials , such as graphite , other composite materials , or plastic . the handle 12 has a first side or sidewall 14 and a second side or sidewall 16 . each of the sidewalls 14 , 16 includes a respective channel 18 , 20 . further , each sidewall 14 , 16 has a first edge 22 , 24 located at an upper edge of the respective channel 18 , 20 , and a second edge 26 , 28 located at a lower edge of the respective channel 18 , 20 . a first end wall 30 extends between and connects the first edge 22 of the first sidewall 14 and the first edge 24 of the second sidewall 16 . similarly , there is a second end wall 32 that extends between the second edge 26 of the first sidewall 14 and the second edge 28 of the second sidewall 16 . the end wall walls 30 , 32 are preferably oriented such that they are arched and bow out or curve away from each other and the sidewalls to which they connect . it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the walls 30 , 32 can take on a variety of different configurations as desired . each of the channels 18 , 20 preferably is set back with respect to the respective sidewall 14 , 16 in which it is formed . the channels 18 , 20 preferably extend along the length of the handle . however , the channels 18 , 20 may extend along less than all of the entire length as desired . each channel 18 , 20 includes a bottom channel wall 42 , 44 . the bottom channel wall 42 extends between and connects the first edge 22 and the second edge 26 of the first sidewall 14 . the bottom channel wall 44 extends between and connects the first edge 24 and the second edge 28 of the second sidewall 16 . the bottom channel walls 42 , 44 are preferably curved , but may alternatively take on a variety of different configurations . because the bottom channel walls 42 , 44 are disposed inwardly or set back with respect to the sidewalls 14 , 16 they provide increase strength and impact resistance to the handle 12 , particularly from contact to either end wall 30 , 32 of the handle 12 . further , this channel configuration allows the handle to flex due to their set back configuration which provides a handle with more whip . each of the end walls 30 , 32 has an exterior surface . in one embodiment , the exterior surface of the end wall 30 is textured , as generally represented by reference number 33 while the exterior surface of the end wall 32 has a smooth surface as generally represented by reference numeral 37 . the end wall 30 , as shown in fig1 , is illustrated as the upper wall , while the end wall 32 is illustrated as the lower wall . however , it will be understood that this is for purposes of illustration only and that the end walls 30 , 32 may be oriented such that either may be disposed as the top surface or the bottom surface of the handle 12 . further , the textured surface extends between a portion of the first sidewall 14 and a portion of the second sidewall 16 . specifically , referring to the first sidewall 14 , the area 39 between the first sidewall 14 first edge 22 to the first channel 18 is also preferably textured . similarly , the area 49 on the second sidewall 16 between the first edge 24 and the second channel 20 is also textured . it will also be understood that the texture may extend along the end wall 30 along the entire length of the handle . alternatively , the texture may instead be disposed over only a substantial part of the end wall 30 . further , the texture may be located on the end wall 30 at only select locations along the length of the handle 12 , such as in locations where a player &# 39 ; s hands typically contact a lacrosse handle during play . one of ordinary skill in the art will understand these locations . similarly , the texture may extend over the entire length or only a portion of the first sidewall 14 and / or the second sidewall 16 . the smooth surface also extends between and connects a portion of the first sidewall 14 and a portion of the second sidewall 16 . the area 59 between the second edge 26 of the first sidewall 14 and the first channel 18 is preferably smooth and the area 69 between the second edge 28 and the second sidewall 16 to the second channel 20 is smooth . in other words , half of the first sidewall 14 is smooth and half of the first sidewall 14 is textured . similarly , half of the second sidewall 16 is smooth and half of the second sidewall 16 is textured . it will be understood that instead of a texture , a surface structure can be located on one side of the handle . other textured surface to smooth surface configurations may be utilized . since half of the handle 12 is textured and the other half is smooth , the user or player has a much better handle to head orientation during play . moreover , a texture on one side or half of the handle provides a player with a better grip on the stick for improved ball handling as well and improved shooting and passing accuracy . in other words , depending upon where or how the texture contacts the player &# 39 ; s hands , it provides the player with tactile feedback as to the orientation of the attached head . one method of adding texture to the textured area is through sand blasting . however , a variety of other methods for forming the textured surface may be utilized . the player can decide how to position the textured surface relative to the lacrosse head . for instance , in fig1 , the smooth surface is shown positioned adjacent to the front face of the lacrosse head 40 . it should be understood that the textured surface 33 could be positioned adjacent to the front face of the lacrosse head 40 . both channels 18 , 20 along each of the sidewalls 14 , 16 serve multiple purposes . one purpose is to provide an additional gripping surface on the handle 12 . another purpose is to receive an insert 34 , 36 . the inserts 34 , 36 might be long , thin strips of plastic . further , the inserts 34 , 36 may extend the whole length of the channel . however , it will be understood that the inserts 34 , 36 may instead extend along only a portion of the channels 18 , 20 . in one embodiment , the inserts 34 , 36 can have writing or include color and are for purposes of aesthetics . some examples include , but are not limited to , the name of the handle manufacturer , the name of the player &# 39 ; s team , or a team &# 39 ; s colors . the inserts are preferably releaseably engageable with each channel 18 , 20 . still another purpose is to provide a handle with increased flex . referring to fig2 , first insert 34 is shown located within the first channel 18 and the second insert 36 is shown located within the second channel 20 . although a total of two inserts are shown with , one in each channel , it is to be understood that there could be only one insert used in one of the channels while the other channel is left empty . further , multiple inserts can be disposed in each channel at a given time . the handle 12 has a first distal end 54 and a second distal end 56 . the lacrosse head 40 is attached to the handle 12 at its first distal end 54 and an end cap 52 is attached to the handle 12 at the second distal end 56 . while the present invention has been described in what is presently considered to be its most practical and preferred embodiment or implementation , it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment . on the contrary , the present invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims , which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law .	0
referring to fig1 , a heat transfer system 10 enhanced by an electrohydrodynamic arrangement , includes a heat transfer surface 12 ; an encapsulated electrode 14 , a high voltage power supply 16 , and a dielectric working media 18 in contact with the heat transfer surface 12 and the encapsulated electrode 14 . the encapsulated electrode 14 includes an electrode wire 20 ( or an electrode plate , not shown in the drawings ) and an insulation layer 22 completely encapsulating the electrode wire 20 up to the high voltage power supply 16 . the insulation layer may be formed of teflon , kapton , or any other insulating material including surface oxidation compounds . the heat transfer surface 12 is coupled to the ground via the ground electrode 24 . the high voltage power supply 16 coupled to the end 26 of the encapsulated electrode 14 , energizes the encapsulated electrode 14 by either uni - polar or bi - directional pulses of energy . the encapsulated electrode 14 generates a high voltage electrostatic field across the working media 18 which is a heat transfer fluid , such as a refrigerant or refrigerant mixture or a gas or a gas mixture . the applied electric field 28 between the grounded heat transfer surface 12 and the encapsulated electrode 14 serves to destabilize the thermal boundary layer ( the layer created on the boundary between the heat transfer surface and the working media ), thus increasing boiling or condensation of the fluid 18 near the heat transfer surface 12 , and producing optimized mixing of the bulk fluid flow . the net effect of such an application of the electrical field between the heat transfer surface and the encapsulated electrode is an increased heat or mass transfer coefficient of the heat transfer system 10 . after the positive pulse is applied to the electrode wire 20 of the encapsulated electrode 14 from the high voltage power supply 16 , the negative ions 30 move to the encapsulated electrode 14 , while the positively charged ions 32 move towards the heat transfer surface , as shown in fig2 . during the entire time the positive pulse applied to the electrode 20 , the current of the negative ions 30 towards the encapsulated electrode 14 and of negative ions 32 towards the heat transfer surface 12 continues . a negative ion deposition on the surface of the insulation layer 22 of the encapsulated electrode 14 takes place , as shown in fig3 . the negative ions deposited on the surface of the encapsulated electrode are prevented from recombination with the positively charged electrode wire 20 by the insulation layer 22 . since the negative charge is collected and growing on the surface of the insulation layer 22 , the current of negative ions 30 and positive ions 32 between the heat transfer surface 12 and the encapsulated electrode 14 slows down due to a decrease in the potential difference between the encapsulated electrode 14 and the heat transfer surface 12 . as a result of a decrease in the potential difference between the encapsulated electrode 14 and the heat transfer surface 12 , the electric field 28 between the encapsulated electrode 14 and the heat transfer surface 12 drops with the time , as shown in fig4 . when the electric field 28 approaches zero , the application of the positive pulse to the electrode wire 20 ceases , as shown in fig5 , and the current of positive and negative ions within the working media between the heat transfer surface 12 and the encapsulated electrode 14 reverses direction . specifically , when the potential on the electrode 20 is zero , the negatively charged surface of the insulation layer 22 attracts the positive ions 32 thereto , while the grounded heat transfer surface 12 attracts negative ions 30 . the first instant of the ceasing of the application of the positive pulse to the electrode wire 20 , the negatively charged encapsulated electrode 14 and the positively charged heat transfer surface 12 create the electric field of a magnitude e 1 , however , in an opposite direction than the electric field created when the positive pulse was applied to the electrode wire 20 . in this electrical field , as shown in fig5 and fig6 a , the positive ions 32 are attracted to the encapsulated electrode 14 negatively charged with the deposition of the negative ions . the negative ions 30 are moving towards the heat transfer surface 12 which in this case is grounded and accommodates potential of the electrode . the positive ions 32 recombine with the negative charge on the surface of the insulation layer 22 , and the negative ions 30 recombine with the positively charged heat transfer surface 12 , so that the electric field between the encapsulated electrode 14 and the heat transfer surface 12 is gradually decreased in the 2 nd period of the single polarity pulse mode cycle , as shown in fig6 a in the absence of the potential on the electrode wire 20 , shown in fig6 b . turning now to fig7 , if during the 2 nd period of the operation of the ehd system , the electrode 20 is supplied with a negative pulse ( e . g ., of the opposite polarity to the pulse applied to the electrode wire 20 in the 1 st period ) shown in fig8 a and 8b , the negative pulse applied to the electrode wire 20 along with the negatively charged surface of the insulation layer 22 of the encapsulated electrode 14 ( at the end of the 1 st period ) will provide for larger difference of potential between the encapsulated electrode 14 and the heat transfer surface . the application of a negative pulse to the electrode 14 creates a stronger electrical field , which will be of a magnitude equal to the sum of the e 1 and e 2 ( whereas e 1 corresponds to the electric field created when no pulse is applied to the electrode wire 20 , and e 2 is the magnitude of an electric field corresponding to the amplitude of the negative pulse applied to the electrode wire 20 in the 2 nd period ), as shown in fig8 a . the strong electric field created in the beginning of the 2 nd period in the gap between the heat transfer surface 12 and the encapsulated electrode 14 , generates an intensified motion of the charges in the working media . specifically , the positive ions 32 attracted by the negatively charged surface of the insulation layers 22 , as well as negatively charged electrode 20 , will move or displace towards the encapsulated electrode 14 and recombine with the negative charge on the surface of the insulation layer 22 , while the negative ion 30 will move towards the heat transfer surface 12 and recombine thereon as well . therefore , the electric field decreases from the magnitude of e 1 + e 2 to zero with the time , as shown in fig8 a and 8b . the diagrams shown in fig9 a and 9b illustrate the electric field ( fig9 a ) and potential applied to the electrode wire 20 of the encapsulated electrode 14 ( fig9 b ) in a bi - directional mode of operation . as shown , during the positive pulses application to the electrode 20 , the electric field is positive and has the magnitude of e 1 , while during the application of negative pulses to the electrode wire 20 of the encapsulated electrode 14 , the electric field created between the encapsulated electrode 14 and the heat transfer surface 12 is negative and initially has a high magnitude which equals e 1 + e 2 . this mode of operation , when bi - directional pulses are intermittently applied to the encapsulated electrode 14 is preferred since a double electric field can be generated by application of the pulse of the same amplitude ( but of the opposite polarity ), which is desirable for ehd systems . it significantly decreases the cost of high voltage power supply and electrode insulation 22 requirement there are situations when the entire high voltage power supply 16 should be encapsulated as well as the encapsulated electrode , as shown in fig1 . for example , in space systems , preventing the leakage of high voltage charges is a problem area which is solved in the system 10 of the present invention by encapsulating the high voltage power supply 16 as well as the electrode 20 into the layer of insulation material as a whole . in addition , encapsulating the power supply and the electrode wire as a whole permits safe application of ehd enhancement to a flammable working fluid . even for frost reduction applications , it is preferably in the system of the present invention to encapsulate the high voltage power supply 16 to prevent condensed water accumulation and the possibility of short circuiting . if a working fluid 18 of the ehd enhanced heat transfer system 10 of the present invention is flammable , external connections of high voltage power source 16 brings a danger of ignition of the working fluid vapor in case of an electrical spark . all electrical connections of such a system have to be sealed and voltage applied to the electrode wire 20 should be lowered as much as possible . the atmosphere inside system 10 usually does not include oxygen , therefore , the danger of ignition from the spark inside the system is much lower . for this application , the best solution found in the system of the present invention is location of the encapsulated high voltage power source 16 inside the system 10 , i . e ., immersed into the working fluid . the high voltage output 34 of the high voltage power supply 16 and the end 26 of the encapsulated electrode 14 are completely sealed from the environment , and the low voltage power input 36 of the high voltage power supply 16 is to be used outside of the system 10 , as shown in fig1 . when the encapsulated electrode 14 is immersed in electrically conductive working fluid 18 , or in the case when the product of the working fluid is conductive , electric charges accumulate on the surface of the insulation layer 22 , thus suppressing the electric field generated between the heat transfer surface 12 and the encapsulated electrode 14 through the working fluid 18 . additionally , accumulation of condensed water on the encapsulated electrode surface , can contribute to accumulation of electric charges thereon , thus completely blocking the electric field . therefore , as shown in fig1 , the system 10 of the present invention is prevented from such an accumulation by coating a layer of water repellent 38 on the insulating layer 22 of the encapsulated electrode 14 . alternatively , the encapsulated electrode 14 can be heated to a few degrees higher than the dew point temperature of the surrounding air to prevent water condensation . fig1 illustrates the design of the encapsulated electrically heated electrode 14 . as shown , the heating energy is supplied through a transformer 40 , one side of which can sustain high voltage . in this manner , the electrode 20 is heated and simultaneously the insulation layer 22 of the encapsulated electrode 14 is heated . alternatively , as shown in fig1 , the heating of the encapsulated electrode 14 can be carried out by means of electrically non - conductive fluid 42 flowing through non - conductive tubes 44 extending between a fluid conditioning unit 46 and the electrode wire 20 within the encapsulated electrode 14 . for an effective functioning of the heat transfer ehd enhanced system 10 of the present invention it is important that energizing of the encapsulated electrode by single polarity pulses , shown in fig2 – 6b , or bi - directional pulses intermittently , as shown in fig7 – 9b , is in alignment at the time when the electrical field approaches zero either at the end of the first period or at the end of the second period of the energizing cycle . for this purpose , the system 10 is provided with a feedback control unit 48 . for example , as shown in fig1 , the feedback control unit 48 can include the electric field sensor 50 positioned between the heat transfer surface and the encapsulated electrode 14 for determining when the electric field across the working media approaches zero . alternatively , as shown in fig1 , the feedback control unit 48 can include a current sensor 52 coupled to the ground electrode 24 of the heat transfer surface 12 . because the ground electrode 24 accommodates any electric field change , the charge on the ground electrode will continuously change by absorbing or repelling electrons . this current through the ground electrode 24 can be measured by the current sensor 52 and used as a feedback control in the heat transfer system 10 of the present invention . both arrangements of the feedback control unit 48 , either including the electric field sensor 50 or the current sensor 52 are coupled to the high voltage power supply 16 to permit switching the pulse applied to the electrode 20 either in on / off mode of operation or in the bi - directional mode of operation accordingly . the feedback control unit may alternatively include a temperature sensor and / or a sensor for determining the efficiency of heat and mass transfer for ensuring working regimes of the ehd - enhanced system 10 . the duration of the pulses applied to the electrode 20 of the encapsulated electrode 14 , as well as their period , depend on intensity of ion deposition on the insulation layer 22 and the capacitance of the encapsulated electrode 14 . if the surface area of the encapsulated electrode is well - developed and the thickness of the insulation layer 22 is low , the capacitance of the encapsulated electrode is high . the insulated plate electrode ( if used instead of the electrode 20 ) has a higher capacitance then the wire electrode . the required period of pulses increases with the increase of the capacitance of the encapsulated electrode . in the case with increased humidity of the air in the frost reduction applications and with the increased conductivity of the working fluid , the ion deposition on the surface of the insulation layer 22 is higher , and therefore , such system will require shorter periods ( higher frequency ) of pulses . experiments which have been conducted have shown that for the case of the wire electrode within the encapsulated electrode , 2 – 3 minutes of the pulse period provide satisfactory results . for the system of the present invention in low temperature applications , or where the plate electrode would be used as an encapsulated electrode , the period of pulses can be in tenths of minutes . for the frost wet conditions ( about 0 ° c . ), the period of the pulses can be in the order of a second or even shorter . as described in previous paragraphs , the heat transfer ehd - enhanced system 10 of the present invention with the encapsulated electrode 14 , can be used in frost free refrigerators , transport , supermarket , and industrial refrigeration systems , heat pumps , dehumidification units , ground and space environmental control systems ; for refrigeration and air conditioning , as well as in air side heat exchangers where application of ehd technique is limited to high ehd power consumption ; in oil processing and refining industries where application of ehd is limited due to safety requirements ; in space cooling and liquid pumping systems where a major concern is reliability and low power requirements ; in electronics cooling systems which have a low electromagnetic interference and low power requirement ; and in water , refrigerants , or other fluid spraying in electrical fields . all applications of the principles of the present invention , are possible due to the use of the encapsulated electrode , and / or encapsulated electrode and the encapsulated high voltage power supply , as opposed to the bare electrode of the typical ehd enhanced heat exchange systems . in the system of the present invention , due to the fact that an encapsulated electrode used , the electrical current is prevented from passing through the fluid working media and insulator surfaces . further , the inference of the electrical field on the process is more efficient because a much stronger electrical field may be achieved without breaking the fluid working media . it has also been found that leakage currents and power consumption are much lower than conventional processes . for example , in processes like condensation and different liquids separation , the technique of the present invention drastically decreases power consumption . in other applications , such as the frost reduction by application of the electrical field , industrial application of ehd principles is not practicable without the encapsulated electrode of the present invention . therefore , summarizing the above said , the heat transfer ehd enhanced system of the present invention taking advantage of the encapsulated electrode , provides benefits in the following ways : the system of the present invention prevents a short circuiting in the working media even if it is highly conductive or there are conductive impurities in the heat transfer fluid ; it reduces power consumption due to prevention of current leakage and elimination of ion recombination on the encapsulated electrode ; it prevents electrochemical corrosion of electrodes , which extends the life of electrodes and working fluids ; allows increased electrical potential and electrical field in the working media ; and , generates double electrical field with the same potential applied to the encapsulated electrode . although the invention has been described herein in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof , many alternatives , modifications , and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art . the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives , modifications , and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims .	7
the method for jump reproducing video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency by an mpeg method or the like according to the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings . the reproduction system shown in fig3 is composed of a coded signal source 1 , an interface 2 , a buffer manager 3 , a central arithmetic processing unit 4 , a buffer memory 5 , a video decoder 6 , and an audio decoder 7 and a memory 13 . in the reproduction system shown in fig3 the coded signal source 1 has a configuration capable of delivering a data column read from a data recording medium , for example , such as an optical disk , a photomagnetic disk and other recording media in which is recorded the data column to be reproduced in a state where a predetermined header composed to include at least data indicating that coded data are video data or audio data and time data ( time stamp ) per coded data is added to a time series data column ( bit stream ) including video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency by the mpeg method or the like and audio data in which a picture frame ( i frame ) to which intraframe predictive method is applied to compress video data in the least amount and picture frames ( p frame and b frame ) to which an interframe prediction is applied to compress video data are at least present in a mixed form . alternatively , the coded signal source 1 can be of a configuration capable of delivering a compressed data column supplied through communication lines . in the ensuing description , the aforesaid coded signal source 1 is constructed which can output data read from an optical disk in accordance with a cd ( compact disk ) standard in which audio data compressed with high efficiency and video data of a moving picture compressed with high efficiency by the mpeg method are recorded . in the data column to be reproduced in a state where a predetermined header ( as will be described later ) including at least data which indicates a sort of the compressed data and time data per compressed data is added to a time series bit stream including video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency by the mpeg method or the like in which the i frame , p frame and b frame are present in a mixed form and audio data , the header portion includes data indicative of the sort of data such as audio data , video data and other data , time data per data , and various data such as sector no . the aforementioned audio data , video data and various data constitute a bit stream . the coded signal source 1 delivers to a transmission line 9 a data column ( a reproduction data column ) to be reproduced in a state where a header including at least data which is of the sort of the various data and time data per data is added to a bit stream including a data column reproduced from an optical disk , for example , i . e . at least audio data and video data , under the control of a control signal supplied through a transmission line 8 and the interface 2 from the central arithmetic processing unit 4 . the reproduction data column delivered to the transmission line 9 as described above is stored into the buffer memory 5 through the interface 2 and the buffer manager 3 . the buffer manager 3 has the function to perform the operation substantially at real time , which under the control of a control signal supplied through the bus 10 from the central arithmetic processing unit 4 , sequentially writes the data transmitted through the transmission line 9 and the interface 2 from the coded signal source 1 into the buffer memory 5 or reads the audio data in the data column stored in the buffer memory 5 to supply it to the audio decoder 7 through the bus 11 , and reads the video data in the data column stored in the buffer memory 5 to supply it to the video decoder 7 through the bus 12 . in the case where the reproduction system is operated in a normal reproduction mode , the central arithmetic processing unit 4 is operated in accordance with the program stored in the memory 13 to see data which indicates the sort of data and time data per data included in the header portion in the data column stored in the buffer memory 5 through the buffer manager 3 , that is , to judge whether the data is the audio data or video data and to know a moment to reproduce the audio data and video data . data according the sort of picture or sound in the data stored in the buffer memory 5 are transferred through the buffer manager 3 in response to the demand from each mpeg decoder 6 and 7 . the demand from each of decoders 6 and 7 is issued at timing such that the reproduction state is continuous , and the data is transferred accordingly whereby the continuity of the signal to be reproduced on the time base is assured . it is to be noted that at the start of reproduction , a discontinuous state with the reproduction from the unreproduction time assumes . therefore , the decoders 6 and 7 are provided with the function capable of starting the reproduction at a predetermined time . the aforementioned function capable of starting the reproduction at a predetermined time is possible to give a command to the decoders 6 and 7 through the bus 10 from the central arithmetic processing unit 4 , or to supply data containing the time stamp to the decoder 6 or 7 by the bus 11 or bus 12 so that the reproduction can be started at a predetermined time on the basis of the data containing the time stamp by the decoder 6 or 7 . as previously mentioned , when the audio data is transferred to the audio decoder 7 through the buffer manager 3 and the bus 11 from the buffer memory 5 under the control of the buffer manager 3 , the audio decoder 7 outputs a reproduced audio signal obtained by expanding audio data which is obtained by compressing an audio signal supplied thereto . also , when the video data is transferred to the video decoder 6 through the buffer manager 3 and the bus 12 from the buffer memory 5 under the control of the buffer manager 3 , the video decoder 6 outputs a reproduced video signal obtained by decoding video data which is obtained by compressing a video signal supplied thereto . from the audio decoder 7 , the reproduced audio signal is outputted in a state continuous on the time base , whereas from the video decoder 6 , the video signal is outputted in a state continuous on the time base . next , when an operator gives a command to an operating section ( not shown ) to cause the reproduction system to be operated in a jump reproduction mode , the reproduction system is operated in the jump reproduction mode so that only the sequential video data corresponding to i frame to which the intraframe predictive method is applied to compress the video data is outputted from the video decoder 6 in the reproduction system . the jump reproduction method according to the present invention can be applied also to video data of a moving picture compressed by methods other than the mpeg method . however , in the ensuing description , the method for jump reproducing video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency by the mpeg method will be described . fig4 a to 4f are views for explaining the arrangement of data relating to video data of a moving picture compressed with high efficiency in the case where video data of a moving picture compressed with high efficiency by the mpeg method is recorded in an optical disk in accordance with a cd ( compact disk ) standard . fig4 b shows the arrangement of recorded data in successive sector portions in which data relating to the video data of a moving picture compressed with high efficiency are recorded in the optical disk in accordance with the cd standard . fig4 a illustrates contents ( data fields i , ii ) of mpeg video data to be recorded sequentially in connection with one gop ( group of pictures ) next to a portion of mpeg system header which is a first data to indicate a compression method in each sector shown in fig4 b described above . the aforesaid gop is constructed such that a sequence header ( seq h ) which is a second data to indicate the presence of the gop is located at the head of the gop , a gop neader is located continuous to the sequence header , and successive picture frames are arranged continuous to the gop header . the sequence header is composed , in addition to a sequence header code , of horizontal and vertical sizes of a picture , data of an aspect ratio , and other various data . the gop header is composed of data indicative whether or not those arranged preceding to a leading portion of gop are a group start code , a time code and a closed gop , a broken link ( which when it is 1 , has a function not to allow the mpeg video decoder effect a decoding operation with respect to b frame which is present between i frame and p frame constituting a gop to which gop header is attached ), and other various data . the aforesaid gop is composed of a group of video data of i frame , video data of p frame and video data of b frame . the video data of i frame ad necessarily located immediately after the gop header . the closed gop ( in which all i , p and b frames necessary for reproducing video data expressed by this gop are included ) is a gop having an arrangement of video data like gop header → video data of i frame → video data of p frame → . . . a gop having an arrangement of video data like gop header → video data of i frame → video data of b frame → . . . is to be expressed as an expression of gop which is not the closed gop in the present specification . the present invention employs the data format such that as indicated by arrows from fig4 a toward fig4 b , a sequence header , a gop header and a leading portion of i frame continuous to the gop header in fig4 a are arranged in data field i in fig4 b , a central portion of i frame is arranged in data field ii , and finally , the end of the least i frame of gop in fig4 a coincides with the end of the data field continuous to the mpeg header in fig4 a , that is , the end of 1 sector . conventionally , the leading portion of i frame continuous co the gop header is not necessarily located in the data field i shown in fig4 b . on the other hand , in the present invention , since the data format as described above was employed , the jump reproduction capable of easily detecting i frame ( as will be described later ) can be realized . fig4 c to 4f show the specific contents of the mpeg system header shown n fig4 b . in these figures , pts and dts indicate time stamps . one time stamp pts ( presentation time stamp ) is ( a third ) data representative of the time for actually displaying the picture while the other time stamp ( decoding time stamp ) is time data representative of the time for delivering data to the mpeg video decoder . there are provided many kinds of specific contents of the mpeg system header as shown in fig4 c to 4f because the contents of video data recorded in the sectors in which the mpeg system header is present and the modes of recording can be indicated according to the presence or absence of the time stamp contained in the mpeg system header and the discrimination of kinds of time stamps . in the case where as the specific content of the mpeg system header , both two kinds of time stamps pts and dts are present in the mpeg system header as shown in fig4 c and 4d , it means that coded i frame or p frame started within the sector in which the mpeg system header is located . particularly , in the mpeg system header having the content as shown in fig4 c , this mpeg system header is located in the first sector in each video sequence in which a plurality of gops as illustrated in fig4 a are continuously provided . further , in the case where only the time stamp pts is present in the mpeg system header as shown in fig4 e , it means that coded b frame started within the sector in which the mpeg system header is located . in addition , in the case where neither time stamp pts nor dts is present in the mpeg system header as shown in fig4 f , it means that a starting boundary ( as indicated by the dotted arrows in fig4 a ) of video frame of any of i frame , p frame and b frame is not included in the sector in which the mpeg system header is located . it is to be noted that pack header , packet start , pkt len , buf size , stuff byte and of &# 39 ; shown in fig4 c to 4f are defined in the mpeg standard . conventionally , it is permitted that the state where i frame starts in the midst of the sector occurs . therefore , in the case where an optical disk having video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency by the mpeg method recorded therein is reproduced in a jump reproduction mode to obtain successively thinned - out reproduced pictures from the video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency by the mpeg method , i frame is detected by an mpeg video decoder , the video data of the i frame is then subjected to decoding operation , and after completion of the decoding operation , the succeeding seeking operation is carried out . this requires much time , and it takes long time to obtain successive pictures of i frame . as a result , the number of pictures per unit time at the time of jump reproduction is reduced , and the smoothness of movement of the reproduced pictures was insufficient . in view of the foregoing according to the method for jump reproducing video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency according to the present embodiment , in the case where only the pictures of video frames to which an interframe predictive method is applied to compress video data are sequentially reproduced from video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency in which a video frame to which an intraframe predictive method to compress video data and a video frame to which an interframe prediction is applied to compress video data are present in a mixed form , a leading portion of a sequence header previously added to video data of a moving picture of i frame is located at the head of a sector . alternatively , in the case where , after i frame has appeared , at least a sector provided with time stamp pts which indicates the moment to reproduce the i frame appears after i frame has appeared , video data to the end of at least a sector provided with time stamp pts are supplied to the mpeg decoder whereby the detection time of successive i frames is shortened to increase the number of pictures per unit time at the time of jump reproduction so as to easily obtain smooth - movement reproduced pictures . fig5 is a view of the arrangement of data showing the state where in order that i frame may be easily detected from a bit stream in which i frame to which an intraframe predictive method is applied to compress video data , and p frame and b frame to which an interframe prediction is applied to compress video data are present in a mixed form . as shown , i frame to be used when the reproduction system is in a jump reproduction mode out of video data of a moving picture previously coded with high efficiency by the mpeg method comprises only one in connection with successive gops . as will be apparent from the description with respect to the mpeg method previously made with reference to fig4 a leading portion of a sequence header added immediately before each gop is always located at a leading portion of a sector ( a portion continuous to a cd header and an mpeg system header arranged at the foremost portion of the sector ). the mpeg system header located at the first sector in each video sequence to which a plurality of gops are continuous as illustrated in fig4 a has the content as shown in fig4 c . the video frame succeeding to the gop header is necessarily i frame . therefore , if i frame to be used when the reproduction system is in a jump reproduction mode as described above comprises only one in connection with the successive gops , a leading portion of a sequence header previously added to video data of a moving picture of i frame is to be located at the head of a sector . in the detection of i frame to be used when the reproduction system is in a jump reproduction mode as described above , it will suffice to see whether or not the mpeg system header in the successive sectors is present . the detection of i frame can be easily carried out in a short period of time . when the reproduction system is in a jump reproduction mode , successive i frames are present . the decoding operation of video data in the mpeg video decoder is merely applied to video data of i frame . therefore , assume now that a gop containing video data to be reproduced comprises a closed gop , since the data arrangement is such as i frame → p frame → b frame , time stamps present in the mpeg system header are pts and dts in a sector in which i frame appears , and are pts and dts also in a sector containing an end portion of i frame and a start portion of p frame . accordingly , when the state where the time stamps pts and dts appear as described above appears in the second time , video data to the end of the sector where the time stamps pts and dts appear in the second time are supplied to the mpeg decoder . then , the video data of the detected i frame can be supplied at least to the mpeg decoder . further , in the case where a gop containing video data to be reproduced is a gop which is not a closed gop , the data arrangement is normally such as i frame → b frame . . . therefore , time stamps present in the mpeg system header are pts and dts in a sector in which i frame appears , and the time stamp in a sector containing an end portion of i frame and a start portion of b frame is only pts . accordingly , in the case where the time stamp pts appears next to the state where the time stamps pts and dts appear as described above , if the video data to the end of the sector in which the time stamp pts appears is supplied to the mpeg decoder , the video data of i frame detected can be supplied at least to the mpeg decoder . that is , in the jump reproduction of video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency by the mpeg system in which i frame , p frame and b frame are present in a mixed form , at least a sector provided with a time stamp pts appears after the appearance of i frame . in this case , video data to the end of at least the sector provided with the time stamp pts is supplied to the mpeg decoder to enable the supply of all the video data of i frame to the mpeg decoder . as will be apparent from the above detailed description , according to the method for jump reproducing video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency of the present embodiment , a leading portion of a sequence header added to video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency in which a video frame to which an intraframe prediction method is applied to compress video data and a video frame to which an interframe prediction is applied to compress video data are present in a mixed form is located in advance at the head of a sector , whereby the detection of i frame can be carried out in a short period of time . further , in the case where at least a sector provided with a time stamp pts appears after the appearance of i frame , video data to the end of at least a sector provided with the time stamp pts are supplied to a decoder so that the seeking operation of an optical disk can be carried out within the time when the decoder carries out the decoding operation . therefore , the time required for the successive detections of i frame can be shortened to facilitate increasing the number of pictures capable of being reproduced per unit time and to render smooth the movement of a moving picture reproduced in the jump reproduction mode . in the following , a reproduction method for reproducing pictures by quick traverse and quick reverse , which is the method for jump reproducing video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency by the mpeg method or the like according to the present invention , will be described . also in the quick traverse and quick reverse video reproduction method according to the present invention , the reproduction system shown in fig3 is used . further , the quick traverse and quick reverse reproduction method according to the present invention can be applied also to video data of a moving picture compressed by methods other than the mpeg method . however , in the following description , the method for reproducing by quick traverse and quick reverse for video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency by the mpeg method will be explained . the method for reproducing by quick traverse and quick reverse according to the present invention effectively utilizes , in a bit stream in which i frame , p frame and b frame comprising video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency by the mpeg method are present in a mixed form , the fact that the coding has been heretofore carried out in consideration so that i frames are arranged at approximately equal intervals on the average on the bit stream , that is , the fact that the i frames are arranged in advance in the bit stream so that the average spacing between the i frames is a predetermined spacing so as to have a constant spacing between displayed pictures . in the reproduction of quick traverse , the search of i frame to be reproduced next to the reproduced i frame starts at a position set by subtracting a constant value k from an integerfold of the predetermined spacing . on the other hand , in the reproduction of quick reverse , the search of i frame to be reproduced next to the reproduced i frame starts at a position set by adding a constant value m to an integerfold of the predetermined spacing . with this , the following times ( 1 ) to ( 3 ), which are required every reproduction of video data of successive i frames in the case where the quick - traversed or quick - reversed pictures are reproduced from the bit stream in which i frame , p frame and b frame comprising video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency by the mpeg method are present in a mixed form as described above , can be shortened : ( 1 ) the time till skipping to a position of a bit stream to start next reproduction , ( 2 ) the time till the detection of i frame after the start of reproduction of the bit stream from the skipped position , and ( 3 ) the time for reproducing all the i frames detected . particularly , the time described in ( 2 ) can be considerably shortened . fig6 illustrates the times of appearance of a spacing value ( a unit of spacing is 1 sector length = 2296 bytes ) between i frames in a bit stream , as one actual example in which the i frames are arranged in advance in the bit stream so that an average spacing between the i frames is a predetermined spacing so as to have a constant spacing between displayed pictures . in the case of the above - described actual example , there is a slight unevenness between a spacing value corresponding to a 36 sector length and a spacing value corresponding to a 43 sector length . an average spacing corresponds to a 39 . 86 sector length . since a storage volume of a buffer memory in an mpeg decoder is 40 kilobytes as prescribed in the mpeg standard , a variable amount of the data amount caused by the unevenness of the spacing between i sectors in the bit stream may be within ± 20 kilobytes . the variable amount of the data amount caused by the spacing between i sectors in the bit stream shown in fig6 is within ± 9 kilobytes . for example , in the case where the spacing between i frames in the bit stream is such that the minimum value of the spacing is a value corresponding to a 36 sector length and the maximum value of the spacing is a value corresponding to a 43 sector length , if a position distanced by the 36 sector length from a position of a head of i frame being reproduced at present is accessed in order to select a next i frame , the next i frame as intended appears within a 7 sector length from the 36 sector length to the 43 sector length even in the case of the worst . in the production method for reproducing bad quick traverse and quick reverse from video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency according to the present invention , in the case where an average spacing between i frames in which the i frames are arranged in advance in the bit stream so that the average spacing between i frames is a predetermined spacing so as to have a constant spacing between displayed pictures corresponds to a 39 . 86 sector length , for example , as shown in fig6 and in order to select a next i frame when a certain i frame is reproduced at the time of the quick traverse reproduction , if a position distanced by ( n - 1 )× 39 . 86 + 36 sector length ( wherein n is a number indicative of a numerical value which becomes larger as the magnification of the quick traverse increases , n = 0 , 1 , 2 , 3 . . . ) is accessed , a next i frame as intended appears within a 7 sector length even in the case of the worst . further , in the case where an average spacing between i frames in which the i frames are arranged in advance in the bit stream so that the average spacing between i frames is a predetermined spacing so as to have a constant spacing between displayed pictures corresponds to a 39 . 86 sector length , for example , as shown in fig6 and in order to select a next i frame when a certain i frame is reproduced at the time of the quick reverse reproduction , if a position distanced by ( n - 1 )× 39 . 86 + 43 sector length ( wherein n is a number indicative of a numerical value which becomes larger as the magnification of the quick reverse increases , n = 0 , 1 , 2 , 3 . . . ) is accessed , a next i frame as intended appears within a 7 sector length even in the case of the worst . here , the magnification is obtained by dividing an average time normally required to reproduce between the present i frame and the next i frame by an average time required to reproduce the next i frame . that is , in the quick traverse reproduction in the case where the average spacing between i frames arranged in advance in the bit stream corresponds to the 39 . 86 sector length as shown in fig6 it is ( wherein f { n } is the maximum natural number smaller than n ) from the position of the head of the i frame being reproduced at present . ( wherein g { n } is the minimum natural number larger than n ) from the position of the head of the i frame being reproduced at present . n in the above - described formulae ( ff ) and ( fb ) is a number indicative of a numerical value which becomes larger as the magnification of the quick traverse and quick reverse increases . n = 1 , 2 , 3 . . . accordingly , if a position distanced by the spacing indicated in the above - described formulae ( ff ) and ( fb ) is accessed , i frame as intended can be immediately searched . when the above - described formulae ( ff ) and ( fb ) are written in the form of a general formula , the general formula at the time of the quick traverse reproduction and that at the time of the quick reverse reproduction can be expressed by the formulae ( ff1 ) and ( fb1 ) below , respectively : f { n ×( an average spacing value between i frames determined corresponding to a predetermined spacing so as to have a constant spacing between displayed pictures )- k } ( ff1 ) g { n ×( an average spacing value between i frames determined corresponding to a predetermined spacing so as to have a constant spacing between displayed pictures ) + m } ( fb1 ) in the above - described formulae ( ff1 ) and ( fb1 ), n is a number indicative of a numerical value which becomes larger as the magnification of the quick traverse and quick reverse increases , n = 1 , 2 , 3 . . . k is k =( an average spacing value between i frames determined corresponding to a predetermined spacing so as to have a constant spacing between displayed pictures )-( the minimum value out of the spacing value between i frames ). m is m =( the maximum value out of the spacing value between i frames )-( an average spacing value between i frames determined corresponding to a predetermined spacing so as to have a constant spacing between displayed pictures ). in the reproduction system shown in fig3 when a foldspeed number n is inputted by a device such as a remote control device not shown , cpu 4 calculates the number of sectors to be accessed next in accordance with the formulae ( ff ) and ( fb ) to issue a command so as to access to a predetermined position of a recording medium or the like to the coded signal source 1 through the interface 2 . as will be apparent from the detailed description as described above , the reproduction method for reproducing by quick traverse and quick reverse from video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency according to the present invention utilizes the fact that in the case where only the picture of i frame is selected and reproduced from video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency in which i frame , p frame and b frame are present in a mixed form to reproduce pictures by quick traverse and quick reverse , an average spacing between i frames arranged in a bit stream is a predetermined spacing so as to have a constant spacing between displayed pictures . thereby , in the reproduction of a picture by quick traverse , the search for i frame to be reproduced next to the reproduced i frame starts at a position set by subtracting a constant value k from an integerfold of the predetermined spacing . on the other hand , in the reproduction by the quick reverse , the search for i frame to be reproduced next to the reproduced i frame starts at a position set by adding a constant value m to an integerfold of the predetermined spacing . thereby , the time till the detection of i frame after the start of reproduction of a bit stream from the skipped position can be shortened , and the number of reproduced pictures per unit time can be increased . it is possible to easily obtain a reproduced picture which is excellent in smoothness of movement . in the following , the special reproduction such as a reversed foldspeed reproduction , and a slow motion reproduction , which is the jump reproduction method for video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency by an mpeg method or the like will be described . this special reproduction can be applied also to video data of a moving picture compressed by systems other than the mpeg method . however , in the ensuing explanation , the special reproduction for video data of a moving picture coded with high efficiency by the mpeg method will be described . in the special reproduction according to the present invention , independent frame access data indicative of an address of a leading sector in a field in which i frame before or after the present i frame is recorded , as relative position data or absolute position data from the present sector , in an independent subcode field in order to positively access to a leading sector of gop to be accessed . the independent frame access data recorded in the independent subcode field is not interleaved between data of other recording field and can be read easily and at hiqh speeds without necessity of complicated processing such as correction of error , deinterleave and the like . when the special reproduction takes place , access is effected with reference to the independent frame access data , and the efficient special reproduction for a video of a compressed moving picture is realized . fig7 a to 7e show the recording modes of a recording medium according to the present invention . fig7 a shows mth to ( m + 5 ) th gops of video data recorded in the recording medium . in the case of a fixed transfer rate , the amount of codes of each gop is substantially constant , but in the case of a variable transfer rate , it sometimes greatly differs . it is to be noted that the mth gop is an ( early ) gop earlier in time than the ( m + 1 ) th gop . in the description made herein , however , one which is early ( past side ) in time is referred to as before , and one which is late ( future side ) in time is referred to as after . fig7 b shows the mth gop shown in fig7 a , in which 15 frames beginning t frame are recorded . other gops are also the same . fig7 c shows a state where the i frame shown in fig7 b is recorded in a plurality of sectors . fig7 d shows the first sector of the i frame shown in fig7 c . the second and thereafter sectors are also the same . each of these sectors comprises a subcode field in which management data and control data are recorded and a data field in which video data and the like are recorded . the subcode field consists of an independent subcode field ( a first recording field ) and a dependent subcode field ( a second recording field ). the data recorded in the independent subcode field is not applied with an interleave between data recorded in other fields . on the other hand , data recorded in the dependent subcode field is applied with an interleave between data recorded in a data field ( a third recording field ). the data recorded in the independent subcode field are control data x , absolute sector no . y indicative of an absolute address of the sector , and i frame access data indicative of the first sector in which each i frame of other gops in the vicinity of the present gop no . n is recorded , and so on . recorded in all the sectors in which nth gop is recorded as the i frame access data is the first sector no . in which for example , each i frame of the n + 1th , n + 3th , n + 5th , n - 5th , n - 3th and n - 1th gop is recorded . a wide range of special reproduction as described later can be carried out using iess data as described . in the case where the aforesaid sector no . is expressed as an absolute address , one and the same data is recorded in all the sectors within 1 gop . on the other hand , in the case where the aforesaid sector no . is expressed by a relative address from the present sector , data which are different every sectors are recorded even the sectors within 1 gop . however , the absolute address calculated therefrom is the same . in the case of the relative address , the data amount is so small that they can be read quickly to provide a good efficiency . one example of data recorded in the independent subcode field will be described with reference to fig8 . fig8 a and 8b show one example of the recording mode in a video data recording medium according to the present invention . fig8 a shows no . of a leading sector of i frame of each gop recorded in the recording medium , showing the 1st to 11th gop , that is , gop 1 to gop 12 . nos . of leading sectors of i frame of respective 1st to 11th gops are 1 , 30 , 53 , 81 , 100 , 119 , 150 , 183 , 202 , 225 and 253 , respectively . fig8 b shows data recorded in an independent subcode field in a leading sector 119 in a field in which i frame of the 6th gop , i . e . gop 6 is recorded . control data x and 119 which is an absolute no . of the present sector are recorded . nos . of leading sectors of i frames of gop 7 , gop 9 , gop 11 , gop 5 , gop 3 and gop 1 are shown in the offset amount from the sector 119 . the data shown in fig8 b are similarly recorded in all the sectors in which gop 6 is recorded . however , when the sector no , is expressed as a relative value , a value deviated by one address per 1 sector is recorded . one and the same access address is recorded in all the sectors belonging to 1 gop as described previously in order that the special reproduction can be easily carried out in the reproduction of the video recording medium according to the present invention . next , the reproduction method for a video recording medium according to the present invention will be described with reference to fig9 . fig9 shows one example of a reproduction system for a video recording medium according to the present invention . further , fig9 is a block diaaram showing one example of the reproduction system for a video recording medium according to the present invention . first , a description will be made of carrying out normal reproduction for a video recording medium according to the present invention using the reproduction system shown in fig9 . the normal reproduction herein termed indicates a mode reproduced forward at real time . a read controller 90 is instructed by a reproduction mode signal ss so as to effect reproduction at 1 foldspeed . in fig9 the reproduction in the case where video data resulting from coding of a fixed transfer rate is recorded in the video recording medium is of the general type . therefore , in this specification , a description is made of data recorded at a variable transfer rate . codes from a coded signal source 30 such as video recording media are intermittently read by a data reader 40 , and then inputted into a buffer 50 . it is to be noted that the coded signal source 30 can be of a configuration capable of delivering compressed data supplied through a communication line . in the buffer 57 , data intermittently outputted from the data reader 40 are read , and the data are outputted towards a multiple data separator 60 at the timing necessary for decoding data . in the multiple data separator 60 , audio data is separated from video data . the audio data and the video data are inputted into an audio decoder 20 for decoding sounds and a video decoder 70 decoding pictures , respectively . in the audio decoder 20 and the video decoder 70 , the audio data and the video data are respectively decoded and accumulated in a buffer of the decoder , and the reproduced audio and the reproduced video are respectively outputted . on the other hand , data outputted from the buffer 50 are supplied to the read controller 90 . at this time , the buffer 50 becomes close to empty when a data amount to be written is less than a data amount to be used for decoding , whereas the buffer becomes close to full when the data amount to be written is more than the data amount to be used for decoding . a read control command is outputted from the read controller 90 to the data reader 40 according to the status of the buffer 50 . that is , when a buffer of the buffer 50 is close to empty , a read control command is outputted so as to start reading or to continue reading . when the buffer 50 is close to full , a read control command is outputted so as to standby reading . the reading of data from the recording medium by the data reader 40 is carried out in unit , for example , such as one rotation of a disk . even if the reading of data from the medium by the data reader 40 is not carried out at the present time whereas data is read from the buffer 50 at the maximum rate for the purpose of decoding , the reading by the data reader 40 is controlled so that a buffer of the buffer 50 will not be empty till next reading starts . next , a description will be made of the case where a command for execution of the special reproduction by the reproduction mode signal ss was issued to the read controller 90 , the i frame access data detector 80 , and the multiple data separator 60 , in the case of video data coded at the fixed transfer rate . the special reproduction indicates reproductions other than the normal reproduction as previously described , indicates , for example , such as 2 foldspeed , - 2 foldspeed ( 2 foldspeed in the reverse direction ), - 1 foldspeed , 5 foldspeed , - 5 foldspeed , etc . in this specification , an example in which the special reproduction of 5 foldspeed is instructed by the reproduction mode signal ss will be described with reference to fig8 and 9 . in fig9 output of the data reader 40 is applied to the buffer 50 as well as the i frame access data detector 80 . in the i frame access data detector 80 , the i frame access data is detected and then applied to the read controller 90 . in the data reader 40 , i frames of the gops are read under the control of the read controller 90 . in the video decoder 70 , only the i frame is decoded , and one and the same reproduced picture is outputted for a predetermined period of time . for example , if a picture is of 30 frame / sec , one i frame is displayed on a display unit ( not shown ) for a period of time corresponding to 15 frames ( for approximately 0 . 5 sec ). the control of the display time is carried out by controlling read - out of the buffer of the video decoder 70 on the basis of the reproduction mode signal ss . it is not necessary to read video data other than the i frame but when read , it is disposed without using . in the read controller 90 , a sector to be accessed next is calculated , according to the i frame access data or each gop and the reproduction mode signal ss , and then sent to the data reader 40 . this will be described by way of an example shown in fig8 . in case of forward 5 foldspeed , i frames are read and decoded , for example , in order of gop 1 , gop 6 , gop 11 , gop 16 . . . for example , the i frame access data recorded in sector 119 is detected by the i frame access data detector 80 before video data of gop 6 is read , and the first sector 253 in which i frame of gop 11 to be reproduced next to gop 6 is recorded is calculated by the read controller 90 and sent to the data reader 40 . in the data reader 40 , when reading of i frame of gop 6 is completed , the sector 253 is accessed and i frame of gop 11 is read . generally , in the case where data is read from a recording medium by a pickup such as an optical head , the pickup cannot be moved at high speeds . even if a part of the pickup , for example , only an objective lens can be moved at high speeds , the function of the special reproduction is still limited since there is a limit in the moving range . the access operation in the reproduction system shown in fig9 will now be described . assume now that the number of frames included in one gop is 15 ( 1 for i frame , 4 for p frame and 10 for b frame ) as in the example shown in fig7 b , and the ratio of the data amount among the three kinds of compressed frames ( i , p and b ) is , for example , i : b : p = 7 : 1 : 3 , the data read time of i frame : the read time of 1 gop ( the read time of i frame + the read time of b frame + the read time of p frame ) is 1 × 7 : ( 1 × 7 + 10 × 1 + 4 × 3 )= 7 / 29 . accordingly , the data read time for i frame is 7 / 29 of the data read time for 1 gop , and other time of about 22 / 29 can be used for the access to next i frame . more specifically , in case of the picture of 30 frames / sec , the gop length is approximately 500 ms for 15 frames , and the data read time for i frame is approximately 120 ms (= 500 ms × 7 / 29 ). in the reproduction system shown in fig9 the time required for one access is 380 ms (= 500 ms - 120 ms ). in the example shown in fig8 the access of data recorded distanced each other , for example , for 5 gops , can be made . therefore , in this case , ( 500 ms × 5 )/( 120 ms + 380 ms )= 5 ( foldspeed ) results . thereby , reading is effected in order of gop 1 , gop 6 , gop 11 and gop 16 . as one example , the special reproduction of 4 foldspeed will now be described . in the 4 foldspeed reproduction , reading is effected in order of gop 1 , gop 5 , gop 9 , gop 13 . . . but , gop 5 is not directly accessed next to gop 1 but gop 4 is first accessed and gop 5 is then accessed . that is , substantially one access is carried out by two accesses . in the case where gop 4 is accessed after reading i frame in gop 1 , a sector 81 is not necessarily accessed , and any sector in which gop 4 is recorded can be accessed . the reason why is that i frame access data indicative of one and the same access is recorded in any sector in which gop 4 is recorded . as a result , the access time can be shortened . it is to be noted that one i frame read is displayed for about 0 . 5 sec . in the reproduction system 20 in the embodiment , the special reproduction of a maximum 15 foldspeed is carried out . in this case , substantially one access is carried out by three accesses . as shown in fig1 , in the 13 foldspeed reproduction , i frames are reproduced , for example , in order of gop 1 , gop 14 , gop 27 , gop 40 , gop 53 . . . however , gop 14 is not directly accessed after i frame of gop , 1 inas been read but access is performed in order of gop 6 , gop 11 and gop 14 . the access from gop 1 to gop 6 is carried out on the basis of i frame access data recorded in a field in which gop 1 is recorded . gop 14 is accessed on the basis of i frame access data recorded in a field in which gop 6 is recorded . the access to gop 6 and gop 11 need not be accurate . that is , i frame access data indicative of one and the same access is recorded in any sector of a field in which these gops are recorded , and sector no . to be accessed next is calculated from the sector no . read and the i frame access data . in the reverse 13 foldspeed reproduction , each i frame is read , for example , in order of gop 53 , gop 40 , gop 27 , gop 14 . . . and recorded . the reproduced picture is displayed on the display unit every about 0 . 5 sec . while in the description so far made , an address of a leading sector in a field in which each i frame is ecorded has been recorded as i frame access data , it is to be noted of course that an address of a sector before or after several sectors from the leading sector can be recorded , and thereafter , an address of the leading sector can be calculated . according to the video recording medium and the reproduction method of the present invention , in the special reproduction of a video coded with high efficiency , an access portion can be detected easily and at high speeds , and therefore , a wide range of special reproduction can be made . further , it is also possible to perform a special reproduction of a picture coded at a variable transfer rate .	6
referring first to fig3 , a frame according to the present invention is provided with top and bottom metal strips 35 a , left and right side metal strips 35 b and mounting holes 36 . the left and right side metal strips 35 b contain a supporting border 38 and two tracks 40 running parallel to the longitudinal axis ( shown as dotted line 42 ) of the metal strip . in this embodiment , the two tracks 40 define a longitudinal space 41 therebetween with the inner edges of the tracks 40 a provided with a beveled shape . in fig3 , four clamping units 45 are shown attached to the frame with two on either side of the frame . in this embodiment , the clamping units are fixed onto the frame by sliding the base of each unit ( see fig5 a and 5b ) into the space 41 between the tracks 40 . turning now to fig4 a to 4c , a sign strip 43 according to the present invention is provided with a front illustration surface 44 on which the content of the sign , such as the name of the company , can be fixed . in this embodiment , the two longitudinal edges 44 a of the front side of the sign are raised such that a display sheet may be embedded into the front surface of the sign without the edges of the display sheet showing or being exposed . the back of the sign is formed into a ridge that spans across the entire length of the sign along the center and longitudinally . in the embodiment shown in fig4 c , the ridge 46 is of a general shape of a diamond , with the proximal end of the diamond shape pointing towards the sign strip and formed into a neck 46 a . the distal end of the ridge 46 b is provided for interaction with the clamping unit as shall be shown below . the ridge is preferably formed as an integral part of the sign strip using , for example , extrusion of aluminum strips . referring to fig5 a and 5b , a series of clamping units may be fixed onto the frame contiguously ( only the units are shown in fig5 a and b for ease of description ). the clamping units of the preferred embodiment each contain a pair of clamps 48 within a pair of struts 50 . the clamps protrude from the base 53 at an inclined angle and tilting towards each other to create a narrow entrance 52 with an expanding space 54 therebetween . also in the preferred embodiment , the distal ends of the clamps are formed into a barrel shape 56 . the struts in this embodiment point perpendicularly from the base . during the attachment process , the ridge 57 of the sign strip 58 is fitted into the space 54 of the clamping unit through entrance 52 as shown in fig5 a , 5 b and 6 c . in this embodiment , the sign strip contains two ridges running in parallel along the entire length of the strip and at a distance from the edge of the strip . due to the barrel shape of the distal end of the clamp , the neck of the ridge is firmly gripped by the clamp , while the enlarged space 54 created by the inclined angle accommodates the diamond - shaped head with ease without creating outward pressure to the clamping pair once the corresponding section of the ridge is inserted . the inclined angle of the clamps also creates a resilience force on opposing sides of the neck to ensure exceptional security once the sign is fixed . also shown in fig6 a are two other sign strips 60 and 62 juxtapose strip 58 . in this preferred embodiment , a narrow gap 64 of 0 . 5 mm is provided between each sign strip . when a user wishes to disengage the sign strip from the frame , for example for changing or cleaning , a thin rigid sheet may be inserted into gap 64 in between two strips to pry away the strip . in the preferred embodiment , the prying force is applied toward the frame and in a rotational manner ( shown by arrow 66 in fig6 c ) resulting in strip 58 being pried out of the clamps in a rotational movement as shown in arrow 68 . since the gripping force of the clamps ( on opposing directions along line a - a ) is along the same direction as the prying force shown by arrow 66 , the prying force directly reduces the clamping force of the clamps , thereby reducing the force required to pull the sign from the frame . also in the preferred embodiment , the thin rigid sheet has a working thickness equal to the width of the gap for example , 0 . 5 mm following the example of the preferred gap described above . most preferably , at least one edge of the rigid sheet is beveled with the thinner side having a thickness of , for example , 0 . 3 mm , such that it can be easily inserted into the gap 64 between two strips . the preferred embodiments of the present invention are thus fully described . although the description and drawings referred to particular embodiments , it will be clear to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced with variation of these specific details . hence this invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein . for example , the frame is described to have metal strips but any other materials may be used according to the preference of the user , such as wood or plastic . the signs shown and described are strips but the signs may clearly be of many other shapes . furthermore , the strips may be fixed to the frame vertically . the sign strips are described to contain raised edges 44 a that act as margins to assist a user in aligning the display sheets ( such as company name ) flush against the edge of the strip during the in - laying process before it is fixed or glued thereon . the raised edges may also protect the edges of the display sheet pasted onto the front surface 44 of the strip from being inadvertently lifted . however , the raised edges are only a preferred embodiment , and the same invention may be practiced without these raised edges . furthermore , other shapes of the sign strip may also be used , two examples of which are illustrated in fig4 d and 4e . for ease of illustration , the same corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals . the display sheets are described as being metallic . some examples of metallic sheets are aluminum plates , aluma jet or metalphoto plates . however , it is clear that they can be made from any material , including but not limited to non - metallic material such as silk screen panels , plastic sheets , etching panel etc . these sheets or panels are not necessarily flat , and may even be raised or embossed , according to the user &# 39 ; s requirements . the gap in between strips is described as preferably 0 . 5 mm . this dimension is for illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the claims . a narrow gap of 0 . 5 mm or less provides a desirable appearance for some , but if another user prefers a much larger gap , the present invention can also be practiced accordingly . the ridge is described as having a “ diamond shape ” in the preferred embodiment simply for ease of description . it would be understood that any other shape with a restriction at the attachment site to the sign may act as the neck to receive the distal edge of the clamp . the distal edges of the clamps are described as being barrel or cylindrical in shape . again , it is clear that this is only one embodiment of the present invention , and that any other shapes providing an enlarged edge would fall within the scope of the present invention . clamping units are described to have struts but the clamps can function without them . the struts are provided to ensure that the signs do not tilt or rotate according to the direction shown in arrow 68 or 66 . using the struts , all the sign strips lying across the front of the frame will run on the same plane , giving a very neat appearance . each clamping unit is described as containing one pair of clamps and one pair of struts , but it is clear that a plurality of pairs of clamps and struts may be formed into one strip as a clamping unit , depending on the size of the frame and sign , and the requirements of the users .	6
a first preferred embodiment of an euv optical projection system according to the present invention is shown in fig5 . to provide a high numerical aperture on the order of 0 . 25 , a six mirror system addresses the aforementioned problems of the systems that define the current state of the art . linewidths on the order of 30 nm are resolvable with this six mirror design . for example , 32 nm resolution is achieved by a system having a 13 . 4 nm source , a k 1 value of 0 . 6 and a numerical aperture of 0 . 25 ( using r = k 1 λ / na ). a linewidth of 27 nm is achieved using an 11 . 3 nm source . the radii , aspheric prescription , and the axial separation of the mirrors of the system of fig5 are shown in table 1 . specification data as defined at the plane of the mask are also included in table 1 . in the first embodiment of the projection system of the present invention , as shown in fig5 from long conjugate to short conjugate , the first mirror is convex , the second concave , the third convex , the fourth concave , the fifth convex , and the sixth concave . denoting a concave mirror with a ‘ p ’ ( positive optical power ) and a convex mirror with an ‘ n ’ ( negative optical power ), the configuration of the first embodiment may be described as “ npnpnp ”. the convex third mirror is advantageous because it allows the system to achieve lower chief ray angles of incidence . these angles of incidence are lower by up to 4 ° per surface . as discussed , lower incidence angles are advantageous , particularly in euv systems , because they result in higher reflectivities and reduced phase errors and amplitude . the absolute values of the mirror radii are , from the object to the image as a fraction of the system focal length , 9 . 7503 , 3 . 1750 , 1 . 3433 , 2 . 9847 , 4 . 0030 , and 2 . 1911 all to within around 10 %. the axial separations of the mirrors , as a fraction of the system focal length , are 1 . 8240 ( first convex to second concave mirror ), 1 . 8245 ( concave secondary to convex tertiary mirror ), 1 . 6613 ( convex tertiary to concave quaternary mirror ), 4 . 3842 ( concave quaternary to convex quintanary ), 1 . 7181 ( convex quintanary to concave sextanary ) and 1 . 8590 ( convex sextanary to wafer ), all to within around 10 %. all the mirrors are aspheric surfaces with 4th , 6th , 8th , 10th , and 12th order polynomial deformations . mirror m 1 images the virtual entrance pupil located behind the mirror to the surface of mirror m 2 . a physical aperture stop is located at mirror m 2 ensuring that each imaging bundle is defined in a like manner so that the imagery is stationary . in other words , the image quality ( ignoring the effect of aberrations ) is independent of field position . mirrors m 2 - m 4 work in conjunction with mirror m 1 and can be considered imaging group g 1 . group g 1 forms a minified image of the mask after mirror m 4 . imaging group g 2 consists of mirror m 5 and mirror m 6 . group g 2 relays an intermediate image ( i ) formed by group g 1 to the wafer at the proper reduction , which in this embodiment is 4x . the intermediate image i is preferably formed near the sixth mirror a substantial distance from each of the third mirror and the fourth mirror , to the short conjugate side thereof . by substantial , it is meant that the third and fourth mirrors do not represent a field mirror pair . advantages of this intermediate image i location include lowered chief ray incidence angles and facilitated clearance of mirrors m 5 and m 6 . group g 2 also forms an image of the virtual pupil plane location behind mirror m 5 at infinity , making the imaging bundles telecentric at the wafer plane . in this embodiment , group g 1 works a magnification of around − 0 . 68x while group g 2 works at a magnification of around − 0 . 37x , providing a magnification from mask to wafer of around 0 . 25x , or a reduction of 4x . in a system with an even number of bounces , it is possible to locate the mask and wafer on opposing sides of the imaging system to allow for unrestricted travel of the synchronous scanning stages . to enable unrestricted travel , the projection system has sufficient clearance at each conjugate . clearance can be a problem at the wafer since solid angle of the imaging bundles is a maximum at this location . this problem is exacerbated for all - reflective systems since the rays must pass freely around the mirrors to avoid clipping or vignetting ( this is not true for dioptric or catadioptric systems where the light passes through lens elements ). a measure of the clearance is the working distance at the wafer , and the back working distance is defined here to be the distance from the vertex of mirror m 5 to the wafer ( thus ignoring the finite thickness of mirror m 5 ). in this preferred embodiment the back working distance is around 30 mm . complete data for reconstructing the system of fig5 are contained in table 1 . for convenience , the prescription of the first embodiment of fig5 has been listed in code v ™ format in table 1 . the mirrored surfaces are numbered 1 - 6 with surface s 1 corresponding to mirror m 1 , s 2 corresponding to mirror m 2 , and so on . two additional surfaces complete the description with so and img representing the mask ( object ) and wafer ( image ) planes , respectively . after the surface number , there are two additional entries that list the radius of curvature ( r ) and the vertex to vertex spacing between the optical surfaces . the asp entry after each surface denotes a rotationally symmetric conic surface with higher - order polynomial deformations . the aspheric profile is uniquely determined by its k , a , b , c , d , and e values . each mirror uses 4th , 6th , 8th , 10th , and 12th order polynomial deformations . the sag of the aspheric surface ( through 12th order ) in the direction of the z - axis ( z ) is given by : z = ch 2 1 + 1 - ( 1 + k )  c 2  h 2 + a   h 4 + b   h 6 + c   h 8 + d   h 10 + e   h 12 where h is the radial coordinate ; c is the curvature of the surface ( 1 / r ); and a , b , c , d , and e are the 4th , 6th , 8th , 10th , and 12th order deformation coefficients , respectively . the specification data has also been included in table 1 for the preferred embodiment . the numerical aperture at the object ( nao ) is 0 . 0625 radians ; this specification sets the angular divergence of the imaging bundles at the mask . the yob designation defines the extent of the ring field in the scan dimension . the ring field is centered at 120 mm above the optical axis ( oa ) which contains the parent vertex of each of the mirrors . this field extends from 116 mm to 124 mm giving a ring that is 8 mm wide at the mask . at 4x reduction , the ring field becomes 2 . 0 mm wide at the wafer plane . table 2 summarizes the performance of the npnpnp configuration of fig5 with the detailed distortion analysis being shown in fig6 and table 3 . as discussed above , the optical system of fig5 has very low incidence angles . the system preferably does not include a field group near the intermediate image . the intermediate image is located between mirrors m 4 and m 5 to maximize ray clearance in the aft end of the system . the na is 0 . 25 and the ring field width is 2 mm ( centered on a radius of 30 mm ) at the wafer . the composite rms wavefront error is 0 . 023λ ( 0 . 31 nm ), and the static distortion is corrected to better than 2 . 1 nm . this optical reduction system has a very short overall length or total track from mask to wafer of 1181 mm . chief ray cr incidence angles range from 3 . 7 ° to 13 . 8 ° for the chief ray from the central field point . due to the variation in ray angles across mirrors m 1 , m 3 and m 5 , these mirrors are candidates for graded multilayers . the chief ray incidence angles from the central field point are : mask : 8 . 0 °; m 1 : 6 . 9 °; m 2 : 5 . 8 °; m 3 : 13 . 8 °; m 4 : 6 . 0 °; m 5 : 8 . 8 °; and m 6 : 3 . 3 °. this design uses a low incidence angle at the mask to minimize image placement errors that might otherwise result from errors in the longitudinal position of the mask . in addition to the low incidence angles , the system utilizes low peak aspheric departure , where possible . the maximum peak departure , contained on mirror m 5 , is 17 . 0 μm . the other mirrors have low - risk aspheres with departures that range from 1 . 1 μm to 14 μm , consistent with the current alpha tool experience . as discussed above , low aspheric departures of the mirror surfaces facilitate visible light metrology testing without a null lens or cgh , resulting in a high degree of absolute accuracy . a second embodiment of an euv optical projection system according to the present invention is shown in fig7 . the radii , aspheric prescription , and the axial separation of the mirrors can be found in table 4 . specification data as defined at the plane of the mask are also included in table 4 . in the second embodiment of the present invention shown in fig7 from long conjugate to short conjugate , the first mirror is convex , the second concave , the third convex , the fourth concave , the fifth convex , and the sixth concave . denoting a concave mirror with a ‘ p ’ ( positive optical power ) and a convex mirror with an ‘ n ’ ( negative optical power , the configuration may alternately be described as npnpnp . in this respect , the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment . the absolute values of the mirror radii are different , however , and are , from the object to the image as a fraction of the system focal length , 11 . 1414 , 3 . 9329 , 1 . 7692 , 2 . 4567 , 2 . 4170 , and 2 . 3970 all to within around 10 %. the axial separations of the mirrors , as a fraction of the system focal length , are 2 . 0255 ( first convex to second concave mirror ), 2 . 9486 ( concave secondary to convex tertiary mirror ), 1 . 0731 ( convex tertiary to concave quaternary mirror ), 3 . 6233 ( concave quaternary to convex quintanary ), 1 . 9569 ( convex quintanary to concave sextenary ), all to within around 10 %. as with the first embodiment , all the mirrors are aspheric surfaces with 4th , 6th , 8th , 10th , and 12th order polynomial deformations . a physical aperture stop is again preferably located at or near mirror m 2 . the back working distance of the second embodiment is around 44 mm , which is at least a factor of 1 . 5x larger than systems that represent the state of the art . mirrors m 3 and m 4 are located farther from m 2 and closer to the intermediate image promoting a balance between the different orders of distortion , allowing the magnitude of the distortion to be reduced . the intermediate image is still preferably far enough from mirrors m 3 and m 4 , such that mirrors m 3 and m 4 do not represent a field mirror pair . another advantage of this second embodiment is that the dimension of mirror m 3 and m 4 in the cross - scan dimension is reduced . complete data needed to reconstruct the optical reduction system is contained in table 4 . the numerical aperture at the object ( nao ) is 0 . 0625 radians ; this specification sets the angular divergence of the imaging bundles at the mask . the yob designation defines the extent of the ring field in the scan dimension . the ring field is centered at 120 mm above the optical axis ( oa ) which contains the parent vertex of each of the mirrors . this field extends from 116 mm to 124 mm giving a ring that is 8 mm wide at the mask . at 4x reduction , the ring field becomes 2 . 0 mm wide at the wafer plane . table 5 , in conjunction with the distortion analysis shown in fig8 and table 6 , summarizes the performance of the second preferred embodiment shown in fig7 . the npnpnp configuration of fig7 achieves a high level of low - order aberration correction using the base spheres . by aspherizing the mirrors , lithographic levels of performance are obtained . at a numerical aperture of 0 . 25 , the design has a composite rms wavefront error of 0 . 022λ ( 0 . 30 nm ) and less than 1 . 20 nm of static chief ray distortion across its 2 mm ring field . the design has a total track length of 1388 mm , making this length 6 . 2x the focal length of the system . the peak aspheric departure is 15 . 2 μm and is located on mirror m 5 , the other mirrors have peak departures that range from 1 . 0 μm to 11 . 0 μm . this is significant since these low departures substantially reduce mirror fabrication and metrology risk . as a result of the novel distribution of optical power and spacing between the mirrors , the incidence angles are well controlled so that the design is compatible with euv multilayer coatings . for reference , the chief ray incidence angles from the central field point are as follows : mask 7 . 6 °; m 1 : 6 . 6 °; m 2 : 5 . 6 °; m 3 : 15 . 0 °; m 4 : 7 . 0 °; m 5 : 8 . 5 °; and m 6 : 3 . 2 °. in a third embodiment , we begin with the six mirror design of fig3 b and make the fourth mirror after the mask spherical . the other mirrors are then reoptimized in accord with the present invention . while the present invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiments above , those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that numerous modifications , substitutions , and additions may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention .	6
referring now to fig1 an illustration of the apparatus &# 39 ; appearance , the preferred embodiment of the present invention 1 is depicted as a single self contained unit which allows for easy installation into any existing or future land or motor vehicle . the hand held user interface unit 2 is stored in the main assembly 3 . the navigation antenna 4 is shown coming from the rear of the main assembly 3 , where other antennas , bus connections , i / o discretes , power connections , and auxiliary outlets originate . referring now to fig2 an illustration of the faceplate of the apparatus &# 39 ; main assembly , the present invention &# 39 ; s 1 main assembly faceplate 5 is shown with several component features . function selection controls 6 are located on the faceplate to facilitate user interface with the present invention &# 39 ; s am / fm stereo radio and cd - rom player . function selection controls 6 are also available for other additional uses . basic radio and cd - rom output information is presented to the user via the liquid crystal display ( lcd ) 7 . access to the cd - rom is achieved through the cd - rom tray access 8 and access to the hand held user interface unit 2 is available via the user interface storage slot 9 . referring now to fig3 an illustration of the apparatus &# 39 ; hand held user interface , the hand held user interface unit 2 is shown in an open position . the hand held interface unit upper casing 11 and the hand held interface unit lower casing 15 can be closed together by motion about the swivel mount 14 . by securing the hand held interface unit 2 in a closed position , it is possible to then store the unit in the user interface storage slot 9 within the main assembly 3 . interface unit user selection controls 12 , located on the unit casing , allow the mobile user to communicate with the computer system located within the main assembly 3 . information output from the computer system is displayed on the hand unit &# 39 ; s display screen 10 , which could be , but is not limited to , a touch sensitive lcd or active matrix thin film transistor ( tft ) display . referring again to fig3 the hand held user interface unit 2 has additional user input capabilities from either a keyboard entry system 16 or a voice command microphone system 17 . the keyboard input can include , but is not limited to , standard alphanumeric keys found on a qwerty style computer keyboard , function keys , hex numeric keys , and mouse cursor and data entry techniques . the voice input can provide , but is not limited to , a microphone and the associated equipment needed for speech recognition . data exchange between the hand held unit 2 and the mobile computer system housed within the main assembly 3 , as well as the power supply , is provided through the power and data chord 13 . data exchange is not limited to this method as alternative embodiments could employ other means such as an infra red data port . similarly , power could be provided by rechargeable or non - rechargeable battery systems . referring now to fig4 a block diagram illustrating the mobile computer architecture of the present invention , it can be seen that the mobile computer architecture is enclosed within the main assembly 3 . the mobile user is able to access the function selection controls 6 , located on the main assembly faceplate 5 , to input data to the radio and cd - rom components of the mobile architecture . this input is read by the faceplate input interface 21 , and distributed to the appropriate system component over the faceplate data bus network 48 . data output to the user is sent from the faceplate interface 21 over the bus network 48 to the faceplate lcd 7 . referring again to fig4 the am / fm stereo radio component of the architecture receives its radio frequency ( rf ) signals from the radio antenna 20 . these signals are sent to the rf filter and down converter digital signal processor ( dsp ) 22 which processes the radio signals so that conditioned signals can be sent to the amplifier 24 . the amplifier 24 then sends the strengthened signals to auxiliary outputs 25 and multiple speaker outputs 26 . the cd - rom system component 23 is accessed through the faceplate input interface 21 by using the proper function selection controls 6 . when an audio cd - rom is placed in the cd - rom system , the music output is sent from the cd - rom 23 to the amplifier for signal boosting and eventual output to the speakers 26 or the auxiliary components 25 . a physical rf and electromagnetic interference ( emi ) partition 27 separates the various components within the mobile computer architecture . this is done to ensure system integrity and the partitions may take various forms and be comprised of various materials . referring again to fig4 the computer system associated with this mobile architecture centers around the microprocessor 32 , which performs all standard central processing unit ( cpu ) functions and is interfaced with other components through the address and data bus network 38 . this network 38 is composed of a combination of address , control , and data busses and / or individual input / output ( i / o ) discrete lines . the read only memory ( rom ) 30 may contain coded instructions which may be fixed in medium by a variety of means such as , but not limited to , programmable rom ( prom , eprom , eeprom ) or any form of programmable logic device ( pld ). the application specific integrated circuit ( asic ) 28 also may be designed for useful , specific mobile user applications . these two components together , or in separate modes , will provide the mobile user with an operating system by which the user can operate the computer apparatus . the operating system may have several levels of complexity and be proprietary in nature or of a commercial standard such as , but not limited to , a basic input output system ( bios ), disk operating system ( dos ), microsoft windows 3 . 1 , windows 95 , windows ce , or qnx . again referring to fig4 the random access memory ( ram ) module 29 may be composed of dynamic ram ( dram ) or static ram ( sram ). the flash memory 31 should be composed of a non - volatile memory component . both the ram 29 and the flash 31 are designed to accommodate temporary and long term data storage needs and are designed for future expansion and / or upgrades . the microprocessor 32 also connects to the cd - rom system component 23 so that data from a user supplied data cd - rom can be read by the mobile computer architecture . the data may be continually accessed from the cd - rom or loaded into system memory for later use and / or execution . the microprocessor 32 also connects to the amplifier 24 such that any desired microprocessor signal can be output to the speakers 26 or any auxiliary systems 25 . a direct speaker interface 40 also is connected to the microprocessor 32 . additionally , auxiliary inputs 39 are interfaced to the microprocessor 32 and the faceplate input interface 21 . these inputs allow for data input such as , but not limited to , external cd - rom signals and vehicle diagnostic capabilities such as engine controller and environment control connections . referring again to fig4 the microprocessor 32 can interface with expansion slots 33 and 34 which allow for additional integrated circuits or future upgrades . additionally , the present invention has the microprocessor 32 connected to a display controller 41 which in turn connects to multiple user displays and multiple backlight and contrast controls 44 . the display controller 41 is also interfaced with a buffer memory module 42 . the mobile computer architecture microprocessor 32 is most importantly interfaced with an input / output ( i / o ) processor 35 uniquely optimized for mobile user line replaceable unit ( lru ) applications . the i / o processor 35 interfaces with internal lrus 36 and external lrus 37 as well as connecting to non - main assembly input components such as keyboards 16 and voice recognition commands 17 . the i / o processor 35 and related bus structure is outlined in greater detail below . referring to fig4 again , other necessary system components of the mobile architecture are depicted , such as power supplies and regulators 47 , a battery backup 46 , and oscillators 45 . power supplies could consist of various potential sources such as a 12v dc automobile battery 49 or automobile alternator source ; voltage regulation could be stepped down to various levels including , but not limited to , 5v or 3 . 3v . a battery backup 46 could consist of an internally stored dry cell battery or a “ keep alive ” wire lead to an automobile battery . oscillators 45 could take various forms including that of the temperature controlled crystal oscillator ( tcxo ). finally , it is contemplated that the mobile computer architecture described herein may in fact have various forms , such as being a single chip or chipset , or being incorporated onto a larger chip or board as one of multiple functions on the chip or board . it is usually desired in field operations to have a user friendly i / o management structure which allows the use of line replaceable units ( lrus ). the lru architecture described herein promotes flexibility and possesses easy reconfiguration capabilities while in a mobile vehicle environment . the preferred embodiment provides a data bus and i / o discrete line network ( address , control , and data connections ) which connect the i / o processor with an lru . this network may contain a plurality of means such as , but not limited to , parallel and serial ports , isa , eisa , pci , and / or vme busses , pcmcia card slots , or other types of standard busses or specially designed proprietary bus structures . additional features of this optimized i / o management system are improved safety standards and theft deterrence . referring now to fig5 a block diagram of the external i / o management system , the main assembly 3 is shown in partial representation with the i / o processor 35 and the display controller 41 . the i / o data bus 51 is shown interfacing , among other components , the i / o processor 35 with internal lrus 36 and external lrus 37 . the i / o data bus 51 is a combination of an address , control , and data bus structure consisting of , but not limited to , an eight ( 8 ), sixteen ( 16 ), thirty - two ( 32 ), or sixty - four ( 64 ) bit architecture . in possible conjunction with this bus structure is a complementing network of i / o discrete lines 52 , which may cycle between , but is not necessarily limited to , ± 5v or ± 3 . 3v . the i / o data bus 51 and i / o discrete lines 52 also connect the i / o processor 35 with the first hand held user interface unit 2 as well as other hand held units 50 or additional user interfaces 43 . the display controller 41 also interfaces with the hand held units 2 and 50 as well as additional user interfaces 43 using the display data bus 53 and the display i / o discrete lines 54 . the display data bus 53 is a combination of an address , control , and data bus structure consisting of , but not limited to , an eight ( 8 ), sixteen ( 16 ), thirty - two ( 32 ), or sixty - four ( 64 ) bit architecture . in possible conjunction with this bus structure , the network is complemented with the display discrete lines 54 , which may cycle between , but not necessarily only , ± 5v or ± 3 . 3v . the display data bus 53 and display discrete lines 54 connect the display controller 41 to the appropriate display drivers in the first 58 and second 59 hand held units . the display drivers 58 and 59 provide means , but are not limited to , generating characters , displaying layered text , and presenting graphics on the hand held unit displays 10 and 60 , the i / o data bus 51 and i / o discrete line 52 connects the i / o processor 35 with the appropriate i / o registers in the first 56 and second 57 hand units . hand held keyboard units 16 and 61 , as well as hand held unit function keys 12 and 62 , interface with the appropriate hand held unit i / o registers 56 and 57 . again referring to fig5 an example is shown to demonstrate the uniqueness of this lru i / o management system . appearing to the right of the depictions of hand held units 2 and 50 , there appears a combination of addresses , represented as a hex word and two discrete lines . in order to promote accurate data dissemination and collection , each hand held interface unit has a unique address from which to communicate with the mobile computer architecture . if the proper address signature is not provided to the mobile computer system in the main assembly 3 , data access can be restricted . this can be done via user selected passwords or by hardware unit code and pin configuration . this feature promotes safety and data security for the system as well as providing substantial theft deterrence since the entire system can only be accessed by authorized users . this i / o management network also allows for quick field replacement of secured and authorized lrus . in final consideration , it is also contemplated that the i / o management system described herein may in fact have various forms and embodiments , such as being a single chip or chipset , or being incorporated onto a larger chip or board as one of multiple functions on the chip or board . an alternative embodiment of the main assembly faceplate 5 involves an easily replaced front panel which can slide into place over the front of the main assembly 3 . the replaceable faceplate would be standardized and the composition material flexible enough such that the faceplate could be physically touched to depress and activate an underlying function selection control . this feature provides for additional anti - theft deterrence and possible upgrade of the present invention &# 39 ; s 1 appearance . to deter the system from being stolen , a blank boilerplate panel could be placed over the system to make it appear to outside onlookers that no mobile computer architecture exists in the vehicle . custom designed replaceable faceplates could provide options on visually appealing user interface designs . referring now to fig6 a , an illustration of additional faceplate anti - theft and design features , an exploded view of the main assembly 3 is depicted with the replaceable faceplate 65 located above the front of the assembly . the replaceable faceplate 65 would fit down into the front panel retainer 66 . at the top of the retainer is attached a hinge 67 which is also attached to the front panel retainer cover 68 . the front panel retainer cover is closed down over the replaceable faceplate 65 , once it has been slid into the front panel retainer 66 . fig6 b shows a possible configuration for the function selection control 6 components . switch component a 70 is situated next to and almost interlocks with switch component b 71 . switch component c 72 is crafted such that upon being depressed , it makes contact with both switch components a 70 and b 71 . this allows an electric current to flow through the switch , thus activating the control . the replaceable faceplate 65 is pliant enough so that when it is secured in the front panel retainer 66 , finger pressure upon its surface is sufficient to depress the underlying switch component c 72 . it is also contemplated that these additional features may in fact have various forms , such as being on a single chip or chipset , or being incorporated onto a larger chip or board as one of multiple functions on the chip or board . the preferred embodiment allows for the flexibility to add and configure the line replaceable units as required for the mobile user &# 39 ; s needs . an additional feature of the present invention is a radio navigation lru i / o device specifically designed to fully utilize the optimized i / o management of the mobile computer architecture . fig7 illustrates a preferred embodiment for this lru . satellite radio navigation signals can be used to compute a receiver &# 39 ; s position anywhere on the earth . examples of such satellite radio navigation systems are the united states &# 39 ; global positioning system ( gps ) and the russian glonass navigation system . the determination of location based on radio navigation signals is well known in the art , therefore only a brief overview is outlined herein . the cartesian ( x , y , z ) coordinates of the satellites are determined by interpreting the ephemeris data provided by the satellites . pseudoranges between the receiver and the satellites are than calculated based on transmission time delays . given information from four satellites , the location of the receiver can be determined from the four distance equations : ( x 1 - u x ) 2 +( y 1 - u y ) 2 +( z 1 - u z ) 2 =( r 1 - c b ) 2 ( x 2 - u x ) 2 +( y 2 - u y ) 2 +( z 2 - u z ) 2 =( r 2 - c b ) 2 ( x 3 - u x ) 2 +( y 3 - u y ) 2 +( z 3 - u z ) 2 =( r 2 - c b ) 2 ( x 4 - u x ) 2 +( y 4 - u y ) 2 +( z 4 - u z ) 2 =( r 4 - c b ) 2 where x 1 - 4 , y 1 - 4 , and z 1 - 4 , are the x , y , and z coordinates of the four satellites , u x , y , z is the position of the user &# 39 ; s receiver , and c b is the clock bias error . there are four equations and four unknowns in this outlined system ; therefore the equations can be solved for the clock bias and the position of the receiver . the preferred embodiment of the present invention couples this basic approach with statistical analysis techniques and the i / o management method outlined previously to produce a unique system which enhances the user &# 39 ; s calculated location . referring now to fig7 an illustration of an independent radio navigation lru i / o device , it can be seen that the whole line replaceable unit is defined as component 75 . a data bus 51 , defined previously in fig4 provides data to and from the i / o processor 35 and the navigation i / o register 76 . additionally , discrete lines 52 , also defined previously in fig4 relay discrete information between the i / o processor 35 and the navigation i / o register 76 . the navigation i / o register 76 can forward data to the radio frequency ( rf ) correlator / digital signal processor ( dsp ) 77 and / or the navigation microprocessor 82 . this information transfer occurs over the navigation data bus 86 and is coordinated through the use of a navigation address bus 85 . the preferred embodiment of the navigation lru 75 is to receive radio navigation signals and then determine the receiver &# 39 ; s position . this is done by receiving signals through the navigation antenna 4 and directing these signals to a radio frequency ( rf ) filter 80 . the filtered signal is then passed to a low noise amplifier ( lna ) 79 to boost signal strength and then forwarded to the rf front end down converter 78 . subsequent image filtering occurs in the if filter ( s ) 81 to protect against out - of - band interfering signals . the signal is then passed from the rf down converter 78 to the rf correlator / dsp 77 for digital signal processing . this process includes , but is not limited to , acquisition and tracking of multiple channels of spread spectrum signals . automatic gain control ( agc ) functions may also be relayed between the rf dsp 77 and the rf down converter 78 . the navigation microprocessor 82 performs standard central processing unit ( cpu ) functions and is interfaced to memory through the navigation address bus 85 and data bus 86 . the random access memory ( ram ) modules 84 may be composed of dynamic ram ( dram ) or static ram ( sram ). the read only memory ( rom ) 83 may contain coded instructions which may be fixed in medium by a variety of means such as , but not limited to , programmable roms ( prom , eprom , eeprom ), application specific integrated circuits ( asics ), or programmable logic devices ( plds ). also found within the navigation lru 75 are other necessary system components such as power supplies and regulators 88 and oscillators 87 . power supplies could consist of various potential sources such as 12v dc and voltage regulation could be stepped down to various levels including , but not limited to , 5v or 3 . 3v . oscillators could take various froms including one of the most popular , the temperature controlled crystal oscillator ( tcxo ). encoded in the rom 83 of the preferred embodiment navigation lru i / o device 75 , will be various methods to statistically optimize the position calculated from the radio navigation signals . numerous means can be used to filter out signal noise and potential error sources . examples include , but are not limited to , batch filters and recursive sequential filters of which kalman filtering is one technique . a method to reduce positional uncertainty involves the incorporation of correction terms to counter possible error sources such as selective availability or atmospheric propagation delays . if a known survey location is compared to a receiver &# 39 ; s collocated calculated position , correction terms can be determined to match the true known location with the calculated position . fig8 and 9 are flow chart representations of one of the methods employed in the rom 83 of the present invention to reconcile a calculated position with that of a consistently used , “ virtually known ” base station point or position . referring now to fig8 a flow chart for correction term data collection and determination , step 101 is first performed to calculate the position and velocity of the user receiver from raw radio navigation data . step 102 determines if this raw calculated position is within a certain predetermined distance from a base station point stored in archival memory . an answer of no leads to step 103 which states there are no special correction terms to modify the raw data with and to use the position calculated from raw data as the navigation solution provided to the user . an answer of yes to step 102 leads to step 104 which defines the base station point as the actual current position used in the user provided navigation solution for that particular cycle . step 105 than calculates correction terms for immediate use of future navigation solutions . this is accomplished by using the base station point as the “ truth ” and calculating positional errors from the difference between the “ true position ” and the raw data position . step 106 applies the correction terms to the user supplied navigation solution for a predetermined period of time or while the user receiver remains within a predefined geographical distance of the base station point location . referring now to fig9 a flow chart for base station point determination , step 101 is called and the position and velocity of the user receiver is calculated from raw radio navigation data . step 111 then determines if the user &# 39 ; s velocity components are less then some predetermined value . this is a check to ensure that the vehicle is not moving . if the answer is no to this step , no further base station point determination is attempted . if the answer to step 111 is yes , step 112 then determines if the number of raw radio position calculations , taken while the vehicle is not in motion , exceeds some predetermined value . this step ensures that base station points are not set for random vehicle stopping locations such as stop lights . if the answer to step 112 is negative , no further base station point determination is attempted . if the answer to step 112 is affirmative , step 113 stores the calculated position in memory for future use . step 114 is then executed , in which a check is done to ensure that a predetermined number of continuously collected raw position calculations have been stored in memory . this is done to ensure that there exists enough position data to perform acceptable statistical analysis . if step 114 is executed and enough data does not exist , then no further base station point determination is attempted . if enough data does exist in the stored memory register , then step 115 is executed . step 115 performs the coded statistical analysis ; an example of which could be , but not necessarily limited to , gaussian least squares . upon completion of step 115 , step 116 places the best position estimate into a separate storage register reserved exclusively for the best position estimates of the same location class , i . e . estimates that are within a predetermined distance from each other . step 117 is then executed , which determines if there are more then some predetermined number of best position estimates within any given location class register . if the answer is negative , no further base station point determination is attempted . step 118 is then executed to reset the continuous cycle counter to zero . this ensures that multiple best position estimates are not generated from any given vehicle stoppage . if the answer to step 117 is affirmative , step 119 is then performed which performs an additional round of statistical analysis on all best position estimates within a given location class register . an example of a technique for this analysis could be , but is not necessarily limited to , gaussian least squares . step 119 will produce an overall an overall best position estimate which is then defined as a valid base station point in step 120 . execution of step 120 completes the routine for base station point determination . fig7 , and 9 illustrate a unique embodiment of a radio navigation lru i / o device . alternative embodiments could have other features or configurations including , but not limited to , multiple same signal radio navigation reception , multiple signal radio navigation reception , and mixed navigation systems . it is also contemplated that the radio navigation lru i / o device may in fact have various forms , such as being a single chip or chipset , or being incorporated onto a larger chip or board as one of multiple functions on the chip or board . an additional embodiment of the present invention is a crash detection lru i / o device specifically designed to fully utilize the optimized i / o management of the mobile computer architecture . fig1 , an illustration of the crash detection lru i / o device , contains two depictions ; one displays a preferred embodiment for a board layout and the second depicts sensor orientation information . as discussed in the background of related art , this lru i / o device does not use a vehicle &# 39 ; s air bag system and is fully self - contained to interface with the present invention . referring now to fig1 a , an illustration of an independent crash detection lru i / o device , it can be seen that the whole line replaceable unit is defined as component 125 . a data bus 51 , defined previously in fig4 provides data to and from the i / o processor 35 and the crash detection i / o register 126 . additionally , discrete lines 52 , also defined previously in fig4 relay discrete information between the i / o processor 35 and the crash detection i / o register 126 . the crash detection i / o register 126 forwards information to the crash detection microprocessor 127 . this information transfer is coordinated and passed over the crash detection data bus network 137 . the preferred embodiment of the crash detection lru 125 will accurately determine if a vehicle accident , or crash , has occurred . the i / o device 125 accomplishes this task by sensing if a deceleration of the lru unit is above some predetermined threshold value . deceleration is calculated from information provided by accelerometers located on microelectro - mechanical sensors ( mems ) or from strain gauges . the present invention can employ both or either component and can also verify the direction and magnitude of the impacting force through the employment of at least two sensing units that are purposely skewed in relation to each other . the resulting crash detection data can than be forwarded onto emergency service providers to help the mobile user . referring again to fig1 a , the crash detection microprocessor 127 performs all the standard cpu functions . the crash detection microprocessor 127 is connected to the microelectro - mechanical sensor ( mems ) integrated circuits ( ics ) 132 and 136 via the crash detection data bus network 137 . also connected to the network 137 is the analog to digital ( a / d ) converter 133 , which in turn is connected to the first 134 and second 135 strain gauge instruments . the crash detection network 137 also allows the microprocessor 127 to interface with the crash memory modules . the random access memory ( ram ) module 131 may be composed of dynamic ram ( dram ) or static ram ( sram ). the read only memory ( rom ) 130 contains coded instructions which may be fixed in medium by a variety of means such as , but not limited to , programmable roms ( prom , eprom , eeprom ), application specific integrated circuits ( asics ), or programmable logic devices ( plds ). also found within the crash detection lru 125 are other necessary system components such as power supplies and regulators 128 and oscillators 129 . power supplies could consist of various potential sources such as 12v dc and voltage regulation could be stepped down to various levels including , but not limited to , 5v or 3 . 3v . oscillators could take various forms including , but not limited to , the temperature controlled crystal oscillator ( tcxo ). referring now to fig1 b , it can be seen that either the two mems ics 132 and 136 , or the two strain gauges 134 and 135 , or a combination of the two can be oriented such that there is some known skew angle , β , between the two components . furthermore , the angle between the two units and the main assembly 3 can be set such that the orientation of an impacting force with respect to a vehicle &# 39 ; s reference frame may be known . fig1 b denotes a reference frame for the first mems ic 132 as x r1 and y r1 and a second reference frame for the second mems ic 136 as x r2 and y r2 . a sample impact force is depicted by an arrow ; the angle between the impact vector and the first reference frame is defined as γ , and the angle between the impact vector and the second reference frame is defined as φ . it is therefore possible to resolve the impact force vector into components in each reference frame as follows : since the relationship between the angle γ and the angle φ is known in terms of angle β , it is possible to compare the impact force components sensed in one reference frame with that which was sensed in the second reference frame . this allows for redundant sensing abilities and a capability for sensor fault detection and identification . this in turn provides a safer and more robust system for the mobile user . fig1 illustrates a unique embodiment of a crash detection lru i / o device . other alternative embodiments could possess features or configurations including , but not limited to , three dimensional accelerometers and strain gauge set - ups and mixed crash detection systems . it is also contemplated that the crash detection lru i / o device may in fact have various forms , such as being on a single chip or chipset , or being incorporated onto a larger chip or board as one of multiple functions on the chip or board .	6
the most preferable embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawing . note that the same reference numerals in the embodiments denote the same parts as in fig1 throughout the drawings . the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig2 to 5 . fig2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a control apparatus according to the first embodiment . that is , according to the first embodiment , a control apparatus 1 is different from a control apparatus 40 in the prior art shown in fig1 in that a common memory 21 is added , and a control program execution circuit 14 , control program memory 15 , and control data memory 16 are connected to each other through a dedicated bus 27 . this common memory 21 is connected to an i / o interface 17 , data transmission circuit 20 , and system bus 19 . additionally , the control program execution circuit 14 includes an arithmetic circuit , bus control circuit , and work register . fig3 is a block diagram showing a modified arrangement of the control apparatus 1 in fig2 with attention to i / o data transfer . in fig3 , the common memory 21 is directly connected to the i / o interface 17 and the data transmission circuit 20 . the common memory 21 is used as a common resource such as an i / o data buffer or transmission data buffer for each unit in the control apparatus 1 . the i / o interface 17 and the data transmission circuit 20 can operate independently of the cpu 11 and the control program execution circuit 14 . the i / o interface 17 reads data of a control target 30 from the i / o 2 , and outputs the control data to the control target 30 . the control program execution circuit 14 and the cpu 11 read the i / o data from the common memory 21 , and write the control data to the common memory 21 , thereby executing the control operation . similarly , the data transmission circuit 20 exchanges the transmission data between the common memory 21 and an off - system control apparatus 23 or the like to carry out the function as a network apparatus . the data transmission circuit 20 is also used for scan transmission ( cyclic transmission ) performed between the off - system control apparatus 23 and the control apparatus 1 . hence , in the common memory 21 , transmission and reception data areas respectively allocated to the control apparatus 1 and the off - system control apparatus 23 are arranged . in this arrangement , the data in the transmission data area of the control apparatus 1 is transferred , by one data transmission , to all of the common memories 21 in the off - system control apparatuses connected through a single transmission path . the concept of the above - described scan transmission will be described with reference to fig4 . in fig4 , control apparatuses 1 (# 1 ), 1 (# 2 ), (# 3 ), . . . , 1 (# n ) are connected to each other through the single transmission path . as shown in a line c 1 , the data in the transmission data area of the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) is transferred , by one data transmission , to the common memories 21 of the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ) and control apparatuses 1 (# 3 ) to 1 (# n ) all of which are connected to the single transmission path . similarly , as shown in a line c 2 , the data in the transmission data area of the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ) is also transferred to the common memories 21 of the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) and control apparatuses 1 (# 3 ) to 1 (# n ). similarly , as shown in a line c 3 , the data in the transmission data area of the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ) is also transferred to the common memories 21 of the control apparatuses 1 (# 1 ) and 1 (# 2 ), and control apparatuses 1 (# 4 ) to 1 (# n ). similarly , as shown in a line cn , the data in the transmission data area of the control apparatus 1 (# n ) is also transferred to the common memories 21 of the control apparatuses 1 (# 1 ) to 1 (#( n - 1 )). fig5 shows the concept of an example of the allocation of a transmission data area in the common memory 21 . for example , when the data input / output to / from an i / o 2 is to be also used in the off - system control apparatus 23 via the control apparatus 1 , allocation is a made such that transmission data area 21 a allocated to the common memory 21 in the control apparatus 1 receives the data from the i / o 2 . hence , the data from the i / o 2 included in the control apparatus 1 can also be used in the off - system control apparatus 23 . in this arrangement , when the data from the i / o 2 is to be transmitted to the off - system control apparatus 23 , after reading the data from the i / o 2 , the data need not be copied from the i / o data buffer to the control data memory 16 used by the data transmission circuit 20 . hence , the overhead of a cpu 11 and the control program execution circuit 14 in the control apparatus 1 can be reduced to execute the control within a short control period . next , the operation of the above - described control apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described . in fig3 , the control apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes the common memory 21 directly connected to the i / o interface 17 and the data transmission circuit 20 . the common memory 21 is used as a common resource such as the i / o data buffer or transmission data buffer for each unit in the control apparatus 1 . the i / o interface 17 and the data transmission circuit 20 can operate independently of the cpu 11 and the control program execution circuit 14 . the i / o interface 17 reads data of a control target 30 from the i / o 2 , and outputs the control data to the control target 30 . the control program execution circuit 14 and the cpu 11 read the i / o data from the common memory 21 , and write the control data to the common memory 21 , thereby executing the control operation . similarly , the data transmission circuit 20 exchanges the transmission data between the common memory 21 and an off - system control apparatus 23 or the like to serve as a network apparatus . the data transmission circuit 20 is also used for scan transmission ( cyclic transmission ) performed between the off - system control apparatus 23 and the control apparatus 1 . in order to implement this scan transmission , in the common memory 21 , as shown in fig5 , the transmission data area 21 a and a reception data area 21 b respectively allocated to the control apparatus 1 and the off - system control apparatus 23 are arranged . in this arrangement , as shown in fig4 , the data in the transmission data area 21 a of the control apparatus 1 is transferred , by one data transmission , to all of the reception data areas 21 b of the common memories 21 in the off - system control apparatuses 1 (# 2 to # n ) connected through a single transmission path . with this operation , the data of the i / o 2 included in the control apparatus 1 can also be used in the off - system control apparatus 23 . alternatively , by using a data flow in the opposite direction , as shown in fig5 , the data transmitted from the off - system control apparatus 23 can be output to the i / o 2 included in the control apparatus 1 . as described above , in the control apparatus according to the first embodiment , when the data from the i / o 2 is to be transmitted to the off - system control apparatus 23 , after reading the data from the i / o 2 , the data need not be copied from the i / o data buffer to the control data memory 16 used by the data transmission circuit 20 . hence , the overhead of a cpu 11 and the control program execution circuit 14 in the control apparatus 1 can be reduced to execute the control within a short control period . the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig6 and 7 . the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment denote the same parts in fig6 , and a repetitive description will be omitted . in a control apparatus according to the second embodiment , data is autonomously input / output between an i / o interface 17 and a common memory 21 . that is , as shown in fig6 , the i / o interface 17 writes i / o input data ( e . g ., i / o input data 1 21 d ) obtained from an i / o 2 , to the common memory 21 . the i / o interface 17 also obtains i / o output data ( e . g ., i / o output data 21 h ) from the common memory 21 , and then writes the obtained data to the i / o 2 . batch input / output operation performed by the i / o interface 17 is concurrently executed with the operation of the control program execution circuit 14 , as shown in the timing chart of the operations of the control program execution circuit 14 and the i / o interface 17 in fig7 . before starting scanning the control program , the control program execution circuit 14 prepares the i / o input data from the i / o 2 , in the common memory 21 . the flag or the like in fig6 notifies the control program that the i / o input data can be used . in the i / o input data from the i / o 2 , the data is not used in the writing operation to the common memory 21 , and a plurality of buffer areas and transfer completion flags ( e . g ., data transfer completion flag 1 21 c and data transfer completion flag 2 21 e ) are provided such that a completely transferred data group can be used . through the common memory 21 the i / o interface 17 is notified of information representing that the scan process of the control program execution circuit 14 ends and the i / o output data 21 h is written in the common memory 21 . after that , the i / o interface 17 outputs the i / o output data 21 h to the i / o 2 . as described above , the i / o interface 17 performs a batch input / output process of the i / o data while handshaking with the control program execution circuit 14 . generally , the time required for inputting / outputting the data to / from the common memory 21 is shorter than that for inputting / outputting the i / o data , thereby shortening the effective scan time of the control program . next , the operation of the above - described control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described . in a control apparatus according to the second embodiment , data is autonomously input / output between an i / o interface 17 and a common memory 21 . accordingly , as shown in fig6 , the i / o interface 17 writes i / o input data ( e . g ., i / o input data 1 21 d ) obtained from an i / o 2 , to the common memory 21 . the i / o interface 17 also writes the i / o output data ( e . g ., i / o output data 21 h ) from the common memory 21 to the i / o 2 . batch input / output operation performed by the i / o interface 17 is concurrently executed with the operation of the control program execution circuit 14 , as shown in the timing chart in fig7 . before starting scanning the control program , the control program execution circuit 14 prepares the i / o input data from the i / o 2 , in the common memory 21 . the flag or the like in fig6 notifies the control program that the i / o input data can be used . in the i / o input data from the i / o 2 , the data is not used in the writing operation to the common memory 21 , and a plurality of buffer areas and transfer completion flags ( e . g ., data transfer completion flag 1 21 c and data transfer completion flag 2 21 e ) are provided such that the completely transferred data group can be used . through the common memory 21 the i / o interface 17 is notified of information representing that the scan process of the control program execution circuit 14 ends and the i / o output data 21 h is written in the common memory 21 . after that , the i / o interface 17 outputs the i / o output data 21 h to the i / o 2 . as described above , in the control apparatus according to the second embodiment , the i / o interface 17 performs a batch input / output process of the i / o data while handshaking with the control program execution circuit 14 . generally , the time required for inputting / outputting the data to / from the common memory 21 is shorter than that for inputting / outputting the i / o data , thereby shortening the effective scan time of the control program . the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig3 , and 9 . in the third embodiment , as shown in fig8 , assume that a control apparatus 1 described in the first or second embodiment is mounted in a single unit 32 together with a control module 33 and a transmission module 34 . since the arrangement of the control apparatus 1 is the same as in the first and second embodiments , a repetitive description will be omitted . each of the control apparatus 1 , control module 33 , and transmission module 34 which are mounted in the unit 32 is connected to a inter - module bus 35 so that data transfer can be performed through the inter - module bus 35 . therefore , in the control apparatus 1 , a cpu 11 uses an inter - module interface 24 to read data such as a global variable from the control module 33 or the transmission module 34 through the inter - module bus 35 . the read data are written in a common memory 21 . as shown in fig9 , these data are written in a transmission data area 21 a in the common memory 21 . as described in the first embodiment , the contents of the common memory 21 are equalized with those of the common memory 21 in an off - system control apparatus 23 through a data transmission circuit 20 . therefore , in this arrangement , the control apparatus 1 can access the data in the control module 33 and the transmission module 34 serving as the off - system modules mounted in the same single unit 32 as in the control apparatus 1 . similarly , the control module 33 and the transmission module 34 can also access the data ( e . g ., the global variables of the control module 33 and the transmission module 34 , and the setting data of the transmission module 34 ) written in a reception data area 21 b in the common memory 21 . next , the operation of the above - described control apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described . each of the control apparatus 1 , control module 33 , and transmission module 34 which are mounted in the unit 32 is connected to a inter - module bus 35 so that data transfer can be performed through the inter - module bus 35 . therefore , the inter - module interface 24 of the control apparatus 1 reads data such as a global variable from the control module 33 or the transmission module 34 , and the read data is written in the transmission data area 21 a in the common memory 21 , as shown in fig9 . as described above , in the control apparatus according to the third embodiment , the control apparatus 1 can access the data in the control module 33 and the transmission module 34 serving as the off - system modules mounted in the same single unit 32 as in the control apparatus 1 . similarly , the control module 33 and the transmission module 34 can also access the data ( e . g ., the global variables of the control module 33 and the transmission module 34 , and the setting data of the transmission module 34 ) written in a reception data area 21 b in the common memory 21 . the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig8 and 9 . in a control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment , as shown in fig8 , assume that a control apparatus 1 as in the first or second embodiment is also mounted in a single unit 32 together with a control module 33 and a transmission module 34 , as in a control apparatus according to the third embodiment . therefore , in the fourth embodiment , the points different from the third embodiment will be described , and a repetitive description will be omitted . that is , the fourth embodiment shows a more practical example of the third embodiment . as shown in fig8 , assume that the transmission module 34 mounted in the single unit 32 includes a transmission common memory ( not shown ), like a profibus ( trademark ) module and devicenet ( trademark ) module . when all the contents of this transmission common memory ( not shown ) are copied into a common memory 21 in a control apparatus 1 , data from a module arranged downstream of the control apparatus 1 can be used through an off - system control apparatus 23 . in an example shown in fig8 , the transmission module 34 is also connected to a remote i / o 36 (# 1 ) through a transmission path 37 (# 1 ). the remote i / o 36 (# 1 ) is connected to the remote i / o 36 (# 2 ) through the transmission path 37 (# 2 ), and then connected to the remote i / o 36 (# 3 ) through the transmission path 37 (# 3 ). in this case , as shown in fig9 , all input data from the remote i / os 36 (# 1 to # 3 ) connected to the transmission module 34 are allocated to a transmission data area 21 a of the common memory 21 in the control apparatus 1 . therefore , the off - system control apparatus 23 connected to a data transmission circuit 20 in the control apparatus 1 can access the data of all the modules ( e . g ., the control module 33 and transmission module 34 ) and the apparatuses ( e . g ., the remote i / os 36 (# 1 to # 3 )) connected downstream of the control apparatus 1 , in addition to the input data from the remote i / os 36 (# 1 to # 3 ). this operation is particularly useful when the data transmission circuit 20 is connected to a monitor apparatus and a surveillance apparatus . next , the operation of the above - described control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described . that is , as shown in fig8 , assume that the transmission module 34 mounted in the single unit 32 together with the control apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment includes the transmission common memory ( not shown ), like the profibus ( trademark ) module and devicenet ( trademark ) module . when all the contents of this transmission common memory ( not shown ) are copied into the common memory 21 in the control apparatus 1 , data from the module arranged downstream of the control apparatus 1 can be used through the off - system control apparatus 23 . more specifically , when the remote i / os 36 (# 1 to # 3 ) are sequentially connected downstream of the transmission module 34 , as shown in fig8 , the input data from the remote i / os 36 (# 1 to # 3 ) are allocated to the transmission data area 21 a of the common memory 21 in the control apparatus 1 as shown in fig9 . therefore , the off - system control apparatus 23 connected to the data transmission circuit 20 in the control apparatus 1 can access the data of all the modules ( e . g ., the control module 33 and transmission th module 34 ) and the apparatuses ( e . g ., the remote i / os 36 (# 1 to # 3 )) connected downstream of the control apparatus 1 , in addition to the input data from the remote i / os 36 (# 1 to # 3 ). this operation is particularly useful when the data transmission circuit 20 is connected to a monitor apparatus and a surveillance apparatus . the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to fig1 and 11 . in the fifth embodiment , as shown in fig1 , a plurality of control apparatuses 1 ( e . g ., control apparatuses 1 (# 1 to # 4 )) described in the first or second embodiment are connected to each other through a transmission path 38 so that data can be transmitted / received to / from each other . the arrangement of the control apparatus 1 is the same as in the first and second embodiments , a repetitive description will be omitted . note that , as shown in fig1 , the control apparatuses 1 (# 1 to # 3 ) are respectively connected to dedicated i / os 2 (# 1 to # 3 ) through i / o interfaces 17 ( see fig2 ). hence , as described in the first and second embodiments , since each of the control apparatuses 1 has an i / o data area in a common memory 21 , data transfer can be performed between the control apparatus 1 and the corresponding i / o 2 . that is , since the common memory 21 (# 1 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) has an i / o data area 21 d (# 1 ) for storing the i / o data from the i / o 2 (# 1 ), i / o data transfer can be performed between the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) and the i / o 2 (# 1 ). also , since the common memory 21 (# 2 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ) has an i / o data area 21 f (# 2 ) for storing the i / o data from the i / o 2 (# 2 ), i / o data transfer can be performed between the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ) and the i / o 2 (# 2 ). also , since the common memory 21 (# 3 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ) has an i / o data area 21 i (# 3 ) for storing the i / o data from the i / o 2 (# 3 ), i / o data transfer can be performed between the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ) and the i / o 2 (# 3 ). note that since the control apparatuses 1 (# 1 to # 4 ) are connected to each other through the transmission path 38 in the state wherein the data can be transmitted / received to / from each other , a given control apparatus 1 can obtain the i / o data in the i / o data area of the common memory 21 in an off - system control apparatus 1 . therefore , since the common memory 21 (# 1 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) has the i / o data area 21 f (# 1 ) for storing the i / o data from the i / o data area 21 f (# 2 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ), i / o data transfer can be performed between the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ) and the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ). also , since the common memory 21 (# 1 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) has the i / o data area 21 i (# 1 ) for storing the i / o data from the i / o data area 21 i (# 3 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ), i / o data transfer can be performed between the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ) and the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ). in this arrangement , the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) can transfer the i / o data not only between the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) and the i / o 2 (# 1 ) directly connected to the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) itself , but also between the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) and the i / os 2 (# 2 and # 3 ) respectively connected to the off - system control apparatuses 1 (# 2 and # 3 ). similarly , since the common memory 21 (# 2 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ) has the i / o data area 21 d (# 2 ). for storing the i / o data from the i / o data area 21 d (# 1 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ), i / o data transfer can be performed between the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) and the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ). also , since the common memory 21 (# 2 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ) has the i / o data area 21 i (# 2 ) for storing the i / o data from the i / o data area 21 i (# 3 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ), i / o data transfer can be performed between the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ) and the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ). in this arrangement , the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ) can transfer the i / o data not only between the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ) and the i / o 2 (# 2 ) directly connected to the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ) itself , but also between the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ) and the i / os 2 (# 1 and # 3 ) respectively connected to the off - system control apparatuses 1 (# 1 and # 3 ). similarly , since the common memory 21 (# 3 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ) has the i / o data area 21 d (# 3 ) for storing the i / o data from the i / o data area 21 d (# 1 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ), i / o data transfer can be performed between the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) and the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ). also , since the common memory 21 (# 3 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ) has the i / o data area 21 f (# 3 ) for storing the i / o data from the i / o data area 21 f (# 2 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ), i / o data transfer can be performed between the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ) and the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ). in this arrangement , the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ) can transfer the i / o data not only between the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ) and the i / o 2 (# 3 ) directly connected to the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ) itself , but also between the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ) and the i / os 2 (# 1 and # 2 ) respectively connected to the off - system control apparatuses 1 (# 1 and # 2 ). furthermore , since the common memory 21 (# 4 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 4 ) has the i / o data area 21 d (# 4 ) for storing the i / o data from the i / o data area 21 d (# 1 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ), i / o data transfer can be performed between the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) and the control apparatus 1 (# 4 ). also , since the common memory 21 (# 4 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 4 ) has the i / o data area 21 f (# 4 ) for storing the i / o data from the i / o data area 21 f (# 2 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ), i / o data transfer can be performed between the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ) and the control apparatus 1 (# 4 ). since the common memory 21 (# 4 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 4 ) has the i / o data area 21 i (# 4 ) for storing the i / o data from the i / o data area 21 i (# 3 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ), i / o data transfer can be performed between the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ) and the control apparatus 1 (# 4 ). in this arrangement , the control apparatus 1 (# 4 ) can transfer the i / o data to / from the i / os 2 (# 1 , # 2 , and # 3 ) respectively connected to the off - system control apparatuses 1 (# 1 , # 2 , and # 3 ), although the i / o 2 (# 1 ) is not directly connected to the control apparatus 1 (# 4 ) itself . note that although a detailed description will be omitted , when the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ) includes a transmission module 34 connected to a remote i / o 36 through a transmission path 37 , the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ) can obtain i / o data from the remote i / o 36 by using the transmission module 34 . hence , when the common memory 21 of each of the control apparatuses 1 (# 1 to # 4 ) has the data area for storing the i / o data from the remote i / o 36 , i / o data transfer can be performed between the control apparatus 1 (# 1 , # 2 , or # 4 ) and the remote i / o 36 connected to the transmission module 34 of the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ), even when the control apparatus 1 (# 1 , # 2 , or # 4 ) has no transmission module 34 . as described above , since the control apparatuses 1 according to the first or second embodiment are connected to each other through the transmission path 38 in the state wherein the data can be transmitted / received to / from each other , an arbitrary control apparatus 1 connected to the transmission path 38 can access the data of the dedicated i / o 2 or remote i / o 36 of the off - system control apparatus 1 . more particularly , this characteristic is useful when one of the plurality of control apparatuses 1 (# 1 to # 4 ) connected to the transmission path 38 is applied as a surveillance apparatus . that is , when one control apparatus 1 having the above - described function serves as a surveillance apparatus , this surveillance apparatus can access the i / o data of all the control apparatuses 1 . accordingly , the data can be monitored without using any special software for collecting monitoring i / o data . by using this function , the i / o data can be not only monitored , but also written from one control apparatus 1 to the common memory 21 in an off - system control apparatus 1 . this operation will be described with reference to fig1 . that is , in order to write the data from one control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) to the common memory 21 of each of the alien control apparatuses 1 (# 2 to # 4 ), as shown in fig1 , a data overwrite area 21 g (# 1 ) may be provided in a reception data area 21 b (# 1 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ). after writing the data in this area , the written data may be output to the i / o 2 (# 1 ) through the i / o interface 17 (# 1 ). with this operation , when the written data is obtained in the i / o 2 (# 1 ), as described above , the data from the i / o 2 (# 1 ) is obtained in the common memories 21 (# 2 to # 4 ) of the off - system control apparatuses 1 (# 2 to # 4 ). the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig1 and 13 . in the sixth embodiment , as shown in fig1 , a plurality of control apparatuses 1 ( e . g ., control apparatuses 1 . (# 1 to # 3 )) described in the first or second embodiment are connected to each other in series through transmission paths 39 . that is , the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) is connected to the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ) to connect i / o interfaces 17 (# 1 and # 2 ) through the transmission path 39 (# 1 ) such that the data can be transmitted / received to / from each other . also , the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ) is connected to the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ) to connect i / o interfaces (# 2 and # 3 ) through the transmission path 39 (# 2 ) such that the data can be transmitted / received to / from each other . the i / o interface 17 (# 1 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) is also connected to an i / o 2 (# 2 ) such that the data can be transmitted / received to / from each other . note that the arrangement of the control apparatus 1 is the same as in the first and second embodiments , and a repetitive description will be omitted . that is , in the sixth embodiment , since the plurality of control apparatuses 1 (# 1 to # 3 ) are connected in series as described above , the i / o data can be simply transferred between the control apparatuses 1 (# 1 to # 3 ). the arrangement of common memories 21 (# 1 to # 3 ) of the control apparatuses 1 (# 1 to # 3 ) for performing this i / o data transfer is shown in fig1 . in the arrangement shown in fig1 , only the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) includes the i / o 2 (# 1 ). therefore , the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) obtains i / o input / output data id 1 from the i / o 2 (# 1 ) through the i / o interface 17 (# 1 ), and stores the obtained data in a transmission data area 21 a (# 1 ) of the common memory 21 (# 1 ). the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) stores its own global data gd 1 in the transmission data area 21 a (# 1 ) of the common memory 21 (# 1 ). as described above , the i / o input / output data id 1 and global data gd 1 stored in the transmission data area 21 a (# 1 ) of the common memory 21 (# 1 ) are transmitted from the i / o interface 17 (# 1 ) to the i / o interface 17 (# 2 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ) through the transmission path 39 (# 1 ), and stored in a reception data area 21 b (# 2 ) of the common memory 21 (# 2 ) in the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ). accordingly , the i / o input / output data id 1 and global data gd 1 stored in the reception data area 21 b (# 2 ) of the common memory 21 (# 2 ) are transmitted from the i / o interface 17 (# 2 ) to the i / o interface 17 (# 3 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ) through the transmission path 39 (# 2 ), and also stored in the reception data area 21 b (# 3 ) of the common memory 21 (# 3 ) in the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ). also , the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ) stores its own global data gd 2 in the transmission data area 21 a (# 2 ) of the common memory 21 (# 2 ). as described above , the global data gd 2 stored in the transmission data area 21 a (# 2 ) is transmitted from the i / o interface 17 (# 2 ) to the i / o interface 17 (# 1 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) through the transmission path 39 (# 1 ), and stored in a reception data area 21 b (# 1 ) of the common memory 21 (# 1 ) in the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ). accordingly , the global data gd 2 is transmitted from the i / o interface 17 (# 2 ) to the i / o interface 17 (# 3 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ) through the transmission path 39 (# 2 ), and also stored in the reception data area 21 b (# 3 ) of the common memory 21 (# 3 ) in the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ). also , the control apparatus 1 (# 3 ) stores its own global data gd 3 in the transmission data area 21 a (# 3 ) of the common memory 21 (# 3 ). as described above , the global data gd 3 stored in the transmission data area 21 a (# 3 ) is transmitted from the i / o interface 17 (# 3 ) to the i / o interface 17 (# 2 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ) through the transmission path 39 (# 2 ), and stored in a reception data area 21 b (# 2 ) of the common memory 21 (# 2 ) in the control apparatus 1 (# 2 ). accordingly , the global data gd 3 stored in the reception data area 21 b (# 2 ) of the common memory 21 (# 2 ) is transmitted from the i / o interface 17 (# 2 ) to the i / o interface 17 (# 1 ) of the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ) through the transmission path 39 (# 1 ), and also stored in the reception data area 21 b (# 1 ) of the common memory 21 (# 1 ) in the control apparatus 1 (# 1 ). as described above , when the plurality of control apparatuses 1 (# 1 to # 3 ) according to the first or second embodiment are connected in series through the transmission paths 39 such that the data can be transmitted / received to / from each other , the control apparatuses 1 (# 1 to # 3 ) use the common memories 21 (# 1 to # 3 ) as batch input / output data areas for storing the i / o input / output data . in addition to this , the common memories 21 (# 1 to # 3 ) can be used as data transmission memory areas for executing data transmission between the control apparatuses 1 (# 1 to # 3 ). as described above , the general overhead of data transmission between the data transmission memory and the i / o input / output data memory can be reduced in the control apparatus 1 to perform the data transmission at high speed . in addition to this , since the plurality of control apparatuses 1 (# 1 to # 3 ) are connected in series through the transmission paths 39 (# 1 and # 2 ), data transmission can be performed between the control apparatuses in a control system which is so small that the transmission circuit cannot be used in the system . additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art . therefore , the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein . accordingly , various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents .	6
the presentation of fig1 is schematic and not in proper proportions . a press skin 2a disposed on the particle board 1 is roughened by diamond crystals 3 which are attached to a stainless steel carrier 5 , by means of galvanically or chemically deposited nickel 4 . the carrier 5 is pressed toward the particle board by means of air 6 under pressure with the compressed air being released via passages 7 . the compressed air discharged through the passages 7 carries away the grinding dust and dirt particles 10 which are then sucked away from under the hood 12 as indicated by arrow 9 . brushes 11 mounted on the hood 12 so as to be in contact with the particle board surface reinforce the cleaning action of the compressed air by dislodging particles attached to the board surface . since the thin carrier 5 is pressed onto the particle board by the pressurized air , it fully adapts to the surface of the particle board . anyprotruding particles are engaged and embedded since they are substantially softer than the tool . because of the thin coating of the nickel layer and the grinding surface with extremely hard diamond or boron or titanium nitride crystals 13 , the hard grinding particles are not broken from the nickel layer during grinding operation . preferably the carrier 5 has path areas free of grinding crystals to facilitate removal of grinding dust from the grinding areas . for this purpose the carrier sheet is provided with openings in the center of the areas with grinding crystals for the discharge of pressurized air and the removal of grinding dust . for in creased life of the grinding carrier sheets , embedment of the crystals is reinforced by a protective layer applied to the carrier sheet over the grinding crystals to prevent dislodging of the crystals . the protective layer may be applied by chemical vapor deposition from a gas phase , by physical vapor deposition from a gas phase or by plasma enhancedchemical vapor deposition . adaption of the finishing tool to the shape of the particle board by means of the pressurized air makes it possible to roughen the surface without removing essential amounts of material . as a result only a relatively small amount of grinding dust is generated which can easily be sucked awayand which therefore will not become entrapped under the decorative cover foil or paper where it would show through the cover foil or detrimentally affect adhesion thereof to the particle board when finished . the economical advantage offered by the continuous manufacturing process developed for the particle board was partly lost , so far , since further manufacturing steps occurred in a non - continuous manner . in order to applysurface layers directly to the continuously manufactured particle boards , short cycle presses are utilized which have an operating cycle of 45 - 90 seconds . the particle boards are first cut to the desired sizes and then stored to mature . the decorative foils , that is , the decorative paper , is normally precut before application . the decorative foil or paper is accurately cut to fit the particle boards onto which it is then placed . unrolling of the foil from a roll as it is needed for application to the particle board over the length of a press cycle has not been realized so far because of the fragility of the foils , particularly of the melamine resin decorative foils . in order to take the foils from rolls when operating with short cycle presses the rolls would have to be accelerated and slowed down with the press cycle since their movement cannot be achieved solely by pulling since the foil material is much too fragile for the forces that would be involved . the major problem with short cycle presses however resides in the speed of operation which is much slower than that of the double band presses for the manufacture of the particle boards . double band presses for the manufacture of particle boards operate at a speed of 8 - 10 m / min which would require short cycle presses with a 60 sec . cycle to have an 8 - 10 m reaction zone in order to handle all the raw particle boards produced by adouble band press . that means that several short cycle presses would be required for each double band press and in addition a substantial amount of equipment for the preparing of the cover foils and for the transport of all the materials is required . it all adds up to excessive requirements for building space and volume . the method according to the invention makes it possible to use continuous processes for the manufacture of the particle board and the application ofdecorative foils thereto up to the cutting of the finished boards . if , for the application of the foil to the surface of the particle board , another double band press is used , both presses , that is , the double band press for manufacturing the particle board and that for the application ofthe decorative foil , can be synchronized with one another so that they operate at the same production rate . fig2 shows schematically such a manufacturing arrangement . the particle boards are manufactured in an isochoric double band press 20 . the surface toughening tool 21 described earlier is disposed adjacent the double band press 20 and treats the continuous particle board as it leaves the double band press 20 . the decorative foils or papers are taken from a roll support station 22 which may also include automatic means for changing thefoil material . they are placed onto the surface or surfaces of the particleboard as it enters an isobaric double band press 23 in which the foils or paper sheets are pressed and glued onto the particle board surface in a continuous manner . such an arrangement is novel and advantageous : no such arrangement has beenin existence since there was no tool capable of preparing the still hot particle boards for the application of decorative surface layers so that awaiting period for the cooling of the particle boards was heretofore necessary . the tool 21 eliminates the requirement for such a waiting period and allows for immediate application of the decorative foil as the particle board comes from the double band press 20 . also , the wood processing industry generally utilizes isochoric double bandpresses as they are used also for the manufacture of the particle boards . these presses are designed to provide for a predefined geometric shape of the reaction zone which , for the manufacture of the particle boards , is well within the manufacturing tolerances and therefore presents no problems . however such a given shape is not appropriate for the application of foils since the surface shape of the particle board and that of the isochoric press band surfaces may not coincide so that the pressure applied to the packet of particle board and decorative surface layer is not even . this may provide for strips in which insufficient pressure is applied to provide for reliable attachment of the cover sheet to the particle board . the use of an isobaric double band press in which the reaction pressure is provided by a pressurized fluid which engages the press band and presses it against the surface of the particle board so that it can adjust to the surface shape of the board provides for even surface pressure and preventstherefore the formation of areas with insufficient attachment of the cover foils . since a double band press is operating continuously there are no problems with the handling of the cover foil or paper which is continuously rolled off the rolls . such handling is known in principle from the manufacture ofdecorative laminates and therefore does not need any particular explanation . the combination of the grinding tool according to the invention , a continuous foil unrolling station and an isobar double band press for the application of the foils to the surface of the particle board while movingthrough the isobar double band press permits the utilization of the economical advantages offered by a continuous manufacturing process from the manufacture of the particle board to the cutting of the final decorative surface coated boards .	1
as shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration , the present invention for a cannula support is referred to generally by the reference number 10 in fig2 - 7 . in this respect , the support 10 may be used in association with a cannula that consists of a somewhat slender and elongated tube 12 ( fig1 ) that extends from a device such as an oxygen tank , a portable oxygen generator , or a wall connection in a hospital that delivers oxygen via a flow meter ( not shown ) at one end to one or more open ended branches or ports 14 at the other end designed to be inserted into , for example , a nostril 16 to deliver supplemental oxygen to a patient in need of respiratory help . oxygen flows from the source , through the flexible tube 12 and out through one or more of the open - ended branches or ports 14 as a means to supplement breathing . the open - ended branches or ports 14 may vary in size depending on the desired flow rate . as generally shown in fig1 , the branches or ports 14 of the cannula flexible tube 12 are positioned near the nostrils 16 to provide oxygen thereto . from here , the cannula flexible tube 12 wraps around the cheeks of the wearer 22 toward the ears 18 . as such , the flexible plastic tube 12 may extend into a space or channel 24 formed between the head 20 and a portion of the outwardly extending ear 18 . the cannula flexible tube 12 then wraps around the ear 18 , comes back toward the front of the neck by the chin and travels back to the oxygen source . the tube 12 is typically made from a somewhat flexible plastic material that can be manipulated in a manner that allows conformity around the wearer &# 39 ; s facial features , for example the exterior curvature of the face and around the ear 18 , to streamline the fit of the cannula to the wearer 22 as shown in fig1 . the support 10 disclosed herein is a supplemental attachment for the cannula flexible tube 12 as it is designed to reduce or eliminate the aforementioned problems associated with skin - to - plastic contact with the flexible tube 12 . that is , the support 10 helps reduce indentations that may form in and around the skin from constant contact with the flexible tube 12 , reduce redness , sores or other skin irritations , and reduce or eliminate tearing of the skin resultant from the flexible tube 12 sticking to the skin . fig2 illustrates one embodiment of the support 10 in the form of a curled or coiled cord that may be formed by winding strips of material around a cylinder to create the shown helical shape . preferably , the support 10 comprises a form of elastic material ( e . g ., polyester ) that permits stretching or uncoiling when loaded ( fig3 ), while also returning to its natural length ( fig2 ) when unloaded . the helical shape of the support 10 shown in fig2 - 7 produces a smooth three - dimensional curve with each coil initially aligned along a common central axis 30 ( fig3 ). while the support 10 in fig2 - 7 is substantially cylindrical in shape , it could be made into a conical shape by winding it around a cone , for example . in this respect , the ends 26 , 28 of the support 10 may taper inwardly toward the exterior circumference of the flexible tube 12 to provide a tighter fit thereto at each of the ends 26 , 28 . this embodiment may prevent the support 10 from sliding along the length of the flexible tube 12 , as is problematic with the e - z wraps . the shape , structure and materials of the support 10 are , in one embodiment , comparable to or the same as the outer polyester material of curly or spiral shoelaces . in this respect , the support 10 may similarly include a tight inner core that helps maintain or form the outer polyester material into the spiral or helical shape of the support 10 . the outer layer preferably includes the aforementioned polyester material , but a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the outer layer of the support 10 may be made from various types of materials , such as cotton , nylon , polyester , spandex , etc . of course , the support 10 may include only the outer polyester material or both the outer polyester material with the harder inner core . in this respect , the outer polyester material may be configured to naturally coil itself , as disclosed herein . the elasticity of the support 10 allows it to be bent , curved , extended , retracted , etc . as generally shown in fig3 - 7 . in this respect , material selection is important so that the support 10 can adequately conform to the outer curved surface of the ear ( fig6 and 7 ) to bias the plastic tube 12 away from contacting the skin . the support 10 may also enhance the positional stability of the cannula in and around the ear 18 by increasing the traction therewith while comfortably contacting the skin without causing irritation thereto . the substantially spiral or helical shape of the support 10 made from polyester ( or a comparable material ) accomplishes these objectives . for instance , fig4 illustrates the support 10 being bent and turned around the exterior of the flexible tube 12 . in this embodiment , the inner diameter formed by the helical structure of the support 10 is approximately the same size as the outer diameter of the flexible tube 12 . this allows the wearer 22 to comfortably slide or spiral bind the support 10 along the length of the flexible tube 12 to properly locate and place the support 10 to attain a comfortable fit behind the ear 18 , as shown in fig7 . the inner diameter of the support 10 may , alternatively , be somewhat smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible tube 12 to enhance frictional contact therebetween during use . this , of course , will tend to inhibit movement of the support 10 along the length of the flexible tube 12 relative to a support 10 with a larger diameter . in another alternative embodiment , the support 10 may have a somewhat larger inner diameter at or near its mid - section 32 ( generally shown in fig2 ) that terminates at respective conically shaped ends 26 , 28 . this embodiment may provide enhanced contact at each end 26 , 28 , while allowing greater adjustability in the larger diameter mid - section 32 . as shown in fig5 relative to fig4 , the support 10 is flexible enough to be wound around the exterior of the flexible tube 12 . in one embodiment , the support 10 attached to the flexible tube 12 , as shown in fig5 , may be a two inch piece of curled shoelace with the harder interior cord removed . once attached , the wearer may manipulate the shape and placement of the flexible tube 12 with the support 10 mounted thereto . in this regard , fig5 illustrates the support 10 partially curved and shaped to conform to the curved exterior surface of the ear 18 . placement behind the ear 18 in this manner , and as shown in fig7 , permits the support 10 to bias the inner plastic flexible tube 12 away from contacting the skin in and around the ear 18 to prevent or stop the aforementioned skin irritations . since the support 10 is curled around the exterior of the flexible tube 12 , it does not fall off when bent around the ear 18 . in this respect , the curled helical shape not only grips to portions of the flexible tube 12 to prevent slippage , as described above , but it also provides enhanced traction against the skin in the area in and around the ear 18 . additionally , the polyester clothing - type material made from a series of interwoven spiral - bound fibers allows the skin to breath underneath ( similar to clothing ) and does not have the same abrasive surface interaction with the skin as does the plastic material of the flexible tube 12 . accordingly , the support 10 stays on the flexible tube 12 until purposefully unwrapped , provides adequate stability , and causes virtually no skin irritation . moreover , the spiral or helical shape of the interwoven fibers of the support 10 provides the flexibility necessary to conform to the outer curvature in and around the ear 18 while providing sufficient traction against the skin without irritation . in this respect , each of the coils of the support 10 may expand ( fig2 ) or contract ( fig3 ) and bend along the central axis 30 thereof ( fig3 relative to fig6 - 7 ). a solid foam material , such as the e - z wrap design , is unable to flex in this manner because the solid material bunches and prevents interior curving , and otherwise does not permit exterior stretching in the same manner that a series of spaced apart and flexible / bendable helical coils provide . this shape and structure of the support 10 further enhances gripping action in and around the ear 18 so that the support 10 and the flexible tube 12 do not slip or slide out from this space or channel 24 when worn by the wearer 22 . that is , the coils are able to bend with the flexible tube 12 so as to remain in some constant frictional contact therewith such that each of the individual coils are no longer necessarily aligned with the central axis 30 . several individuals using a nasal - cannula have used the support 10 disclosed herein as an alternative to using bandages to cover areas around the ears that were torn and bleeding from the irritation of the cannula flexible tube 12 . in each case , the individual was able to use the support 10 for at least six months without having any of the aforementioned problems associated with skin irritation in and around the ears . of course , the support 10 would be beneficial to those who use oxygen , and especially those who must be on oxygen all day and all night . although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration , various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention . accordingly , the invention is not to be limited , except as by the appended claims .	0
it is important to note that the embodiments disclosed by the invention are only examples of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein . in general , statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily limit any of the various claimed inventions . moreover , some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others . in general , unless otherwise indicated , singular elements may be in plural and vice versa with no loss of generality . in the drawings , like numerals refer to like parts through several views . in one embodiment of the invention a toolbar enabled to host and run a plurality of widgets is disclosed . the widgets may be an application or a control executed from a toolbar . a toolbar can be pre - installed with a list of widgets or such widgets may be added to the toolbar by dragging a widget from a central repository and dropping the widget to the toolbar . widgets may include , but are not limited to , a media player , an online game , an online interactive program , visual animations , and so on . in addition , widgets may extend the functionality of a toolbar by adding buttons , menus , and so on . fig1 shows a schematic diagram of a system 100 useful in describing the principles of the present invention . a client 110 runs a widget enabled toolbar 120 on a web browser 130 which may be , for example , microsoft ® internet explorer ®, mozilla firefox ®, opera , safari , a wireless application protocol ( wap ) type browser , and the like . the client 110 may be a computing device , such as a personal computer , a laptop computer , a personal digital assistant ( pda ), a mobile phone , a smart phone , and the like . a storage device 140 is a secured repository that includes a plurality of certified widgets , i . e ., widgets that cannot execute harmful code . a storage device 150 is an unsecured repository that includes widgets uploaded by the widget providers . a widget is transferred from the unsecured repository ( storage device 150 ) to the secured repository ( storage device 140 ) once the widget is certified . no access is provided to storage device 140 other than the organizations and / or users who are authorized to certify that the widget &# 39 ; s source code does not include harmful instructions . a widget contributor may be any user or a business entity that develops a widget and desires to share the widget with other users , i . e ., to allow users to install the widget on their web - browser . the widget contributor can charge users for installing and using its widgets or offer the widget for free . in accordance with an embodiment of the invention a monetary method for trading widgets is provided and will be described in detail below . the widget - enabled toolbar 120 is constructed to enable the execution of widgets as well as to add and remove widgets from the toolbar . the toolbar 120 is further described in u . s . patent application ser . no . 12 / 270 , 421 , now pending , assigned to the common assignee and it is hereby incorporated by reference for all that it contains . as mentioned above the toolbar 120 may be pre - installed with a set of widgets . in order to add a new widget the user has to access a web server 160 which hosts available widgets for installation , once the desired widget is selected the user merely needs to drag the widget ( typically represented by an icon ) to the toolbar 120 . thereafter , the selected widget is automatically installed on the toolbar 120 . it should be noted that many web sites may publish available widgets , but all the widgets must be stored in a secured and trusted repository and order to be installed in the toolbar 120 . an exemplary screenshot of a widget - enabled toolbar 200 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention is shown in fig2 . the toolbar 200 hosts the following widgets fandango ® 210 , plaxo 220 which both provide links to their respective websites , and pandora ® 230 which connects to a pandora service to retrieve a list of favorite radio stations of a user . a button 240 allows a user to add widgets by connecting the client 110 to one or more web servers that host widgets that can be downloaded by the users . fig3 shows a non - limiting and exemplary flowchart 300 describing the process for customizing a widget - enabled toolbar as implemented in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . the toolbar is an enabled widget toolbar constructed , for example , using the teachings disclosed in the ser . no . 12 / 270 , 421 application referenced - above . the user may add and / or remove widgets from the toolbar . a user needs to select a widget that he / she wants to add to the toolbar . the selection maybe from one or more web - sites that host the widgets . once a widget is selected the user has to drag an icon of the widget to the toolbar . the user can access these websites through a shortcut button on his toolbar . upon dragging a selected widget &# 39 ; s icon to the toolbar the process to install the widget starts at s 310 , where a manifest file associated with the widget is retrieved from a web server that hosts the selected widget . the manifest file includes at least an address to a secure repository that maintains the widget &# 39 ; s source files . the manifest file may also include a widget &# 39 ; s attributes , such as widget provider , date of creation , type of usage ( e . g ., free , license fee based , usage - based , transaction - based , etc . ), price per type of usage , and so on . techniques for generating monetary information based on the different usage types are disclosed below . at s 320 the address of the widget &# 39 ; s source files is extracted from the manifest file , and thereafter , at s 330 , the widget &# 39 ; s files retrieved from the secured repository . the widget &# 39 ; s files typically include script and binary files that form executable code of the widget . at s 340 the widget &# 39 ; s files are loaded to the toolbar &# 39 ; s execution engine , causing the toolbar to display the widget icon and to execute any functionality of the widget . specifically , one of the widget files includes a widget constructor . the code of the widget constructor when loaded into the toolbar &# 39 ; s execution engine causing the memory instance of the widget to be created . the memory instance is active in the runtime environment of the web browser . it should be noted that if the user wishes to uninstall the widget , then all the widget &# 39 ; s files are deleted from the local computer executing the toolbar . it should be appreciated that the process described herein allows users to easily customize their toolbars by adding or removing widgets . as the widgets are not limited only to website shortcuts ( or bookmarks ), but rather provides additional features the user experience is greatly improved . in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention techniques for generating monetary information based on usage information are provided . these techniques would allow widget providers to be compensated on widgets that they developed and contributed . accordingly , a widget owner uploads a widget and manifests the widget &# 39 ; s usage type . for example , the usage type may be based on a one - time license fee , a renewal based license fee , usage - based , transaction - based , and so on . when a license fee usage type is applied , before installation of the widget in the toolbar or when a renewal is due , the user is prompted to pay the license fee . for usage - based widgets the toolbar monitors and registers the number of times that a user activates the widgets . this parameter is used to compute the compensation that the widget owner and / or any other party are entitled for . when a transaction - based compensation is applied , monetary transactions accomplished through the widget are monitored and registered and can be later used for calculating the compensation that the widget provider and / or any other party are entitled for . for example , if a widget enables the ordering of movie tickets online , then for every transaction ( i . e ., a ticket order ) the widget provider is entitled for a certain percentage of the ticket price . the principles of the invention may be implemented in hardware , software , firmware or any combinations thereof . the software may be implemented as an application program tangibly embodied on a program storage unit or computer readable medium . the application program may be uploaded to , and executed by , a machine comprising any suitable architecture , for example a computer platform having hardware such as one or more central processing units (“ cpus ”), a random access memory (“ ram ”), and input / output (“ i / o ”) interfaces . the computer platform may also include an operating system and microinstruction code . the various processes and functions described herein may be either part of the microinstruction code or part of the application program , or any combination thereof , which may be executed by a cpu , whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown . it is to be further understood that , because some of the constituent system components and methods depicted in the accompanying drawings are preferably implemented in software , the actual connections between the system components or the process function blocks may differ depending upon the manner in which the present invention is programmed . given the teachings herein , one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art will be able to contemplate these and similar implementations or configurations of the present invention . all examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventors to furthering the art , and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions . all statements herein reciting principles , aspects , and embodiments of the invention , as well as specific examples thereof , are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof . it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future , i . e ., any elements developed that perform the same function , regardless of structure . other hardware , conventional and / or custom , may also be included .	6
referring now to the drawings , fig1 and 2 depict a spin chuck 1 that holds a wafer thereon in a predetermined orientation , which is preferably such that the major surfaces of disposed horizontally or within ± 20 ° of horizontal . spin chuck 1 may for example be a chuck that operates according to the bernoulli principle , as described for example in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 903 , 717 . in the present embodiment , however , chuck 1 supports a wafer w via a series of gripping pins , which in this embodiment are six in number , designated 10 - 1 through 10 - 6 . gripping pins 10 - 1 to 10 - 6 prevent the wafer from sliding laterally off the chuck . in this embodiment , the upper portions of gripping pins 10 - 1 to 10 - 6 also provide subjacent support for wafer w , and thus the chuck need not operate according to the bernoulli principle and need not be adapted to supply a gas cushion beneath wafer . although not shown in the figures , the spin chuck may be surrounded by a process chamber , which may be a multi - level process chamber as described in commonly - owned u . s . pat . no . 7 , 837 , 803 ( corresponding to wo 2004 / 084278 ). the spin chuck can be positioned at the selected level by moving the chuck axially relative to the stationary surrounding chamber , or by moving the surrounding chamber axially relative to the axially - stationary chuck , as described in connection with fig4 of u . s . pat . no . 6 , 536 , 454 . chuck 1 furthermore comprises a heating assembly 2 for heating the underside of a wafer mounted on the chuck . heating assembly 2 is integrated with a stationary nozzle head 20 ( see fig3 ) that in this embodiment also supplies other fluids to the downwardly - facing side of the wafer w , for example through the nozzles 22 , 24 shown in fig2 . heating assembly 2 is secured to the upper end of stationary nozzle head 20 for example by four bolts 21 , as shown in fig2 . heating assembly 2 comprises a large number of discharge openings 25 , which open facing the underside of a wafer w when one is positioned on the chuck 1 . as shown in greater detail in fig3 , the heating assembly 2 comprises a main body 29 that is secured to the non - rotating ( stationary ) nozzle head 20 . the main body 29 is spaced a small distance from the upper base body 11 of the spin chuck . the gripping pins 10 - 1 through 10 - 6 are mounted such that they rest on the lower base body 12 of the spin chuck 1 , and extends upwardly through openings formed in the upper base body 11 . the gripping pins 10 - 1 through 10 - 6 are positioned radially outwardly of the heating assembly 2 . thus , as the upper and lower base bodies 11 , 12 , gripping pins 10 - 1 through 10 - 6 and wafer w are driven in rotation during operation of the spin chuck 1 , the heating assembly 2 remains stationary . heating assembly 2 may thus be considered as being mounted in a cantilever fashion , wherein it is secured centrally and is spaced from both the overlying wafer w as well as from the rotating upper surface of chuck 1 , while not being secured at its periphery . main body 29 is therefore rigid enough that it does not contact either the rotating surfaces of the chuck or the wafer . spin chuck 1 is mounted to the rotor of a hollow - shaft motor 40 ( schematically shown in fig3 ), and the stationary nozzle head 20 penetrates through a central opening of the lower base body 12 of the spin chuck 1 . the stator of the hollow - shaft motor 40 is mounted to the mounting plate 42 ( schematically shown in fig3 ). nozzle head 20 and mounting plate 42 are mounted to the same stationary frame 44 ( schematically shown in fig3 ). gripping elements 10 - 1 to 10 - 6 are provided with eccentrically mounted grippers . the gripping elements are conjointly rotated about their cylindrical axes by a tooth gear 16 that is in meshing engaging with all of the gripping elements . the eccentric grippers are thus moved in concert between a radially inner closed position in which a wafer w is secured , to a radially outer open position in which the wafer w is released . gripping elements 10 - 1 to 10 - 6 can be made as described in commonly - owned u . s . application ser . no . 12 / 668 , 940 ( corresponding to wo 2009 / 010394 , or as described in commonly - owned u . s . application ser . no . 12 / 642 , 117 , filed dec . 18 , 2009 ). gripping elements 10 - 1 to 10 - 6 thus comprise an eccentric uppermost portion that contacts wafer w , projecting from a base that is mounted for pivotal movement about its central axis . in particular , a ring gear 16 is centered on the underside of the upper body 11 , and simultaneously engages via its peripheral gear teeth with gear teeth formed on the base of each of the pins 10 - 1 to 10 - 6 . pins 10 - 1 to 10 - 6 are evenly distributed about the periphery of spin chuck 1 , with at least three and preferably six such pins 10 being provided . an upper liquid dispenser 50 supplies treatment liquid from above , and can incorporate a plurality of different liquid dispensing nozzles for dispensing a variety of different treatment liquids , as described for example in commonly - owned u . s . pat . no . 7 , 891 , 314 ( corresponding to wo 2006 / 008236 ). upper liquid dispenser 50 is preferably displaceable radially of the wafer w , to aid in spreading treatment liquid over the entire upwardly facing surface of wafer w as it is rotated on the spin chuck . in the detail of fig4 , it can be seen that the heating assembly 2 comprises a heating element 23 incorporated within the main body 29 of the heating assembly . heating element 23 is preferably an electrical resistance heating element , and in practice a plurality of such heating elements 23 are preferably provided . heating element 23 is switched on and off by a controller 30 , which is operated in accordance with the processing being carried out on the spin chuck 1 . the heating assembly 2 furthermore comprises at least one supply conduit 28 , which is a continuation of the supply conduit that is shown in fig3 passing through the stationary nozzle 20 . conduit 28 supplies a gas to be heated to the heating assembly 2 , and more specifically to an internal chamber 27 beneath which the heating element 23 is positioned , and above which a plate 26 is positioned , which plate 26 has formed therein the discharge orifices or nozzles 25 . the apparatus as described herein is configured to heat a wafer w principally by convective heat transfer . to that end , heating assembly 2 is configured such that the heated gas discharged through the discharge nozzles 25 is caused to impinge on the downwardly - facing surface of a wafer w mounted on chuck 1 . thus , the orientation of nozzles 25 is preferably perpendicular to the lower major surface of wafer w , and preferably the axes of nozzles 25 do not deviate from perpendicular by more than +/− 10 °. furthermore , there is preferably a large number of the nozzles 25 , for example , from 50 to 5000 nozzles , preferably from 500 to 3000 nozzles , and still more preferably from 1000 to 2500 nozzles . the spacing between the openings of nozzles 25 and the plane that will be occupied by a wafer w when mounted on the chuck is illustrated by the gap “ d ” shown in fig4 . that spacing is preferably 0 . 5 - 10 mm , and more preferably 1 - 5 mm . the diameter of nozzles 25 is preferably from 0 . 1 mm to 1 . 5 mm , and more preferably from 0 . 5 to 1 . 0 mm . the supply of gas through conduit 28 and into chamber 27 is preferably effected at a flow rate that serves to maintain an internal operating gas pressure within chamber 27 at an overpressure of 1 to 5 bar relative to atmospheric pressure . the heated gas is preferably discharged through the nozzles 25 at a gas velocity in a range from 2 m / s to 30 m / s . plate 26 is preferably formed of a material that is opaque to the radiation emitted by heating element 23 , which in this embodiment contributes to the wafer w being heated principally by convective heat transfer from the heated gas impinging on the underside of the wafer w . nitrogen is preferred for use as the heated gas . as can be seen in fig1 and 2 , nozzles 25 are in this embodiment arranged in a two - dimensional array that , in its principal direction underlies greater than 90 % of the diameter of wafer w . on the other hand , in the perpendicular direction of the array , its maximum extent is less than 50 % of the diameter wafer w . furthermore , the array as shown in fig1 and 2 is of a dogbone shape , with a majority of the nozzles 25 being in the wider opposite peripheral regions of the array , and a minority of the nozzles 25 being in the narrower central region of the array . another advantage of the apparatus described herein is that the controller 30 may be configured to activate the heating element 23 to heat nitrogen gas supplied to heating assembly 2 during a heating cycle , and to deactivate the heating element ( while nitrogen gas is still supplied to the heating assembly 2 ), so as not to heat gas supplied to the heating assembly 2 during a cooling cycle . in operation , the wafer w is heated by gas which is blown onto the wafer from an array of impinging jet flows issuing from nozzles 25 . the effectiveness of the impinging is mainly a function of the physical design of the array and the properties of the gas . the array design and gas properties can thus be modified to achieve any particular wafer temperature profile even considering competing wafer heating and cooling loads . impinging is a form of convective heat transfer that is relatively insensitive to the material of the wafer to be processed . therefore , the process gas can be the same as typically used in semiconductor fabs . moreover , the effective heat transfer from impinging is very high , and the gas temperatures therefore need be only slightly higher than the desired wafer temperature . this consequently minimizes safety concerns and maximizes compatible material choice . still further , since the process gas may be supplied to the heating assembly 2 at room temperature , the same equipment may be used to cool a wafer w simply by switching off the heating element 23 . while the present invention has been described in connection with various preferred embodiments thereof , it is to be understood that those embodiments are provided merely to illustrate the invention , and should not be used as a pretext to limit the scope of protection conferred by the true scope and spirit of the appended claims .	7
the reference numeral 1 in fig2 denotes a diagrammatically shown main field magnet which generates a steady , essentially uniform magnetic field of a strength of , for example 1 . 5 tesla which extends in the z - direction in an examination zone ( not shown ). also provided is a gradient coil system 2 which is capable of generating magnetic gradient fields g x , g y and g z which extend in the z - direction in the examination zone and have a gradient in the x , the y , or the z direction . the gradient coil system 2 is fed by a gradient amplifier 3 device . the variation in time of the magnetic gradient fields is predetermined by a waveform generator device 4 which is controlled by the control unit 5 and which drives gradient amplifier device 3 . the control unit 5 cooperates with a workstation 6 . the workstation includes a monitor 7 for the display of mr images . entries can be made via a keyboard 8 or via an interactive input unit 9 , for example a light pen . the nuclear magnetization in the examination zone can be excited by rf pulses from an rf transmitting coil 10 which is connected to an rf amplifier 11 which amplifies the output signals of an rf transmitter 12 . in the rf transmitter , the envelopes of an rf pulse are modulated with the carrier oscillations supplied by an rf oscillator 13 whose frequency corresponds to the larmor frequency ( approximately 63 mhz in the case of a main field of 1 . 5 tesla ). the control unit 5 loads the envelope into a waveform generator 14 which is coupled to the transmitter 12 . the mr signals generated in the examination zone are picked up by a rf receiving coil 20 and amplified by an rf amplifier 21 . the amplified mr signal is demodulated in a quadrature demodulator 22 by two 90 ° offset carrier oscillations of the oscillator , so that in each frequency range two signals are generated which may be considered as the real part and the imaginary part of a complex mr signal . these signals are applied to an analog - to - digital converter 23 which forms mr data therefrom , provided that it is not inhibited by the control unit 5 . the mr data is stored in a reconstruction unit 24 which reconstructs , in cooperation with the workstation 6 , mr images representing the nuclear magnetization in the examination zone from the mr data derived from a plurality of mr signals . as will be described in detail hereinafter , the control unit 5 can control the generator device 4 in dependence on the measured movement or displacement of a patient present in the examination zone . if the movement is detected by means of a separate sensor , the sensor must be connected to the control unit ; if the movement is determined by way of an mr measurement , the control unit is controlled by the unit 24 which evaluates the mr signals generated during said mr measurement . fig3 shows an mr sequence whereby on the one hand the displacement , i . e . the movement of the patient , can be measured and on the other hand mr data can be acquired from a given region of the patient . the sequence includes first of all a two - dimensional rf pulse β ( first line ) which excites the nuclear magnetization along a line in temporal cooperation with two oscillating magnetic gradient fields ( in this case g z , and g x , second and third lines ). this line is chosen so that on the one hand it extends as far as possible outside the area of the patient , which is imaged by the actual mr examination and that on the other hand it intersects , for example the diaphragm of the patient as perpendicularly as possible . thus , in the excited linear region there is generated an mr signal which is read ( fifth line ) in conjunction with a read gradient , being g y in this case ( fourth line ). the nuclear magnetization along the excited line is reconstructed from this mr signal . because the nuclear magnetization changes comparatively strongly if the line intersects the diaphragm , the movement w of the diaphragm can be deduced therefrom . instead of the operation using a two - dimensional rf pulse , the movement can also be measured by excitation of a slice extending perpendicularly to the principal direction of movement of the diaphragm and by derivation of the relevant state of movement from the mr signal acquired therefrom . such an excitation of a plane slice is simpler than the excitation of pencil beam area by means of a two - dimensional rf pulse , but it cannot always be ensured that this slice does not pass through the area to be imaged during the mr examination , and hence causes artefacts . it is also possible to arrange so - called micro - coils on the surface of the patient &# 39 ; s body and to use the mr signals induced therein for the measurement of the relevant phase of movement . the state of movement of the patient can also be detected by means of other sensors which are not dependent on the magnetic resonance . for example , a respiratory belt can be arranged around the patient &# 39 ; s chest , the information concerning the movement being derived from the relative variation of the length of the belt . the advantage of these sensors resides in the fact that the measurement of the movement can be decoupled completely from the actual mr examination . in this case the part of the sequence of fig3 as described thus far could be dispensed with . subsequent to the measurement of the state of movement , a slice - selective rf pulse α is generated which rotates the nuclear magnetization through an angle α in a slice extending perpendicularly to the z - direction . the angle α is chosen so that in the steady state an optimum mr signal occurs for the predetermined duration of this sequence ( for example , 15 ms ). prior to the acquisition of the mr signal , a magnetic gradient field ( in this case g y ) is applied during a period of time which is the same for all sequences , its magnitude being varied from one sequence to another so that a given phase encoding , or a given value k y , occurs in the y - direction . the mr signal thus produced is acquired ( fifth line ) in cooperation with a read gradient ( g x , third line ), provided that the respiration - imposed displacement , previously measured by means of the navigator pulse β , is sufficiently small . after reading the phase encoding gradient is applied for the same period of time and with the same strength as before , be it with the opposite polarity , so that the phase encoding does not influence the steady state . subsequently , the sub - sequence including the mr pulse α is repeated l times , l ( for example , 3 or 4 ) being chosen so that after the l repeats the movement phase will have changed insignificantly only . during these repeats the strength of the phase encoding gradient g y is changed . after the l repeats of the sub - sequence , the overall sequence shown in fig3 is repeated , i . e . the displacement is measured again , after which four sub - sequences again act on the examination zone . if the movement of the patient is not determined by means of the navigator pulses β ( for example , by means of a respiratory belt ), the overall sequence consists only of the part commencing with the rf pulse α and is continuously repeated until enough mr data has been obtained . in accordance with the invention , the threshold value of the displacement of the object with respect to a reference position , at which or below which the mr signal is utilized for the reconstruction of an mr image , is rendered dependent on the phase encoding associated with the relevant mr signal . fig4 shows the dependency of the threshold value v s as a function of the phase encoding k y . for small values of k y , the threshold value is very small because the mr signals acquired at low values of k y have an information content which is higher than that of mr signals relating to larger values of k y . from the minimum value k y = 0 the threshold value increases to a maximum value v smax for the largest possible phase coding k max , preferably as a cubic function . fig5 illustrates the effects of such acquisition of the mr signals which has been adapted to the movement , the same mode of representation being chosen as in fig1 and it also being assumed that the mr signals are acquired with an increasing magnitude of the phase encoding gradient . because of the small threshold value for small values of k y , in given circumstances the method according to the invention will require even more time than the method of fig1 until the mr signals associated with small values of k y have been acquired and stored . as the value of k y increases , however , the threshold value for the acquisition of the mr signals increases according to fig4 and hence also the period of time within a breathing period in which the mr signals can be acquired and stored , so that the mr signals associated with larger k y values can be acquired more rapidly than in the known method . therefore , the overall time required for the acquisition of the mr data required for the same image quality is reduced . a preferred version of the method of the invention will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the fig6 to 8 . fig6 shows a flow chart which represents the execution of this preferred version . the start ( block 100 ) is succeeded by a preparation phase in which the respiratory movement w is continuously measured ( block 101 ), so that its variation in time is obtained as shown in the fig1 and 5 , be it that therein the acquisition of mr signals is concerned . on the basis of the movement thus measured the probability p of occurrence of the individual movement phases w during this preparation time is determined ( block 102 ). fig7 shows a typical variation for a respiratory movement with two probability maxima which occur in the inhaled and the exhaled state , respectively . generally speaking , after inhalation slightly different values may occur ( which is why the associated maximum is wider and lower ), whereas after exhalation usually the same value w is reached ( which is why the associated maximum is narrower but more pronounced than in the inhalation phase ). the value w o associated with this maximum will be used hereinafter as the reference position ( block 103 ). in principle , however , another value w could also be chosen . however , this value occurs with a lower probability during the respiratory movement , so that the overall measuring times then required would be longer . the preparation phase has been completed after the steps 101 to 103 . generally speaking , this preparation phase can be interleaved with the other preparation procedures for the mr measurement in such a manner that the overall examination time is not significantly prolonged thereby . after the fixation of the reference position w o , the instantaneous position w is measured , for example by means of the navigator pulse β shown in fig3 ( block 104 ). subsequently , the displacement v is calculated ( block 105 ) from the absolute value of the difference between the reference position w o and the actual position w . it is then checked whether the calculated value v is larger than the maximum threshold value v smax ( block 106 ). if this is not the case , in block 107 a phase coding not generated thus far is determined which is still permissible for this displacement according to fig4 said phase coding being given for the subsequent sub - sequence ( right half of fig3 ). the mr signal generated is detected and stored and is available for the reconstruction of an mr image . the steps 107 and 108 are repeated l times , for example three or four times , as denoted by dashed lines . subsequently , a further interrogation takes place ( block 109 ) in order to check whether all values of k y have been measured . if this is the case , the acquisition of the mr signals is terminated ( block 110 ). if it appears in block 106 that the displacement v exceeds the maximum threshold value v smax , the sub - sequence shown in the right half of fig3 can be generated , ( block 111 ), however , without digitization and storage of the mr signal occurring . by generating such a &# 34 ; dummy &# 34 ; sequence , the steady state of the nuclear magnetization as mentioned in conjunction with fig3 is sustained . however , if the value v is substantially larger than v smax , generation of this dummy sequence could also be omitted ; the generating of the dummy sequences should then be started again only when the value v approaches the maximum threshold value v smax . if it is established in the block 106 that the displacement is below the maximum threshold value and that mr signals have already been acquired for all values k y still permissible for the relevant displacement , two possibilities exist : a ) an mr signal is acquired and stored again for one k y value . during the subsequent reconstruction that one of the mr signals stored for this k y value is used which is associated with a smaller displacement v . this implies that not only the mr signal is stored but also the associated displacement v . b ) a dummy sequence is generated . if it is determined in the block 109 that not yet all required mr signals have been acquired , or a dummy sequence has been generated , the loop consisting of the blocks 104 . . . 111 is completed again until all necessary mr signals have been acquired and stored . if the steps 107 and 109 cannot be performed sufficiently rapidly in an mr system , it is also possible to calculate in advance the displacement v , reached after a given delay of , for example 100 ms , on the basis of the displacement measured and the movement determined during the preparation phase . the steps 106 . . . 111 are then performed in dependence on the precalculated displacement v after the given delay . fig8 illustrates , in the same way as the fig1 and 5 , the possibilities of the mr method described with reference to fig6 . it can be seen that mr signals with a large k y value are acquired already in the case of comparatively large displacements . it is only in a comparatively small period of time in which the displacement becomes very large that no mr signals are further processed . the smaller the displacement v becomes during the further process , the lower the value k y will be at which the mr signals are acquired . during the next respiratory period the interval during which no mr signals are acquired for further processing is already somewhat larger , because most mr signals for high k y values have already been acquired during the preceding sequence . if desired , however , these sequences can also be repeated as explained in conjunction with fig6 . a complete data set will then have been acquired already after a comparatively small number of respiratory periods . for the sake of simplicity of illustration the invention has been described in conjunction with an mr method for generating an mr image of a two - dimensional area , being the slice excited by the rf pulse α ( fig3 ). the patients can hold their breath for a few seconds in most cases ; this period of time suffices to acquire 128 or even 256 mr signals with different phase coding in the case of a two - dimensional mr method with a repetition time of , for example 15 ms . in the case of three - dimensional methods it is not possible to hold the breath for such a long time and , therefore , the invention is especially advantageous for such methods . a suitable three - dimensional method is , for example the so - called 3dft method in which the phase is encoded not only in the y - direction but also in one further direction . the invention , however , can also be used for three - dimensional methods where the phase coding described with reference to fig3 takes place in one direction only , whereas the mr information for the plane extending perpendicularly thereto can be acquired by means of a different method , for example turbo spin echo ( tse ), grase or segmented epi . according to these methods information which is uniformly distributed across the k space is acquired after each excitation , so that it does not make sense to assign a different threshold value of the movement to each excitation . however , if the phase encoding can take place in the described manner in the direction perpendicular thereto , the method according to the invention can be readily carried out . the invention can also be used in conjunction with multi - slice methods in which a plurality of slices are successively excited . in that case it may be useful to preset , in dependence on the relevant displacement measured , the next slice to be excited , i . e . the slice selection gradient , instead of the next phase encoding gradient . in that case mr signals are always acquired in the same movement phase for each slice , the movement phases for two different slices then deviating from one another . within the individual slices , however , only slight displacements occur and hence only insignificant motion artefacts .	6
referring to fig1 a dual chamber juice collection manifold 10 for separating juice into two separate grades is shown as being incorporated in a citrus fruit juice extractor 12 of the interdigitating cup type that is described in the aforementioned u . s . pat . nos . 2 , 649 , 730 and 2 , 780 , 988 . complete details of the construction of the juice extractor and the manner in which the various parts cooperate may be found in these patents , and the disclosures thereof are specifically incorporated herein by reference . with reference to fig1 the general structure of the juice extractor which encompasses the present invention will be described . the extractor includes a base section , an intermediate section , and a top powerhead section , with only a portion of the intermediate section being shown in the figure . the intermediate section includes a bedplate 20 that extends transversely of the extractor . a series of spaced fruit - receiving lower cups 22 ( only one being shown ) are rigidly secured on a flat support surface 24 of the bedplate 20 by a number of stud bolts 25 . an upper cup assembly 26 is mounted on the lower end of a drive rod 28 above each lower cup 22 so that an upper cup may be moved directly downwardly to engage a fruit disposed in the lower cup . each cup - supporting drive rod 28 is secured at its upper end to a crosshead member ( not shown ) which is , in turn , mounted for vertical reciprocal movement . the crosshead member is reciprocated by drive means which is fully described in the aforementioned belk et al and hait patents . in the base section of the machine , tubular plungers or orifice tubes 30 are secured in transversely spaced upright relationships on a vertically reciprocatable crossbeam ( not shown ). the lower crossbeam is reciprocated in timed relation to the upper crosshead member by drive means which are again fully described in the aforementioned belk et al and hait patents . the tubular plungers 30 slide within perforated strainer tubes 32 . the upper end of each strainer tube is rigidly mounted to an annular cutter 52 which , in turn , is fixed to the bedplate 20 so that the strainer tube extends vertically downwardly from the center of each cup . as the lower crossbeam is reciprocated , the tubular plungers 30 slide up and down within the associated strainer tubes 32 . after a fruit is deposited in each of the lower cups 22 , the associated upper cup in assembly 26 is moved downwardly to engage the fruit . at the same time , the plunger 30 below the lower cup is raised within the strainer tube 32 in timed relationship with the lowering of the upper cup assembly . the bedplate 20 has a continuous top wall 35 that extends entirely across the extractor under all of the lower cups 22 and slants downwardly to provide a drain for peel oil extracted from the peel during the processing of the fruit . a series of posts 36 are integrally formed on the top wall 35 ( one only shown in fig1 ), and each post 36 is tapped to receive one of the stud bolts 25 which , in turn , anchors a tab 40 extending outwardly from the associated lower cup 22 . a diametrically opposing tab 42 of each lower cup is anchored on the flattened surface 24 of the top wall by another stud bolt . a support portion 48 having a generally conical exterior surface extends upwardly from the bedplate wall 35 below each lower cup 22 . the support portion 48 has an aperture in its upper end into which the annular cutter 52 is pressed ( fig2 ). this cutter has a circular cutting edge adapted to cut a plug from the underside of the skin of the citrus fruit when the fruit is pressed downwardly against the cutting edge by the upper cup assembly 26 . the support portion 48 is hollowed to form a flared juice passage 56 terminating in an annular projection 58 . the entire base portion of the bedplate 20 is open to provide a space in which the upper end of the dual chamber juice - collecting manifold 10 is mounted . the manifold has several annular openings 66 ( one only shown in fig1 and 2 ) formed in the top wall 67 thereof and the manifold is secured to the bedplate so that the annular projections 58 fit snugly in the openings 66 . the manifold is provided with a series of openings in its bottom wall 34 for receiving the respective strainer tubes 32 and the strainer tubes have enlarged threaded ends 76 that extend through such openings with annular flanges 78 that bear against the interior surface of the bottom wall of the manifold . nuts 33 are threaded on the end of each strainer tube to secure it in an upright position to the bottom wall of the manifold . the strainer tubes extend upwardly through the manifold and coaxially through the juice passages 56 , and the upper ends thereof are tightly engaged in recesses 84 in the annular cutters 52 ( fig2 ). each strainer tube is identical and is provided with small perforations 86 extending radially through the wall thereof from the upper end of the tube to the height of the annular projection 58 at the bottom end of the juice passage 56 . each lower cup 22 comprises a plurality of equiangularly spaced , upstanding fingers 88 that extend upwardly from a hub portion 90 . the upper cup in the associated upper cup assembly 26 is comprised of similar equiangularly spaced downwardly depending fingers 92 . the fingers 92 of each upper cup are arranged in an interdigitating relationship with the fingers 88 of the associated lower cup so that when the cup assemblies are brought together , the lower ends of the upper fingers and the upper ends of the lower fingers are received in the spaces between the fingers to form a generally spherical pocket in the center of the cup assemblies to receive the fruit f . this pocket is then progressively contracted as the cup assemblies are moved together . generally , the contracting of the cavity between a pair of upper and lower cups first causes a plug pl ( fig1 ) to be cut from the underside of the fruit , and thereafter the cavity is reduced to the point where all of the juice and the other solid internal portions ip of the fruit are forced into the strainer tube 30 . such solid internal portions ip includes membranes , juice sacs , seeds , embryonic seeds , etc . simultaneously therewith , the plunger tube 30 is moved upwardly . a series of plugs pl and fruit internal portions ip removed from previously processed fruits are engaged in the bore of the plunger , such plugs and material preventing the juice within the strainer tube 32 from egressing through the passage in the tubular plunger . as the plunger moves upwardly , juice and internal portions that are forced into the strainer tube by the compressing force of the cups upon the fruit will be placed under increasing pressure to force the juice and some minute particulate solid material , such as juice sacs or pieces of membranes , outwardly through the apertures 86 in the strainer tube . the thus - discharged juice and minute solid material is collected within the manifold 10 . as previously stated , the dual chamber manifold 10 enables two juices grades to be separately extracted from the citrus fruits . as seen in fig2 the manifold has an upper chamber 14 adapted to collect an extracted juice that is expected to have a high particulate solids contents and a lower chamber 16 adapted to collect juice expected to have a low solids content . the two types of juice collected in the chamber 14 and 16 are fed through separate conduits 96 and 98 , respectively , so that two types of juice can be handled separately by further processing equipment ( not shown ) to provide grade - differentiated citrus juice products . referring to fig2 and 3 , the dual chamber manifold 10 will be seen to include a main housing 104 which extends transversely of the extractor . the housing 104 , as previously indicated , includes the bottom wall 34 to which the strainer tubes 32 are attached and a top wall 67 having the openings 66 formed therein for the bedplate mountings . the housing further comprises vertical side walls 112 and 114 and semi - cylindrical end walls 116 and 118 . a cross wall or partition 120 is welded between the side and end walls of the housing to extend horizontally midway between the top and bottom walls and partition the housing into the upper and lower chambers 14 and 16 . the partition 120 has a series of uniformly spaced circular openings 122 formed therein that are much larger than the strainer tubes 32 and through which the tubes project . the upper chamber 14 is further divided from the lower chamber 16 by a plurality of outer cylindrical tubes 124 having outwardly flanged bottom ends which are rigidly secured by bolts 126 to the partition 120 in coaxial relation with the strainer tubes 32 . a gasket 128 is provided between the flange of the tube 124 and the partition to form a fluid - tight seal . the final elements that divide the upper and lower chambers are inner cylindrical tubes 130 that are mounted within and spaced radially inwardly from the outer tubes 124 . as shown most clearly in fig2 an annular seal 132 is attached to the outer tube 124 and engaged between the inner and outer tubes 130 , 124 adjacent the upper end of the outer tube . also , a sealing ring 134 is mounted at the upper end of the inner tube 130 and engaged between the top ends of the inner tube and the associated strainer tube 32 to form a fluid - tight seal at the juncture line l ( within the strainer tube ) between the upper and lower chambers . that is to say , seals 134 form the dividing lines l within the strainer tubes above which juice flows into the upper chamber 14 and below which juice flows into the lower chamber 16 . as shown in fig2 and 3 , the inner tubes 130 are adjustably secured by clamping bands 140 to the upper ends of the outer tubes 124 . such clamping bands are attached to flat annular walls 142 that are affixed to the top ends of the outer tubes . the clamping bands may be released by loosening the bolts 144 attached thereto , and the inner tubes may be freely moved downwardly or upwardly within the outer tubes to control the relative volumes of juice collected in the separate chambers 14 and 16 . in the operation of the juice extractor 12 , after the beginning of the extraction cycle of an upper cup assembly 26 and an associated plunger tube 30 with a fruit f in the lower cup 22 , the plug p is cut from the underside of the fruit to permit the juice - bearing internal portions of the fruit to be expressed from the interior of the fruit into the strainer tube 32 . as the upper and lower cups continue to be pressed together , the plug is forced further into the strainer tube and the juice and internal material follows the plug into the strainer tube . simultaneously therewith , the plunger tube is driven further upwardly within the strainer tube to exert pressure on the material within the strainer tube . such pressure forces juice simultaneously through the perforations in the strainer tube into both the upper and lower chambers 14 and 16 . since the juice - bearing material within the strainer tube at the beginning of the cycle is under a lower pressure than it will be under later during the extraction cycle , there is little tendency for much minute material ( such as broken membranes and embryonic seeds ) to be forced through the perforations in the strainer tube . as the upper cup assembly 26 is further lowered to further compress the citrus fruit f and the plunger tube 30 is driven further upwardly , the plunger will be elevated to the extent that its upper end is above with the dividing line l on the strainer tube that marks the division for entry into the upper and lower chambers 14 and 16 of the manifold . at this point , the juice and internal material will be under a considerably higher pressure than previously which will thereafter increase to a very high pressure . such high pressure will tend to force a greater amount of minute citrus material with the juice into the upper chamber through the perforations in the upper portion of the strainer tube . however , since the upper chamber is sealed from the lower chamber , such juice component is collected only in the upper chamber . as previously described , such juice component having a higher minute solids content subsequently flows through the outlet conduit 96 and is processed separately from the juice component withdrawn through the outlet conduit 98 from the lower chamber . it will be appreciated from the foregoing that the dual chamber manifold 10 enables juice types of differing minute solids content to be separated by an interdigitating cup type of citrus juice extractor without adversely affecting the basic operation of the extractor . one benefit of such capability is that the need for further finishing or processing equipment for the extracted juice collected in the lower chamber 16 will be minimized . although the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been herein shown and described , it will be apparent that modification and variation may be made without departing from what is regarded to be the subject matter of the invention .	0
in a following description , reference is made to the accompanying drawings , which form a part hereof , and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific example in which the invention may be practiced . it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention . it should be noted that the descriptions that follow , for example , in terms of an antibacterial dental floss device is described for illustrative purposes and the underlying method can apply to any number and multiple types of antibacterial dental floss devices . in one embodiment of the present invention , the antibacterial dental floss device is configured to coat the floss with an oral antibacterial compound . in another embodiment the antibacterial dental floss device is configured to provide ultraviolet violet light as an antibacterial treatment powered by batteries and antibacterial dental floss devices can be configured using other forms of treatment coatings and types of light source treatments to provide multiple types of treatment for oral fungal infections , plaque removal and gingivitis and fabricated using various plastics and components or created in other forms , colors , shapes , sizes and depictions using the present invention . fig1 shows a block diagram of an overview of an antibacterial dental floss device of one embodiment of the present invention . fig1 shows an antibacterial dental floss device 100 that can be assembled in a compact case 110 . the antibacterial dental floss device 100 can be configured with a bobbin 120 which is used to hold a length of a dental floss 125 . when a user pulls out a short length of the dental floss 125 from the bobbin 120 it passes over a series of curved guide pins and pulleys . the dental floss 125 is routed through a dental floss fraying processor 130 which cuts and frays short sections of a portion of the fibers from which the dental floss 125 is manufactured of one embodiment of the present invention . the dental floss fraying processor 130 uses electrical power supplied from a battery pack 180 to heat thermal devices to fuse the fibers being cut at a short distance on both sides of the point where the cut is made . dental floss threads are manufactured in various thicknesses from materials such as polyester , nylon , ptfe and polymer . these materials can be heated to allow thermal bonding of the fibers to one another . this prevents the cut fibers from being pulled from the floss thread while flossing . the dental floss fraying processor 130 then brushes the cut fibers to create bristles of one embodiment of the present invention . the bristled dental floss 125 is passed through a oral antibacterial compound reservoir 140 and coated with an oral antibacterial compound , for example antibacterial tooth paste , an all natural ingredient oral antibacterial compound , plaque inhibiting antibacterial compound and antibacterial compounds that contain vitamins . the oral antibacterial compound reservoir 140 can be filled or refilled using a fill tube 145 . the user can use a cut off 160 to cut the desired length of bristled dental floss coated with an oral antibacterial compound pulled from the antibacterial dental floss device 100 . the user can then apply the antibacterial compound to the teeth and gums while using the bristled floss to remove food particles and brush the tooth surfaces between the narrow spaces that would be difficult to reach with a toothbrush . this will facilitate the removal of plaque and other build up of one embodiment of the present invention . once completed with flossing the user can switch on an ultraviolet light lamp 170 built into the antibacterial dental floss device 100 and powered by a battery pack 180 . the user will direct the ultraviolet light radiating through the exterior lens 175 of the antibacterial dental floss device 100 to areas inside the mouth including the gums and palate . the germicidal benefits of ultraviolet light will further reduce oral infections . gum disease can result from bacterial plaque building up between teeth , under the gum line and around dental appliances . the antibacterial dental floss device 100 provides enhanced bristled flossing to better clean the space between teeth , applies an antibacterial compound to the area between teeth , under the gum line and around dental appliances combined with ultraviolet light as an additional germicidal treatment . the antibacterial dental floss device 100 helps fight gum diseases , helps reduce plaque buildup and provides the user with access to advanced oral hygiene treatments in a compact portable device of one embodiment of the present invention . the foregoing has described the principles , embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention . however , the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed . the above described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive , and it should be appreciated that variations may be made in those embodiments by workers skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims . fig2 shows a block diagram of an overview flow chart of an antibacterial dental floss device of one embodiment of the present invention . fig2 shows the antibacterial dental floss device 100 in the case 110 that can be manufactured from materials for example plastic . the bobbin 120 is installed on a spindle 210 to allow spooled dental floss 200 to play off the bobbin 120 when pulled by the user . the unwinding dental floss 125 enters the dental floss fraying processor 130 . the dental floss fraying processor 130 can be configured with one or more fraying cutter module 230 to cut the outer layers of fibers of the floss thread . the cutting blades of the fraying cutter module 230 can be configured to be attached in the inner curved area of a pulley channel as a crescent shaped blade to allow radial cuts of one embodiment of the present invention . the dental floss fraying processor 130 can be configured with one or more thermal bonding module 240 to fuse fibers a short distance on both sides of the cut . the thermal bonding module 240 is heated by a thermal bonding electrical circuit 250 passing through the thermal bonding module 240 components that are sized to produce resistance to the electrical current and heat sufficiently to fuse the fiber material . the heated - elements of the thermal bonding module can be configured to be attached in the inner curved area of a pulley channel in a crescent shape to allow radial fusing . the thermal bonding electrical circuit 250 draws electricity from one or more battery 260 installed in the battery pack 180 of one embodiment of the present invention . the fused cuts produce a frayed dental floss 270 that is routed through a bristle brush module 272 . the bristle brush module 272 combs the cut fibers away for the main floss thread to produce a bristled dental floss 274 . the bristled dental floss 274 enters the oral antibacterial compound reservoir 140 and bathes the bristled dental floss 274 in an antibacterial compound 275 of one embodiment of the present invention . the antibacterial compound 275 is placed in the oral antibacterial compound reservoir 140 using the fill tube 145 . the antibacterial compound 275 can be configured for example as a liquid , gel or paste and can be an over the counter product or prescription medication . the bristled dental floss 274 becomes coated or soaked in the antibacterial compound 275 before being separated using the cut off 160 . the antibacterial coated bristled dental floss 280 is now available for the user to floss their teeth using the bristled dental floss 274 to brush in between teeth and reach the area of the teeth and gums not accessible with a tooth brush . this allows the user to remove plaque and other build up not just food particles while flossing . the antibacterial compound 275 will be applied to those same hard to reach areas where bacteria and other materials or organisms generally start gum diseases and plaque buildup of one embodiment of the present invention . the user can treat the oral cavity in its entirety using the ultraviolet light lamp 170 built into the antibacterial dental floss device 100 . the user can push a switch button to open an ultraviolet light switched electrical circuit 248 to conduct electricity from one or more battery 260 in the battery pack 180 . the electricity through the ultraviolet light switched electrical circuit 248 will power up the ultraviolet light lamp 170 . the ultraviolet light lamp 170 will radiate ultraviolet light through the lens 175 into the oral cavity as directed by the user . the benefits of the germicidal ultraviolet light illumination will aid in combating bacteria and other organisms in areas not normally contacted in brushing or flossing for example the roof of the mouth , rear inner cheek tissues and under the tongue . the antibacterial dental floss device 100 can be configured to include an ac current adapter plug - in to allow rechargeable batteries to be installed in the battery pack 180 of one embodiment of the present invention . the ability of the antibacterial dental floss device 100 to fill prescribed medication into the oral antibacterial compound reservoir 140 provides dentist and other oral specialist the opportunity to effectively treat patients in an outpatient mode . the outpatient can effectively administer those prescribed medications using the same familiar techniques of flossing and save expensive treatment visits to the dental office . the compact portable antibacterial dental floss device 100 can enable a user to easily enhance their preventative oral hygiene to reduce gum disease and bacterial plaque build - up of one embodiment of the present invention . fig3 shows for illustrative purposes only an example of an antibacterial dental floss device in a prospective view of one embodiment of the present invention . fig3 shows the antibacterial dental floss device 100 which is a compact advanced dental hygiene device . the portable case 110 of fig1 contains the spooled dental floss 200 of fig2 , dental floss fraying processor 130 of fig1 , oral antibacterial compound reservoir 140 of fig1 and antibacterial compound 275 of fig2 used to supply the user with antibacterial coated bristled dental floss 280 . the user can close a case cover 300 to maintain a clean supply after pulling out and cutting the desired length of the antibacterial coated bristled dental floss 280 using the cut off 160 . the fill tube 145 can be configured to include a removable plug or a permanent sealed cap after filling of one embodiment of the present invention . the antibacterial dental floss device 100 can be configured to include a switch 310 for example on the side or top to open the ultraviolet light switched electrical circuit 248 of fig2 to operate the ultraviolet light lamp 170 of fig1 which radiates ultraviolet light through the lens 175 . the antibacterial dental floss device 100 illustrated in fig3 shows an unobtrusive compact and portable configuration of one embodiment of the present invention . fig4 a shows for illustrative purposes only an example of an antibacterial dental floss device floss fraying process of one embodiment of the present invention . the antibacterial dental floss device 100 of fig1 includes the dental floss fraying processor 130 of fig1 to produce the bristled dental floss 274 of fig2 . this process starts with the dental floss 125 of fig1 entering the dental floss fraying processor 130 of fig1 from the bobbin 120 of fig1 . the floss thread is made up of dental floss fibers 400 . the fraying process uses a thermal bonding module 240 of fig2 configured with a thermal bonder 430 which is the heated element to fuse the dental floss fibers 400 creating a section of bonded fibers 440 . the fraying cutter module 230 of fig2 is configured with a fraying cutter 410 to cut fibers 420 between two sections of bonded fibers 440 to produce the frayed dental floss 270 of fig2 . the frayed dental floss 270 of fig2 then travels to the bristle brush module 272 of fig2 of one embodiment of the present invention . fig4 b shows for illustrative purposes only an example of an antibacterial dental floss device bristled dental floss of one embodiment of the present invention . fig4 b shows the frayed dental floss 270 of fig2 after it travels through the bristle brush module 272 of fig2 . the dental floss fraying processor 130 of fig1 uses the bristle brush module 272 of fig2 to further process the frayed dental floss 270 of fig2 made of dental floss fibers 400 . the cut fibers 420 of fig4 a between the two sections of bonded fibers 440 are brushed back against the section of bonded fibers 440 to which they are still connected . the bristle brush module 272 of fig2 is configured for example to exert sufficient force to bend the cut fibers 420 of fig4 a . the bent cut fibers 420 of fig4 a form brushed cut fibers 450 to maintain an outward pointing position to form a bristle . the brushed cut fibers 450 positioned along the floss thread create the bristled dental floss 274 of fig2 of one embodiment of the present invention . fig5 shows for illustrative purposes only an example of an antibacterial dental floss device floss fiber thermal bonding process of one embodiment of the present invention . fig5 shows a section of the dental floss fibers 400 . the dental floss fibers 400 of the dental floss 125 of fig1 are traveling through the thermal bonding module 240 of fig2 of the dental floss fraying processor 130 of fig1 . the thermal bonder 430 of the thermal bonding module 240 of fig2 has been heated by the resistance to the battery 260 of fig2 current flow in the thermal bonding electrical circuit 250 of fig2 . the dental floss fibers 400 in contact with the thermal bonder 430 and those dental floss fibers 400 in close proximity are heated sufficiently to cause the fiber materials to soften and fuse to one another to form bonded fibers 440 . the thermal bonder 430 can be configured of conductive materials for example stainless steel , aluminum or copper coated with a non - stick material such as teflon to prevent the dental floss fibers 400 from adhering during the fusing process . the thermal bonder 430 conductive materials can be configured of a size and shape to create an electrically resistive capacity to produce the desired heating temperature to cause the desired fusing of the dental floss fibers 400 materials of one embodiment of the present invention . the foregoing has described the principles , embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention . however , the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed . the above described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive , and it should be appreciated that variations may be made in those embodiments by workers skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims .	0
a high intensity preparation , physical exercise and recovery system will now be described . in the following exemplary description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention . it will be apparent , however , to an artisan of ordinary skill that the present invention may be practiced without incorporating all aspects of the specific details described herein . in other instances , specific features , quantities , or measurements well known to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention . readers should note that although examples of the invention are set forth herein , the claims , and the full scope of any equivalents , are what define the metes and bounds of the invention . fig1 illustrates an architectural view of at least one embodiment of the high intensity preparation , physical exercise and recovery system 100 . embodiments of the system may include a first vibration component 102 configured to vibrate a body of a user at a frequency greater than 0 . 5 hz to prepare muscles of the body for a high intensity workout , a workout component 103 configured to accept physical activity from the muscles of the user and a second vibration component 104 configured to vibrate the body of the user between 0 . 5 and 50 hz to recover the muscles after acceptance of the physical activity for example . the first and second vibration components may be located within the workout component , or separate components . for example in one or more embodiments , the vibration components may be integrated into the workout component , for example in the seat , pedals , or back support or any combination thereof . in this or other embodiments , the first and second vibration components may part of one apparatus or may be the same component that is asserted before and after the physical activity in keeping with the spirit of the invention . in one or more embodiments , the first vibration component 102 is configured to vibrate the body of the user for at least 3 minutes before the high intensity workout . other embodiments may utilize more or less vibration time before the high intensity workout as long as the total time of the workout is kept under a predefined time limit , for example 15 minutes . in at least one embodiment , the first vibration component is configured to vibrate feet of the user while the user is standing to activate the muscles of the user before the high intensity workout . in one or more embodiments , the vibration is utilized by the system to lower cortisol and lactic acid in the body , accelerate blood circulation and lymph drainage and increases oxygen uptake by the cells . the vibration creates a stretch reflex in the tendons and stimulates repeated contractions to prepare the body for the high intensity workout phase . the vibrations are also believed to increase balance , coordination , bone density , and lower joint pain and reduce stress in the ligaments and tendons as well . it is also believed that the vibration increases human growth hormone output , serotonin , neurotrophine , testosterone and igf - 1 growth hormones . vibration in different frequency ranges may be utilized to stimulate different portions of the body . for example , vibration of between 6 - 7 hz mainly stimulates the thighs , hamstrings , shoulders and arms , vibration in the range of 8 - 11 hz mainly stimulates the thighs , hamstrings mid - section , pectoral muscles , back muscles and shoulders , vibration in the range of 12 - 16 hz mainly stimulates the thighs , hamstrings and shoulders , vibration in the range of 17 - 20 hz mainly stimulates the thighs , hamstrings and calf muscles , vibration in the range of 21 - 25 hz mainly stimulates the hamstrings and stomach muscles , while vibration in the range of 30 - 35 hz lightly stimulates the calf muscles , back muscles , shoulders and arms . although some exercise may be performed while vibration is output , embodiments of the system generally utilize the vibration element to prepare the body for a high intensity workout as opposed to basic exercise during vibration . the system may utilize any type of physical exercise apparatus 103 capable of accepting high intensity physical activity . in one or more embodiments , the workout component is configured to accept physical activity from the muscles of the user for at least 4 minutes and less than 9 minutes during the high intensity workout . in other embodiments , the workout component may accept more or less time such that the total time including the first and second vibration periods combined with the workout time total a predefined amount , for example 15 minutes . other time periods that are shorter than static exercise durations associated with sequential time ordered physical activities on differing apparatus is in keeping with the spirit of the invention . in one or more embodiments , the apparatus may utilize any electronic or non - electronic exercise machine , for example a range of motion ® or “ rom ” machine or any other type of apparatus . embodiments of the physical exercise apparatus 103 are generally configured to overload the muscles , generally in a high oxygen consumption and / or anaerobic manner . generally , the amount of time required to overload the cardiovascular system is exponentially reduced with respect to the linear increase in oxygen consumption per unit time . for example , walking for approximately an hour and a half at a relatively low consumption of oxygen per unit time provides approximately the same cardiovascular benefits as sprinting for a few minutes at 7 - 8 times the consumption of oxygen per unit time . walking is extremely time consuming , and only a very small percentage of the muscles of the body are utilized at a low range of motion . high intensity exercises , for example that utilize more muscles through a greater range of motion result in an order of magnitude or more of utilization of the muscle cells in the body with respect to walking . in addition , although a very short exercise period is utilized by the system , which consumes few calories , the metabolism of the user is stimulated for hours after the acceptance of the high intensity physical activity by the system . in this manner , a 4 minute workout on a rom machine for example results in more calories burned by the user that an hour - long walk on a treadmill . embodiments of the invention may also utilize any other exercise element that may accept high intensity physical activity such as rowing machines with increased time to account for less muscle utilization than a rom machine . alternatively or in combination , exercise machines with less range of motion than a rowing machine may be utilized for an equivalent amount of time , if the number of muscles for example is higher , for example a squat machine . the advantage of a machine that works more muscles through a higher range of motion is that the total time to achieve a particular calorie workout is lowered . for example , 4 minutes of cross training on a rom machine is equivalent to 20 - 45 minutes of aerobic exercise for the cardiovascular system and an additional 20 - 45 minutes of resistance training and an addition 20 - 45 minutes of stretching . in addition , walking , jogging and running on the other hand may actually damage joints and connective tissue through excessive repetitive motion and impact and is not time efficient while also resulting in loss of upper body mass . weight training by itself may result in a lowering of flexibility , and provides only limited aerobic results . yoga and pilates on the other hand are good for flexibility and toning , but are costly and time consuming with only moderate cardiovascular benefits . swimming is a good overall exercise for the body , but again is time intensive as is bicycling . hence , in one or more embodiments a rom machine is utilized to minimize total time of accepting high intensity physical activity by the system . in one or more embodiments , the second vibration component 104 is configured to vibrate the body of the user for at least 5 minutes to recover the muscles after acceptance of the physical activity . the vibration period for recovery may be varied as long as the total time of the workout is kept under a predefined time limit , for example 15 minutes . in at least one embodiment , the second vibration component is configured to vibrate a back portion of the body of the user to lower lactic acid to recover the muscles after acceptance of the physical activity . in one or more embodiments , the type of vibration machine may be an turbosonic ® machine , which may be utilized as the first vibration component as well or may be a different machine or type of machine . one or more embodiments may include a measurement component 101 configured to measure muscle mass and fat mass in the body of the user and in extremities of the user . this enables precise targeting of high intensity training to achieve target goals of the user . this is possible by providing the measurement component and measuring the body muscle and fat mass of the user and the user &# 39 ; s extremities over time for example . in one or more embodiments of the system , an inbody ® measurement machine may be utilized or any other type of measurement system configured to measure body and / or extremity muscle and fat mass for example . embodiments of the measurement component may be utilized once for a given user , or at the start of each session with the system or in any other time period . one or more embodiments of the measurement component may also obtain measurements for intracellular and extracellular water , total body water , dry lean mass or any other physiological measurement desired for the particular implementation . one or more embodiments of the invention may include a computer 105 configured to accept data associated with the physical activity obtained from the workout component . for example , embodiments of the system may store , e . g ., via the computer , the time of the physical activity and / or the level of work performed during the physical activity or both , and may further store the specific body parts or extremities associated with , e . g ., that perform the physical activity as accepted by the system . in one or more embodiments a passive or active rfid , for example on a key chain may be read by each of the machines as the system vibrates or accepts physical input in order to identify the particular user . in one or more embodiments each of the machines , or elements coupled to the machines may set and or communicate the vibration settings and or workout measurements accepted by the system to computer 105 . alternatively or in combination an assistant may obtain and / or input the vibration settings and input the workout measurements into computer 105 for analysis . fig2 illustrates an embodiment of the functionality of the system in flowchart form . embodiments of the computer 105 may accept measurements of the body and / or extremities and / or goals and / or thresholds at 201 . the system vibrates the body via vibration component 102 to prepare the muscles for the high intensity workout at 202 . the workout component 103 accepts physical activity at 203 . the data associated with the workout is accepted by the computer 105 at 204 . this may be performed during or after the workout . based on the workout , a score for work output per extremity or overall body work output may be calculated and utilized to tune the workout in real - time or during the subsequent workout , alone or in combination with any measurement numbers . for example , the computer may provide a suggestion of the alteration of physical activity based on the current or previous physical activity data , data associated with the user &# 39 ; s body and / or extremities or trend of metrics of the user over time or in comparison with other users and / or suggest alterations or actually alter the difficulty level for example during the workout at 205 . the vibration component 104 vibrates the body of the user to recover the muscles at 206 , for example in one embodiment between 6 and 20 hz although any other previously described frequency range may be utilized for example to reduce cortisol and lactic acid and otherwise reduce soreness for example . the computer may also provide suggested food to consume to achieve goals based on the physical data activity and / or trend of the user &# 39 ; s metrics whether physical activity performance level or body or extremity metrics and / or in comparison with other user &# 39 ; s trends at 207 . fig3 illustrates an output 301 showing the suggested training changes 303 along with a trend for the user 302 and a comparison thereof between the trend of the user and other users . for example , one or more embodiments of the computer may provide a suggestion of an alteration of the physical activity based numerous factors , for example based on the data associated with the physical activity , e . g ., the wattage of the current physical activity shown at area 305 . for example , embodiments may determine that the level of physical activity currently being performed is below the desired level and display or otherwise inform the user that the level of physical activity should be increased . alternatively , if the level of physical activity currently being performed is above a desired level , the system may inform the user in a congratulatory manner , or may display or otherwise inform the user that the level of physical activity should be decreased , for example for safety reasons . any other trends of any other physiology parameters whether measured by measurement component 101 or calculated in any other manner for a particular user or group of users may also be plotted or otherwise displayed in keeping with the spirit of the invention . one or more embodiments of the computer may accept data associated with the body of the user from the measurement component and display the metrics at 304 for example . embodiments so configured may also provide a suggestion of an alteration of the physical activity based on the data associated with the body of the user , or extremities as well . for example , if the general body fat mass of the user is of a certain level , the computer may provide a suggestion to perform lower intensity physical activity for a longer time , or alternatively provide a suggestion to perform higher intensity physical activity for a shorter time . other factors may be taken into consideration such as the user &# 39 ; s age or trends of performance , or in comparison with other user &# 39 ; s trends as discussed below . fig4 illustrates an output showing the suggest diet 403 to achieve the target results . embodiments of the computer may also provide a suggestion of a food to consume by the user based on the data associated with the body of the user . for example , if the user has a low muscle mass and high fat mass , the computer may suggest more protein and less fat in the user &# 39 ; s diet . in one or more embodiments the computer may also accept data associated with the physical activity and provide the suggestion of the food to consume by the user based on the data associated with the body of the user and with the data associated with the physical activity . for example , if the user is losing fat mass over time at a rate which may be deemed unhealthy , the system may provide a suggestion for the user to consume slightly more healthy fat to slow the process down to a safe level , for example in conjunction with review by medical professionals . in one or more embodiments , the computer may accept a first target threshold for the muscle mass and the fat mass in the body of the user and alter an amount of time for the physical activity based on a difference between the first target threshold and the actual muscle mass and the fat mass in the body of the user . in these or other embodiments , the computer may also accept a second target threshold for the muscle mass and the fat mass in the extremities of the user and alter an amount of time of physical activity that is specific to extremities based on a difference between the second target threshold and the actual muscle mass and the fat mass in the extremities of the user . this capability provides a high degree of specificity for muscle mass to ensure for example an overall healthy body including extremities and for example in comparison to the average person of a particular sex and age , or in comparison to an athlete of a particular sex and age or any other data set . one or more embodiments of the computer may also calculate a trend of muscle mass and fat mass in the body of the user and / or in the extremities of the user over time . the system may also calculate a comparison based on a difference between the trend and with a second trend associated with a second user , alter an amount of time for the physical activity based on the comparison and / or alter an amount of time of physical activity that is specific to extremities based on the comparison . embodiments of the invention may utilize all components and functionality detailed herein in combination in keeping with the spirit of the invention . while the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof , numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims .	0
preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings . it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as being on another layer or substrate , it can be directly on the other layer or substrate , or intervening layers may also be present . fig2 is a sectional diagram illustrating an interconnection structure of a semiconductor device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention . referring to fig2 , a lower interconnection layer is formed in a substrate 100 in which a pad region a , a capacitor region b , and a fuse region c are defined . the lower interconnection layer includes a first lower interconnection 102 a formed in the pad region a , a lower capacitor electrode 102 b formed in the capacitor region b , and a second lower interconnection 102 c formed in the fuse region c . the first and second lower interconnections , 102 a and 102 c , and the lower capacitor electrode 102 b may be designed to be interconnected with each other . the lower interconnection layer may be made of copper ( cu ) having excellent conductivity . on the lower capacitor electrode 102 b , a capacitor dielectric film 104 d and an upper capacitor electrode 106 p are stacked in sequence . on the second lower interconnections 102 c formed apart from each other in the fuse region c , a fuse pattern 106 f is formed of the upper capacitor electrode layer . the upper capacitor electrode 106 p and the fuse pattern 106 f may be formed of a metallic compound used as a barrier metal in constructing a metal interconnection of a semiconductor device , e . g ., titanium nitride ( tin ), tantalum nitride ( tan ), or titanium tungsten ( tiw ). a material 104 forming the capacitor dielectric film 104 d may partially remain at the edges of the fuse pattern 106 f . a conformal capping film 108 covers the overall structure of the substrate 100 in which the upper capacitor electrode 106 p and the fuse pattern 106 f are formed . on the capping film 108 , interlevel insulation films 110 , 114 , and 122 are deposited . etch stopping layers 112 and 120 may be interposed among the interlevel insulation films 110 , 114 , and 122 . an upper interconnection layer is formed through the first interlevel insulation film composed of the lower and upper interlevel insulation films 110 and 114 . the upper interconnection layer may be formed by means of a copper damascene process . although not shown , the upper interconnection layer may be connected to the upper capacitor electrode 106 p and electrically connected to the second lower interconnection 102 c in a predetermined region . in the pad region a , a pad electrode 118 formed of the upper interconnection layer is connected to the first lower interconnection 102 a through the first interlevel insulation film . a second interlevel insulation film 122 is formed on the first interlevel insulation film and a bonding pad 126 connected to the pad electrode 118 through the second interlevel insulation film 122 is formed in the pad region a . the bonding pad 126 may be made of aluminum . over the fuse pattern 106 f , a fuse opening 128 is formed by removing the interlevel insulation films thereon . the fuse opening 128 may be formed with an insulation film remaining in a predetermined thickness on the fuse pattern 106 f . for instance , the capping film 108 on the fuse pattern 106 f can be exposed by the fuse opening 128 . fig3 through 8 are sectional diagrams illustrating the process of forming an interconnection structure in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention . first , referring to fig3 , the pad region a , the capacitor region b , and the fuse region c are defined in the substrate 100 . the substrate 100 may be one in which passive and active components are formed and an insulation film is deposited on the components . a lower interconnection layer is formed on the substrate 100 . the lower interconnection layer may be formed by means of a copper damascene process . the first lower interconnection 102 a is formed in the pad region a , the lower capacitor electrode 102 b is formed in the capacitor region b , and the second lower interconnection 102 c is formed in the fuse region c . the first and second lower interconnections , 102 a and 102 c , are designed to be electrically connectible with each other . then , the dielectric film 104 is deposited on the overall structure of the substrate 100 having the lower interconnection layer that is composed of the first lower interconnection 102 a , the lower capacitor electrode 102 b , and the second lower electrode 102 c . next , referring to fig4 , the dielectric film 104 is patterned to expose the second lower interconnections 102 c in the fuse region c . then , the upper capacitor electrode layer 106 is formed on the overall structure of the substrate 100 in which the fuse region c is completely formed . the upper capacitor electrode layer 106 may be formed of a metallic compound such as titanium nitride ( tin ), tantalum nitride ( tan ), or titanium tungsten ( tiw ). next , referring to fig5 , the upper capacitor electrode layer 106 and the dielectric film 104 are patterned in sequence to form the capacitor dielectric film 104 d and the upper capacitor electrode 106 p which are stacked on the lower capacitor electrode 102 b in order . simultaneously , the fuse pattern 106 f is formed connecting the second lower interconnections 102 c therein . according to the patterning position , portions of the dielectric film 104 may remain under the edges of the fuse pattern 106 f . referring to fig6 , the capping film 108 is deposited on the overall structure of the substrate 100 having the upper capacitor electrode 106 p and the fuse pattern 106 f . the capping film 108 may be formed of silicon nitride , silicon oxynitride , or silicon carbide . the first interlevel insulation film , which is composed of the lower and upper interlevel insulation films 110 and 114 , is formed on the overall structure of the substrate 100 having the capping film 108 . the etch stopping layer 112 may be formed between the upper interlevel insulation film 114 and the lower interlevel insulation film 110 . next , referring to fig7 , employing the copper damascene processing technique , via holes and interconnection grooves 116 are formed partially exposing the first lower interconnection 102 a , the upper capacitor electrode 106 p , and the second lower interconnection 102 c through the lower interlevel insulation film 110 . the via holes and interconnection grooves 116 are patterned and formed in the upper interlevel insulation film 114 . an upper electrode layer is formed of copper filling the via holes and the interconnection grooves 116 . the upper electrode layer includes the pad electrode 118 connected to the first lower interconnection 102 a , and an upper interconnection layer ( not shown ) positionally connected to the upper capacitor electrode 106 p and the second lower interconnection 102 c . the upper interconnection layer may be designed in a predetermined layout pattern . finally , referring to fig8 , the etch stopping layer 120 is formed on the overall structure of the substrate 100 having the upper interconnection layer and the second interlevel insulation film 122 is formed on the etch stopping layer 120 . the second interlevel insulation film 122 may be formed by stacking materials of series of silicon oxides and silicon nitrides in order to protect the device from the external environment . further in fig8 , the second interlevel insulation film 122 is patterned to form the pad opening 124 exposing the pad electrode 118 . after an aluminum film is formed on the overall structure of the substrate 100 having the pad opening 124 , the aluminum film is patterned to form the bonding pad that fills the pad opening 124 and is connected to the pad electrode 118 . the fuse opening 128 shown in fig2 is formed by partially removing the first and second interlevel insulation films over the fuse region c . the fuse opening 128 may be formed leaving the first interlevel insulation film on the fuse pattern 106 f by removing the second interlevel insulation film 122 , or to expose the capping film on the fuse pattern 106 f by entirely patterning the first and second interlevel insulation films . although the present invention has been described in connection with the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings , it is not limited thereto . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various substitution , modifications and changes may be thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention . according to the invention , a thinner fuse pattern is formed while increasing thickness of interconnections , by patterning a fuse layer using the relatively thin upper capacitor electrode film , without using any relatively thicker interconnection layer involved in propagation speed of signals in the semiconductor device . the invention provides a semiconductor device with improved operation characteristics increasing the thickness and sheet resistance of interconnections without defects in opening fuses .	7
the following description is of the best mode currently contemplated for practicing the invention . the basic concept of the invention relating to forming an efficient defibrillation waveform can be practiced with two or more capacitors within the icd . a preferred number of capacitors is three . however , the basic concept will first be explained in the context of a two - capacitor icd . in accordance with one aspect of the invention , then a biphasic pulse or waveform is generated by an icd device having two capacitors that includes a positive phase of duration t 1 ms and a negative phase of duration t 2 ms , as shown in fig1 . first and second capacitors , c a and c b , within the icd device are initially charged to a voltage v 1 and are connected in parallel . the biphasic defibrillation pulse begins by discharging the charged parallel capacitors through the cardiac tissue by way of defibrillation electrodes in contact with the cardiac tissue . thus , a leading edge of the biphasic pulse starts at a first peak voltage of approximately v 1 volts ( the charge on the first and second capacitors when first connected to the electrodes ). during a first portion of the positive phase of the biphasic pulse , the amplitude of the biphasic pulse decays from the first peak voltage v 1 to a voltage v 2 in accordance with a first time constant τ 1 . the first time constant τ 1 varies as a function of ( c a + c b ) r , where c a is the value of the first capacitor , c b is the value of the second capacitor , and r is an effective resistance associated with the discharge through the first and second electrodes . a second portion of the positive phase begins by connecting the first and second capacitors in series . this sudden series connection increases the defibrillation pulse to a second peak voltage of approximately 2 ( v 2 ) volts ( the sum of the voltages on each of the first and second capacitors at the time the series connection is made ), as illustrated in fig1 . the amplitude of the biphasic pulse decays during the second portion of the positive phase from the second peak voltage 2 ( v 2 ) to a voltage v 3 in accordance with a second time constant τ 2 . the second time constant τ 2 varies as a function of ( c a c b / c a c b ) ) r . advantageously , the voltage at the trailing edge of the positive phase , v 3 , occurs at a time that is near the maximum cell membrane response . the negative phase of the biphasic waveform begins by inverting the polarity of the series - connected first and second capacitors . such negative phase thus commences at a third peak voltage of approximately − v3 volts , and decays thereafter towards zero in accordance with the second time constant τ 2 . after a prescribed time period t 2 , the negative phase ends . the biphasic waveform produced in accordance with the two - capacitor icd is illustrated in fig1 . the first portion of the positive phase may terminate when either : ( 1 ) the voltage decreases below a threshold voltage v 3 ; or ( 2 ) a prescribed time period t a has elapsed . the tissue membrane voltage that results when the waveform of fig1 is applied to excitable cardiac tissue membranes is as shown in fig2 . this membrane voltage is obtained by modeling the tissue membranes as taught in the blair reference , previously cited . as shown in fig1 - 20 , the optimum duration for t a will be described in more detail . a functional block diagram of the pulse generation circuitry used to generate the biphasic waveform of the two - capacitor icd is shown in fig3 . as seen in fig3 a cardiac tissue - stimulating device 10 includes a power source 12 , e . g ., at least one battery , a timing and control circuit 14 , a charging circuit 16 , an isolation switch network sw 1 , a series parallel switch network sw 2 , at least two capacitors c a and c b , an output switch network sw 3 , and at least two electrodes 20 and 22 . the electrodes 20 and 22 are adapted to be positioned within or on the heart . the electrodes 20 and 22 are connected to the output switch sw 3 through conventional leads 21 and 23 , respectively . a voltage sense amplifier 24 senses the voltage held on the capacitor c b ( which will be the same voltage as capacitor c a when c a and c b are connected in parallel ). in some embodiments of the invention , a current sense amplifier 26 may also be used to sense the current flowing to or returning from one of the electrodes 20 or 22 . in fig3 such current is sensed by differentially measuring the voltage across a small current - sense resistor r s connected in series with electrode 22 . the outputs of the voltage sense amplifier 24 and the current sense amplifier 26 are directed to the timing and control circuit 14 . a suitable cardiac activity sensor 28 is also employed within the device 10 in order to detect cardiac activity . the function of the sensor 28 is to sense cardiac activity so that an assessment can be made by the timing and control circuitry whether a defibrillation pulse needs to be generated and delivered to the cardiac tissue . such sensor 28 may take many forms , e . g , a simple r - wave sense amplifier of the type commonly employed in implantable pacemakers . the details of the sensor 28 are not important for purposes of the present invention . the power source 12 is connected to provide operating power to all components and circuitry within the device 10 . the power source 12 also provides the energy needed to generate the biphasic defibrillation pulse . that is , energy stored within the power source 12 is used to charge capacitors c a and c b , through the charging circuit 18 , up to the desired initial defibrillation starting pulse voltage v 1 . such charging is carried out under control of the timing and control circuit 14 . typically , v 1 may be a relatively high voltage , e . g ., 350 volts , even though the power source 12 may only be able to provide a relatively low voltage , e . g ., 3 - 6 volts . the charging circuit 16 takes the relatively low voltage from the power source 12 and steps it up to the desired high voltage v 1 , using conventional voltage step - up techniques as are known in the art . this stepped - up voltage v 1 is then applied through the isolation switch sw 1 to both capacitors c a and c b at a time when c a and c b are connected in parallel , i . e ., when sw 2 is in its “ p ” position , and at a time when the output switch is in its open , or off , position . as the capacitors c a and c b are being charged , the voltage sense amplifier 24 monitors the voltage level on the capacitors . when the desired voltage v 1 has been reached , the timing and control circuitry 14 turns off the charging circuit 16 and opens the isolation switch sw 1 , thereby holding the voltage v 1 on capacitors c a and c b until such time as a defibrillation pulse is needed . when a defibrillation pulse is called for by the timing and control circuit 14 , the output switch sw 3 is placed in its positive phase position , pos , thereby connecting the parallel connected capacitors c a and c b ( on which the starting voltage v 1 resides ) to the cardiac tissue through the electrodes 20 and 22 . such connection starts the discharge of capacitors c a and c b through the cardiac tissue in accordance with the first time constant τ 1 as described above in connection in fig1 . after a period of time t a , or as soon as the voltage across the parallel - connected capacitors c a and c b has decreased to the threshold value v 2 ( as sensed by the voltage sense amplifier 24 ), the timing and control circuit switches sw 2 to its series - connected or “ s ” position , thereby connecting the capacitors c a and c b in series across the electrodes 20 and 22 . such series connection doubles the voltage across the electrodes 20 and 22 to a value of 2 ( v 2 ) thereafter , the discharge of the series - connected capacitors c a and c b continues through the cardiac tissue in accordance with the second time constant τ 2 as described above . this discharge continues until the end of the positive phase . the positive or first phase ends at a time t 1 from the beginning of the positive phase ( as measured by timing circuits within the timing and control circuit 14 ), or when the voltage has decayed to a value v 3 ( as sensed by voltage sense amplifier 24 ). alternatively , the positive phase may end as a function of the sensed current ( as sensed by the current sense amplifier 26 ), e . g ., at a time when the sensed current has decreased from a peak value by a prescribed amount or percentage . as soon as the positive phase ends , the timing and control circuit 14 switches the output switch sw 3 to the negative phase position , neg , thereby reversing the polarity of the discharge of the series - connected capacitors c a and c b through the cardiac tissue . the negative phase lasts thereafter for a time period t 2 determined by the timing and control circuitry . the functions represented by the functional block diagram of fig3 may be implemented by those of skill in the art using a wide variety of circuit elements and components . it is not intended that the present invention be directed to a specific circuit , device or method ; but rather that any circuit , device or method which implements the functions described above in connection with fig3 to produce a defibrillation waveform of the general type shown in fig1 be covered by the invention . turning next to fig4 there is shown a simplified schematic diagram of an icd having three 120 μf capacitors c 1 , c 2 and c 3 . the manner of charging the capacitors while they are connected in parallel is the same or similar to that shown in fig3 . when the capacitors c 1 , c 2 and c 3 have been charged to a high voltage , e . g ., 370 v , a stored energy of approximately 25 joules is realized . once the capacitors have been charged by the icd , the capacitors are configured for a parallel discharge . this is accomplished by closing switches s 1 , s 2 , s 3 and s 4 , while maintaining switches s 5 and s 6 open . the parallel discharge takes place from time t = 0 until a time d 1 . once d 1 elapses , one of two options may be used to discharge the remaining charge . in accordance with a first option , or option 1 , after d 1 has elapsed ( i . e ., after the capacitors are discharged in parallel until time d 1 ), all of the capacitors are discharged in series for the remainder of the pulse . this is accomplished by opening s 1 , s 2 , s 3 and s 4 and closing s 5 and s 6 . at a later time , d 2 , the “ h bridge ” circuit 40 ( fig4 ) is used to reverse the polarity of the output . at yet a later time , d , the output pulse is truncated . the waveform generated in accordance with option 1 is illustrated in fig5 . the tissue membrane voltage associated with the waveform of fig5 is modeled and computed , using the blair model , as shown in fig6 . for the example shown in fig5 and 6 , the optimum value of d 1 is nominally about 3 . 5 ms . the optimum choice of d 2 is when the elapsed time at d 2 is about 1 . 5 times the elapsed time at d 1 , or when the elapsed time at d 2 ( from t = 0 ) is about 5 . 25 ms . in accordance with a second option , or option 2 , the capacitors c 1 and c 2 remain in parallel and are in series with c 3 until time d 2 . this is accomplished by opening s 3 and s 4 and closing s 6 . after d 2 all the capacitors are in series ( s 1 and s 2 also open , s 5 closed ) until c 3 runs out of charge at a time d 4 . after d 4 , the diode d 1 bypasses the depleted capacitor and the time constant of discharge is of c 1 and c 2 in series . at a time d 3 , where d 2 & lt ; d 3 & lt ; d 4 , the polarity of the output is reversed using the h bridge 40 . the pulse is truncated at time d . the resulting waveform is shown in fig7 . the resulting membrane voltage is modeled and computed and shown in fig8 . for the example shown in fig7 and 8 , the optimum values of d 1 is 2 . 7 ms , d 2 is 1 . 5 times d 1 ( or about 4 ms ) , d 3 is d 2 + 1 . 25 ms . the value of d 4 is computed to be about 7 . 6 ms . the choice of d can be in the range of 1 . 5 to 2 . 0 times that of d 3 . with either option 1 or option 2 , the choice of the values d 1 , d 2 and d 3 are primarily functions of the icd &# 39 ; s capacitance value , the discharge pathway impedance , and the tissue time constant ( τ m ). the advantage of option 2 is that the peak waveform voltage is lower than option 1 yet a minute increase in membrane voltage over option 1 is achieved . however , option 1 is simpler to implement and diode d 1 is not needed since all the capacitors are discharged equally . the advantages of either option 1 or option 2 are better appreciated by comparing the results of such discharge , as presented in fig5 , 7 and 8 , with the corresponding discharge achieved with a two - capacitor icd series discharge , as is commonly used in a conventional icd of the prior art . the discharge waveform achieved with a conventional two - capacitor icd using series discharge , and the resulting membrane voltage , is shown in fig9 and 10 , respectively . note , that to store equal energy to the three capacitor icd , each capacitor of the two - capacitor icd must have 1 . 5 times the capacitance value , or two capacitors each with c = 180 μf . as can be seen from a comparison of fig9 and 10 with fig5 and 6 ( option 1 ), and 5 a and 5 b ( option 2 ), for equal stored energy , the value of the peak membrane voltage for option 2 is 1 . 18 times higher than the membrane voltage realized using the conventional waveform . similarly , option 1 yields a membrane voltage that is 1 . 17 times higher than is realized using the conventional waveform . in other words , a 25 joule icd with three 120μf capacitors and a switching network as in option 2 performs equally to a 34 . 4 joule conventional icd with two 180μf capacitors . this represents a remarkable improvement in performance . as shown in fig1 , the two - step waveform has been reproduced . although identical in nature to that shown in fig1 the designators have been changed slightly for purposes of the in depth analysis that will follow . as described above in conjunction with fig3 two capacitors , c a & amp ; c b , have been charged to the same initial voltage , v 01 . the system resistance ( as seen by device ) is given by r s . for purposes of this discussion , the myocardium has been modeled as a parallel - rc circuit with myocardial tissue time constant , τ m . the amplitude of each step of the positive portion of the defibrillation waveform , shown in fig1 , can be characterized with the following basic equations : v s1 ( t 1 )= v 01 · exp [− t 1 / τ s1 ] 0 ≦ t 1 ≦ d 1 v s2 ( t 2 )= v 02 · exp [− t 2 / τ s2 ] 0 ≦ t 2 ≦ d 2 v s1 is the exponential decay during the first period , t 1 , ( i . e ., step 1 ); v s2 is the exponential decay during the second period , t 2 , ( i . e ., step 2 ); τ s1 is the time constant of c a and c b in parallel ; τ s2 is the time constant of c a and c b in series ; v 01 is the initial voltage during step 1 on the capacitors c a and c b once fully charged to the source voltage , v 01 ; and v 02 is the initial voltage during step 2 remaining on the capacitors c a and c b now configured in series . the analysis that follows directly will explain how to determine the absolute and approximate solutions for the optimal durations , d 1 and d 2 , to maximize induced myocardial potential , v m ( t ), when the two capacitors are arranged in a parallel - series , two - step arrangement . consider the myocardial responses to v s1 ( t 1 ) [ step 1 ] and v s2 ( t 2 ) [ step 2 ] separately . note that the following derivations ( equations 1 - 4 ) make absolutely no assumptions regarding any specific relationships between the characteristics of step 1 and step 2 . the “ step 1 ” myocardial response , v m1 , to the step 1 waveform , v s1 , is described by :  v m1  ( t 1 )  t 1 + v m1  ( t 1 ) τ m ∝ v s1  ( t 1 ) τ m ( eq . 1 ) the solution to this differential equation is : v m1  ( t 1 ) = { v 01 α 1 · ( exp  [ - t 1 τ s1 ] - exp  [ - t 1 τ m ] ) τ s1 ≠ τ m v 01 τ s1 · ( t 1 · exp  [ - t 1 τ s1 ] ) τ s1 = τ m   where   α 1 = 1 - ( τ m / τ s1 ) . ( eq . 2 ) the “ step 2 ” myocardial response , v m2 , to the step 2 waveform , v s2 , is governed by :  v m2  ( d 1 , t 2 )  t 2 + v m2  ( d 1 , t 2 ) τ m ∝ v s2  ( t 2 ) τ m ( eq . 3 ) with the initial condition : v m2 ( d 1 , 0 )= v m1 ( d 1 ), where d 1 represents the final duration of step 1 . this initial condition ensures that there is a continuity of myocardial voltage when transitioning from the end of step 1 into the start of step 2 . the solution to this differential equation is : v m2  ( d 1 , t 2 ) = v m1  ( d 1 ) · exp  [ - t 2 τ m ] + { v 02  ( d 1 ) α 2 · ( exp  [ - t 2 τ s2 ] - exp  [ - t 2 τ m ] ) τ s2 ≠ τ m v 02  ( d 1 ) τ s2 · ( t 1 · exp  [ - t 2 τ s2 ] ) τ s2 = τ m ( eq . 4 ) where α 2 = 1 −( τ m / τ s2 ), and v 02 is proportional to v s2 ( 0 ) equation ( 4 ) describes a curve with a single maximum value . the step durations , d 1 = d 1 opt and d 2 = d 2 opt , that maximize this shock - induced myocardial voltage , v m2 ( t 1 , t 2 ) can be determined by solving the simultaneous equations given by : ∂ v m2  ( d 1 opt , d 2 opt ) ∂ d 1 opt = 0   ∂ v m2  ( d 1 opt , d 2 opt ) ∂ d 2 opt = 0  ( eq . 5 ) from equation ( 5 ), two equations that describe d 2 opt as a function of d 1 opt can be found ( the following derivations assume τ s1 ≢ τ m and τ s2 ≢ τ m ): d 2 opt = τ m α 2 · ln   { 1 +  ( α 2 α 1 · v 01 ∂ v 02 / ∂ d 1 opt ) · ( 1 τ s1  exp  [ - d 1 opt τ s1 ] - 1 τ m  exp  [ - d 1 opt τ m ] ) } ( eq . 6 ) d 2 opt = τ m α 2 · ln   { τ s2 τ m  [ 1 -  ( α 2 α 1 · v 01 v 02  ( d 1 opt ) ) · ( exp  [ - d 1 opt τ s1 ] - exp  [ - d 1 opt τ m ] ) ] } ( eq . 7 ) setting equations ( 6 ) and ( 7 ) equal to each other and simplifying produces the following implicit equation for d 1 opt : ( τ m τ s2 · α 1 v 01 ) = ( 1 / τ s1 ∂ v 02 / ∂ d 1 opt + τ s2 / τ m v 02  ( d 1 opt ) )  exp  [ - d 1 opt τ s1 ] - ( 1 / τ m ∂ v 02 / ∂ d 1 opt + τ s2 / τ m v 02  ( d 1 opt ) )  exp  [ - d 1 opt τ m ] ( eq . 8 ) further simplifications of equation ( 8 ) require that v 02 ( d 1 ) be explicitly defined . when the two system capacitors ( c a & amp ; c b ) are configured into a parallel arrangement during step 1 and then reconfigured into a series arrangement during step 2 , the system time constants can be explicitly defined as : τ s1 = r s ·( c a + c b ) τ s2 = r s ·( c a c b )/( c a + c b ) ( eq . 9 ) v 02 ( d 1 )= 2 · v s1 ( d 1 ) = 2 · v 01 · exp [− d 1 / τ s1 ] ( eq . 10 ) where equation ( 10 ) codifies the notion that , in a parallel - series arrangement , the leading edge voltage of step 2 equals twice the trailing edge voltage of step 1 . substituting equation ( 10 ) into equation ( 8 ) and solving explicitly for d 1 opt and subsequently d 2 opt [ via equation ( 6 ) or ( 7 )] yields : d 1 opt = - τ m α 1 · ln  { ( τ m τ s1 )   ( 2  α 1 - α 2 α 1 - α 2 ) } ( eq . 11 ) d 2 opt = + τ m α 1 · ln  { ( 1 2 )   ( 2  α 1 - α 2 α 1 - α 2 ) } ( eq . 12 ) the maximum myocardial voltage attained using these optimal parallel - series step durations can then be determined by substituting equations ( 10 )-( 12 ) into equation ( 4 ) and simplifying : v m2  ( d 1 opt , d 2 opt ) = v 01  ( 1 2 ) - 1 α 2  ( τ m τ s1 ) 1 α 1 - 1   ( 2  α 1 - α 2 α 1 - α 2 ) 1 α 1 - 1 α 2 ( eq . 13 ) note that equations ( 11 )-( 13 ) are valid for any independent values of c a and c b . according to this simple rc model of defibrillation , successful defibrillation is achieved when the myocardial voltage ( as embodied herein by v m1 and v m2 ) is “ depolarized ” to its threshold value , v th . an equation that describes the minimum relative magnitude for v 0 ( i . e ., the voltage to which each of the capacitors is charged in preparation for the defibrillation shock ) that successfully drives v m2 to v th can be obtained from equation ( 13 ) by setting v m2 = v th and solving for v 01 ( which , for these parallel - series shocks , is equivalent to v 0 ). since the total stored energy in capacitors c a and c b is given by : e stored = 1 2  ( c a + c b ) · v 0 2 ( eq . 14 ) then the optimal relationship between c a and c b that maximizes myocardial voltage for a given total stored energy can be found by substituting c a = k · c b into equation ( 14 ) and then solving for k in ∂ e stored /∂ k = 0 . the result is : the above result implies that c a should equal c b in order to achieve maximum myocardial impact for any given total energy . the relationship c a = c b is equivalent to τ s1 = 4 · τ s2 [ see equation ( 9 )], from which simplified versions of equations ( 1l )-( 13 ) can be derived : d 1 opt = - τ m α 1 · ln  { ( 1 3 )  ( 1 + τ m 2  τ s2 ) } ( eq . 16 ) d 2 opt = + τ m α 2 · ln  { ( 1 3 )   ( 1 + 2  τ s2 τ m ) } ( eq . 17 ) v m2  ( d 1 opt , d 2 opt ) = 2  ( v 01  ( τ m 2  τ s2 ) ) 1 α 2 - 1  [ ( 1 3 )  ( 1 + τ m 2  τ s2 ) ] 1 α 1 - 1 α 2 ( eq . 18 ) finally , the optimal capacitance for a given r s and τ m is determined by finding the value of c a that minimizes e stored , that is , solving for c a in ∂ e stored /∂ c a = 0 ( with k = 1 ). the result is : c a = c b = τ m r s ( eq . 19 ) or equivalently , the optimal capacitance ( for a given r s and τ m ) is that which satisfies : 1 2  τ s1 = 2  τ s2 = τ m ( eq .  20 ) d 1 opt =+ 2τ m · 1 n [ 3 / 2 ]≈ 0 . 811 · τ m ( eq . 21 ) d 2 opt =+ τ m · 1 n [ 3 / 2 ]≈ 0 . 405 · τ m ( eq . 22 ) further insights into the preceding theoretical calculations can be gleaned from corresponding graphical analyses . the relative stored energy required for defibrillation ( e stored ) for all possible parallel - series two - step waveforms is graphically illustrated in the contour plot of fig1 . in this plot , the x - axis is indexed by the total capacitance ( c a + c b , scaled by τ m / r s ) while the y - axis is indexed by the ratio of the two capacitances ( k = c a / c b ). although perhaps seemingly non - intuitive axis definitions , they efficiently provide complete coverage of the entire parameter space of all possible capacitor combinations for two - step waveforms . as indicated by the horizontal line 100 and the vertical line 102 overlaid on this plot ( and as consistent with the conclusions of equations ( 15 ) and ( 19 )), the most efficient two - step positive portion for the biphasic shock is delivered when : the contours then step out from this optimal point in 1 % increments , thus providing an indication as to the relative sensitivity of the energy efficiency to deviations in either total capacitance or capacitance ratio . in fact , energy efficiency remains quite robust : for example , energy efficiency remains within 1 % of optimal for : ˜ 1 . 5 · τ m / r s & lt ;( c a + c b )& lt ;˜ 2 . 7 · τ m / r s ; and two - dimensional contour plots of optimal step 1 and step 2 durations ( normalized by τ m , i . e ., d 1 opt / τ m and d 2 opt / τ m ) as given by equations ( 11 ) and ( 12 ) are presented in fig1 and 14 , respectively . similar to fig1 , fig1 and 14 have respective horizontal lines 110 , 120 and vertical lines 112 , 122 from have been overlaid on these contour maps as well . their respective intersections 114 , 124 appropriately correspond to the “ 0 . 811 ” and “ 0 . 405 ” coefficients found in equations ( 21 ) and ( 22 ), respectively . since r s and τ m represent patient - specific variables that directly impact the choice of durations used for these stepped waveforms , it is perhaps useful to present example values for d 1 opt and d 2 opt for a representative range of values for r s ( 30 - 90 ω ), τ m ( 2 - 4 ms ), and c a ( 30 - 90 μf ). the tables shown in fig1 - 17 provide such a set of example values , wherein values for d 1 opt and d 2 opt are computed from equations ( 16 ) and ( 17 ), respectively . given the limits of the ranges used for r s , τ m , and c a in the tables shown in fig1 - 17 , d 1 opt and d 2 opt range from lows of 1 . 286 and 0 . 422 ms ( when τ m = 2 ms , c a = 30 μf , and r s = 30 ω ) to highs of 3 . 704 and 2 . 689 ms ( when τ m = 4 ms , c a = 90 μf , and r s = 90 ω ), respectively . of course , d 1 opt and / or d 2 opt could move outside of these ranges if any one or more of r s , τ m , and c a exceed the limits used for these tables . in those cases , equations ( 16 ) and ( 17 ) could be used to compute exactly the optimal step durations for any combination of r s , τ m , and c a . in another embodiment , the device could also determine d 1 opt and d 2 opt based on measured values for r s , and / or a programmed value for τ m , based on a particular value for c a and c b . by way of example , if the capacitance value for c a and c b is set to 60 μf , so that equation 19 is satisfied for a tissue resistance , r s equal to nominally 50 ohms and a tissue time constant , τ m , then for a range for τ m , of 2 ms to 4 ms , and a range for r s of 30 - 90 ohms , then : ( c a + c b )* r s / τ m = 0 . 9 to further assist with interpreting the results embodied in fig1 and 14 and the table shown in fig1 - 17 , fig1 graphs a subset of those data as simple functions of r s and τ m . in particular , fig1 presents a pair of graphs : the left and right halves plot d 1 opt and d 2 opt , respectively , as functions of r s for three representative values of τ m ( 2 , 3 , and 4 ms ). for these graphs , c a = c b = 60 μf ( thus k = 1 . 0 ). consistent with the data in the tables shown in fig1 - 17 both d 1 opt and d 2 opt increase in value with increasing r s or τ m . moreover , this figure helps illustrate how d 1 opt appears significantly more sensitive to relative changes in τ m than in r s , while d 2 opt appears to have the opposite sensitivity . while fig1 - 17 provide a comprehensive overview of all possible parallel - series two - step waveforms , it is also useful to consider some specific examples that can aid in illustrating the relative improvements gained by using such a parallel - series two - step capacitor arrangement over the traditional one - step arrangement . fig1 graphically compares the positive portion of the biphasic shock waveform shapes ( v s , top two waveforms , 150 and 160 ) and associated tissue responses ( v m , bottom two waveforms , 152 and 162 ) for one - step , 150 , and parallel - series two - step , 160 , shocks having equal stored energies and leading - edge voltages . τ m = 3 ms , r s = 50 ω , c a = c b = 60 μf the one - step shock is generated by essentially keeping c a and c b in a parallel arrangement for its entire shock duration , for a constant effective capacitance of 120 μf . as is evident from the tissue responses ( i . e ., comparing the one - step response 152 to the two - step response 162 ), two - step the myocardial voltage ( 162 ) reaches a higher higher final cell membrane potential (+ 18 . 6 %) in a shorter total duration ( 3 . 65 vs . 4 . 16 ms 12 . 3 %) as compared to the final cell membrane potential ( 152 ) using the one - step shock . a consequence of this improved tissue response is that this two - step waveform requires a lower effective leading - edge voltage ( and hence a lower stored energy ) to achieve the same defibrillation efficacy as its equivalent one - step waveform . fig2 illustrates this scenario by resealing the results presented in fig1 such that the strength of each shock is sufficient to produce tissue responses of equal amplitudes . consistent with the results presented in fig1 , this two - step positive portion of the biphasic shock waveform 164 theoretically requires a 15 . 6 % lower leading - edge voltage than its one - step counterpart 154 , which translates into a 28 . 8 % reduction in required stored energy , and a potentially lower pain waveform for the patient since the leading edge of the shocking pulse is reduced . fig2 and 22 illustrate analogous results to those depicted in fig2 , but for relatively extreme combinations of r s and c a . in fig2 , r s = 30 ω and c a = c b = 30 μf , while in fig2 , r s = 90 ω and c a = c b = 90 μf . as is evident in fig2 and 22 , the shape of the optimal parallel - series two - step waveform depends strongly on the magnitudes of r s and c a . furthermore , the relative improvement in energy efficiency also strongly depends on these values . for example , in fig2 , the two - step waveform 166 induced an equivalent final tissue response as its one - step waveform 156 , but with an 8 . 8 % shorter duration ( 2 . 1 vs . 2 . 3 ms ), a 6 . 5 % lower leading - edge voltage , and a 12 . 6 % reduction in required stored energy . in fig2 , the relative improvements were a 14 . 3 % shorter duration ( 5 . 3 vs . 6 . 3 ms ), a 25 . 9 % lower leading - edge voltage , and a 45 . 0 % reduction in required stored energy . thus , these comparisons suggest that there would be especially great incentive for utilizing two - step waveforms instead of traditional one - step waveforms when the magnitudes of r s and c a are large , while the incentive is relatively minimal when the magnitudes of r s and c a are small . unfortunately , because of the inherent limitations of this theoretical model , it is not possible to directly compare amplitude - based results ( e . g ., leading - edge voltage , required stored energy ) derived for differing r s or τ m . for this reason , the results of fig2 - 22 are all self - normalized ( that is , there is no relationship between the amplitudes in these graphs ). finally , while equations ( 16 ) and ( 17 ) provide exact formulas for determining d 1 opt and d 2 opt when k = 1 ( i . e . , c a = c b ) , it is sometimes helpful and / or practical to also identify various approximations to such solutions . consider the following infinite series expansion of the natural logarithm : ln  [ x ] = 2 · [ ( x - 1 x + 1 ) + 1 3 · ( x - 1 x + 1 ) 3 + 1 5 · ( x - 1 x + 1 ) 5 + …  ] ( 23 ) utilizing just the first term of this expansion , equations ( 16 ) and ( 17 ) can be simplified to : d 1 opt ≈ 2  τ m 3 - α 1 = 2  τ s1 · τ m 2  τ s1 + τ m ⇒ 1 d 1 opt ≈ 1 2  τ s1 + 1 τ m = 1 4  r s  c a + 1 τ m ( 24 ) d 2 opt ≈ 2  τ m 3 - 2  α 2 = τ s2 · 2  τ m τ s2 + 2  τ m ⇒ 1 d 2 opt ≈ 1 τ s2 + 1 2  τ m = 1 2 · ( 4 r s   c a + 1 τ m ) ( 25 ) in words , these relationships suggest that the optimal step durations can be well approximated by computing variously weighted parallel combinations of system and myocardial time constants . and despite using only one term of equation ( 23 ), these approximations are relatively quite accurate over a broad range of τ s1 / τ m and τ s2 / τ m ratios ( only their ratios , not their absolute values , impact their accuracy ). for example , the relative error for d 1 opt is less than 5 % for 0 . 4 & lt ; τ s1 / τ m & lt ; 5 , while the relative error for d 2 opt is less than 5 % for 0 . 2 & lt ; τ s2 / τ m & lt ; 3 . when equation ( 20 ) is also satisfied ( that is , when system and myocardial time constants are ideally matched ), these relative errors are each only 1 . 35 %. in all cases , these approximation calculations underestimate the true values by these respective relative errors . while the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof , numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims .	0
reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . the method and corresponding steps of the invention will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the system . the devices and methods presented herein may be used for generating medical images . particularly , the present invention is directed to a method and system for generating magnetic resonance (“ mr ”) images of a patient . embodiments of the invention depicted herein include a combination of magnet and articulated patient table that allow the hip , shoulder , foot , ankle , knee , hand , wrist and elbow joints to be positioned and imaged in a smaller cylindrical mri magnet . particular embodiments described herein allow all of the joints of interest of the human body to be centered in the magnet , yet permit use of a magnet with an associated homogenous volume that is substantially smaller than typical systems known in the art . this results in a smaller , lighter , more compact and less costly system that is conveniently more open for the patient . for purpose of explanation and illustration , and not limitation , views of an exemplary embodiment of an imaging system made in accordance with the invention are shown in fig1 - 8 and is designated generally by reference character 100 . as depicted , in fig1 - 7 , system 100 includes a table 110 operably coupled to a magnet assembly 150 defining a bore 152 therethrough . the magnet assembly 150 can be a conventional design with a cylindrical gradient coil and rf body coil or may be open on the sides as permitted by the teachings of the embodiment illustrated and described herein in further detail below with reference to fig8 . as depicted in fig1 - 7 , patient table 110 includes a stationary base portion 112 upon which is mounted an articulated portion 120 upon which a patient 300 rests . articulated portion 120 of table 110 includes a first linear displaceable segment 122 , a second generally round pivoting segment 124 and a third angularly displaceable segment 126 . the three components of articulated portion 120 of table 110 may be displaced along an axial direction “ z ” of the device 100 along a track 114 formed on base portion 112 through bore 152 . angularly displaceable segment 126 may be angularly displaced , for example , about a pivot point 128 defined in the center of second segment 124 . if desired , second segment 124 and third segment 126 may rotate together about pivot point 128 . as depicted , second and third segments 124 , 126 are preferably upholstered for the comfort of patient 300 . in addition , table 110 is further provided with pads 130 that may be used for supporting various portions of a patient &# 39 ; s anatomy while being imaged . similarly , as depicted , a displaceable rf coil 132 for imaging the elbow or hand is also provided that is adapted and configured to slide along axis “ z ” in a track 134 . for purposes of illustration , the device 100 may be used to examine the shoulder joint . the shoulder joint is furthest from the center of the body in the left / right (“ x ”) direction and is the most difficult joint to place in the center in the magnet . in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention , it is desired to place the shoulder of a patient at or near the center of a significantly smaller imaging volume than is typical of a conventional whole body magnet . this allows for a much smaller and lower cost magnet . using conventional technology as a starting point , if one starts with a conventional whole body magnet design of 2 . 5 meters long and 0 . 9 m inside diameter ( not including the gradient and rf body coil ) the resultant useful imaging volume is about a 450 mm diameter sphere . if the magnet is reduced in length to & lt ; 1 meter , the resultant volume is reduced to about 200 mm in diameter . further shortening the magnet will reduce the useful volume further . such a shorter magnet is depicted in the embodiments of fig1 - 7 . fig1 depicts a top view of a 1 meter long ( along the axis z ) magnet with a 200 mm diameter imaging volume 200 and a 700 mm wide patient bore 152 . it will be appreciated that the length of the magnet may be modified somewhat without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention . preferably , the length of the magnet is between about 0 . 75 meters and about 1 . 25 meters . more preferably , the magnet is about one meter long . in accordance with another embodiment , the magnet may be less than one meter long . the patient is a male with height of 172 cm ( 68 ″) ( average is 175 cm ) and distance of 154 mm from body center to the center of the shoulder joint . as clearly depicted in fig1 , off center imaging of the shoulder is no longer possible because the magnet is too small . even with a patient bore as large as 700 mm , and an imaging volume of 200 mm diameter , it is not possible to place the shoulder of a person of average size in the magnet center while still laying flat and parallel to the bore axis (“ z ” direction ). however , by angling portion 126 of the patient table 110 as shown in fig2 , the shoulder of patient 300 can now be placed into the center of the imaging volume 200 . angling the patient table is actually facilitated by virtue of the shorter magnet assembly 150 . shorter magnet assembly 150 in turn provides a reduced imaging volume 200 . the angled patient table 110 and a relatively short magnet assembly 150 work together to allow the shoulder to be imaged in a smaller , less expensive magnet . angling the patient table 110 also improves imaging the elbow . as depicted in fig3 , the elbow of patient 300 is positioned in the center of the imaging volume 200 and the center of radio frequency coil 132 . the patient &# 39 ; s arm is not completely extended above the head , which would cause patient discomfort and motion , and the torso is not adjacent to the imaging volume 200 , which would otherwise possibly interfere with the image obtained as in the case of a conventional whole body mri system . angling the head slightly allows further rotation of portion 126 , thereby lowering arm extension resulting in increased patient comfort . for imaging the hand of patient 300 , the angling of the table 110 is possible with greater patient comfort . as shown in fig4 , the hand of patient 300 is in the center of the imaging volume 200 , resulting in the highest possible image quality . similarly , the hip is easily centered in the magnet 150 in a manner that would be similar to a whole body system in fig5 . likewise , the knee joint is easily centered in the magnet 150 in a manner that would be similar to a whole body system in fig6 . furthermore , the ankle joint is easily centered in the magnet assembly 150 in a manner that would be similar to a whole body system in fig7 . the same rf coil 132 has been depicted for imaging the hand , foot , elbow and knee for illustrative purposes only , and not limitation . as known in the art , in practice , different size coils optimized for each anatomical position may be used . the invention described herein is intended to encompass all such embodiments . fig8 presents a schematic end view of the magnet assembly 150 including a main superconducting magnet , 154 . as depicted , the imaging volume 200 is about 200 mm in diameter , while the patient bore 152 is about 500 mm in height and about 700 mm in width . as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art , the size of the imaging volume 200 can be varied in accordance with the size of the magnet assembly 150 . for example , the size of the imaging volume can range anywhere from about 50 mm in diameter to about 500 mm in diameter , more preferably from about 100 mm in diameter to about 300 mm in diameter , and most preferably about 200 mm in diameter . similarly , the dimensions of the bore can be varied in accordance with the size of the magnet assembly . for example , the width of the bore can vary from about 500 mm to about 1000 mm or larger , more preferably from about 600 mm to about 800 , 850 or 900 mm , and most preferably about 700 mm . by way of further example , the height of the bore can vary from about 300 mm to about 1000 mm or larger , more preferably from about 400 mm to about 700 mm , and most preferably about 500 mm . as depicted in fig8 , it is possible to use a smaller rf coil 160 and gradient coil 170 placed above and below the patient instead of a larger set of cylindrical coils surrounding the patient as in a conventional whole body system . this is feasible because of the reduced imaging volume 200 that is needed to perform imaging . any suitable gradient coil 170 design may be used , as known in the art . the rf coils may include one or more transmit elements that are adapted and configured to transmit signals to a region of interest such as in the imaging volume and receive mr signals from tissue in the region of interest . the embodiments disclosed herein thus present certain advantages that are heretofore not present in the art . for example , the patient opening can be provided with a larger width by virtue of placement of the rf and gradient coils above and below the patient , instead of surrounding the patient . this , for example , allows for improved access for the shoulder . moreover , with the rf and gradient coil above and below the patient , the rf transmit uniformity and gradient linearity is feasible for a smaller volume . the gradient amplifier power and rf power required is reduced by virtue of the smaller imaging volume . this allows reduced sar and db / dt , which are highly desirable . perhaps more importantly , the magnet inside diameter can be reduced lowering the cost of the magnet and / or improving homogeneity of the magnetic field while still maintaining access for the shoulder of a patient . a reduced inside diameter of the magnet also permits use a shorter magnet for the same homogeneous volume . generally , as the length l of magnet assembly 150 is reduced in length , the homogeneous volume of the magnetic field is necessarily made smaller . the physics of magnetic field generation dictate that the size of the homogeneous volume is reduced in all dimensions even if the magnet is made shorter in just one dimension . however , some limited asymmetric shaping of the homogeneous volume can take place . one example is the oblate spheroid where the equatorial dimension is larger than the polar dimension . in other words , instead of a spherical imaging volume 200 , the imaging volume can resemble an ellipsoid that has been compressed along the “ z ” dimension in the embodiments depicted in fig1 - 7 . such an imaging volume would appear oval from a top view as depicted in fig1 - 7 , but round in fig8 with the height dimension of the imaging volume in fig1 - 7 along the “ z ” axis being less than the transverse dimension along the “ x ” axis and “ y ” axis . it should also be apparent that imaging the head , sections of the spine or any other portion of a patient &# 39 ; s anatomy that may be placed in the imaging volume 200 is also possible and straightforward . for example , the spine is near the center of the body which is readily imaged . it will be further appreciated that , while dimensions of magnets and the like are depicted herein , these dimensions are intended to be exemplary and not limiting . it will be further appreciated that system may be operated at any suitable background field produced by main magnet 154 . for example , main magnet may adapted to produce a field at 1 . 0 t , 1 . 5 t , 2 . 0 t , 2 . 5 t , 3 . 0 t , 4 . 0 t , 5 . 0 t , 6 . 0 t , 7 . 0 t and the like , as desired . the other portions of system 100 ( e . g ., coils 160 , 170 ) are accordingly adjusted to accommodate the difference in main field strength . as can be seen , the methods and systems of the present invention , as described above and shown in the drawings , provide for an imaging system with superior qualities as compared to prior art systems . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the device and method of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention . thus , it is intended that the present invention include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the subject disclosure and equivalents .	6
the present invention addresses the problem of wrinkles in the covers in stent - grafts . the covers of self - expanding stent - grafts heretofore exhibited wrinkles when deployed to diameters smaller than the diameter at which the cover was applied to the stent , which is typically the fully deployed diameter . in as much as body conduits are rarely the exact diameter of the stent - graft , rarely uniformly circular in cross - section , and rarely non - tapered , sections or entire lengths of self - expanding stent - grafts frequently are not fully deployed and hence present wrinkled surfaces to flowing blood or other body fluids . furthermore , covered stents are often intentionally implanted at less than their fully deployed diameters in order to utilize their inherent radial expansion force to better anchor the devices against the host tissue , thereby preventing device migration in response to blood flow . such practices come at the expense of having to tolerate devices with at least partially wrinkled covers . the present invention involves the use of a unique stent cover material , one that combines two seemingly mutually exclusive properties - being both strong enough to withstand the forces exerted by constant , cyclic blood pressure and also distensible enough to expand in response to the expansion forces exerted by a self - expanding stent . in addition , a unique manufacturing method had to be devised in order to utilize this material to construct a self - expanding stent - graft . the temperature - constrained shape - memory properties of self - expanding stents introduce significant processing challenges . ultimately , a process was developed which entailed applying the cover to the stent in a refrigerated environment . referring to fig1 a and 1 b , the present invention is directed to implantable device 60 having a self - expanding stent component 63 with a cover 62 ( or both ), that is wrinkle - free over an operating diametric range of the device . the cover 62 has wrinkles 65 in the constrained state as shown in fig1 a . the wrinkles disappear once the device self - expands to a pre - determined diameter at which the cover was formed on the stent . the cover 62 remains wrinkle - free as the device 60 self - expands even further as shown in fig1 b , up to and including the fully deployed diameter . the invention addresses the clinical problems associated with wrinkles in self - expanding stent covers while providing the minimum amount of covering material . wrinkles are known to disrupt blood flow and can become sites for clot deposition which may ultimately lead to graft thrombosis and embolus shedding . these sequelae may create serious clinical consequences , especially in organs such as the brain . the incorporation of a single , very thin cover enables a stent - graft device with a profile dictated primarily by the stent strut dimensions , not by the mass or volume of the cover . the present invention , therefore , provides a heretofore unavailable combination of deployment diameter for a given size stent - graft and a wrinkle - free cover surface over a wide range of deployed diameters . for use in the present invention , nitinol ( nickel - titanium shape memory alloy ) and stainless steel are preferred stent materials . nitinol is preferred for its shape memory properties . the memory characteristics can be tailored for the requirements of the stenting application during the fabrication of the alloy . furthermore , nitinol used to make the stent can be in the form of wire that can be braided or welded , for example , or it can be tubing stock from which a stent is cut . while nitinol offers a wide variety of stent design options , it should be appreciated that stainless steel and other materials may also be formed into many different shapes and constructs . stent covers of the present invention are preferably durable and biocompatible . the stent covering of the present invention has a low tensile elastic modulus , which enables it to be distended with the minimal force that is exerted by a self - expanding stent . furthermore , the covering is provided with a minimal ( or non - existent ) elastic recoil force so that after stent expansion the covering does not cause the stent - graft to decrease in diameter over time . the cover is also preferably thin . thinness has the multiple benefits of reducing the introduction size of the device , maximizing the blood flow cross - section , providing less resistance to radial expansion , and introducing less elastic recoil . preferred cover materials include , but are not limited to , thin elastomeric biomaterials . more specifically , the elastomeric materials include such candidates as polyurethanes , silicone materials , perfluoroethylvinylether - tetrafluoroethylene ( peve - tfe ), perfluoropropylvinylether - tetrafluoroethylene ( ppve - tfe ), and the like . terpolymers containing at least two of the following monomers are also preferred : peve , ppve , perfluoromethylvinylether ( pmve ), and tfe . most preferably , perfluoromethylvinylether - tetrafluoroethylene ( pmve - tfe ) is used . these materials are can be applied in various manners such as adhering tubes of the materials to the inner and / or outer surfaces of the stent . these elastomeric materials are preferably applied by dip coating self - expanding stents into liquid solutions of the covering materials . in order to minimize the stent - graft profile , the stent is coated in such a way that the minimal amount of covering results . preferably , the cover material that spans the stent openings is thinner than the stent element thickness . in some cases , it may be preferred to have stent cover that is thicker than thickness of the stent element . such a cover can be created by applying more elastomer by means such as , but not limited to , multiple dip coatings or utilizing a more viscous coating solution . therapeutic agents , fillers , or the like can be added to the stent cover . the elastomer can also be rendered porous by such means as those known in the art . porosity in the cover material can , among other benefits , facilitate the attachment of other materials to the cover . in a preferred embodiment , a nitinol stent is chilled and crushed to a diameter less than the fully deployed outer diameter . the chilling is desirable to help maintain the stent in the crushed state . the covering is then applied without creating wrinkles . the constrained diameter is selected according to the intended operating parameters of the device , such as about 90 % of the fully deployed outer diameter or less , about 80 % of the fully deployed outer diameter or less , about 70 % of the fully deployed outer diameter or less , about 60 % of the fully deployed outer diameter or less , and for most applications most preferably about 50 % of the fully deployed outer diameter or less . while maintaining the device in the chilled state , the stent - graft is allowed to dry and then further crimped with a chilled crimping tool and transferred into a delivery catheter . in an alternative preferred embodiment , a nitinol stent is first coated at its fully deployed diameter by dipping it into a liquid solution of the covering material and allowing the cover to dry . the cover is inspected to ensure that it is wrinkle - free . the covered stent is next chilled , and crushed . crushing a covered stent made in this manner introduces wrinkles into the cover material . again the crushed diameter may be formed at any desired pre - determined constraint , including about 90 % of the fully deployed outer diameter or less , about 80 % of the fully deployed outer diameter or less , about 70 % of the fully deployed outer diameter or less , about 60 % of the fully deployed outer diameter or less , or about 50 % of the fully deployed outer diameter or less . next , the crushed cover stent is dipped into a chilled solvent solution that will enable the elastomer cover material to re - flow . the re - flowing of the cover material eliminates the wrinkles created during crushing . while maintaining the device in the chilled state , the stent - graft is allowed to dry and then further crimped with a chilled crimping tool and transferred into a delivery catheter . stent - grafts made in either of these inventive manners exhibit wrinkle - free coverings over the device diameter range extending from the reduced diameter at which the covering was applied or remodeled ( collectively referred to as “ formed ”) up to and including the fully deployed diameter . fig2 a depicts a cross - section of the covered stent of the present invention that was constructed wrinkle - free at 50 % of the fully deployed outer diameter , crimped and transferred inside a delivery catheter , and then deployed to 30 % of the fully deployed outer diameter of the device . fig2 b illustrates the wrinkle - free stent cover 62 at the diameter at which it was initially bonded to the stent struts 68 of the stent 63 , thereby forming the covered stent 60 . fig2 b also represents the wrinkle - free properties of the cover of a stent - graft in which the cover is applied at the stent fully deployed diameter , then the cover is remodeled at a smaller diameter . inner or outer elastomeric covers or both can be attached to the stent 63 at this reduced diameter . they can be attached by any conventional means including , but not limited to , using an adhesive , solvent bonding , or heat bonding . when both inner and outer covers are attached to the stent , they can be applied so as to encase the stent struts 68 as depicted in fig2 b . the thin elastomer cover 62 stretches and remains wrinkle free up to and including the fully deployed diameter as shown in fig2 c . in order to achieve this characteristic , the covering must be substantially wrinkle - free at a stent diameter smaller than the fully deployed diameter . this diameter should be no larger than the smallest intended diameter of the implanted device . crushing the device below the diameter at which the cover was formed induces wrinkles in the stent cover 62 as indicated in fig4 in which the covered stent of fig2 b was crushed to enable the device to be transferred to inside a delivery catheter . forming the covering at an intermediate stent size means less crushing is necessary to decrease the stent - graft diameter for insertion into the delivery catheter . additionally , the likelihood of perforating the cover during the crushing process is reduced when less crushing is needed . the wrinkle - free feature of articles of the present invention can benefit the performance of tapered stent - grafts . tapered grafts are widely used in the treatment of aortoiliac disease . the present invention , which can include or not include a tapered stent and / or cover , can be implanted inside a tapered vessel without exhibiting wrinkles in the cover . that is , regardless of the shape of the starting materials , the device of the present invention can conform to become a tapered self - expanding stent - graft when deployed within a tapered body conduit . this allows tapered body conduits to be treated with non - tapered devices that are easier and less expensive to construct , without deploying an improperly sized stent - grafts . this also allows for a wider range of effective deployable sizes and shapes without the need to increase the number of different configurations of products . the present invention has particular value in very demanding , small caliber stenting applications . these are applications in which a cover is needed to either protect against plaque or other debris from entering the blood stream after balloon angioplasty or to seal an aneurysm . perhaps the most demanding applications are those involving the treatment of carotid and neural vessels where even small wrinkles in the stent cover may create a nidus for thrombosis . given the sensitivity of the brain , the consequences of such thrombus accumulation and possible embolization can be dire . not only does the present invention overcome the challenging problem of providing a wrinkle - free cover in a viable stent - graft , it accomplishes this with a surprisingly minimal amount of covering material . it was unanticipated that such a distensible , thin , and low mass material could satisfactorily perform as a stent covering . the following examples are intended to illustrate how the present invention may be made and used , but not to limit it to such examples . the full scope of the present invention is defined in the appended claims . stent - graft device covers were visually examined without the aid of magnification at ambient temperatures . the ends of devices were secured within a hollow delrin ® resin block in order fix the longitudinal axis of the device at an angle of about 45 ° above horizontal which enabled viewing the inner surface of the stent - grafts . the devices were positioned to allow examination of free edge of the device and stent openings nearest the ends of the device . stent - grafts that were not fully deployed were restrained inside rigid tubes during examination . fully deployed devices were submerged in an about 37 ° c . water bath prior to examination . alternatively , optical or scanning electron microscopy could be used to look for the presence or absence of wrinkles . stent and covered stent outer diameters were measured with the aid of a tapered mandrel . the end of a device was slipped over the mandrel until the end fit snuggly onto the mandrel . the outer diameter of the device was then measured with a set of calipers . optionally , a profile projector could be used to measure the outer diameter of the device while so placed on the mandrel . the fully deployed outer diameter was measured after allowing the self - expanding device to fully deploy in a 37 ° c . water bath , then measuring the device diameter in the water bath in the manner previously described . for devices restrained inside restraining means having a round cross - section , the device outer diameter in the restrained state was taken to be the inner diameter of the restraining means . in order to examine a device at some percentage of the fully deployed diameter of the device , the fully deployed diameter must first be known . a length of a device can be severed from the entire device and its fully deployed diameter can be measured . for example , a length of the device can be released from the delivery catheter and its diameter measured after being fully deployed in a 37 ° c . water bath . a tubular , self - expanding nitinol stent constructed using the pattern as described in fig4 of u . s . pat . no . 6 , 709 , 453 was obtained . the stent had an outer diameter of approximately 8 mm and a length of about 30 mm . the stent was processed in the following manner . a liquid solution of pmve - tfe , a liquefied thermoplastic fluoropolymer as described in example 5 of us patent application 2004 / 0024448 of chang , et al . was also obtained . pmve - tfe is an elastomeric material . a relatively dilute solution , 3 % by weight , of the polymer was utilized . the stent was dipped into the elastomer solution . the dipped , now covered , stent was removed from the solution , examined to ensure that the elastomer bridged all of the stent openings , and allowed to dry for four hours . the elastomer covered stent - graft , a polymer diluting solution fc - 77 ( 3m fluroinert , 3m specialty chemicals division , st paul , minn ., tweezers , and a crimping device ( such at taught in us 2002 / 0138966 a1 to motsenbocker ) were chilled together in a conventional freezer compartment set to − 15 ° c . the chilled crimping device was used to uniformly reduce the diameter of the stent along its length to about 4 mm . using chilled tweezers , the following procedure was performed inside the freezer compartment . this step introduced wrinkles in the elastomeric stent cover . the stent was dipped into the chilled fc - 77 solution for approximately 3 seconds . this allowed the elastomer to slightly re - flow , which eliminated the wrinkles in the stent cover . performing these process steps at cold temperatures ( in the freezer ) enabled handling of the compacted , unrestrained nitinol stent without warming it enough to induce the device to self - expand . the dipped and re - flowed covered stent was removed from the solution and examined while still inside the freezer to confirm that the elastomer bridged all of the stent openings and that the cover was wrinkle - free . the wrinkle - free device was allowed to dry for four hours inside the freezer . next , the crimping device was again used , to crush the elastomer - covered stent to a delivery diameter of approximately 2 mm . the resultant stent - graft had a delivery profile of about 2 mm . next , the device was transferred from its 2 mm delivery profile constraining sheath into a hollowed delrin ® resin block with an inner diameter corresponding to about 50 % of the fully deployed outer diameter of the device , which corresponds to the size at which the device was made . microscopic examination verified the absence of wrinkles in the cover at this diameter . the device was then released from the constraining block and allowed to fully self - expand in a 37 ° c . water bath . the device expanded to the starting outer diameter of 8 mm . the cover exhibited no wrinkles during expansion or at this fully - deployed state . the advantage of making the stent - graft of the present invention in the above - described manner is apparent upon comparing the device of example 1 with a device made in accordance with the teachings of the prior art . another covered stent was made in the exact manner as described above but without including the inventive step of the crushing the stent and re - flowing the elastomer at a diameter in between the fully deployed and delivery diameters . that is , the comparative covered stent was never chilled and crushed to 50 % of the outer diameter , nor dipped in a solvent solution in order to allow the elastomeric covering to re - flow . instead , under ambient conditions , the 8 mm covered stent was crushed to 50 % of the outer diameter and then transferred into the hollowed constraining block . the comparative ( prior art ) device , unlike the inventive device , exhibited wrinkles at 50 % of the fully deployed outer diameter . a tubular , self - expanding stent - graft was made in accordance with the teachings of example 1 except for the following differences . in this case , a different inventive step was applied to create the wrinkle - free cover . silicone material ( med - 1137 silicone adhesive , nusil silicone technology , carpinteria , calif .) was used to create the elastomeric covering . a liquid elastomer solution of silicone and heptane was also obtained . a relatively dilute solution , 1 % by weight , of the elastomer was created . the stent , elastomer solution , tweezers , and a crimping device were chilled together inside a conventional freezer compartment set to − 15 ° c . the chilled crimping device was used to uniformly reduce the diameter of the stent along its entire length . the outer diameter of the stent was reduced to about 4 mm . the following procedure was performed inside the freezer compartment using the chilled tweezers . the stent was dipped into the chilled elastomer solution . the dipped , now covered , stent was removed from the solution , examined to ensure that the elastomer bridged all of the stent openings , and allowed to dry for four hours inside the freezer . next , the crimping device was used again to further crush the elastomer - covered stents to a delivery diameter of approximately 2 mm . the resultant stent - graft had a delivery profile of about 2 mm . the device was transferred from its 2 mm delivery profile constraining sheath into a hollowed delrin ® resin block with an inner diameter corresponding to about 50 % of the fully deployed outer diameter of the device . this 50 % of the fully deployed outer diameter corresponded to the outer diameter at which the device was made . microscopic examination verified the absence of wrinkles in the cover at this diameter . the device was then released from the constraining block and allowed to fully self - expand in a 37 ° c . water bath . the device expanded to the starting outer diameter of 8 mm . the cover exhibited no wrinkles at this fully - deployed state . while particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein , the present invention should not be limited to such illustrations and descriptions . it should be apparent that changes and modifications may be incorporated and embodied as part of the present invention within the scope of the following claims .	0
the following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention . furthermore , there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description . broadly , exemplary embodiments described herein include a robot with simulation and mission , software operating partitions . the simulation partition enables a simulation of a mission task concurrent to or prior to the determination of the real - time action by the mission partition . as such , this solution provides improved robots and robotics systems that can be provided with lower costs , faster mission operations , and increased autonomy . fig1 is a schematic representation of a robotic system 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment . the robotic system 100 can include one or more robots 101 , 102 , 103 . the robots 101 - 103 can include one or more effectors 111 , 112 , 113 and one or more sensors 121 , 122 , 123 housed in a body 141 , 142 , 143 . the effectors 111 - 113 can include , but are not limited to , actuators for controlling the robots 101 - 103 , such as wheel drives , and actuators for performing designated mission functions , such as arms . other types of effectors 111 - 113 can include sensor actuators , grappling devices , docking mechanisms , soil and environment manipulators , astronaut assistance devices , antenna pointing systems , motor drives , thrusters , momentum control devices such as reaction wheels and control moment gyroscopes , solenoids , power control , and / or similar components . the types of sensors 121 - 123 can include guidance , navigation and control sensors and / or mission specific sensors . other exemplary types of sensors 121 - 123 may include cameras , sonar , radar , lidar , pressure , temperature , accelerometers , inertial measurement units , ring laser gyroscopes , strain gages , chemical composition detectors , spectrographs , imaging , radiation detectors , proximity detectors , soil analyzers , and / or similar sensors . the robots 101 - 103 can be coupled together wirelessly with a virtual backplane 130 , which is discussed in greater detail below . the effectors 111 - 113 , sensors 121 - 123 , and body 141 - 143 are typically adapted for earth - based and / or extraterrestrial missions . each robot 101 - 103 can additionally include one or more hardware components , such as processing components , i / o components , and physical backplanes for receiving and providing inputs to and from sensors 111 - 113 and effectors 121 - 123 and otherwise accomplishing a mission function , either as individual robots or as a system . as noted above , each robot 101 - 103 can be coupled to the other robots 101 - 103 by the virtual backplane 130 . the virtual backplane 130 represents the virtual communications interface between the robots 101 - 103 . the virtual backplane 130 can include a high - speed data bus or wireless data bus and enable all the data of the system 100 to be available to each of the robots 101 - 103 , regardless of the origin or physical location of the data . this allows the robots 101 - 103 to be independent of the software applications of the entire robotic system 100 , thus allowing a more simplistic implementation . the virtual backplane 130 additionally enables the system 100 to implement the modular architecture across many robots 101 - 103 . the virtual backplane 130 and the resulting accessibility of all data to all robots 101 - 103 enables the robots 101 - 103 to be optimally sized to reduce weight and to allow local thermal issues to be considered in the architectural implementation . additional robots can be added for extended availability , increased redundancy , and / or increased processing and i / o capabilities . the virtual backplane 130 can be a deterministic wireless virtual backplane and include a deterministic wireless communication scheme , such as a time division multiple access ( tdma ) at the media access control layer of wireless protocols , such as the zigbee ( 802 . 15 . 4 ) protocol and wifi ( 802 . 11 ) protocols . as noted above , an interface for the respective robot 101 - 103 can access any data within the system 100 . any data that is transferred within the system 100 , either within a robot 101 - 103 or between robots 101 - 103 , is placed on the virtual backplane 130 . the interfaces can determine whether the data is applicable to the respective robot 101 - 103 , and read and store only that data on the robot 101 - 103 . in an alternate embodiment , the virtual backplane 130 can place all data in all robots 101 - 103 . fig2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary software infrastructure of a robot 101 . the robot 101 can be , as an example , one of the robots of the robotic system 100 of fig1 . the robot 101 includes an operating system 202 partitioned into a number of partitions 204 - 208 . although the individual partitions 204 - 208 are discussed in greater detail below , generally , the partitions 204 - 208 can appear to the overall robotic system 100 to be separate computing elements , such as individual virtual computers . each partition 204 - 208 can execute programs to provide different functionalities within the system . each partition 204 - 208 can include memory , processing , and i / o subcomponents , and each processing subcomponent is operable to indicate what data the i / o subcomponent should place on the virtual backplane 130 , when to place the data on to the virtual backplane 130 , and the rate to place the data on the virtual backplane 130 . in addition , each processing subcomponent is operable to instruct the i / o subcomponents when to retrieve data from the virtual backplane and what data to retrieve . the operating system 202 can include an os application programming interface ( api ), memory management , application fault response protocols , and time management features . in one embodiment , the operating system 404 can adhere to the time and space partitioning protocol defined in arinc - 653 ( avionics application standard software interface ) or other partitioned operating systems such as the honeywell deos ®. the operating system 202 can allocate a pre - defined set of memory resources for each partition 204 - 208 . a hardware - based memory management unit ( mmu ) can enforce access rights to the memory resources to ensure that the memory resources of the partitions 204 - 208 , including stack and scratch areas , are protected from access by other partitions 204 - 208 , and that software and / or memory failures do not propagate to other partitions running on the same robot 101 . temporary storage locations such as program registers can be automatically stored by the software infrastructure when a context switch occurs . each partition 204 - 208 can perform the typical functions associated with complex applications , such as interaction between multiple processes , threading , and executing processes at differing cyclic rates . generally , the partitions 204 - 208 include an i / o partition 204 , a safety partition 205 , a mission partition 206 , a simulation partition 207 , and any other necessary or desired partition 208 . the simulation partition 207 receives inputs and simulates a mission function in a simulation that mirrors the physical environment of the robot 101 . the mission partition 206 then receives the simulated results from the simulation partition 207 , and determines the proper real - world actions to accomplish the mission . these actions are then provided to the effectors ( e . g ., effectors 121 - 123 ; fig1 ) to carry out the mission function . the results of simulated and / or real - world actions can be evaluated by the safety partition 203 to ensure that the actions comply with safety parameters . the safety , mission , and simulation partitions 205 , 206 , 207 are discussed in further detail below with reference to fig3 . the simulation partition 207 is a complete simulated representation of the environment and the physical “ world ” that the robot ( s ) 101 - 103 exist within as an aviator . as one example , within the simulated world it is possible to embed simulated keep out zones representation possible craters on the physical surface . it is also possible to embed a real time avatar astronaut whose position could be fed through rfid of other techniques . the simulation partition 207 allows these simulated environments to be rules for the robot 101 - 103 to act upon . all activity of the robot 101 - 103 may be accomplished in the simulation partition 207 . such a partition contains the guidance , navigation , and control algorithm for the robot 101 - 103 . the mission partition 206 calculates the operation of the effectors 111 - 113 based upon information passed to it from the simulation partition 207 . the mission partition 206 may include software designed for a number of different missions such as mining , maintenance , astronaut follower , or other useful mission operation . the safety partition 205 can include built - in test equipment ( bite ) component 410 that functions for continuous bite , status generation , maintenance interface , and fault server , as well as an os api to interact with the operating system 202 . the i / o partition 204 can include an ieee 1394 interface , an mil - std 1553 interface , an ethernet interface , analog i / o , discrete i / o , and / or a rs - 422 interfaces well as an os api to interact with the operating system 202 . the i / o partition 204 may house all of the i / o drivers and assures that the i / o data is moved to and from partitions according to pre - defined table entries . alternately , i / o partition 204 may be implemented by a plurality of partitions . other infrastructure components of the robot 101 can include a non - resident boot component 210 , a resident boot component 212 , a common monitor component 214 , and a tools interface component 216 . the non - resident boot component 414 can include a hardware abstraction layer ( hal - 2 ), non - resident boot initialization , power - up boot ( post ), phantom fault response , software loader , platform load verification , module load verification , and cabinet initialization . the resident boot component 212 can include boot initialization , and a hardware abstraction layer ( hal - 1 ). the common monitor component 214 can include a system monitor and / or a debug interface . the tools interface component 216 can include a partition monitor and / or a debug interface . as noted above , the partitions 204 - 208 within the robot 101 can be seamless . in highly reliable systems , no partition 204 - 208 can contaminate the code , i / o , or data storage areas of another partition ; consume the shared processor resources to the exclusion of any other application ; consume i / o resources to the exclusion of any other application ; or cause adverse affects to any other application as a result of a hardware or software failure unique to that partition . the architecture of the robot 101 can enhance the overall processing platform reliability . a fault in an individual hardware element affects only the partition 204 - 208 associated with that element . a partition 204 - 208 running on a single processor can be modified without requiring re - certification of other partitions 204 - 208 running on the same processor . thus , partitions 204 - 208 that are subject to frequent modifications may be co - resident with relatively stable partitions without requiring superfluous reverifications . likewise , partitions 204 - 208 with mixed criticality levels may be co - resident without requiring all partitions to be certified to the highest criticality level . associated with the modular nature of the architecture , a layered approach to the hardware and software of system 100 can minimize the effect of system changes on user applications to provide a continuous spectrum of support ranging from direct interfaces between hardware components to application program interfaces accessed directly by user applications . layering the architecture can simplify the impact of the future modifications or upgrades inevitably associated with human space applications and long life systems . the impacts of hardware changes due to obsolescence are typically dealt with at the hardware interface or middleware layers , while applications are often unaffected by these changes . although fig2 depicts the partitions 204 - 208 on a single robot 101 , in an alternate embodiment , all or a portion of the partitions 204 - 208 can be located on other robots 102 , 103 of the robotic system 100 or even outside of the robotic system 100 and coupled together with the virtual backplane 130 . any of the elements required for processing the data from any sensor 111 - 113 and providing the commands to any effector 121 - 123 can be provided by any partition within the system 100 . fig3 is a flow chart depicting one exemplary method 300 of operating a robot such as robot 101 and is described with reference to fig1 and 2 . in a first step 310 , the robot 101 receives a mission to perform in a physical environment . the mission can be a task of a larger mission or a number of related tasks . furthermore , the mission can only involve the single robot 101 or a number of robots 101 - 103 in the larger robotic system 100 . the mission can include real - time commands from human operators , planned and scheduled mission tasks , real - time response to environmental conditions while achieving mission goals , and the like . as one example , the mission can be to travel from one position to another . in step 320 , a sensor 111 can collect data related to the physical environment . the sensor data can indicate , for example , an obstacle in an intended path of the robot 101 . in step 330 , the simulation partition 207 receives the sensor data and simulates the mission in a virtual world . the “ world ” of the simulation partition 207 mirrors the physical environment and can be , for example , a local area , a room , a planet , or an otherwise defined physical parameter . in the virtual world , the robot 101 is represented by an avatar and performs the mission based on the mission commands and the sensor data . in the previously discussed example , the simulation partition 207 determines an acceptable path around the obstacle indicated by the sensor data based known and simulated aspects of the physical environment . in step 340 , the mission partition 206 receives the results of simulated mission and determines the appropriate real - world commands for the effectors to implement the mission . in step 350 , the safety partition 205 receives these commands and evaluates the commands against safety parameters . the safety parameters can be related to government or industry regulations or aspects of equipment or human safety . any command that does not comply with the safety parameters may be subsumed or suppressed . in this case , the system 100 may wait for further instructions or autonomously determine an alternate course of action . in the previously discussed example , the safety partition 205 will review the command to ensure that the path will not damage the robot 101 or an astronaut . in step 350 , if the commands comply with the safety parameters , the commands are sent to the effectors to carry out the mission , and the mission is completed . in this example , the commands will be sent to the effector 121 , such as a wheel drive , to execute the mission . the robots 101 - 103 and robotic system 100 according to exemplary embodiments can realize the improved safety requirements while additionally lowering their cost of operation for the nasa space exploration vision . particularly , the exemplary embodiments can autonomously accomplish mission functions without requiring the delay and costs of command center simulations . while at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the invention , 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 invention in any way . rather , the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention . it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims .	6
a new type of gelling agent has been discovered which will improve the fracturing ( frac ) fluid performance through the use of a polymer - free system . this system offers improved viscosity breaking , higher sand transport capability , is more easily recovered after treatment , and is relatively non - damaging to the reservoir . the system is also more easily mixed “ on the fly ” in field operations and does not require numerous co - additives in the fluid system , as do some prior systems . the new inventive system is non - ionic , while other fluids of this type are either cationic or anionic , which is an advantage over prior systems . non - ionic fluids are inherently less damaging to the producing formations than cationic fluid types , and are more efficacious per pound than anionic gelling agents . the amine oxide technology of this invention has the potential to offer more gelling power per pound , making it less expensive than other fluids of this type . the amine oxide gelling agents of the invention have the following structure ( i ): where r is an alkyl or alkylamido group averaging from about 8 to 27 carbon atoms and each r ′ is independently h , or an alkyl group averaging from about 1 to 6 carbon atoms . preferably , r is an alkyl or alkylamido group averaging from about 8 to 16 carbon atoms and r ′ are independently alkyl groups averaging from about 2 to 3 carbon atoms . a particularly preferred amine oxide gelling agent is tallow amido propylamine oxide ( tapao ), which should be understood as a dipropylamine oxide since both r ′ groups are propyl . the amine oxide gelling agents of the invention may be used in any aqueous treatment fluids , particularly brines . the brine base fluid may be any brine , conventional or to be developed which serves as a suitable media for the various concentrate components . as a matter of convenience , the brine base fluid may be the brine available at the site used in the completion fluid , for a non - limiting example . while the amine oxide gelling agents of the invention are described most specifically herein as having use in fracturing fluids , it is expected that they will find utility in acidizing fluids , gravel pack fluids , stimulation fluids and the like . of course , when the treatment fluid is a fracturing fluid , the fluid also contains at least an effective amount of a proppant to prop open the fractures , and the fluid is injected into the formation under sufficient and effective hydraulic pressure and pump rate to fracture the formation . when the treatment fluid is an acidizing fluid , it further contains an effective amount of an acid , either inorganic or organic , of sufficient strength to acidize the formation . when the amine oxide gelling agents are used in gravel packing fluid , the gelling agent helps contain an effective amount of the gravel within the fluid . if the amine oxide gelling agents are used in another well stimulation fluid , an effective amount of any additional stimulating agent is employed . when the amine oxide gelling agents are used in a fluid loss control application , an effective amount of a salt or easily removed solid is employed , and the amine oxide gelling agents help suspend the salts or solids in the fluid . these other components of the treatment fluids are well known in the art . the effective proportion of the amine oxide gelling agents in the treatment fluids of this invention range from about 0 . 5 to about 25 vol . %, preferably from about 1 to about 10 vol . %, and most preferably about 6 vol . %. in a non - limiting example , a 6 vol . % solution of the gelling agent is mixed with brine , which is then blended with sand or other particulate , and pumped into a hydrocarbon bearing reservoir . in one non - limiting embodiment of the invention , the non - ionic amine oxide gelling agents are the only gelling agents employed , although more than one may be used . in another non - limiting embodiment of the invention , the non - ionic amine oxide gelling agents are employed in the absence of polymeric gelling agents . in still another non - limiting embodiment of the invention , the non - ionic amine oxide gelling agents are employed in the absence of either cationic or anionic gelling agents . in the method of this invention , breaking the gel of the aqueous viscoelastic treating fluid made using the amine oxides of this invention may be accomplished by a variety of mechanisms . these may include , but are not necessarily limited to , contacting the fluid with a hydrocarbon , contacting the fluid with alkoxylated alcohol solvents , dilution , such as with larger quantities of brine or water , or the addition of a reactive agent . the hydrocarbon may be the hydrocarbon produced nom the formation or other hydrocarbon . in another embodiment of the invention , the treatment fluid may contain viscosifying agents ; other surfactants , clay stabilization additives , scale dissolvers , biopolymer degradation additives , and other common components . the proppant , solid particle or gravel may be any solid particulate matter suitable for its intended purpose , for example as a screen or proppant , etc . suitable materials include , but are not necessarily limited to sand , sintered bauxite , sized calcium carbonate , sized salts , ceramic beads , and the like , and combinations thereof . these solids may also be used in a fluid loss control application . a basic method is to inject the proppant into a carrier fluid or treatment brine downstream from the conventional pumps which are delivering the gravel packing fluid , e . g . to do this , the proppant is suspended in the viscosified brine . the proppant may thus be delivered by a small injection pump to the carrier fluid at an injection point downstream from the pumps used to transport the gravel packing fluid or other treatment fluid . the invention will be further described with respect to the following examples which are not meant to limit the invention , but rather to further illustrate it . the following fluid was prepared in 3 % kcl brine : 6 vol . % tapao . the surfactant gel viscosity of the fluids were measured on a brookfield pvs viscometer at 100 sec - i . the results are plotted on the chart of fig1 . it was surprisingly discovered that the viscosity of the fluids using the inventive gelling agents herein remains generally stable over the tested temperature range . it was also surprisingly discovered that the viscosity of the fluids using the inventive gelling agents herein remains generally , stable over time as well . five ( 5 ) hours was a typical test period for these tests . the aromox materials are polymeric quaternary ammonium halide salt gelling agents commercially available from akzo - nobel , inc . aromox dm16 is a polymeric quaternary ammonium halide salt gelling agent have a c 16 substituent and two c 1 substituents on the nitrogen . aromox c / 12 is a polymeric quaternary ammonium halide salt gelling agent have a c 12 substituent and two c 1 substituents on the nitrogen . the surfactant gel viscosity of the fluids was measured on a fann 35 viscometer at 170 sec − 1 . the results are plotted on the chart of fig2 . it can be seen again that the fluid of comparative example 2 using ethoquad b112 loses viscosity as the temperature increases . it was again shown that the viscosity of the fluids using the inventive gelling agents herein remains generally stable over the tested temperature range . the viscosity of tile fluids using the inventive gelling agents herein ( examples 3 and 4 ) was also higher and more stable than the comparative examples 5 - 8 using commercially available aromox materials . aromox e / 12 and so / 50 mixtures of aromox c / 12 with aromox e / 12 at both 3 vol .% and 6 vol .% were also tested , but gave generally lower viscosities than aromox 16 at 3 vol . %. the inventive non - ionic , non - polymeric amine oxide gelling agents of this invention provide gelling stability over a wide temperature range and at relatively high temperatures . they are also expected to be relatively non - damaging to the formation since they are non - ionic . in the foregoing specification , the invention has been described with reference to specific ′ embodiments thereof , and has been demonstrated as effective in providing a treatment fluid with stable surfactant gel viscosity . however , it will be evident that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit or scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims . accordingly , the specification is to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense . for example , specific combinations of brines , amine oxides and other components falling within the claimed parameters , but not specifically identified or tried in a particular composition , are anticipated to be within the scope of this invention .	2
in order to achieve the unique film structure of the present invention , it is important that a particular thickness relationship exist between the thickness dimension of the core and the thickness of the skin layers . it is preferred that the core thickness be from about 60 to about 95 % of the overall structure with about 65 - 90 % preferred . this in combination with the population and configuration of the voids in a total structure at least about 1 . 0 mil thick , will materially contribute to the overall degree of opacity of the structure . likewise , by maintaining the thickness of the skin layers within particular ranges in relation to the overall structure and to the thickness of the core layer , the overall combination results in unique advantages . first skin layer ( b ), adhering to the first surface of core layer ( a ) and second skin layer ( c ) adhering to the second surface of core layer ( a ) each have a thickness of from about 5 to about 30 % of the overall structure , with a thickness of about 5 to about 15 % preferred . these layers also serve a important function in reducing water vapor transmission rate ( wvtr ). the core is a thermoplastic polymer matrix material within which is located strata of voids . from this it is to be understood that the voids create the matrix configuration . the films of the present invention provide high opacity and low light transmission . a distinction should be made between opacity and light transmission . opacity is the opposite of transparency and is a function of the scattering and reflection of light transmitted through the film . opacity is the ability , for example , to block out writing below it . light transmission is a function of light passing more directly through the film . referring now to fig1 the percent light transmission through a film is determined by using light source 2 to transmit light rays 3 directly through film 4 and measuring at light sensor 5 , value t 2 which is the amount of light which is transmitted through film 4 . the amount of light rays 3 which can be directly transmitted , value t 1 , is determined by measuring the light 3 directly transmitted by light source 2 with no intervening film . the percent light transmission through the film can then be determined using the formula : ## equ1 ## where : t 2 = light transmitted through a film ; and t 1 = light directly transmitted . referring now to fig2 for a measure of percent opacity of a film , light source 2 transmits light through film 4 onto a white surface 9 and the same procedure used to project light onto a black surface 10 . with both white and black surfaces , measurement at light sensor 5 is of all of the following : light reflected off the upper surface of the film 6 ; light transmitted through the film and reflected by the white or black surfaces 7 on the side of the film opposite from the light source ; and , light scattered by the film 8 . the percent opacity of the film can then be determined using the formula : ## equ2 ## where : r w = reflected light + scattered light + light transmitted through the film and reflected off a white surface ; and r b = reflected light + scattered light + light transmitted through the film and reflected off a black surface . accordingly , a highly reflective film may provide high opacity while allowing light transmission . this is because percent light transmission is not the equivalent of percent opacity . light transmission is the amount of light passing directly through the film . to prevent food spoilage decreased light transmission is desirable . in forming the core layer , as in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 377 , 616 , the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety , a master batch technique can be employed by either in the case of forming the void initiating particles in situ or in adding preformed spheres to a molten thermoplastic matrix material . after the formation of a master batch , appropriate dilution of the system can be made by adding additional thermoplastic matrix material until the desired proportions are obtained . however , the components may also be directly mixed and extruded instead of utilizing a master batch method . the void - initiating particles which are added as filler to the polymer matrix material of the core layer can be any suitable organic or inorganic material which is incompatible with the core material at the temperature of biaxial orientation such as polybutylene terephthalate , nylon , solid or hollow preformed glass spheres , metal beads or spheres , ceramic spheres , calcium carbonate , etc . the polyolefin contemplated as the core material includes polypropylene , polyethylene , polybutene and copolymers and blends thereof . particularly preferred is an isotactic polypropylene containing at least about 80 % by weight of isotactic polypropylene . it is also preferred that the polypropylene have a melt flow index of from about 2 to 10 g / 10 min . it is preferred that the average diameter of the void - initiating particles be from about 0 . 1 to about 10 microns . these particles may be of any desired shape although it is preferred that they be substantially spherical in shape . this does not mean that every void is the same size . it means that , generally speaking , each void tends to be of like shape when like particles are used even though they vary in dimensions . these voids may assume a shape defined by two opposed and edge contacting concave disks . experience has shown that optimum characteristics of opacity and appearance are obtained when the two average major void dimensions are greater than about 30 microns . the void - initiating particle material , as indicated above , should be incompatible with the core material , at least at the temperature of biaxial orientation . the core has been described above as being a thermoplastic polymer matrix material within which is located a strata of voids . from this it is to be understood that the voids create the matrix configuration . the term &# 34 ; strata &# 34 ; is intended to convey the understanding that there are many voids creating the matrix and the voids themselves are oriented so that the two major dimensions are aligned in correspondence with the direction of orientation of the polymeric film structure . after each void has been formed through the initiation of the described particle , the particle generally contributes little else to the system . this is because its refractive index can be close enough to the matrix material that it makes no contribution to opacity . when this is the case , the opacity is principally a function of the light scattering effect which occurs because of the existence of the voids in the system . a typical void of the core is defined as having major dimensions x and y and minor dimension z , where dimension x is aligned with machine direction orientation , dimension y is aligned with transverse direction orientation and dimension z approximately corresponds to the cross - sectional dimension of the spherical particle which initiated the void . it is a necessary part of the present invention that orientation conditions be such that the x and y dimensions of the voids of the core be major dimensions in comparison to the z dimension . thus , while the z dimension generally approximates the cross - sectional dimension of the spherical particle initiating the void , x and y dimensions must be significantly greater . by way of illustration , room temperature biaxial orientation of a polypropylene matrix containing polybutylene terephthalate ( pbt ) spheres of the size and amount contemplated herein , could not produce the claimed structure . either void splitting will occur , or voids of insignificant size would result . polypropylene must be oriented at a temperature significantly higher than its glass transition temperature . the temperature conditions must permit x and y to be at least several multiples of the z dimension without void splitting at least to any significant degree . if this is accomplished , optimum physical characteristics , including low water vapor transmission rates and a high degree of light scattering are obtained without void splitting or film fibrillating . as indicated above , the matrix polymer and the void initiating particle must be incompatible and this term is used in the sense that the materials are two distinct phases . the spherical void initiating particles constitute a dispersed phase throughout the lower melting polymer which polymer will , ultimately , upon orientation , become a void - filled matrix with the spherical particles positioned somewhere in the voids . as a result of the biaxial orientation of the film structure herein , in addition to opacifying the core layer of the structure , the orientation improves other physical properties of the composite layers such as flex - crack resistance , elmendorff tear strength , elongation , tensile strength , impact strength and cold strength properties . the resulting film can have , in addition to a rich high quality appearance and excellent opacifying characteristics , low water vapor transmission rate characteristics and low oxygen transmission rate characteristics . this makes the film ideally suited for packaging food products including liquids . the film also has attractive utility as a decorative wrap material . it is believed that because of comparative sphericity of the void - initiating particles , the voids are closed cells . this means that there is virtually no path open from one side of the core the other throughout which liquid or gas can transverse . the opacity and low light transmission of the film is further enhanced by the addition to the core layer of from about 1 % by weight and up to about 10 % by weight of opacifying compounds , which are added to the melt mixture of the core layer before extrusion . opacifying compounds which may be used include iron oxides , carbon black , aluminum , tio 2 , and talc . the opacifying compounds do not contribute to void formation . the polyolefin contemplated as the material for use in forming skin layers ( b ) and ( c ) includes polypropylene , polyethylene , including high density polyethylene , linear low density polyethylene , polybutene and copolymers , including block copolymers of ethylene and propylene , random copolymer of ethylene and propylene , other ethylene homopolymer , copolymer , terpolymer ; or blends thereof . the homopolymer contemplated herein is formed by polymerizing the respective monomer . this can be accomplished by bulk or solution polymerization , as those skilled in the art would plainly understand . the copolymer contemplated herein for skin layers ( b ) and / or ( c ) can be selected from those copolymers typically employed in the manufacture of multi - layered films . for example , a block copolymer of ethylene and propylene is formed by sequential polymerization of the respective monomers . the feeding of the monomers in forming a block copolymer is controlled so that the monomer employed in one stage of the sequential polymerization is not added until the monomer employed in the preceding stage has been at least substantially consumed thereby insuring that the concentration of the monomer remaining from the preceding stage is sufficiently low to prevent formation of an excessive proportion of random copolymer . also , as indicated above , a random copolymer of ethylene and propylene can be advantageously employed to form skin layers ( b ) and / or ( c ). the contemplated terpolymers which may be used for skin layers ( b ) and / or ( c ) are comparatively low stereoregular polymers . the terpolymers can have a melt flow rate at 446 ° f . ranging from about 2 to about 10 grams per 10 minutes and preferably from about 4 to about 6 grams per 10 minutes . the crystalline melting point can range from about less than 250 ° f . to somewhat greater than 371 ° f . the terpolymers will predominate in propylene , and the ethylene and 1 - butene monomers can be present in approximately from 0 . 3 : 1 - 1 : 1 mole percentage in relation to each other . as was the case for the core layer , particularly preferred is an isotactic polypropylene containing at least about 80 % by weight of isotactic polypropylene . it is also preferred that the polypropylene have a melt flow index of from about 2 to 10 g / 10 m the opacity , whiteness and low light transmission of the film is further enhanced by the addition to the first skin layer ( b ) of tio 2 in amount of from about 1 % by weight and up to about 12 % by weight , which is added to the melt mixture of the intermediate layer before extrusion . preferably , the first skin layer ( b ) contains from about 2 % by weight to 6 % by weight of tio 2 . additionally , this layer may also contain talc . the whiteness resulting from the inclusion of tio 2 provides an excellent surface for graphics . furthermore , the whiteness allows printing of laminated or unlaminated structures without requiring white ink . the processability and machinability of the film is enhanced by the inclusion of a small percentage of finely subdivided inorganic material in the polyolefin material used to form skin layer ( c ). such inorganic material not only can impart antiblock characteristics to the multi - layer film structure of the present invention , but also can reduce the coefficient of friction of the resultant film without imparting objectionable haze to the structure . contemplated finely divided inorganic materials , referred to above , include , syloid , a synthetic amorphous silica gel , having a composition of 99 . 7 % sio 2 , diatomaceous earth having a composition of , for example , sio 2 92 %, al 2 o 3 3 . 3 %, fe 2 o 3 1 . 2 %, which has an average particle size of about 5 . 5 microns , which particles are porous and irregularly shaped ; dehydrated kaolonite ( kaopolite sf ) having the composition sio 2 55 %, al 2 o 3 44 %, fe 2 o 3 0 . 4 % which has an average particle size of about 0 . 7 microns which particles are thin flat platelets ; and synthetic precipitated silicates ( sipernat 44 ), for example , having a composition of sio 2 42 %, al 2 o 3 36 %, na 2 o 22 %, which has an average particle size of about 3 - 4 microns which the particles are porous and irregularly shaped . the polyolefin blends used to coextrude the multi - layer high opacity film structures contemplated herein ar formed by employing a commercially available intensive mixer , such as those of the bolling - or banbury - type . mixers of this type are to be employed in mixing a concentrate of the finely divided inorganic material and the selected polymer until there is a uniform dispersion of the inorganic material in the polymer . if desired , the exposed surface of skin layers ( b ) and / or ( c ) can be treated in a known and conventional manner , e . g ., by corona discharge to improve its receptivity to printing inks and / or its suitability for such subsequent manufacturing operations as lamination . the exposed treated or untreated surface of layers ( b ) and / or ( c ) may have applied to it , coating compositions or substrates such as another polymer film or laminate ; a metal foil such as aluminum foil ; cellulosic webs , e . g . numerous varieties of paper such as corrugated paperboard , craft paper , glassine , cartonboard ; nonwoven tissue , e . g ., spunbonded polyolefin fiber , melt - blown microfibers , etc . the application may employ a suitable adhesive , e . g ., a hot melt adhesive such as low density polyethylene , ethylene - methacrylate copolymer , water - based adhesive such as polyvinylidene chloride latex , and the like . skin layers ( b ) and / or ( c ) can also be fabricated from any of the heat sealable copolymers , blends of homopolymers and blends of copolymer ( s ) and homopolymer ( s ) heretofore employed for this purpose . illustrative of heat sealable copolymers which can be used in the present invention are ethylene - propylene copolymers containing from about 1 . 5 to about 10 , and preferably from about 3 to about 5 weight percent ethylene and ethylene - propylene - butene terpolymers containing from about 1 to about 10 , and preferably from about 2 to about 6 weight percent ethylene and from about 80 to about 97 , and preferably from about 88 to about 95 weight percent propylene . heat sealable blends of homopolymer which can be utilized in providing layers ( b ) and / or ( c ) include from about 1 to about 99 weight percent polypropylene homopolymer , e . g ., one which is the same as , or different from , the polypropylene homopolymer constituting core layer ( a ) blended with from about 99 to about 1 weight percent mf a linear low density polyethylene ( lldpe ). if layers ( b ) and / or ( c ) are heat - sealable , corona or flame treatment of layers ( b ) and / or ( c ) is not required . heat sealable blends of copolymer ( s ) and homopolymer ( s ) suitable for providing layers ( b ) and / or ( c ) include : a blend of from about 5 to about 19 weight percent of polybutylene and from about 95 to about 81 weight percent of a copolymer of propylene ( 80 to about 95 mole percent ) and butylene ( 20 to about 5 mole percent ); a blend of from about 10 to about 90 weight percent of polybutylene and from about 90 to about 10 weight percent of a copolymer of ethylene ( 2 to about 49 mole percent ) and a higher olefin having 4 or more carbon atoms ( 98 to about 51 mole percent ); a blend of from about 10 to about 90 weight percent polybutylene and from about 90 to about 10 weight percent of a copolymer of ethylene ( 10 to about 97 mole percent ) and propylene ( 90 to about 3 mole percent ); and , a blend of from about 90 to about 10 weight percent of polybutylene , and from about 10 to about 90 weight percent of a copolymer of propylene ( 2 to about 79 mole percent ) and butylene ( 98 to about 21 mole percent ). if skin layers ( b ) and / or ( c ) are not heat sealable , and that property is desired on one or both of those surfaces , then a heat sealable layer ( d ) may be applied to one or both of those surfaces . heat sealable layer ( d ) may be , for example , vinylidene chloride polymer or an acrylic polymer ; or it may be coextruded from any of the heat sealable materials described herein . vinylidene chloride polymer or acrylic polymer coatings are preferred materials which may be applied to the exposed exterior surfaces of the skin layers . it is preferred that all layers of the multi - layer film structures of the present invention be coextruded . thereafter , the film is biaxially oriented . for example , when employing polypropylene for the core matrix and the skin layers and employing pbt as the void initiating particles , a machine direction orientation may be from about 4 to about 8 and a transverse orientation may be from 4 to about 10 times at a drawing temperature of about 100 ° c . to 170 ° c . to yield a biaxially oriented film . a preferred film thickness is from about 0 . 5 mil to about 3 . 5 mils . the following specific examples are presented herein to illustrate particular embodiments of the present invention and hence are illustrative of this invention and not to be construed in a limiting sense . coefficient of friction values referred to herein are determined according to the procedure of astm d 1894 - 78 , modified as follows : the film to film area of contact is 2 inches × 1 inch , instead of 21 / 2 inches × 21 / 2 inches . the mass of the sled is 100 grams rather than 200 grams and the sled speed is 6 inches per minute , the same as astm d 1894 - 78 . thus , the modified test is run at the condition of 50 grams / in . 2 rather than 32 grams / in . 2 . haze and gloss values referred to herein are determined according to the procedures of astm d 1003 - 61 and d 2457 - 70 respectively . the film of this example was produced for comparison with the films produced in accordance with the present invention . a mixture of 92 percent , by weight , isotactic polypropylene ( mp = 320 ° f ., melt index = 3 ), containing 8 weight percent pbt ( mp = 440 ° f .) as the co re layer void - initiating material , is melted in an extruder with a screw of l / d ratio of 20 / 1 to provide the core layer mixture . a second extruder , in association with the first extruder , is supplied with the same isotactic polypropylene as the first extruder ( without pbt ), this extruder used to provide the skin layer mixture . a melt coextrusion is carried out while maintaining the cylinder of the core polymer material at a temperature sufficient to melt the polymer mixture , i . e ., from about 450 ° f . to about 550 ° f . or higher . the polypropylene mixture of the second extruder to be used to form the skin layers is maintained at about the same temperature as the polypropylene used in fabricating the core layer . the mixture of the second extruder is split into two streams to enable the formation of skin layers on each surface of the core layer . as may be appreciated by those skilled in the art , rather than splitting the output of the second extruder into two streams , a third extruder could be used to supply the second skin layer mixture . such an arrangement would be desired when the material used to form the second skin layer is varied from that of the first skin layer , when the thickness of the second skin layer is varied from that of the first skin layer , etc . a three - layer film laminate was coextruded with a core thickness representing about 80 percent of the overall extruded thickness , with the thicknesses of the skin layers representing about 20 percent of the film thickness . the resultant film sheet was subsequently oriented eight by about five and one - half times using a commercially available sequential biaxially orienting apparatus to provide a multi - layer film structure . the machine direction ( md ) orientation is conducted at about 285 ° f . and the transverse direction ( td ) orientation is conducted at about 300 ° f . the resultant multi - layer film exhibits a lustrous , white appearance and the following properties . the film of this example was also produced for comparison with the films produced in accordance with the present invention . as in example 1 , a mixture of 92 percent , by weight , isotactic polypropylene ( mp = 320 ° f ., melt index = 3 ), containing 8 weight percent pbt ( mp = 440 ° f . ), as the core layer void - initiating material , is melted in an extruder with a screw of l / d ratio of 20 / 1 to provide the core layer mixture . a second extruder , in association with the first extruder , is supplied with the same isotactic polypropylene as the first extruder , to which is added 4 percent tio 2 , this extruder used to provide the skin layer mixture . a melt coextrusion is carried out under the same conditions as used in example 1 . again , the mixture of the second extruder is split into two streams to enable the formation of skin layers on each surface of the core layer . a three - layer film laminate was coextruded with a core thickness again representing about 80 percent of the overall extruded thickness , with the thicknesses of the skin layers representing about 20 percent of the film thickness . the resultant film sheet was subsequently oriented eight by about five and one - half times using a commercially available sequential biaxially orienting apparatus to provide a multi - layer film structure . the machine direction ( md ) orientation is conducted at about 285 ° f . and the transverse direction ( td ) orientation is conducted at about 300 ° f . the resultant multi - layer film exhibits a pleasing appearance of higher whiteness than that of example 1 . the properties of the film so produced are as follows : a concentrate containing 90 % by weight of a 4 . 5 melt index isotactic polypropylene and 10 % by weight of sipernat 44 , a precipitated sodium - aluminum silicate of the following analysis , sio 2 42 %, al 2 o 3 36 %, na 2 o 22 %, having a 3 . 5 micron mean particle size , available from degussa chemical company ; is intimately melt - mixed in a bolling mixer until the inorganic components are uniformly dispersed in the molten polypropylene . the melt concentrate is fed into a pelletizing extruder line and formed into a solid - pellet concentrate . a second concentrate containing 90 % by weight of a 4 . 5 melt index isotactic homopolymer polypropylene and 10 % by weight kaopolite 1152 , a dehydrated kaolinite of the following analysis sio 2 55 %, al 2 o 3 44 %, fe 2 o 3 0 . 4 %, having a 0 . 7 micron mean particle size is prepared in the same manner and also pelletized . the two pelletized concentrates are then melt - blended with additional isotactic polypropylene of 4 . 5 melt index , and after uniform mixing , the blend is formed into solid pellets . the composition is now 99 . 5 % polypropylene , 2400 ppm sipernat 44 and 3000 ppm by weight kaopolite 1152 . a mixture of 92 percent , by weight isotactic polypropylene ( mp = 320 ° f ., melt index = 4 . 5 ), containing 8 weight percent pbt ( mp = 440 ° f . ), as the core layer void - initiating material , is melted in an extruder with a screw of l / d ratio of 20 / 1 to provide the core layer mixture . a second extruder , in association with the first extruder , is supplied with the same isotactic polypropylene as the first extruder , to which is added 4 percent tio 2 , this extruder used to provide the first skin layer mixture . a third extruder , in association with the first and second extruders , is supplied with the pellets produced as described above , having a composition of 99 . 5 % polypropylene , 2400 ppm sipernat 44 and 3000 ppm by weight kaopolite 1152 . the third extruder is used to provide the second skin layer mixture . a three - layer film laminate was coextruded with a core thickness again representing about 80 percent of the overall extruded thickness , with the thicknesses of the first and second skin layers each representing about 10 percent of the film &# 39 ; s overall thickness . the resultant film sheet was subsequently oriented eight by about five and one - half times using a commercially available sequential biaxially orienting apparatus to provide a multi - layer film structure . as in the previous examples , the machine direction ( md ) orientation is conducted at about 285 ° f . and the transverse direction ( td ) orientation is conducted at about 300 ° f . the resultant multi - layer film has a first side of higher whiteness than that of the film of example 1 and a second side having an appearance substantially the same as that of example 1 . the properties of the film so produced are as follows : the coefficient of friction of the finished film not only is desirably low but also is stable over conditions which simulate typical converting operations involving temperatures reaching as high as 80 ° c . for three seconds . the percent gloss is considered to be remarkably good considering the excellent coefficient of friction and anti - block characteristics of the structure . moreover , no blocking of slit rolls occured after three days at 60 ° c . the structure of example 3 is corona discharge treated on both sides thereof in order to improve wettability and adhesion by inks or other surface layers which may tend to have inferior wetting and adhesion in the absence of corona treatment . the finished film has the following characteristics . this film demonstrates that the coefficient of friction of the surface of the film from example 3 is unaffected by corona discharge treatment . it is known that amide - modified polypropylene films significantly increase in coefficient of friction upon such treatment and must thereafter be conditioned to restore the coefficient of friction to useable levels . again , no blocking of slit rolls occured after three days at 60 ° c . although the present invention has been described with preferred embodiments , it is to be understood that modifications and variations may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention , as those skilled in the art will readily understand . such modifications and variations are considered to be within the purview and scope of the amended claims .	1
as depicted in fig1 , the rfid sensing system comprises an interrogator device 101 with an antenna 102 and an rfid sensor tag device 105 with an antenna 104 . the rfid sensor tag device 105 has no internal power source . it gains power from a near field or far field rf 103 generated by the interrogator device 101 . after the tag device 105 is powered , it then changes the amplitude of the rf carrier with a sequence of code stored inside the device . the change in amplitude is detected by the interrogator device 101 and the pattern of the amplitude change , which contains the code information , is examined therein . the demodulated code is used for further data processing . referring to fig2 , in an embodiment of the rfid sensor tag device , a clock generator 201 is employed to provide a synchronous signal for a logic control block 203 to read the rfid code from a memory array 204 . the synchronous signal is also used for generating a trigger signal for a monostable multivibrator 205 through a frequency divider 202 . at rising edge or falling edge of the trigger signal , the monostable multivibrator 205 generates a pulse with its width determined by a resistor 206 and a capacitor 207 , either of which could have sensor elements included . the pulse signal from the monostable multivibrator 205 is then concatenated with the rfid code signal provided by the memory array 204 in a signal generator 209 , which in this embodiment is an or gate 210 . the result signal is then modulated on the rf carrier signal obtained from an antenna 212 through a modulation control block 211 and a load circuit 213 . the power supply for the rfid tag is generated by a rectifier 214 from the carrier signals passing through the load circuit 213 . the rfid code stored in the memory array 204 include two sections : leading code , which comprises a series of zeros , and id code , which includes the id of the tag . if the rfid code has 2 n bits , then the frequency divider 202 should have n registers ( frequency is divided by 2 n ), where n is an integral . when a capacitive sensor is included in the capacitor 207 ( or a resistive sensor is included in the resistor 206 ), the resistor 206 ( or capacitor 207 ) should be selected to make the width of the pulse generated by the monostable multivibrator shorter than that of the leading code . for example , if the pulse width t is a function of the values of the resistor 206 ( r ) and the capacitor 207 ( c ): then the maximum pulse width t max in sensing range should be shorter than the width of the leading code t c ; where m is the number of bits in the leading code and f c is the clock frequency . the signal waveforms in fig2 are depicted in fig3 . triggered by the synchronous signal b , the frequency of which is f c / 2 n , the signal c generated by the monostable multivibrator 205 includes a sensing pulse 301 . its pulse width is f ( r , c ). synchronized by the clock signal a , the rfid code signal d is generated through the memory array 204 . the low level leading code signal 302 lasts for t c seconds , and while the overall time of the id code signal 303 is ( 2n − m )/ f c . in the signal generator 209 , the rfid code signal d and the sensing pulse signal c are concatenated in the or gate 210 . the result signal e has a pulse 304 and an id code signal 305 . the width of the pulse 304 changes with the values of the sensing elements in the rfid tag , the signals generated by the rfid tag are then received by an interrogator . as shown in fig4 , in the interrogator , signals acquired from an antenna 401 are sent to an envelope detector 407 , where the code signals are separated from the carrier . the output signals from the envelope detector 407 pass through a filter and amplifier circuit 408 . the result signals 410 are processed in a pulse - processing block 409 , where the pulse width of the sensing pulse is digitized . a microcontroller 405 reads id code and calculates the sensing value , while a circuit 406 is used for the communication between the microcontroller 405 and a host computer ( not shown in the figure ). the clock pulses for the microcontroller 405 and the pulse processing circuit 409 are provided by an oscillator 404 through a frequency divider 411 . rf carrier in the interrogator is generated by the oscillator 404 through a frequency divider 403 and a driver 402 . an example of the pulse - processing block 409 in the interrogator is shown in fig5 , where it is realized by a counter 501 . in the circuit , the “ clear ” signal is provided by the microcontroller 405 . the pulse sequence is the “ signal to modulation control ” e ( fig3 ), and the “ clock ” signal is generated by the oscillator 404 through a divider 411 . the output signals q 0 to q r of the counter 501 are sent to the microcontroller 405 . referring to the timing chart , which is shown in fig6 , before the sensing pulse 304 appears in the signal e ( fig3 ), the clear signal is at low level , and the counting value is set to 0 . when a sensing pulse is received , the high level signal enables the counter , which keeps counting up until a falling edge of the sensing pulse appears . then , an interrupt is trigged for the microcontroller 405 and the microcontroller reads the counting value in its interrupt service routine and clears the counter for the next code reading . since the counter only counts during the sensing pulse period , the counting value is a measure of the pulse width . the flow chart for an interrupt service routine example is depicted in fig7 . when the interrupt service program starts , it reads the counting value . before the interrupt service routine ends , the counter is cleared and disabled by setting the clear signal to 1 , and the sensing pulse interrupt service is disabled ( this interrupt service will be enabled in the main routine after the communication process is complete ), so that it will not be triggered by the id code pulses . in addition to a dedicated counter , the pulse processing can also be realized by using the microcontroller 405 directly based on timer interrupts . some standard pulse measuring routines can be employed for digitizing the pulse width . the flow chart of a main routine example is shown in fig8 . during initialization , the sensing pulse interrupt service is enabled , and then the program waits for a sensing pulse to be detected by examining if the interrupt service is disabled ( this interrupt service is disabled after a sensing pulse is detected ). when a sensing pulse is received , a communication process for detecting id code starts . the id code can be read using a standard serial communication program . after the id code communication is complete , the program sets the clear signal ( fig5 ) to 0 for clearing the pulse - processing counter 501 , and the sensing value is calculated during data processing . before the program ends , the sensing pulse interrupt service is enabled for the next interrogation .	6
fig1 shows the main components of a classic flying time ims . the chemical compounds enter via an inlet system 1 into an ion source 2 where the ions are generated . an electrical ion gate 3 prevents the ions from entering into a drift chamber 5 from a reaction chamber 4 . the electrical field strength in the drift tube ( drift chamber 5 ) is approx . 200v / cm and is built up via corresponding electrode potentials 6 . the drift tubes are usually constructed of alternating metal and insulator rings . the electrical ion gate 3 separates the reaction chamber 4 , where the ion source 2 is located , from the drift chamber 5 . these ion gates 3 can consist of two electrically conductive comb structures on one plane which lie on different potentials , and are also known as bradbury - nielsen gates . usually , the potential difference is approx . 100v . since the comb structures are somewhat offset locally and do not touch each other , a relatively high field force is present , so that the ions do not enter the drift tubes . by switching the ion gate 3 , the potential difference is built up within several microseconds , so that the ions can enter the drift tube . the ions in the drift tube are pulled by the electrical field in the direction of a detector 7 , which usually consists of a flat , conductive disc , and which is also known as a faraday cup . a screen grid 8 is located in front of the detector 7 , which serves a capacitive decoupling between the ions located shortly before the detector 7 and the detector 7 . different ions have different mobilities , so that they then arrive in temporal sequence . due to the pole reversal of the drift tube ( of the drift chamber 5 ), positive and negative ions are identified in alternation . fig2 shows a classic flying time ims with a closed drift gas circuit according to the prior art . the flow , in the closed drift gas circuit , is maintained by a pump 17 . the drift gas 16 which flows out is suctioned out via a drift gas outlet 10 and guided through a filter 18 . the drift gas is then split into two tracks , into the track 14 in which the drift gas flows into the reaction chamber 4 on the one hand , and into the track 15 on the other in which the drift gas flows into the drift chamber 5 , and is respectively guided via a drift gas inlet 9 into the reaction chamber 4 or via a drift gas inlet 11 into the drift chamber 5 . fig3 shows a classic flying time ims with closed drift gas circuit in accordance with the invention . the same parts as in the previous figures are assigned the same reference numerals and no repeated explanation is given . the flow , in the closed drift gas circuit , is maintained by the pump 17 . the outflowing drift gas 16 is suctioned out via the drift gas outlet 10 and guided through the filter 18 . the drift gas is then split into two tracks , into the track 14 in which the drift gas flows into the reaction chamber 4 , and into the track 15 in which the drift gas flows into the drift chamber 5 , and is guided via the drift gas inlet 9 into the reaction chamber 4 or via the drift gas inlet 11 into the drift chamber 5 . in the track 15 for the inflowing drift gas into the drift chamber 5 , a variable restriction 20 enables an adjustment of a drift gas velocity 13 in the drift chamber 5 . this variable restriction 20 is for example a triggerable proportional valve with which which a flow profile in track 15 can be changed . according to another example , the restriction 20 is a triggerable pump with which a flow velocity in track 15 can be changed . fig4 shows the distribution of the humidity in an ion mobility spectrometer . a boundary area of the humidity boundary is labelled with the fig2 . the penetration depth of the humidity into the drift chamber 5 is determined by the diffusion constant of water in air and a drift gas velocity 13 in the drift chamber 5 . fig5 shows the dependence of the penetration depth of the humidity into the drift chamber 5 on different drift gas velocities 13 in the drift chamber 5 . the lower the drift velocity 13 , the further the boundary area 21 is displaced in the drift chamber 5 . fig6 shows the amount of average residual humidity in the drift chamber 5 for drift gas velocities 13 in the range of 118 - 410 ml / min with a constant drift gas velocity 12 of 300 ml / mm in the reaction chamber 4 . the advantage when the new method for offsetting residual humidity in an ims is used is that it is possible to both determine the residual humidity content and continuously adjust a nominal residual humidity content . the average number of water molecules in a product ion cluster during the drift in the drift chamber 5 is dependent on the residual humidity of the drift gas 13 in the drift chamber 5 . this residual humidity can by adjusted by varying the drift gas velocity 13 in the drift chamber 5 . for this purpose , it is advantageous when the drift gas velocity is influenced in a targeted manner e . g . by a variable restriction 20 . the residual humidity in the drift chamber 5 is determined by the humidity in the reaction chamber 4 and the humidity of the inflowing drift gas via the drift gas inlet 11 . the humidity in the reaction chamber 4 is decisively determined by the ambient humidity 19 , which enters the reaction chamber 4 via the inlet system 1 . the humidity of the inflowing drift gas 11 is decisively determined by the filter 18 . the degree of exhaustion of the filter 18 determines the ability of absorbing humidity . with progressive service life of the filter 18 , less humidity is adsorbed and accordingly , the humidity of the inflowing drift gas 13 increases . due to the diffusion of the humidity from the reaction chamber 4 into the drift chamber 5 , an average residual humidity is created in the drift chamber 5 . a further factor which determines the residual humidity in the drift chamber 5 is the drift gas velocity 13 . the higher the drift gas velocity 13 , the lower the average residual humidity in the drift chamber 5 . fig7 - 10 show the measurement results of an ims constructed according to fig3 with corresponding modification of the drift gas speed 13 with regard to the influence on the drift time of the chloride ion cluster ( cl − [ h 2 o ] n ) and the reactant ions . depending on the higher residual humidity in the drift chamber that ensues , a prolongation of the drift time can be detected both with the chloride ion cluster ( cl − [ h 2 o ] n ) and with the reactant ions . as can be anticipated , this tendency is more clearly evident with the chloride ion cluster ( cl − [ h 2 o ] n ), which leads to a merging of the chloride ion cluster ( cl − [ h 2 o ] n ) with the reactant ions . with even higher residual humidities , it would no longer be possible to differentiate between these two ion species . as used herein , the term “ substantially ,” “ about ,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree , and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art . also , any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub - ranges of the same numerical precision subsumed within the recited range . for example , a range of “ 1 . 0 to 10 . 0 ” is intended to include all subranges between ( and including ) the recited minimum value of 1 . 0 and the recited maximum value of 10 . 0 , that is , having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 . 0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10 . 0 , such as , for example , 2 . 4 to 7 . 6 . any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein . accordingly , applicant reserves the right to amend this specification , including the claims , to expressly recite any sub - range subsumed within the ranges expressly recited herein . the device and / or any other relevant devices or components according to embodiments of the present invention described herein may be implemented utilizing any suitable hardware , firmware ( e . g . an application - specific integrated circuit ), software , or a combination of software , firmware , and hardware . for example , the various components of the [ device ] may be formed on one integrated circuit ( ic ) chip or on separate ic chips . further , the various components of the device may be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film , a tape carrier package ( tcp ), a printed circuit board ( pcb ), or formed on one substrate . further , the various components of the [ device ] may be a process or thread , running on one or more processors , in one or more computing devices , executing computer program instructions and interacting with other system components for performing the various functionalities described herein . the computer program instructions are stored in a memory which may be implemented in a computing device using a standard memory device , such as , for example , a random access memory ( ram ). the computer program instructions may also be stored in other non - transitory computer readable media such as , for example , a cd - rom , flash drive , or the like . also , a person of skill in the art should recognize that the functionality of various computing devices may be combined or integrated into a single computing device , or the functionality of a particular computing device may be distributed across one or more other computing devices without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention . while the present invention has been described in connection with certain exemplary embodiments , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments , but , on the contrary , is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims , and equivalents thereof .	6
the example device for removing the tail end of a brussels sprout comprises a separation unit , a transport and orientation unit , a detection unit , and a cutting unit . each brussels sprout to be handled will pass through these four units before it will be laid down in clean condition in a receiving tray . it is accepted that brussels sprouts are supplied as all goods in containers or the like and that , in the separation unit , one brussels sprout at a time is separated from the stack of products and transferred to the transport and orientation unit . for that purpose a unit can be used as described in wo - a - 2006 - 094837 which is incorporated by reference into this specification . although the device described there is intended to be used with onions , the same type of device can be used with minor changes with respect to the dimensions so as to make it usable with brussels sprouts . the brussels sprout can first be brought into a storage bin as described in this earlier patent application and transported one by one upwardly . at the end of this upward movement , each individual brussels sprout will fall into a vertical chute which , having its upper end at the end of the upward movement path of the separation unit and its lower end just above one end of the transport and orientation unit . this lower end is provided with a valve so that a brussels sprout arriving there can be withheld for some time until a transport set of the transport unit is in the right position as will be described later . at that time the valve can be opened and the brussels sprout transferred to the transport and orientation unit . the transport and orientation unit can be of the type as described in dutch patent specification 1025386 . the transport device described in this specification is of the type to be used with onions , but with the same type of device and an adaptation of the dimensions it can also be used for transporting and orienting brussels sprouts . part of the transport and orientation unit 10 is shown in the fig1 . the transport and orientation unit comprises a number of endless chains 11 , each of which is running over a number of wheels , one of which can be driven thereby moving the chains 11 . the upper part of each chain is substantially horizontal and forms the so - called transport track ; this is the part in which the brussels sprouts are transported from the separation unit to the cutting unit thereby passing the detection unit . between each pair of adjacent chains there is provided a number of pairs of parallel axis 12 , each of these axis carry two rollers 13 each having the general form of a truncated cone and the ends with the smaller diameter being directed towards each other . four rollers on a pair of parallel axis form together a support for a brussels sprout to be transported as described above . as shown in the drawing between each pair of chains there is a number of pairs of axis and each axis carries more than one pair of rollers , but the invention can be performed with only one pair of rollers on each axis . each roller is free rotatable around the axis on which it is mounted . otherwise each roller is connected to a chain wheel which is free rotatable mounted on the same axis and which in the upper transport track part extends below the chains 11 . under the transport track part of the chains there is mounted a number of endless chains cooperating with these chain wheels , which chains ( not shown ) can be driven so that during the movement of the chains 11 , the rollers are rotatably driven . the movements of these additional chains can be selected in such a way that either the rollers in each set of two pairs are driven in one direction , whereas the other pair of rollers on the adjacent axis are driven either in the same circumferential or in opposite circumferential direction . moreover , the circumferential velocity can be freely selected . the additional chains responsible for the rotating movement of the rollers are only active in the part of the transport track before reaching the detection unit . once a set of rollers entering the detection zone the engagement between the additional chains and the chain wheels stops and the rollers are no longer rotating . in this way , the brussels sprout is in a stable position for being photographed or otherwise optically analyzed . as explained in the already mentioned dutch patent specification 1025386 , the movement of the rollers does agitate the brussels sprout in such a way that it has the tendency to direct its longitudinal axis in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the transport track , or the general direction of the chains 11 . in this way all the brussels sprout arriving in the detection unit will have the same orientation in so far that the orientation of the tail end is not fixed but can be twofold . the detection unit ( not shown ) is provided in the end part of the transport track above the same and includes a digital camera , where one camera can be provided for each set of four rollers provided on an axis as seen along the longitudinal direction of said axis . as soon as the set of four rollers in a stationary condition and carrying a brussels sprout arrives at a defined position the camera will make a picture of the brussels sprout and transfer it to a computer . in the computer the picture of the brussels sprout is analyzed in that its circumference is defined and based upon that the largest dimension of the brussels sprout is defined which will be defined as the longitudinal direction of the brussels sprout . at the same time the largest dimension of the brussels sprout in the direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction is defined and the tail end is defined based upon the general shape of the two ends of the brussels sprout at the end of the longitudinal axis . the tail end is generally the not rounded end part of the sprout , which has commonly a more or less straight shape . as the brussels sprout is generally not exactly oriented in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the transport track , the angle position of the brussels sprout with respect to that direction is also defined . with these data it becomes possible to control a gripping device that will take the brussels sprout from the set of four rollers and transport it through the cutting unit , before releasing it in a receiving tray . in the cutting unit there are provided a number of gripping devices , one for each of the parallel transport tracks present in the transport unit , which are adapted to take the brussels sprouts form the support rollers in the transport tracks . each gripping device as such comprises a gripper 16 , which is mounted on a substantially vertical axis 15 which is rotatably mounted on a bracket 14 . the brackets 14 are mounted on a frame bar 21 which can be moved back and for along a sliding surface 17 , which is under an angle with respect to the transport tracks so that by a movement of the frame bar 21 along the sliding surfaces 17 , the grippers 16 are moving back and forth with respect to the transport track . each of the grippers 16 comprises two claw - like members which are positioned opposite each other as commonly known in the art , and which can be moved towards each other in order to grip a brussels sprout , and which can be opened so as to release a brussels sprout . as the axis 15 is rotatably mounted in the bracket the angle orientation of the gripper can be adjusted to the actual angle position of the brussels sprout of the brussels sprout on the support rollers in the transport track . moreover , the bracket 14 is moveable with respect to the frame bar in a direction parallel to the length of the frame bar 21 . this allows the gripper to be adjusted accurately with respect to the brussels sprout so that the gripper acts on that part of the brussels sprout with the largest diameter by movement of the gripper to the right position as detected in the detection unit . the actuation of the different movements to be performed in the gripping unit will not be described in detail as this is obvious for the man skilled in the art . the different movements can be obtained by hydraulic , pneumatic and / or electro - magnetic devices or combinations thereof . between the two sliding surfaces 17 there is mounted a bar 18 on which there are mounted a number of knife blades 20 which are oriented with their cutting edge in the direction of the sliding surfaces 17 . the position of these knife blades is such that a brussels sprout gripped by the gripper 16 and oriented in the right way will be removed from its tail end during the movement of the frame bar upwardly along the sliding surfaces 17 . the operation of the device is described with respect to fig2 , as follows . at 55 , a brussels sprout is provided on the transport track . at 56 , after a brussels sprout had been transferred to a set of support rollers 13 in the transport track it will be agitated in such a way by the rolling movement of these rollers that it occupies a position in which its longitudinal axis is substantially oriented in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the transport track . there might be a possible deviation of some degrees , but the main direction is like that . at 57 , the configuration , position and orientation of the brussels sprout is detected and at 58 , the gripper is positioned in such a way that it will pick up ( 59 ) the sprout from its set of support rollers in the optimal way , in which is the gripper is oriented ( 60 ) in line with the possible orientation of the brussels sprout and taking into account its actual shape . the gripper picks up ( 59 ) the brussels sprout and is taking a orientation ( 60 ) such that the longitudinal axis of the sprout is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the transport track and its lateral position is corrected such that the tail end of the sprout will be trimmed off from the brussels sprout during the movement along the sliding surfaces . if needed and based upon detection by the detection unit the orientation of the brussels sprout is reversed over 180 ° by rotation of the gripper over 180 ° ( 61 , 62 ), in order to have the tail end of the brussels sprout at the side of the cutting blade 20 . by positioning and orienting the brussels sprout in this way by movement of the gripper the tail end can be removed ( 63 ) with a very high degree of accuracy , so that the brussels sprout is almost not damaged . the trimmed brussels sprout is released ( 64 ) into a receptacle . fig3 depicts an example process for detecting position and orientation of brussels sprouts ( 57 ), using an image taken of each brussels sprout . in an example , each image is taken using a single and contrasting background color , and for example , a black background . the example process comprises a plurality of parallel and different recognition parts , which are used composed into a determined position and orientation . color pre - processing ( 103 ) uses multiple images of sprouts to identify the 2d color plane information , which can be used as input to the following parts of the process in one approach , this process includes edge detection to separate the sprout from background ( 105 ) based on the 2d colour plane identified in 103 , resulting in an identification of pixels that form a boundary between the sprout and the background . an ellipse is fitted ( 107 ) to the detected pixels . a least mean squares fitting algorithm can be used . using the ellipse , the ends of the sprout are differentiated ( 109 ) from its midsection . for the ends , color differentiation within the sprout is used to identify ( 111 ) an end to be trimmed , distinguishing the opposite end . in an example , the trim end contains a higher proportion of white , such that the proportion of white to green is a distinguishing characteristic . an orientation of the sprout is estimated ( 113 ). in fig3 , the example process includes a parallel track in which the sprout is separated ( 115 ) from background using the 2d colour plane data from 103 , and a circle is fitted ( 117 ) with a radius that tracks a smooth contour found on the sprout ( on the end opposite the trim section ). this circle fitting would generally under estimate the extent of the sprout on the side to be trimmed . as such , pixels outside of the circle are identified ( 119 ), and regions of such pixels are grouped ( 121 ). among those regions , a color differentiation ( 123 ) can be used to identify an end of the sprout to be trimmed ( as in 111 , described above ). from this information , an orientation of the sprout can be estimated ( 125 ). another example approach includes separating ( 115 ) the sprout from background , determining ( 130 ) an angular orientation of the long center axis of the sprout ( rotational axis through ends ), calculating ( 132 ) a center of the sprout , and calculating ( 134 ) a distance from the center to the edge along the determined angular orientation . the information obtained from each estimation can be averaged or otherwise composited ( 127 ) to arrive at a decision concerning the position of the sprout and orientation of the end to be trimmed . these estimations can use different algorithms . this disclosure should not be interpreted to require use of multiple algorithms , and those of ordinary skill would understand that if a single algorithm were found to produce satisfactory results , then a single algorithm can be used . the determined orientation and position can be outputted ( 129 ). fig4 depicts a top view of an example device that can automatically trim brussels sprouts . fig4 depicts some of the elements introduced in fig1 . in particular , fig4 depicts grippers 16 , and rollers 13 . a motor 22 is depicted . in the example of fig4 , a set of spinning blades 29 serve to trim the brussels sprout ( while fig1 depicts a set of fixed blades 20 ). spinning blades may provide a better cut , reducing damage to the trimmed brussels sprout . a number of sets of rollers are also depicted , with one set identified as 32 . fig5 depicts a side view of the example device introduced in fig4 . fig5 depicts spinner blades 29 . fig5 also depicts the grippers 16 in two positions , as they are operable to move on the track 17 apparatus shown in fig1 ( which is not shown here in outline , to avoid obstructing grippers 16 . a camera 25 is shown relatively disposed to the apparatus portion of fig1 , and to the rollers depicted in fig4 . the drive chain 11 depicted in fig1 also is identified here . a brussels sprout 33 is identified , to aid in understanding a path through the machine . a receptacle 40 that collects trimmed sprouts through opening 41 is shown . such receptacle can be removable and replaced while the machine is in operation . fig6 depicts a larger view of the camera 25 , and shows sprout 33 , moved from a location in fig4 . a grip position , at which grippers 16 can grip the sprouts is shown , relative to the side view of the rollers . fig7 shows a detailed view of the area of the device of fig4 proximal grip position 31 . spinner blades 29 are shown , along with gripper 16 . a high position 30 is generally identified , and in conjunction with grip position 31 depicts an example movement pattern of grippers 16 . spinning blades 29 are an example of a cutting implement . a variety of other cutting implements can be provided . in one example , a water knife can be provided and disposed so that a cutting stream of water is provided in a location at which gripper 16 can move sprouts to be trimmed across the stream of water , thereby trimming or otherwise cutting the sprout as intended . a cuisinart style blade can be provided , and in such an implementation , gripper 16 would move a tip of the sprout into the blade in a direction traverse to a plane in which the blade spins ( as opposed to generally parallel to a plane of spinning blades 29 , in the above disclosure ). a fixed or moving wire can be used . these all are examples of cutting implements . in some examples , multiple cutting implements can be provided ; for example , a tail end can be trimmed by one cutter , and the sprout cut in half by another . the above disclosures related primarily to an example of trimming a tail end of a brussels sprout . however , implementations of the disclosure are not limited to trimming a tail end of a brussels sprout , or to only trimming a tail end of the brussels sprout . in one example , a brussels sprout can be cut in half ; for example , along a long dimension of the sprout . in the above examples , a brussels sprout is gripped traverse to the long dimension , so a midline along the long dimension of the sprout is exposed and the sprout does not need to be re - gripped or the sprout re - oriented with respect to gripper 16 . rather , the sprout can simply be repositioned while being held by gripper 16 . in one example , gripper 16 can grip a sprout as disclosed above and position the sprout relative to one blade of spinning blades 29 to trim the tail end , as described above . after such tail end trimming operation , the gripper can be controlled to move the sprout , in a relative orientation with respect to one blade of spinning blades 29 , to cut the sprout in half . as can be understood from these examples , a variety of trimming operations can be performed using the disclosed gripper 16 by positioning ( repositioning ) the sprout relative to a blade from blades 29 and moving gripper relative to the blade to complete each of the trimming operations . where grippers 16 operate to move a sprout along the length by moving generally in one directional motion , grippers 16 can reorient , and reverse motion in order to cut the sprout in half , and then release the sprout , for example . grippers 16 are programmatically controlled , and thus trimming operations can be selected and sequenced as required . for example , one batch of sprouts may be both trimmed and cut in half , while another batch may be trimmed only , and a further batch only cut in half . cutting in half and trimming the tail end are examples of trimming operations that can be performed according to the disclosure . grippers used in implementations can have different capabilities , such as movement speed , accuracy , and degrees of freedom . other components of the overall system can be selected or adjusted in view of a type of gripper to be used , and vice versa . these considerations are within the scope of decisions to be made by those of ordinary skill , in view of these disclosures . in the above disclosure , it was described that gripper 16 does not need to release a sprout between the example cutting operations of trimming and cutting in half . however , this is not to the exclusion of releasing and regripping the sprout , if desired . fig8 a depicts a magnified view of rollers 32 depicted in the top view of fig4 . fig8 b depicts a top view of another embodiment of such rollers , identified as rollers 35 . rollers 35 have a solid portion 36 in locations where rollers 32 have gaps . rollers 32 and 35 each have a narrow waist providing diabolo - shaped portions 37 . the above disclosure provided examples where rollers 32 pre - orient sprouts so that they are in a relatively similar position at a point when they are imaged and gripped by grippers 16 . it is expected that this approach may aid in efficiency . however , other examples include situations where a gripper can grip a sprout that may be in an arbitrary orientation . so , rollers 32 may be excluded or may be substituted by another delivery mechanism that does not tend to orient sprouts into a generally common orientation . whether or not to use rollers 32 may be determined according to an amount of ( extra ) time , if any , required to determine an orientation of a sprout to be gripped , as well as degrees of freedom or movement provided by a gripper to be used . also , throughput considerations relating to how quickly an arbitrary orientation can be gripped or the amount of slippage may be other considerations that would occur to those of ordinary skill in view of the disclosure . it also should be apparent from the above disclosures that implementations of the examples are scalable , in that more instances of rollers , cameras , grippers and cutters can be provided in a parallel format to increase throughput . these examples included examples where there was a 1 : 1 correspondence between rollers , cameras and grippers . however , some implementations may provide that one set of rollers feeds multiple camera and gripper paths , or that multiple sets of rollers feed one camera and gripper path , for example . the invention is not restricted to the described embodiments as shown in the annexed drawings , but that within the scope of the claims modifications , can be applied without departing from the inventive concept .	0
fig1 is a layout diagram of a system embodying the invention for controlling three tether lines . fig1 illustrates an embodiment for controlling the tether lines of one or more triangular kites and for power transfer . the system of fig1 includes : 1 — 3 corner sections 142 a , 142 b , 142 c which function as dual capstan and take - up reels for controlling the reeling out and reeling in of tether lines 141 a , 141 b , 141 c ( the corner sections and their functions may be similar , for example , to those shown in fig1 and 2 of u . s . pat . no . 4 , 234 , 167 ); 2 — there are 4 shafts , 151 a , 151 b 151 c and 152 ; 3 — shafts 151 a , 151 b , 151 c are coupled to their respective tether lines 141 a , 141 b , 141 c ; 4 — shaft 151 a is coupled via a right - angle gearbox 161 and clutch 163 to generator 165 ; 5 — shaft 151 a is also coupled via a right - angle gearbox 167 and clutch 169 to kite retrieval motor 171 ; 6 — shaft 151 a may be controlled ( slowed ) via brake 173 ; 7 — shaft 151 b extends from a 3 way gearbox 177 b to tether line control section 142 b and shaft 151 c extends from a 3 way gearbox 177 c to tether line control section 142 c , and shaft 151 a extends to control section 142 a ; 8 — a tether line adjustment motor 179 b is coupled via gearbox 177 b to shaft 151 b and section 142 b to selectively adjust tether line 141 b and a tether line adjustment motor 179 c is coupled via gearbox 177 c to shaft 151 c and section 142 c to selectively adjust tether line 141 c . the pitch angle and orientation of the kites can thus be controlled by using one or more of the following methods : a — the tether line control units ( i . e . dual capstan and take - up reel systems ) 142 a , b , and c can be used in parallel with the two three - way gearboxes 177 b , c to change the length of the two downwind tether lines ( 141 b , 141 c ) relative to the third tether line , and thereby change the pitch angle of the kites . the two three - way gearboxes 177 b , 177 c can also be operated in a differential mode to control the orientation of the kite with respect to the tether line axis ; b — rotating the platform ( via electromechanical or other means ) away from the wind vector direction ( clockwise or counterclockwise ); and / or c — using a rudder and / or elevons ( elevators and ailerons ) or any other suitable control surfaces generally located at the downwind edge of the top kite ( or any other suitable points ). elevons ( or a flap ) at the top kite can be used to give an upward force and thereby counteract the force of gravity when the kites are moving upwind . this will better assure good control over pitch angle of the kites and may be used to eliminate the need for the 3 small kites shown in fig4 of u . s . pat . no . 7 , 275 , 719 and in fig1 herein . in the system shown in fig1 it may be desirable to use a large speed reduction ratio gear at the output of the tether line adjustment motors ( 179 b , 179 c ). this may be achieved by using a worm gear inside each of the three - way gearboxes . this arrangement ensures that when the tether line adjustment motors are not energized their drive shafts will not rotate . it may be assumed that the drive shafts ( 151 a , 151 b , 151 c ) connecting the three dual - capstan reels ( in control units 142 a , b , and c ) are interconnected with a 1 : 1 ratio . this means that the three tether lines will be shortened or lengthened in synchronism when the tether line adjustment motors are not energized . thus it may be assumed that the top most right angle gearbox ( 175 ) in fig1 is a 1 : 1 miter gear set . on the other hand , it is preferable to have a large step - up speed ratio for the other two right - angle gearboxes , so a bevel gear and pinion gear may be used for these . in accordance with the invention , the orientation and altitude of the kites as well as the speed and direction of the wind may be monitored and the corresponding signals ( and others ) are fed to a computer ( not shown ) programmed to control ( and optimize ) the various motors , clutches and brake shown in fig1 . also , it should be understood that fig1 is a simplified example which would be most appropriate for a constant wind condition . to allow for a full range of wind speeds and variability , a system which includes a continuously variable transmission and controls , similar to what is found with hybrid automobiles , could be used . fig1 a shows a simplification for the case of kites that need only two tether lines ( as will be described below ) and also shows the use of a continuously variable transmission and a motor / generator unit ( instead of a separate motor and generator ). it should be noted that the three - way gearboxes in fig1 and 1a may be essentially the same as conventional automobile differentials . optimizing the operation to get maximum power includes determining the best range of travel for the kites during their power generation cycle . it should be noted that if the range of travel of the kites is too great , the kites will spend too much time near the earth , where the wind speed is relatively low . if the range of travel is too low , the kites will have too much time spent changing their pitch angle relative to the steady speed downwind travel time . the pattern of travel of the kites may be controlled , and we consider , for example , the following two possibilities : 1 . the kites travel in a generally straight line , both going out ( downwind ) and coming back ( upwind ), with the tether lines staying in a vertical plane which is generally parallel to the wind vector direction . this pattern is simple and relatively easy to control . 2 . the kite ( s ) may be controlled to travel in a crosswind direction ( e . g ., a figure - 8 configuration or pattern ) during the downwind portion of the power cycle , and then controlled to convert to straight line travel during the upwind travel time . the crosswind pattern generates higher power than the straight line pattern , however it requires stronger kite construction and more sophisticated control systems . for the crosswind pattern , a higher lift to drag ( l / d ) ratio and lower camber ( curvature of airfoil ) is preferred . to more securely attach the kites to the tether lines , knots may be tied ( formed ) in the tether lines at the points where the kites are attached . if two knots are formed close to each other ( e . g ., 1 to 3 inches ), a spring loaded clip may be used at each kite corner to allow very fast attachment and detachment . a properly sized clip located between two knots would not be able to slip up or down beyond the knots . these knots would be small enough to pass around any capstan , pulley and reel in the system . however , spring loaded clips generally require either human involvement or a sophisticated robotic mechanism . another kite attachment approach is shown in fig2 a and 2b ( top view and side view ). in accordance with this approach , remote controlled actuators which include ball valves ( or similar devices ) are built into each corner of the kites . the opening of the ball valves is controllable . when the valve is fully open the hole diameter is large enough to allow the knots in the tether line to pass through . when the valve is partially closed the knot ( or knots ) will not pass through the valve . a gear motor may be used to control the ball in the valve for attachment and detachment of the kite ( s ). the design and operation of the valve must be such that the tether line is not overly pinched , which could cause damage to the line . also , the valve may be selected to be a cylindrical type ( rather than a ball type ) design which could be simpler and less expensive to manufacture . a linear slide arrangement would also perform this function . in all cases , any sharp edges which could scrape the tether lines should be avoided , and precise control of the motion is needed for best results . if the rotatable element is a strong - walled tube , it will be possible to use a single knot rather than two at each kite corner . the remote controlled actuators ( or gear motors ) in each of the corners of the kites may be powered by batteries and / or solar power . since power to operate the gear motor would only be needed sporadically and with very short bursts , the average power drain from the battery is very small . a radio control receiver similar to those used for model airplanes can serve to link the gear motors on the kites to the ground - based control system . the kite bridle lines 363 in prior art fig1 and 12 ( which control the camber and add some rigidity ) are shown to be attached to the bottom two tether lines at locations midway between the kites . for this embodiment of the invention , it is preferred to have the bridle lines from any given kite attached near the ends of the horizontal spar of the kite immediately below . in this way the bridle lines can be left permanently attached during launch and retrieval . this is more consistent with the aim of having automatic launch and retrieval . it may be assumed that no bridle lines are attached below the bottom kite , since this would present a problem for unattended launch and retrieval . instead of bridle lines the bottom kite would be made with stronger ( sturdier ) spars and / or could use a smaller total area of fabric in its construction , both of which would limit the bending or deformation of the kite in high wind speed conditions . the top kite of a train of kites differs from the other kites in that it may be left permanently attached to the tether lines . the top kite may be provided with a long distance radio link which allows the performance of either one ( or both ) of these functions : 1 — remote control of elevons and / or rudder 2 — information from instrumentation ( e . g ., accelerometers , gyros , altimeter ) located on the top kite can be sent to a ground - based computer . for remote operation of the system , one or more video cameras may be used to send live images of each corner of the platform during launch and retrieval and also images of the kites as they go through their power cycle travel . the video cameras may be mounted on a vertical pole rising from the windward corner of the platform . the video cameras may be pan / tilt / zoom types . an observer from the control side of the remote link can then see the knots in the tether line ( s ) as they move through the thru - holes of the valves , as shown in fig2 . a control operator can then send an actuation command to selected gear motors to lock or unlock the kite tether line attachment assemblies at their respective tether lines . additional automation of the system may be achieved by use of sensors to detect the presence of a knot in the thru - hole . the sensing may be based on an ultrasonic , capacitive or optoelectronic sensing method . fig3 shows an optoelectronic system for knot detection using a number of light emitting diodes ( led &# 39 ; s ) and photo - detectors to set up beam break paths . for this specific example , four led &# 39 ; s and four photodetectors are used to form an array of eight beam break paths . four detectors and 8 leds could produce 16 beam break paths . a ( relatively small diameter ) tether line may block a few of the light paths . however , a knot , having a relatively larger diameter , will block many more of the light paths and will be detected . note that alternative schemes including magnetic or capacitive methods might eliminate the need for knots and could be used to provide a high friction arrangement to selectively clamp a kite to a tether line . a similar operation could be done with a linear actuator which clamps the tether line against the side wall of the aperture in fig2 a and 2b . this clamping action would be similar to the brake function in automobiles . under certain conditions ( e . g ., low wind or during a storm ) the kites are retrieved and sandwiched one on top of the other on top of the platform ( as suggested in fig9 ). a kite in its deflated condition may take up less than two inches of vertical space . thus , a train of 15 kites may take up less than 30 inches of vertical space on top of a platform . when the wind is in a speed range for efficient power production , the top kite is launched . launching may be assisted with a simple lifting mechanism operating on the windward corner of the kite . the lifting mechanism could be a linear actuator attached to the video camera mounting pole ( described above ) or any other suitable arrangement . after launch of the top kite , the tether lines are extended until the knots for the second kite come into their proper location for attachment . as each set of knots moves into place , the appropriate gear motor causes the corresponding corner of the kite to be locked to the corresponding tether line . this process continues until all the subsequent kites in the train are launched . after all the subsequent kites are launched , the kites may be moved to an operating altitude and power cycling begins . when wind or weather conditions become unsuited for power production , the kites may be brought back to the launching platform by reversing the process described above ( with control of the pitch angle of the kites to ensure easy pull back ). as is known ( e . g ., article by miles loyd in 1980 ), the kites need to have a high lift to drag ratio ( l / d ) in order to take full advantage of the cross wind pattern of motion . achieving a high l / d ratio normally requires a high aspect ratio ( ratio of wingspan to chord ). this corresponds to the long slender wings of modern sailplanes or gliders . high l / d also requires an airfoil cross sectional shape for the wings as is found with modern airplanes . these characteristics are shown in the flexifoil type of kite ( prior art u . s . pat . no . 4 , 129 , 272 ). this type of kite is known to be very fast ( over 100 mph ) using a cross wind pattern . the flexifoil kite requires only two control ( tether ) lines and allows for stacking of multiple kites in a train . however , this kite type , as originally designed , is not well suited for high speed travel upwind , as compared to a flat surface kite . in accordance with this invention , the flexifoil type kite may be modified in several ways for the generation of power , as shown in the drawings and discussed below . to strengthen the kite , the soft , wind - inflated fabric may be attached to a strong , stiff rectangular framework . ( aspects of which are shown , for example , in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 213 , 289 , and others ). this enables changing the pitch angle when high speed upwind travel is desired . in contrast to the flexifoil design , a stiff rectangular framework allows for the two tether lines to be attached at places other than the two upwind corners ( as the flexifoil requires ). this is shown in fig4 . as may be recognized from an examination of fig4 , the imaginary line connecting the two tether line attachment points passes through the central region of the kite close to the center of lift and center of mass of the kite . this allows for rotation about the imaginary connecting line to change pitch angle . this may be done in several different ways : 1 . as shown in fig1 of u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 213 , 289 and 3 , 338 , 536 , additional tether ( control ) lines may be added to the downwind ( trailing ) edge of the kite . with three lines , the ground platform and controls would be similar to that shown in fig1 above . 2 . alternatively , when only two tether lines are being used , additional control surfaces ( flaps , ailerons , etc .) may be added to the downwind ( trailing ) edge of the kite , as shown in fig4 a . this system ( using only two tether lines ) results in a simpler platform and launch and retrieval process since only two capstan - reel modules are required . also , the two three - way gearboxes may be eliminated , although either one or two of them may still be useful for faster control of the orientation of the kites . this is shown in fig1 a . fig4 shows a kite 10 with a solid framework embodying one aspect of the invention . for ease of description , the kite is shown to be rectangular , however , it should be understood that it can have any shape so long as it is generally symmetrical about a central axis . in fig4 , the kite 10 is shown to have horizontal spars h 1 and h 2 defining the leading edge and trailing edge of the kite and vertical spars v 1 and v 7 defining the two outer ends of the kite . the outer perimeter of the kite is defined by the interconnection of horizontal spars h 1 and h 2 with vertical spars v 1 and v 7 . the structure may be reinforced with the use of angle elements a 1 , a 2 , a 3 and a 4 . to add strength to the kite , any number of additional vertical spars ( e . g ., v 2 - v 6 ) may be connected generally parallel to v 1 and v 7 between ( and generally perpendicular to ) h 1 and h 2 . centrally located ( in general ) spars c 1 , c 2 , parallel to h 1 and h 2 , extend across the kite and beyond its outer ends defined by spars v 1 and v 7 . the left end and right end of spars c 1 and c 2 support tether line attachment assemblies 401 a and 401 b . the assemblies 401 a and 401 b may be similar to what is shown in fig2 , above except they are now rectangular rather than triangular in shape . in the embodiment shown in fig4 , the kite may be controlled by means of the tether lines attached to the ends 401 a and 401 b . additional control lines may be attached to the trailing edge of the kite . alternatively , as shown in fig4 a , a kite may be controlled by the use of one or more control surfaces ( 411 a , 411 b ) located on the kite . the control surface could be as simple as a single flap ( or elevator ) located at , or along , the center of the trailing edge of the kite . the control surfaces and their associated components may be similar to structures commonly used on large radio controlled model airplanes . to put the kite into a figure - 8 pattern , differential control of the tether line length may be used ( as with all two - line stunt kites ). for very long tether lines , it may be preferable to use additional control surfaces on the kite . for example , two small flippers with servo control may be mounted along the outer edges of the kite . if one of these flippers produces an upward force and the other produces a downward force , the kite will be driven into a clockwise or counterclockwise spiral . many different combinations of control surfaces may be used for more complete control of the kite &# 39 ; s roll , pitch , yaw and trajectory as suggested in fig4 b . note that the topmost kite in a train may include a rudder . the top kite will generally be where most control is needed , depending on how the kites are attached to each other . it is generally not desirable to have a rudder on the intermediate kites of a train of kites in order to sandwich them compactly . as shown in fig5 and 6 , a bridle arrangement may be used to reduce the requirements for stiffness , weight and cost of the spars in fig4 . to allow for easy launch and retrieval , the bridle lines would preferably not be attached to the tether lines . rather , the bridle lines would be attached to the spar closest to the axis of rotation of the kite immediately below , as shown in fig5 . fig5 shows the top kite and the one below it with a wind inflated airfoil . the kites above the bottom kite would have an airfoil thickness characteristic of an optimum l / d wing . the bottom kite , however , is shown without this thickness because there are no bridle lines which could support a high lift force on this surface . note that , alternatively , the spars in the bottom kite could be made sufficiently strong so that a high lift force could be supported without bridle lines . fig5 shows each kite to be interconnected by four bridle lines . however , this is by way of example only and other numbers of bridle lines might be used . fig6 is a side view of this embodiment of the invention . as shown in fig6 , one or more control lines may be used to interconnect the trailing edges of all the kites in order to assure that all the kites in a train of kites will change their pitch by the same amount and at the same time . fig6 also shows the use of control surfaces ( flaps ) to maintain tension in the trailing edge lines and to provide for pitch angle control . the designs discussed above consider kites with 4 , 3 and 2 tether lines . fig2 and 26 in u . s . pat . no . 7 , 275 , 719 show a single tether line . however , these figures do not show a means for remote or automatic launch and retrieval . in accordance with the invention , the system shown in fig4 , 5 and 6 can be converted to a single tether line system by replacing the two edge attachment assemblies with a single assembly near the center of the kite as shown in fig7 and 8 fig7 is a top view of a kite 71 suitable for use with a single tether line . the kite is shown to be rectangular and to have cross supports similar to the kite of fig4 . the kite of fig7 differs from the kite of fig4 in that it has a single , centrally - placed attachment assembly 750 for attaching and securing the tether line to the kite . fig8 shows kites k 1 , k 2 and k 3 , with a portion of the tether line ( tl ) being connected between kites k 1 and k 2 and a portion of the tether line being connected between kites k 2 and k 3 . bridle lines are connected between selected points on each kite and the attachment assembly ( 750 ) of the kite immediately below . also shown are trailing edge interconnecting lines l 1 and l 2 connected between selected end points of a kite to selected end points of a kite above or below it . we assume here that the single tether line kites will use control surfaces , one version of which is shown in fig4 b . a problem with a single tether line system is maintaining control of the azimuth angle of the kites as the kites are brought ( or come ) down onto the platform since twisting can occur . for example , gusts of wind may cause each kite to have a variable angle around a vertical axis while sandwiched on top of the platform . a solution for this would be to use two or more vertical rods mounted on the platform and to have them located at the windward edge ( leading edge ) of the kites when the kites are at their optimum location on the platform . for a single tether line system , additional control surfaces ( e . g ., elevons or rudders ) will be needed regardless of the length of the tether line , and with fast , precise control these will also minimize the azimuth angle twisting . note that the arrangement shown in side view in fig6 will apply to either dual or single tether line systems . the showing in any of these figures may be extended to four or more kites by replicating what is shown for the middle kite in each case . with sufficiently short tether lines , the dual tether line system ( shown in fig4 ) may not need control surfaces on the kites , except for flaps to provide pitch angle control . if a dual tether line system uses additional control surfaces , there will be a complex interaction between the effects of the control surfaces and the effects of differential tether line lengths . a suitable approach would be to use two tether lines and to place them closer to the center of the kites ( see fig4 b ). in this case if the tether lines are very long , the flight characteristics of the kites will be similar to the single tether line system and may thus avoid the complex interaction mentioned above . also , with two tether lines , the azimuth angle positioning on the platform will be properly constrained . another advantage of the proposed two tether line system is a better distribution of forces along the long axis of the kites . this may help reduce the number of bridle lines needed and allow for lighter weight spars for a given level of performance . to have full control of pitch , roll , and yaw of the kites using control surfaces it may be desirable to use two or more dual servo / airfoil assemblies of the type shown in fig3 , 38 and 39 of u . s . pat . no . 7 , 275 , 719 . these assemblies can give a variable upward force , downward force , and / or drag force with any desired percentage of each . at a minimum , these assemblies may be used at the downwind ( rear ) corners of the top kite of a train of kites . a more complete control arrangement may make use of these dual servo / airfoil assemblies on the bottom kite or one or more of the intermediate kites , in addition to their use on the top kite . these assemblies are shown at the two trailing edge corners in fig4 b . note that the launch and retrieval operations are easier if the top kite weight is minimized . to the extent that dual servo / airfoil assemblies are used , the weight of this kite is increased . in addition , radio control and sensing equipment mounted on the kite will add additional weight . the additional equipment may include a radio receiver , batteries , a battery charger mechanism , and a position / orientation sensing system . if it is desired to collect and transmit data to a ground based computer , a radio transmitter will also be needed . the problem of excess weight on the top kite may be resolved by using conductive bridle lines between the top kite and one or more of the kites below . in this way , all of the extra functional elements , other than the servos and control surfaces , can be placed on a lower kite so that this weight will be supported by two or more kites rather than a single kite . the kite ( s ) of the invention are intended to be operable when wind and weather conditions permit . operation at night is possible , but there may be various requirements such as lighting of the kites which would require imposing added weight on the kites . power for these requirements may be obtained by using one or more alternators whose shaft is turned by wind power . linear to rotary conversion for an alternator may be done with a trailing pinwheel , a multi blade propeller , a ducted fan assembly , or a rotating cup mechanism as is used with anemometers . in accordance with the invention , multiple kites with automatic launch and retrieval capability may be useful for towing boats or ships . the flexifoil type of kite or a modified version using a solid framework may be used for this function . a train of kites could be used with a control system based on fig1 ; however a generator is not needed for towing . when the kites are not in use they could be retrieved and stacked ( sandwiched ) together on top of a rotatable platform as described above . as before , a linear actuator may be used to lift the leading edge of the top kite during the initial phase of launching . for optimum towing of a ship , a computer may be used to establish the best azimuth direction for the flight of the kites and the best crosswind pattern . since no power cycling is needed for ship towing , there is no need for high speed upwind travel . when the kites are being pulled back , the apparent wind speed will generally be less than the real wind speed . it has been noted that kites can also be used to propel ships directly against the wind . in this case , it may be desirable and / or necessary to generate electricity as an intermediate form of energy . when electricity is to be generated , there is a need for the kites to have a high speed travel upwind . this requirement suggests a need for pitch control and a kite with a solid framework , as discussed above . where a long ship is involved , it may be possible to use two or more platforms and kite trains to tow the ship or generate electricity for propulsion .	5
commercially available reagents referred to in the examples were used according to manufacturer &# 39 ; s instructions unless otherwise indicated . for all single nucleotide polymorphisms discovery was performed by double - stranded dna sequencing using an abi capillary sequencer and big dye chemistry ( abi ). first the genomic organization of the nkna gene was derived from a pac clone found in the embl database with the accession no . em_hum1 : ac004140 . 1 by a blast search with the nkna mrna ( accession no . u37529 . 1 in the embl database ). exon - intron boundaries were derived as indicated in fig1 and primers were designed to amplify all coding and regulatory regions of the gene . the primers used to amplify all exons are shown below and were also used as sequencing primers . all polymorphisms were targeted with these pair - of - primer sets : to detect polymorphisms the nkna gene was pcr - amplified from 47 unrelated individuals of 5 different ethnic origins . using fragment - specific primer pairs ( length 18 - 27 bp ), 200 - 700 bp fragments were amplified e . g . a 519 bp - pcr product was generated with the primer pair 5 and 6 . fragments were designed covering coding and regulatory regions of the nkna gene . after a column purification of the pcr products , the dna was sequenced on an abi capillary sequencer using abi dye terminator chemistry ( fluorescence based sequencing ). polymorphisms in the dna sequences were detected using polyphred software ( nickerson , d . et al . 1997 : nar 25 ( 14 ): 2745 - 2751 ), which operates on the basis of phred , phrap and consed ( programs all licensed from the university of washington , usa ). this program is able to automatically detect the presence of heterozygous single nucleotide substitutions by fluorescence - based sequencing . in the example above the following 2 polymorphisms were detected in the 519 bp fragment : in total , seven single polynucleotide polymorphisms were detected in the nkna gene as shown in fig3 . the study protocol and the informed consent form were submitted for approval to the local ethical committee . all subjects provided written informed consent for their blood sample to be used for genotyping . the consent could be withdrawn up to a month later , if the subjects changed their mind . all the samples were assigned new independent codes and within six months after clinical database closure the link between the new and original codes was deleted . this was an added measure to ensure patient confidentiality ; however , as a consequence it is not possible to retrieve genotype information based on the patient &# 39 ; s name or number used in the original clinical trial . in approximately 15 years time , all blood and dna samples will be destroyed . single blood samples ( 9 ml ) were collected in edta tubes . these were frozen and stored between − 20 and − 70 c , before being sent to the roche central sample office ( cso ) in basel , switzerland , where they were aliquoted into three tubes and assigned new , independent codes on bar code labels to assure patient anonymity . two samples of blood ( 1 ml and 4 mls ) were sent to the roche sample repository ( rsr ) at roche molecular systems ( rms ) in alameda , calif ., and stored at − 80 ° c . the remaining 4 ml aliquot was stored at − 80 ° c . in the cso in basel , switzerland . all procedures performed on the samples at the rsr were done according to established standard operating procedures in compliance with gcp guidelines . dna was extracted from 400 μl of the whole blood using a silica membrane - based extraction method ( qiaamp 96 dna blood kit , valencia , calif .). controls included 10 mm tris ph 8 . 0 , 0 . 1 mm edta ( te ) buffer and whole blood from a blood unit with a known yield of dna . three genetic markers were selected based on the results from polymorphism discovery in the nkna gene . samples were genotyped for these single nucleotide polymorphisms by a kinetic pcr method described by germer et al ., genome res . ( 2000 ), 10 , 258 - 266 with the modification of using single sample for each reaction instead of pooling samples . this method allows discrimination of single nucleotide polymorphisms without the use of fluorescent probes . in the kinetic thermal cycler ( ktc ) format , the generation of double - stranded amplification product is monitored using a dna intercalating dye and a thermal cycler which has a fluorescence - detecting ccd camera attached ( pe - biosystems geneamp 5700 sequence detection system ). fluorescence in each well of the pcr amplification plate is measured at each cycle of annealing and denaturation . the cycle at which the relative fluorescence reached a threshold of 0 . 5 using the sds software from pe - biosystems was defined as the c t . the amplification reactions were designed to be allele - specific , so that the amplification reaction was positive if the allele was present and the amplification reaction was negative if the allele was absent . for each bi - allelic polymorphism , one well of the amplification plate was set up to be specific for allele 1 and a second well was set up to be specific for allele 2 . for each polymorphism to be detected , three primers were designed — two allele - specific primers and one common primer ( table 2 ). reactions for allele 1 contained allele 1 - specific primer and the common primer and reactions for allele 2 contained allele 2 - specific primer and the common primer . the c t values for each pair of wells is used to calculate the delta c t which is used to determine the allele call . the amplification conditions were as follows : 10 mm tris ph 8 . 0 , 40 mm kcl , 2 mm mgcl 2 , 50 μm each of datp , dctp , and dgtp , 25 μm of dttp and 75 μm of dutp , 4 % dmso , 0 . 2 × sybr green i ( molecular probes , eugene , oreg . ), 2 % glycerol , 2 units of uracil n - glycosylase ( ung ), 15 units of stoffel gold dna polymerase ( for reference see nature ( 1996 ), 381 , 445 - 6 ) and primers in an 85 μl volume for each well . the concentration of the primers used for each assay are listed in table 2 . 30 ng of dna in a 15 μl volume was then added to each well . to reduce the possibility of contamination by pre - existing amplification product , the assay procedure included the incorporation of dutp into the amplification product and an incubation step for ung degradation of pre - existing du - containing products ( longo et al , gene ( 1990 ), 93 , 125 - 128 ). amplification reactions were prepared using an aliquoting robot ( packard multiprobe ii , meriden , conn .) in 96 - well amplification plates identified by barcode labels generated by the experiment management database . parameters for procedures performed by the robot were set to minimize the possibility of cross - contamination . for each plate of 81 samples , 5 samples were run in duplicate and the duplicate results were analyzed to determine that they matched . the thermal cycling conditions were as follows : 2 minutes at 50 ° c . for ung degradation of any previously contaminating pcr products , 12 minutes at 95 ° c . for stoffel gold polymerase activation , 55 cycles of denaturation at 95 ° c . for 20 seconds and annealing at 58 ° c . for 20 seconds , followed by a dissociation step of 0 . 57 minute at 1 degree increments from 60 ° c . to 95 ° c . the amplification reactions were run in pe biosystems geneamp 5700 sequence detection systems ( sds ) instruments ( foster city , calif .). the first derivatives of the dissociation curves were produced by the sds software and examined as needed to confirm that the fluorescence in a given reaction was due to amplification of a specific product with a well - defined dissociation peak rather than non - specific primer - dimer . product differentiation was done by analysis of dna melting curves during pcr following the method of k . m . ririe et al ., anal . biochem . ( 1997 ), 245 , 154 - 160 . the c t of each amplification reaction was determined and the difference between the c t for allele 1 and allele 2 ( delta c t ) was used as the assay result . samples with delta c t s between − 3 . 0 and 3 . 0 were considered heterozygous ( a1 / a2 ). samples with delta c t s below − 3 . 0 were considered homozygous for a1 ( a1 / a1 ); samples with delta c t s above 3 . 0 were considered homozygous for a2 ( a2 / a2 ). in most cases , the delta c t differences between the three groups of genotypes were well - defined and samples with c t values close to 3 . 0 were re - tested as discrepants . each assay was run on a panel of 20 cell line dnas to identify cell lines with the appropriate genotypes for use as controls on each assay plate ( a1 / a1 , a1 / a2 , and a2 / a2 ). the cell line dna was obtained from the culture collection in r & amp ; d service , roche molecular systems ( rms ) alameda , ca and was extracted using the qiagen extraction kits ( qiaamp dna blood kits , valencia , calif .). the genotypes of the cell line dnas were confirmed by dna sequencing . three cell line dnas ( a1 / a1 , a1 / a2 , and a2 / a2 ) were run as controls on each plate of clinical trial samples and used to determine the between - plate variability . the c t values obtained for the control cell lines were analyzed to determine the cutoff for the delta c t values obtained for the clinical trial samples . a data file containing the c t values for each well was generated by the sds software for each plate and entered into the experiment management database . for all the snp assays ran for the clinical trial , a data file with c t values for all the samples identified by the independent code was extracted from the database and interpreted to the final genotypes by a in - house developed program . the genotype results were sent to the statistician and matched to the clinical data also identified by the independent code for statistical analysis . the described emesis test was performed in two studies . a single ascending dose study ( sad ) and a multiple ascending dose study ( mad ). in the sad the emesis test was performed 6 and / or 24 hrs after intake of 2 -( 3 , 5 - bis - trifluoromethyl - phenyl )- n - methyl - n -( 6 - morpholin - 4 - yl - 4 - o - tolyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- isobutyramide . in the mad the emesis test was performed after 14 once daily doses , 6 or 24 hrs after the last dose . sad in the sad on study day 1 doses of 5 , 10 , 20 , 40 , 80 , 160 , 230 and 400 mg 2 -( 3 , 5 - bis - trifluoromethyl - phenyl )- n - methyl - n -( 6 - morpholin - 4 - yl - 4 - o - tolyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- isobutyramide were administered to the subjects orally as a drinking emulsion . at either 6 or 24 hours after the administration of the drug the subjects received a subcutaneous injection of 50 μg / kg of apomorphine in the lower part of the abdomen . the time of apomorphine administration was recorded . the subjects were brought into an upright sitting position immediately after the injection . they remained in this position until vomiting occurred or for at least 1 hour after the apomorphine injection . vomiting is defined as regurgitation of approximately 25 ml or more of gastric contents . a retch is defined as a regurgitation producing less or no gastric content . nausea and / or vomiting was expected to occur on average within 10 minutes after the injection . the duration of nausea and / or vomiting after a subcutaneous dose of 50 μg / kg apomorphine was approximately 5 to 30 minutes . the number of vomits and retches were recorded . the test groups were ranked in following order of “ plasma concentration at the time of emesis test ”. the plateau that was reached with the blockade had an average of 3 retches and vomits . if one assumes this as the point were efficacy is reached the test predicts that efficacious levels are reached at a concentration of 20 ng / ml plasma concentration . the spearman correlation test for the correlation between plasma concentration and the number of retches and vomits suggests a highly statistically significant relationship ( p & lt ; 0 . 01 ). subjects were dosed for 14 days with 2 -( 3 , 5 - bis - trifluoromethyl - phenyl )- n - methyl - n -( 6 - morpholin - 4 - yl - 4 - o - tolyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- isobutyramide . on day 14 the test was carried out as described in the sad . all participants of the sad and mad were tested for the single nucleotide polymorphism at position 41172 of the nkna gene as defined by position in fig2 . as the minimal concentration to achieve efficacy was found to be 20 ng / ml plasma concentration it was tested whether the single nucleotide polymorphism was found preferably in those individuals that had plasma concentration & gt ; 20 ng / ml and who responded to the treatment , which is having ≦ 3 retches and vomits . the results are shown in fig4 . subjects containing the single nucleotide polymorphism g at position 41172 of the nkna gene as defined by position in fig2 in their genome were responding with a higher efficacy to the treatment as subjects not containing the single nucleotide polymorphism or those who are heterozygous only .	2
the chromosomal dna used for pcr amplification of the gene sequences of interest were b . subtilis subsp . subtilis str . 168 , s . aureus nctc 8325 , s . aureus n315 and s . aureus col . an erythromycin resistant soda :: lacz transcriptional fusion derivative of s . aureus sh1000 ( s . aureus sjf741 ), was the strain used in the assays ( horsburgh et al . 2002 ). the gene and protein sequences of the genes mentioned can be found at : s . aureus 8325 ( this is a non - annotated sequence ; equivalent annotated sequences of s . aureus containing the genes of interest can be found below ): iandolo et al ., 2002 ; novick , 1967 ; s . aureus strain subsp . aureus col : the center for genomic research ; ncbi taxonomy database , taxonomy id 93062 note : different strains of s . aureus have different locus names for the same genes due to phage insertions within the sequence . in this document , the locus names used for the s . aureus genes correspond to those in the s . aureus n315 sequence . the genes encoding selected proteins from bacillus subtilis 168 ( obg , ydib , yphc ( fig1 ; seq id no : 1 ), ysxc ( fig2 ; seq id no : 2 ), ywlc ( fig3 ; seq id no : 3 ), and s . aureus n315 ( sa1387 , gcp / sa1854 ( fig6 ; seq id no : 6 and 7 )) were amplified by pcr . the resulting products were cloned in plasmid petblue - 1 , and the genes overexpressed in escherichia coli tuner ™ ( de3 ) placi competent cells ( novagen ) according to the manufacturer &# 39 ; s instructions . the overexpressed proteins were purified in a 3 - step scheme based on anion exchange , hydrophobic and gel filtration chromatography . the level of protein overexpression was confirmed by sds - page , and the purity had an average of 90 %. in addition , selected peptides within the s . aureus n315 protein sa1187 ( ynes - 731 ( fig4 ; seq id no : 4 ) and ynes - 733 ( fig5 ; seq id no : 5 )) were synthesized on a milligen 9050 peptide synthesizer using f - moc chemistry . the f - moc amino acids ( novobiochem / merck ) were activated immediately before coupling using equimolar amounts of hctu or hbtu in the presence of a 10 % molar excess of hobt . in both cases , a cysteine was incorporated at the c - terminus of the peptide to enable linkage to carrier protein by assembling the peptide on fmoc - l - cys ( trt )- peg - ps resin ( applied biosystems ). peptides were purified using a c18 vydac column ( 22 × 250 mm ) using gradients of acetonitrile in 0 . 1 % tfa . peptides were verified by mass spectrometry . the purified peptides were conjugated to klh ( sigma ) ( carrier protein ) to enhance immunogenicity of the hapten in the rabbit . conjugation was performed in 10 × pbs using mbs ( sigma ). sera were obtained from the antibody resource center at the university of sheffield from : i ) rabbits immunized against proteins from b . subtilis ( obg , ydib , yphc , ywlc and ysxc and s . aureus ( gcp , sa1387 ); ii ) rabbits immunized against klh - conjugated peptides selected within the s . aureus protein sa1187 ( ynes - 731 , ynes - 733 ); iii ) rabbits immunized against a klh - conjugated peptide from the cyclophilin protein from arabidopsis thaliana ; iv ) naive ( non - immune ) rabbit serum ; and v ) human serum from a patient convalescent from a s . aureus infection . the immunization process was performed as follows . for each rabbit 200 to 500 μg of antigen ( in a maximum volume of 250 ul of phosphate buffer saline , pbs ) were mixed with an equal volume of complete freund &# 39 ; s adjuvant . the solution was filtered through a 23 g needle until an emulsion formed which did not separate on standing . each rabbit was inoculated with a maximum of 500 μl subcutaneously . on day 22 , 43 and 64 the injection was repeated but using incomplete freund &# 39 ; s adjuvant . sample bleeds were collected on day 53 and after day 64 . injection dates were flexible within a range of 3 to 6 weeks . when a suitable titer was detected in the test serum , a final boost followed by bleed out 10 days later was performed . sera were stored frozen being thawed and filtered through 0 . 2 μm pore diameter filters ( minisart high flow , sartorius ) immediately before use in killing experiments . using western blot analysis ( data not shown ) it was shown that antibodies against the b . subtilis ydib recognize a band of the size corresponding to the ydib homolog in s . aureus , suggesting the species cross - reactivity of these antibodies . to prepare the inoculum for the serum experiments , s . aureus sjf741 was grown at 37 ° c . in brain heart infusion medium ( bhi ; oxoid ) supplemented with erythromycin ( sigma ) to a final concentration of 5 μg / ml ( bhi - ery ). a single colony of s . aureus sjf741 freshly grown on bhi - ery plates from the laboratory frozen stock was inoculated in 30 ml universals containing 5 ml of bhi - ery and incubated overnight ( between 12 to 16 hours ) at 37 ° c . in an orbital shaker ( 250 rpm ). a 10 - fold dilution in phosphate saline buffer ( pbs ) of the resulting culture was prepared immediately before inoculation into serum . aliquots of 200 μl from the various sera in 1 . 5 ml microfuge tubes were inoculated with the pbs dilution of s . aureus sjf741 ( see preparation of the inoculum ) to a final cell density of 1 × 10 6 to 1 × 10 7 cells / ml , followed by incubation in a rotary shaker at 37 ° c . 10 ul samples were taken periodically from these serum cultures , serially diluted , and 10 ul from each dilution plated on bhi - ery plates , which were subsequently incubated at 37 ° c . overnight . in addition , another 10 ul sample from each serum culture was directly plated on bhi - ery plates . only the dilutions rendering between 1 to 40 colonies were enumerated and the number of viable cells ( colony forming units , cfu ) per ml determined . to evaluate the staphylococcal killing abilities of the various sera , s . aureus was challenged with the various rabbit anti - sera and survival over time was evaluated . the results showed that s . aureus was dramatically killed within 2 to 3 hours of contact with sera ( fig1 ) containing antibodies against gcp and ynes , as well as to other surface proteins . in contrast , antibodies against cytoplasmic proteins from b . subtilis ( obg and ydib ), to a membrane protein from arabidopsis thaliana ( cyclophilin ), and to various normal rabbit sera did not show the bactericidal phenotype ( fig1 ). strikingly , sera from rabbits immunized against other presumed cytoplasmic proteins from b . subtilis ( ysxc and yphc and ywlc ) also revealed a killing phenotype similar to the one observed for gcp and ynes ( 731 and 733 ) antibodies . this was unexpected since ysxc , yphc and ywlc are presumed cytoplasmic proteins and , therefore , are not surface exposed and so the antisera would not be expected to recognize them . this work suggests the location of ysxc in the membrane fraction of s . aureus . this work has further demonstrated that the killing effect is mediated through a heat - labile component ( inactivated by heat treatment , see material and methods ) present in serum , likely to correspond to some of the components of the complement ( fig1 ). lao and shimizu in valafar , f . ( ed . ), proceedings of the 2001 international conference on mathematics and engineering techniques in medicine and biological sciences ( metmbs &# 39 ; 01 ), csrea press , usa , pp . 119 - 125 ( 2001 ).	0
an embodiment of the invention is based on a temperature sensor having the features listed in the claims . prior art temperature sensors are known from u . s . pat . no . 6 , 617 , 956 b1 and u . s . pat . no . 7 , 233 , 262 b2 . u . s . pat . no . 6 , 617 , 956 b1 and u . s . pat . no . 7 , 233 , 262 b2 disclose temperature sensors comprising a platinum resistor that is arranged on a substrate and covered by a protective ceramic layer of al 2 o 3 . the thin protective layer is covered by a thicker covering layer that is a mixture of al 2 o 3 , mgo and si 2 o . the known temperature sensors can only be used at temperatures up to 1000 ° c . and show significant resistance drift after extended use at such elevated temperatures . an object of the present invention is to show how the temperature resistance of such sensors can be improved and resistance drift lowered . this problem , and other problems , may be solved by a temperature sensor according to the claims . further advantageous refinements of the invention may be the matter of the dependent claims . an increase in temperature resistance is achieved with a temperature sensor comprising a substrate , a platinum resistor arranged on the substrate , a protective layer covering the platinum resistor , and a cover layer covering the protective layer in that the cover layer contains al 2 o 3 , si 2 o , and y 2 o 3 . by adding y 2 o 3 to al 2 o 3 and si 2 o a cover layer can be provided that results in significantly reduced layer diffusion . the cover layer is thus less prone to pore formation and can provide a reliable seal up to higher temperatures . moreover , reduced layer diffusion means that contact between material of the cover layer and the platinum resistor can be prevented up to higher temperatures and thus resistance shift reduced . a rather small amount of y 2 o 3 is sufficient to improve the heat resistance of a layer that consists predominantly of al 2 o 3 and si 2 o . for example , the cover layer may contain 5 % by weight of y 2 o 3 or more . in an embodiment of the invention , the cover layer may contain 10 % by weight of y 2 o 3 or more . increasing the concentration of y 2 o 3 beyond 30 % by weight does not improve the cover layer significantly and may not be economical . an embodiment of the invention may be that the cover layer contains less than 20 % by weight of y 2 o 3 . another embodiment of the invention may be that si 2 o and al 2 o 3 together add up to at least 50 % by weight of the cover layer , for example 60 % by weight or more . another embodiment of the invention may be that the cover layer contains more si 2 o by weight than al 2 o 3 . for example , the cover layer can contain twice as much si 2 o by weight than al 2 o 3 or more . another embodiment of the invention is that the cover layer contains less y 2 o 3 by weight than al 2 o 3 . another embodiment of the invention is that the cover layer contains more si 2 o by weight than y 2 o 3 . the cover layer may contain at least 30 % by weight of si 2 o , for example 40 % by weight or more . a si 2 o content of more than 70 % is usually not advantageous . the cover layer may contain at least 15 % by weight of al 2 o 3 , for example 20 % weight or more . an al 2 o 3 content of more than 30 % is usually not advantageous . the cover layer may also contain b 2 o 3 , e . g . up to 25 % by weight . for example , in an embodiment of invention the cover layer may contain 1 % by weight to 20 % by weight of b 2 o 3 . the cover layer may also contain additional additives , especially other oxides besides si 2 o , al 2 o 3 , y 2 o 3 and b 2 o 3 . in a possible embodiment of the invention , the content of any additional additives may be less than 20 % by weight in total , for example not more than 10 % by weight . fig1 shows a schematical cross - section of an embodiment of a temperature sensor . an embodiment of a temperature sensor shown in fig1 comprises a substrate 1 , for example an alumina substrate . a platinum resistor 2 , which may be connected to a wire 3 , is arranged on the substrate 1 . the platinum resistor 2 is a resistive layer and may be made of any platinum metal or platinum metal based alloy . the platinum resistor 2 is covered by a protective layer 4 , for example a ceramic layer . the protective layer 4 can be made of alumina or other ceramic material . a cover layer 5 is arranged on top of the protective layer 4 . the cover layer 5 can be covered by an additional layer 6 , e . g . a glaze layer . a connection area of the wire 3 and the platinum resistor 2 may be covered by a glass ceramic 7 in order to secure and protect the connection between lead wire 3 and platinum resistor 2 . the cover layer 5 may be a glass ceramic or glaze layer . the cover layer 5 contains si 2 o , al 2 o 3 , and y 2 o 3 . for example , the cover layer 5 may contain 40 to 60 % by weight of si 2 o , 20 to 25 % by weight of al 2 o 3 , and 10 to 19 % by weight of y 2 o 3 . the cover layer 5 may also contain up to 20 % by weight of b 2 o 3 , e . g . 5 % to 20 % by weight of b 2 o 3 , and up to 20 % by weight of other components , especially other oxides . such a temperature sensor can be used for measuring temperatures up to 1200 ° c . the protective layer 4 can be applied by a vapour deposition method or as a green foil that is later fired . the cover layer 5 can be produced by a screen - printing method , for example . in the embodiment of fig1 , which is not to scale , the cover layer 5 is thicker than the protective layer 4 . if an additional layer 6 is placed on top of the cover layer 5 , this additional layer 6 may be even thicker than the cover layer 5 . any additional layer 6 may be applied as a paste , e . g . by printing and later fired . the thickness of the various layers may not be critical for the functioning of the temperature sensor and may be chosen for manufacturing considerations . although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration , various modifications may be made to each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention . accordingly , the invention is not to be limited , except as by the appended claims .	7
fig1 shows the block diagram of a possible variant of the control system 10 for controlling an adjustment device ( not illustrated in fig1 ) in a motor vehicle , which adjustment device is operated by electric motor by means of a drive unit 18 . the control system 10 comprises an anti - trapping system 12 . this anti - trapping system 12 is connected to the drive unit 18 . the drive unit 18 drives the adjustment movement of an adjustment element 11 ( not illustrated in fig1 ) of the adjustment device 1 along an adjustment path x and usually comprises an electrically operated motor which interacts with the adjustment element 11 via a transmission unit . fig2 a to 2 c show , as application examples , various adjustment devices 1 with the reflective adjustment 11 in the form of a window lifting system with a window pane 11 ( fig2 a ), as the motor vehicle seat adjustment means with a motor vehicle seat 11 ( fig2 b ) and as a motor - operated vehicle tailgate 11 ( fig2 c ). these application examples each have a control system 10 which interacts with the assigned drive unit 18 . the drive unit 18 drives a movement of the respective adjustment element 11 along the adjustment path x . for each of the adjustment devices 1 which is shown in fig2 a to 2 c , there is a vehicle element 13 which is arranged adjacent to the adjustment element 11 . this vehicle element 13 is arranged in each case that the distance between the adjustment element 11 and the adjacent vehicle element 13 becomes smaller if the adjustment element 11 moves along the adjustment path x in the direction of the vehicle element 13 . since the distance between the adjustment element 11 and the vehicle element 13 becomes smaller , it is possible for an obstacle to be trapped between the adjustment element 11 and vehicle element 13 as a result of the adjustment movement . in order to be able to detect such a case of trapping , the control system 10 has an anti - trapping system . such an anti - trapping system 12 is represented by way of example in the schematic illustration in fig1 . the anti - trapping system 12 which is shown in fig1 comprises an analysis unit 14 for analyzing mechanical running parameters ( p 1 , p 2 . . . ) which result from the adjustment movement of the adjustment devices . these running parameters ( p 1 , p 2 . . . ) can be selected in particular from the following parameters : rotational speed n of the drive unit 18 or of the driven adjustment element 11 , torque m of the drive unit 18 , the change over time in the rotational speed n or the torque m or else the length of movement of the adjustment element 11 or the play of the adjustment device 1 when the direction of movement of the adjustment element 11 reverses onto its adjustment path x . by means of characteristic changes in these mechanical running parameters ( p 1 , p 2 . . . ) or on the basis of limiting values being exceeded , it is possible to determine a case of trapping of an obstacle between the adjustment path 11 and the vehicle element 13 . the determination of a case of trapping causes the adjustment movement of the adjustment element 11 to be stopped and / or reversed . the case of trapping is therefore not determined directly by means of the mechanical interaction of a trapped obstacle with the adjustment element 11 and / or the vehicle element 13 but rather indirectly by means of the analysis of the mechanical running - in parameters ( p 1 , p 2 . . . ) mentioned above . furthermore , the control system 10 comprises a control unit 15 with an electronic memory element 17 . furthermore , an activation element 16 with a keypad 160 interacts with the control system 10 . this activation element 16 can either be embodied separately , as illustrated in fig1 , or else as a component of the control system 10 . in the text which follows , the method of functioning of the control system 10 is described . by means of the activation element 16 , the control system 10 can be placed in an analysis mode . this means that the analysis unit 14 of the anti - trapping system 12 does not analyze the mechanical running - in parameters ( p 1 , p 2 . . . ) of the adjustment device 1 with regard to a case of trapping but rather for mechanical functional faults . different functional faults can be considered here depending on the specific embodiment of the adjustment device 1 . if the adjustment device 1 provides guide rails for the movement of the adjustment element 11 , these may be incorrectly positioned resulting in an undesired difficulty of movement at least in certain sections along the adjustment path x . if sealing elements are in frictional contact with moved elements of the adjustment device during the adjustment movement , incorrect position of the sealing elements may result in an increased frictional force to be overcome . if the sealing elements are absent , it is also conceivable that the sum of the forces which inhibit movement will be too low . furthermore it is conceivable that there is damage to the transmission or that other elements project into the respective adjustment path x of the adjustment element 11 or interact mechanically with the adjustment element 11 in certain sections along the adjustment path x , therefore making the movement of the adjustment element 11 more difficult . if the adjustment device is embodied as a window lifter , these may be other components which are arranged in the interior of the door , for example the attachment for the exterior rear view mirror . such mechanical functional faults can be determined by means of the analysis unit 14 if , for example , the limiting values for changes in rotational speed which occur or changes in torque which occur are selected in a correspondingly sensitive way . if the analysis unit 14 has determined a mechanical functional fault of the adjustment device , the control device 15 generates a diagnostic message l . this diagnostic message l can be embodied , for example , as a characteristic movement sequence l of the adjustment element 11 . for this purpose , the control device actuates the drive unit 18 in such a way that a detectable deviation from the customary movement sequence of the adjustment element 11 is ensured in what are referred to as critical areas k of the adjustment path x in which a mechanical functional fault is present . the person who is controlling the adjustment device 1 can request this diagnostic message by means of the activation element 16 . fig1 illustrates three exemplary variants of a changed movement sequence l in the diagrams arranged on the left - hand side . the rotational speed n of the drive unit is illustrated for all three movement sequences l 1 shown . in the case of the first movement sequence l 1 which is illustrated on the left , the rotational speed n is plotted against the adjustment path x . in the case of this movement sequence l 1 , the rotational speed is significantly reduced in the illustrated critical area k which has a mechanical functional fault . in this way it is possible to satisfactorily detect mechanical functional faults of the adjustment device 1 along the adjustment path x given appropriate visual checking . in the two further illustrated movement sequences l 1 , the rotational speed n is plotted in each case against the traveling time t . if the adjustment element 11 has reached , on its adjustment path x , the area of the mechanical functional fault of the adjustment device , the control unit 15 causes the adjustment element 11 to reverse a plurality of times ( central diagram ) or once ( right - hand diagram ) along the critical area by interacting with the drive unit 18 . in this way , the critical area k of the adjustment path x can also be easily recognized by a person who is checking the method of functioning of the adjustment device 1 . it is expedient if this person can repeatedly call the diagnostic messages l 1 described above by means of the operator control element 16 until the mechanical functional fault of the adjustment device 1 is precisely identified and located . alternatively or cumulatively to the diagnostic message described above in the form of a characteristic movement sequence l 1 of the adjustment element 11 , a visual diagnostic message l 2 can be implemented by means of the control unit 15 on the display d which is present in any case in the motor vehicle . the display d shows this as a diagrammatic representation of the mechanical running parameters p 1 , p 2 . . . of the adjustment device 1 which represents , for example , the torque m plotted against the adjustment path x or the time t . as a result , in contrast to the pure representation of the diagnostic message l by means of a changed movement sequence l 1 , a mechanical functional fault of the adjustment device 1 in a critical area k can be represented not only qualitatively but also quantitatively . the person performing a check can determine from the diagram to what extent the mechanical running parameters p 1 , p 2 . . . shown differ from the customary values of a correctly mounted and functioning adjustment device 1 . alternatively or cumulatively , the visual display message l 2 which is represented on the display d can comprise a text component tl . this text component contains more extensive information on the elimination of the mechanical functional faults which are determined in the adjustment device 1 . this can be implemented , for example , by equipping the analysis unit 14 of the control system 10 with a logic unit which is of correspondingly integrated electronic design and which permits customary mechanical functional faults to be categorized . this can go as far as storing the fault - free movement sequence of the adjustment element 11 at least in certain sections together with acceptable tolerance limiting values in a suitable memory element . as a result , the desired movement sequence of the adjustment element can be correspondingly checked . in the variant of the window lifting system 1 shown in fig2 a with the control system 10 , this is expedient , for example , for the running - area 110 of the window pane 11 which is arranged adjacent to the window seal 111 . since the running in of a seal of a motor vehicle window pane requires particular care with respect to the mounting or maintenance of a window lifting system 1 , it is expedient to store running parameters of a process of running into the seal which is still acceptable in the worst case in the control system 10 so that the analysis unit 14 can perform a corresponding comparison . it is also conceivable to embody the analysis device 14 with the functionality of a neural network in order to implement a self - adapting detection of mechanical malfunctions . the categorization of the mechanical malfunction allows a selective indication of the more extensive information which is associated with the corresponding category of the fault , by means of the text component tl of the visual diagnostic message l 2 . it is also conceivable for this more extensive information to be stored in a memory element of the adjustment device 1 . as a result , when necessary it is possible to call the more extensive information via the display d without a separate manual having to be consulted .	4
representative embodiments according to the inventive subject matter are shown in fig1 - 7 , wherein similar features share common reference numerals . the inventive subject matter of a multi - purpose positioning device has the following method of operation . fig1 shows a right side view of the lower extremity surgical positioning device 100 ( hereinafter “ positioning device ”) which shows a surgical rail mount clamp 110 , a lower leg support arm 125 , a vertical extending member 120 , and a cradle support arm , connected between a surgical rail mount clamp 110 and a leg cradle support base 130 . the leg cradle body 135 is connected to the leg lower leg cradle support base 130 . a foot support arm 140 connects the leg cradle body 135 to the foot plate 150 . the foot plate 150 is interconnected to the foot plate pivot mount 210 which is mounted to the foot support arm 140 . a foot ( not shown ) may be freely placed on the foot plate 150 or affixed by angle or foot straps 155 . the foot support arm 140 can be extended away from the lower leg cradle body 135 to accommodate different sized patients . the mechanism for extending the length of the foot support arm 140 may consist of any number of extension / locking mechanisms that are well known in the arts , including , but not limited to , pressure screws against internal rails , linear actuators , gear drives ( 240 ), and / or motor either stepper type , pneumatic or hydraulic . the positioning device allows for the manipulation of the patients lower leg in at least three degrees of freedom relative to the operating table . utilizing cartesian coordinates will further clarify the device 100 . the rail mount clamp 110 may be mounted at any point on the operating table rail 115 and would correspond to the “ x ” axis , running the length of a patient from head to toe , where in the “ y ” axis would extend perpendicularly and upwards from then table rail 115 towards the ceiling , and the “ z ” axis would be perpendicular to operating table rail 115 and parallel to the operating table surface or the operating room floor . the lower leg support arm 125 may be adjusted in relationship to the vertical extending member 120 in a telescoping fashion to adjust the height or to vary the location of the lower leg cradle body 135 in the “ y ” plane to allow for better access by the surgeon . also , in one embodiment , the lower leg support arm 125 is pivotally connected to the rail mount clamp 110 with a friction lock or lower leg pivot adjuster 190 . also , the lower leg support arm vertical extending member is pivotally connected to the cradle support arm 145 with a friction lock or pivot adjuster 165 . these three adjustment points provide a flexible means of adjusting the leg in the operating table x - y - z frame of reference . now referring to fig2 , is a rear view of the positioning device 100 . as shown in fig2 , the rail mount clamp 110 is affixed to the operating table rail ( not shown ) and pivotally connected to the vertical extending member 125 , which is in turn connected to the lower leg support arm 120 . the support arm 120 is attached to the lower leg cradle support base 130 that is connected to the lower leg cradle body 135 . the foot support arm 140 is inserted into the leg cradle body 135 at one end and terminates at the other end into a ball joint or foot plate pivot mount 210 ( as seen in fig1 ) that is attached to the foot plate 150 wherein the heal and sole of the patient &# 39 ; s foot ( not shown but depicted in fig4 ) are positioned or rest against . the interface between the lower leg cradle body 135 and the foot support arm 140 allow for the traction and distraction of the lower leg along the “ x ” axis , while the pivot mount 210 allows the ankle and foot to be rotated along the “ x ”, “ y ” and “ z ” axis or in line with the ankle joint . the interface between the lower leg cradle support base 130 and the pivot mount 170 allows the entire leg to be rotated along the “ z ” axis . the foot plate 150 may have alternative embodiments such as a built in buckle clip as well as the cradle pivot mount 210 which has been contemplated in various embodiments as either , a ball joint for multi - directional pivoting , a ball joint with quick release and lock handle , and a ball joint secured on a leg extrusion plate . one embodiment of the foot plate 150 contemplates an extrusion plate with grooves on the plate . now referring to fig3 which , is a rear view of the positioning device 100 . as shown in fig2 , the rail mount clamp 110 is affixed to the operating table rail ( not shown ) and pivotally connected to the lower leg support arm 120 , which is in turn connected to the cradle support arm 145 through the vertical extending member pivot adjuster 165 . the cradle support arm 145 is attached to the lower leg cradle support base 130 through the cradle pivot mount 170 . the interface between the lower leg cradle support base 130 and the pivot mount 170 allows the entire leg to be rotated along the “ y ” axis . the cradle support base 130 may be mounted at any point on the lower leg cradle body 135 and would correspond to the “ x ” axis allowing further limb positioning adjustments . the foot support arm 140 is inserted into the leg cradle body 135 at one end and terminates at the other end into a ball joint or foot plate pivot mount 210 ( as seen in fig1 ) that is attached to the foot plate 150 wherein the heal and sole of the patient &# 39 ; s foot ( not shown but depicted in fig4 ) are positioned or rest against . the interface between the lower leg cradle body 135 and the foot support arm 140 allow for the traction and distraction of the lower leg along the “ x ” axis , while the pivot mount 170 allows the entire leg to be rotated along the “ z ” axis or in line with the ankle joint . now referring to fig4 is a side view of the lower extremity surgical positioning device with an illustration of the leg 172 and foot 174 inserted into the positioning device 100 . the positioning device 100 is also shown mounted to the operating table &# 39 ; s railing and adjustment along the “ x ” axis . the foot and ankle straps 155 hold the foot and ankle to the foot plate while the leg straps 160 hold the leg onto the lower leg cradle body 135 . fig5 is a side view of the leg cradle body 135 . one embodiment of the lower leg cradle body 135 has a gear drive mechanism 240 attached to the foot support arm 140 . this is actuated by a gear lock and release 245 hat may support three positions : ( 1 ) the locked position ; ( 2 ) the semi - locked position , which allows for the torque wrench movement without the application of excessive tension ; ( 3 ) the embodiment also allows for the complete release of the gear drive allowing free movement and remove of the foot support arm from the lower leg cradle body . the gear drive 240 may be adjusted by an allen bit that fits the torque wrench . fig6 is a top view of the leg cradle body . in this embodiment , the lower leg cradle body 135 has a tapered design with dimensions of about 10 cm in width and 25 cm in length . the lower leg cradle body has a top cover plate 137 with slotted gaps of 1 cm by 4 cm for straps attachments . fig7 is a bottom view of the leg cradle body . the bottom view illustrates the rail mount clamp 110 that can be affixed to the operating table and allow the entire apparatus to be moved parallel to the bedside . the leg cradle support base 130 has three alternate embodiments . in one embodiment , the shaft of the lower leg cradle support base 130 is approximately 10 cm in length . the shaft is approximately 2 . 5 cm in diameter . the height of the assembly is approximately 7 . 5 cm . the adjustment of the mount can be accomplished by slotted indexing grooves 165 in 10 degree increments . alternate embodiments would utilize and electronic motor positioning elements . in alternate embodiments of the straps 160 for the upper leg and lower leg cradle body . an implementation of the support straps for the upper and lower leg has a pliable material with a foam backing . the overall dimensions are 10 cm in width and 50 cm in length , with 30 cm as a strap . also in another embodiment of the straps , an ankle strap is used that encompasses the foot and ankle to prevent unwarranted motion . to prevent movement , the foot and ankle strap has a ring design where the rings are about 2 cm in diameter . the configuration of the aforementioned inventive subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described ; instead all possible configurations that can be implemented and derived by one skilled in the arts are understood to be embodied herein . the inventive subject matter of a multi - purpose positioning device has the following method of operation . the methodology used will vary from physician to physician as well as from procedure to procedure , as well as the order of adjustment may vary . it is also noted that standard operating procedures will be use , but not discussed herein , such as the use of gauze and sterile environment practices . the general use of the device 100 requires that the patient is placed or laid prone on the operating table . as shown on fig4 , the patient &# 39 ; s lower leg and foot is placed into the positioning device 100 . the lower leg cradle support base 130 is placed such that the lower leg 172 and the foot 174 are securely mounted on the lower leg cradle body 135 and the foot support arm 140 by the use of foot straps 155 and leg straps 160 . the lower leg cradle body 135 and the foot support arm 140 are adjusted to provide for specific patient limb length by extending or retracting the foot support arm 140 relative to the lower leg cradle body 140 . one embodiment has a bifurcation in the lower leg cradle body 135 wherein the foot support arm 140 is part of the lower leg cradle body 135 and is so interleaved , so that the overall length of the lower leg cradle body 135 may be extended or reduced in length to accommodate varied leg sizes . adjustment of the height of patient &# 39 ; s lower leg 172 is achieved by raising and lowering the lower leg cradle body 135 by moving the vertical extending member 120 towards or away from the lower leg support arm 125 . in one embodiment of the inventive subject matter , the support arm 125 and vertical extending member 120 consists of a telescopically retractable and extendable hollow tubular pole sections allowing the length to be adjusted manually . in another embodiment , the support arm 125 and vertical extending member 120 is extended and / or retracted using an electronic or hydraulics means , such as a linear actuator or piston configuration , thereby manipulating the lower leg cradle body 135 in the “ y ” frame of reference . the patient &# 39 ; s lower leg can be further adjusted as needed by rotating the lower leg support arm 125 which is pivotally connected to the operating rail 115 through the rail mount clamp 110 and then locked in position by the lower leg pivot adjuster 190 which allows the support arm to rotate approximately 180 degrees around the “ y ” frame of reference . in one embodiment of the inventive subject matter , the adjuster pivot is manually adjusted , but other embodiments would allow for electrical or hydraulics adjustments . further adjustments can be made at lower leg cradle support base 130 which will cause the lower leg cradle body 135 and the patient &# 39 ; s lower leg 172 to rotate along the “ x ” axis . the foot plate 150 is connected to a cradle pivot allowing for manipulation of the patient &# 39 ; s foot 174 along the “ z ” and “ y ” plans . it has been contemplated in various embodiments to use a variety of position locking configurations , to ensure that once an adjustment has been made , there will be no further movement . these locking configurations include , but are not limited to simple friction locking structures , such as a knob and screw , gear and pawls , and combinations of springs and spring materials . the materials as depicted in fig1 can be fabricated from materials generally used in operating room environments . these materials may be also constructed from metal , plastic , or carbon fiber products . the use of wood laminates and / or wood can be utilized . in operating environments where x - rays will need to be taken while the leg is inserted into the positioning device 100 , the material should be fabricated from radio - lucent material . persons skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations are possible in the details , materials , and arrangements of the parts and actions which have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this inventive concept and that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit and scope of the teachings and claims contained therein . all patent and non - patent literature cited herein is hereby incorporated by references in its entirety for all purposes .	0
before the description of the present invention proceeds , it is to be noted that like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout the several views of the accompanying drawings . an electrophotographic copying machine to which the present invention is applicable may be of any known construction and includes a photoreceptor drum 61 ( fig1 and 2 ) supported for rotation in one direction past a plurality of processing stations . these processing stations includes , inter alia , an electrostatic charging station at which an electrostatic charger is disposed for building an electrostatic charge on an outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor drum 61 , an exposing station at which image - wise rays of light descriptive of information to be copied are projected onto the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor drum 61 to form an electrostatic latent image thereon , and a developing station at which a developer is disposed to apply toner particles onto the outer peripheral surface of the drum to form a toned image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image . however , the details of the copying machine to which the present invention is applied will be discussed later with reference to fig6 . referring now to fig1 and 2 , a charge eraser according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention , generally identified by 4 , comprises a generally elongated box - like casing 42 having two groups of a plurality of light output cells in which respective light emitting diodes are accommodated , one group of the light output cells being generally identified by 41a and the other group of the light output cells being generally identified by 41b , all of said light output cells 41a and 41b opening towards the photoreceptor drum 61 . for the purpose of the discussion of the preferred embodiment of the present invention , the number of the light output cells 41a is assumed to be 34 and that of the light output cells 41b is assumed to be 47 . the group of the light output cells 41a and the group of the light output cells 41b assume , in the instance as shown , left - hand and right - hand end portions of the elongated casing 42 as viewed therein and differ from each other in that each neighboring light output cells 41a are spaced a predetermined pitch of , for example , 5 mm from each other while the each neighboring light output cells 41b are spaced a predetermined pitch of , for example , 1 mm from each other . thus , it will readily be understood that each of the light output cells 41a has a greater width , as measured in the direction lengthwise of the elongated casing 42 , than that of each of the light output cells 41b . the eraser casing 42 has built therein a drive circuit which will be described later with reference to fig4 and which is electrically connected with an electric power source and a central processing unit for the control of the charge eraser 4 . the eraser casing 42 has spaced apart guide rods 411 protruding from the opposite end portions of a rear wall thereof in a direction counter to the direction towards the photoreceptor drum 61 , which guide rods 411 in turn extend slidably through guide holes formed in associated angle members 412 rigid or fast with a framework of the copying machine so that the eraser casing 42 can be reciprocated in a direction shown by the arrow a . the eraser casing 42 also has at least one pin 419 protruding from one of the opposite end walls of the casing 42 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal sense of the casing 42 and positioned adjacent the light output cells , said pin 419 being in turn engaged in a hole defined in a link member 415 . the link member 415 is pivotally supported at a substantially intermediate portion thereof by means of a support pin 418 and is connected at one end with the pin 419 and at the other end with a solenoid plunger 414 built in a solenoid unit 413 , said plunger 414 being movable between projected and retracted positions . a tension spring 416 extends between the end of the link member 415 adjacent the pin 419 and a pin 417 fixed to the framework 800 of the copying machine and acts to hold the plunger 414 at the projected position in which condition the eraser casing 42 is held at a position away from the photoreceptor drum 61 . however , when the solenoid unit 416 is electrically powered , the plunger 414 is moved to the retracted position inwardly of the solenoid unit 413 against the pulling force of the tension spring 416 with the consequence that the eraser casing 42 is moved in a direction towards the photoreceptor drum 61 . the eraser casing 42 of the construction described above is so positioned in the vicinity of the photoreceptor drum 61 and so supported that a beam of light from each of the light emitting elements within the eraser casing 42 can impinge upon the photosensitive surface of the photoreceptor drum 61 generally at right angles thereto . the imprinting of a character or the partial erasure of the electrostatic charge that is performed by the charge eraser 4 can be realized in the following manner . referring to fig3 assuming that the 34 light emitting diodes in the light output cell 41a , having a larger width , are designated by a1 , a2 , . . . a33 and a34 as shown , and when some of these light emitting diodes falling within ca to da are turned on to illuminate the photosensitive surface of the photoreceptor drum 61 during a period from the timing of termination of a timer xa to the timing of termination of a timer xb , a portion of the electrostatic charge built up on the photosensitive surface of the photoreceptor drum 61 which is shown by a shaded area in fig3 can be removed . because of this , no toner is attracted to such portion of the electrostatic charge on the photosensitive surface during the subsequent developing process and , accordingly , when looking at the resultant copy made , a portion of the copy corresponding in position to that portion of the photosensitive surface from which the electrostatic charge has been dissipated by the charge eraser 4 is left blank with no image reproduced . when it comes to the imprinting of the character , it can be achieved by selectively switching on and off the 47 light emitting diodes b1 to b47 within the light output cells of smaller width so that portions of the electrostatic charge built up on the photosensitive surface of the photo - receptor drum 61 can be removed in a pattern corresponding to the shape of the character desired to be imprinted , for example , in a pattern of the reversed shape of &# 34 ; 23 &# 34 ; if &# 34 ; 23 &# 34 ; is desired to be imprinted . the selective switching on and off of the 47 light emitting diodes can be accomplished by , for example , by storing such a font pattern as shown in fig7 in a memory and , then , keying in some selected keys on a keyboard to read the font pattern out from the memory to form a bit map so that selected commands can be generated from the bit map . it is to be noted that fig7 illustrates only a portion of the font patterns to be written in the memory for the purpose of discussion of the present invention , each of said font patterns being composed of 5 × 7 dots . the reason that the number of the light emitting diodes within the light output cells of smaller width is selected to be 47 in the instance discussed above , is because a maximum of eight characters each having a character width equal to the sum of five dots can be imprinted in a side - by - side relationship . therefore , where more or less than the eight characters are desired to be imprinted or where the number of dots determinative of the character width is greater or smaller than the five dots , the number of the light emitting diodes actually used may vary correspondingly . with reference to fig4 an eraser drive circuit will now be described . the eraser drive circuit includes a shift register 401 , a latch 402 and a driver 403 , all of which are controlled by respective signals , fed from a central processing unit 22 for the control of the charge eraser , for controlling the selective switching on and off of drive transistors tr ( 1 ) to tr ( 81 ). each of the light emitting elements led ( 1 ) to led ( 81 ) is driven by a power source voltage vcc . the structural details of the copying machine to which the present invention is applied will now be described with reference to fig6 . the illustrated copying machine incorporating the charge eraser according to the foregoing embodiment therein comprises an optical system 5 operable to scan the document to be copied while illuminating the same , an electrophotographic system 6 for reproducing an image of the document on a copying paper through the electrophotographic process , a paper supply and toner fixing system 7 , and a transparent document support 8 in the form of a glass plate . hereinafter , these systems will be individually discussed under respective headings . the optical system 5 comprises a source of light ( not shown ), a plurality of reflecting mirrors 51 , 52 , 53 and 54 , a lens assembly 55 and a drive mechanism ( not shown ) and is operable to reciprocally move between home and scanned positions , said optical system scanning the document placed on the document support 8 while illuminating the same during the movement thereof from the home position towards the scanned position . more specifically , rays of light reflected from the document are , after having been reflected by the mirrors 51 to 53 , allowed to pass through the lens assembly ( a magnification variable lens block ) and are then reflected by the mirror 54 so as to travel towards the photoreceptor drum 61 , thereby forming an image of the document on the photosensitive surface of the photoreceptor drum 61 . the mirrors 51 to 53 are adapted to be simultaneously driven by a common drive motor m3 , the mirror 51 being driven at a speed equal to v / n and the mirrors 52 and 53 being driven at a speed equal to v / 2n for maintaining the optical paths at a constant length , wherein v represents the peripheral velocity of the photoreceptor drum 61 and n represents the magnification factor . on the other hand , the mirror 54 and the lens assembly 55 are driven in association with each other by a magnification setting motor m4 in such a way that the lens assembly 55 is moved to any desired position in a direction parallel to the optical axis thereof for the selection of a particular magnification factor while the mirror 54 serves to compensate for any possible variation in the image forming point which would result from the movement of the lens assembly 55 . in addition to the photoreceptor drum 61 adapted to be driven in one direction shown by the arrow , the image forming system 6 includes a main eraser lamp 62 , an auxiliary electrostatic charger 63 , an auxiliary eraser lamp 64 , a main electrostatic charger 65 , a developing unit 66 , a transfer charger 67 , a separation charger 68 for copying papers and blade - type cleaning unit 69 , all disposed around and in the vicinity of the photoreceptor drum 61 . the charge eraser 4 according to the present embodiment is disposed in the vicinity of the photoreceptor drum 61 at a location between the main electrostatic charger 65 and the developing unit 66 . it is to be noted that , although the position of the charge eraser 4 is , in the illustrated instance , closer to the main electrostatic charger 65 than to the image exposure station , it may be closer to the developing unit 66 . in other words , the position of the charge eraser 4 may be such that illumination by the charge eraser 4 can be effected after the photosensitive surface of the photoreceptor drum 61 has been uniformly electrostatically charged and before the developing is performed by the developing unit 66 . as the photoreceptor drum 61 being rotated passes sequentially past the eraser lamps 62 and 64 and the electrostatic chargers 63 and 65 , the photosensitive surface of the photoreceptor drum 61 is increasingly sensitized and electrostatically charged and an electrostatic latent image is then formed upon receipt of the imagewise rays of light from the optical system 5 through an exposure slit . at the subsequent developing station , the latent image on the photosensitive surface of the photoreceptor drum 61 is applied with toner particles to form a toned image which is in turn transferred onto the copying paper ( the one supplied through a timing roller 73 of the paper supply and ejecting system 7 ) at the transfer station . the paper supply and ejecting system 7 comprises an upper paper cassette 71 and a lower paper cassette 72 , paired feed rollers 711 and 721 for the respective cassettes 71 and 72 , paired conveyance rollers 712 and 713 , the timing roller 73 , a transport belt 74 , a fixing unit 75 , and paired delivery rollers 76 , all of them being adapted to be driven by a drive motor m1 . it is to be noted that the toned image transferred onto the copying paper is heat - fixed as it passes through the paired rollers of the fixing unit 75 . referring to fig5 there is shown an editor 900 placed on the document support 8 . this editor 900 is adapted to be electrically connected with the copying machine when placed on the document support 8 as shown in fig5 and 6 . as shown , the editor 900 includes a tablet 910 and a plurality of keys 901 to 905 . the tablet 910 is generally rectangular in shape corresponding to the shape of the document support 8 and has a plurality of resistance wirings 911 extending in a mesh fashion in x - axis and y - axis directions while each adjacent resistance wirings are spaced a predetermined interval , for example , about 1 mm , wherefore when a selected point of intersection between the x - axis resistance wirings and the y - axis resistance wirings is pressed to shortcircuit , the resistance determined by the x - axis and y - axis coordinates of such selected point of intersection can be detected in terms of the level of voltage . accordingly , where a particular point on the document is desired to be inputted as a data of the x - axis and y - axis coordinates , the document is to be placed on and retained in position above the tablet 910 and a desired point of intersection is to be then pressed . the tablet 910 has imprinted thereon characters such as &# 34 ; a &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; b &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; c &# 34 ;, . . . &# 34 ; y &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; z &# 34 ; or &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; 2 &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; 3 &# 34 ; . . . , which correspond to the fonts shown in fig7 and a desired character can be selected in association with a character key 903 as will be described later . the keys 901 to 905 represent an erase key , a trimming key , a character key , an end key and a clear key , respectively . the erase key 901 is used to specify a full erasure of a particular area ; the trimming key 902 is used to specify a full erasure of an area other than the particular area ; the character key 903 is used to specify a character input mode ; the end key 904 is used to terminate the inputting of the coordinates or character ; and the clear key 905 is used to clear all of the above mentioned specifications . hereinafter , the operation of the device according to the present embodiment will be described with particular reference to fig8 comprised of fig8 ( a ) and 8 ( b ) which illustrate the sequence of control ( control of the editor 900 and the eraser 4 ) performed by the central processing unit 22 . it is to be noted that the control for the copying operation and the temperature adjustment is well known to those skilled in the art and , therefore , the description thereof will not be reiterated here . as shown , the central processing unit 22 starts its operation when the electric power supply is initiated , initializing at step s102 . during the initialization , the count of a counter m for counting the number of readings of the font pattern from a font memory , and the value of a counter n for counting the number of specifications of the coordinates are reset to zero . also , each flag is lowered and each memory is cleared . thereafter , a routine timer for determining the time for one routine is set at step s104 . subsequently , at step s106 , input and output are rendered to be active . then , at step s108 , a decision is made in reference to an end flag to determine if the specification of the coordinates and the reading of the font pattern have been completed . should the result of decision at step s108 indicates that the end flag has not been set up , that is , if the inputting of the data of the coordinates and / or the reading of the font pattern have not yet been completed , a process from step 112 to step 146 is executed . at step s112 , a decision is made to determine if a coordinate signal from the tablet 910 has been inputted . this can be accomplished by referring to the presence or absence of any variation of the data inputted from the tablet 910 through an analog - to - digital ( a / d ) converter ( not shown ). if the result of decision at step s112 indicates the presence of the input , the program flow proceeds to step s114 on the condition that it is not in the character mode , that is , on the condition that a w flag is zero ( step s113 ). at step 114 , a decision is made to determine if the count of the counter n ( the number of times of inputting of the coordinates ) has reached 2 . if the count has not yet reached 2 , step s116 takes place at which the ( x , y ) coordinates which have been inputted as described above is stored in a memory , followed by the increment of the count of the counter n by one at step s118 , after which the program flow return to step s104 . since in the present embodiment a generally rectangular area is specified where the area is specified , the specification of the coordinate data would suffice at two points ( opposite ends of the diagonal line ) and , therefore , the upperlimit count of the counter n is fixed 2 . where the result of decision at step s113 indicates that the w flag is 1 , it means the character mode and , therefore , the program flow proceeds to step s132 . at step s132 a decision is made to determine if the count of the counter m ( the number of reading of the font pattern ) has reached 8 . if it has not yet reached 8 , step s136 takes place to read from the font memory the font pattern ( see fig7 ) corresponding to the character which is delineated at an area then pressed with a light pen 950 ( fig5 ), followed by step s138 at which a bit map for controlling the switching on and off of the eraser 4 is prepared on a bit map memory . thereafter , at step s140 , the count of the counter m is incremented by one , with the program flow subsequently returning to step s104 . it is to be noted that the upperlimit count of the counter m which is 8 is determined by the number ( 47 ) of the light emitting diodes and the number ( 5 ) of dots for each character representative of the width thereof . should the result of decision at step s112 indicate the absence of input , the program flow proceeds to step s120 , et seq . at step s120 , a decision is made to determine as to the presence or absence of input from the erase key 901 . if the result of decision at this step indicates the presence of input , an e flag ( erase flag ) is set up at step s122 , followed by the return to step s104 . on the other hand , in the event of the absence of input , the program flow proceeds to step s124 at which a decision is made to determine as to the presence or presence of input from the trimming key 902 . in the event that the result of decision at step s124 indicates the presence of input , a t flag ( trimming flag ) is set up at step s126 , followed by the return to step s104 . in the event of the absence of input , the program flow proceeds to step s128 . at step s128 a decision is made to determine as to the presence or absence of input from a character mode key 903 . if the result of decision at this step indicates the presence of input , a w flag ( character mode flag ) is set up at step s130 , with the program flow returning to step s104 . in the event of the absence of input , the program flow skips from step s128 to step s142 . at step s142 a decision is made to determine as to the presence or absence of input from the end key 904 . if the result of decision at this step indicates the presence of input , the program flow returns to step s104 after the end flag has been set up at step s144 in view of the fact that the inputting of the data of the coordinates and / or the conversion from the data of the coordinates to the data of characters have been completed . in the event of the absence of input , however , the program flow proceeds from step s142 to step s104 . at step s146 a decision is made to determine as to the presence or absence of input from the clear key 905 . if the result of decision at this step indicates the presence of input , the program flow returns to step s102 , but if it indicates the absence of input , the program flow returns to step s104 via step s146 . in this way , i . e ., through the process from step s112 to step s146 , the coordinate data and / or the character data ( bit map ) are stored in the bit map memory . in the event that the result of decision at step s108 indicates that the end flag has been set up , that is , the coordinate data and / or the character data ( bit map ) have been stored in the bit map memory , the subsequent decision takes place at step s110 at which a decision is made to determine if the copying operation is executed . in the case where the copying operation is executed , the program flow proceeds to step s150 , et seq ., particularly as shown in fig8 ( b ). the program flow from step s150 to step s158 represents a process in which the specified area is erase - controlled . specifically , by switching on the light emitting diodes corresponding to coordinates x1 to x2 within a time period corresponding to coordinates y1 to y2 , a square area having the opposite apexes represented by ( x1 , y1 ), ( x2 , y2 ) can be full erased . on the other hand , the program flow from step s162 to step s174 represents a process in which the specified area is trimmed . specifically , by switching off the light emitting elements x1 to x2 from y = y1 to y = y2 while switching on the other light emitting elements , an area other than the square area having the opposite apexes represented by ( x1 , y1 ), ( x2 , y2 ) can be erased . the program flow from step s176 to step s184 represents a process in which in accordance with the bit map corresponding to the stored font pattern the light emitting diodes 35 to 81 of the charge eraser 4 are selectively switched on and off when and after y = y1 has been attained , to remove a portion of the electrostatic charge on the photoreceptor drum 61 in a pattern corresponding to a predetermined character pattern . specifically , with the condition that the w flag has been set to 1 ( step s176 ), the solenoid unit 413 ( fig1 ) is energized at step s177 to cause the eraser 4 to approach the photoreceptor drum 61 while an exposure lamp is switched off at step s178 in readiness for the character imprinting . subsequent to step s180 , the light emitting diodes of the eraser 4 are selectively switched on and off at step s182 according to the bit map table , prepared at step s138 , to effect the character imprinting , followed by the deenergization of the solenoid unit 413 at step s184 to move the eraser 4 towards a reference position away from the photoreceptor drum 61 . in this way , the character pattern can be sharply delineated on the copying paper . in the foregoing embodiment , the eraser has been described as supported for movement in a direction towards and away from the photoreceptor drum 61 along the path perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the photoreceptor drum 61 . however , in the following embodiment which will now be described with reference to fig9 and 10 , the eraser is supported for pivotal movement in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the photoreceptor drum 61 so that the distance between the front of the eraser and the photosensitive surface of the photoreceptor drum 61 can be varied to vary the area of surface of the photosensitive surface that is to be illuminated . in the embodiment shown in fig9 the eraser casing 42 has stud pins 410 protruding from the opposite end walls thereof in a direction away from each other parallel to the longitudinal sense of the casing 42 . these stud pins 410 are positioned on the opposite ends of the casing 42 adjacent a rear wall thereof remote from the photoreceptor drum 61 and are journaled to respective portions of the machine framework 800 so that the eraser can pivot between first and second positions about an axis coaxial with any one of the stud pins 410 . the plunger 414 of the solenoid unit 413 is coupled with the pin 419 as is the case with the foregoing embodiment of fig2 however , the solenoid unit 413 including the plunger 414 is so positioned and so supported that , when the solenoid unit 413 is energized with the plunger 414 moved to the retracted position , the eraser casing 42 is pivoted from the first position , shown by the solid line in fig1 , to the second position shown by the phantom line in fig1 against the pulling force of the spring 416 . however , when the solenoid unit 413 is deenergized , the plunger 414 is pulled to the projected position by the action of the spring 416 with the eraser casing 42 held at the first position shown by the solid line . when the eraser casing 42 is held at the first position , the front of the charge eraser , that is , the openings of the light output cells of the eraser , is spaced a maximum distance from the area of the photosensitive surface that is to be illuminated thereby and , accordingly , the removal of a portion of the electrostatic charge on the photosensitive surface is possible with no ripple accompanied . on the other hand , when the eraser casing 42 is held at the second position , the front of the charge eraser is spaced a minimum distance from the area of the photosensitive surface to be illuminated and , accordingly , the removal of that portion of the electrostatic charge delimited by a clear and sharp boundary line is possible . while in any one of the foregoing embodiments the eraser has been shown and described as movably supported , it may be supported stationary as will be described in connection with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention with particular reference to fig1 and 12 . as best shown in fig1 , the eraser casing 42 is supported stationary sandwiched between opposite wall members of the machine framework 800 with a substantial distance left between the front of the eraser 4 and the photosensitive surface of the photoreceptor drum 61 . a selfoc lens array ( trade name ) 400 is generally of a elongated configuration is shown and positioned within a space delimited between the photosensitive surface of the photoreceptor drum 61 and the eraser 4 , having its longitudinal dimension enough to cover or overlap with the group of the light output cells 41b . this is selfoc lens array is comprised of a plurality of optical fibers tied to provide a generally bundled configuration and is operable to render all of the rays of light passing therethrough to be parallel to each other as will be described later . the lens array 400 is carried by the link 425 for movement between first and second positions shown by the solid line and the phantom line , respectively , in fig1 , said link 425 having one end connected to one of the wall members of the machine framework 800 through a pivot pin 427 . the lens array 400 so supported is normally biased to the first position by the action of the spring 426 , but can be pivoted about the pivot pin 427 to the second position against the spring 426 by the solenoid plunger 424 when the latter is moved to the retracted position as a result of the energization of the solenoid unit 423 . it is , however , to be noted that instead of the use of the solenoid unit 423 including the plunger 424 , a stepper motor may be employed for driving the lens array in a manner as hereinbefore described . when the lens array 400 is in the first position as shown by the solid line in fig1 , rays of light emitted from the led light source 42 are , after having been restricted by the neighboring partitions 410 on respective sides of the led light source 41 , diffused before they reach the photosensitive surface of the photoreceptor drum 61 as shown in fig1 ( a ). therefore , at the boundary , rays of light from the neighboring led light sources overlap with each other with the consequence that a local variation of the potential can be lessened as shown in fig1 ( b ). conversely , when the lens array 400 is pivoted to the first position intervening between the drum 61 and the charge eraser 4 , the rays of light emitted from the neighboring led light sources 41 are , after having been restricted by the neighboring partitions 410 on the respective sides of the led light source 41 , rendered parallel to each other by the lens array before they reach the photosensitive surface of the photoreceptor drum 61 as shown in fig1 ( a ). therefore , the rays of light from the respective led light sources 41 do not overlap with each other at the boundary and the character can be clearly and sharply imprinted as shown in fig1 ( b ). except for the direction of movement of the eraser 4 , the program flow shown in and described with reference to fig8 can be equally employed for controlling the charge eraser 4 shown in and described with reference to fig1 . although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings , it is to be noted that various changes and modifications are apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims . such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention .	6
referring now to the drawings where the illustrations are for the purpose of describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention described herein . fig1 illustrates sample symbols and scripting mechanisms utilized by the programmable data collector of the present invention . in this figure , example a is the terminator symbol which is used only to specify an event that initiates script or terminates execution of the script . there can be only one of each instance ( initiation or termination ) of this symbol in the flow chart . when this symbol indicates an initiating event , the word “ start ” must be the first word within the symbol . terminating events contain the word “ end ” as the first word within the symbol . initiating events are selected from a list of all possible initiating events for a given data collector type or model . example b is the decision symbol that generates the “ if ” statement in the script . logic equations within this symbol are used as parameters of the “ if ” statement . logic flow arrows associated with the “ true ” and “ false ” states of the decision symbol , along with the associated flow chart symbols and text in each logic path , generate script lines with each logic state of the “ if ” statement . example c is the display symbol that can generate a display on the data collector &# 39 ; s liquid crystal display or can produce a voice prompt , if the data collector is appropriately equipped , by generating script calls to standard routines within the data collector &# 39 ; s software . the first word within this symbol determines the prompting method and which of the data collector &# 39 ; s software routines are called . example d is the manual input symbol which generates a call to a standard software routine within the data collector &# 39 ; s software that handles input from the data collector &# 39 ; s keyboard . appropriate timeouts and error checks are provided by the software that is selected . example e is the process symbol that generates a call to one of several standard software routines within the data collector &# 39 ; s software . the first word within this symbol determines which software call is made . also shown in fig1 is the script that would be generated for a typical flow chart , such as the flow chart 10 shown in fig2 , which illustrates the logic that may be utilized by the programmable data collector of the present invention . the script generated by the scripting software may be human readable , as described in fig1 , or the script may be encoded , tokenized , in the form of machine code , or in other forms that are not readable by , or meaningful to , humans . in this flow chart 10 , when an officer reads a location checkpoint associated with room 3 or room 9 of a specific facility , the logic prompts the officer to check the pressure within a fire extinguisher located on the north wall of the same room . in addition , the officer is asked to enter the pressure reading on each of the fire extinguishers . the desired pressure reading ( e . g ., 150 psi ) is stored in the memory of the data collector . if the pressure reading is less than 150 psi , the officer is prompted to notify the building maintenance manager or supervisor . referring to the flow chart 10 in fig2 , the logic is started in block 12 when a location identification is read by the data collector . a determination is then made in block 14 as to whether the location is room 3 or room 9 of the facility . if the location is not room 3 or room 9 , the logic is terminated in block 16 . if the location is either room 3 or room 9 , the officer is “ prompted ” on a liquid crystal display in the data collector to check the fire extinguisher at a particular location in that room and enter its pressure , as shown in block 18 . the officer manually inputs (“ keys in ”) the pressure in the data collector , as shown in block 20 , and the data collector stores time stamped data in its memory as to the location of the fire extinguisher and its pressure , as shown in block 22 . a check is made in block 24 as to whether the pressure of the fire extinguisher is less than the desired pressure ( e . g ., 150 psi ). if the pressure of the fire extinguisher is not less than 150 psi , a prompt is given to the officer in block 26 to proceed to the next checkpoint and the logic is terminated in block 16 . if the pressure of the fire extinguisher is less than 150 psi , a prompt is given to the officer in block 28 to notify the building maintenance manager of this low pressure condition and the logic is terminated in block 16 . it should be noted that when an officer enters an incident into the data collector , the data collector may ask additional questions of the officer or may offer additional instructions to the officer . for example , when a particular incident is read , the data collector may ask the officer whether there were any other persons involved . if the officer answers “ yes ”, the data collector may prompt the officer to enter the names of those persons and other information regarding those persons . if the officer answers “ no ”, the data collector may inquire about particular conditions , such as weather or lighting , or the like . the entered information might later be used in the creation of accident reports and the like . in addition , the reading of a certain checkpoint may cause the data collector to prompt the officer to perform some additional activity relating to that location , such as checking a fire extinguisher , as in the previous example . this could take the form of a simple instruction for the officer or the data collector could ask the officer to enter particular data , such as a pressure gauge reading . if the reading entered by the officer exceeds or is below a predetermined level , the data collector may instruct the officer to notify the appropriate individual of this condition or to take other corrective action . certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing . it is understood that all such modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability , but are properly within the scope of the following claims .	6
exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings in detail . the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts . detailed descriptions of well - known functions and structures incorporated herein may be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the present invention . while the present invention may be embodied in many different forms , specific embodiments of the present invention are shown in drawings and are described herein in detail , with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated . the mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be any information communication appliance that can perform bluetooth communication , such as a mobile communication terminal , mobile phone , personal digital assistant ( pda ), smart phone , notebook computer , and multimedia appliances , and applications thereof . further , in the present invention , a headset that has a bluetooth function and can perform a dongle function is exemplified . the dongle function is used for assisting other appliances in which a bluetooth function is not provided to perform a bluetooth function . the headset may be any appliance that has a bluetooth function , such as an ear set , headphone , or stereo headset , and can perform a dongle function and applications thereof . referring to fig1 , the system includes a mobile terminal 100 , headset 200 , and printer 300 . the mobile terminal 100 establishes a bluetooth communication link with the headset 200 , and the headset 200 establishes a usb communication link with the printer 300 . the headset 200 includes a bluetooth module for forming a bluetooth communication link with the mobile terminal 100 . further , the headset 200 includes a usb connector for forming the usb communication link with the printer 300 and a usb control module for performing usb communication . the printer 300 includes a usb port for forming the usb communication link with the headset 200 . as shown in fig2 , the mobile terminal 100 includes a radio frequency ( rf ) unit 101 , bluetooth module 103 , controller 105 , display unit 107 , input unit 109 , memory unit 111 , and audio unit 113 . the rf unit 101 performs general wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and a mobile communication network . for example , the rf unit 101 transmits and receives voice data , transmission and reception of a character messages , and multi media messages through the mobile communication network . the bluetooth module 103 performs bluetooth communication with other bluetooth devices through a bluetooth antenna according to bluetooth protocol . particularly , the bluetooth module 103 stores a host stack necessary for bluetooth communication , a bluetooth profile that can be selected according to a function or condition of an external bluetooth device to be a communication target , an application program , etc . further , an object push profile ( opp ) and basic printer profile ( bpp ) are stored in the bluetooth profile . the opp is a profile necessary for performing object exchange or file transfer , and the bpp is a profile necessary for controlling a printer . the controller 105 controls the general operation of the mobile terminal 100 . particularly , the controller 105 includes a modem and codec having a transmitter for encoding and modulating a signal for transmission from the rf unit 101 and a receiver for demodulating and decoding a received signal . the controller 105 determines whether an intrinsic number of the printer 300 received from the bluetooth module of the headset 200 is identical to an intrinsic number stored in the memory unit 111 , and if an intrinsic number of the printer 300 received from the bluetooth module of the headset 200 is not identical to an intrinsic number stored in the memory unit 111 , the controller 105 stores the intrinsic number in the memory unit 111 . the controller 105 can recognize that a device connected to the headset 200 is the printer 300 by utilizing the intrinsic number . further , the controller 105 controls the bluetooth module 103 to transmit data to print and a set print format to the headset 200 . the controller 105 determines whether transmission of the data to print is completed through the bluetooth module 103 . the print format includes a size of a paper for performing the print , a print resolution , and the number of copies . the display unit 107 displays a series of operation states , an operation result , and information performed in the mobile terminal 100 by the control of the controller 105 . the display unit 107 is composed of a display device such as liquid crystal display ( lcd ), organic light emitting diodes ( oled ), and plasma display panel ( pdp ). particularly , the display unit 107 displays , if data to print of the mobile terminal 100 are transmitted to the headset 200 by the control of the controller 105 , a message of data transmission completion . the input unit 109 includes a general keypad , for example , a touch screen , touch pad , or scroll wheel . the input unit 109 receives a manipulation signal for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100 and provides the manipulation signal to the controller 105 . the memory unit 111 stores information ( e . g . information about a setting state and menu ) related to the operation of the mobile terminal 100 by the control of the controller 105 . particularly , the memory unit 111 stores an intrinsic number of the printer 300 received from the bluetooth module of the headset 200 as controlled by the controller 105 . further , the memory unit 111 stores a set print format , a size of a paper for performing the print , a print resolution , and the number of copies . the audio unit 113 converts an analog audio signal input through a microphone ( mic ) to a digital audio signal and plays a converted digital audio signal output from the controller 105 through a speaker ( spk ). referring to fig3 , a bluetooth communication link is formed between the mobile terminal 100 and headset 200 in step 301 , and a usb communication link is formed between the headset 200 and the printer 300 in step 303 ). the connection order of steps 301 and 303 may be reversed without any difficulty in executing the present invention . the usb communication link between the headset 200 and the printer 300 is composed of a wired or wireless usb device . after connecting the mobile terminal 100 and headset 200 with bluetooth communication at step 301 and the headset 200 and printer 300 with usb communication at step 303 , the mobile terminal 100 receives a registration request initiated by the headset 200 for registration of the printer 300 in step 305 . thereafter , the mobile terminal 100 transmits a request instruction of an intrinsic number of the printer 300 connected to the headset 200 to the headset 200 in step 307 , and the headset 200 forwards the intrinsic number request instruction of the printer 300 received from the mobile terminal 100 to the printer 300 in step 309 . the printer 300 then transmits an intrinsic number to the headset 200 according to the intrinsic number request instruction transmitted from the headset 200 in step 311 , and the headset 200 forwards the intrinsic number received from the printer 300 to the mobile terminal 100 in step 313 . the mobile terminal 100 stores the received intrinsic number of the printer 300 in the memory unit 111 and registers the printer 300 connected to the headset 200 in order to control the printer 300 connected with a usb connector to the headset 200 in step 315 . referring to fig4 , an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described using the mobile terminal 100 , headset 200 , and printer 300 . the mobile terminal 100 enters a bluetooth mode in step 401 , and the controller 105 searches for the printer 300 for performing the printing using an intrinsic number of the printer 300 stored in the memory unit 111 in step 403 . upon finding the printer 300 for performing the printing , the controller 105 transmits a request for the intrinsic number of the printer 300 to the headset 200 , which forwards the request for the intrinsic number to the printer 300 in step 405 . the printer 300 transmits the intrinsic number to the headset 200 according to the request for the intrinsic number , and the headset 200 transmits the intrinsic number received from the printer 300 to the mobile terminal 100 in step 407 . thereafter , the controller 105 determines whether the intrinsic number is the registered number of the printer 300 as described in fig3 , and if the intrinsic number is stored in the memory unit 111 as the registered number of the printer 300 , the controller 105 connects the mobile terminal 100 to the printer 300 in step s 409 . if the intrinsic number is not stored in the memory unit 111 as the registered number of the printer 300 , the memory unit 111 stores the received intrinsic number of the printer 300 , according to step 315 , and the controller 105 then performs step 409 . next , the mobile terminal 100 selects data to print in step 411 . although in this exemplary embodiment step 411 is performed after steps 401 to 409 , in another embodiment , the order of the steps may be changed by performing first step 411 and then performing steps 401 to 409 without any difficulty in executing the present invention . the mobile terminal 100 sets a print format for data to print in step 413 ), and the mobile terminal 100 transmits the print format to the headset 200 , which forwards the transmitted print format to the printer 300 in step 415 . the printer 300 sets the print format to the print format received from the headset 200 . the print format includes a size of a paper for performing the printing , a print resolution and the number of copies . the controller 105 then transmits the data selected at step 411 through the bluetooth module 103 to the headset 200 , which forwards the transmitted data to the printer 300 in step 417 . the controller 105 determines whether transmission of the data selected at step 411 is complete in step 419 and , if transmission of the data selected at step 411 is complete , the controller 105 controls the display unit 107 to display a data transmission completion message in step 421 . upon receiving the data transmission , at step 423 the printer 300 prints the data transmitted at step 417 with the print format set at step 415 , and , if the printing is complete in step 425 , a usb communication link formed between the headset 200 and printer 300 is ended in step 427 . thereafter , the controller 105 ends a bluetooth communication link formed between the mobile terminal 100 and headset 200 in step 429 . although in this exemplary embodiment step 429 is performed after step 427 , the order of steps 427 and 429 may be reversed , without any difficulty in executing the present invention . as described above , according to the present invention , a bluetooth function of a mobile terminal can be extended by enabling a mobile terminal for performing bluetooth communication to control a printer in which a bluetooth module is not provided . further , a function of a headset can be extended by enabling the headset to perform a bluetooth dongle function through providing a usb connector in the headset that can perform bluetooth communication . further , the mobile terminal can control the printer by enabling the mobile terminal and the printer to perform bluetooth communication through connecting the headset for performing a bluetooth dongle function to the printer . although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail hereinabove , it should be clearly understood that many variations and modifications of the basic inventive concepts herein taught that may appear to those skilled in the present art will still fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention , as defined in the appended claims .	7
describing now the drawings , it is to be understood that for purposes of simplifying the illustration thereof only enough of the construction of the ring spinning machine has been depicted in order to enable those skilled in the art to readily understand the underlying principles and concepts of the present development . turning attention now to fig1 and 2 , as an aid to comprehending the teachings of the present development there have been depicted therein travellers 1 and 2 , respectively , of conventional design , these travellers 1 and 2 being illustrated in their operating position upon an associated ring 3 of a conventional ring spinning machine . regarding the traveller 1 depicted in fig1 it will be seen that such has a substantially semi - circular shaped yarn guide or guiding portion 4 , and there is clearly visible in the showing of such fig1 the narrow passageway or throughpassage for the yarn 5 between the traveller 1 and the upper edge of the ring 3 . on the other hand , in fig2 there is depicted the formation of the yarn guide or guiding portion of the traveller 2 from two symmetrical , substantially straight sections or parts 6 and 7 which are arranged at an angle with respect to one another , and this design obviously produces a substantial enlargement of the cross - sectional area of the passageway for the throughpassing yarn 5 . however , this yarn 5 always run exactly at the apex region or apex 8 of the two straight parts or sections 6 and 7 , resulting in the drawbacks previously indicated . on the other hand , in fig3 and 4 there is shown a construction of traveller 9 according to the present invention . such traveller 9 will be seen to contain a yarn guide or guiding portion composed of a substantially quadrant circle part or quarter circular segment part 10 for the yarn throughpassage and which is located between the short leg or limb 12 and the apex 8 and a straight to slightly curved section or part 14 located between the apex 8 and the long leg or limb 13 of the traveller 9 . in the case of a yarn 5 containing thickenings or thickened portions , there is available a larger cross - section of the yarn passageway and , at the same time , at the adjacent bent part or quadrant 10 there is provided the desirable undefined free sliding surface . the radii of the traveller 9 advantageously have the following values : the modified construction of traveller 11 depicted in fig5 differs from the substantially u - shaped traveller 9 of fig3 and 4 in that , here , there are provided v - shaped widening legs or limbs 12 and 13 , and furthermore , there are present different values for the radii which , preferably , are established as follows : finally , fig6 illustrates in detail the dimensions of a traveller 9 which is advantageously usable for the count range tex 20 . this traveller 9 corresponds in its dimensions to the iso - standard no . 2266 , series r20 , no . 45 , which is incorporated herein by reference and wherein the abbreviation or acronym &# 34 ; iso &# 34 ; refers to the standards established by the international standards organization . according to section 3 , of iso 2266 - 1974 ( e ), the number of a traveller is the nominal mass , in grams , of 1000 travellers of the same type and the term r20 indicates that the number is a preferred number in accordance with the r20 series of preferred numbers ( iso 3 ). there are clearly visible the two small radii r and r 2 which . here , each amount to 1 . 2 millimeters at the substantially straight section or part 14 . the radius of r 1 of the bent or substantially quarter circular segment part or quadrant section 10 is substantially greater , amounting to 1 . 6 millimeters . while there are shown and described present preferred embodiments of the invention , it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto , but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims . accordingly ,	3
[ 0015 ] fig1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a semiconductor processing system ( 8 ) which is used for carrying out a method according to the invention . the system ( 8 ) includes a semiconductor processing chamber ( 10 ), a susceptor ( 12 ) within the chamber ( 10 ), a power supply ( 14 ), a power control ( 16 ), infrared lamp heaters ( 18 ), a lower pyrometer ( 20 ), an upper pyrometer ( 22 ), and a computer ( 24 ). the chamber ( 10 ) includes a base ring ( 26 ), an upper quartz window ( 28 ), and a lower quartz window ( 30 ). the quartz windows ( 28 ) and ( 30 ) have peripheries that seal with the base ring ( 26 ). the base ring ( 26 ), together with the quartz windows ( 28 ) and ( 30 ), define an internal volume ( 32 ). a gas inlet ( 34 ) is formed through the base ring ( 26 ) into the internal volume ( 32 ), and a gas outlet ( 36 ) is formed out of the internal volume ( 32 ) on a side of the internal volume ( 32 ) opposing the gas inlet ( 34 ). a slit valve opening ( not shown ) is formed through the base ring ( 26 ). a wafer substrate can be inserted into and later be removed from the internal volume ( 32 ) through the slit valve opening . the susceptor ( 12 ) is mounted in a substantially horizontal orientation within the internal volume ( 32 ). the wafer substrate can be located on top of the susceptor ( 12 ). the power supply ( 14 ) is connected through a power control ( 16 ) to the heaters ( 18 ). electric power can be provided from the power supply ( 14 ) through the power control ( 16 ) to the heaters ( 18 ). the power control ( 16 ) can vary an amount of electric power provided to the heaters ( 18 ). the heaters ( 18 ) radiate infrared radiation ( 38 ) through the lower quartz window ( 30 ) onto a lower surface of the susceptor ( 12 ). more heaters may be located above the upper quartz window ( 28 ) and radiate into the internal volume ( 32 ). the lower pyrometer ( 20 ) is located below the lower quartz window ( 30 ). infrared radiation ( 40 ) radiates from the lower surface of the susceptor ( 12 ) through the lower quartz window ( 30 ). the lower pyrometer ( 20 ) is located in a position to receive the infrared radiation ( 40 ). the infrared radiation ( 40 ) tends to increase when a temperature of the susceptor ( 12 ) increases , and decrease when the temperature of the susceptor ( 12 ) decreases . the pyrometer ( 20 ) generates a signal ( 42 ) in response to the infrared radiation ( 40 ). the signal ( 42 ) increases if the infrared radiation ( 40 ) increases , and decreases when the infrared radiation ( 40 ) decreases . the power control ( 16 ) is connected to the pyrometer ( 20 ), so that the signal ( 42 ) is provided to the power control ( 16 ). the power control ( 16 ) is connected between the power supply ( 14 ) and the heaters ( 18 ) and can utilize the signal ( 42 ) to maintain the temperature of the susceptor ( 12 ) steady and constant . in use , a wafer substrate is inserted into the internal volume ( 32 ) and located on top of the susceptor ( 12 ). the slit valve closes the slit valve opening through which the wafer is inserted into the internal volume ( 32 ). a pump ( not shown ) connected to the gas outlet ( 36 ) is operated so that the internal volume ( 32 ) is maintained at a required , constant pressure . the susceptor ( 12 ) heats the wafer substrate to a processing wafer temperature . processing gases are then introduced through the gas inlet ( 34 ). the processing gases flow at a constant rate over an upper surface of the wafer substrate and then out of the gas outlet ( 36 ). the gases combine with one another and deposit a layer on top of the wafer substrate according to conventional principles relating to chemical vapor deposition . the rate at which the layer forms depends on the pressure within the internal volume ( 32 ) and the temperature of the wafer substrate . infrared radiation ( 44 ) radiates from the layer formed on the wafer substrate through the upper quartz window ( 28 ). the upper pyrometer ( 22 ) is located in a position wherein it receives the infrared radiation ( 44 ). the upper pyrometer ( 22 ) is connected to the computer ( 24 ). the upper pyrometer ( 22 ) generates a signal ( 46 ) in response to the infrared radiation ( 44 ). the signal ( 46 ) increases when a magnitude of the infrared radiation ( 44 ) increases , and decreases when a magnitude of the infrared radiation ( 44 ) decreases . a magnitude of the infrared radiation ( 44 ) depends on two factors : ( i ) the temperature of the layer that is formed on the wafer substrate , and ( ii ) the emissivity of the layer that is formed on the wafer substrate . the emissivity changes as the layer is formed , so that the magnitude of the infrared radiation ( 44 ) changes as the layer is formed , even at a constant temperature . the magnitude of the infrared radiation ( 44 ) is thus not a good indicator of the temperature of the layer . however , the inventors have found that the magnitude of the infrared radiation ( 44 ) is cyclical . as will be described in more detail below , the cyclical nature of the magnitude of the infrared radiation ( 44 ) is used to determine growth rate of the layer . the growth rate of the layer can be used to determine temperature of the layer indirectly . the emissivity of the susceptor ( 12 ) changes as films are deposited thereon . a layer on the lower quartz window ( 30 ) also attenuates infrared radiation therethrough . for purposes of further discussion , the effect of the layer on the lower quartz window ( 30 ) is combined with the emissivity of the susceptor ( 12 ). although reference hereinafter is made to the emissivity of the susceptor ( 12 ), it should be understood that it is the effective emissivity of the combination of the real emissivity of the susceptor ( 12 ) and the effect of the layer on the lower quartz window ( 30 ). [ 0023 ] fig2 illustrates how the lower pyrometer is calibrated and an initial emissivity value , ε s , of the initial clean susceptor ( 12 ) is obtained . a thermocouple ( 50 ) is inserted into the susceptor ( 12 ), and the susceptor ( 12 ) is heated to a temperature of , for example , 660 ° c . the thermocouple ( 50 ) provides a signal ( 51 ) to the computer ( 24 ). the thermocouple ( 50 ) is calibrated so that the signal ( 51 ) provides an accurate indication of the temperature of the susceptor ( 12 ). the signal ( 42 ) of the lower pyrometer ( 20 ) is compared with the signal ( 51 ) from the thermocouple ( 50 ). the signal ( 42 ) is dependent on the degree of the infrared radiation ( 40 ). the degree of infrared radiation ( 40 ) depends on the temperature of the susceptor ( 12 ) and its emissivity ε s . the magnitude of the signal ( 42 ) is thus a function of the temperature of the susceptor ( 12 ) and its emissivity ε s . the signal ( 51 ) provides an indication of the temperature of the susceptor ( 12 ), so that the only variable to be calculated is the emissivity ε s of the susceptor ( 12 ). the signals ( 42 ) and ( 51 ) are then compared ( 52 ), and the emissivity ε s is calculated ( 53 ). the lower pyrometer ( 20 ) is then calibrated ( 54 ) using the calculated emissivity ε s . a functional ε - t relationship is also stored in the computer ( 24 ). the ε - t relationship is represented as a curve of real temperature t against emissivity ε . the real temperature is generally inversely proportional to the emissivity ε . should the emissivity of the susceptor ( 12 ) increase and a magnitude of the signal ( 42 ) remain the same , it would translate that the temperature of the susceptor ( 12 ) has decreased . what is important to note is that the curve provides a slope of real temperature against emissivity ε near the emissivity ε s . a number of reference substrates ( 56 ) are located on the susceptor ( 12 ) while it is still new , and thus has an emissivity ε s . the reference substrates ( 56 ) are located after one another on the susceptor ( 12 ) and their respective reference layer ( 57 ) is formed on a respective reference substrate ( 56 ). because the lower pyrometer ( 20 ) is calibrated , and because the susceptor ( 12 ) still has its original emissivity ε s , the signal ( 42 ) can still be used to accurately determine the real temperature on the lower surface of the susceptor ( 12 ). the signal ( 42 ) is provided to the computer ( 24 ). the signal ( 42 ) is also provided to the power control ( 16 ), which maintains the heaters ( 18 ) at a steady power , so that the heaters ( 18 ) create a steady heat flux over the susceptor ( 12 ). the steady heat flux maintains the susceptor ( 12 ) at a constant temperature . infrared radiation ( 44 ) simultaneously transmits to the upper pyrometer ( 22 ). because the emissivity of the reference layer ( 57 ) changes as it forms , the signal ( 46 ) also changes correspondingly . as the reference layer ( 57 ) begins to form , the signal ( 46 ) increases from a starting value , then decreases to the starting value , then decreases further , and then increases to the starting value . the signal ( 46 ) thus has a magnitude which is periodic . a length of time of a period of the signal ( 46 ) is the length of time that it takes for the magnitude of the signal ( 46 ) to return to its original value a second time . it has been found that the reference layer ( 57 ) has the same thickness every time the magnitude of the signal ( 46 ) returns to its original value the second time . the length of the period of the signal thus provides an indication of the growth rate of the reference layer ( 57 ). a longer period indicates a slower growth rate and a shorter period indicates a faster growth rate . the signal ( 46 ) is provided to the computer ( 24 ). the computer ( 24 ) has a clock ( 58 ). the computer ( 24 ) determines when the magnitude of the signal ( 46 ) returns to its original level the second time , and then utilizes the clock ( 58 ) to determine a length of time for the signal ( 46 ) to return to its original value the second time . a data point is then stored in the computer ( 24 ), which relates the reference period from the signal ( 46 ) to the real temperature in the signal ( 42 ). thus , for a reference substrate n , the real temperature n has a specific reference period n . the reference substrate n ( 56 ) is then removed from the susceptor ( 12 ) out of the chamber ( 10 ), and another reference substrate , n + 1 , is then inserted into the chamber ( 10 ) and on the susceptor ( 12 ). the susceptor ( 12 ) and the reference substrate n + 1 are then heated to a temperature different to the real reference temperature when forming the prior reference layer on the prior reference substrate n . the real reference temperature n + 1 is then related to the reference period n + 1 for the reference substrate n + 1 . by repeating the process for subsequent reference substrates , a consolidated set of reference data is created , with different reference periods related to different real temperatures . the reference periods are generally inversely proportional to the real temperatures of the different reference substrates . therefore , the higher the real temperature , the shorter the period ( and the faster the growth rate ). reference is again made to fig1 . subsequent use of the system ( 8 ) creates layers on inner surfaces of the quartz windows ( 28 ) and ( 30 ). the layer on the upper quartz window ( 28 ) further reduces the ability of the upper pyrometer ( 22 ) to accurately determine a temperature of a layer formed on a substrate on the susceptor ( 12 ). furthermore , the layer on the lower quartz window ( 30 ) affects the magnitude of the infrared radiation ( 40 ), so that when the infrared radiation ( 40 ) reaches the lower pyrometer ( 20 ), it has a lower magnitude than when the lower pyrometer ( 20 ) was calibrated . film deposition on the lower surface of the susceptor ( 12 ) also changes its emissivity . the lower pyrometer ( 20 ) thus “ misreads ” the temperature on the lower surface of the susceptor ( 12 ). however , the upper pyrometer ( 22 ) can still detect a period in the magnitude of the infrared radiation ( 44 ). the period in the magnitude of the infrared radiation ( 44 ) is indicative of a growth rate of the layer which , in turn , is indicative of the temperature of the layer . the period at the signal ( 46 ) can thus be compared with the periods in the reference data to determine the real temperature of the layer , provided that all other processing conditions are the same . [ 0033 ] fig4 illustrates how the formation of a test layer on a test substrate can be used to determine the temperature of the susceptor ( 12 ), for purposes of further modification of power provided to the susceptor ( 12 ). a test substrate ( 62 ) is located on the susceptor ( 12 ), and a test layer ( 64 ) is formed on the test substrate ( 62 ). the conditions for forming the test layer ( 64 ) are the same as the conditions for forming the reference layer ( 57 ) in fig3 . total pressure , partial pressure of gases , the types of gases used , and the flow rates are the same when forming the test layer ( 64 ) than when forming the reference layer ( 57 ) and , as when forming the reference layer ( 57 ), are maintained at constant levels . the only difference is that the emissivity of the susceptor ( 12 ) changes to a modified emissivity ε mod because of contamination on the susceptor ( 12 ). the signal ( 42 ) from the lower pyrometer ( 20 ) does not provide an accurate measure of the temperature of the susceptor ( 12 ). the signal ( 42 ) is still used by the power control ( 16 ) to maintain the heaters ( 18 ) steady , so that they create a steady heat flux over the susceptor ( 12 ), and thus maintain the susceptor ( 12 ) at a constant temperature . the intention is to determine ε mod so that the temperature of the susceptor ( 12 ) can be determined . the upper pyrometer ( 22 ) detects the infrared radiation ( 44 ) from the test layer ( 64 ). the computer ( 24 ) then again utilizes the signal ( 46 ) from the upper pyrometer ( 22 ) and the clock ( 58 ) to calculate a test period ( 70 ) of the signal ( 46 ). the length of the test period is again calculated from the moment when the test layer ( 64 ) starts to form until when the signal ( 46 ) returns to its original value a second time . the test period is then compared with the reference data generated in fig3 . because all reference periods are related to specific real temperatures , the calculated test period ( 70 ) corresponds to a particular real temperature . an operator enters a desired temperature ( 72 ) into the computer ( 24 ). the computer ( 24 ) then subtracts the desired temperature ( 72 ) from the real temperature corresponding to the calculated test period ( 70 ), and the difference in temperature , δt , is the temperature difference by which the susceptor ( 12 ) has to be adjusted to the desired temperature ( 72 ). the difference in temperature , δt , is then compared with the ε - t relationship generated in fig2 . because the slope of the curve of the ε - t relationship is known near ε s , ε mod can be determined . ε mod is determined by moving the temperature down the γ - axis by δt . δt may , for example , be 5 ° c , and , as mentioned earlier , the temperature at ε s was 660 ° c ., so that the temperature is moved down to 655 ° c . ε mod is the emissivity value corresponding to 655 ° c . ε mod is the emissivity value of the susceptor ( 12 ) due to contamination . as shown in fig5 the test substrate ( 62 ) of fig4 is removed from the susceptor ( 12 ), and a process substrate ( 80 ) is located on the susceptor ( 12 ). a process layer ( 82 ) is then formed on the process substrate ( 80 ). the process layer ( 82 ) can be a totally different layer than the reference layer ( 57 ) of fig3 and the test layer ( 64 ) of fig4 . in fact , all the processing conditions when forming the process layer ( 82 ) can be different than when forming the reference layers ( 57 ) and the test layer ( 64 ). what is important is that the emissivity value ε mod of the susceptor ( 12 ) is known , and its temperature can thus be calculated . the signal ( 42 ) generated by the lower pyrometer ( 20 ) is now dependent on two factors : ( i ) the temperature of the susceptor ( 12 ), and ( ii ) the emissivity ε mod of the susceptor ( 12 ), both of which are known . a relationship exists between the desired signal i d from the lower pyrometer ( 20 ), the emissivity from the susceptor ( 12 ), and the desired temperature of the susceptor ( 12 ), as illustrated in the power control box ( 16 ). the desired signal i d can be calculated by replacing the emissivity value ε with ε mod , and replacing the temperature t with the desired temperature ( 72 ) of the susceptor ( 12 ), as entered by the operator ( k 1 , k 2 , k 3 , and k 4 are constants ). the power control ( 16 ) compares the value of i d with the signal ( 42 ). if the signal ( 42 ) is below the value i d , more power is provided to the heaters ( 18 ), and vice versa . as such , the susceptor ( 12 ) is maintained at a temperature corresponding to the desired temperature ( 72 ) entered by the operator . while certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings , it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive of the current invention , and that this invention is not restricted to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described since modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art .	7
many of the details of the tags and interrogators are not described herein except the aspects providing the novel features of this invention because they have been previously described in one or more of u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 739 , 328 ; 4 , 782 , 345 ; 4 , 786 , 907 ; 4 , 816 , 839 ; 4 , 835 , 377 and 4 , 853 , 705 . referring to fig1 the read pulse codes of the invention are illustrated . if desired , using these codes , the tag may continually scroll the predetermined information in its memory so that it is ready to backscatter - modulate that information on any received rf signal of sufficient strength from an interrogator . otherwise , scrolling may be instigated by receipt of a sufficiently strong rf signal from an interrogator . the backscatter - modulated information using the code format of fig1 must be capable of being decoded by the interrogator sending the continuous rf signal . moreover , since the tags or the interrogators of this invention are often travelling very fast relative to each other , such as on high speed trains , an interrogator must be able , very quickly , to decode the signal , determine the identity of the tag , and , if it so desires , to write a message to the tag while the tag is still in writing range of the interrogator . this means that the tag identification step must happen very quickly . data rates approaching 200 kilobaud are often required . this identification step is speeded up considerably in this invention by the use of a new code shown in fig1 for the backscatter - modulated data . to represent a binary zero , as shown in fig1 a , a signal 10 is used with one - half period at a first frequency f 1 followed by a full period at a second frequency 2f 1 , equal to twice the first frequency . a binary one is represented by the opposite sequence 12 , shown in fig1 b , namely a full period at frequency 2f 1 followed by one - half period at frequency f 1 . these signals are shown in fig1 a and fig1 b above the heading &# 34 ; normal &# 34 ;. these signals also may be inverted as shown on the right side of fig1 above the heading &# 34 ; inverted &# 34 ;. signal 11 is an inverted zero ; signal 13 is an inverted one . the unique aspect of this particular set of signals is that they may be properly decoded as ones and zeros whether in either their normal or inverted form . this coding technique of the invention inverts every other binary bit , as shown in fig1 . the ability of the interrogator to receive either normal or inverted signals enables the tag , when backscatter modulating the signals , to invert every other bit . when the alternately inverted series of binary bits are received at the interrogator , they have a zero d . c . component , since the average level of the backscatter - modulated signal will be zero . with interrogators which use limiting amplifiers for detection , this has significant advantages . the read code frame marker signals 14 and 15 shown in fig1 c mark the end of a frame of data . these signals , too , were uniquely designed to provide zero d . c . component when used within a frame consisting of an odd number of binary bits and yet be uniquely distinguishable in either their normal form 14 or inverted form 15 from any combination of a series of binary zero and one bits , whether any such bit is transmitted in its normal or inverted form . in order to ensure that the d . c . component of an entire frame , not just the frame marker , is equal to zero , the frame marker must be inverted relative to the bits preceding and following it , which in turn requires that a frame consists of an odd number of binary bits followed by a single frame marker . the sequence of a frame marker having five periods of frequency 2f 1 followed by one - half period of frequency f 1 , whether in the normal or inverted form , satisfies this criterion . additionally , the backscattered data , including ones , zeros and frame markers may become inadvertently inverted during reception depending on the phase angle difference between the transmitted and received signals . therefore this data must be recognizable by the interrogator as frame markers in either form . the binary data format shown in fig1 when back scatter - modulated by the tag , provides uniquely distinguishable binary code for ones , zeros and frame markers , yet is capable of twice the transmission speed at any given clock rate compared with prior art codes such as those described in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 739 , 328 . in order to accomplish the write operation , the interrogator and tag need use only four different write signals using three different frequencies . for ease of understanding , these frequencies are f 2 , 2f 2 and 4f 2 , the second two being integral multiples of the first . the first signal 20 , shown in fig2 a , represents a binary &# 34 ; zero &# 34 ; bit by turning the rf off for one - half period of frequency 4f 2 followed by turning it on for the same amount of time . the second signal 21 shown in fig2 b , which turns the rf off for one - half period of frequency 2f 2 and back on again for the same period of time , represents a binary one . the third frame marker signal 22 shown in fig2 c , turns the rf off for one - half period of frequency f 2 and back on again for the same amount of time . finally , the mode signal 23 shown in fig2 d , the use of which will be described below , turns the rf off and on , each for one - half period of frequency f 2 , repeating that four times . the entire write communication sequence between the interrogator and the tag may be carried out using only these four types of signals shown in fig2 each of which is made up of a selection from three different frequencies , each being a multiple or submultiple of the others . the circuitry of a preferred embodiment of the tag of this invention is shown in fig3 . the tag has an antenna 30 , similar in type to that described in u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 782 345 and 4 , 816 , 839 . antenna 30 is connected as an input to an rf detector 31 . when an interrogator desires to write information into a tag , it sends an rf write signal . the write signal appears on antenna 30 , passes through rf detector 31 , and decoder 33 to message memory 34 . a portion of rf detector 31 is always on , so it must be designed to use little power to conserve tag battery life . decoder 33 separates the write signal bit pattern into the four possible write pulse codes shown in fig2 a mode signal , a binary one or a binary zero and a frame marker . if indicated by the proper sequence of signals , which will be explained later , the received data will be written into memory 34 . this memory may be any non - volatile memory , such as eeprom , earom or battery - backed ram . if desired , the newly written data in memory 34 can be returned through encoder 35 and modulator 32 for backscatter modulation and verification by the interrogator . when the tag backscatter - modulates the data in memory 34 for reception by an interrogator , the data from memory 34 is passed to encoder 35 . encoder 35 may be turned on , if desired , only in the presence of rf , to save battery power . this &# 34 ; read back message &# 34 ; from memory 34 is encoded by encoder 35 using the codes of this invention shown in fig1 . this encoded data is then passed to modulator 32 . modulator 32 modulates the backscatter , by changing the rf load on antenna 30 , to send the encoded signals back from the tag to the interrogator . this backscatter modulation technique is described in more detail in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 739 , 328 . the tag state diagram of fig4 illustrates the signalling sequence used for reading information from the tag and writing information to the tag . when a tag is not in the rf range of the interrogator , it remains in the default mode 40 . while in this mode , the tag may be continually scrolling the data from its memory , so that it is always ready to backscatter - modulate any received rf signal . alternatively , scrolling may be automatically initiated by the rf signal . as soon as a tag enters into an rf field of an interrogator , it may receive a mode signal of the type shown in fig2 from the interrogator . this mode signal , as shown in fig2 d , has a frequency f 2 which , to avoid interference with read signals , is less than or equal to one - half of the lowest read pulse frequency f 1 . this was discussed earlier . upon recognizing the mode signal while it is in default mode 40 shown in fig4 the tag switches into the identification mode (&# 34 ; id mode &# 34 ;) 41 in fig4 . in the id mode , the tag backscatter - modulates the received rf signal , after recognizing the mode signal , with selected data contained in its memory . in one embodiment of the invention , frame # 0 of the backscatter - modulated data has 5 - bits for address data , 3 - bits for any desired data which permanently resides in the tag other than the identification data , 64 - bits for the tag identification , 47 additional bits for more user data , 4 checksum bits , leaving 5 extra bits in a reserved field . the tag continually scrolls through frame # 0 , sending the contained data back to the interrogator . while it is sending data in the id mode 41 , if the tag receives a second mode signal , it shifts to the &# 34 ; listen mode &# 34 ; 42 in fig4 . in the listen mode , the tag stops sending data and gets ready to receive data to be written into the tag by the interrogator . in the listen mode , there is no longer a possibility of interference between read and write pulses , since the backscatter - modulation in the tag is turned off . while in the listen mode 42 , if an interrogator desires to write to the tag , the interrogator then sends a command message to the tag , as shown in fig4 . upon completion of the message , the tag shifts into the &# 34 ; acknowledge mode &# 34 ; 43 in fig4 . the command message consists of one or more frames of information contained in a sequence of ones and zeros followed by a frame marker . a command message normally contains a command frame . command frames provide instructions to the tag , such as the desired locations in memory that transmitted data frames are to be stored . such command frames may or may not be followed by actual data frames containing the data to be stored . the interrogator may read the acknowledgment frames from the tag in order to verify the previous command message sent . after a tag has received and compared the message , the interrogator may send an additional mode signal , of the type shown in fig2 which causes the tag to return to the listen mode 42 . this mode signal sets up the tag to receive additional commands to do various operations , including scrolling through selected contents of its memory , or receiving a write command message from the interrogator . such a command message will tell the tag where to store the next series of bits , called data frames , which it will receive . other commands may be used to ( 1 ) unlock a fixed data field to allow data to be written into it ; or ( 2 ) lock a variable data field so that no data may subsequently be written into it . while the tag is in the acknowledge mode 43 , and the rf field stops for some reason so that the tag is no longer receiving a continuous rf signal from the interrogator , the tag automatically reverts to the default mode 40 , as shown in fig4 . accordingly , the arrow from acknowledge mode 43 to default mode 40 shows &# 34 ; loss of rf &# 34 ;. the difference between the acknowledge and default modes is that in the latter , all message information may be scrolled , whereas , in the acknowledge mode , just the recently received information is scrolled . there are some situations where the tag is in the listen mode 42 , shown in fig4 and the tag is receiving an rf signal , but the signal contains no level transitions from on to off , as shown in the write codes in fig2 . the tag has a timer for detecting these level transitions , and when one does not occur for a predetermined period of time , the tag will detect the extended time between pulse edges , called a timeout , and automatically revert to the default mode 40 , upon the expiration of the timeout , and recommence default scrolling . at this time , the tag may power down the decoder 33 and part of the rf detect 31 to conserve battery power . the tag also reverts from the listen mode 42 or from the id mode 41 to the default mode 40 upon the loss of rf , as shown in fig4 . command messages are sent to the tag by the interrogator while the tag is in the listen mode 42 . these frames set up the tag to do various operations , including scrolling through selected contents of its memory , or invalidating selected contents of its memory . additionally , the listen mode 42 can be used for initially putting data into the tag using a hard - wired connection . this data is sent through write - by - wire line 36 shown in fig3 . sometimes it is desireable to change data in the tag on a semi - permanent basis prior to the time the tag is shipped . this data can be placed into the tag through this hardwired write - by - wire connection while the tag is in the listen mode 42 , and will remain in the tag until it is overwritten at a later time either by an interrogator using rf , or by a subsequent overwriting process through the hard - wired connection . the tag may also be read by wire in the same manner , using read - by - wire line 37 shown in fig3 . commands may be issued while in the listen mode 42 to change the data structure of the tag so that , when the tag returns to the default mode 40 while the tag is scrolling , the number of frames to be included in the scrolling can be changed , or a different set of frames may be selected . furthermore , by changing one bit of the command code , certain variable rf frames within the tag may be rendered invalid so future interrogators will not accept the invalidated data . this procedure may be used , for example , to notify future interrogators that certain data in the tag is no longer valid . for example , if a tag attached to a railroad car has its contents modified , an interrogator can send a command code which invalidates the potentially inaccurate variable data in the tag . the system of the invention preferably uses a single common rf carrier and rf signal polarization for both the read and the write signals . as will be apparent to those skilled in the art , many modifications can be made to the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in fig1 - 4 and described above . accordingly , the invention is only limited as set forth in the claims which follow .	6
as discussed above , the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for increasing the utility and interoperability of peripheral devices , e . g ., voice mail devices and speech recognition platforms , used in communications systems , e . g ., telephone systems . fig2 illustrates a telephone system 200 implemented in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention . as illustrated the telephone system 200 includes a plurality of telephone networks 210 , 211 which are coupled together by a fiber optic connection 32 . the first telephone network 210 is illustrated in detail in fig2 . the second telephone network 211 may be the same as the first telephone network 210 or , e . g ., a known telephone network , e . g ., the network 10 of fig1 . while two telephone networks are shown in the fig2 embodiment , it is to be understood that the system may comprise any number of networks 210 , 211 and / or other additional communications networks which provide , e . g ., internet services . as illustrated in fig2 the telephone network 210 includes a plurality of telephones 212 , 214 , a c . o . switch 216 , a first voice mail ip 228 , a second voice mail ip 230 , a control ip 232 and a switching matrix 234 . the telephones 212 , 214 are coupled to the central office switch 216 via a first interface 218 . each telephone 212 , 214 corresponds to a telephone subscriber who , in addition to subscribing to basic telephone service may also subscribe to one or more additional services such as voice mail and / or voice dialing services provided though the use of ips 228 , 230 , 232 . the switch &# 39 ; s interface 218 is coupled by a local bus to a cpu 220 , memory 222 , digit receiver 226 and a second interface 224 . the cpu 220 controls call routing and other switch operations in response to inputs received via the first and second interfaces 218 , 224 in accordance with program routines stored in the memory 222 . the digit receiver 226 , when active , detects the receipt of dtmf tones and converts them to digits which are supplied to the cpu 220 for , e . g ., call routing purposes . the switch 216 is capable of implementing the known nfa protocol for communicating between one or more of the telephones 212 , 214 coupled thereto and one or more of the ips 228 , 230 , 232 . in one embodiment , the switch 216 is a class v digital communications switch . the switch 216 is coupled to each one of the first and second voice mail ips 228 , 230 via its second interface 224 , and one or more t 1 links and smdi lines . a voice and / or data connection can be established between a subscriber operating one of the telephones 212 , 214 and either the first or second voice mail ips 228 , 230 using one of the t 1 links . the smdi links between the voice mail ips 228 , 230 and the c . o . switch 216 are used to notify the central office switch when a new message has been received and is waiting for a particular subscriber corresponding to one of the telephones 212 , 214 coupled to the central office switch . the central office switch uses the smdi information to activate a message waiting light on the particular subscriber &# 39 ; s telephone 212 , 214 , when such message waiting functionality is supported by the telephone 212 , 214 . in accordance with the present invention , the smdi lines of the first and second voice mail ips 228 , 230 are also coupled to smdi inputs of the control ip 232 . in this manner , the control ip 232 receives information regarding messages which are waiting for a voice mail subscriber at the voice mail ips , 228 , 230 . in addition to being coupled to the voice mail ips 228 , 230 , the control ip 232 is coupled to the c . o . switch 216 by a recent change channel ( rcc ) and a plurality of t 1 links . the t 1 links are routed through the switching matrix 234 . the switching matrix 234 is controlled by a switching control signal ( scs ) received from to the control ip 232 . though use of the scs the control ip 232 can control the routing of incoming and outgoing lines to establish a connection to anyone of a plurality of line termination points including the first and second voice mail ips 228 , 230 and telephones 212 , 214 . where communication protocol conversion is required , the switching matrix 234 may be replaced by a programmable switch such as those made by the summa four corporation . fig3 a illustrates a control ip 300 suitable for use as the control ip 232 of the system 200 . as will be discussed in detail below , in accordance with the present invention , the control ip 300 may be used to support voice dialing services in addition to switch and call routing control functions . as illustrated , the control ip 300 comprises a plurality of speech recognizer arrays , 302 , 304 , 306 , a control interface 308 , and an application processor 312 . each of the speech recognizer circuits 302 is coupled to at least one t 1 link for receiving and transmitting voice and data to and from the switch 216 . each of the speech recognizer arrays 302 , 304 , 306 is also coupled to an interface 318 of the application processor 312 . the application processor 312 , includes the interface 318 , a cpu 314 , and a plurality of data storage devices including a memory 316 , a database 310 , and service logic 311 . the memory 316 stores instructions in the form of a program as well as data about the speech recognizer arrays 302 , 304 , 306 and the speech recognition capabilities of various circuits included therein . the service logic includes data and program code used to implement one or more services , e . g ., a voice dialing service . the program stored in the memory 316 , in conjunction with the information and program code stored in the service logic 311 , when executed by the cpu 314 , controls the operation of the control ip in accordance with the present invention . the interface 318 is used to couple and interface the various components of the application processor , such as the database 310 , cpu 314 , memory 316 and service logic 311 to the speech recognizer arrays 302 , 304 , 306 and the control interface 308 . the interface 318 converts the various signals received by the application processor 312 into a format that can be interpreted and processed by the cpu 314 as well as converts signals generated by the cpu 314 into a signal format that can be used to control and interact with the various circuits coupled to the application processor 312 . the control interface 308 is responsible for receiving smdi signal inputs from the voice mail ips 228 , 230 which form part of the network 210 . the information regarding waiting messages , e . g ., subscriber &# 39 ; s account number and message waiting indicator , received via the smdi links , is conveyed to the application processor 312 . the application processor 312 is responsive to the information received via the smdi links which it uses in conjunction with information from the database 310 to determine the action which is to be taken by the control ± p 300 . via the control interface 308 , the application processor can instruct , e . g ., using the recent change channel ( rcc ), the c . o . switch 216 , to enable / disable the nfa protocol on a particular subscriber &# 39 ; s line and / or perform other operations such as enable / disable the c . o . switch &# 39 ; s digit receiver 226 with regard to an ongoing connection . in addition , via the control interface 308 , which generates the switching matrix control signal ( scs ), the application processor 312 can control the switching matrix 234 to establish connections via the c . o . switch with one or more ips and / or destination telephones . the database 310 , which is included in the application processor 312 , is used to store relevant subscriber information . fig3 b illustrates an exemplary control ip database 310 . as illustrated , the database 310 comprises a plurality of entries . one set of entries , represented by a horizontal row , is associated with each subscriber being serviced by the control ip 232 . each set of entries includes information pertinent to servicing one subscription which , in most cases , will correspond to a single individual subscriber . however , in the case of a multi - party mailbox , the single subscription may correspond to multiple individuals . in the fig3 b embodiment , columns 1 - 9 represent different information entries which are maintained in the database 310 for each subscription . column 1 , corresponds to subscriber name information , column 2 corresponds to a subscriber id number . the subscriber id number may be , e . g ., a number used to identify the subscriber for voice mail purposes . column 3 corresponds to subscriber telephone number information . the telephone number information may be used , e . g ., to identify to the c . o . switch 216 , the line on which the nfa protocol is to be enabled / disabled . in addition , in the case where the smdi link provides message waiting information associated with a subscriber &# 39 ; s telephone number , the control ip 232 can identify the particular subscriber for which a message is waiting by using the received telephone number and the telephone number information stored in the database 310 . column 4 of the database 310 corresponds to the subscriber &# 39 ; s personal identification number ( pin ) which the subscriber would normally use to access the messaging service or services to which the subscriber subscribes . while , in columns 2 and 4 only one subscriber and pin is shown for each subscriber , it is to be understood that a different subscriber id and pin may be stored for each one of a plurality of messaging services to which a customer subscribers . columns 5 , 6 , 7 , and 8 include status and service information used by the ip 232 in determining how to control call routing , e . g ., which ips a customer should be connected to , and what services are to be provided to a customer . column 5 , corresponds to nfa protocol status . if the nfa protocol is enabled for a particular subscriber , the subscriber will automatically be coupled to the control ip 232 when the c . o . switch detects an off - hook condition on the subscriber &# 39 ; s line . if the nfa protocol is not enabled for a particular subscriber , that subscriber will not be automatically connected to the control ip when an off - hook condition is initiated . under such circumstances , the subscriber would have to dial the number of an ip to gain access to his or her voice mail service or other ip provided service . database column 6 corresponds to message waiting status . if a message is waiting for a particular subscriber , e . g ., as indicated by the receipt of an smdi signal including the subscriber &# 39 ; s telephone number , this column will include an ip identifier identifying the ip where a message is waiting . in the event that messages are waiting on multiple ips for a subscriber , the entry in column 6 associated with the subscriber will include an ip identifier for each ip with a waiting message . database column 7 indicates the type of message prompt to be played to the subscriber once a connection is established between the subscriber and the control ip . in the case where no message is waiting , a message that there are no waiting messages is played to the subscriber in the event that the subscriber connects to the control ip , e . g . by dialing the ip . accordingly , in column 7 , “ none ” is indicated with regard to the prompt that should be used for subscribers without waiting messages . in the case where a voice message is waiting for an individual subscriber to an individual voice mail service , default message is played to the subscriber upon connection to the ip . the default message may be something like “ you have at least one new message .” in at least one embodiment the default message provides a user with the actual number of new waiting messages . in the case where the voice mail service being provided corresponds to a multi - party account , as in the case of the last account listed in database 310 , a prompt identifying the individual for whom the waiting message is intended may be played when such information is available . for example , in one embodiment the prompt which is played states : “ new message for : name ” where name is the name of the individual to whom the waiting message is directed . when individual name information is not available regarding the intended recipient of a waiting message the default message prompt may be used . column 8 indicates whether the customer subscribes to a voice dialing service supported by the control ip 232 . as will be discussed below , this information is important with regard to call flow handling by the control ip 232 . normally , for voice dialing service subscribers , the nfa protocol feature will be enabled at the central office switch 216 even when messages are not waiting for the subscriber . this allows the subscriber to obtain direct access to the voice dialing capability of the control ip without having to dial the ip . as discussed above , in the case where a customer subscribes to a voice mail service but not a voice dialing service , the nfa protocol feature is disabled in accordance with the present invention at the c . o . switch when there are no messages waiting for the subscriber . column 9 includes voice template and voice recording information ( tr ) used for supporting voice dialing services for subscribers to the voice dialing service . for each voice dialing service subscriber , at least one speaker dependent speech recognition template is stored for each name to be recognized using speaker dependent speech recognition techniques . a recording of the name corresponding to a speech template , e . g ., made when the template was created , is also stored in the database 310 so that it can be played back to the subscriber as a way of indicating to the caller which name was identified by the speech recognition circuit . a telephone number , to be dialed , is also normally stored in the database 310 for each name for which there is a stored template . with regard to customer john smith , columns 5 - 9 of the first row of database 310 indicate , for example , that the nfa protocol is not enabled for his telephone line , that there are no messages waiting for him , that a prompt is to be played to john smith indicating that there are no waiting messages in the event that he establishes a connection with the control ip , e . g ., via a direct dial operation , that he does not subscribe to the control ip &# 39 ; s voice dialing service , and that there are no stored templates or recordings for john smith . with regard to customer mary wells , columns 5 - 9 of the second row of database 310 indicate , for example , that the nfa protocol is enabled for her telephone line , that there is one or more messages waiting for her on the first voice mail ip 228 , that a default prompt is to be played to her indicating that there are one or more waiting messages in the event that she establishes a connection with the control ip , e . g ., via initiating an off - hook condition on the telephone line identified by the telephone number listed in database 310 , that she does not subscribe to the control ip &# 39 ; s voice dialing service , and that there are no stored templates or recordings for her . fig4 illustrates a speech recognizer array 400 suitable for use as any one of the speech recognizer arrays 302 , 304 , 306 . the speech recognizer array 400 includes a t 1 interface for coupling the recognizer array to a t 1 link , first and second speaker independent speech recognition circuits 404 , 406 , a primary speech recognizer 407 and a dtmf tone generator / receiver 410 . these circuits 402 , 404 , 406 , 407 , 410 are coupled together by a data bus 403 and a high bandwidth bus 401 capable of carrying voice communications . the high bandwidth bus 401 is also coupled to the control ip &# 39 ; s application processor 312 . the data bus 403 couples a cpu 412 , memory 414 and an ethernet adapter 416 to the data bus 403 thereby allowing them to interact with the various speech recognition circuits 404 , 406 , 408 , t 1 interface 402 and dtmf tone generator / receiver 410 . the ethernet adapter 416 is used to couple the data bus 403 to the application processor 312 . the primary speech recognizer 407 includes a speech capture circuit 409 and a combined speaker independent and speaker dependent speech recognition circuit 408 . the speech capture circuit 409 is used to collect speech data and to arrange it into segments which are then supplied to one of the speech recognition circuits 404 , 406 or 408 for processing . by coupling the various speech recognition circuits 404 , 406 , 408 and the speech capture circuit 409 to the same high speed bus 401 , the speech capture circuit 409 can transmit captured speech to any of the voice recognition circuits 404 , 406 , 408 thereby eliminating the need to provide a separate speech capture circuit 409 for each of the speech recognition circuits 404 , 406 , 408 . each of the speech recognition units 404 , 406 , 408 include a processor and memory which are used to perform speech recognition operations . the large vocabulary speaker independent speech recognition circuit 404 may support , e . g ., the recognition of , e . g ., over 100 words or phrases using speaker independent speech recognition techniques . the combined speaker independent and speaker dependent speech recognition circuit may support , e . g ., the recognition of 20 - 75 words or phrases . in contrast , the small vocabulary speaker independent speech recognition circuit may support the recognition of 20 or fewer words , e . g ., spoken numbers or keywords , which may be included in phrases . because of the relative complexity of the speech recognition tasks to be performed , the large vocabulary recognition circuit 406 will normally be implemented using a relatively powerful cpu and a large amount of memory . the combined speaker independent and speaker dependent speech recognition circuit 408 will normally be implemented using a less powerful cpu and less memory than the speech recognizer 406 while the small vocabulary speaker independent speech recognition circuit 404 will normally be implemented using the least amount of memory and the least powerful cpu out of the three speech recognition circuits 404 , 406 , 408 . the recognition circuit 404 , uses the least powerful cpu and least memory because it needs to perform the least processing operations per unit time , out of the three recognizer circuits , for each caller being serviced to perform real time speech recognition . in contrast , the large vocabulary recognition circuit 406 has to perform the most processing operations , out of the three circuits 404 , 406 , 408 , per caller per unit time , to perform real time speech recognition and therefore includes the most powerful cpu out of the speech recognition circuits 404 , 406 , 408 . the large vocabulary speaker independent speech recognition circuit 406 is capable is capable of detecting a large number of names and phrases using speaker independent speech recognition techniques . for this reason , it is particularly well suited for , e . g ., providing corporate directory information where it is desirable to be able to identify hundreds or even thousands of names of individual people and words which are , e . g ., part of the name of a corporate department title . the large vocabulary speech recognition circuit 406 may be thought of as a high end , e . g ., relatively expensive and powerful , speech recognition circuit . the small vocabulary speaker independent speech recognition circuit 404 supports the recognition of relatively few words or phrases , e . g ., less than 20 . in one embodiment the circuit 404 is used to recognize numbers spoken as part of a phrase such as “ press number ”. in addition , in various embodiments , it is used to recognize words which may be interpreted as a trigger to switch to the use of another voice dialing circuit . the combined speaker independent and speaker dependent speech recognition circuit 408 may be characterized as a mid - level speech recognition circuit capable of recognizing , e . g ., up to 100 words or phrases in one exemplary embodiment . the circuit 408 is particularly well suited for voice dialing purposes and may be the same as or similar to the speech recognition circuit described at length in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 719 , 921 which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference . the combined speaker independent and speaker dependent speech recognition circuit 408 is used , in one embodiment , to support voice dialing . voice dialing generally involves performing speaker independent speech recognition used to identify commands , e . g ., dial , forward , cancel call forward , and speaker dependent speech recognition to identify names , e . g ., the names of the people to be called . see , u . s . pat . no . 5 , 719 , 921 for a discussion of the use of speaker independent and speaker dependent speech recognition to support voice dialing services . in order to support speaker dependent voice dialing services speaker dependent speech recognition templates , e . g ., of names are stored in the database 310 for each voice dialing service subscriber . this information is retrieved , stored in the memory of the speech recognition circuit 408 , and used to support voice dialing , when a connection is established between the control ip 232 and a voice dialing service subscriber . in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention , the speech recognition circuit 404 , 406 , 408 which is used to support speech recognition is dynamically changed according to the speech recognition task to be performed during the particular stage of a call . in this manner , hardware is used in a more cost effective manner than would be possible if an unnecessarily powerful , and therefore , relatively expensive , speech recognition circuit were used for all stages of call processing . as will be discussed further below , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention , the combined speaker independent and speaker dependent speech recognition circuit 408 is used during portions of a call where voice dialing is to be provided . however , during portions of a call where the detection of , e . g ., spoken digits alone or as part of a phrase , is the primary concern , the small vocabulary speaker independent speech recognition circuit 404 is used . in cases where large vocabulary speaker independent speech recognition operations are required , e . g ., providing corporate directory information , circuit 406 is used . in accordance with the present invention , the dynamic switching between speech recognition units 404 , 406 , 408 , as a call progresses and / or the service being provided the subscriber changes during a call , is performed under control of the application processor 312 and / or cpu 412 . in one particular embodiment , when a call connection is initially established with the control ip 232 a service code , e . g ., a number indicating voice dialing , corporate directory , or a voice mail service request , is provided by the switch 216 to the control ip . subsequently , a new service code may be supplied to the control ip during the same call connection , e . g ., in response to the switch detecting the pressing of the * key followed by a number indicating a requested service such as voice mail service . in one such embodiment , cpu 412 of the speech recognizer array detects the service code associated with a particular call connection and assigns one of the speech recognizer circuits 408 , 406 , 404 to service the call as a function of the service code . in the event that another service code is received during the same call connection , the cpu will re - assess the speech recognition circuit assignment in response to receipt of the new service code . thus , as a result of receipt of a new service code , the speech recognizer assigned to service a call may be dynamically changed during the call . for example , if a voice dialing service code is initially received , the combined speaker independent and speaker dependent speech recognition circuit 408 would be assigned to service the call . if during the call a voice message service code were received , the cpu 412 would de - assign the combined speech recognizer and assign the small vocabulary speaker independent speech recognition to servicing the call . in another embodiment , the call connection established with the control ip 232 is monitored throughout the period in which the call connection is maintained for spoken words or phrases , referred to herein as “ trigger phrases ” which may be used to determine the service to be performed and thus which speech recognizer is best suited for servicing a particular portion of a call . for example , detection of the phrase “ corporate directory ” would be interpreted as indicative of a corporate directory information request and , in response to detection of such a phrase , the large vocabulary recognition circuit 406 would be assigned to service the call . detection of the word “ dial ” or a spoken name included in the caller &# 39 ; s voice dialing database could be interpreted as indicating a voice dialing service request . in such an instance the combined speech recognition circuit 408 would be assigned to service the call . similarly , the phrase “ voice mail ” would trigger use of the small vocabulary speech recognition circuit 404 to service the call . each of the speech recognition circuits 404 , 406 , 408 can use speaker independent speech recognition techniques to detect such keywords or trigger phrases . accordingly , such keywords or trigger phrases can be detected at any point during a call causing the cpu 412 to reassess and possibly re - assign the call to a different one of the speech recognition circuits 404 , 406 , 408 . in this manner the cpu 412 matches the requested service to the most cost effective one of the speech recognition circuits available . operation of the telephone system 200 of the present invention , and use of the control ip 232 will now be discussed in detail with reference to fig5 a - 5c which are a flow diagram illustrating the operations performed by the control ip in servicing a subscriber . operation of the control ip begins in step 502 , the start step . in this step the control ip &# 39 ; s application processor 312 is initialized , the ip control program stored in the memory 316 is loaded and executed by the cpu 314 . once various initialization procedures have been completed control ip operation proceeds to step 504 . in step 504 , the application processor 312 , via the speech recognizer arrays 303 , 304 , 306 and control interface 308 , monitors for inputs to the control ip , ( e . g .) from either the smdi lines or t 1 links coupled to the control ip 232 . in step 506 , a determination is made by the application processor as to whether or not an input has been detected . if no input has been detected operation proceeds once again to the monitoring step 504 . if , however , in step 506 , a message waiting indicator signal is detected , e . g ., on one of the smdi lines , operation progresses to step 508 . in step 508 the subscriber for which the message is intended is identified . this is accomplished by , e . g ., using either a telephone number or subscriber id received from the smdi line in conjunction with a message waiting signal , with the corresponding subscriber information stored in the database 310 . once the subscriber for which the message is intended is identified , and the corresponding data base entries for the subscriber retrieved from the database 310 , operation proceeds to step 510 . in step 510 , a determination is made , e . g ., from the data included in column 5 of the database 310 , as to whether or not the nfa protocol is active at the c . o . switch for the identified subscriber for which the message is intended . active nfa protocol status at the switch for the identified subscriber will result in the identified subscriber being coupled automatically to the control ip 232 in response to the detection of an off - hook condition on the identified subscriber &# 39 ; s line . normally , if there is already one or more waiting messages for the identified subscriber , not including the current message being reported by the detected signal on the smdi line , the nfa protocol will be active for the identified subscriber as the result of the earlier unretrieved waiting messages . similarly , if the subscriber subscribes to the voice dialing service supported by the control ip 232 , the nfa protocol will be enabled for the subscriber . if , in step 510 it is determined that the nfa protocol is already active for the identified subscriber , operation proceeds directly to step 514 . however , if in step 510 it is determined that the nfa protocol is not active for the subscriber at the c . o . switch operator proceeds to step 512 wherein a control signal is sent by the control ip to the c . o . switch , via the recent change channel ( rcc ). the control signal instructs the c . o . switch to connect the identified subscriber to the control i . p ., in response to an off - hook condition on the identified subscriber &# 39 ; s telephone line , e . g ., by using the nfa protocol . from step 512 , operation progresses to step 514 . step 514 involves updating of the database 310 to reflect changes in the status information associated with the identified subscriber . this involves , e . g ., changing the nfa status information if it was activated in step 512 , and updating the message waiting and message prompt information to reflect the waiting message . for example , the message waiting status information in col . 6 may be updated to reflect that there is an additional waiting message for the identified subscriber and the vmip where the message is waiting . in addition , the message prompt information , included in database column 7 , will be modified , if necessary , so that the identified subscriber will be informed of the waiting message upon connecting to the control ip . once the subscriber database is updated in step 514 , operation returns to the monitoring step 504 wherein the control ip monitors for additional inputs . from step 504 , operation proceeds to step 506 . if , in step 506 , a subscriber connection signal is detected as a result of the monitoring for received signals which occurred in step 504 , operation proceeds to step 520 via flow chart connectors 516 , 518 . the subscriber connection signal will normally include information sufficient to identify the subscriber for database access purposes , e . g ., the subscriber &# 39 ; s telephone number or account number information . for purposes of this exemplary discussion , the exemplary individual subscriber who established the connection to the ip will be referred to as “ the connected subscriber ”. in step 520 , the database 310 is accessed and the information included therein , pertinent to the connected subscriber , is retrieved . the retrieved information may include , e . g ., in the case where the caller is a voice dialing service subscriber , speaker dependent voice dialing templates and recordings in addition to the other information illustrated in fig3 b . once the subscriber data is retrieved from the database 310 , operation proceeds to step 522 wherein a determination is made , using the retrieved information , as to whether the connected subscriber is a voice dialing subscriber . if the answer to this inquiry is yes , operation proceeds to step 524 wherein the voice dialing service is provided to the caller . this step involves , e . g ., loading retrieved speaker dependent speech recognition templates and recordings into the speech recognition circuit 408 . it also involves controlling the recognition circuit 408 so that it monitors the line which connects the subscriber to the control ip and performs speech recognition operations on speech transmitted thereon . once the voice dialing service is activated , if the speech recognition circuit 408 receives an instruction to dial a telephone number over the line connecting the subscriber to the control ip 232 , a voice dialing operation will be performed by the ip in a manner that is the same as or similar to the manner in which known voice dialing service is provided . from step 524 operation proceeds to step 526 . operation will proceed directly from step 522 to step 526 if in step 522 it is determined that the connected subscriber is not a voice dialing subscriber . in step 526 , a determination is made from the retrieved database information , e . g ., by the application processor 312 , as to whether there are any new messages waiting for the connected subscriber . if there are no new messages , operation proceeds to step 527 . in step 527 , the caller is notified , e . g ., via an audio prompt that there are no new messages . the connection between the ip and the subscriber is then allowed to terminate , in step 528 , in accordance with voice dialing procedures in the event a voice dialing call is placed or if the subscriber hangs up . in one embodiment , in the case where the connected subscriber is a voice dialing customer , a preselected amount of time may be allowed to pass in step 527 before the no new messages prompt is played . if the subscriber initiates a voice dialing call during this period , the call will be allowed to terminate as a conventional voice dialing call without the prompt being played to the subscriber . if , in step 526 it is determined that there are new messages for the subscriber , operation proceeds to step 530 . in step 530 , the subscriber is notified of the presence of a waiting message , e . g ., by playing the prompt indicated in the database 310 for the connected subscriber . from step 530 operation proceeds to step 531 wherein an inquiry is made as to whether or not the subscriber wants to retrieve the messages . the inquiry may involve playing of a message asking if the subscriber wants to retrieve the messages followed by monitoring of the call connection to detect a spoken yes or no response . if , in step 531 , a no response is detected operation proceeds to step 528 wherein the call connection is allowed to terminate according to normal voice dialing procedure or nfa protocol operation . if , in step 531 , a yes response is detected indicating that the subscriber wants to retrieve the waiting messages operation proceeds to step 532 . in step 532 the control ip establishes a connection between the subscriber and a voice mail ip where one or more messages are waiting for the subscriber . the voice mail ip 228 , 230 to which the subscriber is connected is determined by the information in the database 310 which indicates which ip contains the subscriber &# 39 ; s waiting message or messages . as part of the process of establishing the connection between the connected subscriber and voice mail ip , the control ip seizes a line of one of the t 1 links coupled to the control ip . in addition , it controls the switching matrix 234 to route the subscribers call , via the c . o . switch 216 , to the desired voice mail ip 228 , 230 . in this manner , the control ip 232 establishes a connection between the subscriber and the voice mail ip 228 or 230 while remaining connected to the line . as part of the process of establishing the connection between the subscriber and voice mail ip 228 or 230 , the control ip supplies both the connected subscriber &# 39 ; s account number and pin number information to the voice mail ip thereby eliminating the need for the connected subscriber to enter this information . once a connection is established with one of the voice mail ips 228 , 230 , the control ip 232 signals , in step 534 , the c . o . switch 216 to take its digit receiver off - line . in step 536 voice dialing support is de - activated if it was enabled . accordingly , by the end of step 536 , the relatively expensive combined speaker independent and speaker dependent speech recognition circuit 408 used for voice dialing is released from servicing the connected subscriber . in addition , because the dtmf receiver of the central office switch is disable with regard to the connected subscriber , the connected subscriber is free to interact with the voice messaging ip through the use of dtmf or voice instructions without accidentally initiating a telephone call . from step 536 control ip operation proceeds to steps 542 and 548 via connectors 538 , 540 . the path comprising steps 542 , 544 , 546 represents speech recognition and dtmf generation functionality supported by the control ip 232 which is provided to facilitate subscriber interaction with a voice mail or other connected service ip . this functionality is provided through the use of one of the speaker independent speech recognition circuits 404 , 406 and the dtmf tone generator / receiver 410 . while speaker independent recognition is used in the illustrated embodiment speaker dependent recognition may be used alone or in combination with speaker independent speech recognition step 542 involves monitoring the line connected to the subscriber for speech such as the instruction “ press one ” or “ one ” which is to be recognized and converted into dtmf tones . upon one of the speech recognition circuits 404 or 406 detecting a spoken digit , e . g ., as part of a phrase such as “ press one ”, a signal is sent to the dtmf tone generator circuit 410 instructing it to generate a dtmf tone corresponding to the detected digit . in step 544 , one or more dtmf tones are generated in response to the speech recognized in step 542 . the generated dtmf tones 546 are transmitted by the control ip 232 to the voice mail ip 228 or 230 to which the subscriber is connected . however , to avoid annoying the subscriber with the dtmf tones , in one embodiment , the line to the subscriber is muted while the tones are transmitted to the voice mail ip . thus , the voice mail ip receives the dtmf signals generated from the subscribers speech and can respond thereto without the subscriber having to enter the signals by pressing keys and without the subscriber having to listen to the tones . after transmission of the generated tone operation proceeds to step 542 where the connection is monitored for additional speech . the process of monitoring the connection to a voice mail ip will continue for the duration of the connection to the voice mail ip . accordingly , while connected to the voice mail ip 228 or 230 , the subscriber will have the opportunity to input responses or commands to the voice mail ip using speech as opposed to having to press keys of a telephone . the path beginning with step 548 may occur in parallel with the path beginning with step 542 . in step 548 the connection between the subscriber and the voice mail ip 228 , 230 is monitored for a voice mail ip connection termination control signal e . g . from the voice mail ip or subscriber . operation progresses to step 550 when a termination signal is detected . in step 550 the connection between the subscriber and the voice mail ip 228 , 230 is terminated . from step 550 operation proceeds to step 552 wherein the database 310 is updated to reflect the review of messages by the subscriber which were stored on the voice mail ip to which the subscriber was connected . after termination of the connection with the voice mail ip 228 or 230 , a determination is made in step 554 as to whether or not there are new messages waiting for the subscriber on another voice mail ip . this is done by , e . g ., checking the updated database entry for the connected subscriber indicating the message waiting status . for example , if the connected subscriber were bob barker , after connecting to the second voice mail ip 230 , there would still be voice mail messages on first voice mail ip 228 . however , if the connected subscriber were mary wells , there would be no additional messages waiting for the subscriber . if in step 554 , it is determined that there are additional new messages waiting for the subscriber , e . g ., on a different voice ip , operation proceeds to step 524 thereby causing the subscriber to automatically be connected to the ip with the messages . however , in step 554 if it is determined that there are no more messages waiting for the connected subscriber , operation proceeds to step 558 wherein a determination is made as to whether or not the connected subscriber is a voice dialing subscriber . if the connected subscriber is a voice dialing subscriber , operation proceeds to step 560 wherein the voice dialing function of the control ip 232 is enabled by , e . g ., re - connecting the combined speaker independent and speaker dependent speech recognition circuit 408 to the connected subscriber &# 39 ; s line . in addition , the c . o . switch &# 39 ; s digit receiver 226 is also enabled in step 560 . accordingly , the connected subscriber can complete a call to a spoken or dialed telephone number without the need to hang - up after receiving his or her messages . under such circumstances , termination of the connection with the caller will occur in accordance with normal voice dialing procedures which may include the connected subscriber hanging up the telephone . while not explicitly stated in the flow diagram of fig5 a - 5b it is to be understood that a connected subscriber can terminate the call at any time by hanging up . hanging up causes the control ip 232 to terminate the subscriber &# 39 ; s connection with any voice mail ip &# 39 ; s which may exist at the time of call termination . in addition , the control ip 232 updates the database 232 to reflect the retrieval of messages prior to call termination if , in fact , any messages where retrieved . fig6 illustrates a telephone system 600 implemented in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention . the system 600 comprises a plurality of telephone networks 610 , 211 coupled together by a fiber optic line 32 . the telephone network 610 comprises many of the same elements as the network 210 . elements of the fig2 and fig6 embodiments which are the same , or similar , bear the same reference numbers and will not be described again . the fig2 and fig6 embodiments differ principally in the way in which the telephone network &# 39 ; s peripheral devices , including first and second voice mail ips 628 , 630 and a control ip 632 are connected together . note that smdi lines are not used in the fig6 embodiment as they are in the fig2 embodiment . instead , digital lines 631 , 633 are used to connect the first and second voice mail ips 631 , 633 to the control ip 632 . by using digital lines in this manner , information not available over an ordinary smdi line can be supplied to the control ip 632 . for example , a brief message introduction may be sent by the voice mail ip to the control ip 632 . the introduction may include a 15 or 30 second sound message provided by a person leaving the message to identify him or herself . alternatively , in the case of a multi - person account , the information provided by the digital line 631 or 632 may be a recording identifying the name of the recipient for which the message is intended . in addition to receiving information about waiting messages from the first and second voice mail ip &# 39 ; s , in one embodiment , the control ip 632 uses the lines 631 , 633 when establishing a connection between a connected caller and subscriber . the lines 631 , 633 may be implemented using a plurality of digital data and / or control lines . in one particular embodiment the lines 631 , 632 are implemented as lines which implement the known signaling system 7 ( ss7 ) protocol frequently used to implement telecommunications and data networks . while the use of a control ip to facilitate the interaction of multiple ips which provide services to the same subscriber has been described in the context of a voice mail embodiment , it is to be understood , that the features of the present invention are applicable to facilitating subscriber / ip access and ip interaction regardless of the type or types of services being provided by the ips . while the substitution of speech recognizer circuits has been discussed above as a cost effective method of providing speech recognition services to a plurality of telephone users , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention , multiple speech recognizers are used to process the same speech . in one such embodiment , a low or mid level speech recognizer circuit such as the recognizer circuit 404 or 408 is used to service all or most of a call . for portions of a call where more complicated , e . g ., large vocabulary , speech recognition is required , an additional speech recognizer such as the speech recognition circuit 406 is also assigned to service the call in conjunction with the other speech recognizer . by switching in a high end speech recognition unit for the small portion of a call where , e . g ., large vocabulary speech recognition is required , speech recognition service is provided without having to use the large vocabulary speech recognizer for the entire duration of the call . in addition , speech recognition functionality included in the low or mid level speech recognizer circuit need not be duplicated in the higher end speech recognition circuit which is switched in to supplement the speech recognition capability being provided . additional embodiments and features of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above discussion and exemplary embodiments set forth in the present application .	7
the ensuing description provides preferred exemplary embodiment ( s ) only , and is not intended to limit the scope , applicability or configuration of the disclosure . rather , the ensuing description of the preferred exemplary embodiment ( s ) will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing a preferred exemplary embodiment . it is understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope as set forth in the appended claims . referring initially to fig1 , an embodiment of a communication system 100 is shown in a simplified form . a help center 112 is available over phone and data networks 104 , 108 to allow a user 124 of a cellular phone 120 receive assistance in an automated and human - assisted manner . although a single cellular telephone , user and customer service representative ( csr ) are shown , it is to be understood that many would exist in a typical implementation . the cellular phone 120 includes an application that provides functionality , for example , health coaching , customer service , billing information , medication reminders , personal security , concierge service , etc . the application can be built - into the cellular phone or downloaded after deployment to the field . in one embodiment , the user 124 downloads the application from an application store accessible from the cellular phone 120 . in other embodiments , the cellular phone could be a pad , tablet , camera , game controller , medical alert fob , emergency notification device , information device , car key , or other handheld communication device . the phone network 104 is used to call the user 124 should automated help not solve an issue . the cellular phone 120 could call the help center or the help center could call the cellular phone 120 . some embodiments may forgo the phone network 104 for voice communication in favor of voip or a digital walkie - talkie feature of the application . a data network is used to communicate status of the application and user interaction with the cellular phone 120 . answers to automated questions and queries on the phone could also be relayed back to the help center 112 using the data network . some of the help information displayed on the cellular phone is found using the data network 108 to query the help center 112 in real time . the answers to queries could be automatic or provided with human assistance that is displayed on a screen of the cellular phone through a chat window . a csr 116 interacts with the help center 112 locally or remotely to assist the user when automated help resident on the phone is not able to solve a problem . this help can be hand selecting answers after remote viewing of a user &# 39 ; s screen and interaction , chat communication or phone communication . the software on the cellular phone 120 logs all interaction immediately before ( e . g ., the prior 30 sec ., 1 min ., 5 min .) the help workflow was activated and after activation . the csr has a tool where the cellular phone screen can be viewed in real time or rewound to any time before that and even before help was activated . with reference to fig1 a , another embodiment of this invention is shown as system 100 a . in this embodiment , cellular phone 120 communicates with another device 118 which is situated at a specific location . for example , device 118 could be an information terminal at a zoo or a tradeshow . by shaking cellular phone 120 , user 124 &# 39 ; s location is sent to a server via data network 108 . the server correlates user 124 &# 39 ; s location with the location of device 118 . device 118 would then play an audio with relevant information about the particular exhibit . alternatively , device 118 could be located at a restaurant , a store , or a company , in which case , the device would reply via text message or voice or alternative method with location specific information such as restaurant menus , store specific coupons , or information about a particular company . if device 118 is located for example in a cab stop , shaking the device could enable a taxi to know that a ride is requested . alternatively , device 118 could be a device carried by another person or located in an organization . by shaking cellular phone 120 , the user could place a call to an emergency call center or 911 to request help . in this case , device 118 would be located in the call center itself and would be answered by user 126 , who is the emergency call operator . in another embodiment , device 118 could belong to a person in user 124 &# 39 ; s “ trusted network ,” so user 126 would be a friend , family member , colleague , or otherwise trusted person . by shaking cellular phone 120 user 124 would open communications with all or a subset of the people in his trusted network . this communication would occur through phone network 104 or data network 108 , and would consist of a cellular broadcast technology , push to talk ( ptt ) technology , or other voice or data technology . in this way user 124 can communicate directly with multiple people by shaking his cellular phone 120 . yet another embodiment of this invention involves finding or locating “ trusted devices ”. for example , by shaking cellular phone 120 , device 118 , which is a trusted device , such as a car key , cell phone , car , or other device would respond with a chirp or other audio sound . in this way , if user 124 has misplaced his keys , he can shake cellular phone 120 , which would cause his keys ( device 118 ) to respond by emitting an audio sound . user 124 could preset a number of trusted devices which would respond to the gesture of cellular phone 120 . with reference to fig2 , an embodiment of a block diagram of the help system 110 is shown in detail for the cellular phone 120 and the help center 112 . the cellular phone 120 includes application software 204 , but other embodiments could place the software in the operating system . the application software 204 has access to a gesture recognition feature 208 . in this embodiment , the gesture recognition feature is an orientation sensor ( e . g ., a gravity switch , accelerometer and / or gyroscope ) that can detect a shake gesture where the phone is moved back in forth in a predetermined way . other embodiments could use other gestures ( e . g ., raising one &# 39 ; s hand , a rotating gesture , several flips of the phone , etc .) normal movement of the cellular phone 120 is filtered such that false detections are kept to a minimum . other embodiments could use an embedded camera to detect gestures or voice recognition could be used . some embodiments may include a feedback feature . in this embodiment , haptic feedback 210 is provided through a movement transducer that vibrates when the gesture is recognized . this is done to supplement a window or bubble on the touch - sensitive display 216 . other embodiments could provide a sound or voice confirmation when help is activated through the gesture . once activated , the user can touch an area of the display 216 outside the help window or a close button to exit help . other embodiments allow a second gesture to exit help . in this embodiment , shaking will also exit help after activated . if the shaking causes a false activation , the continued shaking will close down the help . an expert system of automated help is provided that is context - sensitive . based upon the user &# 39 ; s current place in the application and / or historical interaction , the context - sensitive information 212 is referenced and appropriate information is provided in the help window . other embodiments provide the context - sensitive information via audio instructions that may be played using the speaker 218 . presumptions are made about the expertise level of the user 124 such that help is not given for features that the user has successfully used in the past . additionally , the skill level of the user 124 is scored based upon past interaction such that answers appropriate for that skill level are provided . in the help center 112 , a help center system 220 has access to user profiles 224 . the user profiles have demographic information on the user 124 , skill level , expertise level , and other historical information . additionally , information entered into the application software 204 is available . for example , a medication coaching application would include the medication regimen , doctor information , pharmacy information , etc . for the user 124 . all that is available along with a knowledge base 228 of answers to commonly occurring issues . referring next to fig3 , an embodiment of a process 300 for providing help to users 124 is shown . the depicted portion of the process 300 begins in block 304 where the gesture predetermined to activate help is detected . the help information is presented on the display 216 and / or via the speaker 218 after determining the context to provide a good suggestion from the context - sensitive information 212 in block 308 . optionally , haptic feedback 210 is provided to let the user 124 know that help has been activated in block 312 . should the gesture continue or another predetermined gesture happen , the help screen and workflow would cease in block 316 . automatic help is provided through interaction with the cellular phone 120 in block 320 . ultimately , automatic help may not solve the problem and the user 124 can elevate the process to receiving communication from a human csr . the interaction could be chat initially or a phone call . in block 324 , the csr calls the cellular phone 120 or another phone in the user profile 224 , or the cellular phone 120 calls the csr . remote access software provides a screen scrape of the display in real time in block 328 . additionally , historical displays are available through a rewind feature that lists all the interaction along a timeline as the csr manipulates the timeline . the problem is hopefully solved through interaction with the user profile 224 , knowledge base 228 and discussion with the user 124 in block 332 . where unsuccessful , the problem is marked for remedial action , elevation or other follow - up . in this way , a cellular phone user 124 can easily activate a help workflow that uses both automatic and manual techniques with a rich environment of information to quickly solve any problem that might occur with software 204 in this embodiment . while the principles of the disclosure have been described above in connection with specific apparatuses and methods , it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as limitation on the scope of the disclosure .	7
fig1 - 4 show an actuator control valve system in a first embodiment of the present invention . the actuator valve control system 10 includes a servo - actuator 12 with a servo - valve body 16 and an integrated sensor 14 . the servo - actuator 12 includes a servo - valve body 16 and a solenoid core 33 surrounded by coil ( s ) 38 . the solenoid core 33 includes a null spring 34 and a spring retainer 35 , an adjustable spring retainer 80 and a movable armature 32 . an air gap 41 is present between the armature 32 and the solenoid core 33 . the servo - actuator 12 also has a sensing rod 30 with a first rod end 30 a with a sensing core pin 36 and a second rod end 30 b connectable to a movable member 18 . the sensing core pin 36 is sensed by a non - contact sensor 14 built into or integral with an end of the servo - actuator 12 . the non - contact sensor 14 reports the position of the sensing core pin 36 to the ecu or ecm ( not shown ) in unison and proportional with the movement of moveable member 18 . a push rod guide 31 with a flange 31 a is mounted to the armature 32 and is mounted over the sensing rod 30 along its length between the first rod end 30 a and the second rod end 30 b . the flange 31 a of the guide 31 on the sensing rod 30 is present in the air gap 41 between the solenoid core 33 and the movable armature 32 . the sensing rod 30 passes through the solenoid core 33 of the servo - valve 12 , the armature 32 within the solenoid core 33 , the guide 31 with a flange 31 a and the solenoid core 33 , the feedback spring 37 , the null spring 34 , the spool 17 and the servo - valve body 16 . an adjustable spring retainer 80 at one end of the null spring 34 maintains the null spring 34 within the solenoid core 33 , and spring retainer 35 at the opposite end of the null spring 34 contacts the guide 31 , allowing the sensing rod 30 to move freely and independently of the armature 32 , push rod guide 31 , null spring 34 , spring 37 and spool 17 housed in servo - valve body 16 . the actuation of the armature 32 occurs via an increasing electrical signal to the coil ( s ) 38 from the ecu , which increases the magnetic force in gap 41 proportional to the increasing electrical signal to coil ( s ) 38 . the armature 32 , push rod guide 31 , spool 17 housed in servo - valve body 16 moves in a first direction decreasing gap 41 between the solenoid core 33 and the movable armature 32 and compresses null spring 34 and extends spring 37 . pressurized fluid is communicated to one side of the piston rack assembly 28 and drained from an opposing side of piston rack assembly 28 via spool 17 in conjunction with servo - valve body 16 through appropriate passage ( s ) in the servo - actuator 10 . the movement of the fluid causes the piston - rack assembly 28 to move in a first direction and the teeth 22 on the pinion 20 and the teeth 26 on the rack 24 mesh as shown in fig3 , thereby causing the cam profile of pinion 20 in this example to move or rotate in a first direction , allowing moveable member 18 to move away from spool 17 along its axis , altering the force balance between spring 34 and spring 37 . the force balance between spring 34 and spring 37 changes until the spring force balance equals the magnetic force generated in gap 41 between the solenoid core 33 and armature 32 as generated by the electrical commanded signal from the ecu to coil ( s ) 38 . as motion of the moveable member 18 continues in the first direction , armature 32 , push rod guide 31 , and the spool 17 housed in servo - valve body 16 also move . the spool 17 blocks fluid from entering and draining the appropriate passages to and from piston rack assembly 28 . since sensing rod 30 is attached to and or mounted against movable member 18 at the second rod end 30 b , the sensing rod 30 follows moveable member 18 as it moves along its axis , thereby changing the position of the sensing core pin 36 in reference to the non contact sensor 14 . the change in position in a first direction is communicated to and monitored by the ecu or ecm . the sensor 14 provides electric feedback to the ecu or ecm , as well as on board diagnostic capabilities . based on the information from the sensor , the ecu or ecm can map the performance of the actuator control valve system to establish an initial performance mapping as well as monitor the performance throughout the life expectancy of the system . upon de - actuation of the armature 32 via a decreasing electrical signal to the coil ( s ) 38 , the magnetic force in gap 41 proportional to the decreasing electrical signal to coil ( s ) 38 is reduced . the armature 32 , guide 31 , spool 17 housed in servo - valve body 16 moves in a second direction increasing the gap 41 between the solenoid core 33 and the armature 32 and de - compresses spring 34 and compresses spring 37 . pressurized fluid is communicated to one side of the piston rack assembly 28 and drained from the opposing side of piston rack assembly 28 via spool 17 and servo - valve body 16 through appropriate passage ( s ) in servo - actuator 10 . the movement of fluid causes the piston - rack assembly 28 to move in a second direction and the teeth 22 on the pinion 20 and the teeth 26 on the rack 24 mesh as shown in fig3 , thereby causing the cam profile of pinion 20 in this example to move / rotate in a second direction allowing moveable member 18 to move towards the spool 17 along its axis , compresses spring 37 and increasing the opposing force of spring 37 to null spring 34 . the force balance between spring 34 and spring 37 changes until the spring force equals the magnetic force generated in gap 41 between solenoid core 33 and armature 32 proportional to the electrical commanded signal to the coil ( s ) 38 . as motion of the moveable member 18 continues in a second direction , the armature 32 , guide 31 , and spool 17 move . the spool 17 blocks fluid from entering and draining the appropriate passages in actuator 10 to piston rack assembly 28 . since sensing rod 30 is attached to and or mounted to member 18 at the second rod end 30 b , the sensing rod 30 follows moveable member 18 as it moves along its axis , thereby changing the position of the sensing core pin 36 in reference to the non contact sensor 14 in the second direction . the change in position in a second direction is monitored by the ecu or ecm . the sensor 14 provides electric feedback to the ecu or ecm , as well as on board diagnostic capabilities . based on the information from the sensor , the ecu or ecm can map the performance of the actuator control valve system to establish an initial performance mapping as well as monitor the performance throughout the life expectancy of the system . it should be noted that the positional control of the servo - valve actuator is infinite between the first direction and the second direction proportional to the applied input electrical signal to coil ( s ) 38 . hence , sensor 14 provides infinite positional feed back to the ecu or ecm of the actuation system . if the non - contact sensor 14 were to fail , open loop control may be still be obtained by the position feed back spring 37 between spool 17 and the external member 18 . the sensor core 33 profile may be straight , tapered hollow like a tube , concave , convex , profiled - contoured , or parabolic to achieve optimum linearity of the output signal versus position . the sensor 14 may be added to any mechanical feedback valve within the actuator control valve systems such as a hydraulic , a pneumatic , a rotary or a linear actuated control valve system . the actuator system may be directly or pilot operated by either electrical , hydraulic , pneumatic , or other mechanical means . the actuator control valve system may be part of an but not limited to an egr system , waste gate control system , cooler bi - pass control system , turbo bi - pass control system , pneumatic flow divider , hydraulic flow divider , variable geometry turbo charger control system , coolant control system , fuel control systems , or cam phasing systems in a combustion or fuel cell engine control management system . the sensor 14 may be , but is not limited to , an eddy current type , single coil inductive as shown , a lvdt sensor , a hall effect sensor , a magnetostrictive position sensor , or a potentiometer . fig5 - 6 show an actuator control valve system in a second embodiment of the present invention . the actuator valve control system 50 includes a servo - actuator 51 with a servo - valve 16 and an integrated sensor 14 . the servo - actuator 51 includes a solenoid core 33 surrounded by coil ( s ) 38 . the solenoid core 33 includes a first spring 64 and a movable armature 32 at one end and a bearing - passage portion 33 a at an opposite end . an air gap 41 is present between the armature 32 and the solenoid core 33 . the servo - actuator 51 also has a sensing rod 30 with a first rod end 30 a with a sensing core pin 36 and a second rod end 30 b connectable to a moveable member 58 . the sensing core pin 36 is sensed by a non - contact sensor 14 built into or integral with an end of the servo - actuator 51 . the non - contact sensor 14 reports the position of the sensing core pin 36 to the ecu or ecm ( not shown ). a guide 31 with a flange 31 a is mounted to the armature 32 which is mounted over sensing rod 30 along its length between the first rod end 30 a and the second rod end 30 b . the flange 31 a of the push rod guide 31 mounted over the sensing rod 30 is present between the armature 32 and the bearing passage portion 33 a of the solenoid core 33 . the sensing rod 30 passes through the solenoid core 33 of the servo - valve 12 , the armature 32 within the solenoid core 33 , the guide 31 with a flange 31 a present within the bearing passage portion 33 a of the solenoid core 33 , the first spring 64 and a second spring 67 mounted between a moveable member 58 and the spool 17 of the servo - valve 16 . a spring retainer 35 at one end of the spring 64 maintains the first spring 64 within the solenoid core 33 between the end of the solenoid core 33 and the armature 32 . the servo - valve 16 includes a servo - valve actuator housing assembly 57 with a spool 17 , and a second spring 67 , with one end mounted to the spool 17 and an opposite end mounted to a moveable member 58 . the spool 17 is biased in an opposite direction by a first spring 64 through the armature 32 and push rod 31 . attached to the moveable member 58 is a piston 53 within a chamber 52 and 61 between moveable member 58 and the servo - valve actuator housing 57 . the spool 17 housed in the servo - valve body 16 directs fluid to and from passages in the servo - valve housing 57 to the chambers 52 and 61 formed between the piston 53 and the servo - valve housing 57 . the actuation of the armature 32 via an increasing electrical signal to coil ( s ) 38 , increases the magnetic force in the gap 41 between armature 32 and solenoid core 33 proportional to the increasing electrical signal to coil ( s ) 38 and compresses spring 67 and extends spring 64 . pressurized fluid is communicated to one side of the piston 53 via spool 17 through appropriate passages 59 , 70 , 54 in the servo - actuator housing 57 to chamber 52 and fluid is drained from chamber 61 in servo - actuator assembly 57 through passages 62 , 66 , 63 formed by spool 17 . the movement of fluid causes the piston assembly of piston 53 and moveable member 58 to move in a first direction , compressing spring 67 and increasing the opposing force to spring 64 and magnetic force in gap 41 generated by the electrical signal to coil ( s ) 38 between solenoid core 33 and armature 32 . as the piston assembly moves , the force of spring 67 increases , the spool 17 , push rod 31 , and armature 32 moves inside servo - valve body 16 and solenoid core 33 until fluid is blocked from entering chamber 52 and draining from chamber 67 by the spool 17 . as the piston 53 and moveable member 58 moves , sensor rod 30 follows and the sensor core pin 36 at a first rod end 30 a changes position in reference to non contact sensor 14 to reflect the position of the piston 53 and piston member 58 . upon de - actuation of the armature 32 via a decreasing electrical signal to coil ( s ) 38 , the magnetic force in gap 41 between the armature 32 and the solenoid core 33 decreases proportional to the decreasing electrical signal to coil ( s ) 38 and compresses spring 64 and extends spring 67 . pressurized fluid is communicated to one side of the piston 53 via spool 17 through appropriate passages 59 , 65 , 62 in the servo - actuator housing 57 and the spool 17 to chamber 61 and drains fluid from chamber 52 in servo - actuator assembly 57 through passages 54 , 70 , and 63 , causing the piston assembly of the piston 53 and moveable member 58 to move in a second direction . as the piston assembly moves and decreases the opposing force of spring 67 , the spool 17 , push rod 31 , and armature 32 moves inside servo - valve body 16 and solenoid core 33 until fluid is blocked from entering chamber 61 and exiting chamber 52 by the spool 17 . as the piston assembly of piston 53 and moveable member 58 moves , sensing rod 30 follows and the sensor core pin 36 at the first rod end 30 a changes position in reference to the non contact sensor 14 to reflect the position of the piston 53 and moveable member 58 . the sensor 14 provides electric feedback to the ecu or ecm , as well as on board diagnostic capabilities . based on the information from the sensor , the ecu or ecm can map the performance of the actuator control valve system to establish an initial performance mapping as well as monitor the performance throughout the life expectancy of the system . the sensor core 33 profile may straight , tapered , concave , hollow like tube , convex , profiled - contoured , or parabolic to achieve optimum linearity of the output signal versus position . the sensor 14 may be added to any mechanical feedback valve within the actuator control valve systems such as a hydraulic , a pneumatic , a rotary or a linear actuated control valve system . the actuator system may be directly or pilot operated by either electrical , hydraulic , pneumatic , or other mechanical means . the actuator control valve system may be part of , but not limited to an egr system , waste gate control system , cooler bi - pass control system , turbo bi - pass control system , pneumatic flow divider , hydraulic flow divider , variable geometry turbo charger control system , coolant control system , fuel control systems , or cam phasing systems in a combustion or fuel cell engine control management system . the sensor 14 may be , but is not limited to , an eddy current type , single coil inductive as shown , a lvdt sensor , a hall effect sensor , magnetostrictive position sensor or a potentiometer . it should be noted that the positional control of the servo - valve actuator is infinite between the first direction and the second direction proportional to the applied input electrical signal to coil ( s ) 38 . hence , sensor 14 provides infinite positional feed back to the ecu or ecm of the actuation system . accordingly , it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention . reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims , which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention .	7
the invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof , given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which : fig1 and 2 are diagrammatic elevational views of illumination schemes for a system of the invention . referring to fig1 and 2 a machine vision system comprises an illumination head such as that described in ep1455179 . this head is controlled so that there is illumination from one side or the other as viewed in elevation as shown in fig1 and 2 . the direction across the elevational view is the main dimension for illumination and image analysis purposes . only pixels normal to the regions of interest are analysed : above left - side fillets for fig1 and above right - side fillets for fig2 . when there is illumination from the left side as viewed in these drawings there will be a particular pattern for good - quality inspected joints 10 . even though there may be some secondary reflections as shown by the arrow 1 , these reflections do not affect the image processing as there is no light captured in a direction normal to the left - side joints . likewise , for right - side illumination only , as shown in fig2 a secondary reflection 2 does not affect the inspection of the right - side joints 20 . in the above , the left - side illumination does not involve any illumination having a component from the opposite side ( right side ) of this dimension . the opposite is true for right - side illumination . the illumination head is controlled to activate different quadrants or , more generally , sectors . the camera is controlled to acquire a separate image for each illumination . in each image only the pixels arising from light normal to the relevant side are analysed . if the level of granularity is at the quadrant level , then the choice of which quadrant to use depends on how indirect is the light incident on the surface . if a solder surface is facing northeast , the north quadrant will be 45 degrees away from the ideal angle and so will the east quadrant . the south and west quadrants will each be at an angle of 135 degrees . there may be a threshold of , for example , 60 °. thus as 45 ° is less than 60 ° the north and east quadrants will be combined into a single image for processing . by setting the threshold to 45 ° there can be one quadrant on . if set to 120 ° there will always be three quadrants on . one approach to combining source images is by “ maxing ” them together to generate a new image . each pixel in the new image is given an intensity equal to the brightest pixel among all of the corresponding pixels in the different source images . the resulting image is then thresholded so that each pixel is classified as bright if its intensity is above the grey scale threhold , and dark otherwise . the percentage of dark pixels is then calculated for each side fillet and each side fillet is classified as good if the percentage of dark pixels is above the coverage threshold , bad otherwise . the two side fillet results are then combined . the system may or the results together so that if either side fillet passes , the check passes . the system may and the results so that both must pass for the check to pass . the system could alternatively use “ side fillet averaging ” so that the two boxes are treated as a single larger box . the system may alternatively mask the area based on knowledge of the position and size of the pad . if a side fillet box falls outside the pad region then only the pixels that are within the pad region are masked and hence used to generate a good / bad decision for that side fillet . if the number of masked pixels falls to zero then the decision is based only on the other side fillet . if both side fillet boxes contain zero masked pixels then the side fillet does not generate a decision . the joint will then be inspected as if the side fillet check was switched off . in another embodiment a color look up table ( lut ) is used to combine a number of different images into a single image . the resulting image contains pixels whose intensity depends on how close a match the color of the input pixel is to a set of desired colors . the desired colors will have previously been trained into the lut by an application engineer using a color picker . the user trains the color picker by selecting groups of pixels from an image of a board ( repeatedly if needs be ). the color of each pixel is defined by the combined intensities of red , green and blue pixels i . e . the corresponding pixels in 3 different image planes . the system can take up to 8 images , so the ability to vary which images are interpreted as red , green and blue would be important . the technique could in principle be extended to use more than 3 image planes simultaneously . a pixel which is similar to the colors trained in the lut will be darker than a pixel which is less similar , so the resulting image can be thresholded . the user would be able to create new luts with the color picker which would each be given a unique name by the user . when programming a side fillet algorithm in the algorithm editor , the user would be able to choose a “ color picker ” instead of a specific set of image planes ( e . g . angle 1 and angle 2 ). then a new field would appear in the editor , which would contain a list of names of all available luts for selection . a possible application of this technique is to eliminate secondary reflections . on some components these can appear as a pink color rather than a bright red . the color picker could have been trained so that pink , black and dark green are all associated with a good joint . the method finds particular application for inspection of rows of adjacent leads or where chips or other components face each other in close proximity . the invention is not limited to the embodiments described but may be varied in construction and detail .	6
fig1 schematically illustrates a gas turbine engine 20 . the gas turbine engine 20 is disclosed herein as a two - spool turbofan that generally incorporates a fan section 22 , a compressor section 24 , a combustor section 26 and a turbine section 28 . alternative engines might include an augmentor section ( not shown ) among other systems or features . the fan section 22 drives air along a bypass flow path b in a bypass duct defined within a nacelle 15 , while the compressor section 24 drives air along a core flow path c for compression and communication into the combustor section 26 then expansion through the turbine section 28 . although depicted as a two - spool turbofan gas turbine engine in the disclosed non - limiting embodiment , it should be understood that the concepts described herein are not limited to use with two - spool turbofans as the teachings may be applied to other types of turbine engines including three - spool architectures . the exemplary 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 , and the location of bearing systems 38 may be varied as appropriate to the application . the low speed spool 30 generally includes an inner shaft 40 that interconnects a fan 42 , a first ( or low ) pressure compressor 44 and a first ( or low ) pressure turbine 46 . the inner shaft 40 is connected to the fan 42 through a speed change mechanism , which in exemplary gas turbine engine 20 is illustrated 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 second ( or high ) pressure compressor 52 and a second ( or high ) pressure turbine 54 . a combustor 56 is arranged in exemplary gas turbine 20 between the high pressure compressor 52 and the high pressure turbine 54 . 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 . the inner shaft 40 and the outer shaft 50 are concentric and rotate via bearing systems 38 about the engine central longitudinal axis a which is collinear with their longitudinal axes . the core airflow is compressed by the low pressure compressor 44 then the high pressure compressor 52 , mixed and burned with fuel in the combustor 56 , then expanded over the high pressure turbine 54 and low pressure turbine 46 . the mid - turbine frame 57 includes airfoils 59 which are in the core airflow path c . the turbines 46 , 54 rotationally drive the respective low speed spool 30 and high speed spool 32 in response to the expansion . it will be appreciated that each of the positions of the fan section 22 , compressor section 24 , combustor section 26 , turbine section 28 , and fan drive gear system 48 may be varied . for example , gear system 48 may be located aft of combustor section 26 or even aft of turbine section 28 , and fan section 22 may be positioned forward or aft of the location of gear system 48 . the engine 20 in one example is a high - bypass geared aircraft engine . in a further example , the engine 20 bypass ratio is greater than about six ( 6 ), with an example embodiment being greater than about ten ( 10 ), the geared architecture 48 is an epicyclic gear train , such as a planetary gear system or other gear system , with a gear reduction ratio of greater than about 2 . 3 and the low pressure turbine 46 has a pressure ratio that is greater than about five . in one disclosed embodiment , the engine 20 bypass ratio is greater than about ten ( 10 : 1 ), the fan diameter is significantly larger than that of the low pressure compressor 44 , and the low pressure turbine 46 has a pressure ratio that is greater than about five 5 : 1 . low pressure turbine 46 pressure ratio is pressure measured prior to inlet of low pressure turbine 46 as related to the pressure at the outlet of the low pressure turbine 46 prior to an exhaust nozzle . the geared architecture 48 may be an epicycle gear train , such as a planetary gear system or other gear system , with a gear reduction ratio of greater than about 2 . 3 : 1 . it should be understood , however , that the above parameters are only exemplary of one embodiment of a geared architecture engine and that the present invention is applicable to other gas turbine engines including direct drive turbofans . 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 ( 10 , 668 meters ). the flight condition of 0 . 8 mach and 35 , 000 ft ( 10 , 668 meters ), with the engine at its best fuel consumption — also known as “ bucket cruise thrust specific fuel consumption (‘ tsfc ’)”— is the industry standard parameter of 1 bm of fuel being burned divided by 1 bf 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 . 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 ( 350 . 5 meters / second ). in such a geared gas turbine engine , there are more bearing compartments than there were found in the direct drive gas turbine engine . in addition , the bearing compartments , particularly as associated with a gear reduction , become critical . it is important to ensure that oil is maintained in the bearing compartments as shown in fig2 , several bearing compartments 100 associated with a gas turbine engine , such as the gas turbine engine 20 illustrated in fig1 , include seals . a bearing compartment 102 is associated with a low speed shaft 92 at a location associated with the low pressure turbine . bearings 106 are shown schematically as is a seal 104 . a bearing compartment 108 is associated with the high speed rotor 90 and the high pressure turbine of fig1 . bearing compartment 108 includes seals 110 at each axial end and a central bearing 112 . a second bearing compartment 114 is also associated with the high speed rotor 90 and the high pressure compressor and includes a bearing 118 and seals 116 . finally , a third bearing compartment 120 / 123 is associated with a fan drive gear system 122 , or the gear reduction of fig1 . the third bearing 120 / 123 compartment is also associated with a fan bearing 130 , forward of the fan drive gear system 122 . seals 126 and 128 mechanically seal axial ends of the bearing compartment 120 / 123 and are associated with a fan rotor 127 and the low speed rotor 92 . seals 126 and 128 are also respectively associated with bearings 124 and 130 that are positioned within the bearing compartment 120 / 123 . the locations of the seals and the bearing compartments , as mentioned above , are exemplary and this disclosure extends to any number of other bearing component locations . in the past , particular types of seals have been provided in a geared gas turbine engine . contact seals have been utilized and complex non - contact seals have been proposed . while these seals may operate efficiently , they are prone to wear and must be repaired or replaced periodically . replacing these seals may require shut down of the engine , which is undesirable . thus , a labyrinth seal 80 , such as shown in fig3 , may be utilized . in a labyrinth seal , a base 82 has knife edges 84 . the fig3 embodiment has the knife edges 84 associated with a static component . that is , base 82 may be fixed to housing structure fig4 shows an embodiment 90 where the knife edges 96 are associated with a shaft 94 , which is positioned inwardly and facing a static structure 92 . it should be understood that this disclosure extends to labyrinth seals 90 which rotate ( fig4 ) or are associated with the static structure ( fig3 ). a wear surface 99 is positioned to face the knife edges 96 as shown in fig4 . in some applications , it may be ensured that there is a gap between the radial extent of the knife edges and wear surfaces 99 , such that there is no wear . however , it is also known to include an abradable material at surface 99 . as shown schematically , lubricant l from a portion 101 of the bearing chamber may tend to flow outwardly of the bearing chamber portion 101 . the knife edges 96 resist this flow . a supply of pressurized air p is supplied to a chamber 98 to further assist in resisting this lubricant flow , as would be understood by one of ordinary skill . labyrinth seals provide benefits , particularly , when utilized in a geared gas turbine engine . in embodiments , there are at least two knife edges associated with the seal . the knife edges may have different diameters . fig5 shows an alternative seal 140 which may be a brush seal . in a brush seal 140 , a ring 142 secures a plurality of brush bristles 144 . these brush bristles provide a seal much like the knife edges 96 , as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill . speaking generically , the illustrated seal 80 is a seal member having a plurality of distinct sealing members 84 extending towards a facing surface . fig6 shows an engine 200 having a rotating shaft 202 . a labyrinth seal 210 may be associated with a bearing compartment #?. a location 208 of the shaft 202 may be defined as being in a plane of a fuel nozzle 206 of a combustor 204 . a radius r 1 may be defined to the outer tip of the knife edges at labyrinth seal 210 . a second radius r 2 is defined at portion 208 . in embodiments , r 1 may be less than or equal to about twice r 2 . further , r 1 may be less than or equal to about one and three quarters ( 1 . 75 ) r 2 . in the prior art , labyrinth seals have typically been much larger . a gas turbine engine incorporating seals , such as disclosed in this application , may be provided in an engine with a bypass ratio greater than or equal to about 12 . a gear ratio for gear reduction 122 may be greater than or equal to about 2 . 6 . although an embodiment of this invention has been disclosed , a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention . for that reason , the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention .	5
referring to fig1 through 4 and particularly to fig1 there is shown a ladle or vessel 1 containing a hot fluid , such as molten metal , which flows in a stream 2 into a mold 3 . a lance 4 is provided with a connector , generally designated 5 , and a device generally designated 6 , is detachably connected to the connector , and provided with tubular means 7 for disposition in the stream 2 for obtaining a sample therefrom . the lance 4 is preferably of a length to facilitate manipulation of the device and protect an operator and may be constructed of any material suitable for the purpose but is preferably in the form of an elongated length of pipe . the connector 5 , may be designed and constructed in various ways as will appear hereinafter , but as best shown in fig2 and 4 , it is preferably in the form of a tubular cylindrical member 8 of pasteboard or equivalent material . one extremity of the connector is snugly fitted over an end of the lance and its other extremity serves to detachably support the device 6 in a position transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connector and / or lance . the device 6 is elongated and is preferably comprised of a pair of moulded half sections , each having an enlarged or head portion 9 provided with a recess 10 , and a reduced extended portion 11 provided with a semi - cylindrical groove 12 . when the sections are correctly assembled , the recesses define a chamber 10 &# 39 ; and the extended portions 11 and grooves 12 define a tubular formation . the device also preferably includes a tubular means 13 , preferably in the form of a cylindrical tube of pyrex , quartz or equivalent material which has an inner extremity secured in the opening and an outer free extremity provided with a bevelled inlet or entrance 14 for entry into the stream 2 . a tubular casing or sleeve 15 , preferably of pasteboard , is snugly fitted about the extended portions 11 of the half sections whereby to hold the sections and so that the tubular means 7 is more or less clamped between the extended portions . an apertured member 16 or cement preferably surrounds the tubular means 7 and is snugly fitted or packed into the sleeve and against the portions 11 whereby to prevent entry of molten metal between the sleeve and portions 11 and between the latter and the tubular means . a layer of cement 17 , as depicted in fig1 of said continuation , may also be utilized to secure a tubular means in a tubular formation or a casing about the tubular formation . it should be noted that the sections are provided with mating notches whereby to provide vents 18 ( one shown ) at the sides of the heads 9 . it may also be noted that the head portions having planar parallel side surfaces , planar end surfaces and rounded surfaces which merge into the extended portions 11 . the extended portions may be referred to as channel portions which form a tubular formation which receives the tubular means 7 . referring back to the tubular member 8 which constitutes the connector 5 , it is provided with a round side opening 19 for accommodating the sleeve or casing 15 of the device as depicted in fig3 and 4 and with a pair of curved wings or outwardly extending portions 20 disposed generally opposite or across from the opening 19 . these wings or portions 20 are formed by providing the member with an opening opposite to the opening 19 and by cutting the member 8 along parallel lines 21 transverse to the longitudinal axis of the member and by a longitudinal parting line which extends through the opening opposite the opening 19 so that the portions 20 can be bent outwardly whereby the parting line will form marginal edges 22 on the wings and the opening opposite the opening 19 will define a pair of arcuate notches 22 &# 39 ; interrupting the edge 22 . the wing portions may be considered to be resiliently flexible or yieldable in character so that they can be manually spread apart in order that the parallel side edges of the head portions 9 will be received and gripped in the notch as evidenced in fig2 and 4 to hold the device in a position substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connector and / or lance so that an operator standing safely at one side or offside of the stream 2 can readily manipulate the lance to cause the entrance 14 of the device to enter the stream whereby to obtain a sample thereof as distinguished from at least some other equipment in use which requires an operator to stand in what may be termed a dangerous position to obtain a sample . the lance or member 8 may be moved with respect to one another to cause an inner end of the lance to engage the sleeve 15 of the device as best shown in fig4 whereby to assist in stabilizing or holding the device in relation to the member . it should be noted that the wing portions 20 are preferably spread apart sufficiently so that the sleeve 15 of the device can be inserted into the opening 19 and the head portions 9 into the notches 22 &# 39 ; by a single thrust of the device , or if desired the wings may be opened to a lesser extent to permit entry of the sleeve into the opening 19 so that the planar faces of the head portions will engage the opposed marginal edges 22 of the wings whereupon the device may be rotated 90 ° to cause the wings to spread apart in order that their notches 22 &# 39 ; will receive the edges of the head portions . it should also be noted that the device is preferably inset from the outer end of the tubular connector a sufficient distance so that any normal charring or disintegration of the outer end resulting from engagement with any molten metal will not accidently release the device . of further significance is the fact that the wing portions also assist in holding the half sections assembled and promote safety as they also serve as shields to protect the half sections from spraying metal as well as an operator using the device . if so desired , the device can be assembled with the connector as exemplified in fig5 whereby the marginal end portions 22 of the wings ( one shown ) will engage or grip the planar side surfaces of the head portions of the sections and an end of the lance may engage the head portions . after a sample is obtained , the device may be readily released from the connector by merely bending back or breaking the wings and pulling the sleeve out of the opening 19 and so that the sleeve 15 and tubular means may be separated from one another including the half sections , the tubular means may be separated from a stem portion of a sample and the head portions of the sections may be released from a head portion of a sample which is joined to the stem portion . referring to fig6 and 8 there is disclosed a modified device generally designated 25 and a modified form of a connector generally designated 26 . the connector 26 is adapted for a telescoping relatively tight fit on an end of a lance 27 . the device 25 is substantially the same as the device 6 above referred but differs therefrom in that end portions 27 of its half sections 28 are provided with notches 29 ( one shown ) which forms a generally rectangular opening axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of a tubular receiving means 30 and through which extends a sheet metal appendage 31 , preferably rectangular in cross - section , so that an inner portion of the appendage is located in a chamber 32 formed by the head portions 28 of the sections and an outer portion 33 provided with an aperture is located exteriorly of the head portions to which a tab may be attached for identification purposes . the notches 29 are similar to those identified as 234 in fig1 and 18 of said continuation . the outer planar side surfaces of the head portions 28 adjacent to the notches 29 are preferably respectively provided with transversely disposed corresponding grooves 34 ( one shown ) so that resiliently flexible clip means 35 having legs 36 joined by a bridge 37 embrace portions of the head portions and so that detents 38 formed on the ends of the legs may be manually located or snapped in the grooves 34 . this clip means serves to hold the head portions together at one extremity of the device and a sleeve or casing 39 serves to hold the channel or extended portions at the other extremity of the device together and about the tubular means 30 . the clip means also serves to cause a portion 40 of the appendage 31 to be locked in the notches 29 , a portion 41 to be locked between the sections and the clip means , and an indented portion 42 of the appendage in one of the grooves 34 . this appendage and clip means are substantially the same as those shown in fig1 in said continuation . the free outer portion 31 not only serves as a means whereby identification means may be attached thereto but is a handle which can be manually grasped or pulled by a tool whereby to release the clip means from the half sections . obviously , the appendage per se may serve as an identification means . the connector 26 is similar to the connector 5 , described above , and is provided with a round side opening 43 which receives the sleeve 29 of the device and with an elongated notch 45 having parallel longitudinal marginal edges 46 , which edges are respectively interrupted by arcuate notches 47 which define a generally round opening opposite the opening 43 whereby the head portions 28 of the device may be manually inserted into the elongated notch whereby the planar side surfaces of the head portions may be caused to engage the edges 46 to hold the device in a position substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis . the opening formed by the arcuate notches 47 obviously afford clearance to facilitate entry of the sleeve 29 through the opening 43 . the tubular means 30 is provided with a bevelled entrance 48 . attention is directed to the fact that the plane of the bevelled entrance 48 of the device 25 is so disposed with reference to the chamber 32 formed by the head portions of the half sections that the inflow of metal or liquid into the chamber is generally more in a horizontal plane , as distinguished from a generally vertical plane when the head portions are disposed as shown in fig4 . a modified form of a connector generally designated 50 is depicted in fig9 . this connector comprises a relatively long cylindrical member having one extremity which is provided with a longitudinal slot 51 of a predetermined width and length in order to accommodate side edge portions of the head portions of half sections of a device generally designated 52 , when the latter is substantially confined in the member . this setup affords protection for the device during shipment or storage prior to use . the opposite extremity of the connector is provided with an opening 53 aligned with the slot 51 , a pair of transverse parallel cuts or scores 54 on opposite sides of the opening and a longitudinal cut or score 55 intersecting the opening so that portions 56 of the member may be bent outwardly to provide wing portions provided with notches in a manner substantially in accord with the structure shown in fig2 for accommodating the head portions of the device in either of the two positions depicted in this fig . and fig5 . the member is also provided with a side opening 57 opposite the opening 53 for accommodating a fore extremity of the device as shown in fig9 . the foregoing structure is unique in that the device is protected substantially within the confines of the connector until it is removed and installed in the connector for use . obviously , the lance is inserted into the slotted extremity of the connector after the device is removed from its storage position and installed to its operative position . fig1 and 13 disclose a modified form of connector generally designated 70 for accommodating a device generally designated 71 which substantially corresponds to the device shown in fig8 above referred to . the connector 70 preferably comprises a cylindrical tubular member provided with an internal abutment means , preferably in the form of an annular ring or element 72 of pasteboard or equivalent material , which is secured in place in the member by staples 73 or equivalent means , or cement . the connector or member 70 is also provided with an opening 75 for accommodating a tubular means 76 of the device and with wings 77 opposite the opening for accommodating head portions 76 of the device . the connector is unique in that the opening 75 receives the tubular means 76 in lieu of the sleeve 71 &# 39 ; as depicted in fig3 . the setup also affords a support for the tubular means in use and assists in preventing any seepage of metal or fluid into the chamber of the device between the tubular means and half sections . another feature resides in the abutment means 72 which receives a portion of the sleeve 71 &# 39 ; and engages one of the half sections and a portion of the sleeve is also disposed in an open end of a tubular lance 79 as depicted in fig1 whereby to lock the device in a correct operative position for use . obviously , the lance may be shifted to the position shown in fig1 , after the device is placed in the connector . if the abutment means is secured in position prior to entry of the device then it may become necessary to slightly cock the device so that the sleeve 71 &# 39 ; may be correctly located in the abutment means when the wings 77 are spread apart . the device may be assembled with the connector as shown in fig1 and 13 or in a different position , such as the one shown in fig5 . fig1 depicts a modified form of a connector generally designated 80 and a lance 81 which substantially respectively correspond to those shown in fig1 and 13 , except that an abutment means 82 is preferably bevelled at its inner end as indicated at 83 whereby to facilitate its entry into the connector and engage curved portions of head portions of a device 84 and the inner end of the lance is preferably bevelled at 85 for also engaging the curved portions and facilitating entry of the lance into the connector , all for the purpose of holding the device in the position shown , which position is different from the one shown in fig1 . the lance may be shifted to the position shown to lock the device in place after the latter has been inserted into the connector . having thus described my invention or inventions , it is obvious that various modifications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of the invention and , therefore , i do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact forms , constructions , arrangements , and combinations of the parts herein shown and described .	6
fig1 . 1 and 1 . 2 explain the course - radial conversion mode respectively in the case of convergence towards a point and in the case of divergence from a point . until the operational use of absolute positioning means such as gnss , trajectory programming was based on radio - navigation beacons , for example a vor ( very high frequency omnidirectional range ) beacon , possibly associated with distance measuring equipment ( dme ). it was done by radial lines regardless of whether the aircraft was converging toward or diverging from said beacon . the radials are position - plotting lines of which the angle relative to magnetic north in the clockwise direction is measured . these position lines are not oriented according to the direction of movement of the aeroplane on the line . an aircraft that is approaching a beacon and an aircraft that is diverging following opposite headings have the same radial . on the other hand , if the waypoint is not a beacon ( for example an airport runway ), the programming is done by course . the course is the angle measured in the clockwise direction between magnetic north and the aeroplane heading . therefore , an aeroplane that is diverging from the waypoint will have a course 180 ° greater than that of an aeroplane that is approaching thereto following the same direction passing through the point . now , air traffic controllers may give radial interception instructions even when the waypoint is not a radiofrequency beacon and the operator must make the conversion before inputting the procedure into the fms if it offers an interface limited to course interception . fig2 represents an approach and landing phase of an aeroplane and illustrates the problem created by the coexistence of these two procedure modes . an aircraft 10 follows a route passing through points a , b towards waypoints c and d to enter into the capture beam 30 of the approach axis d , e of the landing runway 40 . in the situation illustrated , the aeroplane has been guided to the heading by the operator by following the clearances from air traffic control . if the procedure is to intercept the course of the runway approach means towards the final approach point , the natural procedure is to input a course procedure towards this point . if the interface does not propose this programming means , the operator must enter the value of the opposite direction ( corresponding to a radial ) then check the result on another flight plan display page when executing the command . in practice , the system converts this reference trajectory into a manoeuvre with termination condition ( otherwise known as a leg , these legs are defined in the arinc 424 standard ). in an approach case , the programmed leg is a cf ( course to fix ). in a comparable situation , air traffic control may send clearance to the radial interception operator ( generally to a radio - navigation beacon ). if the reference point is not a radio - navigation beacon , the operator cannot check the result on the flight plan display page when executing the command . in practice , a cf - type manoeuvre will be flown observing the calculated course value ( radial input plus 180 °) and not the programmed radial value . when diverging from a point , the course followed by the aircraft is equal to the radial starting from this point . the system converts this reference trajectory into an fm ( fix to manual , or course from a fixed point to a manual termination ) leg . since this kind of manoeuvre is performed more in the destination runway approach phase , the operator has already been subjected to a high work load and can easily mix up the scenarios . the situation can have critical consequences because the post - checking capabilities are low : the result of the programming actually carried out by the operator is presented on the navigation display following the calculation of the trajectory of the new flight plan . now , a 180 ° error may be detected only when the aeroplane &# 39 ; s servocontrol function is actually engaged . in practice , when the new flight plan is in the system , a trajectory is calculated and presented to the crew , but if the aeroplane is too close to the radial , the guidance will be directly engaged . obviously , the risk of the aircraft actually making a half - turn is limited by the fact that the coupling between flight plan and automatic pilot is disengaged if the deviation between aeroplane heading and trajectory course is greater than 160 °. however , this does not settle all the scenarios likely to occur , like when the capture angle is between 30 ° and 45 °. to resolve these problems uniformly in all cases , including those that can compromise flight safety , the invention therefore provides ways of lifting ambiguity that are suited to the display mode used with the programming : either the navigation display which is in graphic mode or the multifunction display which is in text mode . fig3 . 1 and 3 . 2 represent the graphic display of the course and of the radial respectively in a waypoint approach and divergence case according to an embodiment of the invention . eliminating ambiguity in graphic mode entails making clearly apparent both the fact that the situation is a waypoint approach or divergence situation and the difference or the equality of the two course and radial angles . in a preferred embodiment of the invention , the approach / divergence difference is underscored by three symbolic representations : the course that is actually flown ( approaching or diverging from the waypoint ) is represented for example as a solid line ; the solid line ends with an arrow head next to the rhombus symbol which represents the waypoint in an approach scenario and at the opposite end in a divergence scenario ; the course that is not flown ( forward of the waypoint in an approach scenario and backward of the waypoint in a divergence scenario ) is represented for example by a dotted line . the graphic representations can have a number of variants provided that they fulfil the same technical function , namely clearly differentiating approach and divergence situations . furthermore , when the values of the course and the radial are different ( by 180 °) they both appear on the graphic navigation display . such is the case of fig3 . 1 which represents an approach scenario with a course of 240 ° and a radial of 60 °. in the case of fig3 . 2 , the course and the radial both have a value equal to 90 °. in the case of fig3 . 1 , if the operator enters the procedure in the form of a 60 ° radial interception , the system calculates the course of the cf leg which must be inserted into the flight plan to allow the trajectory observing the convergent radial to be calculated . in the case illustrated , the course is equal to 240 °. in the state of the art , the numerical values are not displayed on the parameter input interface , the course being represented only graphically . according to the invention , the radial value input by the operator and the course value are both represented both symbolically as explained above and numerically . the numerical course and radial values are respectively attached to the leg flown ( continuous line in the figure ) and to the leg not flown which is situated on the other side of the waypoint ( broken line in the figure ). the procedure can also be input as a course . in this case , the radial is not directly involved but is nevertheless displayed . to input one of the two data , there are a number of possible means ; the course or the radial can be input : by its numerical value on the keyboard ; by rotating the operator thumbwheel which varies an initially displayed value ; by using the arrows on the keyboard or any other interface means with the navigation display , to rotate the direction of the course or of the radial represented by the line . in the example of fig3 . 2 , course and radial are equal . in the exemplary embodiment illustrated , it has been chosen to display only a single value given that the two are equal . when the programming is done by the multifunction display , and therefore in text mode , it is also important to distinguish the approach and divergence scenarios . fig4 represents the textual display of the same procedures according to an embodiment of the invention . according to the invention , this elimination of ambiguity in text mode is provided by the vocabulary . in the case of an approach , the direction of the manoeuvre , in , is attached to the expressions course and radial . in the case of a divergence , in the embodiment illustrated , it has been chosen to use the same word intercept for the course and the radial since they are equal . it would be possible to envisage including the two expressions course out and radial out with the same value . the invention requires no hardware modification to the flight management system . some calculation and display loops , certain symbols and certain names displayed for the fields of the flight database must be modified . those skilled in the art will nevertheless be able to make these modifications based on the information in this description . the examples described hereinabove are given as illustrations of embodiments of the invention . they in no way limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the following claims .	6
the present invention relates to new diazepine derivatives , to processes for their production , to pharmaceutical compositions containing the new compounds , and to the use thereof . the new diazepine derivatives correspond to the general formula i : ## spc1 ## r 1 represents a hydrogen atom of an alkyl group having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms , and either each of the symbols r 2 represents an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms , or the symbols r 2 together represent a bivalent , saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having from 2 to 5 carbon atoms , and wherein each of the rings a and b , independently of the other , may be substituted by one or more bromine , chlorine and / or fluorine atoms and / or trifluoromethyl groups , nitro groups , alkyl groups containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and / or alkoxy groups containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms . the invention also relates to the 5 - oxides of the compounds of the general formula i , and to the addition salts of the compounds of the general formula i with inorganic and organic acids . as an alkyl group in the compounds of the general formula i , r 1 is , e . g . the methyl , ethyl or propyl group . r 2 as an alkyl group is , e . g . the propyl , isopropyl , butyl , isobutyl or sec . butyl group , and particularly the methyl or ethyl group ; or -- r 2 . r 2 -- as a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 2 to 5 carbon atoms is , e . g . the ethylene , propylene , ethyl - ethylene , trimethylene , tetramethylene , 2 , 2 - dimethyl - trimethylene , or the 2 - ethyl - trimethylene group . halogen atoms as substituents of the rings a and b are fluorine , chlorine or bromine atoms ; whilst as alkyl groups or alkoxy groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms , the following are , for example , suitable : methyl , ethyl , propyl , isopropyl , butyl , isobutyl , tert . butyl , pentyl , isopentyl , 2 , 2 - dimethyl - propyl , hexyl or isohexyl groups , or methoxy , ethoxy , propoxy , isopropoxy , butoxy , isobutoxy , pentyloxy , isopentyloxy , 2 , 2 - dimethylpropoxy , hexyloxy or isohexyloxy groups . a substituent of ring a is , in particular , in the 8 - position , and is preferably fluorine , bromine , the nitro group , the trifluoromethyl group and , in particular , chlorine . ring b is preferably unsubstituted , or substituted by fluorine , chlorine or bromine in any desired position , especially , however , by fluorine or chlorine in the o - position . the compounds of the general formula i , their 5 - oxides and their addition salts with inorganic and organic acids possess valuable pharmacological properties . they exhibit , in particular , anticonvulsive and central - depressant activity and relax the muscular system . the anticonvulsive effectiveness can be determined , e . g . in the pentetrazole convulsion test on the mouse with oral doses from ca . 0 . 02 mg / kg , as well as in the strychnin convulsion test , in the electric shock test , and in the psychomotor electric shock test on the mouse after oral administration . the central - depressant activity is shown , for example , from the anaesthetic - potentiating effectiveness on the mouse after oral administration ; this is , however , less pronounced compared with the anticonvulsive activity . the muscle - relaxing activity is reflected , for example , in the inhibition of polysynaptic reflexes on the rabbit after intravenous administration . the mentioned properties and others , which can be determined by selected standard tests [ cp . w . theobald and h . a . kunz , arzneimittelforsch . 13 , 122 ( 1963 ), and w . theobald et al ., arzneimittelforsch . 17 , 561 ( 1967 )], characterise the compounds of the general formula i , their 5 - oxides , as well as their physiologically tolerable addition salts with inorganic and organic acids , as active substances for tranquillisers , sedatives , muscle - relaxants and antiepileptics which are applicable , e . g . for the treatment of states of tension and agitation , for the lowering of the tension of the striated muscular system , as well as for the treatment of epilepsy . compounds of the general formula i which are of particular importance are those in which r 1 represents hydrogen or the methyl group , and r 2 the methyl or ethyl group , the ring a is unsubstituted or substituted by fluorine , chlorine , bromine , the nitro or trifluoromethyl group , and the ring b is either unsubstituted or carries at least one of the substituents metioned for ring a , especially fluorine , chlorine or bromine , with preferably at least one of the rings a and b being substituted . particularly valuable compounds within this group are those having the general formula i a ## spc2 ## r 1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group , each of the symbols r 2 represents a methyl or ethyl group , and r 3 and r 4 , independently of each other represent hydrogen , a chlorine , fluorine or bromine atom , or a nitro or trifluoro methyl group , at least one of the symbols r 3 and r 4 being other than hydrogen of the compounds of the general formula i a , those are most preferred wherein r 1 is hydrogen , r 2 is a methyl or ethyl group , r 3 is hydrogen or a chlorine atom and r 4 is hydrogen or a fluorine or chlorine atom , at least one of the symbols r 3 and r 4 being other than hydrogen . mentioned as examples of highly effective compounds from this group are : 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal , 6 -( o - fluorophenyl )- 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal , 6 -( o - chlorophenyl )- 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal , and 6 -( o - chloro - phenyl )- 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal , 5 - oxides of the compounds of the general formula i , and particularly of the preferred types , in addition to having valuable pharmacological properties themselves , are of importance also as intermediates for the production of further pharmacologically effective compounds . the new compounds of the general formula i , their 5 - oxides and their addition salts are produced with application of a first process according to the invention by the condensation of a compound of the general formula ii : ## spc3 ## x represents a mercapto group , a lower alkoxy or alkylthio group optionally activated by a substituent , or an optionally mono - or disubstituted amino group , r 1 has the meaning given under formula i , and the rings a and b can be substituted as stated under formula i , with a compound of the general formula iii : ## equ1 ## wherein r 2 or -- r 2 . r 2 -- has the meaning given under formula i ; and , optionally , the oxidation of the obtained reaction product to its 5 - oxide , or the conversion thereof into an addition salt with an inorganic or organic acid . as lower alkylthio groups , x is preferably the methylthio or ethylthio group , and as alkoxy groups the methoxy or ethoxy group . these groups can be activated by a substituent . such activated groups are , e . g . the o - or p - nitrobenzylthio group and the o - or p - nitrobenzyloxy group , respectively . as a mono - substituted amino group , x is , in particular , a lower alkylamino group such as the methylamino group , or an aralkylamino group such as the benzylamino group . as disubstituted amino group , x is , in particular , a lower dialkylamino group such as the dimethylamino group . the reaction according to the invention is preferably performed at a reaction temperature of ca . 80 ° to 160 ° c in an inert solvent . suitable inert solvents are , for example , hydrocarbons such as toluene or xylene , halogenated hydrocarbons such as chlorobenzene , a lower alkanol , preferably one agreeing with that of the acetal grouping , such as , e . g . ethanol or butanol , ethereal liquids such as diethylene glycol dimethyl ether , diethylene glycol diethyl ether , or dioxane and amides , especially n , n , n &# 39 ;, n &# 39 ;, n &# 34 ;, n &# 34 ;- hexamethyl - phosphoric acid triamide , or sulphoxides such as dimethylsulphoxide . the reaction times are between ca . 1 hour and 24 hours . starting substances embraced by the general formula ii are described in the literature ; see , amongst others , l . h . sternbach and e . reeder , j . org . chem . 26 , 1111 ( 1961 ), s . c . bell et al ., j . med . chem . 5 , 63 ( 1962 ), g . a . archer and l . h . sternbach , j . org . chem . 29 , 231 ( 1964 ) and j . farber et al ., j . med . chem . 7 , 235 ( 1964 ). furthermore , compounds embraced by the general formula iii have been described , such as , e . g . dimethoxyacetic acid hydrazide ( cp . e . j . browne and j . b . polya , j . chem . soc . 1962 , 5149 ). further compounds of the general formulae ii and iii can be produced analogously to the procedure for the known compounds . for example , further starting materials of the general formula ii having an optionally substituted amino group x can be obtained by reduction of the corresponding 4 - oxides described in the literature . suitable oxidising agents for the subsequent conversion of compounds of the general formula i into their 5 - oxides are preferably hydrogen peroxide or peroxy acids , at a temperature of ca . 0 ° to 70 ° c . suitable peroxy acids are , e . g . peroxyacetic acid , or peroxybenzoic acids such as peroxybenzoic acid or , in particular , m - chloroperoxybenzoic acid . the oxidising agents are preferably used in a solvent , e . g . peroxyacetic acid in acetic acid , and peroxybenzoic acid in halogenated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride or chloroform . compounds of the general formula i or their 5 - oxides , as well as their addition salts with inorganic or organic acids , are produced with application of a second process according to the invention by the reaction of an aldehyde of the general formula iv : ## spc4 ## wherein r 1 has the meaning given under formula i , and the rings a and b can be substituted as stated under formula i , with a compound of the general formula v or vi : ## equ2 ## wherein r 2 or -- r 2 . r 2 -- has the meaning given under formula i ; and , optionally the oxidation of the obtained reaction product to its 5 - oxide , or the conversion of the said reaction product into an addition salt with an inorganic or organic acid . the reaction according to the invention is preferably performed in a solvent , e . g . in an excess of the employed alkanol of the general formula v , or of an alkanediol of the general formula vi , in the presence of a catalyst . the catalyst used is , for example , a mineral acid , e . g . sulphuric acid or phosphoric acid , an aromatic sulphonic acid , e . g . the o - or p - toluenesulphonic acid , or a lewis acid , e . g . boron trifluoride . the reaction is performed at a temperature of from ca . 20 ° to 170 ° c , particularly at the boiling temperature of the employed solvent . the starting materials of the general formula iv can be obtained , for example , as follows : the starting compounds are compounds of the previously defined general formula ii ; these are reacted with benzyloxyacetic acid hydrazide to give corresponding 1 - benzyloxymethyl - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepines , which are split with hydrobromic acid to corresponding 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - methanols ; the obtained alcohols are subsequently oxidised with dimethylsulphoxide in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and phosphoric acid . the oxidation of the obtained compounds of the general formula i to their 5 - oxides was described in conjunction with the first process . the compounds of the general formula i , their 5 - oxides , and their addition salts with inorganic or organic acids are obtained with application of a third process according to the invention by the condensation of a compound of the general formula vii : ## spc5 ## wherein r 1 has the meaning given under formula i , and the rings a and b can be substituted as stated therein , with a reactive ester of a compound of the general formula viii : ## equ3 ## wherein r 2 or -- r 2 . r 2 -- has the meaning given under formula i ; and , optionally , the oxidation of the obtained reaction product to its 5 - oxide , or the conversion of the said reaction product into an addition salt with an inorganic or organic acid . as reactive esters of a compound of the general formula viii , it is possible to use , e . g . lower alkyl esters , particularly the methyl or ethyl ester . the reaction according to the invention is preferably carried out at a reaction temperature of ca . 80 ° to 160 ° c in an inert solvent . suitable inert solvents are , e . g . hydrocarbons such as toluene or xylene , halogenated hydrocarbons such as chlorobenzene , a lower alkanol , preferably one corresponding to the alkanol of the acetal grouping , such as , e . g . ethanol or butanol , ethereal liquids such as diethylene glycol methyl ether or dioxane , and amides , particularly n , n , n &# 39 ;, n &# 39 ;, n &# 34 ;, n &# 34 ;- hexamethyl - phosphoric acid triamide . the reaction times are between ca . 1 hour and 24 hours . starting materials of the general formula vii are known , e . g . 2 - hydrazino - 5 - phenyl - 7 - chloro - 3h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepine ( cp . kanji meguro and yutaka kuwada , tetrahedron letters 1970 , 4039 ). further compounds of this type can be produced analogously . the oxidation of the obtained compounds of the general formula i to their 5 - oxides was described in conjunction with the first process . the compounds of the general formula i obtained by the processes according to the invention are optionally subsequently converted , in the usual manner , into their addition salts with inorganic and organic acids . for example , the acid desired as the salt component is added to a solution of a compound of the general formula i in an organic solvent . the organic solvents preferred for the reaction are ones in which the formed salt is difficultly soluble , and can hence be separated by filtration . such solvents are , e . g . methanol , ether , acetone , methyl ethyl ketone , acetone / ether , acetone / ethanol , methanol / ether or ethanol / ether . for use as pharmaceutical compositions it is possible to use , instead of free bases , physiologically tolerable acid addition salts , i . e . salts with such acids of which the anions are not toxic in the dosage amounts concerned . moreover , it is of advantage if the salts to be used as pharmaceutical compositions crystallise well , and are not , or only slightly , hygroscopic . for salt formation with compounds of the general formula i it is possible to use , e . g . hydrochloric acid , hydrobromic acid , sulphuric acid , phosphoric acid , methanesulphonic acid , ethanesulphonic acid , 2 - hydroxyethanesulphonic acid , or perchloric acid . the new active substances are administered orally , rectally or parenterally . the dosage depends on the manner of administration , on the age , and on the individual condition . the daily dosages of the free bases , their 5 - oxides , and of physiologically tolerable acid addition salts of the free bases vary between 0 . 02 and 4 mg / kg for warm - blooded animals . suitable dosage units , such as dragees , tablets or suppositories , preferably contain 0 . 5 - 25 mg of an active substance according to the invention . dosage units for oral administration contain as active substance preferably between 1 - 50 % of a compound of the general formula i , of its 5 - oxide or of a corresponding physiologically tolerable salt . they are produced by combining the active substance , e . g . with solid pulverulent carriers such as lactose , saccharose , sorbitol , mannitol ; starches such as potato starch , maize starch or amylopectin , also laminaria powder or citrus pulp powder ; cellulose derivatives or gelatine , optionally with the addition of lubricants such as magnesium or calcium stearate , or polyethylene glycols , to form tablets or dragee cores . the dragee cores are coated , e . g . with concentrated sugar solutions which may also contain , e . g . gum arabic , talcum and / or titanium dioxide ; or with a lacquer dissolved in readily volatile organic solvents or mixtures of solvents . dyestuffs can be added to these coatings , e . g . to distinguish between varying dosages of active substance . further dosage units suitable for oral administration are hard gelatine capsules , as well as soft closed capsules made from gelatine and a softener , such as glycerin . the hard capsules preferably contain the active substance as a granulate , e . g . in admixture with fillers such as maize starch , and / or lubricants such as talcum or magnesium stearate , and optionally stabilisers such as sodium metabisulphite ( na 2 s 2 o 5 ) or ascorbic acid . in soft capsules , the active substance is preferably dissolved or suspended in suitable liquids such as polyethylene glycols , whereby stabilisers may also be added . suitable dosage units for rectal administration are , e . g . suppositories consisting of a combination of an active substance with a suppository base material . suitable suppository base materials are , e . g . natural or synthetic triglycerides , paraffin hydrocarbons , polyethylene glycols , or higher alkanols . also suitable are gelatine rectal capsules consisting of a combination of the active substance with a base material . suitable as a base material are , e . g . liquid triglycerides , polyethylene glycols , or paraffin hydrocarbons . ampoules for parenteral administration , especially intramuscular administration , preferably contain a water - soluble salt of an active substance in a concentration of preferably 0 , 1 - 1 %, optionally together with suitable stabilisers and buffer substances , in aqueous solution . the following prescriptions further illustrate the production of tablets , dragees , capsules , suppositories and ampoules : a . 50 g of 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal are mixed with 175 . 8 g of lactose and 169 . 70 g of potato starch ; the mixture is then moistened with an alcoholic solution of 10 g of stearic acid , and granulated through a sieve . after drying the granulate , 160 g of potato starch , 200 g of talcum , 2 . 50 g of magnesium stearate and 32 g of colloidal silicon dioxide are mixed in ; the mixture is subsequently pressed into 10 , 000 tablets each weighing 80 mg and each containing 5 mg of active substance . the tablets can , if required , be provided with grooves for a more precise adjustment of the dosage amount . b . a granulate is produced from 50 g of 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 . 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal , 175 . 90 g of lactose , and the alcoholic solution of 10 g of stearic acid . after drying of the granulate , it is mixed with 56 . 60 g of colloidal silicon dioxide , 165 g of talcum , 20 g of potato starch and 2 . 50 g of magnesium stearate ; the mixture is then pressed into 10 , 000 dragee cores . these are subsequently coated with a concentrated syrup made from 502 . 28 g of crystallised saccharose , 6 g shellac , 10 g of gum arabic , 0 . 22 g of dyestuff and 1 . 5 g of titanium dioxide ; they are then dried . the obtained dragees each weigh 100 mg and each contain 5 mg of active substance . c . to produce 1000 capsules each containing 5 mg of active substance , 5 g of 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal are mixed with 268 . 0 g of lactose ; the mixture is evenly moistened with an aqueous solution of 2 . 0 g of gelatine , and then granulated through a suitable sieve ( e . g . sieve iii , ph . helv . v ). the granulate is mixed with 10 . 0 g of dried maize starch and 15 . 0 g of talcum ; the mixture is then evenly filled into 1000 hard gelatine capsules , size 1 . d . a suppository base mixture is prepared from 1 . 0 g 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal and 169 . 0 g of adeps solidus ; the mixture is then filled into 100 suppositories each containing 10 mg of active substance . as active substances for the above described or other dosage units , e . g . the identical amounts of 6 -( o - fluorophenyl )- 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal , 6 -( o - chlorophenyl )- 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal , 6 -( o - chlorophenyl )- 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal or 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - dimethylacetal can be used as well . the following examples further illustrate the production of the new compounds of the general formula i , as well as of starting materials not hitherto known ; these examples , however , in no way limit the scope of the invention . temperatures are given in degrees centigrade . for elution chromatography , silica gel merck ( registered trademark ), 0 . 05 to 0 . 2 mm grain , is used . the petroleum ether employed is always one having a boiling range of 40 ° to 65 ° c . a solution of 60 . 0 g of 2 - methylthio - 5 - phenyl - 7 - chloro - 3h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepine [ cp . g . a . archer et al ., j . org . chem . 29 , 231 ( 1964 )] and 38 . 8 g of diethoxyacetic acid hydrazide in 460 ml of abs . hexamethylphosphoric acid triamide is heated for 6 hours at 140 °. the solvent is then distilled off in vacuo , and the residue distributed between methylene chloride and water . the organic phase is separated , washed with saturated sodium chloride solution , dried over sodium sulphate , and concentrated by evaporation . the residue is recrystallised from ethyl acetate / ether / petroleum ether , whereupon pure 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal is obtained , which melts at 133 °- 135 °. the diethoxyacetic acid hydrazide used as starting material is prepared as follows : a . an amount of 81 . 0 g of diethoxyacetic acid methyl ester is dissolved in 800 ml of abs . ethanol ; an addition is made to the solution of 50 . 0 g of hydrazine hydrate , and the mixture allowed to stand for 20 hours at 25 °. the reaction mixture is then filtered , the filtrate concentrated in vacuo , and the residue distilled . the obtained diethoxyacetic acid hydrazide boils at 120 °- 150 °/ 0 . 005 torr , m . p . 30 °- 40 °. a solution of 15 . 9 g of 2 -( methylthio )- 5 -( o - fluorophenyl )- 7 - chloro - 3h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepine and 9 . 7 g of diethoxyacetic acid hydrazide in 100 ml of hexamethylphosphoric acid triamide is heated for 10 hours at 140 °; processing is then carried out analogously to the procedure described in example 1 , and the residue recrystallised from ethyl acetate / petroleum ether to obtain 6 -( o - fluorophenyl )- 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal , m . p . 120 °- 121 °. the following are obtained in an analogous manner : with the use of 16 . 7 g of 2 -( methylthio )- 5 -( o - chlorophenyl )- 7 - chloro - 3h - benzodiazepine :- 6 -( o - chlorophenyl )- 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal , m . p . 120 °- 121 . 5 ° ( from ethyl acetate / petroleum ether ); with the use of 17 . 3 g of 2 -( methylthio )- 5 - phenyl - 7 - bromo - 3h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepine :- 6 - phenyl - 8 - bromo - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal ; and with the use of 16 . 5 g of 2 -( methylthio )- 5 -( o - methoxyphenyl )- 7 - chloro - 3h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepine :- 6 -( o - methoxyphenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal . the substituted 2 -( methylthio )- 5 - phenyl - 3h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepines required as starting materials for the aforementioned final materials are obtainable from the corresponding substituted 1 , 3 - dihydro - 5 - phenyl - 2h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepine - 2 - thiones described in j . org . chem . 29 , 231 ( 1964 ) analogously to the process described therein for 2 -( methylthio )- 5 - phenyl - 7 - chloro - 3h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepine . the following are moreover likewise obtained analogously to the above example : from 15 . 7 g of 2 -( methylthio )- 3 - methyl - 5 - phenyl - 7 - chloro - 3h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepine :- 3 - methyl - 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal , m . p . 151 °- 153 ° ( from ethyl acetate / petroleum ether ); the substituted 2 -( methylthio )- 5 - phenyl - 3h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepines required as starting materials are obtained , starting with the correspondingly substituted 1 , 3 - dihydro - 5 - phenyl - 2h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepin - 2 - ones , of which the compounds containing a trifluoromethyl group are described in the american patent 3 , 341 , 392 , and , in some cases , also in helv . chim . acta 45 , 2226 ( 1962 ), and the remaining four compounds in j . org . chem . 27 , 3788 ( 1962 ), by conversion into the corresponding 2 - thiones , and reaction of these with dimethylsulphate in methanolic sodium hydroxide solution , analogously to the process described in j . org . chem . 29 , 231 ( 1964 ). a solution of 12 . 0 g of 2 - methylthio - 5 - phenyl - 7 - chloro - 3h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepine and 7 . 0 g of dimethoxyacetic acid hydrazide ( cp . e . j . browne and j . b . polya , j . chem . soc . 1962 , 5149 - 5152 ) in 100 ml of abs . hexamethylphosphoric acid triamide is heated for 9 hours at 140 °. the obtained 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - dimethylacetal melts at 166 °- 172 °. by reaction of 15 . 0 g of 2 -( methylthio )- 5 -( o - chlorophenyl )- 3h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepine with 9 . 7 g of diethoxyacetic acid hydrazide in 100 ml of hexamethylphosphoric acid triamide , analogously to example 1 , and crystallisation of the crude product from ethyl acetate / petroleum ether , 6 -( o - chlorophenyl )- 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal , m . p . 145 °- 146 °, is obtained . the 2 - methylthio compound required as starting material is produced from the 1 , 3 - dihydro - 5 -( o - chlorophenyl )- 2h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepin - 2 - one described by l . h . sternbach et al ., j . med . chem . 6 , 261 - 265 ( 1963 ) by conversion into the corresponding 2 - thione , and reaction of this with dimethylsulphate in methanolic sodium hydroxide solution , analogously to the process described in j . org . chem . 29 , 231 ( 1964 ), m . p . 109 °- 111 ° ( from ethyl acetate / petroleum ether ). a solution of 7 . 0 g of 7 - chloro - 2 - mercapto - 5 - phenyl - 3h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepine [ cp . g . a . archer and l . h . sternbach , j . org . chem . 29 , 231 ( 1964 )] and 5 . 7 g of diethoxyacetic acid hydrazide in 50 ml of abs . ethanol is refluxed for 25 hours . the reaction mixture is concentrated in vacuo , and the obtained crude product is processed as described in example 1 , whereupon 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal , m . p . 133 °- 135 °, is obtained . a . a solution of 200 mg of 2 -( dimethylamino )- 5 - phenyl - 7 - chloro - 3h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepine [ cp . j . farber et al ., j . med . chem . 7 , 235 ( 1964 )] and 150 mg of diethoxyacetic acid hydrazide in 3 ml of abs . hexamethylphosphoric acid triamide is heated for 10 hours at 140 °. the reaction mixture is concentrated in vacuo , and the crude product processed as described under example 1 , whereupon 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal , m . p . 133 °- 135 °, is obtained . b . the identical final material is obtained also by the use of the following starting materials , instead of 2 -( dimethylamino )- 5 - phenyl - 7 - chloro - 3h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepine : 180 mg of 2 - amino - 5 - phenyl - 7 - chloro - 3h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepine [ cp . s . c . bell et al ., j . med . chem . 5 , 63 ( 1962 )], or 240 mg of 2 -( benzylamino )- 5 - phenyl - 7 - chloro - 3h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepine ( obtainable according to the british patent 1 , 023 , 793 , or from the 4 - oxide described by s . c . bell et al ., loc . cit . analogously to l . h . sternbach et al ., loc . cit . ), or 190 mg of 2 -( methylamino )- 5 - phenyl - 7 - chloro - 3h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepine [ cp . l . h . sternbach et al ., j . org . chem . 26 , 1111 ( 1961 )]. the three aforementioned starting materials can be produced , for example , by the process of the german offenlegungsschrift 1 , 933 , 986 , chemical abstracts 72 , 100772 h ( 1970 ), or analogously to the previously mentioned 2 - amino compound . a mixture of 300 mg of 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - methanol , 0 . 57 g of dicyclohexyl - carbodiimide , 45 mg of phosphoric acid and 3 ml of abs . dimethylsulphoxide is stirred for 6 days at 25 ° and for a further 2 days at 70 °- 80 °. methylene chloride is then added , the organic phase washed with water and saturated sodium chloride solution , dried over magnesium sulphate and concentrated by evarporation . crude 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde is obtained , which is dissolved in 5 ml of ethanol . an addition is made to the obtained solution of 100 mg of p - toluenesulphonic acid , and the mixture refluxed for 10 hours . the solution is concentrated in vacuo . the residue is taken up in methylene chloride , the organic phase washed with 5 % aqueous potassium carbonate solution and with saturated sodium chloride solution , dried over sodium sulphate , and concentrated by evaporation . the residue is recrystallised from ethyl acetate / ether / petroleum ether to obtain 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal , m . p . 133 °- 135 °. a . a solution of 30 g of 2 - methylthio - 5 - phenyl - 7 - chloro - 3h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepine [ cp . g . a . archer et al ., j . org . chem . 29 , 231 ( 1964 )] and 19 . 8 g of benzyloxyacethydrazide [ cp . th . curtius and n . schwan , j . prakt . chem . [ 2 ] 51 , 353 ( 1895 )] in 160 ml of hexamethylphosphoric acid triamide is heated for 8 hours at 140 °. the solvent is then distilled off in vacuo , and the residue distributed between methylene chloride and water . the organic phase is separated , washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution , dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated by evaporation . 1 - benzyloxymethyl - 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine crystallises out ; it melts at 163 °- 165 °. b . an amount of 25 g of the compound prepared according to ( a ) is dissolved in 200 ml of glacial acetic acid ; an addition of 170 ml of 48 % hydrobromic acid is then made to the above solution . the mixture is refluxed for 90 minutes , cooled to 5 ° and , whilst stirring is maintained , adjusted with sodium hydroxide solution to ph 6 ; water and methylene chloride are then added . the organic phase is separated , washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution , dried over sodium sulphate , and concentrated by evaporation . the residue is dissolved in ethyl acetate / methanol ( 9 : 1 ), the solution filtered through a column of 150 g of silicagel merck ( registered trademark ), 0 . 05 - 0 . 2 mm grain , and the column eluted with ethyl acetate - methanol ( 9 : 1 ) to ( 7 : 3 ). the eluate is concentrated by evaporation and the residue crystallised from ethyl acetate / ether to obtain 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - methanol , m . p . 209 °- 211 °. a solution of 2 - hydrazino - 5 - phenyl - 7 - chloro - 3h - 1 , 4 - benzodiazepine [ cp . kanji meguro and yutaka kuwada , tetrahedron letters 1970 , 4039 ( 1970 )] and 5 g of diethoxyacetic acid ethyl ester in 50 ml of n , n , n &# 39 ;, n &# 39 ;, n &# 34 ;, n &# 34 ;- hexamethylphosphoric acid triamide is heated for 5 hours at 100 °. the reaction mixture is then concentrated in vacuo , and the residue distributed between methylene chloride and water . the organic phase is washed with water and saturated sodium chloride solution , dried over sodium sulphate , and concentrated by evaporation . the residue is recrystallised from ethyl acetate / ether / petroleum ether , whereupon the obtained pure 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal melts at 133 ° - 135 °. a solution of 7 . 64 g ( 0 . 024 mole ) of m - chloro - peroxybenzoic acid in 140 ml of methylene chloride is added dropwise within 15 minutes at 0 °- 5 °, with stirring , to a solution of 9 . 0 g ( 0 . 0126 mole ) of 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal in 100 ml of methylene chloride . the reaction mixture is stirred in a melting ice bath for a further 16 hours ; the mixture is subsequently concentrated in vacuo and ether added to the residue . the precipitated crystals are filtered under suction , and washed twice with hot ethyl acetate . the obtained 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal - 5 - oxide melts at 200 °- 202 °. an amount of 0 . 13 g ( 0 . 0013 mole ) of perchloric acid is added to a solution of 0 . 5 g ( 0 . 00126 mole ) of 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal in 3 ml each of acetone and methanol . the salt crystallises out after the addition of 5 ml of petroleum ether . filtration under suction is then performed and 6 - phenyl - 8 - chloro - 4h - s - triazolo [ 4 , 3 - a ][ 1 , 4 ] benzodiazepine - 1 - carboxaldehyde - diethylacetal - perchlorate obtained , which decomposes at 250 °- 265 °.	2
[ 0011 ] fig1 is a schematic diagram of prior art write circuit 10 . write circuit 10 includes resistors r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , r 4 , r 5 and r 6 , transistors q 1 , q 2 , q 3 , q 4 , q 5 and q 6 , current sources i 1 and i 2 , and inductive head 12 having inductance l h . transistors q 1 and q 2 make up the upper switching portion of the circuit , while transistors q 3 - q 4 and q 5 - q 6 are configured as current mirrors to form the lower portion of the circuit . transistors q 1 and q 2 each have a parasitic capacitance c p which is represented schematically in fig1 . fig2 a - 2 c are graphs of waveforms which occur in operation of the circuit of fig1 . current sources i 1 and i 2 provide current in an alternating fashion , as shown by waveforms 20 ( fig2 a ) and 22 ( fig2 b ), respectively . these currents result in a current flowing through one of transistors q 1 and q 2 and through head 12 ( fig1 ). because of the parasitic capacitances of transistors q 1 and q 2 and their effect on frequency response , the current i head flowing through head 12 ( shown by waveform 24 , fig2 c ) takes time to transition between steady state values in opposite directions , known as the “ rise time .” the frequency response of the emitter follower is governed by the following equation , which determines the effective pole of the frequency response : f = 1 2   π   r   c p ( eq .  1 ) where r is the value of the resistor connected to the base of the switching transistor and c p is the parasitic capacitance of the transistor . for transistor q 1 , the relevant resistor is r 1 , and for transistor q 2 , the relevant resistor is r 2 . in most exemplary embodiments , resistors r 1 and r 2 are selected to have equal resistances and transistors q 1 and q 2 are selected to have equal parasitic capacitances , to preserve the symmetry of the circuit . in order to improve the frequency response of the emitter follower ( that is , increase the frequency of the effective pole ), either the resistance or parasitic capacitance must be reduced . it is not practical to reduce the parasitic capacitance , since the current - carrying capability of the transistor would be compromised . a reduction in the resistance is therefore desirable . [ 0015 ] fig3 is a schematic diagram of write circuit 30 employing capacitive boost according to the present invention . write circuit 30 includes resistors r a1 , r a2 , r b , r c1 , r c2 , r d , r e , r f , r g and r h , transistors q a , q b , q c , q d , q e , q f , q g and q h , capacitors c 1 and c 2 , current sources i a1 , i a2 , i b1 , i b2 , i dc1 and i dc2 , and head 12 having an inductance l h . transistors q a , q b , q c and q d make up the upper switching portion of the circuit , while transistors q e - q f and q g - q h are configured as current mirrors to form the lower portion of the circuit to pull current through the write head . transistors q a , q b , q c and q d have respective parasitic capacitances c pa , c pb , c pc and c pd which are represented schematically in fig3 . fig4 a - 4 e are graphs of waveforms which occur in operation of the circuit of fig3 . current sources i a1 , i a2 , i b1 and i b2 are configured to provide pre - drive currents . current sources i a1 / a2 and i b1 / b2 provide current in an alternating fashion , as shown by waveforms 40 ( fig4 a ), 42 ( fig4 b ), 44 ( fig4 c ) and 46 ( fig4 d ), respectively . the write current i head flowing through the write head is shown as waveform 48 ( fig4 e ). referring again to fig3 transistors q c and q d are configured as emitter - followers . resistors r a1 and r c1 are selected to have a value of about 75 % of the value of a conventional pull - up resistor ( such as r 1 shown in fig1 ). transistors q c and q d therefore have good high frequency response , since the resistance is reduced ( see eq . 1 ). current sources i dc1 and i dc2 provide a dc current to ensure that transistors q c and q d are always on . as a result , the signals at the emitters of transistors q c and q d accurately reflect the signal content of the input signals provided by current sources i a1 and i b1 . series capacitors c 1 and c 2 pass the high frequency content of the signals at the emitters of transistors q c and q d on to node 32 between resistors r a2 and r b ( an intermediate point of the pull - up resistance ) and to node 34 between resistors r c2 and r d ( an intermediate point of the pull - up resistance ), respectively . resistors r a2 and r c2 are selected to have values equal to the values of resistors r a1 and r a2 ( about 75 % of the value of a conventional pull - up resistor ), and resistors r b and r d are elected to have a value of about 25 % of the value of a conventional pull - up resistor . since resistors r a2 and r b are connected in series between the base of transistor q a and v cc , and resistors r c2 and r d are connected in series between the base of transistor q b and v cc , the total pull - up resistance provided for transistors q a and q b is equal to the conventional pull - up resistance . however , the resistance that affects the frequency response of transistors q a and q b is only r b and r d , respectively . since r b and r d are only about 25 % of the value of a conventional pull - up resistor , the effective pole of the frequency response of transistors q a and q b is about four times higher than in a conventional system . the preceding description has explained the improved frequency response of the circuit of fig3 . capacitive boost of the voltage across head 12 may also be obtained by adjusting the signal waveforms provided by current sources i a1 , i a2 , i b1 and i b2 . specifically , as shown in fig4 a - 4 d , the target write waveform is essentially decomposed into a boost ( higher frequency ) portion provided by current sources i a1 and i b1 , and a steady state ( lower frequency ) portion provided by current sources i a2 and i b2 . a greater percentage of the overshoot portion of the signal is assigned to the boost current source ( i a1 and i b1 ), compared to the portion assigned to the steady state current source ( i a2 and i b2 ). this is shown graphically in the disparate magnitudes of the overshoot portions and steady state portions of the waveforms shown in fig4 a - 4 d . as a result , the voltage at the bases of transistors q a and q b is level shifted toward ( and potentially above ) the positive supply voltage v cc . the total amount of level shifting that is possible is limited by the difference between the overshoot voltage of the write voltage waveform and the steady state voltage of the write voltage waveform , which is supply limited . the amount of level shifting is limited to about a diode ( i . e ., about 0 . 7 volts ), at which point the emitter follower transistor would saturate . the circuit of the present invention improves the switching speed and frequency response of the system , as shown by the increased overshoot and faster switching of write current direction in waveform 48 of fig4 e ( compared to waveform 24 of fig2 c ). for the benefit of those skilled in the art , a mathematical explanation of the frequency response benefits of the present invention is also included . the frequency response associated with transistor q c driven by current source i a1 , is as follows : v a1 = i a1  r a1  j   ω   c 1  r a2 1 + j   ω  [ c 1  r a2 + c p   a  ( r a2 + r b ) ] - ω 2  c 1  r a2  c p   a  r b ( eq .  2 ) the frequency response associated with transistor q a , driven by current source i a2 , is as follows : v a2 = i a2  ( r a2 + r b )  1 + j   ω   c 1  ( r a2     r b ) 1 + j   ω  [ c 1  r a2 + c pa  ( r a2 + r b ) ] - ω 2  c 1  r a2  c p   a  r b ( eq .  3 ) by selecting the value of c 1 to be much greater than c pa , the equations can be approximated in a much simpler manner : v a1 ≈ i a1  r a1  j   ω   c 1  r a2 ( 1 + j   ω   c 1  r a2 )  ( 1 + j   ω   c pa  r b ) ( eq .  4 ) v a2 ≈ i a2  ( r a2 + r b )  1 + j   ω   c 1  ( r a2     r b ) ( 1 + j   ω   c 1  r a2 )  ( 1 + j   ω   c pa  r b ) ( eq .  5 ) if the magnitude of the boost current source ( provided by i a1 ) is made equal to the magnitude of the attenuation of the mid - band response of the steady state current source ( provided by i a2 ), the summation of the two responses is simplified . the condition for this is given by : when this condition is satisfied , the summation of eq . 4 and eq . 5 becomes : v h ≈ i a2  ( r a2 + r b )  1 1 + j   ω   c pa  r b ( eq .  7 ) the frequency response is therefore that of a low pass filter whose cutoff frequency is equal to : f 3   d   b = 1 2   π   c pa  r b ( eq .  8 ) which improves the frequency response of the system by the ratio of r b to ( r a2 + r b ). [ 0027 ] fig5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary full circuit implementation of a write circuit employing capacitive boost according to the present invention . it should be understood that the circuit shown in fig5 is shown to illustrate the best mode of practicing the invention , and should not be considered to limit the scope of the invention in any way . the portions of the circuit which functionally represent the capacitive boost components shown in fig3 are labeled in order to simplify the understanding of the circuit . one skilled in the art will readily discern the operating characteristics of the overall circuit , in conjunction with the specification and drawings of the instant application and of u . s . application ser . no . ______ ( docket no . v44 . 12 - 0152 ) filed on even date herewith for “ disk drive writer with active reflection cancellation ,” by j . leighton , c . elliott , m . o &# 39 ; brien , c . rabe , n . krenz , r . wimmer and s . o &# 39 ; brien , which is assigned to the same assignee as the instant application , and is hereby incorporated by reference . although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments , workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . particularly , while some forms of the invention are described in the form of discrete devices , it is recognized that the circuit is preferably reduced to practice in the form of an integrated circuit ( ic ). therefore , terms such as “ device ” and the like should be construed in their broadest contexts to include portions of ics that are conveniently described as functional components , as well as discrete devices . likewise , some forms of the invention are described in terms of logical gates and chips that could also be implemented by discrete devices , all within the scope and spirit of the present invention .	6
with reference to fig1 a conventional fluid conduit fitting is illustrated consisting of the male adapter part 10 , the conduit , or conduit associated part 12 , and a compression nut 14 . the adapter fitting part 10 comprises a metal body affixed at its right end to a conduit , hose , tank , reservoir or the like not shown , and the adapter includes an axial bore 16 , a wrench engaging portion 18 having wrench flats 20 defined thereon , and external threads 22 for cooperation with the compression nut 14 . the adapter includes a cylindrical surface 24 adjacent to and intersecting the conical nose 26 , and the conical nose is preferably of the conventional 37 ° configuration and intersects the radial adapter end surface 28 . the adapter is conventional in all respects . the other primary part of the fitting includes the conduit 12 which may be attached to the hose or rigid conduit , or may comprise a metal conduit , itself . the end of the part 12 is provided with an enlarged head 30 defining a conical surface 32 which is of such radial positioning as to be in axial alignment with the adapter conical surface 26 when the fitting parts are axially aligned . the head 30 , in some installations , may consist of the well known flared end of a conduit , and the head includes a radial surface 34 engagable by the compression nut 14 . the compression nut 14 includes wrench flats 36 and internal threads 38 for cooperation with the adapter threads 22 , and an inwardly extending flange 40 is axially aligned with the head surface 34 for engagement therewith for imposing an axial force upon the fitting part 12 . the seal 42 in accord with the invention is of an annular form and primarily formed of metal , such as brass , aluminum , steel , etc . and includes a cylindrical portion 44 having an inner surface 46 only slightly larger than the adapter surface 24 for engagement therewith , and the outer surface 48 of the seal comprises the maximum circumference thereof . the cone portion 50 of the seal depends from the portion 44 and comprises substantially parallel inner side 52 and outer side 54 defining a conical portion oriented at approximately 37 ° to the cylindrical portion 44 . the thickness of the cone 50 is defined by the sides 52 and 54 , and the thickness of the cone is substantially the same as that of the cylindrical portion 44 . the outer end 56 of the cone 50 has an annular elastomeric ring 58 bonded thereto , and the elastomeric ring seal includes an inner end , fig4 bonded to the cone 56 , and an outer end 60 which may be of a radiused configuration . the elastomeric ring includes an inner surface 62 and outer surface 64 which are spaced apart a distance at least equal to the spacing of the cone surfaces 52 and 54 , and preferably , the spacing between the elastomer sides 62 and 64 is slightly greater than that of the cone sides . bonding of the elastomer seal 58 to the cone 50 may be augmented by forming irregularities , holes , or the like in the outer end of the metal of the cone , and as will be appreciated from fig1 the radial dimension of the cone 50 is such that the elastomer 58 will be axially aligned between the fitting surfaces 26 and 32 when the seal is assembled to the fitting parts as shown in fig1 . in use , the seal 58 is located upon the adapter 10 as appreciated in fig1 i . e . the seal inner cylindrical surface 46 being placed upon the adapter surface 24 , and the cone surface 52 engages the adapter surface 26 . the fitting part 12 is coaxially aligned with the adapter 10 , and the nut 14 is threaded upon the adapter thread 22 . the nut is tightened drawing the surfaces 26 and 32 toward each other compressing the cone 50 therebetween to produce an effective sealing relationship . the compression produced on the cone 50 compresses the elastomer 58 , and accordingly , an effective elastomeric sealed relationship is produced between the fitting surfaces 26 and 32 , as well as a metal - to - metal seal . the preferred slightly greater thickness of the elastomer 58 causes the compression of the elastomer prior to compression of the seal cone portion 50 , and slight extrusion of the elastomer may occur which readily takes place inwardly in that the elastomer ring 58 is unconfined in this direction . upon fully tightening the nut 14 , the seal 42 , due to its relatively thin configuration will conform itself to any irregularities in the surfaces 26 and 32 , such as scratches or dents , producing an effective seal . thus , high pressure sealing is produced , and the dependability of the seal is improved over those arrangements wherein an elastomeric seal is not used with a &# 34 ; flare &# 34 ; fitting . the presence of the elastomer 58 intermediate the conical surfaces will maintain the integrity of the fitting and prevent leakage even if the metal sealing fails . the seal 58 prevents the pressurized medium from engaging the threads , and it will be appreciated that the simplicity of the invention substantially improves the efficiency and dependability of this type of fitting . it is appreciated that various modifications to the inventive concepts may be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .	8
the present invention relates to a simple , economical and commercially viable process for the preparation of diarylpyrimidine nnrtis . in particular , the present invention relates to a novel method for synthesis of etravirine . typically , the instant invention provides a method for synthesis of etravirine using a compound of formula ( v ) i . e . 4 -[( 2 , 6 - dichloro )- 4 - pyrimidinyloxy ]- 3 , 5 - dimethylbenzonitrile and 4 - aminobenzonitrile as shown in scheme - 4 . in the above procedure , 2 , 4 , 6 - trichloropyrimidine is reacted with 3 , 5 - dimethyl - 4 - hydroxybenzonitrile , to obtain a compound of formula ( v ), in an inert solvent such as ethanol , n - methyl - 2 - pyrrolidone , n , n - dimethylformamide , 1 , 4 - dioxane , tetrahydrofuran , dimethylsulfoxide , tetraline , sulfolane , acetonitrile and the like . the reaction is preferably carried out at refluxing temperatures and optionally , in presence of base . preferably , 1 , 4 - dioxane is used as solvent and n , n - diisopropylethylamine as base . the obtained compound of formula ( v ) is then condensed with 4 - aminobenzonitrile to give a compound of formula ( vi ). the condensation of compound of formula ( v ) with 4 - aminobenzonitrle is the most critical step of the present invention . the present inventors have found that acidic conditions are not typically favorable for the instant reaction . when the said condensation reaction is carried out in presence of acid catalyst such as 1n hcl and an inert solvent such as dimethylformamide or n - methyl pyrrolidone , the reaction does not proceed smoothly as desired yielding the desired products . even in presence of inorganic bases such as sodium hydroxide , potassium hydroxide , sodium carbonate , potassium carbonate reactions fails . presence of organic bases such as diethylamine , pyridine , dibutyl urea also fails to initiate the condensation reaction . however , present inventors have surprisingly found that the condensation reaction of compound of formula ( v ) with 4 - aminobenzonitrile to give a compound of formula ( vi ) could be carried out in presence of alkoxides such as potassium tertiary butoxide , sodium tertiary butoxide . the said reaction could be carried out in presence of inert solvent by using alkoxide as base . preferably , n - methylpyrrolidone is used as solvent and potassium tertiary butoxide is used as base . potassium tertiary butoxide can be used in an amount of up to four molar equivalents for the said reaction . preferably , two molar equivalents are used for conducting the said condensation reaction . reaction of thus obtained compound of formula ( vi ) with aqueous ammonia in refluxing dioxane gives the compound of formula ( iv ). surprisingly it was observed that because of absence of a bromo substituent on pyrimidine ring at 5 - position , the said reaction goes to completion in 10 to 12 hrs instead of 96 hours as mentioned in the prior art process . preferably , a 25 % aqueous ammonia solution is used for the reaction . though the reaction is carried out using dioxane as a solvent and a temperature of 120 - 130 ° c ., however , other inert solvents mentioned hereinbefore could be used for reaction . further , the present inventors have found that compound of formula ( vi ) can be purified by washing with ethyl acetate . most of the undesired impurities , isomers are removed by the ethyl acetate solution washing . typically , ethyl acetate washing treatment is done at 60 - 70 ° c . followed by filtration at room temperature to get the desired product in pure form . the obtained compound ( iv ) then can be readily converted in the desired product etravirine by halogenating the same with free halogen e . g . free bromine or by using a halogen doner compounds . this halogenation reaction preferably is conducted in a suitable inert solvent . preferred solvents are methylene dichloride or ether . thus , the present invention provides an efficient , simple and cost effective method for synthesis of etravirine . the process typically comprises the steps of : 1 . condensing 2 , 4 , 6 - trichlorpyrimidine with 3 , 5 - dimethyl - 4 - hydroxybenzonitrile , in presence of a base and inert solvent , to obtain compound of formula ( v ); 2 . converting the compound of formula ( v ) to a compound of formula ( vi ) by condensation with 4 - aminobenzonitrile by using alkoxide as a base ; 3 . optionally , purifying the compound of formula ( vi ); 4 . ammonlysis of compound of formula ( vi ) to get a compound of formula ( iv ); and 5 . halogenation of compound of formula ( iv ) in an inert solvent to get etravirine . thus , the present invention further provides a process for preparation of etravirine by using a compound of formula ( v ) and 4 - aminobenzonitrile . the present invention further provides a simple method for condensation of compound of formula ( v ) with 4 - aminobenzonitrile . the principles , preferred embodiments , and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification . the invention which is intended to be protected herein , however , is not to be construed limited to the particular forms disclosed , since these are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive . variations and changes may be made by those skilled in the art , without departing from the spirit of the invention . the invention is further explained with the help of following illustrative examples , however , in no way these examples should be construed as limiting the scope of the invention . 2 , 4 , 6 - trichloropyrimidine ( 100 g , 0 . 545 m ) was dissolved in 1 , 4 - dioxane ( 300 ml ) and 3 , 5 ,- dimethyl - 4 - hydroxybenzonitrile ( 80 . 1 g , 0 . 545 m ) was added under stirring . addition of n , n - diisopropylethylamine ( 141 . 00 g , 1 . 09 m ) was carried to this solution over a period of 30 minutes . reaction mass was heated at 70 ° c . and stirred for 2 . 0 hours . the reaction mass was cooled slowly to 15 ° c . and obtained product was filtered at 12 - 15 ° c . followed by washing the cake with 50 ml of 1 , 4 - dioxane . finally the cake was washed with water ( 200 ml ) to get the desired product . melting point : 208 - 210 ° c . compound - v ( 100 g , 0 . 34 m ) was dissolved in n - methylpyrrolidone ( 500 ml ) and 4 - aminobenzonitrile ( 40 . 12 g , 0 . 34 m ) was added under stirring . the reaction mass was cooled to 0 ° c . to this solution , addition of potassium t - butoxide was carried out ( 76 . 3 g , 0 . 68 m ) in lots over a period of 1 . 0 hour at 0 to 10 ° c . the reaction mass was allowed to come at room temperature gradually over 1 to 2 hours . then slowly the reaction mass was added in chilled water ( 2 . 0 l ) by maintaining the reaction mass temperature below 20 ° c . the reaction mass was filtered and washed the cake with 200 ml water . wet cake was again dissolved in 1 . 0 l water below 20 ° c . and filtered . the obtained product was purified by using ethyl acetate ( 2 × 300 ml ) at 60 - 70 ° c . followed by filtration at 10 - 15 ° c . aqueous ammonia ( 25 %) ( 600 ml ) was added to a solution of compound - vi ( 100 g , 0 . 266 m ) in 1 , 4 - dioxane ( 1000 ml ) and the reaction mass was heated in pressure autoclave at 120 ° c . and maintain at 120 - 125 ° c . for 10 - 12 hours . the reaction mass was allowed to cool to 50 ° c ., and again heated to 70 - 80 ° c ., at which water ( 200 ml ) was added slowly . the reaction mass gradually cooled to 10 ° c . and filtered to obtain wet cake , which was dried to get desired product . compound - iv ( 100 g , 0 . 28 m ) was taken in methylene dichloride ( 800 ml ) and cooled to a temperature of 0 to 5 ° c . slowly liquid bromine ( 47 . 2 g , 0 . 294 m ) was added at 0 to 5 ° c . by dissolving in 200 ml of methylene dichloride . the reaction mass was stirred at 0 to 5 ° c . for 2 to 4 hrs . chilled water ( 800 ml ) was added in to the reaction mass and ph was adjusted at 9 to 10 by slow addition of sodium hydroxide solution at 0 to 5 ° c . sodium metabisulphite solution was added at 0 to 5 ° c . and the reaction mass was stirred at 0 - 10 ° c . for 1 hour by maintaining the reaction mass ph at 8 to 9 . the reaction mass was filtered and washed the cake with 200 ml water . dry the wet product at 50 - 60 ° c . & amp ; recrystallize from acetone .	2
referring now to fig1 to 3 , which illustrate a wheel suspension system 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention . as will be understood , the wheel suspension system 10 is preferably intended for use with a dolly wheel that provides , what are termed in the art , zero turn capabilities . however , it will be understood that the disclosed wheel suspension system can be utilized with other types of wheels , including wheels that are fixed and have controlled steering capabilities . additionally , the disclosed suspension system is preferably incorporated into a vehicle , such as an automotive vehicle , a trailed vehicle , or a mobility vehicle . the dolly wheel suspension system 10 includes a dolly wheel 12 , a dolly wheel spindle assembly 14 , a wheel carrier arm 16 , and a shock absorber 18 . the dolly wheel 12 includes a wheel rim 20 having an outer periphery 22 . a tire 24 is disposed around the outer periphery 22 of the wheel rim 20 and is secured to the wheel rim 20 . the tire 24 has an outer periphery 26 , which is intended to engage the ground . the wheel rim 20 has a wheel hub 28 secured thereto , as would be clearly understood by one of skill in the art . the tire 24 is preferably configured for off road capability . the dolly wheel spindle assembly 14 includes an upwardly extending pin portion 30 which is secured to a top portion 32 , which extends over top of the tire 24 . the pin portion 30 is secured to a support portion 34 ( fig2 ) of a vehicle . the pin portion 30 of the dolly wheel spindle assembly 14 is secured through at least one bearing 36 to the support portion 34 . the dolly wheel spindle assembly 14 is thus free to spin about a dolly wheel spindle axis 38 to respond to the direction of travel of a vehicle . the dolly wheel spindle assembly 14 preferably carries all of the suspension components in the direction of travel of the wheel and of the end of the vehicle , as generally indicated by the arrow 40 . the wheel carrier arm 16 is pivotally connected to the top portion 32 of the dolly wheel spindle assembly 14 by a pin 42 to define a pivot point 43 thereat . the pivot point 43 allows the wheel carrier arm 16 to pivot with respect to the dolly wheel spindle assembly 14 , as required . the wheel carrier arm 16 is secured to the shock absorber 18 , which carries a spring 46 to maintain the wheel carrier arm 16 in a secure and load carrying position with respect to the dolly wheel spindle assembly 14 . the wheel carrier arm 16 is also secured to the wheel hub 28 by a bearing shaft 44 . the wheel carrier arm 16 preferably has a bend 45 formed therein to allow a portion of the wheel carrier arm 16 and the shock absorber 18 to fit inside the wheel rim 20 . in this configuration , inside means that at least a portion of the wheel carrier arm 16 as well a portion of the shock absorber 18 are located within the wheel rim 20 when the dolly wheel 12 is viewed from the front . in other words , the bend 45 locates a portion of the wheel carrier arm 16 and the shock absorber 18 inside the outermost side portion of the tire 24 or in the volume defined by the wheel rim . the dolly wheel spindle assembly 14 also includes an extending portion 47 that is also preferably constructed to function as a mud scraper within the wheel rim 20 . the shock absorber 18 is preferably a spring shock and includes the spring 46 . the shock absorber 18 is preferably set for operating load and acts in compression . as will be understood , the shock absorber 18 thus urges the wheel carrier arm 16 downwardly and forwardly such that the dolly wheel 12 engages the ground . the shock absorber 18 is secured to the wheel carrier arm 16 and to the dolly wheel spindle assembly 14 by a plurality of securing bolts 48 . the shock absorber 18 has a first end 50 that is secured to the wheel carrier arm 16 and a second end 52 that is secured to a flange portion 35 . the flange portion 35 extends downwardly from the top portion 32 of the dolly wheel spindle assembly 14 . the first end 50 of the shock absorber 18 is preferably pivotally secured to the wheel carrier arm 16 . similarly , the second end 52 of the shock absorber 18 is preferably pivotally secured to the dolly wheel spindle assembly 14 . as shown , the suspension system 10 is preferably provided such that the shock absorber 18 is located within the outer periphery 26 of the tire 24 . more preferably , the shock absorber 18 is located within the outer periphery 22 of the wheel rim 20 . additionally , at least a portion of the wheel carrier arm 16 is located within the outer periphery 22 of the wheel rim 20 . preferably , a substantial portion of the wheel carrier arm 16 is located within the outer periphery 22 of the wheel rim . the dolly wheel 12 and the wheel rim 20 are preferably of a sufficient diameter to accommodate the suspension needed by the vehicle . it will be understood that it is also possible to locate the wheel carrier arm 16 either within the outer periphery 22 of the wheel rim 20 or outside the outer periphery 26 of the tire 24 , depending on packaging needs . moreover , the pivot point 43 for the wheel carrier arm 16 can be positioned outside the outer periphery 26 of the tire 24 and the wheel rim 20 for more linear path of the dolly wheel 12 and thus a greater length of suspension travel . in the embodiment shown in fig1 through 3 , a substantial portion of the wheel carrier arm 16 is located within the periphery of the wheel rim 20 . moreover , the suspension system 10 is located below the dolly wheel spindle axis 38 . the suspension operates equally in all directions of vehicle motion with the turning of the dolly wheel 12 to the direction of travel . this is because the dolly wheel 12 spins toward its direction of travel , thereby taking the suspension system 10 with it in that direction of travel . it will be understood that when utilized on a vehicle , a pair of dolly wheels will preferably be utilized . the operation of each dolly wheel and its associated suspension is preferably the same and thus the description of the structure and operation of one will apply equally to the operation of the other . referring now to fig3 which illustrates the operation of the suspension system 10 in accordance with the present invention . as shown , when the tire 24 contacts a bump or rock 60 in the road or ground , a force can impact the tire 24 , which results in upward and rearward motion , as generally indicated by arrow 70 , in such a manner as to absorb forward motion impact . this upward and rearward motion is shown in fig3 . in order to effectuate this motion , the wheel carrier arm 16 rotates about the pivot point 43 and the shock absorber 18 compresses against the force of the spring 46 . moreover , because the shock absorber 18 is pivotal about its first end 50 and its second end 52 , it can rotate during compression to accommodate for the length of travel of the wheel carrier arm 16 . referring now to fig4 through 6 , which illustrate another embodiment of the suspension system 10 in accordance with the present invention . in the embodiment shown in fig4 the dolly wheel spindle assembly 14 and the wheel carrier arm 16 are configured differently than the embodiment shown in fig2 to 3 . as shown in fig4 the flange portion 35 of the dolly wheel spindle assembly 14 extends further downwardly than in the embodiment of fig2 and 3 such that its axis pin 43 , rotatably securing the wheel carrier arm 16 is located within the outer periphery 26 of the tire 24 . with this configuration , the pivot point determined by axis pin 43 is located within the outer periphery 22 of the wheel rim 20 . moreover , the first end 52 of the shock absorber 18 is pivotally secured to an extension portion 62 that is integrally formed with the dolly wheel spindle assembly 14 . fig5 illustrates the operation of the suspension system 10 of fig4 . the operation of the suspension system 10 is substantially the same as in the embodiment described above in connection with fig1 through 3 . specifically , when the tire 24 contacts a bump or rock 60 in the road or ground , a force can impact the tire 24 , which results in upward and rearward motion in such a manner as to absorb forward motion impact . in order to effectuate this motion , the wheel carrier arm 16 rotates about the pivot point 43 and the shock absorber 18 compresses against the force of the spring 46 . moreover , because the shock absorber 18 is pivotal about its first end 50 and its second end 52 , it can rotate during a compression to accommodate the travel of the wheel carrier arm 16 . fig6 illustrates the wheel carrier arm 16 and the shock absorber 18 being located within an area or volume defined by the wheel rim 20 . thus , as shown , in the front view , the shock absorber 18 and the wheel carrier arm 16 are located within the area defined by the wheel rim 20 . similarly , the wheel carrier arm 16 , the axis pin 43 , and the shock absorber 18 are located within the outer periphery 22 of the wheel rim 20 when viewed from the side view . fig7 and 8 illustrate alternative embodiments of the preferred suspension system 10 for use with a standard steering system . as shown , a tire 80 is secured to a vehicle frame 82 . the vehicle frame 82 includes a tie rod 84 extending therefrom to effectuate standard steering . the vehicle frame 82 includes a vehicle king ping 84 secured thereto . the king pin 85 includes a generally vertical axis of rotation 86 . the king pin 85 is in communication with an assembly 88 of the vehicle frame 82 for securing a wheel carrier 90 . the wheel carrier 90 has a wheel carrier arm 92 pivotally secured thereto on axis 101 . a shock absorber 94 and associated spring 96 is disposed between one end 98 of the wheel carrier arm 92 and an upper end 100 of the wheel carrier 90 . the wheel carrier arm 92 is secured to a wheel hub 102 on an axis 103 , as will be understood by one of skill in the art . the operation of the suspension system 10 for the standard steering , as illustrated in fig7 and 8 , is the same as described above in connection with dolly wheel steering . in the embodiment shown in fig7 the wheel carrier arm 92 and the shock absorber 94 are located entirely within the area or volume defined by the wheel rim 104 . thus , as shown , in the front view , the shock absorber 94 and the wheel carrier arm 92 are located within the area defined by the wheel rim 104 . similarly , the wheel carrier arm 92 , the axis pin 101 , and the shock absorber 94 are located within the outer periphery 108 of the wheel rim 104 when viewed from the side view . in the embodiment shown in fig8 the wheel carrier arm 92 and the shock absorber 94 are located entirely outside the tire 80 and the wheel rim 104 in the front view . however , the wheel carrier arm 92 and the shock absorber 94 are located inside the outer periphery 110 of the tire 80 when viewed from the side view . in accordance with the above , the suspension system 10 has maximum ability in all directions of the vehicle steer condition . further , the angle of the king pin axis 86 does not change with movement of the suspension system 10 . the disclosed suspension system 10 provides a compact , cost effective design and in particular is an excellent , well - packaged suspension for a mobility vehicle . it will be appreciated that a free acting dolly wheel 12 , as shown in fig1 through 6 , with this suspension system 10 could also be controlled to effectuate fully controlled steering with the use of the suspension system described herein . alternatively , the disclosed suspension system 10 could be used with a standard wheel , as disclosed in fig7 and 8 , rather than a dolly wheel . while a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described so as to enable one skilled in the art to practice the present invention , it is to be understood that variations and modifications may be employed without departing from the purview and intent of the present invention , as defined in the following claims . accordingly , the preceding description is intended to be exemplary and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention . the scope of the invention should be determined only by reference to the following claims .	1
in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention , the air cooler and cleaner in its entirety ( as illustrated in fig1 ) is designated by the reference - number 20 . the tubular housing thereof is designated in its entirety by the reference number 21 , and the upper housing closure thereof is designated by the reference number 22 , and the bottom housing closure member thereof is designated by the reference number 23 . a funnel - like member 24 , hereinafter generally referred to as the &# 34 ; funnel &# 34 ;, is operatively mounted within the tubular housing 21 , in the manner indicated in fig1 . the funnel 24 comprises a flange including a horizontal planar outer flange portion 25 and a conical inner flange portion 26 having a central opening 27 therein . the outer diameter of the outer planar flange portion 25 is such that it will fit neatly within the inner diameter of the tubular housing 21 , with a minimum clearance required to insert flange into the housing such clearance being sufficiently small that any upward leakage of air between the outer periphery of the planar flange portion 25 and the inner surface of the tubular housing 21 will be insignificant . the outer planar flange portion 25 rests on and is supported by three or four equidistantly spaced and horizontally aligned rivet heads 28 whose stems 29 pass through holes 30 in the tubular housing 21 with a tight fit and with the outer ends 31 thereof riveted over tightly , so that the rivets are in air tight relation to the housing 21 . the flange ( 25 & amp ; 26 ) of the funnel 24 divides the tubular housing 21 into a lower swirl chamber 32 and an upper cooling chamber 33 , the upper cooling chamber having a vertical dimension or extent substantially greater than that of the lower swirl chamber 32 . an air riser tube 34 extends downwardly from the funnel 24 , into the swirl chamber 32 to a point a short distance above the bottom thereof as indicated in fig1 . a boss - like fitting 35 is welded to the outer surface of the housing 21 , in operative alignment with inlet opening 36 in the housing 21 , by means of the annular fillet weld 37 . the outer end portion of the boss - like fitting 35 is pipe threaded to receive a suitable t - fitting 38 whose outer end 39 is connected with the pipe line which delivers the compressed air to the air cooler and cleaner , and to the right - angular branch 40 of which any suitable pressure release valve or safety valve is operatively mounted . the inner end portion of the bore of the fitting 35 may be pipe - threaded as indicated in fig1 and into such inner threaded portion a 45 ° angled fitting 42 is operatively secured , as indicated in fig1 & amp ; 4 , with the inner angled portion 43 thereof formed into a threadless nozzle ( as indicated in fig4 ) for delivering the incoming compressed air tangentially of the inner surface of the swirl chamber 32 , so as to impart a rapidly spinning or swirling motion to the air descending downwardly through the swirl chamber . instead of providing a separate inner 45 °- angled fitting 42 ( as in fig1 and 4 ), the boss - like fitting 35 may have a coaxial inward extension 44 ( fig4 ) formed integrally therewith , whose inner end may be closed , and in the side of which a round hole or a slot 45 may be provided with its median plane generally horizontally disposed , the hole or slot 45 being suitably angled so as to discharge the incoming compressed air generally tangentially of the inner surface of the swirl chamber 32 , as indicated by the arrows in fig1 . the bottom housing closure 23 ( fig1 , 10 and 5 ) is preferably cast or forged of aluminum or an aluminum alloy , but may otherwise be formed of aluminum or of an aluminum alloy . the bottom housing closure 23 includes a cylindrical flange 46 whose outer surface fits snugly within the inner cylindrical surface of the tubular housing 21 , and a conical bottom wall 47 which is preferably coaxial with the cylindrical flange 46 . an oblong drain boss 48 extends downwardly from the conical bottom wall 47 as shown in fig9 and 10 . the oblong boss 48 has a vertical discharge passageway or sump 49 therethrough , which also extends through the conical bottom wall 47 , the discharge passageway 49 being off - center in relation to the axis of the cylindrical flange 46 , as indicated particularly in fig1 and 10 . a lateral threaded hole 50 extends from the vertical drain passageway or sump 49 , into which hole 50 a threaded pipe - end or nipple 51 of an automatic drain valve 52 is threaded . a closure plug 53 is threaded into the lowermost end of the vertical drain passageway of sump 49 , so that its upper end is at or in close proximity to the hole through the nipple 51 , so that when the drain valve 52 is periodically opened , substantially all the water , oil and solid particles which have accumulated in the sump 49 ( and in the conical cavity 54 thereabove ) will be flushed out and discharged or &# 34 ; dumped &# 34 ; through the discharge outlet 55 of the automatic drain valve 52 by the force of the compressed air within the housing 21 and within air director 62 ( fig1 ). the plug 53 in the bottom of the drain sump 49 may be removed for access to the sump 49 and to the interior of the swirl chamber for inspection or clean out , if needed . a lateral cylindrical bore or chamber 56 is provided in the oblong drain boss 48 , coaxial with the lateral opening 50 therein , in which bore or chamber 56 the innermost cylindrical portion 99 of the drain valve 52 may be snugly nested as indicated in fig1 so that any vibration of the air cooler and cleaner resulting from the vibration of the vehicle on which it is mounted will not tend to break off the nipple 51 nor otherwise adversely effect the attachment of the drain valve 52 to the lateral drain opening 50 . alternatively , the innermost portion 99 of the housing of the drain valve 52 may be screw threaded into the bore 56 , as indicated in fig1 and 17 , or it may be formed integrally with the drain boss 48 . a vertical clearance hole 57 is provided in the bottom of the oblong drain boss 48 , through which the drain valve 52 may discharge the contents of the sump hole 49 and of the conical cavity 54 thereabove . a pipe nipple 58 may extend through the hole 57 and be threaded into the drain hole 55 of the drain valve 52 for discharging the contents of the sump 49 and of the conical cavity 54 as indicated in fig1 or the bottom of the oblong drain boss 48 may be cut away beyond the bore or chamber 56 thereof . a recess 59 is provided at the bottom of the housing 21 , as indicated particularly in fig1 and 6 , for clearing the outer portion of the drain valve 52 . the lower housing closure 23 is secured to the tubular housing 21 in air tight relationship thereto , by means of an annular fillet weld 60 between its flange 46 and the housing 21 . the hollow cylindrical air director 62 is preferably formed of suitable plastic or hard pressed fiber or impregnated fiber material having very low heat conductivity , and having an upper closure 63 of the same or similar material . the lower portion 64 of the closure 63 is press fitted and / or cemented into or otherwise secured to the top of the cylindrical body of the air director 62 , and its upper portion 65 has a flange 66 extending outwardly and overlapping the upper end of the tubular body of the air director 62 . at three of four circumferentially distributed points thereof , centering projections 94 ( fig1 ) extend outwardly from the flange 66 into close proximity of the inner wall surface of the cooling chamber 33 ( as indicated in fig1 and 14 ), for centering the upper end of the air director 62 in relation to the cooling chamber 33 . the lower open end of the tubular body of the air director 62 is supported on a multi - diametered and perforated director supporting disc 67 shown in fig1 . the smaller diametered upper portion 68 of the disc 67 is press fitted into the lower end of the tubular body of the air director 62 , as indicated in fig1 with the lower end of such tubular body resting on the horizontal shoulder 69 of the disc 67 ( fig1 and 1 ). three or four circumferentially distributed integral air director centering elements 70 extend laterally outwardly from the disc 67 into close proximity of the inner wall surface of the tubular housing 21 , so as to center the lower end of the air director in relation thereto . integral spacers 71 extend downwardly from the centering elements 70 and rest on the outer flange portion 25 of the funnel 24 , as indicated in fig1 and 12 , so as to space the air director supporting disc 67 at a distance above the funnel 24 just sufficiently to permit the free passage of the compressed air between the disc 67 and the funnel flange ( 25 and 26 ) in a laterally outward direction towards an annular air passage space 72 between the air director 62 and the inner surface of the cooling chamber 33 , as indicated by the arrows in fig1 . instead of the downwardly extending vertical spacer 71 , vertical spacers of corresponding height may be provided on the planar flange portion 25 of the funnel 24 , by being formed integrally therewith or by being riveted or spot - welded thereto or by being otherwise secured thereto , such alternative vertical spacers preferably extending upwardly to the lower horizontal annular surfaces 73 of the disc 67 , so as to space the disc 67 from the flange 25 of the funnel 24 at the same distance as the spacing provided by the vertical spacers 71 . alternatively , a short upstanding peripheral cylindrical spacer flange may be provided on the funnel flange ( 25 and 26 ) beneath the radial centering projections 70 of the air director supporting disc 67 for supporting the latter and the air director 62 . the upper housing closure 22 , preferably cast or forged of aluminum or aluminum alloy , has a downwardly extending filter - housing 74 , preferably formed integrally therewith , in which the filter 75 , confined between upper and lower perforated metallic discs 76 and 77 , is operatively mounted , as indicated in fig1 . an annular retainer ring 78 is mounted in the ring receiving groove 79 ( fig7 ) near the bottom of the filter housing 74 , and supports the lower perforated disc 77 of the filter assembly as shown in fig1 . a suitable helical compression spring 80 is operatively mounted between the bottom surface of the upper housing closure 22 and the upper perforated disc 76 , so as to press the discs 76 and 77 to the filter 75 and to keep the filter assemblage seated on the retainer ring 78 . as the compressed air is cooled during its upward passage through the annulus - shaped air passageway 72 ( between the wall surface of the cooling chamber 33 and the air director 62 ) most , if not all , of the moisture content thereof is condensed and flows downwardly as a thin film on the wall surface of the cooling chamber 33 and drops onto the funnel flange ( 25 and 26 ) and drains from there into the bottom of the swirl - chamber 32 along the inner wall surface of the air riser tube 34 . for the removal of any traces of moisture which may be still left in the compressed air after it has risen above the air director 62 , i may operatively mount an air - permeable desiccator cartridge ( not shown ) between filter assemblage ( 75 , 76 and 77 ) and the inner surface of the upper housing closure 22 . the upper housing closure 22 is provided with an outer boss 81 through which the outlet opening 82 extends . the outer end of the opening has a check valve 83 operatively mounted thereto , with the downstream end 84 of the check valve 83 being connected to the compressed - air reservoir by any suitable piping or tubing 85 , as indicated in fig1 . to the upper end of the tubular housing 21 , an aluminum or aluminum alloy ring or collar 86 is secured by being press fitted over and welded thereto by the fillet weld 87 which may be a continuous annular weld or may be comprised of several circumferentially spaced fillet welds . the collar 86 is provided with a suitable number of circumferentially distributed tapped holes 88 , into which the headed bolts 89 ( extending through corresponding holes in the housing closure 22 ) are firmly threaded , thereby securing the upper housing closure 22 to the upper end of the housing 21 , as indicated in fig1 , 7 and 8 . a suitable sealing gasket 97 is interposed between the upper housing closure 22 and the upper end of the housing 21 , so as to form an air - tight seal therebetween , as indicated in fig1 . a spring designated generally by the numeral 90 ( shown in fig1 and 15 ) has four upper inwardly inclining v - shaped spring prongs 91 and rests on top of the upper closure 63 of the air director 62 , with its outermost elbow - like bends 92 in close proximity to the inner surface of the tubular housing 21 , so as to be centered thereby , and having the points 93 of its four prongs 91 bearing against the lower annular end of the filter housing 74 ( as indicated in fig1 ), thereby to exert a resilient downward pressure upon the air director 62 . the generally rectangular sheet aluminum ( or aluminum alloy ) cooling fins 95 , have rounded corners ( as indicated in fig2 , 12 and 14 ) and have central openings therein and have generally cylindrical short integral flanges 96 at their inner diameters , with the inner diameters of such flanges tightly fitting the outer diameter of the tubular housing 21 . the inner diameters of the cylindrical flanges 96 of the cooling fins 95 are preferably made slightly less than the outer diameter of the tubular housing 21 , and such flanged fins are telescoped over the tubular housing 21 by being first heated to and maintained at a temperature sufficiently high to increase the inner diameter of the flange 96 thereof to an extent permitting such flanges to be telescoped over the tubular housing 21 and thereafter cooled so as to shrink the flange 96 tightly onto the outer surface of the tubular housing 21 in firm thermally conductive contact with the outer surface of the tubular housing . instead of heating the fins 95 and flanges 96 to sufficiently high temperature ( above ambient temperature ) to expand the inner diameter of the flanges 96 sufficiently to be telescoped over the tubular housing 21 at ambient temperature , i may , alternatively , chill the tubular housing 21 sufficiently below ambient temperature to reduce its outer diameter sufficiently to fit into the flanges 96 while the later are at ambient temperature . i may both heat the fins 95 ( and their flanges 96 ) and chill the housing 21 so as concurrently to enlarge the inner diameter of the flanges 96 and reduce outer diameter of the housing 21 , and then telescope the fins 95 ( and flanges 96 ) and the housing 21 in relation to each other while they are maintained at their elevated and lowered temperatures , repectively . as used in the following claims thereof , the term &# 34 ; heat shrunk &# 34 ; is intended to cover the firm thermally conductive contact between the flanges 96 and the housing 21 obtained by any of these three methods . the flanged fins 95 may instead be press fitted onto the outer surface of the tubular housing 21 , as well as any of these three heat shrinkings . the flanged fins 95 and the housing 21 are so telescoped in relation to each other either before the collar 86 is applied to the tubular housing 21 or before the air - inlet fitting 35 and the rivets ( 28 and 29 ) are applied to the tubular housing , preferably before the latter are applied thereto . several short circumferentially distributed fillet welds 98 ( fig1 ) are applied to the lowermost fin 95 and the adjacent outer wall surface of the tubular housing 21 , so as to maintain the fins against the separation of the flanges thereof from the next adjacent fin . the uppermost fin 95 is abutted against the fillet weld 87 , which serves as an upper abutment for the fins . while in the embodiment of my invention shown in the drawings , the fins 95 are provided only on the portion of the tubular housing 21 which is generally above the flange ( 25 and 26 ) of the funnel 24 ( namely , that part of the tubular housing which constitutes the cooling chamber and the portion thereof immediately above the cooling chamber ), yet for use in warm or hot climates i may also provide similar cooling fins on the portion of the tubular housing 21 between the inlet fitting 35 and the valve clearing recess 59 in the lower end of the housing 21 . for use of my air cooler and drier in extremely cold climate , i may encase or envelope the lower portion of the tubular housing 21 , namely , the portion thereof below flange 25 - 26 of the funnel 24 , or the lowermost portion thereof in which the lower housing closure 23 is mounted ( including the bottom thereof across the lower end of the tubular housing 21 ), in a thermally insulating boot or jacket ( not shown ), in order to prevent any possible freezing of the water in the swirl chamber 32 or in the conical cavity 54 or in the drain sump 49 therebeneath or to prevent any possible freezing of the drain - valve 52 . instead of the rivets ( 28 - 29 ) for supporting the funnel 24 and the air director 62 , i may provide a spacer between the upper annular shoulder 100 of the lower housing closure 23 and the lower surface of the flange portion 25 of the funnel 24 . such spacer may be in the form of a thin - walled aluminum tube snugly fitting into the inner diameter of tubular housing 21 and having a cut - out or hole to clear the inlet nozzle 42 in fig1 and 4 or the inlet nozzle 44 ( in fig1 ). the automatic drain valve 52 may be of the normally closed type illustrated in fig1 or it may be of the normally open type illustrated in fig1 . in the embodiment of my air cooler and cleaner 20 for use in connection with air compressors ( 116 ) and their storage reservoirs ( 117 ) on automotive equipment , such as trucks , tractors and the like ( fig1 and 18 ) whose compressor 116 is continuously driven by the engine thereof , the drain valve 52 is of the normally closed type illustrated in fig1 whose innermost housing portion 99 may be screw - threadedly mounted to ( or formed integrally with ) the drain boss 48 of the lower housing closure 23 of the air cooler and cleaner 20 . the normally closed drain valve 52 shown in fig1 includes a conical valve seat 101 facing downstream , and a corresponding conical valve disc 102 facing upstream , carried by a valve rod 103 whose downstream end is slidably supported in the central hole 104 of the web 105 having through holes 106 therein , and whose upstream end is slidably supported in the co - axial hole 107 of a similarly apertured web 108 . the outer end of the valve stem 103 abuts against the piston 109 . a helical compression spring 110 returns the piston 109 to its retracted position shown in fig1 when compressed air from the governor unloader valve 115 is not applied thereto , while ( under the same condition ) the helical compression spring 111 urges the valve disc 102 into its seating or closed position shown in fig1 . the seating of the valve disc 102 is also augmented by the pressure of the compressed air upstream thereof . the flange 113 on the valve stem 103 serves to limit the downstream unseating movement of the valve disc 102 . the pipe or tubing 61 from the control air port 112 of the drain valve 52 shown in fig1 is connected to the pipe line 114 between the governor unloader valve 115 and the air compressor 116 shown schematically in fig1 . such governor unloader valve 115 is generally mounted between the compressed air storage reservoir 117 and the air compressor 116 , so that when the pressure in the storage reservoir 117 reaches the upper pressure limit for which it is set , the compressed air from the storage reservoir 117 will activate the unloader valve 115 so that its control valve is thereby opened to admit compressed air from the storage reservoir 117 to the valve deactivator of the air compressor , which thereby keeps the air intake valve of the compressor open even though the compressor continues to turn over . so long as the air intake valve of the air compressor is thus kept open , the compressor does not deliver compressed air to the air cooler and cleaner 20 and hence does not deliver compressed air to the storage reservoir 117 therebeyond . when the pressure of the air in the storage reservoir 117 drops to the lower pressure limit for which the governor unloader valve 115 is set , then its control valve closes , so that compressed air from the reservoir 117 is not delivered to the pipe line 114 leading to the aforementioned valve deactivator of the compressor and so that the line 114 is vented to the atmosphere whereby the air intake valve of the compressor again closes cylically during the compression stroke of the piston of the compressor , so that the compressor delivers compressed air to the air cooler and cleaner 20 and to the storage reservoir 117 therebeyond . upon such venting of the line 114 , the line 61 connected to the control air port 112 of the drain valve 52 is likewise vented , with the result that the spring 110 returns the piston 109 to the position shown in fig1 , and the spring 111 returns the valve disc 102 to its closed position as shown in fig1 . in the embodiment of my air cooler and cleaner 20 for use in connection with air compressors ( and their storage reservoirs ) stationarily installed in service stations , shops , factories , laboratories and the like , where the compressor is completely shut down or stopped whenever the pressure in its storage reservoir reaches an upper set limit and is then started up again when the lower set limit of pressure is reached in the reservoir , the drain valve 52 is of the normally open type illustrated in fig1 , whose innermost housing portion 99 may likewise be screw threadedly mounted to ( or formed integrally with ) the drain boss 38 of the lower housing closure 23 of my air cooler and cleaner 20 . in this embodiment the piston 109 and the valve disc 122 and the valve rod or the valve stem 103 may be formed integrally with each other as illustrated in fig1 . in this embodiment , the conical valve seat 121 faces upstream and the correspondingly tapered valve disc 122 faces downstream , so that the piston return spring 111 keeps the valve open in the absence of pressure applied to the control fluid port 112 . in this embodiment the pipe line 61 is connected to the oil delivery side or the pressure side of the oil pump of the air compressor ( or to the line leading therefrom ), so that whenever the compressor is turning over , the valve disc 122 will be kept in its seated or closed position , against the valve seat 121 , so that the drain valve 52 is closed whenever the air compressor is running , and so that whenever the air compressor is shut down ( and the oil pressure from the oil pump of the compressor ceases or drops below the required pressure ), then the drain valve 52 shown in fig1 will be opened so as to drain and discharge the contents of the sump 49 and the conical cavity 54 thereabove in the lower housing closure 23 . the term &# 34 ; pilot fluid &# 34 ;, as used in the following claims , is intended to cover the pilot air under pressure supplied to the pilot port 112 through the lines 114 and 61 by the governor unloader valve 115 of or connected to the compressor 116 as in the automotive embodiment illustrated in fig1 and 18 , as well as the pilot oil under pressure supplied to the pilot port 112 by the oil pump of the air compressor in stationary embodiment illustrated in fig1 . the term &# 34 ; pilot - fluid output port &# 34 ; as used in the claims is intended to cover the compressed air output port of the governor unloader valve 115 ( fig1 ) in the automotive use of my air cooler and cleaner 20 as well as the oil output port or oil output line of the oil pump of the air compressor in the stationary use of my air cooler and cleaner 20 ( such oil pump not being shown in the drawings ). in the embodiment of my air cooler and cleaner 20 illustrated in fig1 the extruded aluminum tube constituting the housing 21 is 15 inches ( 38 . 1 cm .) long and has a 51 / 4 inches ( 13 . 33 cm .) long outer diameter and a 43 / 4 inches ( 12 . 06 cm .) inner diameter and a wall thickness of 1 / 4 inches ( 0 . 635 cm . ), and the fins 95 ( and flanges 96 ) are sheet aluminum having a thickness of about 0 . 050 inches ( 0 . 127 cm .). these dimensions are stated here for purposes of illustration and without restriction . to increase the capacity of my air cooler and cleaner , as , for instance , to accommodate larger air compressors , i generally need only increase the length of the thick walled aluminum housing tube 21 and correspondingly increase the lengths of the cooling chamber 33 and air director 62 , although i may also increase the vertical dimensions of the swirl chamber 32 and air riser tube 34 . the same upper and lower housing closures ( 22 and 23 ) and the same inlet boss ( 35 ) are usuable with such lengthened housing tubes 21 , thus conducting to economic manufacture of my air cooler and cleaner . the aforementioned emulsion - like oil and the water and solid particles entrained in the compressed air at times result in the accumulation of a sludge in the bottom of an air cooler and cleaner , which tends to become more viscous and at times to cake unless it is fully flushed out with each successive periodic operation of the automatic drain valve . in order better to assure the adequate flushing out of such sludge upon each operation of the automatic valve 52 , i have made the diameter or horizontal dimension of the drain sump 49 relatively smaller in relation to the diameter or horizontal dimension of the conical cavity 54 and of the swirl chamber 32 thereabove . as a result , the sludge which is the oldest will accumulate in the small diametered drain sump 49 from which it can better be flushed out by the compressed air thereabove , which passes through the drain sump at a higher velocity because of the small cross - sectional area thereof ( during each &# 34 ; open &# 34 ; phase of the drain valve 52 ) whereas the sludge in the cavity 54 or in the bottom of the swirl chamber 32 can be more readily flushed out by the lower velocity compressed air sweeping therethrough . the normally closed automatic drain valve 52 is shown in fig1 and the normally open automatic drain valve 52 is shown in fig1 only for the purposes exemplifying illustrations of these automatic drain valves and without limitation to the specific constructional details shown in these exemplifying illustrations . the term &# 34 ; aluminum &# 34 ; as used hereinabove and as used in the following claims is intended also to cover aluminum alloys and compositions containing a major proportion of aluminum . the compressed air enters the swirl chamber near the top thereof and the air rapidly spins or swirls , thereby imposing a force on the relatively heavy solid or liquid particles entrained in the compressed air . this force causes the particles to move to the wall of the housing and then to drain downwardly to the low side of the housing . since the lower end of the funnel is spaced considerably lower than the air inlet , the air must move a substantial distance before entering the lower open end of the funnel , thereby ensuring removal of the particles . further , the lower open end of the funnel is relatively close to the cavity 54 and the sump 49 , and the air entering the swirl chamber is relatively hot . consequently , the hot air prevents contaminants and sludge which collects in the sump 49 , from freezing . while the apparatus has been described herein in its function of an air cleaner , it should be apparent that it also may be used to clean other fluids .	8
fig1 shows a high - pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp having an outer envelope 1 , a base 2 and an elongated arc tube 3 . the outer envelope is made of a glass , such as a borosilicate glass , which transmits visible light but is opaque to ultraviolet radiation emitted by the arc tube . a pair of electrodes 4 and 4 &# 39 ; are arranged at opposite ends of the tube 3 . each of the electrodes is connected to an electrical lead 5 and 5 &# 39 ;, respectively , which extends through the wall of the tube 3 and into the interior space 6 . the space 6 between the outer envelope 1 and the arc tube 3 may be either evacuated or , as is usually the case with higher wattage lamps , filled with an inert gas such as nitrogen . the arc tube 3 is supported within the envelope by a metallic wire frame 7 of conventional design . leaf springs 8 at one end of the frame 7 engage the dome portion 9 of the outer envelope so as to resiliently maintain the arc tube centered within the outer envelope 1 . the opposite end of the frame 7 is affixed to the lead 10 which electrically connects the frame to one of the terminals of the screw base 2 . the electrode lead 5 &# 39 ; is also electrically connected to the frame 7 so that the latter acts as an electrical conductor connecting the upper electrode 4 &# 39 ; to the source of electrical power . the lead 5 from the other electrode 4 is connected to the second conductor 11 leading to the other terminal of screw base 2 . in accordance with the invention , the electrode 4 &# 39 ; is connected to the frame 7 through a failsafe switch constituted by cylindrical carbon rod 12 . the lead 5 &# 39 ; from electrode 4 &# 39 ; is a wire braid and is connected to one end of the carbon rod 12 by wrapping it tightly around the end of the rod and spot welding the braid to itself with some compression against the rod . the other end of the carbon rod is connected in like manner to a wire braid 14 which is spot welded to the frame 7 . conductive cement may be used to attach the carbon rod to the wire braids more securely and to aid electrical contact . in operation , the carbon rod will be heated by the electrical current flowing through it . hence , if the outer envelope is broken , the carbon rod will be exposed to air and oxidize rapidly to form carbon dioxide . the oxides are gaseous so that the rod will rapidly burn out and fail thereby interrupting the electrical path to electrode 4 &# 39 ;. the carbon rod may be graphite , carbon black or a mixture of the two with little or no binder . a suitable material for the rod is a pencil lead of the type which is nearly pure carbon . in the pencil lead of the preferred composition , the synthetic resin binder is partially or completely decomposed by heat treatment after extrusion so that the final result is mainly graphite and carbon black . an example of such material is pencil lead manufactured by the pentel corporation . pencil leads which use clay as a binder are less suitable for use as failsafe switches since upon oxidation of the surface layer , a clay coating is left which hinders oxidation of the remaining carbon . the dimensions of the rod depend on the wattage of the lamp . for oxidation to occur upon exposure to air , the carbon rod should be maintained at a temperature of at least 400 ° c . and preferably at about 600 ° c . accordingly , the rod should be dimensioned so that at the rated lamp current , the rod is heated to a temperature which will result in oxidation and burn - out upon rupture of the outer envelope . it has been found that for a 25 to 30 mm long rod , the diameter should vary with lamp wattage as follows : in the case of 400 w mercury and metal halide lamps , a 0 . 5 mm diameter pencil lead having a length from 30 to 60 mm performs satisfactorily . at room temperature , a 0 . 5 mm diameter and 30 mm long carbon rod has a resistance of about 0 . 8 ohms . during operation of the 400 w lamp , the carbon rod exhibited a dark red glow indicating that it is maintained at a temperature of approximately 600 ° c . the burn out time of a switch of these dimensions is 5 to 6 minutes . for a 0 . 5 mm diameter , 60 mm long carbon rod , the burn - out time decreases to approximately 2 to 3 minutes . for protection against breakage due to shocks during handling , shipping and the like , the carbon rod may be secured to a rod of glass or other suitable non - conductive material . in the embodiment shown in fig2 the leads 5 &# 39 ; and 14 are medium diameter wires , for example , 0 . 025 inch molybdenum wires . the two wires are sealed into a glass rod 13 by heating the ends of the glass rod and pressing the wires into the molten glass . the ends of the two wires protruding from the glass rod are provided with loops and the carbon rod 12 is cemented into the loops with conductive cement . a conductive cement suitable for this purpose is aremco - coat 543 . instead of sealing the wires in the glass rod , wire braids may be used which are attached to the glass rod 13 by tightly wrapping them about the ends of the glass rod and spot welding the braid to itself . the carbon rod is then attached to the braid at each end of the glass rod by conductive cement or , alternatively , by a second wire braid which is wrapped around the first braid and spot welded to it so that the carbon rod 12 is sandwiched between the two wire straps . one advantage of this arrangement is that the carbon rod 12 is spaced from the glass rod 13 by the thickness of the wire braid so that thermal losses from this carbon rod are reduced .	7
the following description relates to the manufacturing of lv ( low voltage and high speed ) and hv ( high voltage ) nmos transistors , lv and hv pmos transistors , and eeprom memory cells , having a selection transistor and a memory transistor . in particular , in view of the duality in manufacturing nmos and pmos transistors , the drawings show only the steps relative to nmos transistors , and the steps relative to pmos transistors are described in words alone . the eeprom memory cells form a memory matrix and are formed in a part of the wafer referred to hereinafter as a matrix zone 15 . in fig1 a wafer 1 , formed from a monocrystalline silicon substrate 2 , here of p - type , has been subjected to the steps of defining the active areas . in detail , with the surface 3 of the substrate 2 covered by an active area mask 4 made of non - oxidisable material ( typically including a double layer of silicon oxide and silicon nitride , defined using resist ), the wafer 1 has been subjected to thermal oxidation ; consequently , on the parts of the substrate 2 which are not covered by the active area mask 4 , thick oxide ( field oxide ) layers 5 have been grown , delimiting between one another substrate active areas designed to accommodate various components of the device to be formed . in particular , fig1 shows three active areas , an active lv area 6 , designed to accommodate an lv nmos transistor , an active hv area 7 , designed to accommodate an hv nmos transistor , and an active matrix area 8 , designed to accommodate eeprom memory cells . in detail , and in known manner , the active matrix area 8 defines a grid , of which fig2 shows in full only the part relative to a cell , indicated at 9 , which has substantially the shape of a “ t ” rotated by 90 °, and comprises a leg 9 a ( far from active hv area 7 ) and a cross - piece 9 b . leg 9 a is adjacent and electrically connected to respective legs 9 a of other cells arranged above and below the cell shown , and of which only parts are shown ; in addition , the leg 9 a is connected to a leg of an adjacent cell to the right ( not shown ), which has a structure which is symmetrical relative to that shown . the legs 9 a are designed to accommodate source regions of the memory transistors ; the end of cross - pieces 9 b are designed to accommodate drain regions of the selection transistors and gate regions of the cells must be formed on the cross - pieces 9 b . further active areas are generally formed to accommodate lv or hv pmos transistors , not shown in the drawings . subsequently active area mask 4 is removed , the free surface 3 of the substrate is oxidized to form a sacrificial oxide layer 10 , and masked implanting of doping ion species of n - type is carried out , to form n - hv regions ( not shown ) for hv pmos transistors ; then , using an hv p - well resist mask 11 , which covers the entire surface of the wafer 1 , except hv active area 7 and matrix area 8 , implanting of doping ionic species of p - type is carried out , as shown schematically in fig3 by arrows 12 . then p - hv regions 13 of p - type for high - voltage transistors , and a p - matrix region 14 , also of p - type , for cells , is formed in the substrate 2 , as shown in fig3 . p - hv region 13 and p - matrix region 14 reproduce exactly the shape of the respective hv active area 7 and matrix area 8 , and thus , each cell comprises legs 14 a ( corresponding to legs 9 a of the active areas of cell 9 , see fig7 ), and cross - pieces 14 b ( fig7 corresponding to the cross - pieces 9 b ). after hv p - well mask 11 has been removed , masked implanting of doping ionic species of n - type is carried out , to form n - lv regions ( not shown ) for lv pmos transistors ; then , using an lv p - well resist mask 17 that covers the entire surface of the wafer 1 , except lv active areas 6 , doping ionic species of p - type are implanted , as shown schematically in fig4 by arrows 18 . p - lv regions 19 of p - type for lv nmos transistors are then formed in substrate 2 , as shown in fig4 . thereby , p - hv regions 13 and p - lv regions 19 are separated from one another , and their electrical characteristics can be optimized to the required electrical characteristics . after lv p - well mask 17 has been removed , a capacitor mask 20 is formed , which covers the entire surface of the wafer 1 , except strips perpendicular to the cross - pieces 14 b . doping species of n - type ( for example phosphorous ) are then implanted , as shown schematically in fig5 by arrows 21 . in the cross - pieces 14 b , continuity regions 22 of n - type are thus formed , as necessary for electrical continuity between each selection transistor and the respective memory transistor of each cell . the structure of fig5 is thus obtained . after capacitor mask 20 has been removed , wafer 1 is subjected to annealing , sacrificial layer 10 is removed , and matrix oxidation is carried out , leading to a matrix oxide layer 25 forming on the surface of all the regions 13 , 14 and 19 . then , using a matrix oxide mask 24 , shown in cross - section in fig6 and from above in fig7 the matrix oxide layer is removed everywhere except from below the matrix oxide mask 24 , forming a region 25 b ( fig8 ) arranged partially above the continuity region 22 and partially covering the leg 9 a ; after matrix oxide mask 24 has been removed , wafer 1 is oxidized again , forming a tunnel oxide region 26 on the entire surface of the active areas . the structure in fig8 is thus obtained . a first polycrystalline silicon layer ( polyl layer ) 27 is then deposited and suitably doped ; an interpoly dielectric layer 31 is then formed , for example comprising a triple layer of ono ( silicon oxide - silicon nitride - silicon oxide ), as shown in fig9 . a floating gate mask 30 , shown in fig1 , is formed ; then dielectric layer 31 , polyl layer 27 , and tunnel oxide layer 26 are removed from everywhere except where floating gate regions of the memory transistors are to be formed , as indicated at 27 b in fig1 . consequently , of tunnel oxide layer 26 , only a tunnel region 26 b is left , which is adjacent to an edge of floating gate region 27 b of the memory transistor . after floating gate mask 30 has been removed , an hv oxidation step is carried out , forming an hv gate oxide layer 34 on the entire free surface of substrate 2 , and in particular on regions p - lv 19 and p - hv 13 ( fig1 ). oxide portions 34 b are also formed laterally to the floating gate region 27 b of the memory transistor , as shown in fig1 . subsequently , using an hv resist oxide mask 35 , which covers regions p - hv 13 and matrix zone 15 , hv gate oxide layer 34 is removed from above regions p - lv 19 ( fig1 ). after hv oxide mask 35 has been removed , an lv oxidation step is carried out , forming an lv gate oxide layer 36 on regions p - lv 19 ; in addition , the thickness of hv gate oxide layer 34 on p - hv regions 13 increases , providing the intermediate structure of fig1 . a second polycrystalline layer ( poly 2 layer 43 ) then is deposited and doped , as shown in fig1 . an lv gate mask 44 is then formed , which covers regions n - hv ( not shown ), regions p - hv 13 , and matrix zone 15 , except where cell source regions and cell drain regions are to be formed , such as to define both sides of the control gate regions of the memory transistors , and one side ( facing the respective memory transistor ) of gate regions of selection transistors . in addition , lv gate mask 44 covers poly 2 layer on regions p - lv 19 , where gate regions of lv nmos and pmos transistors are to be defined , as shown in fig1 and 17 , and n - lv regions ( not shown ), where gate regions of lv pmos transistors are to be defined . the exposed portions of poly 2 layer 43 are then removed , providing the intermediate structure of fig1 , wherein the remaining portions of poly 2 on regions p - lv 19 form gate regions 43 a of lv nmos transistors , and the remaining portions of poly 2 on p - matrix regions 14 form control gate regions 43 b of the memory transistors . as is known , while defining the gate regions of lv transistors , the layers on regions p - hv 13 are protected , as are the layers on regions n - hv ( not shown ); consequently , the method described provides separate definition of the gate regions of the lv transistors and the hv transistors . after lv gate mask 44 has been removed , wafer 1 is subjected to oxidation , such that an oxide layer 46 grows on the exposed portions of the poly 2 layer . using a resist mask , not shown , which covers regions n - lv and n - hv , doping ionic species of n - type ( lddn implanting ) are implanted , as schematized by arrows 47 in fig1 . at the sides of gate regions 43 a ( inside regions p - lv 19 ), ldd regions 48 of n - type are then formed ; and at the sides of gate region 27 b ( inside p - matrix region 14 ), first cell source regions 49 of n - type , and drain regions 50 of n - type , also defining source regions of selection transistors , are formed ; in addition , poly 2 layer 43 is suitably doped . the structure of fig1 is thus obtained . after the resist mask ( not shown ) has been removed , masked implanting of doping ionic species of p - type is carried out ; in particular , during this step , regions p - hv 13 and p - lv 19 , as well as matrix zone 15 are covered , whereas in regions n - lv , ldd regions of p - type ( not shown ) are formed . a dielectric layer ( for example teos - tetraethylorthosilicate ) is then deposited on the entire surface of wafer 1 ; then , in known manner , the teos layer is subjected to anisotropic etching and is removed completely from the horizontal portions , remaining only at the sides of the gate regions 43 a ( where it forms spacers 52 , fig1 ), on the side of the floating gate region 27 b and control gate region 43 b of the memory transistors which does not face the respective selection transistor ( on the source region 49 , where it forms spacers 53 b ), on the side of the floating gate region 27 b and the control gate region 43 b of the memory transistors which faces the respective selection transistor ( on the drain region 50 , where it forms spacers 53 a ), as well as on the side already defined of the poly 2 layer 43 , which is designed to form the gate region of the selection transistors ( where it forms spacers 53 c ). in particular , the spacers 53 b and 53 c on each drain region 50 are connected to one another , forming a single region which protects the drain region 50 beneath . on the other hand , spacers are not formed above field oxide regions 5 , since the edges of the latter are birds beak - shaped ( formed in known manner , not shown for simplicity ); in addition , no spacers are formed above regions p - hv 13 , and corresponding regions n - hv , since the gate regions of the hv transistors are not yet defined . the oxide layer 46 is also removed in this step . subsequently , using a resist mask , not shown , which covers regions n - lv and n - hv , doping ionic species of n - type are implanted , as schematically shown in fig1 by arrows 54 . lv - nmos source and drain regions 55 of n +- type are then formed in regions p - lv 19 , self - aligned with spacers 52 , and second cell source regions 56 of n +- type are formed self - aligned with spacers 53 a in p - matrix region 14 . lv - nmos source and drain regions 55 are more highly doped than ldd regions 48 , and second source regions 56 are more highly doped than first cell source regions 49 . in addition , poly 2 layer 43 and gate regions 43 a are n - doped , while covering the zones where hv and lv pmos transistors are to be formed . thus the structure of fig1 is obtained . after resist mask ( not shown ) has been removed , analogously doping ionic species of p - type are masked implanted , to form respective source and drain regions in regions of n - lv type ( not shown ), and for p - type doping of poly 2 layer 43 above n - lv and n - hv regions . in this step , p - lv , p - hv and p - matrix regions are fully covered . subsequently , if zener diodes , low - doping precision resistors , and / or transistors of n - and p - type with non - salicided junctions are to be provided , a dielectric layer is deposited and defined through a respective mask , in a manner not shown . the exposed poly 2 layer is then salicized . saliciding , carried out in known manner , as already described , causes the formation of titanium silicide regions above the source and drain regions of the lv nmos and pmos transistors ( silicide regions 57 a 1 above lv - nmos source and drain regions 55 , and similar regions for lv pmos transistors ), above the gate regions of lv nmos and pmos transistors ( silicide regions 57 a 2 above gate regions 43 a for lv nmos transistors , and similar regions for lv pmos transistors ), above second cell source regions 56 ( silicide regions 57 b 1 ), above control gate regions 43 b of memory transistors ( salicide regions 57 b 2 ) and the regions where gate regions of selection transistors and of hv nmos and similar hv pmos transistors are to be formed , as shown in fig2 . subsequently , an hv gate mask 60 is formed , which covers the entire surface of wafer 1 , except the active areas where high voltage transistors are to be formed ( p - hv regions 13 , for hv nmos ), and a portion of p - matrix region 14 designed to form the source of the selection transistor ; in particular , mask 60 covers the zones where to form the gate regions of high voltage transistors and the side of the gate regions of selection transistors not facing the respective memory transistor ( in this respect see also fig2 , which shows hv gate mask 60 from above ). the portions of silicide layer 57 and poly 2 layer 43 b not covered by the hv gate mask 60 are then etched . thus , the structure of fig2 is obtained , wherein the gate region of the memory transistor is indicated at 43 c , and the gate region of hv nmos transistor is indicated at 43 d ; the respective portions of salicide are indicated at 57 c and 57 d . in practice , definition of regions 43 c and 43 d takes place after saliciding , and causes removal of the salicide ( together with poly 2 layer 43 ), on the high voltage junctions on which silicide must not be present . after hv gate mask 60 has been removed , an n - hv mask 62 is formed , which covers n - lv and n - hv regions ( not shown ), and p - lv regions 19 . using nhv mask 62 , doping ionic species of n - type are implanted , as shown schematically in fig2 by arrows 63 . in p - hv regions 13 , at both sides of hv gate regions 43 d , hv - nmos source and drain regions 64 of n - type are thus formed , which are less doped than lv - nmos source and drain regions 55 ; simultaneously , in p - matrix region 14 , selection transistor source regions 65 a are formed , on one side , self - aligned with gate region 43 c of selection transistors . selection transistor source regions 65 a ( as well as hv - nmos source and drain regions 64 ) have a doping level lower than lv - nmos source and drain regions 55 , and than second cell source regions 56 , and thus they have a higher breakdown voltage , as well as greater resistivity . after nhv mask 62 has been removed , similar masked implanting is carried out for source and drain regions of hv pmos transistors ( which are not shown ); a protective dielectric layer 66 is then deposited , providing the structure of fig2 , showing an lv nmos transistor 70 , an hv nmos transistor 71 , and an eeprom cell 72 , including a selection transistor 73 and a memory transistor 74 . the final steps then follow , including forming the contacts and the electrical interconnection lines , depositing a passivation layer , etc . thus , in the final device , eeprom cells 72 have selection transistor source regions 65 a which are not salicided , thus have high breakdown voltages , and are obtained independently of the respective drain regions ( regions 50 ); second source regions 56 of the memory transistors 74 ( forming source lines ), which are salicided , and have a different doping from selection source regions 65 a ; control gate lines 43 b for the memory transistors 74 , and gate regions 43 c for the selection transistors 73 with low resistivity ; in addition gate regions of selection transistors 73 are obtained entirely from the second polycrystalline silicon layer 43 . furthermore , the cell as a whole is fully non - self - aligned . lv ( nmos and pmos ) transistors have a high - speed ldd structure with a dual gate ( gate region 43 a doped with doping ionic species of the same type as source and drain regions 48 , 55 ); with salicided source and drain regions 55 and gate region 43 a . hv ( nmos and pmos ) transistors have a dual gate and drain extension structure , with salicided gate region 43 d alone . the described method thus simultaneously form lv , hv and memory components that have very different characteristics , optimising the necessary number of steps , and using altogether a low number of masks . finally , it is apparent that many modifications and variants can be made to the method and the device described and illustrated here , all within the scope of the invention , as defined in the attached claims . in particular , the steps described of forming zener diodes and low - doping precision resistors , and n - and p - type transistors with non - salicided junctions , can be omitted if these components are not needed .	7
consideration is given initially to the structure of the outlet stage of a primary pump having complementary profiles , for example as shown in fig1 to 3 . the pump comprises a pump stator 1 having an inside cavity 2 with two rotors 3 and 4 turning therein on two corresponding parallel shafts 5 and 6 driven by a motor in opposite directions of rotation 7 and 8 and with appropriate relative angular positions being maintained . in the outlet or “ atmospheric ” stage , the rotor 3 has a lobe 9 presenting a peripheral profile that is complementary to the profile of a corresponding lobe 10 of the rotor 4 such that the lobes 9 and 10 are permanently in contact with each other via an intermediate sealing zone 11 , and each of them is also in sealing contact with the wall of the pump stator 1 via respective peripheral sealing zones 12 and 13 . a suction orifice 14 is in communication with a suction zone 15 of the internal cavity 2 , while a discharge orifice 16 communicates with a discharge zone 17 of the internal cavity 2 , and constitutes the discharge from the pump . the pump shown in fig1 to 3 operates in the manner described below and starting from the step shown in fig1 . in this state , the lobe 10 of the rotor 4 has just taken a volume of gas from the suction zone 15 . with continuing rotation of the rotor 4 , the volume of gas 18 is held captive by the lobe 10 , as shown in fig2 . thereafter , with continuing rotation of the rotor 4 , the volume of gas 18 is moved progressively ( fig2 ) until it comes into communication with the discharge orifice 16 . the instant at which communication is established with the discharge orifice 16 is shown in fig2 in association with the corresponding volume of gas 18 a previously taken and moved by the lobe 9 of the rotor 3 . at this instant , the discharge orifice 16 is theoretically at atmospheric pressure , whereas the volume of gas 18 a is still at the suction pressure of the outlet stage of the pump , i . e . at a pressure that is much lower . a flow of gas 19 is thus sucked into the pump through the discharge orifice 16 . as rotation of the rotors 3 and 4 continues , the system takes on the state shown in fig3 : the gas flow 19 reverses suddenly , thereby producing a shockwave 19 a , and the gases in the volume 18 a are then discharged by the pump , thereby producing a discharge gas flow 20 as shown in fig3 . it is this shockwave 19 a and these two flows 19 and 20 that produce the discharge noise of the pump . [ 0030 ] fig4 is a timing diagram showing the suction gas flow 19 and the discharge gas flow 20 that pass through the discharge orifice 16 . according to the invention , the discharge noise is attenuated by means of a dynamic attenuator , a first embodiment of which is shown in fig5 . the discharge noise attenuator 21 , as shown in fig5 comprises an inlet orifice 22 which is connected to the discharge or discharge orifice 16 of the atmospheric stage of the primary pump , and it has an outlet or outlet orifice 23 connected to the surrounding atmosphere . in the discharge noise attenuator 21 , a transfer device , e . g . a rotary device is interposed between the inlet orifice 22 and the outlet orifice 23 , the transfer device having independent cavities such as the cavity 24 which move sequentially between the discharge or discharge orifice 16 and the outlet or outlet orifice 23 , coming successively into communication with the outlet 23 , then being isolated , then into communication with the discharge 16 , then isolated , and then again coming into communication with the outlet 23 , and so on . in the embodiment shown in fig5 the cavities such as the cavity 24 are made in a rotor 25 rotating on a shaft 26 in a cylindrical chamber 27 of a stator 28 having an inlet orifice 22 and an outlet orifice 23 . the inlet orifice 22 puts one or more cavities such as the cavity 24 c into communication with the discharge orifice 16 , while the outlet orifice 23 puts one or more cavities such as the cavity 24 into communication with the atmosphere . in the embodiment shown in fig5 the rotor 25 carries eight peripheral cavities 24 , 24 a , 24 b , 24 c , 24 d , 24 e , 24 f , and 24 g on its shaft 26 . the rotor 25 can be a disk having peripheral cavities 24 - 24 g that are isolated from one another and that come sequentially : into register with the outlet orifice 23 ( such as the cavity 24 in fig5 ), then into register with a solid portion 29 of the wall of the chamber 27 of the stator 28 , and then into register with the inlet orifice 22 ( such as the cavity 24 c ), and then into register with another solid portion 30 of the wall of the chamber 27 of the stator 28 , before coming again into register with the outlet orifice 23 , and so on . the rotor 25 with the cavities 24 - 24 g constitutes the transfer device having independent cavities . in the embodiment shown in fig6 the discharge noise attenuator 21 of the invention comprises two parallel - shaft rotors rotating in two respective chambers of the stator 28 and connected in parallel between a common inlet orifice 22 and one or two outlet orifices 23 . a first chamber 27 of the stator 28 thus has the rotor 25 rotating on the shaft 26 and including the cavities 24 to 24 g . there is also a second rotor 125 , in a second chamber 127 , of the stator 28 having a shaft 126 carrying cavities 124 to 124 g . the rotors 25 and 125 and their cavities constitute two transfer devices with independent cavities . in this embodiment , there is also shown the characteristic whereby a progressive leak is established for putting the cavities into communication with the atmosphere : over a defined sector of the said other solid portion 30 ( 130 ) of the wall of the chamber 27 ( 127 ) of the stator 28 there is a progressive flare going angularly towards the outlet orifice 23 with the chamber diameter increasing away from the shaft 26 ( 126 ) so as to establish a progressive gap 31 or leak between said solid portion 30 ( 130 ) and the walls of the cavities such as the cavities 24 f and 24 g , with said gap 31 increasing progressively on approaching the outlet orifice 23 in the direction of rotation of the rotors . the volume of the cavities such as the cavities 2424 g is selected to be large enough to ensure that under steady conditions of the vacuum machine maintaining a vacuum , the internal gas pressure in the inlet orifice 22 ( i . e . the discharge 16 from the pump ) is only slightly higher than atmospheric pressure at the end of the discharge step . this ensures that the attenuator of the invention does not reduce the vacuum - creating ability of the pump . in the embodiment of fig7 there can be seen the same means as those constituting the embodiment of fig6 and these means are identified by the same numerical references . however , the embodiment of fig7 differs in that there is also a bypass circuit 32 having a non - return valve 33 which serves to put the inlet orifice 22 directly into communication with the outlet orifice to the atmosphere 23 in the event of the internal gas pressure inside the inlet orifice 22 exceeding atmospheric pressure beyond a predefined pressure threshold determined by rating means 34 of the non - return valve 33 . as a result , if the pump discharges gas coming from the inlet orifice 22 at a rate exceeding the gas - displacement ability through the cavities 24 - 24 g and 124 - 124 g , then the non - return valve 33 opens and enables the surplus gas flow to be discharged directly without excessively increasing the pressure in the inlet volume of the attenuator , and thus in the outlet stage of the pump . the cavity transfer device of the invention , e . g . the device shown in fig6 or fig7 comprising the rotors 25 and 125 , can advantageously be driven by the rotary vacuum machine itself , being mechanically coupled thereto . for example , the shafts 26 and 126 can be constituted by the shafts 5 and 6 of the pump itself . the attenuator is then placed adjacent to the discharge 16 of the vacuum machine . alternatively , the attenuator can be placed at a distance from the discharge 16 of the machine , and it can be connected thereto via a connection pipe . it is also possible for the transfer device with cavities as constituted by the rotors 25 and 125 to be rotated by an auxiliary motor , possibly driven at varying speed so as to adapt to varying gas discharge rates passing through the pump . the effectiveness of the device of the invention is illustrated with reference to fig8 . this figure is a timing diagram showing the gas pressure inside a cavity such as the cavity 24 during one complete revolution of the rotor 25 . starting from the position shown in fig5 to 7 , with the cavity 24 in communication with the outlet orifice 23 , the gas pressure pc inside the cavity 24 is at atmospheric pressure pa during a first step a . thereafter , the cavity 24 is closed by the solid portion 29 of the wall of the chamber 27 of the stator 28 , and the pressure pc remains constant and equal to atmospheric pressure pa through step b . then , during step c , the cavity 24 comes into communication with the inlet orifice 22 and the discharge 16 from the pump . at this moment , or at a moment shifted thereafter , a suction flow 19 of gas can penetrate into the inside of the pump as shown in fig2 thus causing the pressure to drop d inside the cavity 24 , followed by a rise r in the pressure due to the flow 20 being discharged from the pump . during step e , the cavity 24 is at a pressure that is slightly higher than atmospheric pressure , and it is closed by the solid portion 30 of the wall of the chamber 27 of the stator 28 . finally , during step f , leakage takes place progressively through the gap 31 , and the pressure pc falls progressively back to atmospheric pressure pa which then remains constant , and the cycle begins again . it will be understood that because the cavity 24 c communicating with the discharge 16 of the pump is isolated from the outside atmosphere by the sealing across the walls of the other chambers , the shockwave produced during step c is not transmitted to the outside atmosphere , so the noise is confined within the inlet compartment of the noise attenuator . the invention is not limited to the embodiments described in particular , and it includes any variants and generalizations which are within the competence of the person skilled in the art .	5
one aspect of the present invention relates to an improved process for the manufacture of hfc which includes the step of reacting hf with one or more hfc precursors to produce a reaction product that includes the desired hfc . fig1 illustrates , in a generalized block diagram form , such a process in which one or more hfc precursors , represented by feed stream 10 in fig1 are introduced into a reaction step 100 together with fresh hf , represented by feed stream 20 , wherein a reaction product , represented by stream 30 , is produced . it is contemplated that the particulars of the reaction step in accordance with the present invention may vary greatly within the scope hereof , and accordingly all fluorination reaction particulars which are presently known or which may hereinafter be developed are adaptable for use in the present invention , provided the reaction product contains un - reacted hf and unreactive compounds , particularly and preferably unreactive compounds that form an azeotropic mixture with hf . according to preferred embodiments in which the desired hfcs are c3 - hfcs , c4 - hfcs and c5 - hfcs , it is generally preferred that the reaction step comprises a fluorination reaction in which hf is reacted , optionally but preferably in the presence of a fluorination catalyst , with an hfc precursor that is selected from the group consisting of cn - hccs , cn - hcfcs and combinations of these , where n is 3 , 4 or 5 . in certain embodiments , it is preferred that the hfc precursor is selected from the group consisting of propanes and propenes , fluorinated or chlorinated , and mixtures of these . examples of chlorinated propanes that may be used include : 1 - chloro - 1 , 3 , 3 , 3 - tetrafluoropropane ( hcfc - 244fa ); 1 , 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - pentachloropropane ( hcc - 240fa ); trichlorodifluoropropanes ( hcfc - 242 ); 1 , 1 - dichloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropane ; and 1 , 3 - dichloro - 1 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropane , the latter two of which are each sometimes refereed to herein as hcfc - 243 . examples of chlorinated propenes that may be used are 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - tetrachloropropene ( hcc - 1230za ) and 1 , 3 , 3 , 3 - tetrachloropropene ( hcc - 1230zd ). examples of fluorinated propenes that may be used are 1 , 3 , 3 , 3 - tetrafluoropropene ( hfc - 1234ze ) and 1 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene ( hcfc - 1233zd ). for embodiments involving the manufacture of penta - or hexa - fluoropropanes , the reaction step preferably comprises one or more of the reaction steps , conditions and means that are disclosed and referred to in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 763 , 706 — tung et . al ., which is incorporated herein by reference . under such reaction conditions , the reaction product stream will generally comprise hcl ; un - reacted hf ; the desired hfc , namely , hfc - 245fa ; hcfc - 244fa ; and 1 , 2 - dichloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropene ( hcfc - 1223xd ). the reaction product stream 30 is processed in separation step 200 to produce at least one product stream 40 containing the desired hfc at the desired rate and in the desired purity and at least one intermediate product stream 50 that is substantially free of the desired hfc and which contains un - reacted hf and at least one unreactive compound which is difficult to separate from hf , as would occur for example when such an unreactive product forms an azeotrope with hf . according to certain embodiments , the intermediate product stream 50 also includes at least one reactive compound that is difficult to separate from the unreactive product . for example , in certain embodiments the reactive compound forms an azeotrope with hf , and the boiling point of the hf / reactive compound azeotrope is within about 10 ° c . of the boiling point of the hf / unreactive compound azeotrope . stream 50 may also include other heavy boiling organic compounds produced in the reaction step . as the term is used herein , “ intermediate product stream ” refers to a product stream that requires further processing in accordance with the present invention . it is contemplated that the particulars of the separation step 200 in accordance with the present invention may vary greatly within the scope hereof , and accordingly all separation processes which are presently known or which may hereinafter be developed are adaptable for use in the present invention , provided the step produces an intermediate product stream having the characteristics mentioned above with respect to stream 50 . in general , the preferred separation step 200 includes the step of removing hcl , preferably substantially anhydrous hcl , from reaction product stream 30 . one or more distillation columns can be used to remove anhydrous hcl from stream 30 . the overhead stream from this hcl removal step is generally removed from the process , as illustrated by the dotted line 41 in fig1 . the remaining components are then further separated to produce at least the product stream 40 containing the desired hfc and intermediate product stream 50 , preferably using conventional steps such as pressure swing distillation , as described , for example in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 918 , 481 ( which is incorporated herein by reference ), or by sulfuric acid extraction , as described , for example in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 895 , 639 ( which is incorporated herein by reference ), or by metal fluoride salt extraction , as described , for example in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 948 , 381 ( which is incorporated herein by reference ), or by water scrubbing , or by combinations of two or more of any of these and other well known separation steps . as mentioned above , for embodiments involving the manufacture of penta - or hexa - fluoropropanes , the preferred reaction step 100 produces a reaction product stream 30 that comprises , in addition to un - reacted hf and the desired product ( s ) ( such as hfc - 245fa ), hcfc - 244fa and hcfc - 1223xd . the normal boiling point of hcfc - 244fa is sufficiently below that of hcfc - 1223xd that these two components , in a binary mixture , can be readily separated from one another by using simple distillation . more particularly , the normal boiling points of hcfc - 244fa and that of hcfc - 1223xd are 16 ° c . apart , namely , 35 ° c . and 51 ° c ., respectively . however , applicants have come to appreciate that both hcfc - 244fa and hcfc - 1223xd not only form azeotropes with hf , thus making it difficult to separate each of these components from the hf in the reaction product , but also that the boiling points for the hcfc - 1223xd / hf azeotrope and the hcfc - 244fa / hf are much less than 16 ° c . apart . as a result , separation of the hcfc - 244fa / hf azeotrope from hcfc - 1223xd / hf azeotrope can not be readily achieved in the separation step 200 , and therefore the stream 50 , which preferably contains the un - reacted hf for recycle to the reaction step , will contain these two hcfcs . table 1 below reports the boiling points of these two azeotropic mixtures at several pressures . the composition of 244fa / hf azeotrope is at about 34 . 7 wt % hf . the 1223xd / hf is a heterogeneous azeotrope . the 244fa / hf is a homogeneous azeotrope . as can be seen from table 1 above , the temperature differences decrease with pressure and that , due to the presence of hf in the reaction product , the boiling points of hcfc - 244fa / hf and hcfc - 1223xd / hf azeotropes are much closer than in the absence of hf . the preferred embodiments of this invention include a separating step 300 for removing hf from stream 50 to produce one or more recycle streams 60 comprising a substantial portion , and preferably at least about a major proportion , of the hf present in reaction product 30 . the separation step 300 preferably further comprises removing hcfc - 1223xd from stream 50 to produce one or more streams 70 comprising a substantial portion , and preferably at least about a major proportion , of the hcfc - 1223xd present in reaction product 30 . it is contemplated that stream 70 will not be recycled to the reaction 100 but instead will be routed for further processing , sale and / or disposal . a preferred embodiment of the separation step 300 of the present invention is illustrated in fig2 . according to this embodiment , the stream 50 is introduced to a separating step 310 , such as a distillation operation comprising one or more distillation towers , wherein the azeotropes of hf , together with any other organic components , are preferably removed in a vapor stream 51 , which is fed to a condenser unit 320 . hf which is not in an azeotropic mixture with organic compounds is removed as bottoms stream 60 a , preferably after passing through reboiler 350 wherein the at least a portion of the stream is heated to the vapor state and reintroduced into the separation step 310 . stream 60 a is preferably recycled to the reaction step 100 . the output stream 52 from condenser 320 comprises two liquid phases . stream 52 is introduced into a phase separation step , such as separator drum 330 , which is designed to have a volume and shape sufficient to allow stream 52 to separate into an organic phase 52 a and an inorganic phase 52 b . the inorganic phase is removed from the drum as stream 53 and preferably returned to distillation step 310 as reflux . the organic phase 52 a is removed as stream 54 and preferably introduced into a separation step 340 , such as a distillation operation comprising one or more distillation towers . the heavier organic component ( s ) contained in stream 54 are removed as bottoms stream 70 , preferably after passing through a reboiler 360 wherein the at least a portion of the stream is heated to the vapor state and reintroduced into the separation step 340 . stream 70 preferably contains the unreactive compounds contained in stream 50 and is further processed but not recycled to the reaction step , as indicated above . the lighter organic components contained in stream 50 , which preferably include the reactive compounds contained in stream 54 , are preferably removed in a vapor stream 55 , which is fed to a condenser unit 370 . a portion of the cooled stream from the condenser 370 is introduced into the separator 340 as reflux stream 61 and the remainder of the stream is transferred to the reaction step as recycle stream 60 b . for embodiments of the present invention involving the manufacture of penta - or hexa - fluoropropanes , the stream 50 preferably includes at least about 80 % by weight of the hcfc - 244fa and of the hcfc - 1223xd contained in the reaction product 30 , together with at least a substantial portion of the un - reacted hf in the reaction product . according to highly preferred embodiments , stream 50 will comprise hcfc - 244fa in an amount at least about 90 % on weight basis of the hcfc - 244fa in the reaction product , hcfc - 1223xd in an amount at least about 90 % on weight basis of the hcfc - 1223xd in the reaction product , and hf in an amount at least about 90 % on weight basis of the hf in the reaction product . in such embodiments , the inorganic components , which are comprised in substantial proportion of un - reacted hf , are removed in separator 310 and recycled via stream 60 a to the reaction chamber 100 . it is preferred that stream 60 a is comprised of less than about 5 % by weight of unreactive components , and particularly hcfc - 1223xd , and even more preferably less than about 1 % by weight of such components . likewise , it is preferred that stream 60 b is comprised of less than about 5 % by weight of unreactive components , and particularly hcfc - 1223 - xd , and even more preferably less than about 1 % by weight of such components . it is also preferred that the organic stream 54 is comprised of less than about 15 % by weight of hf , more preferably less than about 10 % by weight of hf and even more preferably is essentially free of hf . in separator 340 , hcfc - 244fa is separated from the hdcfc - 1223xd by distillation , with the lower boiling hcfc - 244fa being concentrated in the overhead stream 60 b . it is preferred that the separator 340 is operated under conditions effective to ensure that recycle stream 60 b contains less than about 5 % by weight of unreactive components ( such as hcfc - 1223xd ), and even more preferably less than about 1 % by weight of such components . further , for embodiments of the present invention involving the manufacture of penta - or hexa - fluoropropanes , the separation step 310 is preferably operated at a pressure of from about 15 to about 200 psia , and even more preferably from about 15 to about 100 psia . the temperatures used for the separation will vary depending on the pressures used , the specific composition of stream 50 , and other factors . in general , however , it is preferred that the separation operate with a bottoms temperature ( e . g ., reboiler input ) of from about 30 ° c . to 100 ° c . and even more preferably from about 50 ° c . to about 70 ° c . and with an overhead temperature ( e . g ., condenser input ) of from about 0 ° c . to 50 ° c . and even more preferably from about 20 ° c . to about 30 ° c . the condenser preferably operates to cool stream 51 to a temperature effective to separate the organic phase from inorganic phase . the temperature used for the condensation and phase separation step will vary depending on the pressures used , the specific composition of stream 51 , and other factors . in general , however , it is preferred that stream 52 be cooled to a temperature of from about - 70 ° c . to 5 ° c . and even more preferably from about - 70 ° c . to about - 20 ° c .	2
an image processing device according to the present embodiment 1 is a device for realizing a method for processing image according to the present invention . this image processing device is now described in conjunction with fig1 . the image processing device comprises an image storing unit 1 partitioned into at least two image storing regions ; a region management table 3 for managing the state of the image storing unit 1 ; a region indicating unit 2 for determining , by means of looking up the region management table 3 , the image storing region in which the image data should be stored as well as indicating the image storing region which the image data should be read out ; and an image storage device 4 for recording the image data of the image storing region indicated by said region indicating unit 2 to a predetermined recording media . the image storing unit 1 is partitioned into . two or more image storing regions to digitize the image data on each image storing region . the region management table 3 is a table for managing the state of each image storing region of the image storing unit 1 . more particularly , the region management table 3 stores information representing whether each image storing region stores the image data and information representing the order of recording over time in each image storing region . the region indicating unit 2 judges whether there is a free image storing region among the image storing regions by means of looking up the region management table 3 when the image data is entered the image processing device in question to determine the image storing region in which this image data should be stored . in addition , the region indicating unit 2 has a function to indicate , by means of looking up the region management table 3 , the image storing region that stored the image data most previously and already digitized . the region indicating unit 2 reads out the image data of the indicated image storing region . the storage device 4 has a function to record the image data read out by the region indicating unit 2 into a predetermined recording media . when image data is supplied through an image pick - up device or the like , the region indicating unit 2 looks up the region management table 3 to judge a free image storing region to determine the image storing region in which this image data should be stored . the region indicating unit 2 further looks up the region management table 3 to judge the image storing region that stored the image data most previously and already digitized to read out . the storage device 4 records the image data read out by the region indicating unit 2 into a predetermined recording media . in this event , the region management table 3 changes the information regarding said image storing region from information representing storing state to information representing free state . in addition , the region management table 3 updates the information representing the order of recording over time in each image storing region . as a result of this , the image storing unit 1 can serve as a buffer . in other words , the image storing unit 1 can hold the image data for a few seconds when the storage device 4 is troubled . in addition , to prepare the region indicating unit 2 in the form of a hardware allows continued digitization during file access to the storage device 4 by means of subsequently indicating the free space in the image storing unit 1 . fig2 is a functional block diagram showing an entire structure of an image data processing device according to the embodiment 2 . image input unit 7 may be a ccd camera or a video reproduction device for public use which produces a video signal ( hereinafter referred to as ntsc signal ) in the form of an analog signal . an input image converting unit 8 has a function to convert the ntsc signal supplied from the image input unit 7 into an analog rgb signal . an a / d converting unit ( a / d ) has a function to convert the analog rgb signal supplied from the input image converting unit 8 into a digital rgb signal . a video output control unit 13 has functions to write the image data of the digital rgb signal into an image memory ( v - ram ) 1 through a vram control unit 10 and to read the same out of the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 . in this event , the vram control unit 10 is connected to a bus 11 to carry out the following processing under control of a main control unit ( cpu ): ( 1 ) processing to transfer the image data stored on the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 to a main memory ( mem ); and ( 2 ) processing to transfer the image data stored on the main memory ( mem ) to the storage device 4 . a d / a converting unit ( d / a ) has a function to convert the digital rgb signal read out of the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 into an analog rgb signal . an output image converting unit 12 has functions to convert the analog rgb signal supplied from the d / a converting unit ( d / a ) into the ntsc signal to supply the same to a displaying unit such as a crt , or to supply the analog rgb signal unconverted to the displaying unit such as a crt . procedures of the digitization processing are described briefly with reference to fig2 . first , the image input unit 7 enters the image data as the ntsc signal . the image input unit 7 supplies this image data to the input image converting unit 8 . the input image converting unit 8 converts the image data in the form of the ntsc signal format into the image data in the form of the analog rgb signal format to supply the same to the a / d converting unit ( a / d ). the a / d converting unit ( a / d ) converts the image data in the form of the analog rgb signal format into the image data in the form of the digital rgb signal format to supply the same to the video output control unit . 13 . the video output control unit 13 writes the image data in the form of the digital rgb signal format into the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 through the vram control unit 10 . the image data written in the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 is read out by the vram control unit 10 and written in to the storage device 4 such as a magnetic disk . device through the bus 11 . next , a characteristic mechanism of the image data processing device is described with reference to fig3 . in this embodiment , the storing area of the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 is partitioned into a plurality of image storing regions . in addition , the image data processing device sets a region indicating unit 2 on the vram control unit 10 . the region indicating unit 2 has a function to indicate , in a hardware manner , in which image storing region the processing to be carried out on the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 should be carried out . an example of the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 is shown in fig7 . the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 according to the present embodiment is partitioned into six regions ( a - f ). in this event , if the total capacity of the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 is equal to 512 dots × 256 dots , the capacity of each region is equal to 160 dots × 120 dots . in the figure , the region defined by a double line corresponds to a display region on the crt at the initial state . the region management table 3 is set in the vram control unit 10 or the storage device 4 and has a table structure shown in fig4 . more particularly , the region management table 3 registers the order of the image storing regions ( a - f ) in the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 and a flag of one bit representing whether the data is stored in each image region . the order representing the time of recording of the image data and the higher priority is set to the region in the order stored . it is noted that the region management table 3 in this figure sets the higher priority in the alphabetical order from a region a . the region management table 3 shown in fig4 indicates that the image data is stored in the region a of the first order and a region b of the second order , as well as that the time of recording of the region a is previous to that of the region b . at that time , the vram control unit 10 first reads out from the storage device 4 the image data stored in the region a and then reads out from the storage device 4 the image data stored in the region b . in addition , the region indicating unit 2 indicates a region c , the free region of the highest order , as the storing region for the image data . the flag of the region management table 3 is updated at the time when digitization of the image data is completed . more particularly , when image data is stored in a given image storing region and digitization of this image data is completed , the flag of the image storing region in question is set into “ 1 .” next , an acquisition counter 6 is disposed in the video output control unit 13 or the vram control unit 10 to count the change of the v - sync signal . in order to digitize the image data of 10 frames per second during the v - sync signal generates 30 pulses per second in synchronism with the image signal , an image acquisition signal is generated for every three v - sync signals . an over - run counter 5 is a counter indicating how many regions of all regions in the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 store the image data . for example , if the state of the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 corresponds to the region management table 3 shown in fig4 i . e ., if the image data are held only in the regions a and b , a value ( no ) of the over - run counter 5 becomes “ no = 2 .” in this event , the region indicating unit 2 is capable of judging the number of regions in the storing state on the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 , or the number of free regions . though the over - run counter 5 is a counter of the incrementing type , it may be a counter of the decrementing type which subtracts the number of regions in the storing state from the total number of regions . when the value of the over - run counter 5 indicates the value larger than or equal to the number of the image storing regions of the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 ( i . e ., larger than or equal to seven ), over - run information is written in to the storage device 4 . next , procedures to acquire the image data in the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 is described with reference to fig5 . first , the acquisition counter 6 increments a counter value ( 502 ) in response to the v - sync signal indicating interruption ( step 501 ). if it becomes counting out ( e . g ., nc = 3 ) due to this incrementation ( 503 ), the acquisition counter 6 indicates the region indicating unit 2 to acquire the subsequent image data ( frame ). in this event , the region indicating unit 2 looks up the region management table 3 and the over - run counter 5 to judge whether a region is available for the subsequent digitization , i . e ., whether there is a free image storing region on the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 ( 504 ). if there is a free image storing region on the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 , the region indicating unit 2 determines the region subjected to recording processing ( for example , the region c in fig4 ) ( 505 ). the vram control unit 10 stores the image data in the image storing region determined by the region indicating unit 2 . on completion of the digitization processing of said image data , the region indicating unit 2 updates the contents of the region management table 3 ( 506 ). next , digitizing processing is described with reference to fig6 . when the digitizing processing begins in response to an instruction from the region indicating unit 2 ( 601 ), the over - run counter 5 is checked ( 602 ) to check whether it is over - run . if over - run , this over - run information is written to the storage device 4 ( 606 ). next , the region indicating unit 2 looks up the region management table 3 to indicate the image storing region that stored the image most previously . the vram control unit 10 reads the image data out of the image storing region indicated by the region indicating unit 2 to transfer the same to the main memory ( mem ) ( 603 ). in this event , the vram control unit 10 transfers the image data in said image storing region to the main memory ( mem ) through the bus 11 . in addition , the vram control unit 10 transfers the image data stored in the main memory ( mem ) to the storage device 4 under the control , of the main control unit ( cpu ). the image data transferred to the main memory ( mem ) in the above manner is transferred to the storage device 4 through the bus 11 under the control of the main control unit ( cpu ). at step 603 , the vram control unit 10 may transfer the image data in the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 directly to the storage device 4 . if the image data are directly erred from the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 to the storage device 4 , it becomes possible to store the image data at a high speed without affecting on the main control unit ( cpu ). at said step 603 , if all image storing regions of the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 are in the free state , the vram control unit 10 waits until the subsequent image data is stored ( 603 ). on completion of the write - in processing of the image data , the contents of the region management table 3 is updated . more particularly , the flag of the image storing region where the write - in processing is completed is updated from “ 1 ” to “ 0 ” ( 604 ). the above mentioned processing is repeatedly carried out . the processing is terminated when all image data on the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 are transferred to the storage device 4 ( 605 ). while the above mentioned description has thus been made in conjunction with the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 partitioned into six regions ( a - f ) as shown in fig7 it may be partitioned into twelve regions ( a - l ) as shown in fig8 . in this event , the capacity of each region is equal to 106 dots × 80 dots . in addition , it may be partitioned into twenty - four regions ( a - x ) as shown in fig9 . in this event , the capacity of each region is equal to 80 dots × 60 dots . it is understood that the increased number of regions partitioned requires the increased value of the region management table 3 and the over - run counter 5 . the present embodiments use the image storing unit 1 ( the image memory ( v - ram ) 1 ) partitioned into a plurality of regions as a buffer for digitization to realize the image processing effectively using the limited memory resources . as the image storing unit according to the present invention , the main memory ( mem ) can be used equally with being partitioned into a plurality of regions .	7
with reference to fig6 , the invention can be preferably implemented by suitable programming of the control software 52 of a known microprocessor 40 controlled pacemaker having suitable memory and data registers 50 , and signal conditioning input output circuits 30 , the pacemaker being coupled to a heart 10 by cardiac lead ( s ) 11 , 21 ( two conventional bipolar leads shown ). the control software also preferably integrates an automatic mode switching algorithm of the ddd - amc type , such as that described by the aforementioned ep - a - 0 488 904 and ep - a - 1 048 322 , and their respective corresponding u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 318 , 594 and 6 , 397 , 105 b1 , which u . s . patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein . detection p : sensing of a spontaneous activity having its origin in the atrium a ( fig6 ); it will be considered that there is indeed a detection p if an atrial detection is not followed in a given delay , for example , 31 ms , by a ventricular detection ( otherwise , one would be in a situation of “ ventricularfar - field ” detection , i . e ., a sensing via the atrium of a remote depolarization coming from the ventricle ). detection r : sensing of a spontaneous activity having its origin in the ventricle v ( fig6 ). stimulation a : stimulation delivered in the atrium . stimulation v : stimulation delivered in the ventricle . atrial event : either detection p or stimulation a . ventricular event : either detection r or stimulation v . cardiac cycle : a delay separating two events of comparable nature in the same cavity , for example , separating two detections p , or two stimulations a . pp average : an average interval of the atrial rate / rhythm , calculated , for example , over eight cardiac cycles not including an extrasystole . escape interval ( ei ): the time interval , counted after a detection or a stimulation in a given cavity , following which a stimulation is delivered to the given cavity if no spontaneous event was detected in this given cavity . for the atrium , it is known as the atrial escape interval ( aei ). atrial extrasystole ( aes ): an atrial detection occurring inside the post - atrial atrial refractory period ( paarp ), the calculation of this paarp being that of the standard type ddd pacemaker . ventricular extrasystole ( ves ): a ventricular detection preceded by a ventricular detection or stimulation , with a coupling interval ( r - r interval or v - r interval ) less than or equal to a parametrable ( i . e ., a parameterized , programmable ) value of the pp average , for example a value less than or equal to 75 % of the pp average . for further details on the detection and the treatment of the extrasystoles , one will be able to refer to the ep - a - 0 550 342 and its corresponding u . s . pat . no . 5 , 312 , 451 commonly assigned herewith to ela medical , which describes an algorithm for the detection and treatment of the ves by an asynchronous stimulation of the atrium and a controlled stimulation of the ventricle , which description is incorporated herein by reference . in accordance with a preferred implementation of the invention employing an implanted device having a standard dual chamber cardiac pacing functionality , a certain number of functions , if they are present , are maintained just as they normally are . thus , the algorithms for cardiac stimulation , the algorithm for “ fallback ” of the cardiac rate , and for prevention of electronic tachycardias ( also referred to as pmt or pacemaker - mediated tachycardia ), and the algorithms that make it possible to calculate and apply paarp periods and for protection against a retrograde conduction in the event of suspicion of ves are used in their known and conventional manners . one now will discuss a way in which , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention , the device includes the suspecting means manages the losses of atrial capture ( or the atrio - ventricular blocks ( avb )), and those for which it manages the losses of atrial detection . the management of the loss of capture is discussed with reference to the illustrated situations fig1 to 3 . the first case for management of loss of atrial capture corresponds to the situation illustrated on the chronogram of fig1 . this first case is that of having detected and analyzed the sequence of spontaneous and stimulated events and identified an absence of ventricular activity after an atrial stimulation ( this case being particular to a device that is equipped with automatic mode commutation ). as a result , the device suspects a loss of atrial capture , and takes the following actions : first , it applies an atrial counter - stimulation , provided that this function is activated by the physician ( the delay separating the counter - stimulation from the preceding atrial stimulation being a programmable interval ). next , the energy of the following atrial stimulation , or of the counter - stimulation , is increased . the value or level of energy applied is programmable and can be either the maximum energy permitted by the device , or an energy corresponding to a step ( i . e ., a programmable value ) above the current energy . for example , it may be desirable in certain circumstances to use the maximum energy level , e . g ., in the case of a counter - stimulation . two possibilities arise then : on the one hand , if the spontaneous ventricular activity ( detection r ) is restored ( the lower chronogram of fig1 ), then the device detects a normal behavior , without avd , but with a stimulation energy increased to compensate for the risk of loss of capture . on the other hand , ( the upper chronogram of fig1 ), if the authorized number of cycles n1 is reached without detecting ventricular activity , then any nonextrasystolic atrial event starts an avd , and this is maintained during n2 cycles , or until the occurrence of a nonextrasystolic detection r . preferably , n1 = 1 cycle , and n2 = 8 cycles . the maintenance of a detected condition over a number of cardiac cycles is known as persistence . the second case of management of atrial loss of capture corresponds to the situation illustrated on the chronogram of fig2 . this case concerns the lengthening of the atrio - ventricular conduction delay over a given number of cycles n3 , this number being programmable , for example , n3 = 3 cycles . if the atrial activity is systematically a stimulated activity ( stimulation a ), the device initially suspect a loss of atrial capture . in this case , the energy of the following stimulation is increased , with the parameterized value ( maximum energy or an energy corresponding to a step above the current energy ). then , if the normal atrio - ventricular conduction delay is restored ( the upper chronogram of fig2 ), the device returns to its initial operation mode aai , without avd , with an increased stimulation energy . in the contrary case the lower chronogram of fig2 , the initial atrial stimulation energy is restored , and a nonextrasystolic atrial event accordingly starts an avd , which occurs during n 2 successive cycles , or until the occurrence a nonextrasystolic detection r . in the case that a lengthening of the atrio - ventricular conduction delay also is observed after an atrial detection , the device then can suspect the beginning an avb and , at the end of n4 cycles , start an avd , which continues during n2 successive cycles or until the occurrence of a nonextrasystolic detection r . the third case of management of atrial loss of capture corresponds to the situation illustrated on the chronogram of fig3 . this third case is that of a sequence in which a stimulation a is followed by detection p of a p wave , which in turn is followed by the detection r of a spontaneous r wave , with this same sequence repeating itself over a programmable number of given cycles n4 , for example , n4 = 3 cycles . this p wave , shifted in time from the stimulation a , sensed by the device , is considered to be an aes . the device suspects then a loss of atrial capture and increases the energy for the following stimulation to the parameterized value ( maximum energy or energy corresponding to a step above current energy ). the device also has a functionality that enables it to restore the initial stimulation energy in the event of a temporary increase . in this regard , periodically , e . g ., every 24 hours , the stimulation energy is lowered by a step . the step is preferably a programmable value and may be the same as the step increment , or not . nevertheless , if an increase in energy occurs during 3 consecutive days , this “ reversibility ” is inhibited . one now will describe the manner in which the device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention manages a loss of atrial detection with reference to the illustrated chronograms of fig4 and 5 . the first case of management of loss of atrial detection , illustrated in fig4 , is that of the detection of a ventricular event of a ves type , which one can assume is a loss of atrial detection if its coupling interval is higher than a programmed threshold value . in this first case , the atrial sensitivity is increased ( for example , the threshold applied to detect spontaneous activity ( i . e ., the detection threshold ) is decreased by a step ) until there is a return of a normal atrial detection , or a return to an atrial stimulation with a normal delay ( i . e ., in the absence of acceleration of the ventricular rate / rhythm between successive detections r ) between atrial stimulation and ventricular detection . the second case of management of atrial loss of detection corresponds to the situation illustrated on the chronogram of fig5 . if the delay between an atrial stimulation and a ventricular detection decreases by a quantity greater than one programmable duration , for example , 47 ms cycle to cycle , or compared to a delay defined as a normal delay , the device suspect a loss of atrial detection and increases the atrial sensitivity at the following cycle ( for example , by decreasing the sensitivity threshold by a step ) until the return of a normal delay between atrial stimulation and ventricular detection . a third case of management of loss of atrial detection is that of the passage of a detection p to a stimulation a if the a - r delay is less than the p - r delay by a programmable duration ( for example , 63 ms ); the device suspect then also a loss of detection , and increases the sensitivity at the following cycle . in the same manner as discussed for the stimulation energy , periodically , e . g ., every 24 hours , the device decreases the sensitivity ( by raising the detection threshold ) to allow a return to the initial value . nevertheless , if an increase in the sensitivity occurs during consecutive 3 days , this reversibility also is inhibited . suitable devices for which the present invention has application include , for example , the talent ™ and symphony ™, rhapsody ™ brand pacemakers and the alto ™ brand of defibrillators available from ela médical , montrouge france . with reference also to fig6 , these devices are microprocessor based systems 40 having circuits ( hardware and software ) that provides for receiving , conditioning and processing detected electrical signals 30 , and are capable of receiving software instructions 52 by telemetry ( not shown ), storing them in memory 50 , and then executing those instructions to perform the functions and control algorithm described above in implementing the present invention . the creation of suitable software instructions 52 for controlling an implant to perform the aforementioned functions of the present invention are believed to be within the abilities of a person of ordinary skill in the art . the detection circuits 22 used to detect the cardiac signals in the atrium and the ventricle , in the left and / or right chambers , as well as the circuits 24 used to stimulate those chambers are well known and any suitable design may be used . one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments , and the parameters provided with respect to numbers of cycles and time intervals are merely representative examples , which are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation .	0
fig3 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a key structure according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention . as shown in fig3 , the key structure 2 comprises a keycap 21 , a scissors - type support member , an elastic element 24 , a membrane switch 25 and a base plate 26 . the scissors - type support member comprises an inner frame 22 and an outer frame 23 , which cooperate with each other to fix the keycap 21 on the base plate 26 . the membrane switch 25 is arranged on the base plate 26 . the elastic element 24 is arranged between the keycap 21 and the membrane switch 25 . when the keycap 21 is depressed , the elastic element 24 is deformed downwardly to trigger the membrane switch 25 such that the membrane switch 25 generates an electronic signal . by means of the elastic element 24 , the keycap 21 can be returned to its original position where the keycap 21 is not depressed . moreover , the base plate 26 has a hook 261 and a second connecting part 262 . the second connecting part 262 comprises a hook 262 a and a stopper 262 b . fig4 a , 4 b and 4 c are schematic perspective views illustrating the keycap 21 , the inner frame 22 and the outer frame 23 of the key structure 2 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention , respectively . hereinafter , the configurations of the key structure 2 will be illustrated in more details with reference to fig4 a , 4 b and 4 c . as shown in fig4 a , a first connecting part 211 and a guiding slot 212 are formed on the bottom of the keycap 21 . as shown in fig4 b , a first convex part 222 and an internal concave part 223 are formed on an arm part 221 of the inner frame 22 . the first convex part 222 has a first inclined surface 222 a and a second inclined surface 222 b . the concave part 223 has a second bottom surface 223 a and a sixth inclined surface 223 b . the sixth inclined surface 223 b is extended from the first inclined surface 222 a . in addition , a first coupling shaft 224 and a first glide shaft 225 are formed on both terminals of the arm part 221 of the inner frame 22 . as shown in fig4 c , an internal v - shaped notch 232 and a second convex part 233 are formed on an arm part 231 of the outer frame 23 . the v - shaped notch 232 comprises a third inclined surface 232 b and a fourth inclined surface 232 a . in this embodiment , the second convex part 233 is a triangular prism . the second convex part 233 comprises a first bottom surface 233 a and a fifth inclined surface 233 b . the fifth inclined surface 233 b is extended from the third inclined surface 232 b . in addition , a second coupling shaft 234 and a second glide shaft 235 are formed on both terminals of the arm part 231 of the outer frame 23 . hereinafter , the process of assembling the inner frame and the outer frame of the scissors - type support member of the key structure will be illustrated with reference to fig5 a , 5 b and 5 c . for assembling inner frame 22 and the outer frame 23 of the scissors - type support member , the inner frame 22 is firstly inserted into the outer frame 23 and then the inner frame 22 is turned over . as shown in fig5 a and fig5 b , the first inclined surface 222 a of the first convex part 222 of the inner frame 22 is aslant inserted into the v - shaped notch 232 of the outer frame 23 such that the first inclined surface 222 a is sustained against the fourth inclined surface 232 a of the v - shaped notch 232 of the outer frame 23 ( see fig5 b ). meanwhile , the concave part 223 of the inner frame 22 faces the outer frame 23 . next , as shown in fig5 b and fig5 c , the inner frame 22 is turned over in the direction indicated as the arrow r . after the second convex part 233 of the outer frame 23 is engaged with the concave part 223 of the inner frame 22 , the scissors - type support member of the key structure 2 is assembled . in this embodiment , the scissors - type support member is very easily assembled by combining the first convex part 222 and the internal concave part 223 of the inner frame 22 with the v - shaped notch 232 and the second convex part 233 of the outer frame 23 . since the user needs not to prop open the outer frame 23 during the process of assembling the scissors - type support member , the possibility of damaging the outer frame 23 is minimized . in particular , it is very simple to assemble the scissors - type support member of the present invention by aslant inserting the inner frame 22 into the outer frame 23 and turning over the inner frame 22 . that is , the process of assembling the scissors - type support member of the present invention may be automated and thus the throughput of the key structure or the keyboard is enhanced . after the scissors - type support member is assembled , the scissors - type support member is fixed on the base plate 26 via the engagement between the hook 261 and the first glide shaft 225 and the engagement between the second coupling shaft 234 and the second connecting part 262 . next , via the engagement between the guiding slot 212 and the second glide shaft 235 and the engagement between the first connecting part 211 and the first coupling shaft 224 , the keycap 21 is combined with the scissors - type support member . fig6 a is a schematic cross - sectional view illustrating the key structure of the present invention that is not depressed . fig6 b is a schematic cross - sectional view illustrating the key structure of the present invention that has been depressed . the use of the scissors - type support member to balance the keycap 21 and achieve a desired tactile feel when the keycap 21 is depressed will be illustrated with reference to fig6 a and fig6 b . in a case that the keycap 21 is not depressed , the keycap 21 is located at a first height hi with respect to the bottom of the base plate 26 . as shown in fig6 a , the first inclined surface 222 a of the first convex part 222 of the inner frame 22 is sustained against the third inclined surface 232 b of the v - shaped notch 232 of the outer frame 23 . at this moment , the fifth inclined surface 233 b of the second convex part 233 of the outer frame 23 is also sustained against the sixth inclined surface 223 b of the concave part 223 of the inner frame 22 . whereas , when the keycap 21 is depressed , the height of the keycap 21 with respect to the bottom of the base plate 26 is lowered from the first height h 1 to a second height h 2 . as shown in fig6 b , the second inclined surface 222 b of the first convex part 222 of the inner frame 22 is sustained against the fourth inclined surface 232 a of the v - shaped notch 232 of the outer frame 23 . at this moment , the first bottom surface 233 a of the second convex part ( i . e . the triangular prism ) 233 of the outer frame 23 is engaged with the second bottom surface 223 a of the concave part 223 of the inner frame 22 . from the above description , since the inner frame 22 and the outer frame 23 are contacted with each other by a surface - to - surface contacting manner during the keycap 21 is vertically moved , the scissors - type support member of the present invention is more stable and the rocking phenomenon is minimized . the surface - to - surface contacting manner increases the contact area between the inner frame 22 and the outer frame 23 , and thus the stability of the scissors - type support member is enhanced . moreover , since the inner frame 22 is not pivotally coupled with the outer frame 23 , the first convex part 222 of the inner frame 22 is nearly not contacted with the v - shaped notch 232 of the outer frame 23 during the keycap 21 is moved from the first height h 1 to the second height h 2 or from the second height h 2 to the first height h 1 . as a consequence , the abrasion of the scissors - type support member is reduced and the use life of the keycap is extended . moreover , due to the scissors - type support member of the present invention , a desired tactile feel when the keycap is depressed will be achieved . for further reducing the abrasion between the inner frame 22 and the outer frame 23 and facilitating assembling the scissors - type support member , the scissors - type support member of the key structures 2 can be further modified . for example , fillets are optionally formed at the surface - to - surface joints of the first convex part 222 and the concave part 223 of the inner frame 22 and the v - shaped notch 232 and the second convex part 233 of the outer frame 23 . in other words , fillets can be formed at the joints between the first inclined surface 222 a and the second inclined surface 222 b of the first convex part 222 of the inner frame 22 , between the third inclined surface 232 b and the fourth inclined surface 232 a of the v - shaped notch 232 of the outer frame 23 and / or between the first bottom surface 233 a and the fifth inclined surface 233 b of the second convex part 233 of the outer frame 23 . the key structure 2 of the present invention can be applied to a keyboard . that is , the keyboard has multiple key structures 2 of the present invention . an example of the keyboard includes but is not limited to a desktop keyboard or a notebook keyboard . while the invention has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments , it is to be understood that the invention needs not be limited to the disclosed embodiment . on the contrary , it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures .	7
embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems that allow for effective management of access systems . in some embodiments , such access systems include biometric access systems , with “ biometrics ” referring generally to the statistical analysis of characteristics of living bodies . in those embodiments , biometrics may be used to identify and / or verify the identity of individuals authorized to have access . embodiments of the invention make use of a handheld electronic device and a terminal as illustrated respectively in fig1 a and 1b . the structure shown for the handheld device 100 in fig1 a is merely exemplary ; the invention may make use of any type of handheld electronic device that allows display of information to a user and allows a user to input data , whether such input is performed by using a keypad integral with the device or by using a touchscreen either to mimic keypad operations through a virtual keypad or to respond to options presented to the user by the device . the device 100 may advantageously include a speaker 104 and microphone 108 in embodiments that additionally make use of acoustic signals as described below , but this is not a requirement of all embodiments and some embodiments implement the invention without the use of acoustic signals . the structure of the terminal 140 of fig1 b is also intended to be exemplary . in this example , the terminal 140 comprises an optical terminal having an optical screen 144 with which image data may be read by the terminal 140 , although other mechanisms of communication with the terminal 140 may be used in alternative embodiments . in the illustrated example , the terminal additionally includes a sound generator 148 that may be used in those embodiments that make use of acoustic signals . use of both a handheld electronic device 100 that incorporates input and output data interfaces advantageously allows the terminal 140 to be provided with a simplified structure that does not include such interfaces . instead , embodiments of the invention exploit the user interfaces provided by the handheld electronic device in coordinating exchange of data between a user and the optical terminal 140 , with additional communication being effected between the handheld device 100 and the terminal 140 . this is illustrated more fully in fig1 c for embodiments in which the terminal 140 comprises an optical terminal . communication among the handheld device 100 and the terminal 140 may have direct and indirect components . direct communication may be effected through the use of images 168 generated on a display comprised by the handheld device 100 that are presented to the optical screen 144 of the terminal 140 . this advantageously ensures that the handheld device 100 is physically present at the terminal 140 at the time that the image is presented . alternative communication mechanisms between the handheld device 100 and the terminal 140 , such as the use of bluetooth connections , wifi connections , and the like , provide other forms of direct communication that may be used , but compromise the strength of ensuring the locality of the communication . in the illustration , the image 168 generated by the handheld device 100 and read by the terminal 140 is shown as a two - dimensional barcode , although it will be understood by those of skill in the art that a variety of other types of images may be used in alternative embodiments , such as encrypted or unencrypted character strings . in embodiments that make use of two - dimensional barcodes , the invention is not limited by the symbology used in generating the barcode and may accommodate any symbology , including aztec code , code 16k , pdf417 , compact pdf417 , micro pdf417 , macro pdf417 , datamaxtrix , qr code , semacode , and other formats . in addition , while the illustration of fig1 c shows a two - dimensional barcode , one - dimensional symbologies may be used in alternative embodiments , including codabar , code 11 , code 128 , code 32 , code 39 , code 93 , ean - 13 , ean - 8 , ean - 99 , ean - velocity , industrial 2 of 5 , interleaved 2 of %, isbn , upc - a , upc - e , and other symbologies . furthermore , embodiments of the invention may accommodate both monochromatic and color barcode symbologies , including , for example , the high capacity color barcode (“ hccb ”) symbology . local communication from the terminal 140 to the handheld device 100 may also be implemented using a variety of techniques , with the illustration showing the generation of a sound 172 by the terminal 140 that may be detected by a microphone comprised by the handheld device 100 . similar to the use of an image displayed on the handheld device 100 that is read by the terminal 140 , generation of a sound imposes a strong requirement of locality between the terminal 140 and the device 100 . in other embodiments , where such reverse communication is achieved using such protocols as bluetooth , wifi , or the like , the locality imposition may be weaker . in addition to such direct forms of communication , indirect forms of communication may take place by using a network , illustrated in the drawing as the internet 160 , although any private or public network may be used in alternative embodiments . it is generally for many embodiments that the handheld device 100 will be provided in communication with the network , although a dashed line is indicated between the internet 160 and the terminal 140 in the drawing to account for other embodiments in which the terminal 140 is also configured for communication with the internet . such indirect communications may be augmented by data provided by a web server 164 and permit a plurality of handheld devices 100 to be involved in the access - management functions described herein . advantageously , such multiple - device interactions may use the direct communication techniques to impose a locality constraint only on one of the devices 100 - 1 , with another of the devices 100 - 2 permissibly being remote from the terminal 140 so that it is accessed using only indirect communications . a detailed illustration of a terminal 140 is provided in fig2 a for a particular embodiment in which the terminal 140 comprises an optical terminal having structure that enables not only the reading of an image from handheld devices 100 but also enables the collection of biometric information from an individual . terminals having such dual capability are referred to herein as “ dual use ” terminals . the biometric information collected in this illustration is collected from a skin site and at least some of the optical structure of the optical terminal is advantageously used in both image reading and biometric - data collection . but the invention is not limited to such a structure nor to such particular forms of biometric - data collection . alternative embodiments will be evident to those of skill in the art that use alternative forms of biometric data collection , including devices that scan irises or retinas , perform facial - or hand - geometry measurements , and the like . such alternative embodiments , even those in which collection of biometric data involves optical measurements , may or may not combine functionality of optical structure comprised by the device so that it is used in both biometric - data collection and in image reading from handheld devices . images are read through a platen 202 by a digital imaging system 218 , which comprises a camera 220 and may additionally comprise optics that are discussed in detail below . reading images from a handheld device may generally be performed without additional illumination by the terminal 140 , such as by using backlight illumination provided by the handheld device itself , but illumination systems 210 may be provided as part of a mechanism for collecting biometric data . in the illustrated embodiment , the illumination systems 210 comprise light sources 208 and optics that interact with the optics of the digital imaging system 218 . the arrangement shown in the drawing is especially suitable for collection of biometric data from skin sites placed in contact with the platen 202 , but the optics of the illumination and imaging systems 208 and 218 may readily be adapted for collecting biometric data from skin sites that are not in contact with the platen 202 . appropriate skin sites for collection of biometric data include all surfaces and all joints of the fingers and thumbs , the fingernails and nail beds , the palms , the backs of the hands , the wrists and forearms , the face , the eyes , the ears , and all other external surfaces of the body . while the discussion below sometimes makes reference to “ fingers ,” this is done for convenience and it should be understood that this refers merely to exemplary embodiments and that other embodiments may use skin sites at other body parts . the number of illumination sources 208 may conveniently be selected to achieve certain levels of illumination , to meet packaging requirements , and to meet other structural constraints of the terminal 140 . it also allows for a particular implementation of “ multispectral ” biometric imaging , which is used herein to refer to a more general class of optical data collection in which a set of images is collected under a plurality of distinct optical conditions during a single illumination session . other implementations of multispectral biometric imaging are described further below in connection with particular optical structure that may be included in the terminal 140 , including differences in polarization conditions , differences in imaging angles , differences in illumination wavelength , and the like . in operation , illumination passes from the light sources 208 through illumination optics 206 that shape the illumination to a desired form , such as in the form of flood light , light lines , light points , and the like . the light sources 208 may be narrowband sources such as monochromatic led &# 39 ; s or laser diodes , or may be broadband sources such as white - light led &# 39 ; s or incandescent sources . in cases where the light sources 208 comprise a series of sources , the series of sources may be of the same wavelength or different wavelengths . the different sources 208 may be configured identically or they may differ from each other . the illumination optics 206 are shown for convenience as consisting of a lens but may more generally include any combination of one or more lenses , one or more mirrors , and / or other optical elements . the illumination optics 206 may also comprise a scanner mechanism ( not shown ) to scan the illumination light in a specified one - dimensional or two - dimensional pattern . the light source 208 may comprise a point source , a line source , an area source , or may comprise a series of such sources in different embodiments . after the light passes through the illumination optics 206 , it passes through the platen 202 to illuminate the skin site so that reflected light is directed to the digital imaging system 218 , which comprises detection optics 214 adapted to focus the light reflected from the skin site onto the array . for example , the detection optics 214 may comprise a lens , a mirror , a pinhole , or a combination of such optical elements or other optical elements known to those of skill in the art . both the illumination systems 210 and the digital imaging system 218 may additionally comprise optical polarizers 204 and 212 . the polarizers 204 and 212 may be linear or circular , or a combination of the two . in the case of linear polarizers , one useful arrangement is that in which the illumination light is polarized along a particular axis while the detected light requires an orthogonal polarization . such an arrangement has utility in ensuring that detected light has undergone multiple scatter events in a medium such as skin . further utility is derived from the observation that such an arrangement greatly reduces the visibility of latent prints left on the platen 202 by previous users , thus providing improved image quality and reducing the likelihood of spoofing by “ reactivating ” the latent prints . the digital imaging system 218 may also comprise a color filter array 216 , which may in some instances be incorporated as part of the camera 220 . the color filter array 216 may conveniently comprise a red - green - blue filter array in the well - known bayer pattern or in other patters . in some instances , the filter elements may function to transmit wavelengths that differ from the standard red - green - blue wavelengths , may include additional wavelengths , and / or may be arranged in a pattern that differs from the bayer pattern . the terminal layout and components may advantageously be selected to minimize the direct reflection of the illumination into the digital imaging system 218 . in one embodiment , such direct reflections are reduced by relatively orienting the illumination and detection optics such that the amount of directly reflected light detected is minimized . for instance , the optical axes of the illumination optics 210 and the detection optics 218 may be placed at angles such that a mirror placed on the platen 202 does not direct an appreciable amount of illumination light into the detection system 218 . in addition , the optical axes of the illumination and detection optics may be placed at angles relative to the platen 202 such that the angular acceptance of both subsystems is less than the critical angle of the system ; such a configuration avoids appreciable effects due to total internal reflectance between the platen 202 and the skin site . the camera 220 may be coupled electronically with elements of a computational system that aid in processing of images collected by the terminal 140 . in particular , hardware elements of such a computational system may be electrically coupled via bus 234 , and may include a processor 224 , a storage device 228 , a processing acceleration unit 236 such as a dsp or special - purpose processor , and a memory 240 . a communications system 232 may additionally be provided in those embodiments where the terminal 140 is equipped for communication with a network , but the structure of the terminal 140 is further simplified when communication with the terminal 140 takes place only through the optical interface . in embodiments that include a communications system 232 , it may comprise a wired , wireless , modem , and / or other type of interfacing connection and permits data to be exchanged with the network 160 according to the structure illustrated in fig1 c . software elements are shown as being currently located within working memory 240 , including an operating system 244 and other code 248 , such as a program designed to implement methods of the invention . it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that substantial variations may be used in accordance with specific requirements . for example , customized hardware might also be used and / or particular elements might be implemented in hardware , software ( including portable software , such as applets ), or both . further , connection to other computing devices such as network input / output devices may be employed . the structure of the terminal 140 thus described is suitable for imaging either a skin site or an image from a handheld device , as illustrated schematically in fig2 b and 2c . in fig2 b , the skin site is shown as part of a finger 260 that is brought in contact with the platen 202 , while fig2 c shows an illustration in which the handheld device 264 is held so that the display of the image on the handheld device is a height h data above the platen 202 . such a dual - mode terminal has a number of benefits , but it is to be understood that not all embodiments of the invention make use of such a dual - mode terminal , particularly embodiments in which no biometric functions are performed or embodiments in which the biometric and nonbiometric functionality is not integrated into a single terminal . furthermore , while the described embodiment is suitable for multispectral applications , this is also not a requirement of the invention and many alternative embodiments use nonmultispectral configurations . some examples of various alternative optical structures that may readily be adapted to the terminal are described in , for example , commonly assigned u . s . pat . no . 7 , 460 , 696 , entitled “ multispectral imaging biometrics ,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes . an overview methods of the invention is summarized with the flow diagram of fig3 . while this and other flow diagrams in the application set forth an illustrative order of steps , this is not intended to be limiting . the steps identified specifically in the diagram may sometimes be performed in an alternative order , steps that are specifically identified may sometimes be omitted , and additional steps not specifically set forth may sometimes also be performed . in describing the methods of fig3 , reference is sometimes made to fig4 a - 4c , which provide examples of screen displays that may be presented on the handheld device in one implementation . the methods illustrated with fig3 permit a number of access - management functions to be performed with the handheld device and terminal of fig1 a and 1b . such methods begin at block 304 with a user activating an application maintained on the handheld device at block 304 , with fig4 a providing an illustration of starting up such an application . fig4 b provides a screen display illustrating a number of access - management functions that may be selected at block 308 of fig3 ; these examples are particularly suitable for embodiments that integrate biometric functionality . selection of the function may prompt a request for entry of additional information . for example , selection of the “ enroll ” function might prompt a request for entry of a user identification number (“ userid ”) that may be entered using a virtual keypad like that shown in fig4 c . in response to selection of a function , the application generates an encoded signal to be transmitted from the handheld device to the terminal . in certain embodiments , the encoded signal comprises a barcode , which may advantageously be displayed on the handheld device as a pulsing barcode . in particular , the pulsing barcode changes its size in periodic fashion while maintaining substantially constant relative dimensions . this is illustrated for an example of a barcode in fig5 a - 5c . while the invention is not limited to any particular pulsation frequency , having a period between successive maximal sizes for the barcode on the order of a second provides certain benefits . in particular , the optics of the terminal may be configured to provide a certain depth of focus for imaging the barcode when the handheld device is held over the platen 202 as shown in fig2 c . pulsing of the barcode allows greater variation in the acceptable distance h data that the handheld device may be presented to the platen 202 since the barcode size varies to accommodate the imaging optics . within a wide range of distances h data , the pulsing barcode will sweep multiple times through a size amenable to ready imaging by the terminal . the content of the barcode itself may also change in time when presented on a display of a handheld device , as illustrated in fig6 a - 6c . the time variation of the barcode effectively adds a further dimension to the barcode , resulting in a concomitant increase in the amount of information that may be conveyed from the handheld device to the terminal . for instance , a time - varying two - dimensional barcode is equivalent to a rendering of a three - dimensional barcode , with the successive two - dimensional barcode images corresponding to two - dimensional slices of the three - dimensional barcode . the concept applies also to other types of barcodes . a time - varying one - dimensional barcode is equivalent to a further symbology of a two - dimensional barcode , with the successive one - dimensional barcodes corresponding to one - dimensional slices of the two - dimensional barcode . similarly , when a barcode uses color , such as in the case of the hccb symbology , the time variation effectively provides a fourth dimension : the two spatial dimensions of the barcode itself , a third dimension that corresponds to the color representations , and a fourth dimension that corresponds to the time variation . depending on the specific embodiment , then , the amount of information conveyed by the encoded signal at block 312 of fig3 may be very great . at block 316 , the terminal may transmit a local acknowledgment to the handheld device after it has successfully imaged and decoded the signal . with the structures shown in fig1 a and 1b , such a local acknowledgment may take the form of a sound generated by the terminal , but other types of acknowledgments may be transmitted in alternative embodiments , including electromagnetic acknowledgments that use visible or nonvisible light as well as sounds that are outside the range of human hearing . for instance , a radio - frequency (“ rf ”) signal could alternatively be generated for transmission of the acknowledgment from the terminal to the hand - held device . there are a number of different responses that may be made to receipt of the acknowledgment by the handheld device , a principal one being to instruct the application to cease presentation of the barcode or other encoded signal . as previously noted , the use of a local acknowledgment in this way also acts to ensure that the handheld device that generated the barcode is local to the terminal . this is one of a number of security protections that may be implemented . another security feature that may be implemented is to restrict the form of encoding in time . for example , the encoding coordinated between the handheld device and the terminal may be such that particular encoded patterns are used only a single time , similar to the use of one - time - pad encryption systems , with the encoded patterns being valid only for a window of time on the order of minutes . rather than encode a plaintext instruction such as “ enroll user john smith ” into a two - dimensional barcode pattern , there may be a further level of encryption so that “ enroll user john smith ” is first encrypted using a one - time key with the encrypted string being encoded into the two - dimensional barcode pattern . such techniques may rely on a number of sources for the one - time key , such as by having the application on the handheld device and the terminal use their interfaces with the network 160 to access a common source of information to provide the one - time key . any techniques in which the validity of an encoded pattern is limited in time generally requires some reasonable close time synchronization of the handheld device and the terminal . once the terminal has properly received and decoded the signal from the handheld device , it may initiate the access maintenance functions , as indicated at block 320 . this may include any of a variety of functions , such as enrolling a user for access according to certain access - level criteria , identifying a previously enrolled person , verifying the identity of a previously enrolled person , removing access for a previously enrolled user , redefining access levels for a previously enrolled user , and the like . some of these functions are described in greater detail below to illustrate how such functions may be specifically implemented . at block 324 of fig3 , the handheld device transmits instructions to a backend server over the network 160 and the server transmits an update to the handheld device that generated the encoded pattern at block 328 , allowing updates to be made to the application in accordance with the received instructions at block 332 . this exchange of information between the handheld device and the server may be prompted by detection of the acknowledgment signal transmitted from the terminal 140 at block 316 . in this way , the terminal 140 acts as an isolated component that is involved in communications among system components only through its optical interface and responsive signal . in alternative embodiments in which the terminal 140 is provided with a communications system as illustrated in fig2 a , the instructions may instead be transmitted directly from the terminal 140 to the server over the network . in addition , the server may download an application and / or modifications to an existing application to a second handheld device at block 336 , which may or may not be local to terminal . the general operation of the system described in connection with fig3 may be better understood with examples of specific functions . these examples are provided only by way of illustration , it being understood that the systems and methods of the invention are amenable to numerous further functions . methods of using the system described above to enroll an individual are illustrated with the flow diagram of fig7 . in this example , enrollment of a user who has a handheld device is effected by a supervisor who also has a handheld device . the supervisor has previously been enrolled with the system such that her biometric is registered with the system . enrollment of the user begins at block 704 with the supervisor presenting her biometric measure to the terminal , such as by placing her finger on the platen so that her fingerprint may be imaged in either a conventional manner or by using multispectral imaging if the terminal is equipped for multispectral imaging . if the supervisor can be authenticated by the terminal as indicated at block 708 , she may continue with enrollment functions , but will otherwise be denied access to functionality of the terminal at block 744 . at block 712 , the supervisor activates the application on her handheld device , selecting the enrollment function at block 716 . as part of selecting the enrollment function , the supervisor is prompted by the application to enter a userid for the individual to be enrolled and perhaps to enter other information such as an access level for the individual , communication information for the individual such as telephone number and email address , and the like . the application generates an enrollment barcode at block 720 from that information using any of the techniques described above , i . e . by generating a one - dimensional or two - dimensional barcode that pulses on the handheld device and that may vary in time or may use color and that is encoded from plaintext or that undergoes a prior encryption , perhaps by using a time - restricted encryption key . after displaying the supervisor displays the barcode to the terminal at block 724 so that it may be imaged , the terminal verifies that it is valid at block 728 , again denying access to the desired functionality at block 744 if the barcode is invalid . the new user presents his biometric to the terminal , such as by placing his finger on the terminal platen , at block 732 . in some embodiments , multiple measurements of the user &# 39 ; s biometric may be taken , both to ensure an accurate reading of the biometric and as a spoof - prevention protocol . after the terminal has scanned the new user &# 39 ; s biometric at block 736 and updated internal records on the storage device to reflect the user &# 39 ; s authorization , including his authorization level , the terminal generates a responsive audio signal at block 740 that is detected by the handheld device at block 744 , confirming the locality of the interaction and prompting the handheld device to cease pulsation of the barcode and to transmit the userid and related information for the new user to the server at block 748 . a custom application is created by the web server , appropriate to the user &# 39 ; s authorization level , at block 750 and downloaded directly to the new user &# 39 ; s handheld device . customization of the application my reflect such unique characteristics as the new user &# 39 ; s personal information and its specific functionality may depend on the authorization level granted . for instance , a low - level authorization might provide only limited access to certain physical areas or functionality while an intermediate - level authorization provides access to a greater number of physical areas or functionality . a highest - level authorization might provide the capability for the new user to act as a supervisor himself so that the custom application includes functionality for enrolling other users rather than only providing the limited functionality of lower - level authorizations . with the enrollment of the new user complete , he is then able to authorize himself by presentation of his biometric measure to the terminal at block 764 , to activate the application on his own handheld device at block 768 , and the to perform those functions for which he is authorized at block 772 . supervisors may be provided with the capability to de - enroll users at authorization levels below theirs or to modify their access levels . this is illustrated with the flow diagram of fig8 , with the method beginning when the supervisor presents her biometric measure to the terminal at block 804 so that it can be verified at block 808 and access to functionality enabled . if an unauthorized individual attempts to gain access to the functionality and accordingly fails the biometric check at block 808 , that access is denied at block 830 . similar to the enrollment function , the supervisor activates the application on her handheld device at block 812 and selects an access management function at block 816 , either entering the userid of the user whose access levels are to be modified or selecting the userid from a generated menu of userids . the application may also prompt the supervisor to select what type of access - management changes are to be made , examples of which include completely deauthorizing the user , changing the access level of the user to a higher or lower level , or removing or adding supervisory capability . after receiving the appropriate information from the supervisor , the application generates a barcode at block 820 that includes instructions to give effect to the desired access changes , and the supervisor displays the barcode to the terminal at block 824 . after a check that the barcode is valid at block 828 , the terminal generates a responsive audio signal at block 832 and takes appropriate action at block 844 , 848 , or 852 to change the access level of the identified user . the handheld device detects the confirmation signal at block 836 , causing it to cease display of the barcode and to initiate transmittal of update information to the web server at block 840 as described above . in some embodiments , the terminal may be made available to customers as part of a service in providing a mechanism for access control . the level of service may depend on the amount that is paid for the service and may be limited by such factors as the number of people who may be enrolled to have access , the number of people enrolled at particular access levels , the length of time the service will be provided , and the like . the system may advantageously be configured to allow automatic modifications in service levels as illustrated in fig9 . consider a customer having purchased services at a particular service level who wishes to modify the service level . a user , such as an employee or officer of the customer , engages in an authentication process by presenting his biometric measure to the terminal at block 904 so that it may be checked and block 908 , with access denied at block 940 if appropriate . to begin the service upgrade or downgrade , the user activates the handheld - device application at block 912 and selects the service modification function at block 916 . the desired change in service level may be determined in any of several mechanisms , one of which is to have the handheld device present the user with an identification of the current service level , specifying such features of the service as number of allowable users at each level , time restrictions and the like , together with a listing of different available service levels and their cost . when the desired service level has been selected , the user additionally provides payment information at block 920 that is processed by a secure web server using the network communication capabilities of the handheld device at block 924 . this may be done using any of a variety of known financial - transaction techniques known to those of skill in the art . a check is made at block 928 whether the financial aspect of the transaction has been approved by checking for the return of a valid financial authorization code . if no valid authorization code is returned , the upgrade is denied at block 940 . upon receipt of a valid authorization code indicating that the payment information has been successfully processed , the application on the handheld device generates a barcode at block 932 that encodes instructions defining the authorized change in service level . as before , the barcode may take any of a variety of forms , including being a pulsing barcode , having a time variation , including color , and the like . the process for completing the modification is then similar to what has been described above , namely that the user displays the barcode to the terminal at block 936 so that it may be evaluated at block 944 . upon confirmation that the barcode is valid , the terminal generates a responsive confirmation signal at block 948 , the handheld device detects the signal at block 952 , and the service level for the user is upgraded at block 956 through an exchange of information between the handheld device and the web server . there are a large number of environments in which the systems and methods described above may be implemented . the illustrations provided below are intended only to provide an example of the breadth of such implementations , recognizing that many other implementations are within the scope of the invention . one implementation for the systems and methods described above is a large factory environment in which different employees have access to different physical parts of the factory . when used in this environment , terminals may be deployed at various access points , requiring authorized employees to present biometric measures to gain access , and with the terminals additionally being capable of performing any of the access - management functions described herein . those functions enable effective management of a potentially large number of employees , with greater security for controlling access than in other arrangements . another implementation for the systems and methods described above is a small office environment in which different employees are all to be provided physical access to the office but whose access to certain equipment is limited . for instance , access to human - resources computers might be limited to those in that department . when used in this environment , a terminal may be deployed at the entrance to the office where it is used by all employees to gain access to the office . terminals may also be deployed to limit access to sensitive equipment to those who have a sufficient access level . the service - update features are particularly suitable in such implementations to manage access levels as employees within the office are hired , dismissed , or promoted . in another implementation , a terminal may be deployed in an automobile or other vehicle so that access to the vehicle is controlled by biometric recognition of those authorized to drive the vehicle . the access - management functions are particularly useful in such implementations when the vehicle is entrusted to others on a temporary basis , such as when the vehicle is entrusted to a valet or when the vehicle is left at a shop for repairs . temporary authorizations commensurate with the temporary nature of the entrustment may then be provided . in a further implementation , a terminal may be deployed in a classroom setting in which information is gathered by applications on each of the handheld devices by students , such as in a scenario in which answers to exam questions are provided to the applications . at the conclusion of the exam , the barcode that is generated encodes each student &# 39 ; s answers to the questions , which are delivered to the terminal . academic misconduct issues may be addressed by additionally requiring biometric verification of student identities when they present their handheld devices to the terminal and by ensuring that the application will not terminate until the confirmation signal is received from the terminal so that the student handheld devices cannot be used to access other applications for answers . having described several embodiments , it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that various modifications , alternative constructions , and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention . accordingly , the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention , which is defined in the following claims .	6
while the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as forming the present invention , it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which briefly : fig1 is a graphical representation which shows the changes in mean arterial blood pressure ( map ) induced by bolus intravenous injections of methylguanidine ( mg ), aminoguanidine ( ag ) or n g - monomethyl - l - arginine ( nmma ) in which change in map is recorded in % increase in pressure above baseline and the dose of the bolus injection is recorded in μmol / kg . fig2 is a graphical representation which shows the effects of methylguanidine ( mg ), aminoguanidine ( ag ) or n g - monomethyl - l - arginine ( nmma ) on il - 1 - induced nitrite formation by rin - m5f cells in which the effect on nitrite formation is recorded in % of il - 1βb - induced nitrite formation and the concentration of the test compounds is recorded in μm . fig3 is a graphical representation which shows the effects of methylguanidine ( mg ), dimethylguanidine ( dmg ) and aminoguanidine ( ag ) on il - 1β - induced nitrite formation by rin - m5f cells as in fig2 . fig4 is a bar chart which shows the relative development of fluorescence products upon incubation of methylguanidine , aminoguanidine or semicarbazide in glucose - 6 - phosphate / lysine ( g - 6 - p / lysine ) for six days . effects of methylguanidine on constitutive ( vascular ) nitric oxide synthase activity were assessed by monitoring mean arterial blood pressure ( map ) changes following intravenous injection of methylguanidine in anesthetized , normal rats . the dose responses of methylguanidine , aminoguanidine and nmma are shown in fig1 . since methylguanidine contains strong structural similarities to l - arginine and the competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase , viz . nmma , in that these compounds contain two chemically equivalent guanidine nitrogen groups , the effects of methylguanidine on il - 1β - induced formation of nitrite and cgmp by rin m5f cells were examined and compared to the effects of nmma in similar tests ( fig2 ). also in similar tests , methylguanidine and its close analog , dimethylguanidine , were each compared to the effects of aminoguanidine ( ag ) ( fig3 ). the rin m5f cell line is an insulinoma cell line of the rodent β - cell that has been shown to contain the cytokine - inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase . fig2 and 3 demonstrate the dose response of methylguanidine , dimethylguanidine , aminoguanidine and nmma or ag on il - 1β - induced formation of nitrite ( an oxidation product of nitric oxide ) from rin m5f cells incubated for 18 hrs with 5 units / ml il - 1β ± the indicated concentrations of methylguanidine , dimethylguanidine , aminoguanidine and nmma or ag . the effects of methylguanidine on glycation were assessed by measuring the development of fluorescence products upon its incubation in glucose - 6 - phosphate / lysine and compared to the corresponding effects of aminoguanidine and semicarbazide . the results are shown in fig4 and indicate that methylguanidine is relatively ineffective ( compared to aminoguanidine and semicarbazide ) in preventing glucose - induced glycation products as manifested by the development of fluorescence products which are characteristic of glycation end products . in order to further illustrate the invention , the following detailed examples were carried out although it should be understood that the invention is not limited to these specific examples or the details described therein . the results obtained in these examples are shown in tables 1 to 5 and the accompanying fig1 to 4 . this example illustrates a method to prevent diabetes - induced vascular dysfunction using methylguanidine to inhibit nitric oxide synthase . all rats used in these tests were housed and cared for in accordance with the guidelines of the university committee for the humane care of laboratory animals and in accordance with nih guidelines on laboratory animal welfare . rats were housed individually , allowed food ( standard rat chow ; ralston purina , richmond , in ) and water ad libitum , and were on a 12 hour light / dark cycle . male , sprague - dawley rats initially weighing 225 - 250 g were divided into four groups : group 1 , untreated controls ; group 2 , methylguanidine ( mg )- treated controls ; group 3 , untreated diabetics ; and group 4 , mg - treated diabetics . diabetes was induced by intravenous injection of 45 mg / kg body weight streptozotocin ( sigma chemical co ., st . louis , mo ) using ketamine anesthesia . methylguanidine hydrochloride ( sigma chemical co .) was administered subcutaneously once daily at a dose of 25 mg / kg body weight . in addition , control rats were given water containing 2 . 5 g / l methylguanidine while diabetic rats were given water containing 1 g / l . water consumption was monitored weekly for all rats . body weights were measured weekly , nonfasting morning plasma glucose levels were assessed 3 days after injection of streptozotocin ( to ensure induction of diabetes ), then biweekly thereafter using the conventional glucose oxidase method of lowry and passoneau ( 14 ). after 4 weeks , all rats were placed into individual metabolic cages for 24 hours to determine food consumption ( g / 100 g body weight / 24 hr ) and urine output ( ml / kidney / 24 hr ). a sample of urine was stored at - 70 ° c . for determination of urinary albumin excretion ( see below ). five weeks after induction of diabetes , rats were used for the permeability and blood flow studies detailed below . regional vascular albumin permeation was quantified by use of an isotope dilution technique based on the injection of bovine serum albumin ( bsa ) labeled with 2 different iodine isotopes , 131 i and 125 i ( 15 - 17 ). 125 i - bsa was used to quantify vascular albumin filtration after 10 min of tracer circulation , while 131 i - bsa served as a plasma volume marker for correction of 125 i - bsa tissue activity for tracer contained within vessels . preparation of radiolabeled tracers . purified monomer bsa ( 20 mg ) was iodinated with 1 mci of 131 i or 125 i ( nen research products , boston , ma ) by the iodogen method as previously described ( 15 ). 57 co - edta was prepared as previously described ( 15 , 16 ) and 46 sc - microspheres ( 10 μm diameter ) were used to assess regional blood flow as detailed below . surgical procedures . rats were anesthetized with inactin ( byk gulden , konstanz , frg ) (˜ 100 mg / kg body weight injected i . p . ), and core body temperature maintained at 37 ± 0 . 5 ° c . using heat lamps , a 37 ° c . surgical tray , and a rectal temperature probe . the left femoral vein , left iliac artery , right subclavian artery , and right carotid artery were cannulated with polyethylene tubing ( 0 . 58 mm i . d .) filled with heparinized saline ( 400 u heparin / ml ). the femoral vein cannula was used for tracer injection and the subclavian artery cannula was connected to a pressure transducer for blood pressure monitoring . the left iliac artery was connected to a 1 ml syringe attached to a harvard model 940 constant withdrawal pump preset to withdraw at a constant rate of 0 . 055 ml / min . the tip of the cannula in the right carotid artery was placed in the left ventricle of the heart and was used for injection of radiolabeled microspheres . the trachea was intubated and connected to a small rodent respirator for continuous ventilatory support . at time 0 , 125 i - albumin ( in 0 . 3 ml of saline ) and 57 co - edta (˜ 0 . 1μci in 0 . 1 ml of saline ) were injected i . v . and the withdrawal pump was started simultaneously . eight min after time 0 , 0 . 2 ml of 131 i - bsa was injected and 1 min later , the 46sc - microspheres were injected slowly over ˜ 30 sec . at the 10 min mark , the heart was excised to stop all blood flow , the withdrawal pump was stopped simultaneously , and various tissues were sampled for gamma spectrometry . both kidneys , bladder , and connecting ureters were removed . eyes were dissected as previously described ( 15 , 16 ) and tissues from both eyes were pooled prior to gamma spectrometry . all tissue samples and arterial plasma samples were weighed , then counted in a gamma spectrometer interfaced with a hewlett - packard 1000a computer in which the data were corrected for background and stored for subsequent analysis . a quantitative index of 125 i - bsa tissue clearance was calculated as previously described ( 15 , 16 , 17 ) and expressed as μg plasma / g tissue wet weight / min . very briefly , 125 i - bsa tissue activity was corrected for tracer contained within the tissue by multiplying 125 i - bsa activity in the tissue by the ratio of 125 i - bsa / 131 i - bsa activities in the arterial plasma sample obtained at the end of the test . the vascular - corrected 125 i - bsa tissue activity was divided by the time - averaged 125 i - bsa plasma activity ( obtained from a well mixed sample of plasma taken from the withdrawal syringe ) and by the tracer circulation time ( 10 min ) and then normalized per g tissue wet weight . glomerular filtration fate ( gfr ) was calculated as previously described ( 18 ). to calculate regional blood flows , the total activity of 46 sc in the retina was divided by the total activity of 46 sc in the reference blood sample obtained from the withdrawal syringe , then multiplied by the pump withdrawal rate , and expressed as ml / g tissue wet weight per minute ( 19 ). lysine - derived advanced glycosylation products were prepared as described by bucala et al . ( 12 ) by incubating 100 mm concentrations of glucose - 6 - phosphate and l - lysine in 0 . 2 m sodium phosphate buffer , ph 7 . 4 . the incubations were maintained sterile , and were kept in the dark at room temperature for ˜ 6 days , at which time relative fluorescence was measured as an index of glycation using a perkin - elmer ls - 5b luminescence spectrometer with excitation at 370 nm and emission at 440 nm . samples were diluted 1 : 11 with saline prior to spectrometry . the ability of 10 and 100 mm concentrations of methylguanidine , aminoguanidine , or semicarbazide to inhibit the glycation process was compared in two separate tests ( fig4 ). systolic blood pressure was measured at weekly intervals in conscious rats using the tail - cuff method ( 20 , 2 ). animals were adapted to the procedure initially by placing them in a restrainer and inflating the sphygmomanometer several times . blood pressure also was obtained from the iliac artery cannula in anesthetized rats during the permeability studies . normal male , sprague - dawley rats weighing 250 - 300 g were anesthetized with 100 mg / kg body weight inactin , followed by 0 . 1 ml / kg body weight d - tubocurarine chloride , the left femoral vein ( for tracer injection ) and right iliac artery ( for monitoring blood pressure ) were cannulated with polyvinyl tubing ( 0 . 8 × 0 . 5 mm ) filled with heparinized saline , and the trachea was cannulated and connected to a small rodent respirator for continuous ventilatory support . following stabilization of arterial pressure , increasing amounts ( 3 . 1 and 50 μmol / kg body weight ) of methylguanidine or n g - monomethyl - l - arginine ( nmma ) were injected intravenously in a volume of 0 . 5 ml in separate animals and the peak pressure increase was recorded using a gould rs 3200 recorder . results were expressed as a percent increase in pressure above baseline . data are expressed as mean ± 1sd . an analysis of variance was performed using the sas general linear models procedure . to reduce potential type 1 errors related to multiple comparisons , overall differences among groups for each parameter were preliminarily assessed by the van der waerden test . if statistically significant differences ( at p & lt ; 0 . 05 ) were indicated among groups for a given parameter , pair - wise comparisons were assessed by least square means following a nonparametric ( rank order ) blom transformation of all data . this example illustrates the effects of methylguanidine on il - 1β - induced nitrite formation by rin m5f cells ( fig2 ). rin m5f cells , obtained from the washington university tissue culture support center , were removed from growth flasks ( 55 - 80 million cells / flask ) by trypsin / edta treatment , and aliquoted into 1 ml petri dishes ( 1 - 2 million rin m5f cells per condition ). cells were incubated for 18 hrs ( under an atmosphere of 95 % air and 5 % co 2 ) in 1 ml of complete cmrl - 1066 tissue culture media ( cmrl supplemented with 10 % heat - inactivated , fetal bovine serum , 2 mm l - glutamine , 50 units / ml penicillin , and 50 μg / ml streptomycin ), or complete cmrl - 1066 supplemented with methylguanidine ( mg ), aminoguanidine ( ag ) or nmma . following incubation , the supernatant was removed and nitrite was determined on 100 μl aliquots by conventional procedures as previously described ( 8 , 13 ). the results are expressed as the % of il - 1 induced nitrite formation , and are the mean ± sem of 4 individual tests containing 3 replicates per test . the results demonstrate that both ag and nmma are ˜ 10 fold more potent than mg at inhibiting nitric oxide formation by the cytokine inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase . the effects of each of methylguanidine , 1 , 1 - dimethylguanidine and aminoguanidine on il - 1β - induced nitrite formation by rin m5f cells were tested by the procedures described in example ii and the results are shown in fig3 . the results demonstrate the following order of potency , ag & gt ; dmg & gt ; mg , for inhibiting the cytokine inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase . tables 1 to 5 , below , and the accompanying fig1 to 4 record the results obtained in the foregoing examples . these results indicate that methylguanidine and dimethylguanidine are potent inhibitors of constitutive and cytokine - induced no production . this is manifested by increases in mean arterial blood pressure by methylguanidine when injected intravenously in normal rats as shown in fig1 and by inhibition of il - 1β - induced increases in nitrite in rodent insulinoma cells with methylguanidine and dimethylguanidine as shown in fig2 and 3 , respectively . since methylguanidine is relatively ineffective ( in contrast t aminoguanidine ) in preventing glucose - induced glycation products ( manifested by the development of fluorescence products characteristic of advanced glycation end products ( fig4 ), the prevention by methylguanidine of diabetes - induced vascular dysfunction is believed to be attributable to its ability to block no production . methylguanidine and its close analog , dimethylguanidine , thus should be useful for prevention of diabetic complications as well as inflammatory and immunological diseases in which increased no production is involved . table 1______________________________________effects of diabetes and methylguanidine on bodyweights , plasma glucose and water consumption . control + diabetic + control mg diabetic mg______________________________________number of rats 10 11 14 18body weights ( g ) initial 249 ± 20 256 ± 16 250 ± 19 248 ± 18week 2 326 ± 25 300 ± 31 297 ± 23 271 ± 23week 4 375 ± 41 351 ± 37 334 ± 45 294 ± 50plasma glucose 130 ± 15 131 ± 28 419 ± 120 420 ± 87 ( mg / dl ) hematocrit (%) 43 ± 2 42 ± 1 42 ± 1 42 ± 2blood pressure ( mm hg ) conscious 125 ± 18 121 ± 7 123 ± 5 126 ± 5anesthetized 118 ± 14 114 ± 14 120 ± 16 121 ± 14water 46 ± 6 32 ± 9 108 ± 42 93 ± 53consumption ( ml / day ) ______________________________________ table 2__________________________________________________________________________effects of diabetes and methylguanidine ( mg ) on . sup . 125 i - albumin permeation . sup . a control control + mg diabetic diabetic + mg__________________________________________________________________________number of rats 10 8 11 9eyeanterior uvea 266 ± 77 . sup . b 359 ± 146 623 ± 109 . sup . a 370 ± 60 . sup . bposterior uvea 328 ± 106 312 ± 101 742 ± 134 . sup . a 358 ± 108retina 47 ± 12 61 ± 11 116 ± 30 . sup . a 55 ± 18sciatic nerve 47 ± 13 47 ± 10 121 ± 22 . sup . a 50 ± 10aorta 62 ± 20 60 ± 18 155 ± 37 . sup . a 85 ± 41kidney 727 ± 239 714 ± 214 1011 ± 265 . sup . c 738 ± 169lung 1805 ± 532 1656 ± 454 1405 ± 324 . sup . 1 , 498 ± 487diaphram 201 ± 75 190 ± 27 210 ± 61 . sup . 216 ± 46heart 521 ± 135 731 ± 269 534 ± 62 599 ± 68brain 5 ± 3 4 ± 3 . sup . 5 ± 2 6 ± 4__________________________________________________________________________ . sup . a μg plasma / g wet weight / min ; see methods in example i for detail of test procedure . . sup . b mean ± sd significantly different from untreated controls by student &# 39 ; s t test : . sup . a p & lt ; 0 . 001 ; . sup . b p & lt ; 0 . 05 ; . sup . c p & lt ; 0 . 01 . table 3__________________________________________________________________________effects of diabetes and methylquanidine ( mg ) on regional blood flows * anterior posterior sciatic ( n ) uvea uvea retina nerve kidney__________________________________________________________________________control ( 10 ) 2 . 0 ± 0 . 6 3 . 4 ± 0 . 6 0 . 43 ± 0 . 02 0 . 06 ± 0 . 02 6 . 5 ± 0 . 3 . sup . control + mg ( 8 ) 2 . 4 ± 0 . 5 3 . 3 ± 0 . 6 0 . 45 ± 0 . 07 0 . 07 ± 0 . 03 4 . 8 ± 0 . 3 . sup . adiabetic ( 10 ) . sup . 2 . 7 ± 0 . 3 . sup . b . sup . 4 . 2 ± 0 . 5 . sup . b . sup . 0 . 57 ± 0 . 08 . sup . a . sup . 0 . 09 ± 0 . 01 . sup . a 6 . 0 ± 0 . 4 . sup . cdiabetic + mg ( 9 ) 2 . 3 ± 0 . 6 3 . 9 ± 0 . 6 0 . 45 ± 0 . 04 0 . 06 ± 0 . 02 5 . 8 ± 0 . 3 . sup . a__________________________________________________________________________ * ml / min / g wet weight ; values are mean ± 1sd measured using radiolabele microspheres (˜ 10 μm diameter ) significantly different from controls by student &# 39 ; s t test ; . sup . a p & lt ; 0 . 001 ; . sup . b p & lt ; 0 . 005 ; . sup . c p & lt ; 0 . 01 table 4______________________________________effects of diabetes and methylguanidine ( mg ) on gfr * ( n ) per whole kidney per g kidney______________________________________control ( 10 ) 1 . 33 ± 0 . 19 0 . 85 ± 0 . 07control + mg ( 8 ) 1 . 53 ± 0 . 29 0 . 87 ± 0 . 08diabetic ( 10 ) . sup . 1 . 81 ± 0 . 25 . sup . a 0 . 92 ± 0 . 14diabetic + mg ( 9 ) 1 . 59 ± 0 . 15 . sup . b , c 0 . 85 ± 0 . 09______________________________________ * ml / min ; values are mean ± 1sd measured using radiolabeled . sup . 57 coedta significantly different from controls by students &# 39 ; ttest : . sup . a p & lt ; 0 . 001 ; . sup . b p & lt ; 0 . 005 significantly different from diabetics by students &# 39 ; ttest : . sup . c p & lt ; 0 . 0 table 5______________________________________effects of diabetes and methylguanidine ( mg ) on tissue sorbitol and myo - inositol control + diabetic + control mg diabetic mg______________________________________number of 7 8 11 9ratsretinasorbitol . sup . 102 ± 16 . sup . a 102 ± 31 933 ± 275 533 ± 265myo - 1613 ± 516 1529 ± 187 1564 ± 452 1513 ± 402inositolsciaticnervesorbitol 183 ± 41 194 ± 75 1999 ± 334 1234 ± 710myo - 3943 ± 526 4263 ± 1587 3444 ± 639 3308 ± 792inositolerythro - cytessorbitol 6 ± 1 6 ± 2 44 ± 9 40 ± 8myo - 131 ± 47 104 ± 19 109 ± 20 103 ± 19inositol______________________________________ . sup . a values are mean ± sd ; see methods in example i for test procedures the methylguanidine and dimethylguanidine inhibitors of nitric oxide formation described herein can be used for administration to warm blooded mammals by conventional means , preferably in formulations with pharmaceutically acceptable diluents and carriers . the amount of the active inhibitor to be administered must be an effective amount , that is , an amount which is medically beneficial but does not present toxic effects which overweigh the advantages which accompany its use . it would be expected that the adult human daily dosage would normally range upward from about one milligram per kilo of body weight of the drug . a suitable route of administration is orally in the form of capsules , tablets , syrups , elixirs and the like , although parenteral administration also can be used , e . g . intraveneously , intraperitoneally or subcutaneously . intraveneous administration of the drug in aqueous solution such as physiologic saline is illustrative . appropriate formulations of the drug in pharmaceutically acceptable diluents and carriers in therapeutic dosage form can be prepared by reference to general texts in the field such as , for example , remington &# 39 ; s pharmaceutical sciences , ed . arthur osol . 16th ed ., 1980 , mack publishing co ., easton , pa . various other examples will be apparent to the person skilled in the art after reading the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . it is intended that all such examples be included within the scope of the appended claims . references cited in parenthesis in the disclosure are appended hereto as follows : 1 . d . j . stuehr , h . j . cho , n . s . kwon , m . f . weise , c . f . nathan , proc . natl . acad . sci . usa 88 , 7773 ( 1991 ). 2 . s . moncada , r . m . j . palmer , e . a . higgs , pharmacol . reviews 43 , 109 ( 1991 ). 4 . j . b . hibbs , jr ., et al ., in nitric oxide from l - aroinine : a bioregulatory system , s . moncada and e . higgs , eds . elsevier , new york , ( 1990 ) pp 189 - 223 . 5 . g . pugliese , r . g . tilton , j . r . williamson , diabetes / metabolism reviews 7 , 35 ( 1991 ). 6 . c . southern , d . schulster , i . c . green , febs lett . 276 , 42 ( 1990 ). 7 . j . a . corbett , j . l . wang , m . a . sweetland , j . r . lancaster , jr ., m . l . mcdaniel , biochemical j . ( submitted ). 8 . j . a . corbett , j . r . lancaster , jr ., m . a . sweetland , m . l . mcdaniel , j . biol . chem . 266 , 21351 - 21354 ( 1991 ). 9 . j . r . williamson et al ., diabete & amp ; metab . 16 , 3369 ( 1990 ). t . soulis - liparota , m . cooper , d . papazoglou , b . clarke , g . jerums , diabetes 40 , 1328 ( 1991 ). 10 . m . kihara et al ., proc . natl . acad . sci . usa 88 , 6107 ( 1991 ). 11 . m . brownlee , a . cerami , h . vlassara , n . engl . j . med . 318 , 1315 ( 1988 ). m . brownlee , h . vlassara , a . kooney , p . ulrich , a . cerami , science 232 , 1629 ( 1986 ). 12 . r . bucala , k . j . tracey , a . cerami , j . clin . invest . 87 , 432 ( 1991 ). 13 . l . c . green et al ., anal . biochem . 126 , 131 ( 1982 ). 14 . o . h . lowry , j . v . passoneau ( 1972 ) a flexible system of enzymatic analysis . orlando : academis press . 15 . r . g . tilton , k . chang , g . pugliese , d . m . eades , m . a . province , w . r . sherman , c . kilo , j . r . williamson , diabetes 38 , 1258 - 1270 ( 1989 ). 16 . g . pugliese , r . g . tilton , a . speedy , k . chang , m . a . province , c . kilo , j . r . williamson , metabolism 39 , 690 - 697 ( 1990 ). 17 . g . pugliese , r . g . tilton , k . chang , a . speedy , m . province , d . m . eades , p . e . lacy , c . kilo , j . r . williamson , diabetes 39 , 323 - 332 ( 1990 ). 18 . y . ido , r . g . tilton , k . chang , and j . r . williamson , kidney int ., in press , 1992 . 19 . g . pugliese , r . g . tilton , a . speedy , e . santarelli , d . m . eades , m . a . province , c . kilo , w . r . sherman , j . r . williamson , diabetes 39 312 - 322 ( 1990 ). 21 . j . m . pfeffer , m . a . pfeffer , e . d . frohlich , j . lab . clin . med . 78 , 957 - 962 ( 1997 ).	8
fig1 illustrates a system diagram 10 according to an example embodiment of the present inventive concept . referring to fig1 a user device 11 , such as , a mobile terminal ( mt ) provides a user input at operation 12 that may be , for example , an initiated request for a location or simply user location information of the current location of the mt 11 . the user request may be sent to a server at operation 13 at a local base station ( bs ) or to a remote server location . further to the operations of fig1 , operation provides that the request is received and a physical area - of - interest is determined for the user based on the requested information and / or the user &# 39 ; s current location . a database ( not shown ) may be accessed to reference previously stored user parameters , which may provide additional input for calculating a relevant area - of - interest ( i . e ., a local facility , a target geographical area , etc .) at operation 15 . once the area - of - interest is calculated , the relevant information may then be sent to the client / user mt 11 at operation 16 . referring to the operations of the system model in greater detail , fig2 illustrates further example operations that are performed between the mt 11 and the server side of the system network . the mt 11 may instead by referred to as a client device 101 which communicates with a server device 102 at a remote location . referring to fig2 , the client device 101 may be a handheld computer or mobile terminal ( mt ) capable of locating its position ( e . g ., latitude , longitude and / or direction ), via an internal and / or external compass , which may also include a gps device . the server device 102 may be a general purpose computer capable of providing processing and database services to the client 101 . in operation , the client device 101 initiates a request 110 that is processed at operation 120 and is sent to the server 102 . once the request is received , the server 102 determines the physical area - of - interest ( operation 130 ) based on the client &# 39 ; s current geographical position and further based on the client &# 39 ; s gesture and / or movement . the combination of the client &# 39 ; s position and gesture are both taken into consideration when calculating the relevant area - of - interest information ( i . e ., a boundary estimate of the client &# 39 ; s desired targeted area ) at operation 140 . the information provided by the server is sent to the client 101 ( operation 150 ) and is presented to the user ( operation 160 ). fig3 illustrates a block diagram of the hardware components used in an example communication transfer between the client 101 and the server 102 . the user device 11 illustrates an example computing device , such as , a mobile phone or hybrid personal digital assistant ( pda ) and mobile phone . the client 101 represents the processing modules used in the user device 11 . the gesture processing module 310 receives the user input gesture , which may include , for example , a voice command , a movement of the user device 11 , a change in direction of the user device 11 , etc . the gesture processing module 310 may then forward the gesture information and the user &# 39 ; s current position information ( e . g ., gps location information ) to the sending communications module 320 , which then transmits the information to the server 102 via a wireless connection over a local and / or remote communications network . the receiving communications module 330 of the server 102 receives the location and gesture related information and forwards it to the request processing module 340 which initiates a request for stored data and other resources to assist in predicting and calculating an area - of - interest . for example , the request processing module 340 will interpret the received location information and determine the coordinates and the location origin of the area - of - interest . the server 102 further calculates the relevant information needed to determine the area - of - interest by the data retrieval module 350 . the information gathered for the user may include information related to the request itself ( i . e ., a gas station , bank , service area ) and may also include relevant advertisement data related to other services within the area - of - interest defined by the data retrieval module 350 . once the information related to the request is obtained , the user requested data will be forwarded to the client device 101 via the sending communications module 360 , and received at the client device 101 via the receiving communications module 370 . the client device 101 may further process the information before presenting the requested data to the user of the client device 101 . the client device 101 will receive the sent information , which will be presented to the user by the client device 101 . the information provided by the client device 101 to the server 102 will include both a location estimate of the client device 101 and gesture data . for instance , an initial gps location position of the mobile client device 101 may be obtained via an estimate provided by a satellite . in addition , a gesture performed by the user of the client device 101 will be combined with the gps location estimate . the gesture portion of the data will be used to determine a target area - of - interest . for example , the movement of the client device 101 in a particular direction may be discerned as being a valid gesture which will narrow the area - of - interest to a particular direction near the original gps calculated location of the mobile device 101 ( i . e ., relevant location information in the direction moved ). in a two - dimensional coordinate system , the gps estimate location of the client device 101 may be used to represent a starting point , and , the gesture ( i . e ., movement of the user in a particular direction ) may be used to move from the point to create an arc of movement data . the arc can in turn be used to define a region or area - of - interest . the gesture may be initiated by a command , for example , a simple push button indicating a direction arrow pointing in a direction of interest . the gesture may instead be a vocal command that indicates a direction ( i . e ., “ north ”) or object that may be recognized by the server as a valid gesture that assists in defining a region or area - of - interest . for instance , the movement of the device may be interpreted as a two - dimensional arc that is tracked and stored in memory as gesture data defining the area - of - interest . another example of a gesture may be providing a direction in a well - defined shopping area . for instance , a user of a mobile terminal may initiate a request by conducting a gesture for information while being located in a shopping plaza . the user &# 39 ; s current position may be located as being on the sidewalk by a gps satellite . the user may then gesture towards a store by moving the client device in the direction of the store . this movement may constitute a valid gesture that is used with the gps data to provide information regarding the store . as a result , the user may receive information about the store ( e . g ., coupons , advertising , details of merchandise etc .). in another example , according to an example embodiment of the present inventive concept , the arc - description may be generated by a separate device ( e . g . separate apparel worn by the user ). for instance , a bluetooth enabled device ( i . e ., a pair of sunglasses ) may offer another way to communicate gesture data ( via the direction of the user &# 39 ; s head ) to the mobile device , which may be interpreted as a valid gesture by the server 102 . a locally paired device that is capable of communicating with the mobile device may provide an alternative to offering gesture data , provided that the external device has the requisite compass ( i . e ., orientation ) functionality . in the case of an orientation only type of gesture , a direction of the device is used to represent a valid gesture . such an example gesture would require a compass functionality and would offer a direction and an angle that could be measured to identify the direction the user is pointing without any arc movement being generated . in turn , the angle could then be used to provide a direction of interest , which could then be defined as a larger area - of - interest . providing the information to the user may be accomplished by a server or a plurality of distributed servers . the plurality of distributed servers can offer individualized treatment of the requests depending on the local information stored in each server . the information may be presented to the user via text message , push email or an executable application on the user device . the server 102 calculations that may be performed based on device location information and user gesture information may include narrowing the area - of - interest by beginning at a single point . for example , a circle - shaped region based on a point may be narrowed by offering an angle based on the gesture information that could be used to narrow a section of the circle . the arc path generated from the user gesture information could define a pie slice of the circle as an area of interest . translating the pie slice to a map , may offer the locations of stores or facilities wholly or partially within only the defined pie slice . server calculations include converting the user supplied area - of - interest ( arc ) and “ fitting ” it to a preset granularity for the categorization of information ( e . g . the server may use 60 degree arcs in hexagons or circles of map data ). the client 101 and server 102 may exchange client - to - server and server - to - client information . the links between client 101 and server 102 may be wireless links enabled directly or through other transport networks . the client 101 may initiate an area - of - interest request that may include an initial compass heading and gesture data . the request which may include location , compass heading , gesture arc , and distance information , may be sent to the server 102 by the sending unit 120 . the sending unit , in turn , should generally be equipped with all necessary functions and hardware required to communicate with the server 102 . more precise user preferred location information may be generated by using a combination of a predetermined location ( i . e ., latitude and longitude determined via gps or other location method ) and a gesture as input to an information source . in addition , a remote database of location - relevant information filtered by user preferences may offer more precise user preferred location information when compared to the predetermined location and gesture information . in addition , the area - of - interest may be determined on the client device 101 before sending the request to a server 102 . the server 102 could further modify the area - of - interest or simply just populate the area - of - interest with facility information of nearby stores , gas stations or other user preferred facility information . the user &# 39 ; s request for information pertaining to a particular area - of - interest may provide optimized use of the system resources , such as , bandwidth and network resources . for instance , by pre - storing user preferences and receiving user initiated area - of - interest information , the system may offer fast and optimized location information to the user without requiring excessive bandwidth requirements or processing resources . there may also be a reduction in the overall amount of irrelevant information being sent to the user . in general , the gestures provide an input mechanism for human interfacing with a computer or a handheld device . computers and handheld devices equipped with gesture recognition sensors provide the necessary hardware and software to recognize gesture input related to hand movements or vocal commands in varying degrees of complexity . some recognition systems utilize planar two - dimensional ( 2d ) or three - dimensional ( 3d ) accelerometers embedded in handheld devices , which , in turn , communicate the human initiated data to their respective computing engines to provide data geared at offering integrated human input and location information requests for additional information . fig4 illustrates an example flow diagram of the communications conducted between a user and a remote location information server , according to an example embodiment of the present inventive concept . referring to fig4 , a user makes a gesture at operation 400 , it is then determined by the user device or the server whether the gesture is a valid known type of gesture at operation 401 . if not , the user is informed that gesture is not valid or there is no result from that invalid gesture at operation 403 . if the gesture is valid the gesture information is forwarded to the gesture server provided the server is available at operation 404 . if the server is not available , the user is informed or the process does not move forward at operation 405 , and the process will end at 403 . if the server is available , the server proceeds to define the area - of - interest based on the information it receives and information which may be known to the server at operation 406 . the server will receive a request sent for location information at operation 407 and if the request is properly received , the operations will continue to operation 410 denoted by “ a ”, and the process will further be continued at fig5 . if the request is lost , operation 409 will create an error message to re - transmit the request . referring to fig5 , further details of the location information processing between the client and server is disclosed . for instance , continuing at “ a ”, now that the preliminary communications between the client and server have commenced . the additional client operations are illustrated on the left and the server operations are illustrated on the right . these operations may be conducted independently by the client and / or server , or , alternatively , may be conducted in parallel . after receiving the area of interest request , the server validates the request at operation 508 from the client . once the request is deemed valid , the server calculates at operation 510 the geospatial boundaries of the physical area that the user had indicated via the gesture input to determine the physical area - of - interest . if the request is not valid , an invalid request response will be generated and sent to the user at operation 509 , and the process will end at “ b ” operation 514 . moving forward , the server will further determine the relevant stores included in the area - of - interest defined at operation 511 . based on the results of operation 511 , the server will also determine the relevant advertisements at operation 512 by cross - referencing the relevant stores with advertisement information stored in a database . the server will then send the results to the user at operation 513 and will end at “ b ” in operation 514 . referring to the left side of fig5 , while the server is validating and locating the area - of - interest and its related content , the client device is standing by and waiting for the response at operation 501 . during this time period of waiting , the client device keeps checking for the server response while keeping track of time at operation 502 . if a predefined timeout period expires , the client will be informed that no response was received at operation 506 and the process will end at 503 . on the other hand , if the response is received within the timeout period and the result of the server operations “ b ” is provided to the client , it is then determined whether the request is valid or invalid at operation 504 . if the request is considered invalid the client is informed at operation 507 , and the process ends at operation 503 . if the request is deemed valid , the client is informed of the results at operation 505 , and the process ends at operation 503 . the present inventive concept is preferably realized in a hardware device , such as , a computer , cellular phone , or other mobile terminal device etc . in other embodiments , the present invention may be realized in hardware , software , firmware or a combination of hardware , software and / or firmware . the above example embodiments may also be implemented in software code and may be stored on a computer readable medium , such as , for example , non - volatile memory devices ( e . g ., ram , rom , hard disk etc .). the software code may be accessed from the computer readable medium and may be executed by a processor . the executed program may provide one or more of the features of the example embodiments . while preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described , it is to be understood that the embodiments described are illustrative only and the scope of the invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims when considered with a full range of equivalents and modifications ( e . g ., protocols , hardware devices , software platforms etc .) thereto .	7
referring initially to fig1 illustrated is a substrate 1 having a trench 2 formed therein . fig2 shows a titanium layer 3 , optional but preferred , formed in the trench and over the substrate , while fig3 shows a titanium nitride layer 5 being formed over the titanium layer 3 . fig4 shows the forming of an electrical conductor 7 like tungsten in the trench 2 . the surface of the substrate 1 is shown after planarizing in fig5 . note that the conductor 7 is now in the form of a plug having titanium nitride sidewalls 5 . fig6 shows that after patterning of the substrate , usually by photolithographic means ( photoresist , mask and etch ), the titanium nitride 5 sidewalls of the conductive 7 plug are now exposed . if a conventional mom capacitor were to be made , processing would continue at this point with the deposition of a dielectric like tantalum pentoxide and a second electrode . instead , fig7 shows that an electrode material layer 9 that is not titanium nitride , but rather is tungsten or a tungsten - like material such as tungsten nitride , tungsten silicide or tungsten silicide nitride is deposited over the conductor 7 , the titanium 3 and the titanium nitride 5 . fig8 shows that after patterning , the electrode material layer 9 is encapsulating the titanium layer 3 and especially the titanium nitride 5 layer of the plug . in this way titanium nitride 5 is prevented from contacting any subsequently applied tantalum pentoxide to reduce leakage current . fig9 shows a built up mom capacitor with electrode material layer 9 , tantalum pentoxide dielectric 11 and a second electrode 13 . note that the titanium nitride layer 5 does not contact the tantalum pentoxide layer 11 , but the structure has the desirable surface area increase , resulting from the patterning of the substrate , that allows an increase in capacitance per unit area . it is not completely understood why tantalum pentoxide in contact with titanium nitride , as opposed to bare tungsten , has such a high leakage current . it is believed that titanium nitride reacts with tantalum pentoxide to form titanium suboxides , which are resistive . alternatively , or in addition , the use of titanium nitride in conjunction with tantalum pentoxide and an underlying ti layer getters the oxygen from the tantalum pentoxide via diffusion through the barrier , thus reducing the tantalum pentoxide to elemental ta , creating electrical leakage paths or shorts . this results in general circuit performance degradation or failure . the substrate will generally be a semiconductor such as silicon , preferably a dielectric such as silicon dioxide or both . in a typical embedded dram application the conductive plug 7 will be surrounded by dielectric and the bottom of the conductive plug 7 will contact the top of a transistor structure ( not shown ) in silicon . formation of the trench 2 is by conventional patterning such as by photoresist , masking and etching . a “ trench ” is generally a feature that does not extend all the way through a substrate , but a “ trench ” is not necessarily elongated and a trench may be round . however as used herein “ trench ”, for simplicity , also encompasses a “ via ”, which provides electrical communication between two layers , but a via need not be round . in the context of this invention , a trench can extend partially or fully through the substrate to form a via . formation of the titanium layer 3 and the titanium nitride layer 5 may be done by conventional physical vapor deposition ( pvd ) or chemical vapor deposition ( cvd ). the conductive material 7 used to form the plug is preferably tungsten , but alternative materials include aluminum , aluminum alloys such as aluminum copper and aluminum silicon copper , doped polysilicon and the like and these may be deposited by conventional pvd , cvd , electroless and electrolytic plating and the like . note that when the conductive plug 7 is w , the layer 5 on the w will be tin and over the tin will be an optional but preferred ti layer 3 . however , when the conductive plug is aluminum , the adhesion and barrier layers will usually be ti / tin / ti or ti . the electrode material layer 9 is an electrical conductor that is not titanium or titanium nitride . preferred materials include tungsten , tungsten nitride , tungsten silicide , tungsten silicide nitride and combinations thereof . tungsten may be put down as thin as about 50 to about 100 nm by conventional pvd or cvd . tungsten nitride , tungsten silicide and tungsten silicide nitride may be put down as thin as about 10 to about 20 nm . they are preferred to tungsten , as they may be put down thinner . embodiments of capacitor bottom electrode stack - ups of the present invention include w ( or aluminum , aluminum alloys , doped polysilicon ) plug 7 / tin as layer 3 and optional ti as layer 5 or ti / tin / ti or ti when the plug 7 is al / w or wn or wsin or wsi or combinations as layer 9 . final capacitors would further comprise ta 2 o 5 as dielectric layer 11 or other titanium nitride reactive or reducible dielectric and al , w , doped polysilicon or other electrical conductor as a top electrode 13 . in an advantageous embodiment , the electrode material layer 9 may be deposited to a thickness of about 10 nm to about 100 nm at a temperature ranging from about 150 ° c . to about 400 ° c ., under a pressure ranging from about 2 millitorr to about 6 millitorr . the deposition of the electrode material layer 9 may be accomplished by physical vapor deposition at a power ranging from about 1 to about 12 kilowatts . if tungsten nitride or tungsten nitride silicide is used to form layer 9 , this can be done by reactive sputtering of tungsten or tungsten silicide in nitrogen . the tungsten silicide and tungsten nitride may be deposited as a functionally gradient material , wherein the nitrogen and silicon content are made to deliberately vary smoothly within the film thickness . the dielectric layer 11 is then formed using tantalum pentoxide by conventional deposition processes . finally , aluminum , w , doped polysilicon or other conductor forms layer 13 , which is used to make electrical connection to the rest of the embedded dram circuit and as a second electrode . note that the deposition of tungsten nitride and tungsten silicide nitride may also be accomplished by chemical vapor deposition ( cvd ). tungsten nitride is typically applied using wf 6 and ammonia ( nh 3 ) as precursors , while si 2 h 6 is added to the mix to make tungsten silicide nitride . however , the present invention is preferably done in the absence of ammonia , which generates hydrogen . while not wishing to be held to any theory , it is believed that the hydrogen reduces the tantalum pentoxide . nitrogen trifluoride should be used instead of ammonia as a nitrogen source when using cvd . the dielectric layer 11 may be made of a titanium or titanium nitride reactive dielectrics including tantalum pentoxide or aluminum doped tantalum pentoxide . particularly preferred is the use of a stacked tantalum pentoxide dielectric system wherein silicon dioxide is first formed on silicon , followed by tantalum pentoxide , followed by another layer of silicon dioxide . respective thicknesses are about 10 to about 2 nm , about 5 to about 30 nm and about 10 to about 120 nm . stacked tantalum pentoxide systems are described by p . k . roy et al . in appl . phys . letts ., vol . 72 , no . 22 , jun . 1 , 1998 , pp . 2835 - 37 , incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in full . one application for such a capacitor electrode is in memory , optionally embedded , having a transistor in contact with an interconnect plug 7 formed within a dielectric layer overlaying the transistor . in one embodiment , the memory comprises a capacitor located on the dielectric layer that contacts the interconnect . in this particular embodiment , the capacitor includes a capacitor electrode located on the interconnect , wherein the electrode comprises a conductive plug having titanium nitride on its sidewalls that has been encapsulated with an electrode material that is not titanium nitride . tungsten may be used , but tungsten nitride ( wn ), tungsten silicide ( wsi ) and tungsten silicide nitride ( wsin ) are preferred . moreover , the thickness of the electrode material may , of course , vary depending on the design . however , in one particular embodiment , the electrode material may have a thickness ranging from about 10 nm to about 100 nm . in the present invention , the capacitor in use will further include a capacitor dielectric located on the electrode material . for example , in one embodiment , the capacitor dielectric may be tantalum pentoxide . to form a metal - oxide - metal ( mom ) capacitor requires a second electrode located over the capacitor dielectric . in another embodiment , a capacitor includes a conductive plug having titanium nitride thereon , including over the top of the plug , an electrode material layer and a capacitor dielectric . the electrode material layer serves as an electrode and to prevent contact of the dielectric material with titanium nitride . in such embodiments , the electrode material layer may be comprised of tungsten , tungsten nitride , tungsten silicide and tungsten silicide nitride . it is readily apparent that the present invention provides for use with an integrated circuit , an embedded memory having a transistor ( not shown ) in contact with an interconnect conductive plug formed within a dielectric layer overlaying the transistor . the embedded memory comprises a capacitor of the present invention : an interconnect plug coated with a material to cover the titanium or titanium nitride , a dielectric and a top electrode located on the dielectric layer , the interconnect plug also providing connection with a transistor . the foregoing has disclosed preferred and alternative features and embodiments of the present invention so that one of ordinary skill in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows . additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention . one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure can appreciate that he can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention . those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form .	7
in the following , embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings . [ 0033 ] fig1 is a block diagram of a system for controlling handover which is concerned with a working form of the invention . in fig1 this handover control system 100 comprises a wcdma ( wideband code division multiple access )/ wlan multi - functional wireless communications terminal ( hereinafter abbreviated as the mobile terminal ) 10 which handles both the wcdma method based on the imt - 2000 standards specifications and the wlan method , a wcdma access point 20 ( for example , a wireless base station ), a wlan access point 30 , and an ip network 40 , the mobile terminal 10 being enabled for connection to the internet 50 via the ip network 40 . [ 0035 ] fig2 is a block diagram of the ip network 40 which is illustrated in fig1 . in fig2 this ip network 40 comprises access routers 41 through 45 which connect to the wlan access point 30 and the wcdma access point 40 , a handover method selector 46 , a handover method effector 47 , and a database 48 which manages the corresponding relationships between the access routers and the access points ( or an ap - ar management database ). the handover method selector 46 refers to the ap - ar management database 48 based on the information provided from the mobile terminal 10 so as to select an optimal handover method and notifies the handover method effector 47 of the selection . the handover method effector 47 performs the handover processing according to the handover method as provided from the handover method selector 46 . the specific processing procedures are described below . [ 0038 ] fig3 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal 10 as illustrated in fig1 . in fig3 this mobile terminal 10 comprises an antenna 11 which receives a wcdma wireless or a wlan wireless signal , a multi - band rf / if unit 12 which switches to a filter that is relevant to the corresponding wireless methods of said received signal so as to convert the wireless signal to an if signal , an adc ( analog - to - digital converter ) and dac ( digital - to - analog converter ) 13 which performs conversion processing between an analog if signal and a digital . if signal , a signal processor 14 which performs signal processing that is relevant to the method ( for example , despreading processing , modulation / demodulation processing ), an external interface unit 16 which is provided with an interface function for outputting to an external ethernet ( a registered trademark ), etc ., the output received from the signal processor 14 , a central processing unit ( cpu ) 15 which is in charge of controlling the overall system and determines a destination wireless system based on the received input signal output from the multi - band rf / if unit 12 , and the network interface cards ( nics ) 17 and 18 which accommodate , for example , the communications protocols for performing wireless connections according to said corresponding wireless methods . the mobile terminal 10 as described above comprises , for example , a software - defined radio which enables the operation , by downloading to the multi - band rf / if unit 12 , the adc and dac 13 , and the signal processor 14 , the software of the communications method accommodated in nic 17 or nic 18 , as an apparatus at the terminal side for the corresponding methods . besides , the software of the corresponding methods may be accommodated in one nic , or one nic may be provided per wireless method . in the present embodiment , a nic is provided per wireless method so that a wlan nic 17 and a wcdma nic 18 are implemented in the mobile terminal 10 . besides , the example described above is an example in which the nic and the antenna 11 are separately configured , but there may be a case in which a nic includes an antenna . in such a case , such antenna serves the function of the antenna 11 as described above . referring to fig4 through fig6 the handover operations of the system for controlling handover which is configured as described above are described . [ 0043 ] fig4 is a diagram which illustrates a state of communications so as to describe the handover operations of a system for controlling handover according to a working form of the invention . [ 0044 ] fig5 and fig6 are sequence diagrams which illustrate the handover operations of a system for controlling handover according to a working form of the invention . in fig4 the example is intended to represent a case in which the mobile terminal 10 is located in the vicinity of the boundary between a wireless zone that comprises a wlan access point ap - lan 30 and a wireless zone that comprises a wcdma access point ap - wcdma 20 and in which the mobile terminal 10 is seeking a handover from a wlan wireless system to a wcdma wireless system . moreover , taking an access router that is proximate to the wlan access point ap - lan 30 as ar - a 101 and an access router that is proximate to the wcdma access point ap - wcdma 20 as ar - b 102 , the access routers ar - a 101 and ar - b 102 are connected to a router r - a 103 , the handover method selector 46 , and the handover method effector 47 so as to form the respective communications routes . furthermore , a transmitting mobile terminal 70 which transmits a packet to the mobile terminal 10 conducts wireless communications with an access point ap - tx 60 which is currently communicating so that a packet which is received at the ap - tx 60 is transferred via a proximate router r - b 104 . now referring to fig5 and fig6 the handover operations of a system for controlling handover according to a working form of the invention are described in detail . a user packet which is transmitted at the transmitting mobile terminal 70 is received at the wireless system access point ap - tx 60 and then is sequentially transferred in the order of r - b 104 , r - a 103 , ar - a 101 , and ap - lan 30 so as to be converted to a wireless signal at the ap - lan 30 and sent to the mobile terminal 10 ( s 1 ). the wireless signal which transmits said user packet is input to the multi - band rf / if unit 12 of the mobile terminal 10 , which measures the received input value . the measured value is converted to a predetermined signal format at the w - lan nic 17 so as to be sent to the cpu 15 . furthermore , as the mobile terminal 10 is then in the vicinity of the boundary of the wireless zone which comprises the wcdma access point ap - wcdma 20 , the wireless signal which is being transmitted from said ap - wcdma 20 is also received . therefore , as described above , the measurement result of the received input of the wireless signal which is transmitted from ap - wcdma 20 is also sent to the cpu 15 ( s 3 ). the cpu 15 of the mobile terminal 10 compares the received input value from ap - lan 30 and that from ap - wcdma 20 so as to determine the wireless system with the higher received input value as the destination wireless system . here it is assumed that the wcdma wireless system is determined as the destination wireless system . also , then , the cpu 15 detects a change in the respective received inputs at ap - lan 30 and at ap - wcdma 20 so as to estimate from said detected amount of change the travelling speed of the mobile terminal 10 . for example , the doppler velocity is calculated based on the distribution of the received power so as to assume the doppler velocity as the travelling speed of the mobile terminal ( s 4 ). the cpu 15 , as described above , determines the wcdma wireless system as the destination wireless system and , when the projection of the travelling speed is completed , a startup instruction which triggers the startup of wcdma wireless communications is output to nic 17 ( s 5 ). upon receiving this startup instruction , the wcdma nic 18 outputs and sets up at the signal processor 14 , the adc / dac 13 , and the multi - band rf / if unit 12 , the software in which various parameters ( such as modulation parameters ) for receiving the wcdma wireless signal are stated so as to enable the reception of the broadcast information which is periodically broadcast from the ap - wcdma 20 . this broadcast information is received at the cpu 15 via the multi - band rf / if unit 12 , the adc / dac 13 and the signal processor 14 ( s 6 ), said cpu 15 determining the destination access point ( hereinafter abbreviated as the destination ap ) according to the address information of the access router which is included in this broadcast information ( in this case , determined as ar - b 102 ) ( s 7 ). the cpu 15 outputs to the signal processor 14 the information of the destination ap which is determined in said manner ( 1 ), the travelling speed information of the mobile terminal 10 which is previously predicted ( 2 ) and the information on the wireless communications system previously determined ( to be called the wireless system type information ( 3 )). a set of information items comprising ( 1 ), ( 2 ) and ( 3 ) as described above which is input to the signal processor 14 , after undergoing modulation processing , etc ., is converted to an analog signal at the dac portion of the adc / dac 13 and then is converted to a wireless signal at the multi - band rf / if unit 12 so as to be transmitted to the ap - wcdma 20 . subsequently , the information set is sent to the handover method selector 46 via the ar - b 102 within the ip network 40 ( s 8 ). the handover method selector 46 , upon receiving the set of information items ( 1 ), ( 2 ) and ( 3 ), or the destination ap information , the speed information of the mobile terminal 10 , and the wireless system type information , accesses the ap - ar management database 48 so as to determine whether the access router which is in the proximity of the destination access point differs from the access router which is in the proximity of the access point prior to travelling ( in this case , referred to as the determination on the compatibility of the access routers ) ( s 9 ). more specifically , the compatibility of the access routers is determined as described below . fig7 is a table which illustrates an exemplary structure of the ap - ar management database . this ap - ar management database is a database for registering and / or inquiring about the corresponding relationships between the access points and the access routers per user and may be a database server , for example . in fig7 this ap - ar management database 48 manages per user the access point address ( the ap address ), the access router address ( the ar address ), the wireless qos parameter which corresponds to the required qos class , the wireless system type information and the wireless quality condition information . hereupon , it is assumed that a user a of the mobile terminal 10 is currently conducting wireless communications with the ap - lan 30 so as to transfer a user packet via ar - a 101 . therefore , in the ap - ar management database 48 , the ap - lan 30 address as the ap address for the user a and the ar - a 101 address as the ar address are registered . the handover method selector 46 , upon receiving the wireless system type information and the notification of ap - wcdma 20 as the destination ap , refers to the ap - ar management database 48 so as to retrieve the ap address which corresponds to the ap address of the ap - wcdma 20 , the destination access point . in this example , the fact that the ar address which corresponds to the ap address of the ap - wcdma 20 is ar - b 102 may be determined from the same database . in this connection , this ar - b 102 is used for transferring the user packet from the mobile terminal of a certain user x . the handover method selector 46 upon identifying the destination access router as described above determines whether this destination access router and the access router prior to travelling are compatible . as described below , there are , for example , two methods of determining this compatibility of access routers . method 1 is a method which corresponds to a handover between heterogeneous wireless systems in which the compatibility of the access routers is determined based on the wireless system type information . for example , in the example as described above , the wireless system type information of ar - a 101 and the wireless system type information of ar - b 102 are compared so as to determine whether there is compatibility of the access points in the case that the types are different . method 2 is a method which corresponds to a handover between homogeneous wireless systems in which a prefix is set up per access router so as to determine whether there is compatibility of the access routers in the case that the prefixes are different . the handover method selector 46 , upon completing the determination of the compatibility of the access routers as described above , transmits to the mobile terminal 10 a request for setting up a wcdma wireless link ( s 10 ). thereafter , a predetermined process to set up a wireless link between the ap - wcdma 20 and the mobile terminal 10 is executed ( s 11 ) so that a wireless link setup completion notification is sent from the mobile terminal 10 to the handover method selector 46 upon completing this setup process . the handover method selector 46 , upon receiving the wireless link set - up completion notification ( s 12 ), determines a handover method based on the wireless characteristics of the destination wireless system ( s 13 ). more specifically , a network method is selected ( or a handover algorithm is determined ) based on the wireless system type information sent from the mobile terminal 10 , and then a determination is made as to whether a high - speed handover is to be performed based on the information of the travelling speed of the mobile terminal . the handover method selector 46 selects a handover algorithm based on the destination wireless system according to the criteria as described below . ( 2 ) in the case of hsdpa ( high speed downlink packet access ), an enhanced wcdma method : the ip - packet - buffering method ( 4 ) in the case of pdc ( personal digital cellular ): the hard - handover method below , the respective handover methods as listed above according to an embodiment of the invention are described . the soft - handover method of ( 1 ) refers to a method in which the same packet is sent at the time of handover to the router of the destination and the router prior to travelling . the ip - packet - buffering method of ( 2 ) and ( 3 ) refers to a method in which an ip packet is buffered temporarily at the time of handover , the buffering being completed at the time the mobile terminal changes over to the destination router . the hard - handover method of ( 4 ) refers to a method in which at the time of handover a routing cache table is newly created while the routing cache table of the router prior to travelling is deleted . in the case of the present embodiment , since wcdma is selected as the destination wireless system based on the wireless system type information , the soft - handover method ( 1 ) is selected . then , the handover method selector 46 selects whether a high - speed handover is to be performed based on the criteria as described below . selection criteria of high - speed handover high - speed handover speed of terminal 10 selection high speed required medium speed not required low speed not required herein , the high - speed handover method refers to a method in which the signaling procedure ( referring to a signal procedure to set up a communications channel with the other party before starting communications and to carry out the connection with the other party ) of the wireless link is simplified , or to multicasting to the candidate destination routers at the network side , in order to enable , at the time the mobile terminal 10 is travelling at high speed , the accomplishment of the handover for the mobile terminal . based on the travelling speed information from the mobile terminal 10 , the handover method selector 46 selects the high - speed handover method in the case where the mobile terminal 10 is determined to be travelling at high speed while the high - speed handover method is not selected in the cases where the mobile terminal 10 is determined to be travelling at either low speed or medium speed . as described above , the handover method selector 46 selects a handover method according to the type of the wireless system and determines whether the high - speed handover method is required so that the result ( for example , a combination of the handover method and a determination as to whether the high - speed handover method is required ) is provided to the handover method effector 47 ( s 14 ). the handover effector 47 performs processing for the mobile terminal 10 to make the handover based on the provided result ( s 15 ). more specifically , the handover method effector 47 transfers the user packet which is transmitted from the transmitting mobile terminal 70 to ap - wcdma 20 and an access point which neighbors said ap - wcdma ( tentatively referred to herein as the ap - wcdma2 ) via r - a 103 and ar - b 102 ( s 16 ). in the case where the mobile terminal 10 is located in the vicinity of the boundary of the wireless zones comprising the respective access points , the mobile terminal 10 receives and modulates the user packets which are transmitted from the respective access points . furthermore , the mobile terminal 10 , in the case where the terminal is not located in the vicinity of the boundary , receives and modulates the user packet which is received from either access point . besides , in the case that the handover method selector 46 determines that the high - speed handover method is required , a further transfer of the user packet is performed , omitting the signaling procedure as described above . as described above , according to the present working form , the handover method selector 46 at the network side selects a handover method which fulfills the requirement of the mobile terminal 10 based on the destination ap information , the wireless system type information and the travelling speed information which are provided by the mobile terminal 10 so that the selection of the handover method at the side of the mobile terminal 10 is not required . in other words , the identification of the handover method at the mobile terminal 10 is not required so as to enable a reduction in the amount of handover control processing at the mobile terminal . therefore , even in the case of the mobile terminal 10 in which the handover between homogeneous or heterogeneous wireless systems is implemented by a software - defined radio , the configuration of the apparatus at the mobile side does not become complex , enabling the simplification of the apparatus . although the embodiment describes an example in which the handover method selector 46 and the handover method effector 47 are configured separately , they do not necessarily have to be set up separately and may be configured in one server unit which includes both functions . moreover , although the embodiment describes a case in which the handover method selector 46 selects the handover method based on the wireless system type information which is received from the mobile terminal 10 , the present invention is not limited to that case . for example , it may take a form in which the mobile terminal 10 monitors the wireless link quality conditions prior to and after travelling , and the monitoring results are provided to the handover method selector 46 at the network side so that the selector selects the handover method based on the wireless link quality conditions . in this case , the mobile terminal 10 calculates the ber ( bit error rate ) or the s / n ( signal - to - noise ratio ) using the received inputs from the access point prior to travelling ( the wlan system in the case of the present embodiment ) and the access point after travelling ( the wcdma system in the case of the present embodiment ) so as to provide the calculation results as the wireless link quality conditions to the handover method selector 46 at the network side . the handover method selector 46 performs the selection of the handover method according to the criteria as described below : handover method wireless link before / after quality conditions travelling good / good hard - handover method good / bad soft - handover method bad / good ip - packet buffering method bad / bad soft - handover method for example , in the case such that the ber is good before travelling and bad after travelling , the soft - handover method in which the packets are sent from two or more access points is selected as the handover method to obtain a predetermined reception quality . this enables the execution of handover without degrading the reception quality at the mobile terminal 10 . moreover , although the ap - ar management database 48 in the embodiment described above assumes a database server which is connected externally to the handover method selector 46 , the configuration is not limited to this form , but may take , for example , a form such that the functions of the ap - ar management database 48 are provided within the handover method selector 46 . furthermore , although the example as described thus far indicates a case in which communications with multiple wireless systems is enabled by having the mobile terminal 10 either to switch nics which store the respective wireless system communications protocols or to implement multiple nics , the present invention is not limited to this form . for example , it may take a form in which the software which is stored in the nics is downloaded from a server , etc ., that is provided externally . in such a case , as the software in which a wireless protocol most suitable for the location as stated is automatically downloaded to the mobile terminal 10 , the user of the mobile terminal 10 does not have to keep possession of multiple nics , thus improving the ease - of - use for the user . also , although the embodiment describes a case in which the mobile terminal 10 is a multi - functional wcdma / wlan terminal which handles both wcdma and wlan communications methods , it is possible as a matter of course to apply to the present invention a multi - functional terminal which handles more than two types of wireless systems . the present application is based on japanese priority patent application no . 2003 - 047761 filed feb . 25 , 2003 , with the japanese patent office , the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference .	7
referring now to the drawings , a print machine 10 is mounted on a normal frame table 12 . the print machine 10 has a first inlet 14 for receiving originals and print - paper sheets in contact with one another ; a first outlet 16 ; a second , or developer , inlet 17 ; and a final copies outlet 18 . explaining briefly the operation of the print machine 10 , the print machine 10 receives originals superimposed on print - paper sheets at the first inlet 14 , and exposes these two sheets to a lamp 15 in an exposure portion 19a of the print machine 10 . the print machine 10 then ejects the originals and the exposed print - paper sheets at the first outlet 16 . an operator must separate the originals from the print - paper sheets and feed the print - paper sheets into the second inlet 17 where the transferred images are developed on the print - paper sheets in a developing portion 19b of the print machine 10 by means of application of ammonia or the like . the print machine 10 ejects the thusly developed copies at the copies outlet 18 . it should be noted that both inlets 14 and 17 and the first outlet 16 are located at the front of the print machine 10 while the second , or copies , outlet 18 is located at the rear of the print machine 10 . such print machines are common in the art and are well known by architects , draftsmen and other designers . two such print machines have been sold by rotolite corp ., designated by rotolite as model &# 34 ; l &# 34 ; diaz - jet and model &# 34 ; k &# 34 ; mark ii . rotolite , as well as other manufacturers have published specifications and drawings for these print machines and it is not thought necessary to describe them in greater detail herein . also mounted on the table 12 adjacent to the print machine 10 is a tray assembly 20 including an originals / print - paper tray 22 , a copies tray 24 , and a telescoping support arm 26 which is attached to the lower edges of the originals / print - paper tray 22 and the copies tray 24 . the originals / print - paper tray 22 has a front wall 28 , side walls 30 , a rear wall 32 , and a bottom wall 34 . these walls define an envelope for receiving originals and print paper and holding them in a substantially vertical attitude . in this respect , it should be noted that the originals / print - paper tray 22 is sufficiently wide to hold an original blueprint - type trace , for example , without bending it . further , the front wall 28 of the originals / print - paper tray 22 has a height such that the upper edge of a thusly contained , original trace is easily accessible to an operator at a mouth 35 . the originals / print - paper tray 22 , in addition to defining an envelope for holding originals and print - paper sheets , includes side mounting supports 36 for mounting the envelope and for mounting adjustable guides 38a and 38b which guide originals ejected from the first outlet 16 back into the envelope of the originals / print - paper tray 22 . the side mounting supports 36 have table - mounting flanges 40 extending normal to the main portion thereof for fastening the mounting supports 36 to the surface of the table 12 with screws or the like and envelope - mounting , coplanar , flanges 42 for attaching the mounting support 36 to the sidewalls 30 of the envelope . the adjustable guides 38a and b are mounted on rods 44 which extend between the side mounting supports 36 . in this respect , the adjustable guides 38a and b are attached to the rods 44 while the rods 44 are threaded on the ends thereof to engage wing nuts 46 which can be loosened or tightened to clamp the mounting supports 36 against the adjustable guides 38a and b to hold the adjustable guides 38a and b in stable positions . in the preferred embodiment , the walls 28 - 34 , the mounting supports 36 and the adjustable guides 38a and b are constructed of sheet material , such as plastic , however , they could also be constructed of cardboard , fiberboard , wire mesh , or the like . it is only necessary that the material used be somewhat rigid in order to hold the shapes depicted herein . a flat , rigid , sheet - like separator 48 is positioned in the envelope of the originals / print - paper tray 22 to separate already - copied originals from other originals and print paper as is hereinafter described . the separator 48 , in the preferred embodiment , is loosely held in the envelope so that it is freely movable between the front and rear walls 28 and 32 , however , it could also be attached at its lower edge to the bottom wall 34 so long as its upper edge is movable between the front and rear walls 28 and 32 . the copies tray 24 is similarly constructed as the originals / print - paper tray 22 in that it has a front wall 50 , side wall 52 , a rear wall 54 , and a bottom wall 56 . in addition , the copies tray 24 has mounting supports 58 and adjustable guides 60 and 62 . it should be noted that the top adjustable guide 60 is somewhat smaller than the lower adjustable guide 62 , however , its principle is the same . in this respect , the adjustable guides 60 and 62 are similarly mounted with rods 64 and wing nuts 66 as are the adjustable guides 38a and b on the originals / print - paper tray 22 . in this respect , however , there are a series of guide mounting holes 68 into which the rods 64 can be inserted for changing the positions of the rods . the mounting supports 58 of the copies tray 24 also includes table - mounting flanges 70 and envelope - mounting flanges 72 . it can be seen in fig1 that when the copies tray 24 is mounted on the table 12 adjacent to the print machine 10 a mouth 74 of an envelope formed by the front , side , rear , and bottom walls 50 - 58 is adjacent to the copies outlet 18 of the print machine 10 . the adjustable guides 60 and 62 are positioned to guide copies ejected from the copies outlet 18 into the mouth 74 . as was mentioned above , the adjusting arm 26 is mounted at the lower edges 74 and 76 of the originals / print - paper tray 22 and the copies tray 24 , respectively . by extending or contracting the adjusting arm 26 , and by changing the location of the adjustable guide 62 between the guide - mounting holes 68 , the tray assembly 20 can be made to fit various size support tables 12 . it should be noted that both of the trays 22 and 24 are substantially vertical which allows them to be positioned adjacent to the print machine 10 , but yet they do not interfere with movement of an operator about , or access of an operator to , the print machine 10 . in operation , a stack 77 ( fig5 ) of original traces , to be copied with the print machine 10 are placed in the envelope of the originals / print - paper tray 22 immediately in front of the separator 48 , facing the print machine 10 , with the first original to be copied 77a being away from the print machine 10 , or close to the operator . a stack 80 of print paper sheets is also placed in the envelope of the originals / print - paper tray 22 on the outside of the separator 48 and closer to the front wall 28 than the stack 77 of originals . to initiate making a copy , the operator picks up the outside - most original 77a and a piece of print paper 80 at their top opposite corners and holds them together . the operator , pulls these two sheets out of the envelope of the originals / print - paper tray 22 and inserts the bottom edges 82 thereof into the first inlet 14 as is shown in fig4 . as the two sheets proceed through the exposure portion 19a of the print machine 10 , the material on the original is exposed by the lamp 15 ( fig6 ) onto the print paper . both the print paper and the original are ejected from the first outlet 16 , with the print paper being on top and the original being on bottom , facing downwardly . the print paper is fed directly from the first outlet 16 into the second inlet 17 , where it is processed by the developing portion 19b of the print machine 10 and ejected from the second outlet 18 . the original is guided from the first outlet 16 into the mouth of the envelope of the originals / print - paper tray 22 behind ( on the side close to the print machine 48 ) the separator 48 by the adjustable guides 38a and b . in this respect , the operator holds the separator 48 toward the front wall 28 so that the original returns to the envelope behind the separator 48 . each subsequent original , similarly , is guided behind the previous original so that the originals return to the same order and orientation as before they were copied . when an entire set of originals have been printed , the separator 48 can then be moved behind the originals for making another set of prints . the first set of prints may be removed from the print tray for binding without further collating or the like . in this respect , the prints or copies are deposited in the print tray 24 , one on top of the other , in the same order as the originals are in the originals / print - paper tray 22 . it should be understood that the tray assembly of this invention allows the making of many copy sets of a single set of originals with very little lost motion and a minimum of collating and other unnecessary steps . in addition , the tray assembly of this invention maintains original traces during the copying thereof without creasing or otherwise damaging them . while the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .	6
the bonding pastes to be used according to the invention result in coated articles which have an exceptionally soft hand resembling that of napa leather , and the polyurethane films produced from the bonding pastes are distinguished by their low microhardness ( shore a hardness at the most 50 ) and low 100 % modulus values ( less than 15 kp / cm 2 ). these properties are unexpected since polyurethane elastomers produced from aromatic isocyanate prepolymers and hydrazine hydrate of the type used , for example , in elastic polyurethane fibres of the spandex - type have relatively high values for microhardness and modulus values at 100 % elongation . polyurethane elastomers produced from aliphatic isocyanate prepolymers and diamines as chain lengthening agents in the hard segments also have a substantially higher microhardness and high 100 % modulus values compared with the corresponding values of the bonding coats used according to the invention . numerical comparisons may be found in the examples . the bonding coat solutions according to the invention are prepared as follows : an isocyanate prepolymer is first prepared from dihydroxypolyethers and / or dihydroxypolyesters and aliphatic and / or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates ( preferably containing from 6 to 15 carbon atoms ), such as butane - 1 , 4 - diisocyanate , hexane - 1 , 6 - diisocyanate , cyclohexane - 1 , 3 - diisocyanate and / or 1 , 4 - diisocyanate , 3 , 3 , 5 - trimethyl - 5 - isocyanatomethyl - cyclohexylisocyanate ( isophorone diisocyanate ), dicyclohexylmethane - 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- diisocyanate and hexahydrotolyene - 2 , 4 - or - 2 , 6 - diisocyanate . the nco / oh ratio is maintained at from 1 . 4 to 2 . 5 and preferably from 1 . 8 to 2 . 1 . the isocyanate component used is preferably a mixture of hexane - 1 , 6 - diisocyanate and isophorone diisocyanate ( molar ratio from 1 : 3 to 3 : 1 ). the prepolymer is then converted into the polyurethane hydrazodicarbonamide elastomer by reacting it in solution with hydrazine hydrate ( preferably from 50 to 100 % hydrate content ) or with the reaction product of hydrazine hydrate and carbon dioxide . the most suitable dihydroxypolyesters and / or dihydroxypolyethers are those with molecular weights of from 600 to 4000 and particularly from 1800 to 1300 . the dihydroxypolyesters are prepared in known manner from one or more dicarboxylic acids which preferably contain at least 6 carbon atoms and one or more dihydric alcohols . instead of free polycarboxylic acids , the corresponding polycarboxylic acid anhydrides or esters of lower alcohols or mixtures thereof may be used for preparing the polyesters . the polycarboxylic acids may be aliphatic , cycloaliphatic , aromatic and / or heterocyclic and they may be substituted , e . g ., with halogen atoms , and / or be unsaturated . the following are examples : succinic acid , pimelic acid , adipic acid , suberic acid , azelaic acid , sebacic acid , phthalic acid , isophthalic acid , trimellitic acid , phthalic acid anhydride , tetrahydrophthalic acid anhydride , hexahydrophthalic acid anhydride , tetrachlorophthalic acid anhydride , endomethylene tetrahydrophthalic acid anhydride , glutaric acid anhydride , maleic acid anhydride , fumaric acid , dimeric and trimeric fatty acids , such as oleic acid , optionally as mixtures with monomeric fatty acids , dimethylterephthalate or bis - glycol terephthalate . aliphatic dicarboxylic acids are preferred , and particularly adipic acid . examples of suitable dihydric alcohols include ; ethylene glycol , propylene - 1 , 2 - glycol and 1 , 3 - glycol , butylene - 1 , 4 - glycol , - 2 , 3 - glycol and 1 , 3 - glycol , hexane - 1 , 6 - diol , octane - 1 , 8 - diol , neopentyl glycol , 1 , 4 - bis - hydroxymethyl - cyclohexane , 2 - methyl - propane - 1 , 3 - diol , diethylene glycol , triethylene glycol , tetraethylene glycol , higher polyethylene glycols , dipropylene glycol , polypropylene glycols , dibutylene glycol and polybutylene glycols . particularly preferred for the purpose of the invention are ethylene glycol , diethylene glycol , butylene - 1 , 4 - glycol and mixtures of these dihydric alcohols . apart from polyesters of the type described above , polycondensation products of straight - chain hydroxyalkane monocarboxylic acids containing at least 5 carbon atoms , e . g . ε - hydroxycaproic acid , or the corresponding lactone polymers , may also be used according to the invention . suitable polyethers containing two hydroxyl groups are also already known and may be prepared , for example , by the polymerisation of epoxides , such as ethylene oxide , propylene oxide , butylene oxide , tetrahydrofuran , styrene oxide or epichlorohydrin , either each on its own , e . g ., in the presence of bf 3 , or by addition of these epoxides , optionally as mixtures or successively , to starting components which contain reactive hydrogen atoms , such as water , alcohols or amines , e . g . ethylene glycol , propylene - 1 , 2 - glycol or - 1 , 3 - glycol , 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- dihydroxy - diphenylpropane , aniline , ethanolamine or ethylene diamine . dihydroxyl compounds which have been prepared by preliminary chain lengthening or relatively low molecular weight dihydroxypolyesters or dihydroxypolyethers ( molecular weight from 500 to 1200 ) with any aliphatic , cycloaliphatic or aromatic diisocyanates , preferably tolylene diisocyanate , using an nco / oh ratio of from 1 : 2 to 2 : 3 may also be used for synthesising the isocyanate prepolymers . it has been found that the incorporation of such aromatic urethane groups has no deleterious effect on the hand and mechanical properties of the bonding coat . in addition to polyureas , the bonding pastes according to the invention contain commercial reaction products of melamine or urea and formaldehyde or formaldehyde derivatives , which can be prepared in known manner . the combination of these known formaldehyde resins with polyurethanes or cycloaliphatic and if desired also aliphatic isocyanates , dihydroxypolyesters or dihydroxypolyethers ( preferably polyesters from adipic acid and ethylene glycol and / or butane - 1 , 4 - diol and / or diethylene glycol or dihydroxypolybutylene glycol or dihydroxypolypropylene glycol having a molecular weight of from 1800 or 3000 ) and hydrazine , as chain lengthening agent , is surprisingly found to result in bonding coats which have the desired mechanical properties ( microhardness according to shore a ≦ 50 and modulus of 100 % elongation ≦ 15 kp / cm 2 ) and a napa - like hand if the quantitative proportions indicated above are observed . as mentioned above , the bonding pastes preferably contain from 40 to 60 % by weight , of dimethylformamide . the following solvents may be used in addition : dimethylacetamide , n - methylpyrrolidone , tetrahydrofuran , dioxane , methyl ethyl ketone , acetone , diethyl ketone , methyl isobutyl ketone , toluene , xylene , methyl glycol acetate , ethyl glycol acetate , butyl acetate , ethyl acetate , methyl acetate , methanol , ethanol , isopropanol , ethylene glycol monomethyl ether , ethylene glycol monoethyl ether , butanols , diacetone alcohol , cyclohexanone , water and others . a preferred mixture consists of 40 % of dimethylformamide , 30 % of toluene , 20 % of isopropanol and 10 % of ethylene glycol monoethyl ether . acid catalysts are used for cross - linking the polyurethane hydrazodicarbonamide used according to the invention with formaldehyde resins , for example maleic acid , p - toluene - sulphonic acid or mono - ammonium phosphate . they may be used in a buffered form together with bases , such as ammonia , triethylamine , triethanolamine , n - methylmorpholine and morpholine . the polyurethanes in the top coat solutions are so - called &# 34 ; aromatic polyurethanes &# 34 ; or &# 34 ; aliphatic polyurethanes &# 34 ; which are synthesised in known manner from polyisocyanates , higher molecular weight dihydroxypolyesters and / or polyethers and low molecular weight chain lengthening agents . these polyurethanes can be prepared by known methods , either solvent - free or in solution and either by the one - shot process or by way of a prepolymer . the dihydroxypolyesters and / or dihydroxypolyethers used in this case also preferably have molecular weights of from 600 to 4000 and most preferably from 800 to 2500 . the polyesters and polyethers used may , for example , be the same as those mentioned above for the preparation of the bonding coat solutions . other starting components to be used include : aliphatic , cycloaliphatic , araliphatic aromatic and heterocyclic polyisocyanates , such as those described , e . g ., by w . siefken in justus liebigs annalen der chemie , 562 , pages 75 to 136 , for example , ethylene diisocyanate , tetramethylene - 1 , 4 - diisocyanate , hexamethylene - 1 , 6 - diisocyanate , dodecane - 1 , 12 - diisocyanate , cyclobutane - 1 , 3 - diisocyanate , cyclohexane - 1 , 3 - and - 1 , 4 - diisocyanate and mixtures of these isomers , 1 - methyl - 2 , 6 - diisocyanatocyclohexane , 1 - methyl - 2 , 4 - diisocyanatocyclohexane , 1 - isocyanato - 3 , 3 , 5 - trimethyl - 5 - isocyanatomethyl - cyclohexane , hexahydrotolylene - 2 , 4 - and - 2 , 6 - diisocyanate and mixtures of these isomers , hexahydrophenylene - 1 , 3 - and / or - 1 , 4 - diisocyanate , perhydrodiphenylmethane - 2 , 4 &# 39 ;- and / or 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- diisocyanate , phenyl - 1 , 3 - and - 1 , 4 - diisocyanate , tolylene - 2 , 4 - and - 2 , 6 - diisocyanate and mixtures of these isomers , diphenylmethane - 2 , 4 &# 39 ;- and / or - 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- diisocyanate , naphthylene - 1 , 5 - diisocyanate , 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- diphenyl - dimethylmethane - diisocyanate or mixtures of these compounds . 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- diphenylmethane diisocyanate is particularly suitable . the low molecular weight diol components used as chain lengthening agents for the preparation of the polyurethanes used as top coats preferably have molecular weights of from 62 to 450 . various types of diol compounds may be used according to the invention , for example the following : a . alkanediols , such as ethylene glycol , propylene - 1 , 3 - glycol and propylene - 1 , 2 - glycol , butane - 1 , 4 - diol , pentane - 1 , 5 - diol , dimethylpropane - 1 , 3 - diol and hexane - 1 , 6 - diol ; b . ether diols , such as diethylene glycol , triethylene glycol or phenylene - 1 , 4 - bis -( β - hydroxyethylether ); r represents an alkylene or arylene group containing from 1 to 10 , preferably from 2 to 6 carbon atoms ; e . g ., δ - hydroxybutyl - ε - hydroxy - caproic acid ester , ω - hydroxyhexyl - γ - hydroxybutyric acid ester , adipic acid -( β - hydroxyethyl ) ester and terephthalic acid bis -( β - hydroxyethyl ) ester ; r &# 39 ; represents an alkylene , cycloalkylene or arylene group containing from 2 to 15 , preferably from 2 to 6 carbon atoms ; and x represents a number of from 2 to 6 ; e . g ., 1 , 6 - hexamethylene - bis -( β - hydroxyethylurethane ) or 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- diphenylmethane - bis -( δ - hydroxybutylurethane ); f . diol ureas corresponding to the following general formula ## str1 ## wherein r &# 34 ; represents an alkylene , cycloalkylene or arylene group containing from 2 to 15 and preferably from 2 to 9 carbon atoms ; the following are examples of aliphatic diamines which may be used as chain lengthening agents either alone or as mixtures ; ethylene diamine , propylene - 1 , 2 - and 1 , 3 - diamine , tetramethylene - 1 , 4 - diamine , hexamethylene - 1 , 6 - diamine , n , n &# 39 ;- diisobutyl - 1 , 6 - hexamethylene diamine , 1 , 11 - undecamethylene diamine , cyclohexane - 1 , 3 - and - 1 , 4 - diamine and mixtures thereof , 1 - amino - 3 , 3 , 5 - trimethyl - 5 - aminomethylcyclohexane , hexahydrotolylene - 2 , 4 - diamine and - 2 , 6 - diamine and mixtures thereof , perhydro - 2 , 4 &# 39 ;- and - 4 , 4 &# 39 ; diaminodiphenylmethane , p - xylylenediamine and bis ( 3 - aminopropyl - methylamine ). hydrazine and substituted hydrazines such as methylhydrazine , n , n &# 39 ;- dimethylhydrazine and their homologues , as well as acid dihydrazides may also be used according to the invention , e . g ., carbodihydrazide , oxalic acid dihydrazide , the dihydrazides of malonic acid , succinic acid , glutaric acid , adipic acid , β - methyladipic acid , sebacic acid , hydracrylic acid and terephthalic acid , semi - carbazidoalkylene hydrazides , such as β - semicarbazido - propionic acid hydrazine ( dos no . 1 , 770 , 591 ), semicarbazido - alkylene - carbazic esters , such as 2 - semi - carbazidoethyl - carbazic ester ( dos no . 1 , 918 , 504 ), or also amino - semi - carbazide compounds such as β - aminoethylsemi - carbazido - carbonate ( dos no . 1 , 902 , 931 ). examples of suitable aromatic diamines include : bis - anthranilic acid esters according to german offenlegungsschrift nos . 2 , 040 , 644 and 2 , 160 , 590 , 3 , 5 - and 2 , 4 - diaminobenzoic acid esters according to dos no . 2 , 025 , 900 , the diamines with ester described in german offenlegungschrift nos . 1 , 803 , 635 ; 2 , 040 , 650 and 2 , 160 , 589 , and 3 , 3 &# 39 ;- dichloro - 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- diamino - diphenylmethane , tolylene diamine , 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- diaminodiphenylmethane and 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- diaminodiphenyl disulphide . pigments , fillers and other auxiliary agents , such as stabilizers against hydrolysis , uv stabilizers , antioxidants and polysiloxanes , may be added to the top coat and bonding coat pastes in the usual manner . the hand of coated articles produced from known polyurethane top coats and the bonding coats used according to the invention are assessed in the examples . the values for microhardness and 100 % modulus of films produced from the bonding coat pastes are also compared . the figures given represent parts or percentages by weight unless otherwise indicated . the top coating solution is spread on a release paper by means of a doctor roll coater on a spread coating machine . the quantity applied each time corresponds to 120 g of paste per m 2 . after the first passage through the drying channel , which has an air temperature of 100 ° c at the inlet and 140 ° c at the outlet , the bonding coat paste is applied in analogous manner in a thickness corresponding 120 g / m 2 , either in a second spreading machine or after return of the coated release paper . the textile web , consisting of a napped cotton duvetyn weighing 240 g per m 2 , is then applied , and the solvent mixture of the bonding coat is evaporated off in the drying channel . on leaving the drying channel , the release paper and coated web of fabric are rolled up independently of each other . the top coat paste d 1 is a 35 % solution of a polycarbonate polyester urethane is dimethylformamide / mek ( 3 : 2 ) which has a viscosity of 10 , 000 cp at 25 ° c . the polycarbonate polyester urethane was prepared by solvent - free condensation of 1000 g ( 0 . 5 mol ) of hexanediol polycarbonate , 1125 g ( 0 . 5 mol ) of a butane - 1 , 4 - diol adipate , 270 g of butane - 1 , 4 - diol ( 3 . 0 mol ) and the equivalent quantity of 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- diphenylmethanediisocyanate ( 100 g ). the coating paste contains 10 % of a commercial pigment paste . bonding coat paste h 1 is an approximately 50 % solution composed of : 50 g of an approximately 50 % solution of a commercial melamine - formaldehyde resin in butanol and 5 . 0 g of a 20 % solution of p - toluenesulphonic acid in isopropanol . to prepare the 50 % solution of polyesterurethane hydrazodicarbonamide , 2550 g ( 1 . 0 mol ) of a polyester from diethylene glycol and adipic acid ( oh number 44 ) were reacted solvent - free with 333 g ( 1 . 5 mol ) of 3 , 3 , 5 - trimethyl - 5 - isocyanatomethylcyclohexylisocyanate and 84 g ( 0 . 5 mol ) of hexane - 1 , 6 - diisocyanate at 100 ° c to produce an nco - prepolymer . the solvent - free melt was dissolved in 1203 g of dimethylformamide and 896 g of toluene and reacted with a solution of 50 . 0 g ( 1 . 0 mol ) of hydrazine hydrate in 601 g of isopropanol and 301 g of ethylene glycol under conditions of cooling to produce the polyester urethane hydrazo dicarbonamide . the viscosity of the solution is 40 , 000 cp / 25 ° c . bonding coat paste h 2 ( comparison experiment ) is an approximately 50 % solution composed of : 50 g of an approximately 50 % solution of a melamine formaldehyde resin in n - butanol and to prepare the 50 % solution of polyesterurethane urea , 2967 g of the isocyanate prepolymer described for the preparation of bonding coat paste h 1 were dissolved in 1260 g of dimethylformamide and 940 g of toluene and reacted with a solution of 170 g ( 1 . 0 mol ) of 3 , 3 , 5 - trimethyl - 5 - aminomethylcyclohexylamine in 624 g of isopropanol and 315 g of ethyl glycol under conditions of cooling to produce the polyester urethane urea . the viscosity of the solution is 40 , 000 cp / 25 ° c . bonding coat paste h 2 is also adjusted to a suitable spread coating viscosity of about 15 , 000 cp / 25 ° c with dimethylformamide . bonding coat paste h 3 ( comparison experiment ) is a 30 % solution of an aromatic polyester urethane hydrazoldicarbonamide which was prepared as follows : 2550 g ( 1 . 0 mol ) of the diethyleneglycol adipate used for h 1 are reacted with 500 g ( 2 . 0 mol ) of 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- diphenylmethane diisocyanate in 783 g of toluene at 100 ° c to produce an nco prepolymer solution . after dilution of this solution with 6000 g of dimethylformamide , 50 g ( 1 . 0 mol ) of hydrazine hydrate in 430 g of dimethylformamide are added dropwise with cooling and vigorous stirring in the course of about 30 minutes . the approximately 30 % solution obtained has a viscosity of about 25 , 000 cp / 25 ° c . ______________________________________ 100 % moduluscoating microhardness kg / cm . sup . 2component hand shore a ( din 53 504 ) ______________________________________d 1 / h 1 very soft , resem - 50 10 - 13 bling napa leatherd 1 / h 2 distinctly harder 65 15 - 20 ( compari - than d 1 / h 1 ( sond 1 / h 3 hard to rigid 80 70 - 80 ( compari - son ) ______________________________________ top coat paste d 2 is a 30 % solution of a segmented polycarbonate - polyurethaneurea elastomer in xylene / isopropanol / ethyl glycol having a viscosity of 30 , 000 cp at 25 ° c . the polyurethane was prepared by the prepolymer process from 730 g of hexanediol polycarbonate ( molecular weight 2000 ), 180 g of 1 - isocyanate - 3 - isocyanatomethyl - 3 , 5 , 5 - trimethyl - cyclohexane and 90 g of 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- diamino - dicyclohexylmethane . the nco prepolymer which was prepared solvent - free from hexanediol polycarbonate and 1 - isocyanato - 3 - isocyanatomethyl - 3 , 5 , 5 - trimethylcyclohexane was dissolved in toluene and reacted with the diamine solution in isopropanol / ethyl glycol to produce the polyurethane urea . 10 % of a commercial pigment paste is added to the solution . bonding coat past h 4 is an approximately 50 % solution composed of : 50 g of an approximately 50 % solution in n - butanol of a commercial melamine - formaldehyde resin and 50 g of a 20 % solution in isopropanol of p - toluenesulphonic acid . to prepare the 50 % polyester urethane hydrazodicarbonamide solution , 2000 g ( 1 . 0 mol ) of a diethyleneglycol adipate with oh number 56 were reacted solvent - free with 289 g ( 1 . 3 mol ) of 1 - isocyanato - 3 - isocyanato - methyl - 3 , 5 , 5 - trimethylcyclohexane and 67 g ( 0 . 4 mol ) of hexane - 1 , 6 - diisocyanate at 100 ° c to produce an nco prepolymer . the solvent - free melt was dissolved in 1035 g of toluene and reacted with 35 . 0 g ( 0 . 70 mol ) of hydrazine hydrate in 830 g of isopropanol and 475 g of ethyl glycol under conditions of cooling to produce the polyester urethane hydrazodicarbonamide . the viscosity of the solution is 42 , 000 cp / 25 ° c . bonding coat paste h 4 is adjusted to a suitable spread coating viscosity of about 15 , 000 cp / 25 ° c with toluene for laminating the textile web . bonding coat paste h 5 ( com parison ) is an approximately 50 % solution composed of : 50 g of an approximately 50 % solution of a melamine - formaldehyde resin in n - butanol and to prepare the 50 % solution of polyester urethane urea , 2356 g of the prepolymer mentioned for the preparation of bonding coat paste h 4 were dissolved in 1120 g of toluene and reacted with a solution of 119 g ( 0 . 70 mol ) of 3 , 3 , 5 - trimethyl - 5 - aminomethylcyclohexylamine in 865 g of isopropanol and 490 g of ethyl glycol under conditions of cooling to produce the polyester urethane urea . the viscosity of the solution is 40 , 000 cp / 25 ° c . for laminating the textile web , the viscosity is adjusted to 15 , 000 cp / 25 ° c with toluene . ______________________________________com - ponentsof the microhardness 100 % moduluscoating hand shore a kp / cm . sup . 2______________________________________d 2 / h 4 very soft and 45 - 50 10 - 12 pleasant , resem - bling nappa leatherd 2 / h 5 substantially 60 15 - 20 ( compari - harder and lessson ) pleasant than d 2 / h 4______________________________________ top coating paste d 1 is used for producing the top coat . bonding coat paste h 6 is an approximately 50 % solution composed of : 1000 g of a 50 % solution of polyether urethane hydrazocarbonamide , 50 g of an approximately 50 % solution of a melamine - formaldehyde resin in n - butanol and 5 . 0 g of a 20 % solution of p - toluenesulphonic acid in isopropanol . to prepare the 50 % solution of polyether urethane hydrazodicarbonamide , 3000 g ( 3 . 0 mol ) of a dihydroxypolypropylene glycol ether ( oh number 112 ) and 348 g ( 2 . 0 mol ) of an isomeric mixture of 2 , 4 - and 2 , 6 - diisocyanatotoluene ( 65 / 35 ) were reacted solvent free at 100 ° c . the dihydroxypolyether urethane was then reacted with 333 g of 1 - isocyanato - 3 - isocyanatomethyl - 3 , 5 , 5 - trimethylcyclohexane ( 1 . 5 mol ) and 84 g of hexane - 1 , 6 - diisocyanate ( 0 . 5 mol ) at 100 ° c to produce the nco prepolymer which was then dissolved in 1520 g of dimethylformamide and 1140 g of toluene and reacted with a solution of 50 g ( 1 . 0 mol ) of hydrazine hydrate in 760 g of isopropanol and 380 g of ethyl glycol . the viscosity of the 50 % solution is 30 , 000 cp / 25 ° c . for laminating the textile web , the solution is adjusted to a spread coating viscosity of about 15 , 000 cp / 25 ° c with dimethyl formamide . bonding coat paste h 7 ( comparison ) is an approximately 50 % solution of 1000 g of a 50 % solution of a polyether urethane urea , 50 g of an approximately 50 % solution of a melamine - formaldehyde resin in n - butanol and 5 . 0 g of a 20 % solution of p - toluenesulphonic acid in isopropanol . to prepare the approximately 50 % solution of polyether urethane urea , 3765 g of the nco prepolymer mentioned for the preparation of bonding coat solution h 6 were dissolved in 1585 g of dimethylformamide and 1175 g of toluene and reacted with a solution of 170 g of 1 - amino - 3 - aminomethyl - 3 , 5 , 5 - trimethylcyclohexane ( 1 . 0 mol ) in 785 g of isopropanol and 395 g of ethyl glycol . viscosity of the solution : 35 , 000 cp / 25 ° c ./ ______________________________________coating microhardness 100 % moduluscomponents hand shore a kp / cm . sup . 2______________________________________d 1 / h 6 very soft , 45 5 - 10 resembling napa leatherd 1 / h 7 substantially 60 20 - 30 ( compari - harder and lessson ) pleasant than d 1 / h 6______________________________________ top coating paste d 1 is used to produce the top coat . bonding coat paste h 8 is an approximately 50 % solution composed of : 1000 g of a 50 % solution of polyester urethane hydrazodicarbonamide , 50 g of an approximately 50 % solution of a commercial melamine - formaldehyde resin in n - butanol , and 5 . 0 g of a 20 % solution of p - toluenesulphonic acid in isopropanol . to prepare the 50 % solution of polyester urethane hydrazodicarbonamide , 2070 g ( 1 . 0 mol ) of a polyester of triethylene glycol / hexane - 1 , 6 - diol ( molar ratio 2 : 1 ) and adipic acid ( oh number 54 ) were reacted with 333 g ( 1 . 5 mol ) of isophorone diisocyanate and 84 g ( 0 . 5 mol ) of hexamethylene - 1 , 6 - diisocyanate at 100 ° c to produce an isocyanate prepolymer which was then dissolved in 1000 g of dimethylformamide and 750 g of toluene and chain lengthened with a solution of 50 g ( 1 . 0 mol ) of hydrazine hydrate in 500 g of isopropanol and 250 g of ethyl glycol . the viscosity of the 50 % solution is 40 , 000 cp / 25 ° c . for laminating the textile web , the paste is adjusted to a spread coating velocity of about 15000 cp / 25 ° c with dimethylformamide . ______________________________________coating microhardness 100 % moduluscomponents hand shore a kp / cm . sup . 2______________________________________d 1 / h 8 very soft , 30 5 resembling napa leather______________________________________ top coating paste d 1 is used to produce the top coat . 50 g of an approximately 50 % solution of a commercial melamine - formaldehyde resin in n - butanol , 5 . 0 g of a 20 % solution of p - toluene sulphonic acid in isopropanol . to prepare the 50 % solution of polyester urethane hydrazodicarbonamide , 2000 g ( 1 . 0 mol ) of a polyester from butylene glycol - 1 , 4 , ethylene glycol , diethylene glycol ( molar ratio 2 . 2 : 1 . 9 : 1 . 2 ) and adipic acid ( oh number 56 ) were reacted with 333 g ( 1 . 5 mol ) of isophorone diisocyanate and 84 g ( 0 . 5 mol ) of hexamethylene - 1 , 6 - diisocyanate at 100 ° c to produce the isocyanate prepolymer which was then dissolved in 980 g of dimethylformamide and 735 g of toluene and chain lengthened with a solution of 50 g ( 1 . 0 mol ) of hydrazine hydrate in 490 g of isopropanol and 215 g of ethyl glycol . the viscosity of the 50 % solution is 42 , 000 cp / 25 ° c . for laminating the textile web , the coating paste is adjusted to a viscosity of about 10 , 000 cp / 25 ° c with dimethylformamide . ______________________________________coating microhardness 100 % moduluscomponent hand shore a kp / cm______________________________________d 1 / h 9 very soft , 30 5 resembling napa leather______________________________________	8
referring now to fig1 , an industrial control system 10 may provide for a housing 12 or similar support that assembles together multiple modules 14 to communicate together on a common industrial control backplane 15 when so assembled . modules 14 may generally include an industrial controller 14 a executing a control program , a communication module 14 b , for example , communicating on an industrial control network ( such as those using common industrial protocols ( cip ) such as ethernet / ip , devicenet , and controlnet ), a power supply 14 c , and one or more i / o modules 14 e to be discussed herein . one i / o module 14 may be an input module 16 having a set of electrical terminals 18 on a front face of a housing 19 , the terminals 18 adapted to be connected to conductors 20 that may communicate with various sensors 22 and 24 of an industrial process 26 . a rear face of the housing 19 may provide an electrical connector 28 that may communicate with a corresponding connector on the backplane 15 . it will be appreciated that backplane 15 may be alternatively contained partially within each module 14 and formed by interconnections via connector pairs ( not shown ) on each of the modules 14 connecting with adjacent modules when the modules 14 are assembled together . referring now also to fig2 , the input module 16 may include an input circuit 30 held within the housing 19 and providing electrical isolation to protect the industrial control system 10 from external high voltages . the input circuit 30 may receive , across a first and second terminal 18 a and 18 b , one or more pulses 32 at input terminal 18 a from an associated sensor and being either positive - or negative - going with respect to a ground reference at terminal 18 b . desirably , the input circuit 30 may respond to a positive - going pulse from 4 to 32 volts occurring at frequencies as high as four megahertz and providing for a pulse - width detection accurate to plus or minus 30 nanoseconds . a positive - going pulse 32 generates a current along a current path 39 received by an input of an optical isolator 34 which provides outputs 36 which may be communicated through a backplane interface to the backplane 15 . terminals 18 a and 18 b of the input circuit 30 are shunted by a surge protector 38 that limits the voltage difference between terminals 18 a and 18 b . as shown in fig3 , the surge protector 38 is placed to bypass the current path 39 and may be a transient - voltage - suppression ( tvs ) diode 40 in parallel with a capacitor 41 . the tvs diode 40 will be rated at a voltage higher than the highest expected operating voltage of the input circuit 30 . following the tvs diode 40 may be a reverse current limiter 42 placed along the current path 39 and connected to the junction between terminal 18 a and surge protector 38 . the reverse current limiter 42 may limit current passing along current path 39 in a reverse direction from terminal 18 b to terminal 18 a , for example , when the pulse 32 is negative - going . this reverse current limiter 42 may comprise a diode 44 back - biased by reverse current along current path 39 and shunted by a resistor 46 . forward current along current path 39 from terminal 18 a and 18 b passes through the diode 44 with a minor forward diode voltage drop while reverse current is blocked by the diode 44 and must pass through resistor 46 which limits this current . following the surge protector 38 and reverse current limiter 42 is a reverse voltage limiter 50 which shunts the current path 39 to allow the flow of current from terminal 18 b through the reverse voltage limiter 50 backward through the reverse current limiter 42 to the terminal 18 a thereby bypassing the remainder of the input circuit 30 . the reverse voltage limiter 50 may comprise two series - connected diodes oriented to be forward biased by current passing backward along the current path 39 from terminal 18 b to terminal 18 a and limiting the voltage difference across the reverse voltage limiter 50 ( and thus the voltage applied to the remainder of the input circuit 30 ) to approximately two diode drops or approximately 1 . 4 volts . along the current path 39 from terminal 18 a , past the reverse voltage limiter 50 , is a forward current limiter 56 which is in series with the input of the optical isolator 34 along the current path 39 . the forward current limiter 56 thus operates to limit current to the input of the optical isolator 34 . the forward current limiter 56 may comprise two series - connected n - channel depletion jfet devices 58 and 60 where current passing along current path 39 passes into the drain and out of the source of device 58 and then into the drain and out of the source of device 60 . current exiting the source of device 60 passes through a resistor 62 and then to the anode of a light emitting diode 64 providing input of the optical isolator 34 . a junction between the resistor 62 and the input of the optical isolator 34 is connected in parallel to the gates of devices 58 and 60 . this biasing by the voltage drop across resistor 62 causes devices 58 and 60 to be normally on with low current flows and then to be progressively turned off ( to higher resistance values ) as current flow increases . a shunting resistor 65 may be placed across the drain and source of device 58 to reduce heat dissipation from device 58 . the forward current limiter 56 allows the input circuit 30 to operate over a wide variety of different voltages at the terminals 18 without overloading the current capabilities of the input of the optical isolator 34 . a second mechanism limiting the application of electrical power to the light emitting diode 64 of the optical isolator 34 is a shunting bipolar npn transistor 66 which provides a shunt current limiter 67 creating a bypass path 68 around the optical isolator 34 . in one example , the emitter of transistor 66 communicates with the ground reference of terminal 18 b and the collector of transistor 66 is connected through diode 70 to the output of the forward current limiter 56 . diode 70 is oriented to allow current flow through the transistor 66 from collector to emitter . the base of transistor 66 is connected to a voltage divider comprised of a resistor 72 passing from the output of forward current limiter 56 ( and one input of the optical isolator 34 ) to the base of transistor 66 , and of resistor 74 passing from the base of transistor 66 to the ground reference of terminal 18 b . the light emitting diode 64 of the optical isolator 34 is connected across the ends of resistor 72 in a direction to conduct electricity passing forward along the current path 39 . a capacitor 76 of less than 1000 picofarads is connected across the ends of resistor 74 in order to speed up the response of the optical isolator . it will be appreciated that the circuit of the shunt current limiter 67 limits the current through the light emitting diode 64 to less than that which would occur at a voltage equal to the sum of saturation voltage of transistor 66 and the forward diode drop of diode 70 . by clamping this voltage , the response time of light emitting diode 64 in turning off is greatly reduced for example , by limiting the charging of parasitic capacitances and the like . light emitting diode 64 transmits light to a photodetector 80 within the optical isolator 34 which communicates with schmitt trigger circuit 82 . the schmitt trigger circuit 82 provides hysteresis in the switching of the output 36 of the optical isolator 34 . an optical isolator 34 providing these features is commercially available from toshiba of japan under the trade designation tlp2361 and provides a high output , gallium aluminum arsenide light emitting diode coupled with a high gain high - speed photodetector . in one embodiment , a stability capacitor 84 may be placed across the outputs 36 of the optical isolator 34 . certain terminology is used herein for purposes of reference only , and thus is not intended to be limiting . for example , terms such as “ upper ”, “ lower ”, “ above ”, and “ below ” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made . terms such as “ front ”, “ back ”, “ rear ”, “ bottom ” and “ side ”, describe the orientation of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion . such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above , derivatives thereof , and words of similar import . similarly , the terms “ first ”, “ second ” and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context . when introducing elements or features of the present disclosure and the exemplary embodiments , the articles “ a ”, “ an ”, “ the ” and “ said ” are intended to mean that there are one or more of such elements or features . the terms “ comprising ”, “ including ” and “ having ” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features other than those specifically noted . it is further to be understood that the method steps , processes , and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated , unless specifically identified as an order of performance . it is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed . it is specifically intended that the present invention not be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein and the claims should be understood to include modified forms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims . all of the publications described herein , including patents and non - patent publications , are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties .	6
[ 0039 ] fig1 is a block diagram illustrating relevant components of a networked system 110 employing one embodiment of the present invention . fig1 shows a pair of computer systems ( nodes ) 112 and 114 executing the tcp / ip protocol suite . in fig1 , nodes 112 and 114 are coupled to each other via a router or switch 116 and ethernet communication links 120 and 122 . in one embodiment , the present invention may take form in software executing on one or more processors within router or switch 116 . in another embodiment , the present invention may take form in an application specific integrated circuit ( asic ) in router or switch 1116 . the present invention should not be limited to use within router or switch 116 . the present invention could find use within , for example , node 114 . for purposes of explanation , the present invention will be explained as being used within router 116 , it being understood that the present invention should not be limited thereto . nodes 112 and 114 are shown having four communication layers 130 - 136 and 140 - 146 , respectively . layers 130 - 136 and 140 - 146 take form in software instructions executing on one or more processors in nodes 112 and 114 , respectively . layers 132 - 136 and 142 - 146 are implemented in operating systems of nodes 12 and 14 , respectively . layers 130 and 140 and nodes 112 and 114 , respectively , take form in any one of many user applications including ftp , smtp , telnet , etc . for purposes of explanation , layers 132 and 142 will take form in either tcp or udp transport layers , layers 134 and 144 will take form in ip network layers , while layers 136 and 146 take form in ethernet link layers for interfacing with ethernet communication links 120 and 122 , respectively . in fig1 , node 112 is presented as a client to server node 114 . server application 40 provides some type of service ( e . g ., smtp ) to client application 130 in response to a request from client application 130 . client application 130 communicates with server application 140 by sending data down through layers 132 - 136 until the data , along with appended headers and / or trailers , is sent as a stream of bits to node 114 via router 116 and communication links 120 and 122 . the data received by node 114 is sent up through layers 146 - 142 until the data , less headers and / or trailers reaches server application 140 . the type of headers and / or trailers generally added to data generated by layers 130 - 136 are described in the background section above with reference to fig4 - 7 . router 116 shown in fig1 includes a filter 142 that checks frames it receives . if a frame received by router 116 passes the checks performed by filter 142 , the frame is passed to , for example , node 114 . if a frame received by router 116 does not pass one or more of the checks performed by filter 142 , the frame is dropped so that the frame does not reach its destination ( e . g ., node 114 ). filter 142 can perform many checks on frames received by router 116 . in one embodiment , filter 142 performs any one or more of the checks of the algorithm listed below : if ( protocol = tcp ) if ( fragment offset = 0 ) check length 1 ≧ ( p0 × 8 ) check ( 1 ) check length 2 ≧ ( p0 × 8 ) check ( 2 ) check tcp header length ≧ 5 check ( 3 ) else check fragment offset ≧ p0 check ( 4 ) if ( protocol = udp ) if ( fragment offset = 0 ) check length 1 ≧ ( p1 × 8 ) check ( 5 ) check length 2 ≧ ( p1 × 8 ) check ( 6 ) else check fragment offset ≧ p1 check ( 7 ) else if ( fragment offset = 0 ) check length 1 ≧ ( p2 × 8 ) check ( 8 ) check length 2 ≧ ( p2 × 8 ) check ( 9 ) else check fragment offset ≧ p2 , check ( 10 ) where length 1 and length2 are calculated according to the following equations : length 1 ( in bytes )=( total length value in ip header of the received frame )−(( ip header length value in ip header of the received frame )× 4 ). length 2 ( in bytes )=( total number of counted bytes in the received frame )−( total number of data bytes in ethernet header and trailer of the received frame )−(( ip header length value in ip header of the received frame )× 4 ) p0 , p1 , and p2 in the above algorithm are programmable values stored within memory . p0 , p1 , and p2 may be equal to each other , or different from each other . it is noted that p0 , p1 , and p2 are multiplied by 8 in the above algorithms . in an alternative embodiment , p0 , p1 , and p2 may be multiplied by values other than 8 . length2 is calculated as a function of the total number of counted bytes in the received frame to be checked . the total number of counted bytes of the received frame can be generated in one of many different ways . in one embodiment , a counting variable n in memory is initially to 0 . thereafter , n is incremented by one for each byte in the received frame until all bytes in the received frame are counted . the bytes of the frame can be counted as the bytes enter the router 116 , or the bytes can be counted after the received frame has been temporarily stored in memory of router 116 . length2 ( in bytes )=( total number of counted bytes in the datagram of the received frame )−(( ip header length value in ip header in the received frame )× 4 ) it is noted that in this alternative embodiment of calculating length2 , only the bytes of the datagram of the received frame need be counted . the total number of counted bytes of the datagram can be generated in one of many different ways . in one embodiment , a counting variable m in memory is initially to 0 . thereafter , m is incremented by one for each byte of the datagram in the received frame until all bytes of the datagram are counted . the bytes of the datagram can be counted as the bytes of the datagram enter the router 116 , or the bytes of the datagram can be counted after the datagram have been temporarily stored in memory of router 116 . in operation , filter 142 will drop any received frame if any one or more of the various checks ( 1 )-( 10 ) are not passed . it is noted that filter 142 need not perform all checks ( 1 )-( 10 ) listed above for each frame received by router 116 . for example , filter 142 at one point in time , may perform only check ( 2 ) or only check ( 3 ), or filter 142 may perform only checks ( 2 ), ( 3 ) and ( 4 ) on frames received by router 116 . at another point in time , filter 142 may perform all checks ( 1 )-( 10 ) on frames received by router 116 . for purposes of explanation , it will be presumed that filter 142 performs all checks ( 1 )-( 10 ) on all frames received by router 116 . thus , if router 116 receives a frame , regardless of whether its datagram contains a udp or tcp segment as identified in the protocol field of the ip header , if the fragment offset of the ip header is set to 0 , and if lengths 1 or 2 are calculated to be less than p2 × 8 , filter 142 will drop the frame such that it never reaches its destination ( e . g ., node 14 ) in accordance with checks ( 8 ) and ( 9 ), respectively . if router 116 receives a frame , regardless of whether its datagram contains a udp or tcp segment as identified in the protocol field of the ip header , filter 142 will drop the frame if the fragment offset defined in the ip header is not equal to 0 but is less than p2 in accordance with check ( 10 ). if router 116 receives a frame having a udp segment in its datagram ( as identified in the protocol field of the ip header of the received frame ) and if the fragment offset set forth in the ip header of the received frame is set to 0 , then filter 142 will drop the received frame if length 1 or length2 is less than p1 × 8 in accordance with checks ( 5 ) and ( 6 ), respectively . if router 116 receives a frame having a udp segment , filter 142 will drop the frame if the fragment offset set forth in the ip header is not set to 0 but is set to a value less than p1 in accordance with check ( 7 ). if router 116 receives a frame having a tcp segment in its datagram ( as identified in the protocol field of the ip header of the received frame ), filter 142 will drop the frame if the fragment offset value set forth in the ip header is set to 0 , and if length1 or length2 is less than p0 × 8 in accordance with checks ( 1 ) and ( 2 ), respectively . if router 116 receives a frame having a tcp segment in its datagram ( as identified in the protocol field of the ip header of the received frame ), filter 142 will drop the frame if the value of the tcp header length field is than 5 in accordance with check ( 3 ). if router 116 receives a frame having a tcp segment , filter 142 will drop the frame if the fragment offset set forth in the ip header is not set to 0 but is set to a value less than p0 in accordance with check ( 4 ). as described in the background section above frame 108 in fig1 is capable of passing the rfc 3128 algorithm . if router 116 receives frame 108 , filter 142 executing the algorithm set forth above , will drop frame 108 if , for example , p0 is set to 2 such that po × 8 is 16 bytes . when router 116 receives frame 108 , lengths 1 and 2 are calculated . for purposes of explanation the total number of bytes of frame 108 including the bytes in the ethernet header and trailer , is counted . in the illustrated example , because each line of frame 108 is 32 - bits long , a total number of 46 bytes will be counted . the total number of bytes in the ethernet header and trailer is 18 . the ip header length value in the ip header of frame 108 is 5 . accordingly , length2 ( in bytes )= 46 − 18 −( 5 × 4 )= 8 . because 8 bytes is less than po × 8 = 16 bytes , frame 108 shown in fig1 will be dropped by filter 142 in accordance with check ( 2 ). as noted above , the checks ( 1 )-( 10 ) above can be performed by one or more processors within router 116 executing software instructions . alternatively , the checks ( 1 )-( 10 ) above can be performed by one or more asics within router 116 . fig1 illustrates one non - software implemented filter embodiment for checking frames in accordance with checks ( 1 )-( 10 ). more particularly , fig1 shows in block diagram form , a media access control ( mac ) circuit 144 coupled to a parser circuit 146 and asic 148 . in operation , mac circuit 144 receives an ethernet frame directly or indirectly from node 112 via ethernet communication link 120 . media access controller may store the received frame within a memory ( not shown ). mac circuit 144 counts the total number of bytes within the received frame including the number of bytes of the ethernet frame header and trailer . this value is provided as the total number of counted bytes to asic 148 . additionally , mac circuit 144 provides the frame data to asic 148 and parser 146 . it is noted that mac circuit 144 processes the received frame into a format that can be understood by asic 148 and parser 146 . asic 148 in response to receiving the frame data and the total number of counter bytes from mac circuit 144 , performs one or more of the checks ( 1 )-( 10 ) above . if the frame received by asic 148 does not meet one or more of the checks set forth above , then the frame is dropped . although the present invention has been described in connection with several embodiments , the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein . on the contrary , it is intended to cover such alternatives , modifications , and equivalents as can be reasonably included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims .	7
the details of this invention are described as following through combination of the embodiments and figures . the normal mice were purchased from shanghai research center for model organisms . all the reagents and raw materials can be obtained through purchase from companies or preparation with the methods reported . in the following experiments , the processes without specific instructions were carried out routinely or according to the manufactory &# 39 ; s instruction . a plasmid containing fabp4 - metrnl was constructed with the promoter region of fabp4 and open reading frame of metrnl . after the verification with sequencing and linearization with restriction enzyme cutting , this plasmid was injected into fertilized eggs which were transplanted into the uterus of pseudopregnant mice . after genomic identification of the offspring , the mice carrying the fabp4 - metrnl in genome were chosen to mate with c57bl / 6 mice . the next - generation mice carrying the fabp4 - metrnl in genome were selected into experimental group , and the mice without fabp4 - metrnl in genome were selected into control group . plasmid containing fabp4 - metrnl can also be produced using purchased commodities , for example , open reading frame of metrnl can be purchased from thermo ( lot . mmm1013 - 202763251 ), and the promoter region of fabp4 can be obtained from addgene ( no . 11424 ). the metrnl adipose - specific overexpression mice can also produced through entrusting shanghai research center for model organisms . metrnl overexpression can prevent the increase of blood glucose induced by intraperitoneal injection of glucose mice aged 22 weeks have been fed for 16 weeks with high fat diet ( research diets , lot . d12492 ). both control wild type and metrnl adipose - specific overexpression mice were administrated with the same dose of glucose via intraperitoneal injection . follows are the details . mice aged 22 weeks fasted for 8 hours , and were intraperitoneally injected with glucose at a dose of 1 g / kg . then , blood glucose was detected at different time points ( table 1 ) with a one touch ultra glucometer ( johnson & amp ; johnson ) via tail vein bleeding . the results showed that the blood glucose was dramatically lower in metrnl adipose - specific overexpression mice than that in control wild type mice ( table 1 and fig1 ). 12 - week - old mice fasted for 3 hours , and were administrated with fat emulsion ( lipofundin , b . braun melsungen ) at a dose of 10 μl / g . blood samples were obtained from the tail vein at different time points . and 10 μl serum was used to detect the concentration of triglyceride with triglyceride colorimetric assay kit ( e1003 , applygen technologies inc .) the results showed that the blood triglyceride was significantly lower in metrnl adipose - specific overexpression mice than that in control wild type mice ( table 2 and fig2 ). the present invention is not intended to limit to embodiments thereof . further , 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 invention as defined by the appended claims .	0
in the following detailed description of the present embodiments , reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof , and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments that may be practiced . these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice disclosed subject matter , and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that process , electrical or mechanical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter . the following detailed description is , therefore , not to be taken in a limiting sense , and the scope of the claimed subject matter is defined only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof . fig1 is a schematic of a micro - display 100 , e . g ., as a portion of a digital projector , according to an embodiment . for one embodiment , micro - display 100 functions as a light modulator of the digital projector . for another embodiment , micro - display 100 includes a device 102 and a driver 104 . for some embodiments , device 102 includes one or more micro - electromechanical system ( mems ) devices 111 , such as micro - mirrors , liquid crystal on silicon ( lcos ) devices , interference - based modulators , etc . for other embodiments , device 102 and driver 104 are formed separately and are subsequently bonded together . for one embodiment , device 102 includes a substrate 106 , such as a transparent cover , e . g ., of glass . for another embodiment , a transparent layer 108 , e . g ., of teos ( tetraethylorthosilicate ) oxide , silicon oxide , etc ., is formed on substrate 106 . a partially reflecting layer 110 , e . g ., a tantalum - aluminum ( taal ) layer , is formed on transparent layer 108 . for other embodiments , partially reflecting layer 110 may be formed directly on substrate 106 . for other embodiments , partially reflecting layer 110 forms a first capacitor plate of device 102 . device 102 also includes pixel plates 112 , e . g ., as a portion of the mems devices 111 , that are suspended by flexures 120 within a gap 114 located between partially reflecting layer 110 and a protective layer 116 , e . g ., of teos ( tetraethylorthosilicate ) oxide , silicon oxide , etc . specifically , a first gap portion 114 , of gap 114 separates a pixel plate 112 from partially reflecting layer 110 , and a second gap portion 114 2 of gap 114 separates a pixel plate 112 from protective layer 116 . for one embodiment , pixel plates 112 form second capacitor plates of device 102 . flexures 120 electrically connect their respective pixel plates to one or more signal posts 122 that terminate at signal contacts 124 formed on protective layer 116 . for one embodiment , pixel plates 112 are of a aluminum - copper ( alcu ) alloy that acts like a mirror . for another embodiment , pixel plates 112 include a layer of taal formed on a layer of alcu , where the alcu layer faces partially reflecting layer 110 . for one embodiment , a bond ring 126 is electrically connected to partially reflecting layer 110 and terminates at ground contacts 128 formed on protective layer 116 . for some embodiments , bond ring 126 also provides support between substrate 106 and protective layer 116 . for another embodiment , ground posts 127 are also electrically connected to partially reflecting layer 110 and terminate at ground contacts 129 formed on protective layer 116 . ground posts 127 may also provide support between substrate 106 and protective layer 116 , for some embodiments . for one embodiment , driver 104 is complementary metal oxide semiconductor ( cmos ) substrate . driver 104 can be formed using semiconductor - processing methods known to those skilled in the art . driver 104 includes driver circuits 130 adapted to respectively control the positions of pixel plates 112 and thus the corresponding gaps 114 . each of driver circuits 130 is connected between a signal supply line 132 and a ground line 136 . signal supply line 132 terminates at a signal contact 134 formed in a protective layer 135 , e . g ., of teos ( tetraethylorthosilicate ) oxide , silicon oxide , etc . ground line 136 is connected between a main ground line 137 and a ground contact 138 formed in protective layer 135 . driver 104 is electrically connected to device 102 , for one embodiment , by bonding ground contacts 129 to ground contacts 138 to connect ground posts 127 , and thus partially reflecting layer 110 , to ground , and by bonding signal contacts 124 to signal contacts 134 to connect driver circuits 130 to signal posts 122 and thus to pixel plates 112 . for another embodiment , main ground line 137 may also be separately connected to ground contacts 128 by bonding ground contacts 128 to ground contacts 140 formed in protective layer 135 and connected to main ground line 137 . this connects seal ring 126 , and thus further connects partially reflecting layer 110 , to ground . for another embodiment , the contacts may be soldered together . for other embodiments , protective layers 116 and 135 are bonded together using plasma - enhanced bonding so that the contacts abut each other . for another embodiment , ground posts 127 and / or bond ring 126 , signal posts 122 , pixel plates 112 , and flexures 120 are formed as a part of driver 104 using semiconductor - processing methods . for this embodiment , partially reflecting layer 110 is formed on substrate 106 , e . g ., by chemical vapor deposition . partially reflecting layer 110 is then bonded , e . g ., by gluing , plasma - enhanced bonding , or the like , to ground posts 127 and / or bond ring 126 . this acts to reduce the number of processing steps compared to where transparent layer 108 is disposed on the substrate 106 prior to partially reflecting layer 110 , as discussed above and shown in fig1 . in operation , driver circuits 130 respectively send signals via signal lines 132 , signal posts 122 , and flexures 120 to pixel plates 112 . this creates potentials between partially reflecting layer 110 and the respective pixel plates 112 that deflect the respective pixel plates 112 and thus change the corresponding gap portions 114 1 . light , e . g ., from a light source of a projector , passes through substrate 106 and through transparent layer 108 . partially reflecting plate 110 passes a portion of the light onto pixel plates 112 and reflects a portion of the light back through transparent layer 108 and substrate 106 . the pixel plates 112 reflect the light back to partially reflecting plate 110 , which passes some of the light through transparent layer 108 and substrate 106 and reflects a portion of the light back to pixel plates 112 and the process repeats . that is , multiple reflections occur between the pixel plates 112 and partially reflecting layer 110 , with some of the reflected light passing through partially reflecting layer 110 and through substrate 106 . this produces optical interference that can be tuned using the gap portions 114 1 . fig2 a - 2l are cross - sections of a portion of a device 200 at various stages of fabrication , according to another embodiment . the device 200 includes a first substrate 206 , such as an insulator , transparent cover , e . g ., of glass , etc ., as shown in fig2 a . for one embodiment , a transparent layer 208 is formed on first substrate 206 and a partially reflecting layer 210 is formed on transparent layer 208 and is patterned and etched to expose portions of transparent layer 208 . for another embodiment , partially reflecting layer 210 is formed directly on first substrate 206 . in fig2 b , a first sacrificial layer 211 ( distinguished by cross - hatching ) is formed on partially reflecting layer 210 and for one embodiment is patterned and etched to expose the exposed portions of transparent layer 208 and portions of partially reflecting layer 210 . for one embodiment , the first sacrificial layer 211 may be smoothed and / or flattened prior to patterning and etching using chemical mechanical polishing ( cmp ). the first sacrificial layer 211 will form a portion of a gap , such as a gap portion 114 1 of fig1 , between a pixel plate , such as a pixel plate 112 of fig1 , and partially reflecting layer 210 . a first metal layer 213 , e . g ., a layer of taal or a layer of taal formed on a layer of alcu is formed on the first sacrificial layer 211 and on the exposed portions of transparent layer 208 and partially reflecting layer 210 in fig2 c . the first metal layer 213 is patterned and etched to define a pixel plate 212 , first portions of ground posts 227 , and signal posts 222 and to expose portions of the first sacrificial layer 211 in fig2 d . note that the pixel plate 212 contacts the sacrificial layer 211 , the ground posts 227 contact the exposed portions of partially reflecting layer 210 , and the signal posts 222 contact transparent layer 208 , or for embodiments without transparent layer 208 , first substrate 206 . a second sacrificial layer 231 ( distinguished by cross - hatching ) is formed on the first metal layer 213 , i . e ., on pixel plate 212 , ground posts 227 , and signal posts 222 , and on the exposed portions of the first sacrificial layer 211 in fig2 e . the second sacrificial layer 231 is patterned and etched to expose portions of pixel plate 212 and to expose ground posts 227 and signal posts 222 . for one embodiment , the second sacrificial layer 231 may be smoothed and / or flattened prior to patterning and etching using cmp . a second metal layer 233 , e . g ., of taal , is formed on the second sacrificial layer 231 , on the exposed portions of pixel plate 212 , and on the exposed ground posts 227 and signal posts 222 in fig2 f . the second metal layer 233 is patterned and etched to form flexures 220 and second portions of ground posts 227 and to expose portions of the second sacrificial layer 231 in fig2 g . note that flexures 220 electrically and physically connect signal posts 222 to the exposed portions of pixel plate 212 . note further that flexures 220 directly overlie pixel plate 212 , meaning that when the device 200 is inverted and connected to a second substrate , such as driver 104 , as shown in fig1 , flexures 220 will be located under the pixel plate 212 . that is , flexures 220 are aligned behind pixel plate 212 so that pixel plate 212 obstructs flexures 220 from being viewed through cover 206 . this helps to conserve device real estate . a third sacrificial layer 261 ( distinguished by cross - hatching ) is formed on flexures 220 , ground posts 227 , and the exposed portions of the second sacrificial layer 231 and is patterned and etched to expose portions of flexures 220 and ground posts 227 in fig2 h . for one embodiment , the third sacrificial layer 261 may be smoothed and / or flattened prior to patterning and etching using cmp . a third metal layer 264 , e . g ., alcu , taal , or the like , is formed on the third sacrificial layer 261 and on the exposed portions of flexures 220 and on ground posts 227 in fig2 i . the third metal layer 264 is patterned and etched to form ground contacts 229 in physical and electrical contact with ground posts 227 and signal contacts 224 in physical and electrical contact with flexures 220 and to expose portions of the third sacrificial layer 261 in fig2 j . alternatively , for another embodiment , cmp forms the ground contacts 229 . a protective layer 216 , e . g ., of teos ( tetraethylorthosilicate ) oxide , silicon oxide , etc ., is formed on the exposed portions of the third sacrificial layer 261 and on ground contacts 229 and signal contacts 224 and is patterned and etched to expose portions of the third sacrificial layer 261 and ground contacts 229 and signal contacts 224 in fig2 k . for one embodiment , cmp follows patterning and etching to smooth and flatten protective layer 216 and ground contacts 229 and signal contacts 224 so that ground contacts 229 and signal contacts 224 are substantially flush with protective layer 216 . for another embodiment , cmp may be used to expose the portions of the third sacrificial layer 261 and ground contacts 229 and signal contacts 224 . the first sacrificial layer 211 , the second sacrificial layer 231 , and the third sacrificial layer 261 are removed in fig2 l to form the portion of the device 200 that includes a gap 214 , as indicated by removal of the cross - hatching . gap 214 contains pixel plate 212 and flexures 220 . note that removal of the first sacrificial layer 211 forms a first gap portion 214 , between pixel plate 212 and partially reflecting layer 210 . removal of the second sacrificial layer 231 and the third sacrificial layer 261 forms a second gap portion 214 2 between pixel plate 212 and protective layer 216 . note that flexures 220 are contained within the second gap portion 214 2 . flexures 220 support pixel plate 212 within gap 214 and provide a restoring force against which pixel plate 212 returns from an electrostatic actuation driving force applied to pixel plate 212 for some embodiments . the device is inverted and bonded to the second substrate , such as driver 104 of fig1 . this electrically connects signal contacts 224 to a signal line of the second substrate , such as a signal line 132 of a driver circuit 130 of driver 104 . ground contacts 229 are connected to a ground line of the second substrate , such as ground line 136 of driver 104 . note that partially reflecting layer 210 is at a ground state and acts as a first capacitor plate . when electrical signals are applied to pixel plate 212 , via signal contacts 224 and flexures 220 , pixel plate 212 acts as a second capacitor plate and moves within gap 214 against the restoring force provided by flexures 220 . this regulates the size of gap portion 214 1 . it will be appreciated that the bond ring 126 of device 102 of fig1 may be formed , for one embodiment , as described above for ground posts 227 . although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein it is manifestly intended that the scope of the claimed subject matter be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof .	6
identical elements are identified by the same reference numerals throughout the application . fig1 and 7 shows the high current ground fault circuit interrupter a comprising a housing compartment b in which the ground fault interrupter circuitry is located , and a sensor compartment c in which a differential transformer and a neutral transformer are located ( see fig7 ). mounting ears d and e , as well as test push - button f , are also shown . the separate compartmentalization of the ground fault interrupter circuitry and the transformers allows a plurality of high current cables g to be passed through the sensor housing c of the ground fault circuit interrupter whereas , in the prior art , such high current carrying cables , i . e ., around 20 to 50 amps , could not be used with ground fault circuit interrupters having the size of the present one , which has contacts rated at only 20 amps . the differential transformer dt and the neutral transformer nt , as seen as in fig7 are placed in a compartment c made up of two half shells s1 and s2 which when joined at their open long sides form a hollow toroid about the cores of the transformers dt and nt , which are held parallel to each other by a separator or spacer i . the half shells s1 and s2 may be held in assembly by any conventional fastener , adhesive , welding , swaging , upsetting , etc . compartment c can be fastened to the back of compartment b by any conventional means including welding , adhesives , fasteners , etc . the secondary windings on the transformers dt and nt ( not shown ) are connected to the ground fault circuit interrupter circuitry in housing compartment b . the individual conductors g can be fed through aperture w in compartment c , where they act as the primary winding ( one turn ) for the transformers dt and nt . the arrangement of fig1 and 7 places the conductors g in compartment c close to the compartment b where the ground fault circuit interrupter circuitry is located , but this proximity is not required . in fig8 the ground fault circuit interrupter circuitry is in a compartment b &# 39 ; located at control panel p at one location , while the compartment c &# 39 ; is located remote from panel p at a location closer to the load and contactor contacts as will be further discussed below . one of the salient features of the ground fault circuit interrupter system shown in fig2 is the inductance loop 10 mounted in sensor compartment c . this inductance loop 10 comprises two transformers the differential transformer dt and the neutral transformer nt mounted adjacent to each other , as shown in fig7 and having a voltage carrying capability of 277 volts 3 phase wye . as shown in fig2 two phase lines l1 , l2 , and a neutral line n pass through inductance loop 10 . each of these lines provides a primary winding for each of the two transformers of inductance loop 10 . the secondary windings of each of these transformers are connected to respective points in gfci 12 , as shown in detail in fig5 . also shown in fig2 are terminals marked hot and neutral which can be suitably connected to a 120 volt , 60 hz source needed to power the ground fault circuit interrupter . when either a line to ground or neutral to ground fault is sensed by gfci 12 , contacts 14 and 16 open whereupon contactor coil 18 is deenergized . this permits the spring loaded to the normally open position contactor contacts 20 and 22 of the contactor to respectively open lines l1 and l2 , thus disconnecting load 24 from the circuit . a slight modification in the schematic of fig2 is required if the gfci load , i . e ., the contactor coil 18 , is to be protected . in this instance , the lines labeled &# 34 ; hot &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; neutral &# 34 ; should be fed through the inductance loop 10 comprising the two transformers first ( see fig3 ). fig3 shows the ground fault circuit interrupter of the present invention as it can be used with loads of two different voltages . in the event of a line to ground or neutral to ground fault , inductance loop 10 sends respective signals to different points in gfci 12 . gfci contacts 14 and 16 in gfci 12 thereupon open , thus deenergizing contactor coils 26 and 28 . contactor coil 26 permits spring loaded to the open position contactor contacts 30 and 32 connected to the 240 volt ac load 40 to open , whereas contactor coil 28 permits spring loaded to the open position contactor contacts 34 and 36 connected to the 120 volt ac load 38 to open . as in the circuit of fig2 if contactor coils 26 and 28 are to be protected , the &# 34 ; hot &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; neutral &# 34 ; lines should be fed through the inductive loop 10 comprising the two transformers first . fig3 a shows an alternative arrangement where the sets of contactor contacts are separately operable by their respective contactor coils . thus , it is possible to open one set of contactor contacts while retaining the other set of contactor contacts in their closed condition so that only the faulted circuit is caused to open without affecting other circuits . a first inductance loop 10 &# 39 ; receives conductors l1 and n therethrough and is coupled to a gfci 12 . a second inductance loop 10 &# 34 ; or merely different windings upon a common inductance loop 10 &# 39 ; is connected to a second gfci 12 &# 39 ; or to a different portion of the same gfci 12 . gfci 12 is coupled to contactor coil 26 and in the presence of a fault signal from inductance loop 10 &# 39 ; permits the gfci contacts 14 , 16 , which are biased to the open position , to open and deenergize contactor coil 26 . this permits the contactor contacts 34 , 36 , biased to the open position , to open the circuit to the 120 volt ac load 38 . this has no effect on the contactor contacts 30 , 32 which remain closed and conduct current to load 40 . alternatively , a fault could exist between conductors l1 and l2 which is detected by inductance loop 10 &# 34 ; connected to gfci 12 &# 39 ;. the signal to gfci 12 &# 39 ; permits gfci contacts 14 &# 39 ; and 16 &# 39 ; to open and deenergize contactor coil 28 . the deenergization of contactor coil 28 permits contacts 30 , 32 to open and cut off the current to 240 v ac load 40 . a fault that affects conductors l1 , l2 and n will cause all the contactor contacts 30 , 32 , 34 and 36 to open thus removing all current to both the 120 vac and 240 vac loads . fig4 shows a ground fault interrupter system of the present invention as applied to a 3 phase system . this arrangement functions similarly to that of fig2 in that , in the event of a line to ground or neutral to ground fault , inductive loop 10 sends respective signals to different points in gfci 12 . gfci 12 contacts 14 and 16 thereupon open and deenergizes contactor coil 110 . contactor coil 110 permits the spring loaded to the open position contactor contacts 112 , 114 , and 116 to open the connections of lines l1 , l2 , and l3 to the load 118 . fig5 is a prior art schematic which shows basic circuitry which can be used to implement the ground fault circuit interrupter portions of fig2 - 4 . it should be emphasized , however , that the circuitry of fig5 lacks the features of the present invention of orienting the transformer coils in an inductance loop separately compartmentalized from the ground fault interrupter circuitry capable of carrying up to 277 volts , utilizing a first set of contacts in the ground fault circuit interrupter to deenergize the coils of one or more contactors having the capability of interrupting currents of up to 50 amps , and then using the contacts of respective contactors to interrupt respective load currents . the circuit of fig5 which is limited to a single phase application with 120 volts line to ground and which , though it can be found in the prior art , is explanatory of the electronic features of the present invention except as modified by fig2 - 4 , operates in the following manner : differential transformer 50 monitors the flow of current in the line and neutral conductors , 52 and 54 , respectively , and produces in its secondary a fault signal when the total current in the line conductor or conductors 52 does not equal the current in the neutral conductor 54 . the output from the secondary of differential transformer 50 is conveyed to integrated circuit 56 through diode 58 , capacitors 60 , 62 and 64 , and resistor 66 . integrated circuit 56 may be a type ml 1851 ground fault interrupter manufactured by national semiconductor corporation . a salient feature of the above circuit is the combination of diode 58 and resistor 66 which are arranged so as to promote quick discharge of capacitor 60 . this discharge of capacitor 60 allows for integrated circuit 56 to be kept continuously energized and thus considerably reduces the time required for detection of a fault . this continuous energization of integrated circuit 56 from the line side was not possible in the earlier arrangements wherein power to the integrated circuit had to be brought from the load side or an auxiliary switch had to be employed so that the integrated circuit could only function intermittently . the reason for this is that capacitor 68 , which is attached to output pin 7 of integrated circuit 56 , and which basically controls the trip circuit , would otherwise cause scr 72 to fire frequently , thus frequently energizing trip coil 70 and causing the possibility of trip coil burnout . on a neutral to ground fault the system functions somewhat similarly in that transformer 74 , which together with differential transformer 50 forms part of the induction coil 10 , which as previously indicated is mounted remotely from the ground fault interrupter circuitry in such a fashion that high current cables can be carried therethrough , has a signal induced on its secondary windings which is carried through capacitors 76 and 78 to input pin 4 of integrated circuit 56 . the trip circuit for both types of faults is identical in that if a fault is detected by the input pins 2 , 3 , and 4 of ic 56 , a signal is output from pin 7 of integrated circuit 56 causing capacitor 68 to charge faster . at the same time , the path to the gate of scr 72 including resistors 80 and 84 , diode 82 , and capacitors 86 and 88 , is energized . scr 72 then conducts and an energization path to trip coil 70 is created through diode bridge 92 , 94 , 96 , and 98 . capacitor 90 and mov 106 are present for surge protection . upon energization of trip coil 70 , contacts 100 and 102 of the ground fault circuit interrupter ( equivalent to the spring loaded to the open position gfci contacts 14 , 16 of fig2 to 4 ) are opened which in turn causes a load , in this case , contactor coil 104 ( equivalent to contactor coil 18 of fig2 ) to react and to use its contact or contacts ( not shown ) to open one or more high current lines such as are shown in fig2 - 4 . a push - button 106 and resistor 108 are part of a test circuit which bypasses the transformers 50 and 74 . also , since the ground fault circuit interrupter is only sensitive to differences in current flow between the &# 34 ; hot &# 34 ; conductors and the neutral conductor or the neutral conductor and ground , unbalanced loading between &# 34 ; hot &# 34 ; conductors will not cause &# 34 ; nuisance &# 34 ; tripping . among the many advantages achieved by the present invention are the ability to handle currents of at least 50 amps provided by the construction wherein the differential transformer and neutral transformer are mounted adjacent to each other and separately compartmentalized from the ground fault interrupter to allow the passage of heavy duty cables capable of carrying such high currents therethrough , the provision for the capability to interrupt high current loads achieved by using the intermediary of a contactor coil or coils as the load for the ground fault circuit interrupter , the capability of the transformers of the induction loop 10 to handle 240 volts ac whether line to ground or line to line , and the capability to open the lines at remote distances achieved by the intermediary of the contactor between the ground fault circuit interrupter and the trip points on the lines . this is in contrast with prior art devices wherein the ground fault circuit interrupter circuitry was installed in the lines to be monitored and thus limited the current levels that could be monitored . here the transformers in inductance loop 10 , in compartment c , can see voltages up to 277 volts but they in turn pass only a small current induced in the secondary windings of the transformers dt and nt to the gfci 112 . an additional feature of the invention is that the circuit interrupting means may be installed at a location remote from the sensing control circuitry . for example , as shown in fig8 the gfci 12 in its housing compartment b &# 39 ; can be mounted on a control panel p at a first location and thus made accessible to a user , while the contactor 18 , the transformers dt and nt in compartment c &# 39 ; and the conductors g is mounted closer to the load at a location remote from the user . this arrangement protects the transformers , particularly the differential transformer , from exposure to electrical noise in the vicinity of the remote location . if desired a switch 23 can be employed to open the neutral line n . this can be done in both a two and three phase system . the embodiments of the invention disclosed and described in the present specification and drawings and claims are presented merely as examples of the invention . other embodiments , forms and modifications thereof win suggest themselves from a reading thereof and are contemplated as coming within the scope of the present invention .	7
in the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention , reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof , and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced . these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention . other embodiments may be utilized , and logical , mechanical , and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention . the following detailed description is , therefore , not to be taken in a limiting sense , and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims . fig1 a shows a perspective view of an image - forming device , according to an embodiment of the invention . the device includes a shaft 112 on which a mechanism , or scanning carriage , 114 is slidably situated . the mechanism 114 has a left side 124 , a right side 126 , a front 122 , and a bottom 120 . the mechanism supports one or more printing heads ( not shown ); in the present embodiment these are conventional inkjet printheads . the mechanism 114 is able to move back and forth along a scanning axis 106 , as indicated by the bi - directional arrow 108 . as the mechanism moves back and forth , the printheads may be controlled to eject ink on print media located beneath the mechanism 114 . the media 102 is advanced by a roller 118 , which rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow 116 . this causes the media 102 to move along a media axis 104 that is perpendicular to the scanning axis 106 , as indicated by the arrow 110 . as can be seen from the figure , the media 102 is supported by a print platen 128 in the region where the media receives ink from the printheads . the print platen 128 has an opening 130 passing through its thickness . also illustrated in the figure is a media - positioning sensor 132 according to the present embodiment . the media - positioning sensor 132 is located such that it is able to sense or image the underside of the media 102 , which is resting on top of the platen 128 , through the opening 130 in the platen . in practise , the media - positioning sensor 132 may be located in any convenient location ; for example : in a recess in the upper surface of the platen ; or , above the platen and the print media . in any event , however , it is preferable that the media - positioning sensor 132 does not obstruct the advance of the media . the sensor 132 may be an optical sensor , such as a charge - coupled device ( ccd ) sensor , a complementary metal - oxide semiconductor ( cmos ) sensor , or another type of optical sensor . when the media 102 is advanced by the roller 118 along the media axis 104 , the sensor 132 is able to detect the changes in the position of the media 102 relative to its fixed position , as is described in more detail below . fig1 b shows an enlarged schematic view of the media - positioning sensor 132 shown in fig1 a . as can be seen from the figure , the sensor 132 comprises two individual sensing elements 304 a and 304 b . the sensing elements 304 a and 304 b are aligned with each other in the direction of the media advance direction 110 . the centres of the sensing elements 304 a and 304 b are separated from each other in the media advance direction 110 by a separation distance “ d ”. the two sensing elements 304 a and 304 b may be identical in the present embodiment and both are suitably located relative to the print medium such that they may image its surface . the sensing elements 304 a and 304 b are located in this manner using a conventional fixture ( not shown ). it will thus be appreciated that as the media is advanced , an area of print media that is aligned with the sensor 132 will pass first over the sensing element 304 a and then over the sensing elements 304 b . fig2 schematically illustrates one of the sensing elements 304 in more detail . associated with the sensing element 304 is an illumination mechanism 306 , such as a light - emitting diode ( led ). the sensing element 304 captures an image of a portion 310 of the media 102 that lies above it , as indicated by the arrow 312 . for the sake of clarity , the platen 128 is not illustrated in this figure . the illuminating mechanism 306 illuminates the portion 310 of the media 102 , as is indicated by the rays 308 , so that the element 304 is able to capture a satisfactory image . the controller 302 , which is more generally a controlling mechanism , may be software , hardware , or a combination of software and hardware . the controller 302 controls the element 304 and mechanism 306 so that images are captured and media portions are illuminated at desired times . the images captured may be of inherent physical aspects of the media 102 , which are utilized to determine the positioning of the media 102 . such physical aspects of the media may include small scale ( e . g . microscopic ) features in the surface of the media . these may include fibres or characteristics caused by the process used to manufacture the media , for example . in practice each of the sensing elements 304 a and 304 b may have a dedicated illumination mechanism 306 or a single illumination mechanism 306 may suffice for both of the sensing elements 304 a and 304 b . additionally , both of the sensing elements 304 a and 304 b and the / both illumination mechanisms 306 may be connected to and controlled by the same controller 302 . one example of a sensing element suitable for use in embodiments of the present invention is described in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 118 , 132 by barclay , j . tullis entitled , “ system for measuring the velocity , displacement and strain on a moving surface or web of material ” assigned to the assignee of the present invention and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety . in this manner , a portion of print media may be imaged by the sensor the sensing element 304 a and then by the sensing elements 304 b . conventional artificial imaging or vision techniques may then be used to identify the positions of features of the media that are common to the images made by the sensing elements 304 a and 304 b . since the separation of the two sensing elements 304 a and 304 b is known , the distance that the features have moved may be determined , in a conventional manner . fig3 shows a block diagram of an image - forming device 400 , according to an embodiment of the invention . as can be appreciated by those of ordinary skill within the art , the image - forming device 400 may include components in addition to and / or in lieu of those depicted in fig3 . the image - forming device 400 may be a fluid - ejection device , such as an inkjet printer , or another type of image - forming device . the image - forming device 400 specifically is depicted in fig3 as including a fluid - ejection mechanism 402 , a media - advance mechanism 404 , a carriage - advance mechanism 406 , a media - positioning sensor 408 , and a controller 410 . the fluid - ejection mechanism 402 moves back and forth along a first axis , over print media . the fluid - ejection mechanism 402 may eject fluid ( such as ink ) on the media during some such passes over the medium ; for example , every other pass . alternatively , it may eject fluid on the media during every pass over the medium . the media - advance mechanism 404 operates to advance the media along the media axis ; which in this embodiment is a second axis perpendicular to the first axis . this may be during carrying out a print job . depending upon the print mode used , this may be after every pass made by the mechanism over the media . alternatively , this may be after two or more passes made by the mechanism over the media . additionally , the media - advance mechanism 404 may advance the media before starting a print job or after completing a print job . such media advances may be employed to correctly position the media to receive ink corresponding to a print job and then to transport the finished print job from the print zone , respectively . such media advances are often of greater distance than those employed during a print operation . the media - advance mechanism 404 may include , for instance , the roller 118 of fig1 a . the carriage - advance mechanism 406 advances the carriage along the scan axis , which is the first axis . the mechanism 306 may include , for instance , the shaft 112 of fig1 a . in the present embodiment , the media - positioning sensor 408 may be the same as the media - positioning sensor 132 described with reference fig1 . the media - positioning sensor 408 is mounted stationary beneath the level of a media supporting surface or platen of the image - forming device 400 . in this way , its component sensing elements are able to image the media supported thereon , as has been described in relation to fig1 a , fig1 b and fig2 . the sensor 408 , which may utilise optical sensor elements , detects positioning of the media relative to the fixed position of the sensor 408 . the controller 410 may be a combination of hardware and / or software , and controls operation of the fluid - ejection mechanism 402 , the media - advance mechanism 404 , the carriage - advance mechanism 406 , and , the media - positioning sensor 408 . fig4 illustrates a typical idealised velocity profile for a media feed operation which may be employed in one embodiment of the present invention . it will be appreciated that different print modes will require that the media is fed a different distance . however , a generalised velocity profile , such as is illustrated in fig4 , may be used for any given media feed distance . as can be seen from the figure , the figure gives the relationship between media feed velocity ( y axis ) and time ( x axis ) for a given media feed . the profile is made up of five phases : firstly , the acceleration phase , referenced “ a ”, in which the print media is accelerated from zero velocity to a selected “ feed velocity ”; secondly , the constant velocity phase referenced “ b ”, during which the media is fed at the “ feed velocity ”; thirdly , the deceleration phase referenced “ c ”, in which the print media is decelerated from the “ feed velocity ” to a “ low velocity ”; fourthly , the low velocity final phase referenced “ d ”; and , lastly , the final deceleration phase referenced “ e ”, in which the print media is decelerated from the “ low velocity ” to a velocity of zero . during the phase “ d ”, the media may be advanced comparatively slowly over a short distance , at the end of which , the media may be stopped comparatively accurately at a desired position , in the final deceleration phase “ e ”. it will be understood , however , that the characteristics of the image - forming device will cause the actual velocity profile for any given media feed operation to differ slightly from the corresponding idealised profile . because of such differences , small errors have historically been experienced in such printers , such as inkjet printers , which employ such velocity profiles in media feed operation . fig5 a illustrates in a schematic manner the operation of a method according to an embodiment of the invention . in the figure , the sensing elements 304 a and 304 b are illustrated . they are separated in the media feed direction ( indicated by the arrow “ m ”) by a distance “ d ”. also shown in the figure are lines p , p ′, and p ″. the line p represents a line or border on the print media , lying perpendicular to the media feed direction . this border may be imaginary for the purpose of explanation only . alternatively , it may represent the position on the print media on which part of a swath of ink is , or is to be printed by the image - forming device . once the media has been fed one media feed distance , or a distance f 0 downstream , the new position of the border p is indicated by the line p ′. by “ downstream ”, a movement in the direction of a media input position to a media output position of the printer is meant ; alternatively , this may be viewed as being in the direction from the print zone towards the output position of a printed sheet . conversely , the term “ upstream ” will be understood as the reverse direction ; i . e . a movement in the direction of a media output position of the printer towards a media input position . as can be seen from the figure , the line p ′ lies centrally , in the media feed direction , relative to the sensing element 304 a . after the media has been fed a further media feed distance , or a further distance f 0 downstream , the new position of the border p is indicated by the line p ″ thus , the line p ″ lies a distance of f 0 downstream from the sensing element 304 a and a distance of “ z ” downstream from the sensing element 304 b . it will be understood that each media feed advance or feed of distance f 0 may follow a velocity profile such as that illustrated in fig4 . a media feed process of the present embodiment will now be described from the time that the border p has reached the line p ′ in this position , the sensing element 304 a images the area of print media lying adjacent to it . this area is illustrated by the circle referenced i 1 in the figure . this imaging step in the present embodiment is carried out while the print media is stationary , prior to a media feed step . however , in other embodiments , the print media may be moving . as the media feed operation commences , the controller monitors the position of the media , i . e . the instantaneous degree to which the media has been advanced , using a conventional shaft encoder associated with the drive roller 118 that is used to advance the media . the controller then controls the sensing element 304 a to image a further area of the media , as it passes adjacent the sensing element 304 a . this further area of media is illustrated by the circle referenced i 2 in the figure . as can be seen from the figure , the area of media i 2 is located a distance of “ x ” upstream from the area of media i 1 . in the present embodiment , the distance “ x ” is less than the distance “ d ” separating the sensing elements 304 a and 304 b in the media feed direction . as the media advance continues , the area of media i 1 passes adjacent to the sensing element 304 b . this occurs when the media has been advanced a distance corresponding to the distance “ d ” separating the sensing element 304 a and 304 b . the controller detects this moment in time , again using the output of the drive roller shaft encoder . the controller then controls the sensing element 304 b to image the area of media i 1 to determine the exact position of the area of media i 1 relative to the position of the sensing element 304 b . the image of the area i 1 of media taken by the sensing element 304 b can then be compared with that taken by the sensing element 304 a . in this manner , the distance that the print media has been advanced so far in the media feed operation may be calculated in a manner that is more accurate than may be achieved using the shaft encoder associated with the drive roller 118 in isolation . in this manner , the distance that the media has been fed in the media feed direction may be accurately established . it will be understood that this distance may be exactly the distance “ d ”. alternatively , this given distance may be the distance “ d ”, plus or minus an error distance . once the given distance has been established , the controller monitors the output of the shaft encoder associated with the drive roller 118 , to determine when the media has advanced a further distance “ x ”; equal to the separation between areas of media i 1 and i 2 . when it is determined that the media has advanced a further distance “ x ”, the area i 2 is located substantially adjacent to the sensing element 304 b . the controller then controls the sensing element 304 b to image this area ; referenced i 2 ′ in the figure . in the figure , the areas corresponding to the areas imaged by the sensing element 304 b are illustrated as dashed circles . they are referenced i 1 ′ and i 2 ′. in the figure , both of the areas i 1 ′ and i 2 ′ are shown in the figure in the positions that they occupy relative to the two sensing elements 304 a and 304 b , when the area i 2 / i 2 ′ is located substantially adjacent to the sensing element 304 b . in the present embodiment , the borders of the areas imaged by the sensing element 304 b will be nearly , if not exactly , coterminous with the corresponding areas imaged by the sensing element 304 a . thus , for the purposes of clarity , only the areas i 1 ′ and i 2 ′ are referenced in the figure downstream of the sensing element 304 a . in this manner , it may be it may be accurately established when the media has been fed a distance of “ d + x ” in the media feed direction . in the present embodiment , the distance “ d + x ” is made equal to the distance f i ; where f 1 is equal to the total distance that the media is advanced in the media advance phases “ a ”, “ b ” and “ c ”, illustrated in fig4 . since the distance “ d ”, which separates the two sensing elements 304 a and 304 b is generally fixed , it will be appreciated that that for any distance f 1 which is greater than “ d ”, the distance “ x ” may be selected by the controller such that the distance “ d + x ” is made equal to the distance f 1 . it will be understood that the remaining portions of the media advance operation are the low velocity media advance phase “ d ” and the final deceleration phase “ e ”, shown in fig4 . these phases correspond to the distance “ y ” shown in fig5 a . in practice , this distance may be very short , as it need only be sufficiently long to allow errors in the measured distance “ d + x ”, which will normally be very small , to be corrected for . thus , the controller may then control the advance of the print media by the distance “ y ”, plus or minus any necessary error correction . again the output of the shaft encoder associated with the drive roller 118 is used to measure this distance “ y ”. at this point , the media will have advanced a whole media feed distance f 0 downstream and the new position of the border p will be that of the line p ″. by , utilizing two separate sensing elements , as opposed to a single ( larger ) sensing element , various advantages may be realized . for a pair of sensing elements that cover a given distance ( or have a given separation distance ) the size of the images generated will be generally smaller . this in turn means that the portions of the media that is to be imaged may be relatively easily and inexpensively illuminated . additionally , suitable optics for focusing the images may be easily and inexpensively provided . furthermore , the resulting system may have reduced memory and processing requirements compared to an equivalent single sensor system . viewed differently , this means that a system may be able to operate faster , for example in terms of image processing speed , using a pair of sensing elements than would be the case with an equivalent single sensor system . it will however be appreciated by the skilled reader that the system of the present invention may employ any reasonable hardware and software . thus , the image processing implemented in embodiments of the present inventions may operate at any reasonable desired speed . in the present example , the final phases of the media advance , the low velocity phase “ d ” and the final deceleration “ e ”, shown in fig4 , are made after the point at which the sensing element 304 b images area i 2 ′, in order that features imaged by the sensing element 304 a in area i 2 may be recognised . in this manner , at least part of the image processing required to do this may occur during the media feed phase “ d ” and / or the final deceleration “ e ”. this allows the use of relatively low powered and thus inexpensive imaging processing hardware and / or techniques . however , it will be understood that the length of the media feed phase “ d ” and / or the final deceleration phase “ e ” may be reduced by the use of faster image processing . indeed , if the image processing were sufficiently fast , the media feed phase “ d ” could be avoided altogether . in this manner , the final deceleration phase “ e ” could continue directly on from the deceleration phase “ c ”, shown in fig4 . in this way , the media advance could be stopped when a suitably positioned feature of the print media is recognized in the area i 2 ′ imaged by the sensing element 304 b . in such a case , the relative spacing between the areas the areas i 1 and i 2 imaged by the sensing element 304 a , and illustrated in fig5 a , may be adjusted to take this into account . as has been stated above , different print modes will require that the media is fed a different distance in each media feed operation . generally , in a scanning inkjet printer , for example , the media is fed four times as far in each media advance in a single pass print mode as is the case in a four pass print mode and eight times as far as is the case in an eight pass print mode . thus , in an image - forming device that can operate in various print modes , media feed distances of various distances need to be performed . it will be appreciated from the above description that by imaging , or sampling , the media at distance intervals of less than the distance between the sensing elements , a given pair of sensing elements may be effectively used to measure a media advance of any given distance that is greater than the distance between the sensing elements . thus , by setting the distance “ d ” separating the sensing elements 304 a and 304 b in the media feed direction to a distance which is less than or equal to the minimum media advance distance that the image - forming device is arranged to implement , that distance may be measured according , as described above with reference to fig5 a . referring now to fig5 b , the operation of a media feed process according to an embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to a print mode that employs a media advance having a media feed distance that is significantly longer than the distance “ d ” separating the sensing elements 304 a and 304 b . fig5 b illustrates one media advance of distance f 0 , where a border on the print media , represented by line p is fed to a new position represented by line p ′. in the figure , the position of the two sensing elements 304 a is illustrated relative to the lines line p to line p ′. thus , the line p lies centrally in the media feed direction relative to the sensing element 304 a . as described above , the distance separating the two sensing elements 304 a and 304 b in the media feed direction ( again indicated by the arrow “ m ”) is the distance “ d ”. as can be seen from the figure , the distance f 0 , in the present example is more than three times the distance “ d ” separating the two sensing elements 304 a and 304 b . in this example , the sensing element 304 a has sequentially imaged several areas of the media as the media has advanced past it . these areas are i 1 to i 4 , where these areas were imaged in order , with i 1 being the first area to be imaged and i 4 being the last area to be imaged . as can be seen in the figure , the areas i 1 and i 2 are spaced apart by a distance “ d ” in the media feed direction , equal to the spacing between the sensor elements 304 a and 304 b in the media feed direction . the same distance “ d ” separates areas i 2 and i 3 in the media feed direction . however , the distance separating areas i 3 and i 4 in the media feed direction is the comparatively reduced distance “ c ”. as was described with reference to the process of fig5 a , the controller monitors the position of the media in the media feed direction using the shaft encoder associated with the drive roller 118 . as each of the areas the areas i 1 to i 4 pass under the sensing element 304 b , the controller controls the sensing element 304 b to image these areas . as was described above , the images of these areas taken by the sensing element 304 b can be compared with the corresponding image taken by the sensing element 304 a to determine precisely the instantaneous position of the print media in the media feed direction . in the figure , the area i 3 is correctly positioned to be imaged by the sensing element 304 b . thus , in the figure the areas i 1 to i 2 have already been imaged by the sensing element 304 b and the area i 4 has not yet to been imaged by the sensing element 304 b . it can be seen from the figure that the area i 1 needs to be advanced a distance “ c ” in order to arrive at the line p ′, at which position the media will have been advanced a complete media advance distance f 0 . similarly , the area i 4 needs to be advanced a distance “ c ′” in order to arrive at the position adjacent to the sensing element 304 b such that it may be imaged . thus , when the media is advanced such that the area i 4 is correctly positioned to be imaged by the sensing element 304 b , the position of the area i 4 , relative to the line p ′ is precisely known , since the distance separating the areas i 1 and i 4 , ( 2 d + c ), is also precisely known . as has been described above , the embodiment may by arranged such that the media feed operation is stopped once an appropriate feature of the print media , located in area i 4 , is identified in a corresponding location in the image taken by the sensing element 304 b . in this case , the distance “ c ” and “ c ′” may be set to be almost or exactly the same . alternatively , the distance “ c ′” may be set to be somewhat less than the distance “ c ”. in this case , the controller may calculate that the media must be fed by a certain distance further ( corresponding to the distance “ y ” shown in fig4 ) in order to complete the feed cycle . this calculation may be made once an appropriate feature of the print media , located in the image of area i 4 taken by the sensing element 304 a , is identified in a corresponding image taken by the sensing element 304 b . in the process illustrated in fig5 b , it is apparent that various areas of the print media ( in this example 4 areas ) are imaged by the sensing elements in a distance in the media feed direction that is less than or equal to one media advance distance f 0 . it will be appreciated that in practice , the number of areas may be reduced to two or three . however , by imaging more areas the accuracy with which the system measures the media feed may be increased . as will be well understood by the skilled reader , by generating a “ population ” of feed measurements , or distances , in a given media advance , the measured error for the advance distance ( which although it may already be small ) may on average be further reduced . if for example , the average measurement error using the system of an embodiment of the invention was 1 micron , by taking four measurements , the statistical error for the population of measurements on average may be ( 1 /( sqrt ( 4 )). thus , it will be understood that the number of images taken in any given feed operation may be beneficially increased . this is illustrated in fig5 c . fig5 c is a diagram that closely resembles fig5 b , so it will not be described in detail . however , as can be seen from fig5 b , the number of imaged areas has been increased from four to six in the same media advance distance , generally by spacing the imaged areas closer together in the media feed direction . imaging an increased number of areas in this way may be particularly useful when printing in print mode with a high number of passes ; for example an eight pass print mode . in such a print mode , the ink dots making up the image in a given location will be composed of dots printed in up to eight passes , where the print media was positioned in a different position relative to the print heads and the sensing elements 304 during each of the eight passes . thus , in certain situations , improving the accuracy with which the position of the media is known in this manner , may yield superior resultant print quality . in the example of fig5 c , the controller controls the sensing elements to image areas of media , in general , every distance “ d / 2 ”, where “ d ” is the distance separating the sensing element in the media feed direction ; thus , approximately doubling the number of imaged areas . however , it will be appreciated that the exact number of imaged areas may be any suitable number . in the examples of fig5 b and fig5 c , the spacing between the most of the adjacent areas is common or fixed ( i . e . between adjacent areas i 1 to i 3 in fig5 b and between adjacent areas i 1 to i 5 in fig5 c ). however , in other embodiments of the invention the spacing may be variable . furthermore , in the examples of fig5 b and fig5 c the spacing between the last pair of areas ( i . e . between areas i 3 and i 4 in fig5 b and between areas i 5 and i 6 in fig5 c ) is different to the spacing between the other adjacent pairs of areas . it will be understood that in other embodiments of the invention the spacing between last pair of areas may be the same as that separating one or more other pairs of imaged areas . it is noted that , although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein , it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown . other applications and uses of embodiments of the invention , besides those described herein , are amenable to at least some embodiments . this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention . therefore , it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and equivalents thereof .	1
to provide an overall understanding , certain illustrative embodiments will now be described ; however , it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the systems and methods described herein can be adapted and modified to provide systems and methods for other suitable applications and that other additions and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the systems and methods described herein . simplified block diagrams of examples of ion implanters incorporating the present invention are shown in fig1 a and 1 b . an ion beam generator 10 generates an ion beam 20 of desired species , accelerates the ions in the beam to desired energies , performs mass / energy analysis of the ion beam to remove energy and mass contaminants and supplies an energetic ion beam having a low level of energy and mass contaminants . the ion beam 20 travels through a mass resolving aperture 30 to further remove undesirable ion energies and species before passing through scan plates 114 of the beam scan system 40 . details of the conventional components used in the system of the present invention are described in more detail in u . s . pat . nos . 6 , 075 , 249 and 6 , 437 , 350 . the scan plates 114 are used to produce ion trajectories that diverge from a point 112 . the scanned beam then travels through an ion optical element referred to as an angle corrector 50 that focuses the beam . the scanned beam has parallel or nearly parallel ion trajectories 60 output from the angle corrector 50 . downstream of the angle corrector is the end station 100 . within the end station 100 , is the wafer platen 110 supporting a wafer 120 in the path of the scanned ion beam 60 such that ions of a desired species are implanted into the semiconductor wafer 120 . the end station 100 also includes instrumentation for measuring the ion beam current in the approximate y - plane location where the wafer 120 is positioned during implantation . for example , this instrumentation may include a profiling faraday detector 130 supported on a mounting shaft 140 . the faraday detector 130 can be moved using a motorized system 150 to determine the scanned beam current as a function of position . this simultaneous measurement of beam current as a function of position is often referred to as profiling and the data produced is a beam current profile . a beam current profile measured by a current measurement system 160 in this way may be performed prior to wafer implantation to insure that ion dose measured in ions per square centimeter is uniformly applied to the wafer . a uniformity optimization controller 170 comprised of several components is used to produce a uniform implant dose . the uniformity optimization controller 170 may include a system controller 172 for coordinating the scanning of the ion beam and the measurement of ion beam current . the system controller 172 may be microprocessor based and designed to generate a voltage waveform that will produce a beam current profile that is uniform to within a given specification . low voltage signals are generated by the system scan generator and applied to the scan plates by a scan generator 176 and amplifiers 44 and 46 that magnify the waveforms . the specification on uniformity is given in terms of the standard deviation of the measured beam current as a percentage of the average , or mean , beam current . the scan amplifiers receive phased ac scan voltages from the scan generator similar to those in fig2 a . the amplitude of the ac scan waveform depends on the size of the beam when it is not scanning ( i . e . : spot mode ), the ion species and energy , the location of beam current detectors , and the wafer dimensions . additionally , a dc voltage offset can also be applied to both scan plates to focus the ion beam . the applied scan voltage waveforms in this example result in the ion beam being scanned from the side closest to one scan plate to the side closest to the other scan plate and back again . the profiling faraday , current measurement system electronics , and motor system are used to measure the scanned beam uniformity as a function of x - position . this measurement procedure is often referred to as profiling the beam current . the resulting signature of beam current as a function of position is referred to as the uniformity profile . the uniformity is not generally within specifications for a constant scan voltage rate ( i . e . : saw - tooth ) waveform due to disturbances in the beam shape while scanning , etc . the desired specification on uniformity is achieved by modifying the nearly saw - tooth waveform to adjust the uniformity of the ion dose applied to the wafer . the deflection of the beam is proportional to the difference in the applied voltage to the scan plates as shown in fig2 b . the waveform adjustment procedure involves changing the rate at which the beam is scanned at discrete locations along the x - direction to compensate for the non - uniformities in the profile measurement . reducing the beam scan rate in a region will apply more ion dose . conversely , increasing the scan rate will apply less ion dose in a region . a uniformity optimization procedure according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in fig3 . in this embodiment , a scan beam is generated by applying an initial ac voltage waveform to the scan plates at step s 300 . next , the scanned beam is profiled at step s 310 . the spacial uniformity is determined by filtering the beam current measurements at step s 320 . the spacial uniformity is compared with a predetermined specification range at step s 330 . if the spacial uniformity is determined to be outside of the predetermined specification range at step s 330 , the ac voltage waveform applied to the scan plates is adjusted at step s 350 . if the spacial uniformity is determined to be within the predetermined specification range at step s 330 , the wafers may be prepared and positioned for implantation at step s 340 . in another embodiment of the uniformity optimization procedure according to the present invention as illustrated in fig4 the beam is placed in a spot mode by applying only dc voltage components to the scan plates at step s 400 . next , the profiling faraday is moved across the end station and beam current measurements of the spot beam are acquired at step s 410 . at step s 420 , the ac voltage waveform amplitude is computed using the spot mode beam size , ion species and energy and then the beam is scanned at step s 430 by applying ac voltages to the scan plates . at step s 440 , the profiling faraday is moved across the end station and the beam current measurements of the scanned beam are acquired and then the spacial uniformity is determined at step s 450 by filtering the beam current measurements . at step s 460 , the spacial uniformity is compared to a predetermined specification range . if the spacial uniformity is determined to be outside of the predetermined specification range at step s 460 , the ac voltage waveform applied to the scan plates is adjusted at step s 480 . if the spacial uniformity is determined to be within the predetermined specification range at step s 460 , the wafers can be prepared and positioned for implantation at step s 470 . a finite number of scan waveform correction points is determined a priori and positioned at equal intervals in the direction that the beam is scanning ( i . e . : x - direction ) by the uniformity system controller . as a result , the maximum amount of beam non - uniformities for which the system can compensate is finite . in terms of control theory , the maximum controllable frequency in the uniformity profile is finite . the amount of correction points is selected sufficiently large to be able to compensate adequately for the spatially distributed non - uniformities encountered in this type of ion implanter system . additionally , there are sources of noise in the system that result in time dependent components in the measured signals . noise sources include the power supplies of the components within the ion beam generator , the rotating drums comprising the mass resolving aperture , etc . these noise components mask the spatially distributed non - uniformities in beam current resulting from the scanned beam . in terms of control theory , the frequencies of the noise components are observable in the uniformity profile . the noise components are not controllable because by definition they are time dependent and not spacially dependent . according to one embodiment of the present invention , a digital band - pass filter design methodology is provided to optimize ion implanter uniformity control in a given direction by making ( 1 ) controllable frequencies observable and ( 2 ) uncontrollable frequencies unobservable . the design methodology uses the uniformity system &# 39 ; s control parameters to define the controllable beam current signal frequencies and set the filter pass band frequency range ( s ). the known noise sources , which are not spacially distributed , define the attenuated frequency range ( s ). as a result , the uniformity optimization control system observes and controls the spatially distributed components of uniformity profile . the beam noise components will not significantly impact the wafer ion dose uniformity if the wafer surface is implanted over a time period sufficiently long to allow negation of the beam noise components . the controllable frequency range was determined from the control system parameters . the beam current measurements are taken at a constant interval , s , along the x - direction while the profiling faraday is moved at a constant velocity , v . therefore , the uniformity profile is effectively a signal sampled at a constant time interval . the sampling frequency , f s , is shown in eqn . 1 . an example of a sampling frequency for a system is 32 hz . the observed frequency of a static sinusoidal signal in space with respect to an observer moving at constant velocity , v , is shown in eqn . 2 in terms of the signal wavelength , λ . the maximum controllable frequency can be estimated from the fundamental frequency produced by scan voltage waveforms where the scan rate alternates between two constant rates at each correction point . the maximum controllable frequency , f c , is shown in eqn . 3 for correction points at equal intervals , p , along the profile direction . in this case , the wavelength in eqn . 2 is two times the correction point spacing . this spacing defines the spacial resolution of the uniformity optimization system . the maximum controllable frequency can alternatively be expressed in terms of the sampling rate of system by solving eqn . 1 for the profiler velocity , v , and substituting the result into eqn . 3 . the result is shown as eqn . 4 below . for an example design , the spatial resolution , sampling rate , and sampling interval are such that the maximum controllable frequency from eqn . 4 is approximately 1 . 6 hz . the sampling interval and spatial resolution selected are such that s & lt ;& lt ; p . the frequencies of the known noise sources define the stop band where the components are attenuated . the lowest known frequency noise source in this example system results from the drum rotation of the mass resolving aperture . this frequency may be approximately 3 . 7 hz . the filter design type selected in one embodiment was a low pass filter because the maximum controllable frequency occurs at a lower frequency than the minimum observable noise frequency component . consequently , attenuating all frequencies above the maximum controllable frequency would accomplish the design intent . a low pass filter combined with a notch filter design could have been used had the frequency ranges overlapped . this would potentially have allowed undesirable attenuation in the controllable frequency range . the selected filter design is implemented through software processing of the uniformity profile signal on the host computer in fig1 according to one embodiment of the present invention . in another embodiment of the present invention , hardware components may be utilized to achieve similar effects . the specific design algorithm is based on a conventional finite - impulse response ( fir ) design . in the specific implementation used , an odd number of coefficients are selected and positioned symmetrically around each beam current sample to be filtered according to an embodiment of the present invention . a symmetric arrangement produces no signal phase loss over the frequency spectrum . this implementation is shown in eqn . 5 where ck are the filter coefficients and x ( n ) are the beam current samples . s ( i )= c 0 x ( i − 7 )+ c 1 x ( i − 6 )+ . . . + c 7 x ( i )+ . . . + c 13 x ( i + 6 )+ c 14 x ( i + 7 ) eqn . 5 a known filter design package , such as one supplied by elite engineering of westlake village , calif ., may be used to determine the filter coefficients based on the pass band ( 1 . 6 hz ) and stop band ( 3 . 7 hz ) criteria determined by the controllable frequency range and observable noise sources , respectively . it is appreciated that one skilled in the art may incorporate other known filter design packages . additional inputs for the design package include the stop band attenuation (− 40 db ), ripple ( 0 . 3 db ), and sample frequency ( 32 hz ). the resulting distribution of coefficients is shown in fig5 . the frequency response of the filter is shown in fig6 validating the input design criteria . an example , demonstrating the filter &# 39 ; s effect on an actual implanter uniformity profile is shown in fig7 . the parameter uniformity rms is calculated from the standard deviation ( i . e . : root - mean - square or rms ) of the profile data expressed as a percentage of the average of the data for a given profile . the filtered response data shows the higher frequency noise components in the original unfiltered profile have been attenuated . the filtered signal produces a uniformity value approximately one - half as large as the unfiltered data in this specific example . lower rms values correspond to increased ion dose uniformity in the implanted wafer . uniformity rms values derived from profiles utilizing the design have been shown to correlate accurately with laboratory test data derived from the analysis of implanted wafer properties . unless otherwise specified , the illustrated embodiments can be understood as providing exemplary features of varying detail of certain embodiments , and therefore features , components , modules , and / or aspects of the illustrations or processes can be otherwise combined , separated , interchanged , and / or rearranged without departing from the disclosed systems or methods . the methods and systems described herein are not limited to a particular hardware or software configuration , and may find applicability in many computing or processing environments . the methods and systems can be implemented in hardware or software , or a combination of hardware and software . the methods and systems can be implemented in one or more computer programs , where a computer program can be understood to include one or more processor executable instructions . the computer program ( s ) can execute on one or more programmable processors , and can be stored on one or more storage medium readable by the processor ( including volatile and non - volatile memory and / or storage elements ), one or more input devices , and / or one or more output devices . the processor thus can access one or more input devices to obtain input data , and can access one or more output devices to communicate output data . the input and / or output devices can include one or more of the following : random access memory ( ram ), redundant array of independent disks ( raid ), floppy drive , cd , dvd , magnetic disk , internal hard drive , external hard drive , memory stick , or other storage device capable of being accessed by a processor as provided herein , where such aforementioned examples are not exhaustive , and are for illustration and not limitation . the computer program ( s ) is preferably implemented using one or more high level procedural or object - oriented programming languages to communicate with a computer system ; however , the program ( s ) can be implemented in assembly or machine language , if desired . the language can be compiled or interpreted . the processor ( s ) can thus be embedded in one or more devices that can be operated independently or together in a networked environment , where the network can include , for example , a local area network ( lan ), wide area network ( wan ), and / or can include an intranet and / or the internet and / or another network . the network ( s ) can be wired or wireless or a combination thereof and can use one or more communications protocols to facilitate communications between the different processors . the processors can be configured for distributed processing and can utilize , in some embodiments , a client - server model as needed . accordingly , the methods and systems can utilize multiple processors and / or processor devices , and the processor instructions can be divided amongst such single or multiple processor / devices . the device ( s ) or computer systems that integrate with the processor ( s ) can include , for example , a personal computer ( s ), workstation ( e . g ., sun , hp ), personal digital assistant ( pda ), handheld device such as cellular telephone , or another device capable of being integrated with a processor ( s ) that can operate as provided herein . accordingly , the devices provided herein are not exhaustive and are provided for illustration and not limitation . although the methods and systems have been described relative to a specific embodiment thereof , they are not so limited . obviously many modifications and variations may become apparent in light of the above teachings . many additional changes in the details , materials , and arrangement of parts , herein described and illustrated , can be made by those skilled in the art . accordingly , it will be understood that the following claims are not to be limited to the embodiments disclosed herein , can include practices otherwise than specifically described , and are to be interpreted as broadly as allowed under the law .	7
to facilitate the understanding of the invention , a nomenclature list is herewith provided , to wit : in fig1 of the drawings , reference numeral 1 generally refers to the ski sled invention shown assembled in tandem relationship . ski sled 1 has two identical and interchangeable ski members 3 of plastic or other suitable material . ski member 3 has a single , elongated , relatively narrow runner 5 having a upwardly curved tip or toe 7 , a flat main portion 9 and a terminating heel portion 11 . upstanding from the lateral sides of runner 5 are toe brackets having two sets of aligned holes and upstanding from the lateral sides of runner 5 are heel brackets 15 having two sets of aligned holes . as shown in fig2 and 3 , the toe brackets 13 fit within the heel brackets 15 and are rigidly joined together by bolts 17 inserted through such aligned holes and secured by nuts 19 engaged and tightened upon the threaded ends of bolts 17 . each ski member 3 has a seat assembly 21 comprising a collar 23 , upstanding from the bight portion of main portion 9 , which complementally receives a tongue 25 depending from a hollow , tubular post 27 which is removably fixed thereto by a bolt 29 inserted through aligned holes in the tongue 25 and tubular post 27 , and secured by a wing nut 31 engaged and tightened upon the threaded end of bolt 29 . a flat seat 33 , with upstanding lateral hand holds 35 in fixed relationship therewith , has fixed thereto in depending relationship a post collar 37 which complementally receives a shaft 39 in fixed relationship via a bolt 41 inserted through aligned holes in the post collar 37 and shaft 39 , and secured by a wing nut 43 engaged and tightened upon the threaded end of bolt 41 . elongated vertical guide slots 45 in tubular post 27 receive a cross pin 47 fixedly carried in transverse relationship on the bottom shouldered portion 49 of shaft 39 by interference fit through a transverse hole in shouldered portion 49 . a compression spring 51 operatively disposed between the bottom of hollow , tubular post 27 and shouldered portion 49 , functions as a shock absorber to absorb and attenuate the impacts transmitted when runner 5 hits a bump . cross pins 53 , in transverse relationship with tubular post 27 and extending outwardly therefrom , function as foot rests upon which a rider places his feet . wheel assemblies 55 may be utilized with the toe and heel brackets 13 and 15 to convert a ski member 3 for scooting use , or may be utilized with such toe and heel brackets 13 and 15 of ski sled 1 , assembled in its tandem relationship , to convert same to scooting use . each wheel assembly 55 comprises a shaft 57 , two spacer washers 59 , two wheels 61 , two washers 63 and two cotter pins 65 . for scooting use of a ski member 3 , one shaft 57 , two spacer washers 59 , two wheels 61 , two washers 63 and two cotter pins 65 would be assembled with respect to one of the aligned holes in each of the toe and heel brackets 13 and 15 , as shown in fig6 . for scooting use of a ski sled assembled of two ski members 3 assembled in tandem relationship , three wheel assemblies 55 would be employed and assembled as shown in fig3 . in fig6 of the drawings , two ski members 3 are shown assembled in side - by - side relationship . such assembly is accomplished by a sleeve 67 which complementally receives therein opposed cross pins 53 . fixed relationship of the sleeve 67 and cross pins 53 is effected via bolts 69 inserted through aligned holes in the sleeve 67 and cross pins 53 , and secured in rigid relationship by wing nuts 71 engaged and tightened upon the threaded ends of the bolts 69 . from the description of the assembly of two ski members 3 in tandem relationship , it should be self - evident that three or more ski members 3 can be assembled in tandem relationship . from the description of the assembly of two ski members 3 in side - by - side relationship , it should be self - evident that three or more ski members 3 can be assembled in side - by - side relationship . and from the descriptions of the assemblies of the ski members 3 in their tandem and side - by - side relationships , the assembly of the ski members 3 in the combination of tandem and side - by - side relationships should be self - evident . to utilize the ski member 3 , a rider simply sits on the seat 33 , grasps the hand holds 35 , propels himself forward and appropriately places his feet on the foot rests 53 . the same operation would be followed in unison when riders are utilizing the ski sled 1 of ski members 3 assembled in tandem , side - by - side , or combination relationships .	0
for the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure , reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings , and specific language will be used to describe the same . it will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended . in response to the unmet need for a syringe design that enable safe , reliable administration of a drug to protect against both improper dosage and inadvertent needle sticks , such a novel syringe design is disclosed herein . for demonstration purposes , the herein described novel syringe design is an insulin syringe . however , it should be appreciated that the applications for the herein described novel syringe extends beyond insulin syringes and can apply to medications of all types that are to be administered via a syringe . referring to fig1 , which is an image of an insulin syringe in common use , current syringes comprise a hollow barrel and a solid plunger used to push fluid out of a nozzle at the tip . there are numerous shortcomings in the current insulin syringe designs . first , the size of the syringe is quite small . it has a narrow diameter cylinder with markings that wrap almost completely around the barrel of the syringe . this small size can be difficult to handle for both health care providers and patients of all ages . notably , complications of diabetes , specifically in those patients who may already have high insulin demand ( in excess of 200 units per day ), include blurred vision and neuropathy , or pain and loss of sensation in their fingers and toes . these patient conditions make the current syringe design far less than optimal for the safe , ergonomic handling of a device that is intended to inject a drug with a narrow therapeutic window . second , these syringes can be used for both u100 and u500 concentrations . for example , if a health care provider drew up 100 units of u500 in one syringe and 20 units of u100 into separate syringes ( same volumes of clear liquid ) and walked away to attend to another task ( e . g ., answer a ringing phone ), the syringes would be indistinguishable upon the health care provider &# 39 ; s return . if the health care provider did not remember which was which , one represents a lethal dose for one patient while the other represents a dose far too low to combat the conditions of the other patient . without any visual cues or “ forcing functions ” to indicate differently concentrated insulin doses is a formula for catastrophe . a forcing function would be any discernable difference between syringes such as shape , size , color , structure , or any other means of immediately noticing a difference beyond having to remember . third , the current u100 syringes require computations to be made in order to achieve the correct dose . in order for a health care provider or a patient to achieve a 100 unit dose of u500 insulin , they would need 0 . 2 ml of insulin at this concentration to achieve this . however , 0 . 2 ml in a u100 syringe is labeled on the barrel as only being 20 units . such requirements are accompanied by risk that errors can be made in the computations and can thus lead to disastrous results , should an error be made . to address the above concerns , a novel design for a syringe , hereinafter referred to as a “ perimeter fill syringe ” is disclosed . referring to fig2 a and 2b , in one embodiment , the perimeter fill syringe 100 is cylindrical in shape . in another embodiment , referring to fig3 a and 3b , the perimeter fill syringe 100 is of a rectangular shape . it should be appreciated that although for demonstration purposes of this disclosure a cylindrical and rectangular shape for the perimeter fill syringe 100 are described , such descriptions are not intended to be limiting , and rather , any shape can be used . referring to fig4 , which is a cross - sectional view of an intermediate portion 200 along the length of the perimeter fill syringe 100 , the perimeter fill syringe 100 and has a core 201 . still referring to fig4 , an outer shell 203 encases the core 201 . in between the outer shell 203 and the core 201 is a fluid space 205 for the medication or fluid to be placed . referring to fig5 a and 5b , a plunger 301 is configured to be inserted into the fluid space 205 . fig5 a and 5b show an embodiment of the plunger 301 that is configured to be inserted into a perimeter fill syringe 100 that has a rectangular shape . fig6 shows an embodiment of the plunger 301 that is configured to be inserted in to a perimeter fill syringe 100 that has a cylindrical shape . referring to fig2 b , an image of an embodiment of the top end 204 of the outer shell 203 of the perimeter fill syringe 100 is shown , of which the plunger 301 shown in fig6 can be inserted . the fluid space 205 is no longer along the shape of a ring at the top end 204 of the outer shell 203 to allow for minimal waste of the medication or fluid traveling through the fluid space 205 . referring to fig7 , which shows separate images of the core 201 and of the outer shell 203 of an embodiment in which the perimeter fill syringe 100 is in cylindrical in shape , the top end 204 of the outer shell 203 can be configured to have a syringe needle inserted thereon . still referring to fig7 , the core 201 can have a bottom end 207 that is configured to be coupled to a plunger that can facilitate the core 201 being inserted into the outer shell 203 to thereby administer the medication through the fluid space 205 . a space for the plunger needs to be configured into the design of the perimeter fill syringe 100 , an example of which is shown at the top of fig3 a and 3b . fig8 similarly shows an alternate embodiment of the perimeter fill syringe 100 shown in fig7 , but in fig8 , the shape of the perimeter fill syringe 100 is rectangular . fig4 shows an alternate view of the embodiment of the perimeter fill syringe 100 of fig8 . referring to fig4 , the fluid can be inserted into the fluid space 205 can be seen to form the shape of a ring along a bottom portion 209 of the perimeter fill syringe 100 . still referring to fig4 , the top end 211 of the core 201 is configured to be inserted into the bottom portion 209 to fill the fluid space 205 . fig9 a and 9b show an embodiment of the fully assembled perimeter fill syringe 100 , wherein the core 201 is partially slidably inserted into the outer shell 203 . referring to fig9 b , drawing back the core 201 allows the fluid space 205 to fill with fluid medication . such a thin perimeter geometry enables a wider syringe design that is easier to grasp for patients and health care providers , especially those with lessening of motor function or dexterity . the wider diameter on the perimeter fill syringes 100 also enables markings to appear more clearly on a single face of the perimeter fill syringe 100 , thus eliminating the need to roll or rotate the syringe in a user &# 39 ; s hand while drawing up a dosage of medication . as described above , the perimeter fill syringes 100 can take on a plurality of shapes and geometries . for instance , the perimeter fill syringe 100 can be of a cylindrical shape . alternatively , a rectangular prism - like shape can be used . yet another embodiment features a triangular prism - like shape for the perimeter fill syringe 100 . table 1 shows an example of the calculations for a 500 unit syringe and various inner width dimensions , specifically for estimating a desired fluid space 205 for a perimeter fill syringe 100 that is rectangular in shape and the core 201 and outer shell 203 each have widths that are the same ( i . e ., their top and bottom ends are squares ), given the dimensions of the outer shell 203 and the core 201 , for a desired height of the perimeter fill syringe , and an inner width core 201 diameter . such calculations are conducted using volume dimensions and the exact calculations can vary depending on the geometry of the perimeter fill syringe 100 ( e . g ., volumetric calculations for a cylinder can be used if the perimeter fill syringe 100 is cylindrical ; volumetric calculations for a triangle will be used if the perimeter fill syringe 100 is triangular ). the fluid space 205 needs to be calculated such that the plunger will not cripple with the force of drawing the fluid in and out of the perimeter fill syringe 100 . the exact dimensions can vary depending on a variety of factors , including the desired ease of flow of the particular medication to be administered and the age and physical abilities of individual administering the medication . for example , a patient with weak hands and poor dexterity may need a perimeter fill syringe 100 that is capable of having a sliding motion that has less resistance than what is considered normal in the field . similarly , if the user of the perimeter fill syringe 100 is a child , the sliding motion may have to be altered accordingly to ensure ease of use for the patient . alternate colors and shapes can also be used to help identify and alert the user as to which medication and dosage is being administered . such configurations can revolutionize the way in which medications are administered by patient and health care providers . such designs address the issue of drawing up different concentrations of insulin into a single type of syringe . in the example given above where a health care provider walks away from two identical volumes of different concentrations of insulin , it was previously impossible to discern between the two . now , with this disclosure , the rectangular shape of the u500 insulin syringe acts as a physical alert and a forcing function to warn both patients and nurses alike that this syringe contains highly concentrated insulin . using this new invention , a new standard will be set for administration of insulin . the cylindrical shape will be retained for u100 insulin while the rectangular shape will become the new standard by which all 500 unit / ml insulin will be dispensed and administered . changing the shape of the syringe is a human factors strategy that will reduce the cognitive load on nurses and patients when they need to be focused on other matters . now , rather than having to be extremely diligent to avoid mixing concentrations , they can consistently rely upon syringe geometry as a forcing function to prompt safe dispensing and administration techniques . in addition to the differing syringe geometries , each syringe can have markings on the barrel or outer shell 203 that precisely correlate to the concentration of the corresponding insulin being administered . therefore , in a u100 syringe , 0 . 2 ml will be 20 units every time and no dose of u500 should ever be drawn up in these syringes ever again . a u500 syringe will have 100 units marked at the corresponding 0 . 2 ml line on the barrel because only 500 unit / ml insulin shall ever be used in this shape of syringe . keeping the markings distinct eliminates the need for additional math and calculations or incorrect labeling on the barrel after drawing up insulin . those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications can be made to the specific implementations described above . the implementations should not be limited to the particular limitations described . other implementations may be possible .	0
a device for training a baseball pitcher in accordance with the present invention has a catching unit which can be formed as a net 1 mounted on a frame 2 . an inclined protective plate 3 is associated with the lower part of the frame and forms a rolling trough 4 . the device also has a throwing unit for throwing a baseball . the throwing unit includes a catching plate 5 and a throwing arm 6 having one end associated with the catching plate 5 and another end pivotably connected to the frame 2 . the device further has a drive for displacing the throwing arm 6 so as to throw a baseball received on the catching plate 5 . the drive in the shown embodiment is formed as a pneumatic cylinder - piston unit 7 which has an immovable cylinder , and a piston which is reciprocatingly movable in the cylinder and connected to the opposite end of the throwing arm 6 . the cylinder - piston unit 7 is supplied with pressurized air from a pressure container 8 through a pressure conduit 9 provided with a pressure regulating valve 10 and then through a 3 / 2 directional valve 11 ′ and a further pressure conduit 12 . a contact pin 13 is further provided and connected through a rod 14 with a locking hook 15 which is spring biased by a pulling spring 16 . the device for training a baseball pitcher in accordance with the present invention operates in the following manner . in the initial position shown in fig1 before hitting the ball , the catching plate 5 is connected with the valve 11 ′ and located in its initial position . an arresting angle 17 located at the right side of the catching plate 5 is not locked with the locking hook 15 . the throwing arm 6 is located with its one end under the catching plate 5 in the initial position . the throwing arm 6 is connected with the pressurized air cylinder - piston unit and pivotably connected with the frame 2 at the opposite end . when the ball hits the net 1 , it rolls through the rolling trough 4 downwardly and falls onto the catching plate 5 . this situation is shown in fig4 . the catching plate 5 has such a weight that the weight of the ball is sufficient to displace it downwardly . thereby the arresting angle 17 is locked by the locking hook 15 . the valve 11 ′ is open under the action of lowering of the catching plate 5 and the pressurized air flows into the cylinder - piston unit . the throwing arm 6 is accelerated upwardly through a slot in the catching plate 5 and drives the baseball with it . during the whole accelerating movement the valve 11 ′ remains open , since the catching plate is always locked in its lower position . as can be seen from fig5 the accelerating movement or throwing movement is performed so far , that the throwing arm 6 hits the contact pin 13 and displaces until it hits a rubber coating 18 . the contact pin 13 is connected through the rod 14 with the locking hook 15 . by the movement of the contact pin 13 , the catching plate 5 is unlocked . the catching plate can now move upwardly , so that the valve 11 ′ is closed and the pressurized air supply is interrupted . simultaneously , a connection between atmosphere and the cylinder - piston unit is established through the valve 11 ′, so that air escape from the cylinder - piston unit . thereby the throwing arm 6 moves back to the initial position shown in fig6 . without the locking mechanism the pressurized air supply to the cylinder - piston unit 7 would be interrupted when the throwing arm 6 lifts the baseball substantially from the catching plate 5 . by lifting of the baseball the catching plate 5 is unloaded and the valve 11 ′ would be closed . [ 0029 ] fig6 again shows the initial situation . the throwing arm 6 falls back after the throw , to its initial position . the catching plate 5 is not locked , since no ball is located on it . the operational pressure amounts approximately to 5 . 5 bar and can be regulated by the pressure regulator 10 located between the pressure container 8 and the valve 11 ′. the catching plate 5 is connected with the displacement valve 11 ′ through a connecting hinge 21 . [ 0030 ] fig7 shows the catching plate 5 with the groove 19 on a plan view . ball guides 20 also provided to guarantee that after hitting the catching plate 5 the ball reaches an optimal throwing position . [ 0031 ] fig8 shows a switching diagram of the 3 / 2 valve 11 ′. during the accelerating or throwing movement , the connection between the pressure container 8 and the pressurized air cylinder - piston unit 7 is established . during the downward movement of the throwing arm 6 after the throw , the pressurized air cylinder - piston unit is connected with atmosphere through the 3 / 2 directional valve 11 ′. this figure shows a connection of the pressure container 8 with the pressurized air cylinder - piston unit 7 through a fast coupling 22 , a plug nipple 23 , the pressure regulator 10 , and the displacement valve 11 ′. it will be understood that each of the elements described above , or two or more together , may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above . while the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in baseball training apparatus , it is not intended to be limited to the details shown , since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention . without further analysis , the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can , by applying current knowledge , readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that , from the standpoint of prior art , fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention .	0
reference is made to fig4 , which shows a lens 80 in accordance with the prior art . the lens 80 may be a progressive lens , such that it has a long - distance focus region 82 , and a second region 83 , which may include a progressive region and a short - distance focus region ( for use when reading ). in such a lens , the traditional approach to transitioning between the second region 83 and the long - distance region 82 has been to blend gradually . the transition regions that result from this design methodology can be seen as shaded areas 88 and 90 in fig4 . these transition regions 88 and 90 unfortunately are areas of distortion in the lens 80 , and it can be seen that these regions 88 and 90 occupy a significant region of the swept area of the lens 80 . in particular , a result of this design methodology , there is distortion in lower left and lower right regions of the lens 80 , which are shown at 92 and 94 respectively . the distortion in these regions 92 and 94 in particular can cause visual difficulty for the wearer of the lens 80 . for some wearers , this visual difficulty might cause discomfort and headaches . reference is first made to fig1 , which shows a multifocal lens 10 made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention . the lens 10 is for use in eyewear , such as eyeglasses or monocles and the like , providing the wearer with improved vision at selected ranges of focal distance , with little distortion . the lens 10 comprises a first region 12 , which has first focal properties and a second region 14 which has second focal properties . in the particular lens shown , the first focal properties are substantially constant throughout the first region . the first region 12 may , for example , be configured for focus at long - distance . the second focal properties ( i . e . the focal properties of the second region 14 ) may vary . more particularly , the second region 14 includes a portion that is a progressive region 14 a and portion that is a short - distance focus region 14 b ( which may be referred to as a reading region 14 b ). the reading region 14 b has an associated focal distance that is suitable for reading , such as , for example , approximately 12 inches , although other focal distances are alternatively possible . the progressive region 14 a has associated therewith a focal distance that varies progressively between the focal distance of the reading region 14 b and the focal distance of the first lens region 12 . it will be noted that there is no discontinuity in the lens 10 at the upper and lower limits of the progressive region ; the lens surface at the upper end of the progressive region 14 a transitions smoothly from the surface of the first region 12 , and the lens surface at the lower end of the progressive region 14 a transitions smoothly to the surface of the reading region 14 b . the progressive region 14 a begins below the optical center 29 . the progressive region 14 a may be relatively short , such that the progression is relatively fast from the focal distance of the first lens region 12 to the focal distance of the reading region 14 b , thereby providing a relatively tall reading region 14 b . alternatively , the progressive region 14 a may be more gradual ( and therefore taller ) thereby providing a reading region 14 a that is relatively short . the second lens region 14 has a first side edge 16 a and a second side edge 16 b . the first and second side edges 16 a and 16 b may be curved , as shown in fig1 , or they may be generally straight , as shown in fig2 . it can be seen that the width of the second region 14 increases in the downward direction on the lens 10 . the lens 10 further includes a first transition region 22 between the first side edge 16 a and the first lens region 12 , and a second transition region 24 between the second side edge 16 b and the first lens region 12 . it can be seen that the transition regions 22 and 24 are generally parallel to the side edges 16 a and 16 b . for example , as can be seen in fig1 , the transition regions 22 and 24 each have a roughly similar arcuate shape to that of the first and second side edges 16 a and 16 b respectively . similarly , as shown in fig2 , the transition regions 22 and 24 have a generally straight shape that is similar to the generally straight shape of the first and second side edges 16 a and 16 b respectively . additionally , the transition regions 22 and 24 may each have a selected width which may be less than a selected value , such as , for example , about 8 mm or in some embodiments less than about 7 mm , for a 70 mm diameter lens . in the embodiment shown in fig2 , the width is relatively constant along the transition regions 22 and 24 and is shown at w . in the embodiment shown in fig1 , the width of the bottom of the transition region 22 ( shown at w 1 ) is larger than the width of the top of the transition region 22 ( shown at w 2 ). in this embodiment , the width at all points along the transition region 22 or 24 may be less than the selected value . in such embodiments where the width varies , the transition regions 22 and 24 may have a width at their respective top ends that is less than a different selected value , such as , for example , 3 mm , or even less than 1 mm . having a particularly narrow width at the upper end of the transition regions is valuable since in some lenses , the bottom portion of the lens ( where the width w 2 in some instances is at its largest ) might not be used in the final lens that ultimately is fitted into a wearer &# 39 ; s eyeglass frames . as a result of providing transition regions that are narrow , the reading region 14 b of the lens 10 may be made relatively wide , while at the same time keeping these transition regions out of the lower left and lower right regions of the lens , shown at 26 and 28 , which , as noted above are regions of the lens 10 that are important to make distortion - free . as can be seen , the regions 26 and 28 in fig1 and 2 are substantially entirely located within the first lens region 12 , and so there is no distortion in the regions 26 and 28 . in total it will be noted that the transition regions 22 and 24 , which make up the total area of the lens 10 that may be considered to have astigmatic distortion , is less than about 25 % of the swept area of the lens 10 . in some embodiments , they constitute less than about 10 % of the swept area of the lens 10 . the progressive region 14 a and the area surrounding it ( e . g . the upper ends of the transition regions 22 and 24 ) may have a relatively complex shape , and may be designed using a point cloud ( shown at 34 ) instead of ‘ building ’ the complex shape by stitching together simple surfaces . it will be understood that it is possible to design the entirety of the lens 10 using a point cloud . as shown in fig1 and 2 , the second region 14 of the lens 10 may extend all the way down to the bottom of the lens 10 , such that the bottom edge of the second region 14 is a segment of the edge of the lens 10 . reference is made to fig3 , which shows a lens 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention . the lens 100 is shown rotated somewhat . the optical center of the lens 100 is shown at 102 . the horizontal primary meridian is shown at 104 . the lens 100 has a first lens region 106 having first focal properties , a second lens region 108 having second focal properties and a third lens region 110 having third focal properties . the first lens region 106 may contain the optical center 102 of the lens 100 . the first lens region 106 may have substantially constant focal properties throughout , and may have a first focal distance that is selected to be suitable for a particular task . for example , the first lens region may be configured to permit the wearer to view a computer monitor , and may thus have a focal distance of less than , for example , about 30 ″. in another example , the focal distance may be selected to permit a musician to view sheet music while playing their instrument . the first lens region 106 preferably extends across the entire width of the lens 100 , as shown . the second lens region 108 may be similar to the second lens region 14 in fig1 or 2 and may include a progressive region 108 a and a reading region 108 b . the second lens region 108 has a first side edge 112 a and a second side edge 112 b . first and second transition regions 114 and 116 transition between the side edges 112 a and 112 b and the first region 106 . the transition regions 114 and 116 may be similar to the transition regions 22 and 24 in fig1 or 2 , in that they may be generally parallel to the first and second side edges 112 c and 112 d respectively , and may each have a width that is less than a selected value . above the optical center 102 the third lens region 110 is provided . the third lens region 110 may includes a portion that is a progressive region 110 a and a portion that is a long - distance viewing portion 110 b . the progressive region 110 a has associated therewith a focal distance that varies progressively between the focal distance of the long - distance region 110 b and the focal distance of the first lens region 110 . the third lens region 110 has a first side edge 120 a and a second side edge 120 b . third and fourth transition regions 122 and 124 extend between the side edges 120 a and 120 b and the first region 106 . the transition regions 122 and 124 may be generally parallel to the first and second side edges 120 c and 120 d and may have a width that is less than a selected value ( which may or may not be the same value as the widths of the transition regions 114 and 116 ). it will be noted that the first region 106 generally surrounds the second region about a top edge and the side edges 112 a and 112 b , and the third region about a bottom edge and the side edges 120 a and 120 b . thus , the first region is roughly h - shaped . the lenses 10 and 100 may be manufactured by any suitable process and may be made from any suitable material . furthermore , all the lens features ( e . g . the features that form the various lens regions may be formed using the front surface of the lens 10 or 100 ( i . e . the surface of the lens facing away from the wearer &# 39 ; s eye ), or using the back surface of the lens 10 or 100 ( i . e . the surface of the lens facing the wearer &# 39 ; s eye ), or a combination of both . the surfaces of the lens 10 or 100 may have any suitable surface shape . for example , the surfaces of the lens 10 or 100 may be generally spherical , or may be sphero - cylindrical , such that the radius of the lens 10 or 100 may remain substantially constant over a 360 degree angular sweep about the centre of the lens , or alternatively , the radius of the lens 10 or 100 may vary , such that the lens 10 or 100 may have a major axis and a minor axis . while the above description constitutes a plurality of embodiments of the present invention , it will be appreciated that the present invention is susceptible to further modification and change without departing from the fair meaning of the accompanying claims .	6
fig2 , and 4 are schematic plan views of three layers of the badge . fig5 is a sectional side view of a chamber at 5 - 5 in fig4 . as shown in fig1 , in some examples , an identification badge 10 worn by a doctor has red and green lights 12 , 14 , that indicate that her hands are likely to be respectively in a clean ( e . g ., disinfected , green light ) condition or in a not clean ( e . g ., not disinfected , red light ) condition . the two lights are controlled by a control circuit ( not shown in fig1 ) based on ( a ) information derived from an ethanol sensor 16 in the badge , ( b ) signals from a timer ( also not shown in fig1 ) that tracks the passage of time after the circuit has determined that the hands are likely to be in a disinfected condition , and ( c ) the state of the logic implemented by the control circuit ( also not shown ). an lcd display 23 provides displayed information that can include the status of the badge , the control circuit , or the sensor ; the time ; the status of the cleanliness of the doctor &# 39 ; s hands ; and other information . in addition to providing the disinfection determining function , the badge 10 can be of a shape and form and can display information sufficient to serve a conventional function of complying with government and institution regulations that require health care workers to carry visible identification . for example , the badge includes a photograph 17 of the doctor , and other information including the doctor &# 39 ; s name 19 and identification number 21 . a typical badge could be approximately credit - card size . because health care workers are required to carry such badges for other reasons , providing the disinfection determining function within the same badge make it more likely that the worker will use that function than if the function were provided in a separate device that the worker was expected to carry separately . in addition , because the badge worn by a worker must be visible to others in the health care environment , the feature of the badge that indicates whether the user &# 39 ; s hands are clean or unclean will naturally be visible to others . thus , the worker , merely by having to wear the badge , will be subjected to social pressure of peers , patients , and managers with respect to the cleanliness of the worker &# 39 ; s hands . this makes the use of the disinfection determining feature of the badge and the improvement of cleanliness habits self - enforcing . the institution by whom the worker is employed need only provide badges that include those features without directly managing or monitoring their use . a pair of electrodes 24 , 26 on either side of the sensor is used to determine when a finger 28 or other part of the hand or other skin has been placed against the sensor . when skin of a finger or other part of the hand touches both electrodes , the resistance between them will decline . by measuring that resistance the control circuit can detect the presence of a finger . the badge is used by the doctor in conjunction with disinfecting her hands using cleaners of the kind that include ethanol ( for example , the liquid known by the name purell available from gojo industries , akron , ohio , and which contains 62 % ethyl alcohol ). such cleaners are considered to be more effective than soaps and detergents in killing bacteria and viruses and are widely used in health care and other environments . when the ethanol - based cleaner is rubbed on the skin of the hands , the ethanol kills the bacteria and viruses . the effect will last for several hours but eventually wears off . ethanol is volatile and eventually evaporates from the skin , leaving the possibility ( which increases over time ) that live bacteria and viruses will again contaminate the skin from the air and from objects that are touched , for example . the concentration of ethanol on the skin and the decay of that concentration from evaporation tend to determine the onset of subsequent contamination . in turn , the concentration of ethanol on the skin can be inferred by the concentration of ethanol vapor near the skin . by placing the skin near an ethanol detector for a short period of time , it is possible to determine the vapor concentration of ethanol and thus to infer the ethanol concentration on the skin and the disinfected state of the skin . when the current inferred concentration is above a threshold , it is possible to make an assumption about how long the hands will remain disinfected . the badge can be used in the following way to improve the hand cleaning habits of the user . in some simple examples , the badge can be configured to determine and display two different states : disinfected and not disinfected . except when the badge has recently enough ( say within two or three hours ) entered the disinfected state due to a measurement cycle in which an adequate concentration of ethanol vapor had been sensed , the badge will assume a default state of the user &# 39 ; s skin of not disinfected . thus , when the badge is first powered on , or reset , or the permitted time since a prior successful measurement has elapsed , the state becomes not disinfected . when the state is not disinfected the red light is lit and the word re - test is displayed on the lcd . in some implementations , the badge can be made to switch from the not disinfected state to the disinfected state only by a successful ethanol measurement cycle . a successful cycle is one in which a finger or other part of the body is held in position over the sensor ( touching both of the electrodes ) for a period that is at least as long as a required measurement cycle ( e . g ., 30 seconds or 45 seconds or 60 seconds depending on the design of the circuit ), and the concentration of ethanol vapor that passes from the skin into a measurement chamber of the sensor is high enough to permit an inference that the skin is disinfected . thus , when the doctor wipes her hands with the cleaner to disinfect them , she can then press one of her clean fingers against the sensor 16 and the two electrodes 24 , 26 , for , say , 60 seconds . touching of both of the electrodes simultaneously by the finger is detected by the control circuit which then begins the measurement cycle . the control circuit could start the red and green lamps to flash alternately and to continue to do so as an indication to the user that the electrodes are both being touched and that the measurement cycle is proceeding . at the end of the sensing cycle , the control circuit determines a level of concentration of ethanol and uses the level to determine whether the finger , and by inference , the hand of the doctor is disinfected . each time a measurement cycle has been filly completed , the red and green lights may both be flashed briefly to signal that the cycle has ended and the finger may be removed . the control circuit continually monitors the electrodes to determine when a finger or other skin is touching both of the electrodes . when that event is detected , a measurement cycle count down timer ( which is initialized for the number of seconds needed to complete a measurement ) is started . at the beginning of a cycle , a voltage is applied to the heater to begin to heat the sensor element . initially the heater voltage may be set to a higher than normal value in order to shorten the initial action period described below . then the heater voltage is reduced . at the end of the measurement cycle , a measurement voltage is applied across the series connection of the measurement cell and the series resistor , and the voltage across the series resistor is detected and compared to a threshold to determine whether the state should be set to disinfected or not disinfected . when the control circuit determines that the hand is disinfected , the control circuit switches to the disinfected state , lights the green lamp ( and turns off the red lamp ), and displays the word clean on the lcd . in addition , upon the initiation of the disinfected state , the control circuit starts a re - test count down timer that is initially set to the period during which the skin is expected to remain disinfected ( for example two hours ). if the control circuit is in the disinfected state and the user voluntarily performs another successful measurement cycle ( for example , if , during the two hours after the prior successful measurement , she disinfects her hands again ), the re - test count down timer is reset . anyone in the vicinity of the doctor who can see the lights or lcd is made aware of whether , according to the doctor &# 39 ; s use of the badge , the doctor &# 39 ; s hands are disinfected or not . people who find troubling the indication that a person &# 39 ; s hands are not disinfected can complain to the person or to the employer , for example . during the sensing cycle the doctor must keep her finger against the sensor for at least a certain period of time , say 60 seconds , to give the sensor and the control circuit time to obtain a good reading . if the doctor removes her finger before the end of the period , the control circuit remains in or switches to the not disinfected state and displays the word re - test on the lcd display . if the doctor holds her finger against the sensor long enough to complete the sensing cycle and the results of the sensing cycle are displayed on the lcd and by lighting either the red light or the green light . if the sensing cycle ends with a determination that the finger is not disinfected , the doctor can try again to apply enough of the cleaner to her hands to satisfy the circuit and can test the ethanol concentration again . and the cycle can be repeated until the disinfected state is determined . in addition to causing the green light to be illuminated and the lcd to show clean , successfully completing an ethanol test also causes the control circuit to reset a count down timer ( not shown in fig1 ) to a predetermined period ( say , two hours ) after which it is assumed that the benefit of the ethanol treatment has worn off and the doctor &# 39 ; s hands are no longer disinfected . when the timer times out at the end of the predetermined period , the control circuit turns off the green light , lights the red light , and changes the displayed word from clean to re - test . the red light stays on and the word re - test continues to be displayed until a successful ethanol test is performed by the doctor . as shown in fig2 , and 4 , the badge 10 can be fabricated by assembling three layers . a bottom layer 29 ( shown schematically in fig2 ) contains a printed circuit 31 and components mounted on the circuit . the components include the sensor element 30 of the sensor , two thin batteries 32 , 34 , a microprocessor 36 ( an example of the control circuit mentioned earlier ), a clock 38 ( an example of the timer circuit mentioned earlier that can be used both for the measurement count - down timer and for the re - test count - down timer ), the two led lamps 12 , 14 , and an lcd display device 40 . the detailed interconnections of the devices mounted on the bottom layer are not shown in fig2 . the control circuit could be , for example , a pic microcontroller available from microchip technology , inc . of chandler , ariz . a middle layer ( shown schematically in fig3 ) is thicker than the bottom and top layer and provides physical relief for the components mounted on the bottom layer . the patterns shown in fig3 represent cutouts 43 or perforations in the middle layer . a top layer 50 ( shown schematically in fig4 ) includes a non - perforated and non - printed clear region 52 to permit viewing of the lcd display . space is left for adding a photograph and other information as show in fig1 . a perforated region 54 provides openings for passage of ethanol vapors into the badge and two perforations 56 , 58 on opposite sides of the perforated region 54 accept the conductive electrodes that are used to detect the presence of a finger . as shown in fig5 , the arrangement of the three layers in the vicinity of the sensor provides a sensing chamber 56 . ethanol vapors 55 pass from the finger 53 through the holes in perforated region 54 ( which is shown as narrower than in fig4 ) and into the chamber . within the chamber is a tin oxide sensor element 30 ( which includes an integral heater ). the sensor element is connected by wire bonded connections 61 to circuit runs 59 on the bottom layer of the badge . the heater heats the vapors within the chamber and sensor element measures the concentration of ethanol . tin oxide sensosr are small , low cost , and relatively low in power requirements . an example of a tin oxide ethanol sensor is the model tgs 2620 - m available from figaro , usa inc . of glenview , ill ., although other sensors available from other vendors could be used . the sensor includes an integral heater and four connections , two for the sensor element , and two for the heater . by wiring a resistor in series with the element and measuring the voltage drop across the resistor , the control circuit can determine the amount of current flowing in the element and hence the resistance of the element which will vary with ethanol concentration . tin oxide sensors with heaters are subject to a so - called initial action that occurs when the sensors are not energized for a period and then are energized . the resistance of the sensor drops sharply during an initial period of energization , whether gases are present in the surrounding air or not . the longer the period of unenergized storage ( up to about 30 days ), the longer the period of the initial action . therefore using tin oxide sensors in the badges requires a trade off between powering their operation for a period longer than the initial action but not so long that the energy drain caused by measurement cycles reduces the lifetime of the battery to an unacceptably short period . experiments suggest that if the user keeps her finger in contact with the sensor for at least 20 or 30 seconds , the sensing of ethanol then begins to dominate the initial action and permits detection of the ethanol concentration . other approaches may provide a shorter initial action ( such as applying a larger voltage for the first few sections of operation and then the normal voltage after that ). the badge provides a simple , effective , portable , inexpensive way to confirm that the ethanol treatment has occurred no longer than , say , two hours ago , which likely means that the hands remain disinfected . no other external equipment is needed . the disinfection condition is apparent to anyone in the vicinity of the doctor , including patients , supervisors , regulators , and peers . the social pressure associated with being identified easily as not having disinfected hands is an effective way to improve the frequency and thoroughness of cleaning . the system does not force the doctor to comply . compliance with cleaning rules and policies may remain less than perfect using the badges . yet it is likely that the compliance will improve significantly . any degree of improvement translates into reduced costs and injuries now associated with hands that have not been disinfected . a wide variety of other implementations are within the scope of the following claims . for example , although a simple matching of a measured ethanol concentration against a threshold can be used to determine simply whether the state should be disinfected or not disinfected , it is also possible to provide a more complicated analysis of measured concentration over time and a comparison of the measured concentration against dynamically selected thresholds . more than two states would be possible , for example , to denote different levels of disinfection or to denote that longer periods of time may elapse before another measurement is required . the length of time before a first measurement is considered stale and another measurement is required need not be based on an estimate of how long the ethanol on the skin will be effective , but can be based on an arbitrary period such as every hour . the degree of accuracy and repeatability of the measurement of ethanol concentration may be traded with the cost and complexity of the circuitry needed to do the measurements . in some examples , the goal need not be to assure that the user &# 39 ; s hands are thoroughly disinfected at all times . rather , if the system encourages more frequent and more thorough cleaning to any noticeable degree , great benefits will result . thus a very simple system may be quite useful and effective even though it may allow some users to cheat and may fail to determine the state accurately at all times . additional lights and displayed words may be used for a variety of purposes . the approach of the end of the disinfected period could be indicated by a yellow light to alert the user that a cleaning would soon be needed . the lights and lcd display could be supplemented with or replaced by audible alerts for all functions or some of them . in some examples , not all of the circuitry need be mounted in a single badge . some of the circuitry could be located in a different piece of equipment . for example , a sensor used in common by many people may be mounted on a wall and convey ( say by wireless communication ) the measured concentration of ethanol to the badge , which would then determine the state and indicate that state through lights and on the lcd . by separating the two , the badge could be lower cost , the sensor could be more complex and accurate , and the sensor could be located at places where the disinfectant solution is dispensed . fewer sensors would be needed . each badge could itself be split into two components that communicate with each other wirelessly or by wire . for example , a sensor module could be located in the user &# 39 ; s pocket , while the badge contains only the logic circuitry . the cleaning agent that is being measured need not be limited to ethanol but could include combinations of ethanol with other materials or other materials in the absence of ethanol ; an appropriate sensor for the other materials would be used . the badge could include clips , hook and loop fasteners , chains , pins , ribbons , and belt loops , and other devices to hold the badge on the user . the device need not take the form of a badge but could be an id device that attaches to a belt , a lapel , any other article of clothing , and other parts of the body including an arm , a leg , or a neck . the sensor and indicators need not be associated with identification information but could be provided in a device the sole purpose of which is to measure the concentration and provide an indication of it . the device can be used in non - health care environments in which hand cleanliness is important or expected . in a health - care environment , the device could be used by anyone who is providing services as well as by patients and their families or friends . information about the frequency , timing , and results of measurements performed historically by the user can be stored on the badge . many additional functions could be added to the badge by increasing the capacity of its processor , memory , displaying , communications ability , and user inputs features .	6
the following technology may be used in various multiple access schemes such as code division multiple access ( cdma ), frequency division multiple access ( fdma ), time division multiple access ( tdma ), orthogonal frequency division multiple access ( ofdma ) and single carrier - frequency division multiple access ( sc - fdma ). the cdma may be implemented by a radio technology such as universal terrestrial radio access ( utra ) or cdma2000 . the tdma may be implemented by a radio technology such as a global system for mobile communications ( gsm )/ general packet radio service ( gprs )/ enhanced data rates for gsm evolution ( edge ). the ofdma may be implemented by a radio technology such as institute of electrical and electronics engineers ( ieee ) 802 . 11 ( wi - fi ), ieee 802 . 16 ( wimax ), ieee 802 . 20 or evolved utra ( e - utra ). the utra is a portion of a universal mobile telecommunications system ( umts ). 3rd generation partnership project ( 3gpp ) long term evolution ( lte ) is a portion of an evolved umts ( e - umts ) using the e - utra , which employs the ofdma in downlink and the sc - fdma in uplink . lte - advanced ( lte - a ) is an evolution of the 3gpp lte . technical terms used in this specification are used to merely illustrate specific embodiments , and should be understood that they are not intended to limit the present disclosure . as far as not being defined differently , all terms used herein including technical or scientific terms may have the same meaning as those generally understood by an ordinary person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs to , and should not be construed in an excessively comprehensive meaning or an excessively restricted meaning . in addition , if a technical term used in the description of the present disclosure is an erroneous term that fails to clearly express the idea of the present disclosure , it should be replaced by a technical term that can be properly understood by the skilled person in the art . in addition , general terms used in the description of the present disclosure should be construed according to definitions in dictionaries or according to its front or rear context , and should not be construed to have an excessively restrained meaning . the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention . it will be further understood that the terms “ includes ” and / or “ including ,” when used in this specification , specify the presence of stated features , integers , steps , operations , elements , and / or components , but do not preclude the presence and / or addition of one or more other features , integers , steps , operations , elements , components , and / or groups thereof . it will be understood that , although the terms “ first ,” “ second ,” etc . may be used herein to describe various elements , these elements should not be limited by these terms . these terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element . thus , a “ first ” element discussed below could also be termed as a “ second ” element without departing from the teachings of the present invention . it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “ coupled ” or “ connected ” to another element , it can be directly coupled or connected to the other element or intervening elements may also be present . in contrast , when an element is referred to as being “ directly coupled ” or “ directly connected ” to another element , there are no intervening elements present . in the drawings , the thickness of layers , films and regions are exaggerated for clarity . like numerals refer to like elements throughout . description will now be given in detail of the exemplary embodiments , with reference to the accompanying drawings . for the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings , the same or equivalent components will be provided with the same reference numbers , and description thereof will not be repeated . it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention . thus , it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents . hereinafter , although a terminal is shown in the drawings , the ue may be called as a user equipment ( ue ), mobile equipment ( me ), mobile station ( ms ), user terminal ( ut ), subscriber station ( ss ), wireless device , handheld device or access terminal ( at ). the ue may be a portable device having a communication function , such as a cellular phone , personal digital assistant ( pda ), smart phone , wireless modem or notebook computer , or may be a device that cannot be carried , such as a personal computer ( pc ) or vehicle mounting device . fig9 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method of limiting transmission power of a terminal . fig1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating another method of limiting transmission power of a terminal . before the method of limiting transmission power of a terminal is described with reference to fig9 , the maximum power actually available for the terminal in an lte system is briefly expressed as follows . here , the pcmax denotes maximum power ( actual maximum transmit power ) that the terminal can transmit to a corresponding cell , and the pemax denotes maximum power available in a corresponding cell on which a base station ( bs ) performs signaling . the pumax denotes the maximum power ( p powerclass ) of the terminal itself in consideration of maximum power reduction ( hereinafter , referred to as mpr ), additive - mpr ( hereinafter , referred to as a - mpr ), etc . the maximum output power is changed depending on a channel band . in the case of intra - band carrier aggregation ( ca ), the operating band is defined as shown in the following table . in table 1 , the f ul — low means the lowest frequency in the uplink operating band , and the f ul — high means the highest frequency in the uplink operating band . the fdd is an abbreviation for frequency division duplex , and the tdd is an abbreviation for time division duplex . meanwhile , ca band classes and protection bands corresponding thereto are shown in the following table . in table 2 , the square bracket [ ] is not surely specified yet , and may be changed . the n rb — agg denotes the number of resource blocks ( rbs ) aggregated in an aggregation channel band . in the channel band class c for the intra - band ca shown in table 2 , the maximum output power in an arbitrary transmission band may be defined as shown in the following table . that is , if the channel band for the intra - band ca is defined as class c , the maximum output power may be defined as shown in the following table . in table 3 , the tolerance represents an allowable error . in table 3 , the square bracket [ ] is not surely specified yet , and may be changed . here , the ca — 1c means an operating band ca — 1 in table 1 in the class c , and the ca — 40c means an operating band ca — 40 in table 1 in the class c . the maximum output power described above expresses a value measured during the length ( 1 ms ) of one subframe in an antenna of each ue . in the current lte system , the maximum power ( p powerclass ) of the terminal itself is defined as power class 3 , which means power of 23 dbm . meanwhile , the mpr means the amount of power reduction for the maximum transmit power defined with respect to a specific modulation order or the number of rbs so as to satisfy rf requirements ( a spectrum emission mask ( sem ), an adjacent channel leakage ratio ( aclr ), etc ) defined in the standard . the a - mpr means the amount of power reduction for the maximum transmit power defined due to regional characteristics . thus , the maximum power of the terminal is additionally reduced by applying the a - mpr suitable for a situation , so that the transmission power of the terminal is induced to a level that satisfies requirements for a public safety ( ps ) band , specified in a corresponding country . referring to fig9 ( a ), the bs performs signaling on a network signaling ( hereinafter , referred to as ns ) value . information element ( hereinafter , referred to as ie ) called as additional spectrum emission is defined in the protocol standard of the current lte system , and 32 nss is included in the ie . the value of a - mpr corresponding to each ns is defined in ts36 . 101 that is the 3gpp standard document . that is , each ns indicates the value of a - mpr corresponding thereto . then , the terminal transmits a signal by limiting its transmit power according to the corresponding value of a - mpr . specifically , if the terminal receives rbs for multi - cluster transmission in a single component carrier , which are allocated from the bs through its transceiver and then receives an ns value , the terminal transmits a signal by limiting the maximum transmit power according to the mpr indicated by the ns value . referring to fig9 ( b ), the bs transmits a master information block ( mib ) and a system information block ( sib ). the sib may contain at least one of information on an operating band , information on an uplink ( ul ) bandwidth and information on a carrier frequency . the information on the ul bandwidth may contain information on the number of rbs . the information on the operating band may contain information shown in the following table . here , the f ul — low means the lowest frequency in the uplink operating band , and the f ul — high means the highest frequency in the uplink operating band . the f dl — low means the lowest frequency in the downlink operating band , and the f dl — high means the highest frequency in the downlink operating band . meanwhile , the terminal can identify that the ul allocated to transmit a signal belongs to a specific class of the ca band classes in table 2 , using the system information ( si ) described above . then , the terminal may transmit the signal by limiting the maximum transmit power according to the mpr recognized by the terminal , without considering the a - mpr through the ns . that is , additional aclr and se received through the ns may not be considered . as can be seen with reference to fig1 , the terminal may transmit the signal by limiting the maximum transmit power according to the mpr recognized by the terminal , without the ns performed from the bs . this means that when the ul resource allocated from the bs is a general operating band which does not requires the ns performed by the bs , the maximum transmit power may be limited according to the mpr recognized by the terminal . hereinafter , a single carrier - frequency division multiple access ( sc - fdma ) transmission scheme and the mpr required in the sc - fdma will be described . fig1 is a block diagram illustrating an sc - fdma transmission scheme that is an uplink access scheme employed in the 3gpp lte . sc - fdma is employed in the uplink of lte . here , the sc - fdma is a scheme similar to ofdm , but can reduce power consumption of a portable terminal and cost of a power amplifier by decreasing a peak to average power ratio ( papr ). the sc - fdma is a scheme similar to the ofdm in which a signal is divided into sub - bands to be transmitted through sub - carriers using fast fourier transform ( fft ) and inverse - fft ( ifft ). the sc - fdma is identical to the conventional ofdm scheme in that a guard interval ( cyclic prefix ) is used so that it is possible to utilize a simple equalizer in the frequency domain with respect to inter - symbol interference ( isi ). however , the power efficiency of a transmitter has been improved by decreasing the papr at a transmitter terminal by about 2 to 3 db using an additional unique technique . that is , the problem of the conventional ofdm receiver is that signals carried by each sub - carrier on a frequency axis are converted into signals on a time axis by the ifft . since parallel equal operations are performed in the ifft , an increase in the papr occurs . referring to fig1 , to solve such a problem , a discrete fourier transform ( dft ) 12 is first performed on information before a signal is mapped to a sub - carrier in the sc - fdma . sub - carrier mapping 13 is performed on a signal spread ( or precoded in the same meaning ) by the dft , and the signal subjected to the sub - carrier mapping is converted into a signal in the time axis by performing an ifft 14 . in this case , unlike the ofdm , the papr of a signal in the time domain after the ifft 14 is not increased so much by the correlation among the def 12 , the sub - carrier mapping 13 and the ifft 14 , and thus the sc - fdma is advantageous in terms of transmission power efficiency . that is , a transmission scheme in which the ifft is performed after dft spreading is referred to as the sc - fdma . as such , the sc - fdma has a similar structure to the ofdm , thereby obtaining the signal strength for a multi - path channel , and the sc - fdma completely prevents the papr from being increased through the through the ifft in the conventional ofdm , thereby enabling the use of a power amplifier . meanwhile , the sc - fdma may also be called as def spread ofdm ( def - s - ofdm ). that is , the papr or cubic metric ( cm ) may be decreased in the sc - fdma . when the sc - fdma transmission scheme is used , it is possible to avoid a non - linear distortion period of the power amplifier , and thus the transmission power efficiency can be improved in an ue of which power consumption is limited . accordingly , it is possible to increase a user throughput . meanwhile , the standardization of the lte - a more improved than the lte has been actively performed in the 3gpp . in the process of standardizing the lte - a , the sc - fdma - based scheme and the ofdm scheme competed with each other , but a clustered def - s - ofdm scheme that allows non - contiguous resource allocation has been employed . fig1 is a block diagram a clustered discrete fourier transform - spread - orthogonal frequency division multiplexing ( dft - s - ofdm ) transmission method employed as an uplink access method in the lte - advanced standard . the important feature of the clustered dft - s - ofdm is that it is possible to flexibly cope with a frequency selective fading environment by enabling frequency selective resource allocation . in the clustered dft - s - ofdm scheme employed as the uplink access scheme of the lte - a , the non - contiguous resource allocation is allowed differently from the sc - fdma that is an uplink access scheme of the conventional lte , and thus transmitted uplink data can be divided into several cluster units . that is , the lte system maintains a single carrier characteristic in the ul . on the other hand , the lte - a allows a case in which data subjected to dft - precoding is non - contiguously allocated on the frequency axis or the pusch and pucch are transmitted at the same time . in this case , it is difficult to maintain the single carrier characteristic . fig1 illustrates a scenario in which a pusch is transmitted by being divided into several cluster units in a single component carrier . fig1 illustrates an adjacent channel leakage ratio ( aclr ). fig1 a to 15d illustrate simulations respectively obtained by using quadrature phase - shift keying ( qpsk ) and 16 - quadrature amplitude modulation ( qam ), and illustrate mprs according to the simulations . as can be seen with reference to fig1 , there is shown an example in which the pusch is transmitted by being allocated to several rbs when the single component carrier has 100 rbs , i . e ., 20 mhz . the number and position of the allocated rbs are moved from the end to center of the frequency axis . in this case , the worst scenario is that the smallest number of rbs are allocated to both ends of the band . first , before performing a simulation , parameters used in the simulation will be described . the channel band uses a band compatible in 3gpp release 8 and 9 . the modulation scheme is qpsk / 16 - qam . the modulator impairments are as follows . here , the i / q imbalance is i / q inequality , which means that the i / q imbalance acts as spreading between symmetric subcarriers and causes performance degradation . in this case , the unit dbc represents the relative size of power based on the size in the power of a carrier frequency . the carrier leakage is an additional sinusoidal ( sine ) wave having the same frequency as a modulation carrier frequency . the counter im3 ( counter inter - modulation distortion ) represents an element caused by components such as a mixer and an amplifier in an rf system . in table 5 , in a case where an adjacent channel 1402 is used for the purpose of utra as shown in fig1 when the terminal transmits a signal in an e - utra channel 1401 , the utra aclr1 is a rate in which the signal is leaked to the adjacent channel 1402 , i . e ., utra channel . that is , the utra aclr1 is an adjacent channel leakage rate ( aclr ). in a case where a channel 1403 positioned adjacent to the adjacent channel 1402 is used for the purpose of utra as shown in fig1 when the terminal transmits a signal in the e - utra channel 1401 , the utra aclr2 is a rate in which the signal is leaked to the adjacent channel 1403 , i . e ., utra channel . that is , the utra aclr2 is an aclr . in a case where a channel 1404 positioned adjacent to the adjacent channel 1404 is used for the purpose of utra as shown in fig1 when the terminal transmits a signal in the e - utra channel 1401 , the e - utra aclr is a rate in which the signal is leaked to the adjacent channel 1404 , i . e ., utra channel . that is , the utra aclr is an aclr . the value of the mpr represents a general sem that a frequency must not interfere when the channel is distant by a certain frequency distance from the outside of a given channel band . the value of mpr for release 8 or 9 is defined as shown in the following table . here , the δf oob is an abbreviation for frequency of out of band emission , and represents a frequency when the frequency is emitted out of the channel band . the dbm is a unit of power ( watt ), and 1 mw = 0 dbm . the general spurious emission ( se ) that a frequency must not interfere according to the frequency range is defined as shown in the following table . hereinafter , the result obtained by performing the simulations , based on the simulation parameters described above , will be described . in this case , based on the simulation result , the mpr required in the single component carrier is defined as ns — 01 , and the a - mpr required when other requirements additionally exist is defined as ns_xx . referring to fig1 a , there is shown a simulation result when multiple clusters are simultaneously transmitted using a qpsk modulation scheme under the situation of a single component carrier . specifically , when the allocation ratio is within a range from 0 to 0 . 1 , the mpr of a maximum of about 7 . 6 db is required . as such , the mpr according to the simulation result of fig1 a can be defined as ns — 01 if qpsk modulation is used . referring to fig1 b , there is shown a simulation result when multiple clusters are simultaneously transmitted using a 16 - qam modulation scheme under the situation of a single component carrier . according to the simulation result , when the allocation ratio is within a range from 0 to 0 . 1 , the mpr of a maximum of about 8 db is required . the mpr according to the simulation result of fig1 b is defined as ns — 01 if 16qam modulation is used . however , in order to consider results of qpsk , the mpr according to the simulation result of fig1 b can be defined as ns — 01 . the mpr required to reduce the aclr , sem and se has be derived from the simulation results shown in fig1 a and 15b . in a case where the signaling is performed as the ns — 01 , the terminal must apply other values of mpr according to the allocation ratio . the values of mpr according to the allocation ratio are defined as shown in the following table . table 8 shows values of mpr , required when multiple clusters are simultaneously transmitted using the single component carrier in a case where the signaling is performed from the bs to the terminal as the ns — 01 . here , the n rb — agg denotes the number of rbs aggregated in the aggregation channel band . the n rb — alloc denotes the total number of rbs simultaneously transmitted in the configuration of the aggregation channel band . alternately , the n rb — alloc denotes the sum of activated rbs , although it is not indicated that all clusters are considered . referring to fig1 c , there is shown a simulation result when multiple clusters are simultaneously transmitted by using the qpsk modulation scheme under the situation of the single component carrier and by considering additional se / sem of ns — 04 . according to the simulation result , when the allocation ratio is within a range from 0 to 0 . 1 , the mpr of a maximum of about 11 . 2 db is required . as such , the mpr according to the simulation result of fig1 c can be defined as a value for ns — 04 if qpsk modulation is used . referring to fig1 d , there is shown a simulation result when multiple clusters are simultaneously transmitted using the 16 - qam modulation scheme under the situation of the single component carrier . according to the simulation result , when the allocation ratio is within a range from 0 to 0 . 1 , the mpr of a maximum of about 11 . 2 db is required . as such , the mpr according to the simulation result of fig1 d can be defined as ns — 04 if 16qam modulation is used . however , in order to consider results of qpsk , the mpr according to the simulation result of fig1 d can be defined as ns — 0 . as can be seen from the simulation results shown in fig1 c and 15d , the terminal must apply other values of mpr according to the allocation ratio . fig1 illustrates mprs according to simulation results , when multiple clusters are simultaneously transmitted through a single component carrier . unlike fig1 , mpr_required according to the allocation ratio a rb =( n rb — alloc / n rb — agg ) is shown in fig1 by simultaneously considering the qpsk modulation scheme and the 16 - qam modulation scheme . meanwhile , the value of mpr shown in fig1 may be a value previously stored in the terminal . therefore , when the band of the allocated ul resource is a general operating band that does not require the ns , the transmission power may be limited using the value of mpr previously stored in the terminal . meanwhile , if a specific ns is received , the ue can limit a maximum transmission power according to a - mpr mask . each waveform includes two clusters in which rbs have various bandwidths and the same power spectrum density . the position and band of the rb are arbitrary . the mpr for each waveform is calculated in consideration of the general sem , the aclr and the general se . that is , in a case where the ul resource allocated from the bs exists in the channel band 1401 for the e - utra , the value of mpr is calculated the utra aclr1 and utra aclr2 for the channel band for the e - utra and the two adjacent channels 1402 and 1403 . in a case where the ul resource allocated from the bs exists in the channel band 1401 for the e - utra , the value of mpr is calculated in consideration of the e - utra aclr for the adjacent channel 1404 , i . e ., the channel for the e - utra . the value of mpr is calculated in consideration of the general se that a frequency must not interfere when the channel is distant by a certain frequency distance from the outside of a given channel band . the value of the mpr is calculated in consideration of the general se that a frequency must not interfere according to the frequency range . meanwhile , the result 1 may be modified like the final plan shown in fig1 . hereinafter , the final plan will be described . the mpr of the maximum output power for the transmission of multiple clusters , with respect to class a in an intra - band contiguous ca band , is as follows . alternatively , the mpr of the maximum output power for the transmission of multiple clusters in the single component carrier is as follows . here , the ceil { m a , 0 . 5 } means a function of rounding off the mpr as a unit of 0 . 5 db . that is , mprε { 3 . 0 , 3 . 5 4 . 0 4 . 5 5 . 0 5 . 5 6 . 0 6 . 5 7 . 0 7 . 5 8 . 0 }. the value of the mpr may be a value previously stored in the terminal , although it is not indicated through the ns performed from the bs . that is , when the ul resource allocated from the bs is a general operating band which does not requires the ns , the value of mpr previously stored in the terminal may be used . the exemplary embodiments described above may be implemented using various means . for example , the exemplary embodiments may be implemented by hardware , firmware , software , or combination thereof . according to the implementation using the hardware , the method according to the exemplary embodiments may be implemented using at least one of application specific integrated circuits ( asics ), digital signal processors ( dsps ), digital signal processing devices ( dspds ), programmable logic devices ( plds ), field programmable gate arrays ( fpgas ), processors , controllers , etc . according to the implementation using the firmware or software , the method according to the exemplary embodiments may be implemented in the form of a module , procedure or function performing functions and operations described above . software codes may be stored in a memory unit and executed by a processor . the memory unit may be located in the inside or outside of the processor , and communicate data with the processor using various means known in the art . fig1 is a configuration block diagram of a terminal 100 according to an exemplary embodiment . as shown in fig1 , the terminal 100 includes a storage means 110 , a controller 120 and a transceiver 130 . the storage means 110 stores the methods shown in fig1 to 16 . the controller 120 individually controls the storage means 110 and the transceiver 130 . specifically , the controller 120 performs the methods stored in the storage means 110 . if the transceiver 130 receives rbs allocated to transmit multiple clusters using a single component carrier from the bs and receives an ns value , the controller 120 controls the transceiver 130 to transmit a signal by limiting the maximum transmit power according to the mpr indicated by the ns value . the present invention may be applied to terminals , base stations or other equipments in a wireless mobile communication system . the foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure . the present teachings can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses . this description is intended to be illustrative , and not to limit the scope of the claims . many alternatives , modifications , and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art . the features , structures , methods , and other characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined in various ways to obtain additional and / or alternative exemplary embodiments . as the present features may be embodied in several forms without departing from the characteristics thereof , it should also be understood that the above - described embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description , unless otherwise specified , but rather should be construed broadly within its scope as defined in the appended claims , and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims , or equivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims .	7
referring to the figures and more particularly to fig1 a bearing 10 comprising a permanent magnet cylinder 12 is shown levitated above a high temperature superconductor disk 14 . the permanent magnet cylinder 12 has magnetic poles 16 on its top and bottom surfaces . flux lines 18 that emerge from the poles 16 ( shown only on the right half of the figure ) ordinarily have the spatial distribution shown coming from the top pole 16 . the superconductor disk 14 distorts the spatial flux distribution flux lines 18 coming from the bottom of the permanent magnet cylinder 12 . in fig1 some of the magnetic flux lines 18 penetrate the high temperature superconductor disk 14 as shown . as the flux pinning strength of the high temperature superconductor disk 14 is improved , less flux penetrates the high temperature superconductor disk 14 and more flux resides in the gap 20 between the high temperature superconductor disk 14 and the permanent magnet cylinder 12 . it is believed that for the geometry shown in fig1 the levitational pressure is limited by a value of b equal to the intrinsic coercive force h ci associated with the permanent magnet cylinder 12 . as can be seen in fig1 the flux density between the permanent magnet cylinder 12 and the high temperature superconductor disk 14 increases toward the perimeter of the permanent magnet cylinder 12 . if the flux density exceeds h ci , the permanent magnet cylinder 12 will lose its magnetization . for many magnetic materials , h ci has a value greater than 2 t , and thus there appears to be an unfulfilled potential for producing magnetic levitation pressures of 1 . 6 mpa ( 16 atm .). this can be compared to atmospheric pressure from a pole face field previously believed to be the maximum achievable level . as described hereinbelow , significantly larger pressures are in fact obtainable with preferred embodiments of the invention . in order for a high temperature superconductor to provide a large levitational pressure , it must act essentially , as a good diamagnetic material . it cannot do this with the meissner effect because the first critical field hc 1 is of the order of 10 mt . however , if the high temperature superconductor material has good flux pinning properties , then as the permanent magnet is brought toward the high temperature superconductor surface , the flux lines are held near the surface of the high temperature superconductor and the flux lines near the surface are all tangential to the surface ; the high temperature superconductor acts essentially as a diamagnet . the large tangential component can substantially increase the levitation pressure as shown by reference to equation ( 1 ) hereinabove . in the early days of high temperature superconductor materials research , the flux pinning forces were determined to be quite weak , and the magnetic field was determined to penetrate the superconductor at field strengths considerably below 1 t . that is , in equation ( 1 ), there was a substantial normal component ; and the magnetic pressures were much lower than that between two identical permanent magnets . for this reason , the discrepancy with conventional wisdom was not noted in the past . currently , however , high temperature superconductor materials , especially those of the melt - textured variety and its derivatives , often exhibit substantial diamagnetic behavior in fields up to 1 t . therefore , material fabrication techniques have improved , flux pinning strength has increased further , thereby increasing the effectiveness of the present invention . a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in fig2 . a bearing 10 includes a high temperature superconductor disk 14 located beneath a thrust bearing rotor 24 . the thrust bearing rotor 24 comprises a magnet flux element 26 which can be one of a permanent magnet , a superconducting magnet in persistent current mode , an electromagnet or a trapped field superconductor and high temperature superconductor annular structure 28 , and these elements are mechanically coupled to form the rotor 24 . the magnet 26 is magnetized with poles located at a and b . the flux emerging at pole face a is channeled through region c between the rotor 24 and high temperature superconductor disk 14 , and then return to the magnet 26 via region d and reenters the magnet 26 at pole face b . if the gap 20 between the rotor 24 and disk 14 is small , then the magnetic field is much larger in region c than near pole face a . as illustrated in fig2 the gap 20 in region c decreases radially so that the magnetic field is nearly constant along the surface of the high temperature superconductor disk 14 . the high temperature superconductor disk 14 and the high temperature superconductor annular structure 28 concentrate or compress the magnetic flux in region c . if the flux pinning of these high temperature superconductor components is large enough , almost all of the flux will be located in region c . by making the gap 20 small , the magnetic field strength and levitation pressure can be made very large in this region . ultimately , the levitation pressure is limited by the upper critical field of the superconductor h c2 , which is a function of temperature . at liquid helium and liquid hydrogen temperatures , h c2 is approximately 100 t . at liquid nitrogen temperature , h c2 may be several tens of tesla . a more practical limitation can be the magnetic field at which flux jumps are expected to occur ( i . e ., the field will penetrate the high temperature superconductor because of thermal - magnetic instabilities ). for a high temperature superconductor with a critical temperature of 90 k ., the field at which flux jumps can be expected to occur is believed to be as high as about 8 t . another preferred embodiment of the invention can use an electromagnet in place of the permanent magnet cylinder 12 ( fig1 ) or the cylindrical permanent magnet 26 ( fig2 ) previously described . yet another embodiment uses a superconducting magnet in persistent current mode in place of the various permanent magnets . another embodiment uses a trapped field superconductor in place of the various permanent magnets . still another preferred embodiment uses a combination of permanent magnet and pole piece , made of holmium , iron or other magnetic material with a high saturation field . in these devices , the pole piece concentrates the flux from the permanent magnet . this latter embodiment can be used in the geometry of fig1 or fig2 . yet another preferred embodiment utilizes a generally flat bottom surface 30 of the high temperature superconductor annular structure 28 ( shown in phantom in fig2 ) which might be easier to fabricate . however , less levitational force results because the magnetic field in the gap decreases with increasing radius . yet another preferred embodiment of one form of the invention is shown in fig3 . here the bearing 10 provides a flux return path aided by an additional annular permanent magnet 32 and an iron disk 34 . this has the practical advantage of increasing the flux density at pole face a . this raises the field strength in region c , or alternatively , increases the size of the gap 20 at c which can still produce a given levitation pressure . preferably , the pole face at b has the opposite polarity as that at a , and the area of the pole at b is approximately the same as that at a . an alternative embodiment of this form of the invention replaces the annular permanent magnet 32 with an iron annulus . another preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in fig4 . in this design , the bearing 10 includes a rotor 36 preferably comprising a nonmagnetic shaft 38 , permanent magnet 40 , and high temperature superconductor annular part 42 . a stator 44 comprises a high temperature superconductor part 46 . the magnetic flux takes the path along spaces a , c1 , c2 , c3 , b . the advantage of this design is that the bearing 10 is stable in both the vertical and radial direction without the need for any flux to penetrate the high temperature superconductor components . a movement downward by the rotor causes the gap c1 to decrease and the gap c3 to increase in size . the change in gap size causes the magnetic field and levitation pressure to increase in c1 and decrease in c3 . a movement of the rotor to the left will cause gap c2 to decrease and the corresponding gap to the right to increase , with corresponding changes in radial levitation pressure . thus , the bearing is stable in an equilibrium position without any feedback controls . in fig4 the bearing is illustrated in a thrust bearing configuration . if the device is turned on its side , then the bearing 10 will function equally well as a journal bearing . as a separate alternative embodiment of fig4 part or all of the shaft 11 can be made from high temperature superconductor material . this increases the reluctance outside the desired flux path . increased stability in the other preferred embodiments described herein can be achieved by having some of the magnetic flux penetrate the high temperature superconductor and be pinned inside . this produces stability with regard to lateral motions . however , this stability is gained at the expense of some levitational pressure perpendicular to the high temperature superconductor surface . while preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described , it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the invention in its broader aspects . various features of the invention are defined in the following claims .	7
fig1 demonstrates the major components of the blood - holding cassette , in an exploded view , used in measuring haemostasis and thrombolytic properties of blood . the device shown in fig1 includes four major components . the first component is a blood supply reservoir 11 . the blood supply reservoir 11 includes three separate blood sample containers 12 , 13 and 14 . the cap for the blood sample reservoir has been removed in this figure , but will be demonstrated in fig2 and 3 . the cap assembly includes a port for filling each of the individual containers 12 , 13 and 14 with samples of blood drawn from a patient . the cap has a sealable inlet for receiving a syringe full of drawn blood , as well as a sealable vent equipped with a filter for venting the container during filling . a heating jacket 15 is shown surrounding the blood sample containers 12 , 13 and 14 . the heating jacket 15 is filled with a recirculated heated fluid which may be water entering port 19 and flowing through port 18 into the heating jacket 15 . an overflow 16 will convey the heated water back through outlet 17 to the base 49 of the device to port 20 to be recirculated . thus , blood samples contained in containers 12 , 13 and 14 are maintained at a temperature providing for accurate in vitro measurements to be made on the blood . supported on a platform 91 extending from the blood supply reservoir 11 are plunger housings 80 and 81 . these plunger housings will support the punching station 72 on the front of the blood cassette . a waste receptacle 44 is shown which is connected to the blood supply reservoir 11 . cooperating tongue 21 , and slot 29 captivate a connector 34 . the waste receptacle 44 includes three separate blood collection chambers 40 , 41 and 42 . these separate blood collection chambers may be pressurized through injection sites 45 , 46 and 47 , inserted into the inlets of blood collection chambers 40 , 41 and 42 . the area within the waste receptacle 44 between each of the blood collection chambers 40 , 41 and 42 and the exterior wall of the waste receptacle 44 are used to collect discarded blood which has been tested in accordance with the operation of the device . a vent 48 is provided to vent the collecting volume through a filter . the individual blood collection chambers 40 , 41 and 42 are connected via blood sample tubes 30 , 31 and 32 to the individual blood sample containers 12 , 13 and 14 of the blood supply reservoir 11 . blood collection chamber caps 37 , 38 and 39 seal the individual blood collection chambers 40 , 41 and 42 . the blood collection chamber caps each include an overflow tube 50 , 51 and 53 which vent any air in the blood collection chambers into the waste receptacle 44 . once the air has vented , paraffin oil within the blood collection chambers will be displaced by pressurized blood entering the blood collection chamber . only one of the overflow tubes , 53 , is shown connected into the waste receptacle 44 , but it should be understood that the remaining end of overflow tubes 50 and 51 are also connected through like openings into the waste receptacle 44 . these connections were omitted for the sake of clarity in illustrating the device . the overflow tubes also provide a resistance function permitting venting of chambers 40 , 41 and 42 , while also maintaining a back pressure on the collection chambers 40 , 41 and 42 . the blood sample tubes 30 , 31 and 32 are connected to the individual blood sample containers 12 , 13 and 14 through bulkhead connectors 22 , 23 and 24 . these bulkhead connectors additionally convey pressurizing media which may be paraffin oil through individual pressurizing tubes 26 , 27 and 28 . these individual tubes are connected to a captivated connector 34 which can be connected to a supply of paraffin oil for individually pressurizing each of the blood sample chambers 12 , 13 and 14 . during testing of the blood for haemostasis and related properties , blood will be forced by the pressurizing media in each of the individual blood containers 12 , 13 and 14 through the blood sample tubes 30 , 31 and 32 into the blood collection chambers 40 , 41 and 42 . the blood collection chambers 40 , 41 and 42 are likewise pressurized after inserting blood samples into the sample containers 12 , 13 and 14 by means of paraffin oil , or another pressurizing media which enters through the injection sites 45 , 46 and 47 in the base 49 of the cassette . this allows the blood collection chambers 40 , 41 and 42 to be purged of air and , when blood enters the collection chambers 40 , 41 and 42 , the pressurizing media is displaced through the venting tubes 50 , 51 and 53 into the waste receptacle 44 . once blood samples are inserted in the blood sample containers 12 , 13 and 14 , and the system pressurized to a stable pressure , testing of the individual blood samples may commence . two of the blood sample tubes , 30 and 32 , pass through a punching station , generally identified as 72 . the punching station , supported on the face of the waste receptacle 44 and blood supply reservoir 11 , permits a hole to be accurately punched across the full diameter of each of the two blood sample tubes 30 and 32 . this will provide for a haemostatic condition , wherein bleeding commences through the punched holes and primary haemostasis occurs , demonstrating the haemostasis function . a bleeding chamber is formed in the area surrounding the supported sample tubes 30 and 32 . a supply of warm saline solution enters the base through a port 25 which is connected through the waste receptacle by an appropriate tubing conduit , and leaves port 68 which is inserted in the inlet 66 . the inlet 66 and an overflow 65 keep the area defining a bleeding chamber continuously washed with warm saline solution . the overflow 65 conveys saline solution through a port 69 connected to the interior of the waste receptacle . drain tubes 63 and 64 collect blood which results from punching the holes through sample tubes 30 and 32 . these collected drops of blood are washed with the saline solution through each of the drain tubes 63 and 64 into the waste receptacle 44 via openings 83 . the drain tubes 63 and 64 are tapered to a narrow section entering the receptacle 44 . the tapered portion is advantageously exposed to permit a photodetector to be inserted on each side of the drain tube narrow ends to sense the onset of bleeding and also the stopping of bleeding . as was described in the foregoing earlier documents , i . e ., the pct international application , and epo application , the pressure formed in the hydraulic circuit include the blood sample containers 12 and 14 , as well as the blood collection chambers 40 and 42 , may be monitored to measure the clotting characteristics of the blood . the pressure transducer is advantageously connected through the injection sites 45 and 47 , which were previously precharged with the pressurized media . thus , once the sample tubes have been punched , and bleeding commences , the pressure drop within these individual hydraulic circuits may be monitored to determine the forming of clotting within the punched holes . the punching station 72 permits the accurate positioning of the punching needle 73 with respect to the sample tube 30 which is to be punctured . an alignment guide 74 and plunger guide 77 move in unison with the plunger 76 , thus capturing the sample tube 30 once so captured , and held rigidly within the larger opening of the drain tube 63 , the needle 73 is forced against the needle spring 75 by continued forward movement of the plunger 76 . the plunger 76 is held within the plunger guide 77 inserted in plunger housing 81 on the blood supply reservoir 11 . additional plunger springs 78 are maintained within the housing 81 by an assembly washer 79 . in operation , plunger buttons 84 , not shown in fig1 but described in the remaining figures of the case , are forced upward by the spring 78 . manual pressure on each of the buttons will result in the spring 78 being compressed , and the plunger 76 and alignment guide 74 to be moved towards the drain tube 63 . the alignment guide 74 will capture the sample tube 30 and cease moving forward along the axial direction of the drain tube 63 . the needle 73 will continue to move against the force of needle spring 75 , while the alignment guide 74 and plunger guide 77 are maintained stationary by the sample tube 30 , supported within the drain tube opening 63 . the alignment guide 74 insures that the drain tube is accurately punched across its diameter , and that the needle is withdrawn through the action of the needle spring 75 , and expansion of the plunger spring 78 , so that bleeding commences on both sides of the sample tube 30 . the punching station provides an identical punch for punching the sample tube 32 so as to provide the identical hole structure having the same diameter to simulate an identical bleeding condition with sample tube 30 . as was described in the aforesaid references , haemostasis may be measured with the monitoring of the pressure within the blood collection chamber 42 . additional detection of bleeding and the stopping of bleeding may be sensed with the photodetectors arranged around the narrow ends of drain tubes 63 and 64 . the cassette device illustrated in fig1 provides total isolation of the tested blood , avoiding any possible contamination through infected blood which may have been drawn from a patient . as is described in these earlier patent references , the bleeding time is measured as a time requiring the pressure of the system to return to its prepunched condition . given enough time , the tubes will be occluded due to a clot forming within each of the sample tubes 30 and 32 . this event may be noted as well when the pressure monitored in the respective blood collection chambers 40 and 42 decreases to zero , indicating an occluded tube . these various measurements are detailed in the previous patent references , and give researchers valuable information as to the haemostasis and thrombolysis activity of the blood . a third chamber 41 collects blood forced from the blood sample container 13 . as was described in the earlier - noted references , it may be important to do a test without simulating bleeding , but rather providing a collagen - induced thrombus formation with a sample of blood . by inserting a small piece of catgut or other collagen material within a sample tube 31 , and monitoring the pressure on the associated blood collection chamber 41 , it is possible to provide a time indication of the formation of a collagen - induced thrombus . the provision of two blood sample containers 12 and 14 which are connected via blood sample tubes 30 and 32 to punching chambers , permits the measurement of thrombolysis - inducing and other agents to be made . one of the blood sample containers may include a measure of such thrombolysis agents , such as t - pa , to determine the effects of the agent on the blood of an individual patient . thus , the haemostasis bleeding time , clotting time and other related conditions may be determined independent of the non - heparinized blood sample . in connection with this type of testing for the device , the overflow tube 53 is passed through a fork 54 before entering the waste receptacle 44 . the overflow tube 53 , in the region near the fork 54 , and upstream therefrom , is enlarged with respect to the remaining portion of the overflow tube 53 . a cylindrical member 57 slides along an axis coincident with the axis of the fork 54 to clamp the overflow tube 53 into a closed condition . this will effectively pressurize the sample tube 30 , thus increasing pressure on any platelet plug formed in the hole punched in the sample tube 30 , expelling the platelet , thereby increasing the speed of the test . the enlarged portion of the overflow tube 53 reduces the rise time of pressure buildup within the sample tube 30 . each of the overflow tubes 50 , 51 and 53 include a coil portion which provides resistance for material being forced from the blood collection chambers 40 , 41 and 42 , and are connected to discharge into waste receptacle 44 . the coil portions permit establishment of a system pressure of 60 mm of mercury during testing . having thus given a description of the major components of the blood - holding cassette , reference will now be made to the individual subcomponents to describe their operation in greater detail . fig2 illustrates the relationship between the waste receptacle 44 , the base 49 , blood supply reservoir 11 and a previously undisclosed cap 82 which covers the blood supply reservoir 11 , permitting each of the individual blood sample containers 12 , 13 and 14 to be filled with a blood sample . the cap 82 includes for each blood sample container 12 , 13 and 14 an inlet 85 . when a blood sample is drawn , it may be readily injected into the blood sample container 12 . the blood sample container 12 is sealed , using a pushbutton shown and described in fig3 and 4 . a vent 86 includes a hydrophobic filter 87 , permitting any air within the blood sample container 12 to vent through the filter 87 . vents 86 and inlet 85 are connected via a sealing member 94 to the container 12 . individual flexible conduits 90 and 92 make the required connection between inlet and vents and the blood sample container 12 . it is clear that blood sample containers 13 and 14 contain identical structure for permitting the blood samples to be inserted in the individual blood sample containers will not be described further . the blood sample container 11 is connected to the waste receptacle 44 . in practice , each of the sections 82 , 11 , 44 and 49 are connected together with an adhesive , or otherwise made fluid - tight . the waste receptacle 44 includes an area between each of the collection chambers 40 , 41 and 42 which collects saline and waste blood from drain tubes 63 and 64 , and paraffin oil from overflow tubes 50 , 51 and 53 . the bottoms of the collection chambers 40 , 41 and 42 are supported in supports 89 and are accessible via the injection sites 45 , 46 and 47 . these injection sites similarly are self - sealing , permitting pressurizing media to be injected within the blood collection chambers 40 , 41 and 42 , simultaneously permitting a pressure transducer to be connected to the same injection sites 45 , 46 or 47 . obviously , a t - tube external to the injection sites 45 , 46 and 47 will permit pressurizing media to be introduced , as well as permit pressure measurements to be monitored following the pressurizing of blood collection chambers 40 , 41 and 42 . referring now to fig3 there is shown another section view of the blood sample cassette , illustrating various pushbuttons which are provided in the cap 82 of fig2 for sealing each of the tubes 90 and 92 , once the blood sample has been inserted in the blood chamber . fig3 demonstrates one of three pushbuttons 95 held in a channel of the cap 82 . at one end of the pushbutton 95 is an arcuate notch 96 which engages a lever 97 . the lever 97 is supported to be cantilevered about an upstanding vertical rib 98 within the cap 82 . as fig4 demonstrates , when the button 95 is pressed downward , the lever 96 pivots about the upstanding vertical pivot 98 , crimping the tube 92 and adjacent tube 90 , connected to the inlet . in operation , once each of the sample containers 12 , 13 and 14 are filled , they are sealed off by depressing the respective button 95 associated with the chamber 12 . there are additional shut - off structures for blood sample containers 13 and 14 , identical to that illustrated for chamber 12 . in operation , as the cassette is designed to be thrown out once a test is made , the buttons 95 remain in their depressed position , closing off the vent and inlet of the blood sample container 12 . fig3 also illustrates how a bleeding chamber 101 is formed , in a platform on the blood supply reservoir 11 . the chamber includes the wider end of the drain tubes 63 , 64 , which positions blood sample tubes for puncture with respect to the plunger supports 80 , 81 . a pair of buttons 84 are located above plunger supports 80 , 81 for moving a plunger into punching position . at the bottom of the drain tube 64 there is shown a space in which a photodetector 100 and light source 99 may be inserted to facilitate detection of blood dripping in the drain tube 64 . the aperture 83 receives the narrow end of the drain tube 64 . the waste receptacle 44 is shown to have a space between the blood collection chambers 40 , 41 and 42 to receive the blood and saline which drains through the tube 64 . fig5 and 6 illustrate in greater detail the blood chamber 101 . the top of the drain tubes 63 and 64 have notches 108 diametrically opposite each other . the notches 108 receive tube clamps 104 , 105 , 106 and 107 . these devices accurately position each of the sample tubes 30 and 32 to extend across the diameter of the drain tubes 63 and 64 . the tube clamps 104 , 105 , 106 and 107 are inserted in each of the notches 108 of the drain tube to maintain the sample tubes 30 and 32 across the diameter of the drain tube 64 . extending from the tube clamps 104 , 105 , 106 and 107 toward the center of the drain tubes are metal support tubes 102 , 103 , 110 , 111 , slid over blood tubes 30 , 32 , which rigidly support the blood tubes 30 , 32 , exposing the center of the drain tubes 63 , 64 . deflection of the tubes 30 , 32 is held to a minimum during punching . the bleeding chamber 101 is positioned with respect to the plunger guides 80 , 81 so as to permit accurate location of the sample tube 30 and 32 with respect to an alignment guide contained on the plunger . the saline enters through port 66 at a very low rate , and exits the overflow 65 to wash any blood which results from simulated bleeding flowing through the drain tube 64 into the waste receptacle 44 . fig7 and 8 illustrate perspective views of the bleeding chamber 101 which is formed in the platform 91 of the blood supply reservoir 11 . the tubes are first inserted through the notches 109 in the tube clamps 103 , 104 , 105 and 106 , and then the drain tubes 63 and 64 are positioned to receive the clamping elements 103 , 104 , 105 and 106 . the saline inlets and outlets 65 and 66 are positioned in similar openings of the bleeding chamber 101 . thus , it is seen that the sample tubes to be punctured are parallel to the horizontally extending platform 91 of the reservoir . fig9 through 11 illustrate how the plunger 72 accurately pierces a hole across the diameter of the sample tube 32 . a pushbutton 84 is connected to the end of plunger 76 . the plunger 76 shaft extends through the cap 82 and supports at an opposite end a needle 73 . a plunger spring 78 is captured and maintained fixed between assembly washer 79 fixed to the plunger 76 shaft , and the plane 77c of a plurality of vertical ribs 77b of the plunger housing 80 . the plunger 76 and plunger guide 77 will move until the alignment guide 74 , connected to plunger guide 77 , is seated against the blood sample tube 32 . continued movement of the plunger 76 will force needle 73 to move against its bias spring 75 , punching the sample tube which is seated within the guide 74 . once the pushbutton 84 has been pushed its full limit and released , the plunger spring 78 will return the plunger 76 to its prepunched position . the needle spring 75 will additionally retract the punching needle along the punching axis within the alignment guide 74 to its prepunched position . it is therefore seen that the punch within the punching station shown in fig9 can accurately punch a sample tube along its major diameter . in order to compare successive testing of blood samples over a period of time , it is necessary to punch the same diameter hole and simulate bleeding under the same conditions in order to compare data obtained during each test . the diameter of the hole punched must be repeatable in a size range of 100 - 200 microns , and the needle must pierce the tubing with the full diameter of the needle shank . the foregoing device will maintain the blood sample tube fixed to permit diametrical piercing of the sample tube , and avoid any deflection which would result in a non - uniform piercing of the sample tube . thus , the foregoing device will provide for accurate punching of a blood sample tube having a wall thickness of less than 300 microns . this will accurately simulate the bleeding which occurs in small blood vessels which are physiologically related . the in vitro testing provided by this device will give accurate results of the physical environment experienced in human bleeding conditions . an exploded view of the punching mechanism 72 is shown in fig1 . the assembly washer 79 retains one end of the plunger spring 78 within the plunger housing 80 fixed to the shaft of plunger 76 . a pushbutton 84 rests on the end of the plunger shaft 76 . the washer 79 moves with the plunger shaft 76 compressing plunger spring 78 . when plunger shaft 76 moves downward against needle spring 75 , the plunger guide is urged downward by the end of needle spring 75 . as the plunger guide 77 and plunger shaft 76 move into punching position , the alignment guide 74 connected to plunger guide 77 will capture the sample blood tube 32 . as the sample blood tube 32 is fixed in its position by the clamp elements within the bleeding chamber 101 , the alignment guide 74 and plunger guide 77 cease axial movement as the alignment guide 74 bottoms out on the blood sample tube 32 . the plunger 76 supporting at one end thereof the piercing needle 73 , continues to move within the plunger guide 77 against the needle spring 75 . a shoulder 76a captures a needle spring 75 with the plunger guide 77 . the plunger 76 and needle 73 are free to move axially with respect to the plunger guide 77 when it bottoms out due to the capture of the blood sample tube . the alignment guide 74 comprises two halves , one half having a slot for permitting movement of the needle within the alignment guide . one of the vertical ribs 77b is used to position the plunger guide 77 to move only in an axial direction within the plunger housing 80 . thus , upon depression of the plunger button 84 , the guide 77 moves axially along the plunger housing 80 until the alignment guide 74 bottoms out about the blood sample tube . at this point , the plunger button 84 continues to advance the plunger 76 against the needle spring 75 , puncturing the captured blood sample tube . fig1 illustrates a section view of the plunger device , showing plunger guide 77 guided by one of the vertical ribs 77b within the plunger housing 80 . thus , it is clear that the foregoing device will provide for accurate and repeatable in vitro haemostasis testing of freshly drawn blood . the device can be used , using the principles set forth in the earlier patent literature referred to herein , to measure haemostasis and the effects of agents on the haemostasis thrombolytic properties of blood . those skilled in the art will recognize yet other embodiments of the invention defined more particularly by the claims which follow .	6
a denotes a radical selected from the group consisting of r , q and g radicals and , at each occurrence , x denotes an alkoxy or alkoxyalkoxy radical having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms , r denotes a monovalent hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms , r &# 39 ; denotes an alkylene radical having from 2 to 5 carbon atoms , r &# 34 ; denotes a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic radical having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms , c plus b has a value of from 2 to 200 , there being , per molecule of said organopolysiloxane compound , an average of at least 1 each of q radicals and g radicals , at least one of which is an a radical . in the formula for the compounds of this invention r represents a c 1 to c 10 monovalent hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon radical . concrete examples thereof are alkyl radicals such as methyl , ethyl , propyl and octyl ; substituted alkyl radicals such as 2 - phenylethyl and 2 - phenylpropyl ; 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropyl ; aryl radicals such as phenyl and tolyl and substituted aryl radicals . for many uses of the compounds of this invention a majority of the r radicals are preferably methyl radicals . the r radicals in a single molecule may or may not be identical . each r &# 39 ; represents a c 2 to c 5 alkylene radical and concrete examples thereof are -- ch 2 ch 2 --, -- ch 2 ch 2 ch 2 --, -- ch ( ch 3 ) ch 2 --, --( ch 2 ) 4 and --( ch 2 ) 5 --. the r &# 39 ; radicals in a single molecule may or may not be identical . each x represents a c 1 to c 4 alkoxy radical or alkoxyalkoxy radical and concrete examples thereof are methoxy , ethoxy , propoxy and methoxyethoxy . for ease of applying the compositions of this invention to a solid substrate x is preferably a methoxy radical . each q represents a radical with the general formula ## str1 ## wherein r , r &# 39 ; and x all carry the above definitions and a has a value of 2 or 3 . this radical imparts reactivity in the form of hydrolyzability , condensability , etc ., to the organopolysiloxane compounds of the present invention . concrete examples of q are ## str2 ## each r &# 34 ; represents a hydrogen atom or a c 1 to c 5 monovalent organic radical . concrete examples of these monovalent organic radicals are alkyl radicals such as methyl , ethyl and propyl and acyl radicals such as acetyl and propionyl . wherein r &# 39 ; and r &# 34 ; carry the preceding definitions . this group imparts hydrophilicity , antistaticity and soiling resistance to the organopolysiloxane of the present invention . the values of b and c can range from 0 to 100 and the sum of b + c can range from 2 to 200 . each a represents a siloxane chain - terminating radical which is selected from the group consisting of r radicals , q radicals and g radicals , with the proviso that at least one of the a radicals is a reactive radical , i . e ., a q radical or a g radical , noted above . both a radicals can be the same or different , as desired . to increase the likelihood that substantially all of the molecules in the compounds of this invention will durably react with a solid substrate when it is applied thereto it is preferred that at least one of said terminating radicals is a q radical . to assure that substantially all of the molecules in the compounds of this invention will durably react with a solid substrate when it is applied thereto it is preferred that both of said terminating radicals are q radicals . the compounds of this invention have a linear siloxane structure of the formula a ( r 2 sio ) x ( rqsio ) y ( rgsio ) z sir 2 a . in this formula the arrangement of the disubstituted siloxane units is not critical ; however it is typically an approximately random arrangement . the arrangement of the siloxane units in the above formula has the conventional meaning and is not to be interpreted as requiring a block type arrangement of siloxane units . furthermore , although the compounds of this invention are described as having a linear molecular structure , the presence of trace amounts of branching siloxane units having the formulae sio 3 / 2 and sio 4 / 2 , frequently present in commercial organopolysiloxanes , are contemplated herein . concrete examples of the compounds of this invention include , but are not limited to , those shown in the examples disclosed below and the following : ## str3 ## as well as compounds in which 1 si - bonded methyl group at the end of the preceding organopolysiloxanes is changed to phenyl or 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropyl , compounds in which all or part of the dimethylpolysiloxane units are changed to methylphenylsiloxane units or methyl ( n - octyl ) siloxane units and compounds in which some or all of the dimethylpolysiloxane units are changed to methyl ( 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropyl ) siloxane units . herein me , et , eo and po denote ch 3 , ch 3 ch 2 , c 2 h 4 o and c 3 h 6 o , respectively . the synthesis of the organopolysiloxane compounds of the present invention is exemplified as follows . when both a radicals are q the organopolysiloxane of the present invention can be produced by the following method . first , a silane with the general formula ## str4 ## wherein , r , x and a carry their definitions from above and r &# 34 ;&# 39 ; denotes a c 2 to c 5 alkenyl radical , is addition reacted with an organohydrogendisiloxane with the general formula wherein r carries its definition from above , and , optionally , with a cyclic organohydrogenpolysiloxane with the general formula , wherein r carries its definition from above , in the presence of a platinum - type catalyst such as chloroplatinic acid to synthesize the compound with the general formula wherein r , r &# 39 ;, x and a carry their definitions from above and , optionally , the compound with the general formula ## str5 ## wherein r , r &# 39 ;, x and a carry their definitions from above . these products are then copolymerized with the cyclic organohydrogenpolysiloxane with the general formula wherein r carries its definition from above , and , optionally , with the cyclic diorganopolysiloxane with the general formula wherein r carries its definition from above , in the presence of an acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid , nitric acid , trifluoromethanesulfonic acid or activated clay in order to synthesize an organohydrogenpolysiloxane with the general formula ## str6 ## wherein r , r &# 39 ;, x , a , x , y and z all carry their definitions from above . thereafter , said organohydrogenpolysiloxane is similarly addition reacted with an alkenyl radical - containing polyoxyalkylene with the general formula wherein r &# 34 ;, r &# 34 ;&# 39 ;, b and c all carry their definitions from above , in the presence of a platinum - type catalyst in order to synthesize the organopolysiloxane compound of the present invention . if it is desired to have some of the a radicals in the compounds of this invention be r radicals and / or g radicals , in addition to q radicals , this can be accomplished in this preparative method by including some r 3 siosir 3 and / or some hr 2 siosior 2 h , respectively , in the copolymerization step , noted above . when both a radicals are g , a cyclic organohydrogenpolysiloxane with the general formula wherein r carries its definition from above , is first addition reacted with a silane with the general formula ## str7 ## wherein r , r &# 34 ;&# 39 ;, x and a all carry their definitions from above , in the presence of a platinum - type catalyst such as chloroplatinic acid in order to synthesize the compound with the general formula ## str8 ## wherein r , r &# 39 ;, x and a all carry their definitions from above . this compound is then copolymerized with an organohydrogendisiloxane with the general formula wherein r carries the definition from above , and , optionally , with a cyclic organohydrogenpolysiloxane with the general formula wherein r carries its definition from above , and / or a cyclic diorganopolysiloxane with the general formula wherein r carries the definition from above in the presence of an acid catalyst such sulfuric acid , nitric acid , trifluoromethanesulfonic acid or activated clay in order to synthesize an organohydrogenpolysiloxane with the general formula ## str9 ## wherein r , r &# 39 ;, x , a , x , y and z all carry their definitions from above . said organohydrogenpolysiloxane is then similarly addition - reacted with an alkenyl group - containing polyoxyalkylene with the general formula wherein r &# 34 ;, r &# 34 ;&# 39 ;, b and c all carry their definitions from above in the presence of a platinum - type catalyst in order to synthesize the organopolysiloxane compound of the present invention . if it is desired to have some of the a radicals in the compounds of this invention be r radicals and / or q radicals , in addition to g radicals , this can be accomplished in this preparative method by including some r 3 siosir 3 and / or some qr 2 siosior 2 q , respectively , in the copolymerization step , noted above . the present invention will be explained using examples of execution . these examples are disclosed to teach further how to practice this invention and are not to be used to limit the present invention , which is properly delineated by the appended claims . 2 . 4 g cyclic methylhydrogenpolysiloxane tetramer , 8 . 5 g organodisiloxane with the formula ## str10 ## and 0 . 001 g trifluoromethanesulfonic acid as catalyst are all placed in a 300 ml three - necked flask equipped with a reflux condenser and then polymerized at 60 ° c . for 3 hours . the catalyst is neutralized with 2 g calcium carbonate followed by filtration with a filter aid . 46 g of the product , 26 g allyl group - containing polyoxyalkylene with the formula and 20 g toluene are then charged to a reactor and the internal temperature is then raised to 85 ° c . the mixture is combined with 0 . 09 g of a 2 wt % isopropyl alcohol solution of chloroplatinic acid and then reacted at 115 ° c . for 2 hours . the volatiles are then stripped in vacuo at 130 ° c ./ 15 mm hg and the unreacted allyl group - containing polyoxyalkylene is then centrifugally separated . an oil is obtained with a viscosity of 114 cs ( 25 ° c .) and an index of refraction of 1 . 4310 ( 25 ° c .) and this is confirmed to be an organopolysiloxane with the formula ## str11 ## according to the following analytical results . infrared absorption ( ir ) spectral analysis ( refer to chart i ). δ = 0 . 3 ppm si -- ch 3 ; = 3 . 5 ppm c -- ch 2 o , sioch 3 79 . 1 g cyclic dimethylpolysiloxane , 5 . 1 g tetramethyldisiloxane , 15 . 8 g of cyclic polysiloxane having the formula ## str12 ## and 0 . 002 g trifluoromethanesulfonic acid as the polymerization catalyst are all placed in a 300 ml three - necked flask equipped with a reflux condenser and then polymerized at 60 ° c . for 3 hours . the catalyst is neutralized with 2 g calcium carbonate followed by filtration with a filter aid . 60 . 3 g of the product , 34 . 5 g of the allyl group - containing polyoxyalkylene described in example 1 and 30 g toluene are all placed in a reactor and the internal temperature is then raised to 85 ° c . the mixture is then combined with 0 . 12 g of a 2 wt % isopropyl alcohol solution of chloroplatinic acid and then reacted at 115 ° c . for 2 hours . the volatiles are stripped in vacuo at 130 ° c ./ 15 mm hg and the unreacted allyl group - containing polyoxyalkylene is then centrifugally separated . a oil is obtained with a viscosity of 300 cs ( 25 ° c .) and an index of refraction of 1 . 4310 ( 25 ° c .) and this is confirmed to be an organopolysiloxane with the formula ## str13 ## according to the following analytical results . in the vinicity of 2900 cm - 1 methylene , si -- ch 3 stretching vibration ( strong ) δ = 0 . 3 ppm si -- ch 3 ; = 3 . 5 ppm c -- ch 2 o , sioch 3 one molar portion of a disiloxane having the formula hme 2 siosime 2 h , 25 molar portions of a cyclic polysiloxane having the formula ( me 2 sio ) 4 and one molar portion of an organohydrogenpolysiloxane having the average formula me 3 sio ( mehsio ) 26 sime 3 are copolymerized using an acid catalyst . the catalyst is neutralized with calcium carbonate and the siloxane polymer is filtered . the filtered polymer is then addition reacted sequentially with approximately 9 molar parts of ch 2 ═ chsi ( ome ) 3 and with approximately 18 molar portions of an allyl radical - containing polyoxyalkylene having the formula ch 2 ═ chch 2 o ( ch 2 ch 2 o ) 30 ( ch 2 chch 3 o ) 10 ch 3 in the presence of a small amount of a 2 wt % isopropyl alcohol solution of chloroplatinic acid , as noted in examples 1 and 2 . after removal of volatile materials there remains an organopolysiloxane compound of this invention having the nominal formula ## str14 ## fig1 and 3 show the results for the infrared absorption spectral analyses of the products produced in examples 1 and 2 , respectively . fig2 and 4 show the results for the nuclear magnetic resonance analyses of the products produced in examples 1 and 2 , respectively . since the novel organopolysiloxane compounds of the present invention exhibit excellent reactivity and hydrophilicity , they are appropriately used as starting materials for sealants or elastomers , as treatment agents for various substrates or as additives to various resin and rubbers .	2
with reference now to the drawings , and in particular to fig1 through 4 thereof , a new deplitory device embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described . as best illustrated in fig1 through 4 , the deplitory device 10 generally comprises a tweezer 12 . the tweezer 12 comprises an upper portion 14 and a lower portion 16 . the tweezer 12 is heatable such that wax 18 contained in the upper portion 14 is dispensable onto the skin 20 of a user around a hair 21 . upon curing of the wax 18 , the tweezer 12 is used to remove the wax 18 thereby removing the hair 21 from its follicle . the portions 14 , 16 of the tweezer 12 are integrally joined to form the tweezer 12 . each of the portions 14 , 16 has a distal end 24 . the distal ends 24 of the portions 14 , 16 are designed for grasping onto a hair 21 for the purpose of removing the hair 21 . the upper portion 14 of the tweezer 12 has a wax cavity 26 . the wax cavity 26 is integrally formed within the upper portion 14 such that the wax cavity 26 is designed for the holding and dispensing of the wax 18 . the upper portion 14 of the tweezer 12 has a wax plunger 28 . the wax plunger 28 is slidably coupled to the upper portion 14 of the tweezer 12 . the wax plunger 28 is in contact with the wax 18 in the wax cavity 26 of the upper portion 14 such that the wax plunger 28 is designed for biasing the wax 18 in the wax cavity 26 towards the distal end 24 of the upper portion 14 . the upper portion 14 of the tweezer 12 has a wax aperture 30 . the wax aperture 30 is positioned on an end surface 32 of the distal end 24 of the upper portion 14 . the wax aperture 30 is designed for allowing melted wax 18 to be dispensed from the upper portion 14 of the tweezer 12 when the wax 18 is biased towards the distal end 24 of the upper portion 14 by the wax plunger 28 . this allows the user to utilize the wax 18 cured around a hair 21 in conjunction with the tweezer 12 to remove the hair 21 from its follicle . as to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention , the same should be apparent from the above description . accordingly , no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will 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

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